Thomas T

Lionel Osmin & Cie Malbec 2009, Ac Cahors

Very opaque and purple in colour. A soft nose of plum and minerals. Firm chalky tannins, with a strong flavour of licorice and earth. Medium finish.

Tasted July 2012.

Folonari Soave 2010, Veneto

An excellent aperitif, great for before a hearty tomato pasta dinner. Pale straw in colour, but much more complex on the nose than its appearance would lead one to believe. Aromas of peach, honeysuckle, and soft citrus waft out of the glass. On the palate it is off-dry, with a balanced acidity. The flavours follow the nose, and it has a medium finish.
Tasted May 2012.

Bersano Costalunga Barbera D'asti 2010, Piedmont

This ruby red wine, has a fruity nose of plum, cherry, and blackberry jam, along with a subtle hints of vanilla. On the palate it was dry with a medium body and noticeable, but not harsh tannins. Flavours followed the nose; vanilla and jammy berries. Long finish.
Tasted May 2012.

La Fiole Cotes Du Rhone 2011

Typical for the region, this red wine is made from Grenache and Syrah grapes. This young wine has generous aromas of dark fruits, especially plums, and spices - pepper and cloves. Medium bodied with light-to-present tannins. A bit sour with a slightly metallic aftertaste, which does not that long (medium -).

Overall, a pretty package for a common red wine. Happy I got it on sale.
Tasted January 2014.

Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico 2009, Docg

While Chianti Classico's are supposed to be ready to be aged around a decade, its sightly brick red colour meant that this wine was beginning to show its age. On the nose, I was met with a damp smokey scent, complimented with cedar and spice. I felt that most of the fruit notes were gone with just some remnants of plums. The rest of the flavours were wet stone, along with smoke and spices. The tannins were quite weak and the wine had a thin mouth feel.
Tasted March 2014.

Obikwa Shiraz 2011, Western Cape

This Hawaiian punch coloured wine, brings forth a strong red fruit aroma, with slight hints of apple. On the palate it's soft tannins and light-medium body feel, help maintain a sweet red fruit jam flavour. Short and clean finish. Tasted February 2012

Two Oceans Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011, Western Cape

This fruit-forward wine, has strong aromas of ripe plum and soft herbal notes. Medium-body with red berries and cherry making up the majority of its flavour. Tasted December 2011.

J. P. Chenet Chardonnay 2010

Excellent golden tones. I found floral and honey notes in it's aroma. Lively taste, with it's sweet honey notes carrying strongly through. I compared this wine to the Mezzomondo Pinot Grigio Chardonnay in January 2012.

Check out the full comparison at:

http://www.everydaywineaficionado.com/2012/01/under-10-match-up_20.html

Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

A vibrant red wine, aromas of strawberry jam, with vegetal and spice notes that reminded me of tomato sauce (odd I know!). This medium-bodied red, has good tannins with flavours of blackcurrant and vanilla hints. Finishes quick and clean. Tasted February 2012

Gazela Vinho Verde

Floral and citrus aromas bubble out of this lightly carbonated wine. An excellent wine for a hot day with lemon-lime, citrus. Clean and refreshing. Tasted December 2011