cardamom

Grover Zampa Art Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Nandi Hills, Karnataka, India

In contrast to David Lawrason, I find this quite acidic. Has a certain textural plushness but lacking in the middle somehow. Maybe this is what David means by a palate of 'low intensity'? Interesting detour at the current sell-off price of $11+. My comments should be taken with a grain of salt because sauvignon blanc is generally not my thing.

Periquita White 2016, Peninsula De Setubal

What a great value! I like this much better than the 2013: rounder and fuller. Good both on its own and with food. No flaws combined with good complexity.

Barone Montalto Nero D'avola Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Not working for me. Harsh, coupled with some unpleasant residual sweetness.

Quinta De Bons Ventos 2015, Vinho Regional Lisboa

A little flabby. Good complexity but not enough acidity and too much residual sweetness.

Kilian Hunn Pinot Noir 2014, Qualitätswein

Deceptively pale coloured. This is quite assertive and has good pinot character, with some alcohol and wood in the background. Nicely tart and some strawberry aromas. Certainly an interesting detour for the money and very enjoyable.

Coyote's Run Pinot Noir 2016, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Quite delicious. Full bodied (for a pinot) but tart. Not particularly fruity as berry flavours do not predominate. An unexpectedly serious pinot.

Confidencial Reserva 2014, Vinho Regional Lisboa

Quite acidic, which is balanced against high residual sugar. Not a wine-making style that works for me outside of the riesling universe. Quite smooth and dense.

La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2017

This review is for 2019, which is not listed.

Very decent effort - quite full bodied, correctly dry. No flaws. Given the price, a go-to staple.

La Petite Hitaire Blanc 2017, Cotes Du Gascogne

This is easily the tartest wine I recall drinking. Very dry and acidic. Still, it is very clean and refreshing and has a certain undertone of spiciness. Needs just a tad more residual sugar or ripeness.

José Maria Da Fonseca Domini 2015, Dop Douro

Sara’s tasting notes are the closest to the mark for me. An interesting interplay between the bright acidity and fading fruit. Doesn’t feel heavy or ponderous.