Neil Phillips

Louis Bernard Côtes Du Rhône Rouge 2014

I think Steve nailed it below: a typical CdR value red. Not a lot of complexity, but good value.

Youthful nose of red berries, bing cherry, savoury notes.

Dry with palate of cranberry, cherry, dried herbs, medium- finish. Perhaps slightly unbalanced alcohol.

Tasted October 2016.

Château Bellevue La Forêt Rosé 2017, Ap Fronton

Blend of local SW France varietal Negrette with Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Gamay.

Salmon colour with medium intensity.

Aromas of strawberries, red grapefruit, fresh green leaves, white flowers. On the palate, balanced acidity if not overly crisp - a nice patio wine. Taste follows the nose with lots of red fruits, slight herbal note, medium weight.

This was a top pick for me for value roses.

Tasted (repeatedly) Summer 2018.

Domaine Du Tariquet Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Igp Côtes De Gascogne

An entry-level offering from Tariquet in Gascogne, this is a classic SB that offers somewhat of a cross between New Zealand and the Loire.

Lots of vibrant tropical fruits, with fresh grassy notes and lifted herbal aromas.

On the palate still loads of fruit, with a slight savoury note.

Good value.

Tasted September 2019.

Martini & Rossi Asti

Pale lemon, with medium+ aromas of blossom, lychee, ripe peach, nectarine, cantaloupe, grape.

Sweet, medium body but the acid controls the sugar. Flavours of honeycomb, peach, nectarine all over a creamy mousse.

Not overly complex, but a nice low-alcohol sparkler representative of the style.

Rickety Bridge Chenin Blanc 2012, Wo Western Cape

This Steen offered a more floral note than expected - white flowers, with Meyer lemon peel. All over a juicy peach note.

Soft on the palate, with more tropical fruits opening up, as well as orange marmalade and honeysuckle.

Medium finish.

Tasted June 2015.

Rosewood Estates Long Rows Red 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula

This is a decent-value summer red.

Nose of cremini mushrooms, mixed bowl of Bing and sour cherries, touch of sorel.

Easy-drinking on the palate, the tart notes make this more savoury than heavily fruited - great for those who want a refreshing summer red without the fruit bomb (or high alcohol). Finish is a bit sour.

Not overly complex, but offers more depth than value single-varietal reds.

Tasted July 2015.

1951 Rotary Club Unoaked Chardonnay 2012

Unoaked - but a toasty caramel nose, with baked apple. Michael identified the herb - tarragon - that caught me slightly off guard. A sweet mineral note as well.

Initially creamy in the mouth, but at the same time a bit thin. Caramel, slightly burnt, predominates over the apple on the palate. Finish is short+.

This is a pleasant wine, as a patio sampler. The fact that proceeds goes to support charity is a bonus.

Tasted December 2014.

7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2015, Lodi

Nose of Dr. Pepper, dull herbs, bacon - and lots of dark plum jam.

Warm and jammy throughout on the palate, with lots of lush jammy fruit and vanilla.

An easy-drinking Zin for the patio crowd.

Tasted October 2018.

The Bean Coffee Pinotage 2013, Wo Western Cape

One in the long line of new-style Pinotage that's heavily infused with (no surprise) coffee notes. I personally find the style often heavy-handed.

This one is better than some: but the name and label says it all. Aromas of espresso and dark chocolate overwhelm with hints of black liquorice and bramble. There's stewed blackberries underneath, trying to get out. Echoes of cough syrup menthol (in a not unpleasant way).

On the palate, it follows that coffee ands mocha, savoury fruit - almost sour, though definitely not a very dry wine (some residual sugar evident). Tannins are luscious, this wine is certainly easy going down. Finish is medium+, heavy on coffee and savoury. Wish the fruit could be a little more front and centre for balance.

All in all, many will love this style of wine...many will not. Definitely worth a try, perhaps with a coffee-rubbed steak on the Barbie for full effect.

Tasted April 2015.

Andis Zinfandel 2014, Amador County

Elegant nose of red fruits, leather, balsamic, soy, mushrooms.

Slightly grippy tannins; heavy on savoury notes with red fruit, dried raspberries, cranberries.

Tasted October 2018.

(I'll admit I'm questioning my bottle notes after reading David's review! But above is what I had...)