It's only wine but I like it

Melini Chianti Classico Riserva Docg 2017

Decent if unexciting CCR.

Tasted March 2021.

Louis Bernard Louis Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2019, Ap

An easy drinking, approachable CdR Villages with lots of ripe, herb/pepper tinged fruit and a soft structure. For near term consumption (by end 0f '22), this is easy to like, all too easy to drink and quite delicious. Chill a wee bit before serving. Tasted Sep 2021.

Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition 2018, Ap Costières De Nîmes

Rich, dark, somewhat jammy fruit - almost over the top. Herbs, black pepper and a meaty note join in the flavour profile. No thing of grace for sure, there is a bit of heat and some drying tannin on the finish. Could do with another year or two in bottle but will likely never fully mellow - not necessarily a negative, but if you are looking for subtlety, best to look elsewhere. Anyway, I rather liked it! Tasted Sep 2021.

Confidencial Reserva Red 2016, Vinho Regional Lisboa

Super ripe fruit with good density and complexity for the price. Notable herbal component and acidity on the finish. 11 g/l residual sugar. For current consumption. Good value. Tasted Feb 2022.

Chateau Gaillot Fournier 2015, A.C.

Light-medium bodied red Bordeaux here, from the excellent 2015. Plenty of crisp red fruit with mild tannin and some pleasant tartness. Not particularly complex, but very well made and, most importantly, rather tasty. And easy multiple bottle purchase Tasted Oct 2021.

Firriato Santagostino Baglio Sorìa Nero D'avola/Syrah 2014, Igt Terre Siciliane

Solid Nero D'avola-Syrah blend, still very much alive and lively. Medium bodied, with red fruits, a dusting of pepper and a fair note of wood on the finish especially. A defter touch on the oak would have been welcome. Still, a solid enough red giving much pleasure. Tasted Jul 2021.

Gauchezco Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Mendoza

Fairly rich Cab Sauv from the Mendoza. Pleasantly a bit herbal and earthy, with nicely judged oak, tannin and acidity. Quite dense on the palate with good complexity. Gives a lot of pleasure. Super value. Tasted Oct 2021.

Gabriel Meffre La Châsse Grande Réserve 2016, A.P. Vacqueyras

Much like the '15, this is an authentic, no-frills south Rhone red, with plenty of peppery/herb-infused fruit. While not up to better examples of Vacqueyras, it is priced lower, more in line with CdR Villages wines. Seems to be at (not yet beyond) its drinking peak, but best to consume over the next 6-12 months. Delicious wine and good value. Tasted Dec 2021.

Saint Roch Vieilles Vignes Syrah/Grenache 2018, A.P. Côtes Du Roussillon

Ripe, verging on super-ripe red from the Roussillon. This wine is a consistent sold value loaded with herbs, dark fruit and soft tannin. A bit of alcohol heat detracts on the finish but still a delicious red. Tasted Feb 2022.

Mastroberardino Mastro 2019, I.G.T.

Light in colour, light in body, light on flavour Meh, Overpriced. Tasted March 2022.