Neil Phillips

Sijnn Red 2010, W.O. Malgas

An intriguing, and unexpected, blend of grape varietals more famous in France, Spain and Portugal.

Aromas of blueberry jam, plum chutney, violets, cassis, black pepper, sauccison and a hint of espresso & charcoal.

Clearly a lot going on, the palate is equally complex. Tannins are strong and provide a great backbone, but the years have softened them. Chewy fruits and savoury herbs throughout, with a long finish.

Tasted March 2018.

Domaine Michel Juillot Mercurey Les Champs Martin 1er Cru 2012, Ac

Developing nose of black cherry, vanilla, oak, clove, mushroom, nutmeg, liquorice.

On the palate, tannins are smooth and well-integrated. Nice flavour intensity with tart cherry, wild strawberry, dried herbs, spice, mushroom and slight earthiness.

This is very good now, but am sure will age and offer further rewards.

You don't often hear the word "value" and "Bourgogne" in the same sentence - but in this case it may just apply.

Tasted October 2016.

J.L. Chave Crozes Hermitage Rouge Silène 2014

Complex aromas of earth, blackberries, plum, black pepper, mushrooms, cured meat.

On the palate, cracked black pepper, plum & blackberry jam, leafy herbs. Fruit,pepper and slight savoury finish. Perhaps not as nuanced as the nose would suggest.

Tasted October 2016.

Calera Pinot Noir 2015, Central Coast

Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Luscious Cab Sauv from the Maipo in Chile.

Nose of black fruit jam, mocha, vanilla, hint of black pepper, bramble.

Full and inviting on the palate, with gobs of fruit and a sweet undertone - but not at all cloying. Smooth tannins and a finish that goes on long. Slight herbaceousness on the finish adds a nice complexity to the fruit.

Tasted July 2018.

Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf Du Pape 2015, Ap

Lush with lots of red fruit compote, some Nibs, sage, black pepper and aged balsamic. More fruit than savoury.

Tannins are medium+, but still quite smooth. Well-balanced, it carries 15% with ease.

This CdP is drinking well now, and will certainly age.

Tasted September 2018.

Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro Valley

Taylor Fladgate is often considered the standard-bearer for Tawny Ports - at least those readily available. With this 10-year, it's easy to see why.

Floral aromas with clay, wood, red berries and dried fruits.

Wonderful palate of spirits and savoury dried fruits, resinous notes, medium+ finish.

Tawnies are generally more versatile than LBVs, with the savoury backbone offering a lot of latitude. An excellent introduction to the style.

Last tasted November 2016.

Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado Los Arcos

Medium in intensiry on the nose, this is a great dry Sherry for those who want a little less bracing notes than a Fino.

Toasted hazelnut, orange zest, brioche, butterscotch, tobacco and a hint of leather.

Dry with caramel and walnut on the palate, unsweetened orange marmalade, old wood notes linger through the medium+ finish.

Amazing value.

Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2004

Nose of vanilla, charred cedar, spiced dark cherries, dried sage, mushrooms, Cherry Bols, and a hint of floral (muted after more than a decade, but still there).

Meaty on the palate, with the fruit mingling in a subdued way with herbs. This is a complex old-world wine, with an earthy note that finishes long. Acid is beautifully in check, and tannins, while medium+, hold all together but aren't chewy. While 100% Sangiovese - this is a long way from Chianti.

Begs for braised meats, truffle pasta.

Tasted May 2015.

Louis Roederer Collection Brut Premier Champagne, Ac, France

Complex aromas of golden delicious apple, grapefruit, sultanas, blossom and rising bread dough.

On the palate, bruised apple, honey, nutmeg and biscuits. More austere than forward.

Creamy mouthfeel with nice acid and a fine mousse.

Tasted November 2016.