It's only wine but I like it

André Brunel Cuvée Sabrine Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2016, A.C. Côtes Du Rhône Villages

Re-tasted April 2021 - still excellent but best to drink over the next year. Stellar value.

When CdR is this good, why would anyone spend $50+ on high octane, big label Chateauneuf that are less enjoyable? Like I said for the '15 "Quintessential CdR and a superb value to boot." Tasted April 2020.

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2017, Do Bierzo

A very good mencia from Palacios, smooth and balanced, with nicely ripened dark fruit along with hints of spice and pepper. Seems to show more oak than past vintages that I have tasted, though nothing obtrusive. Seems to be in a good drinking places now. Tasted March 2023..

Château Ollieux Romanis Classique Cuvée Corbieres 2017

Rather wild and rough, but I mean that in a positive way. The local herbs and spice vie with the rich fruit for your palate's attention. Dense, complex and authentically Corbieres. You could spend a great deal more for many Chateauneufs (for example) and get a less satisfying wine, So, yeah, I really liked it! Drink or hold a few years. Tasted Aug 2020.

Castello Di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2016, Docg, Tuscany

Spot-on Chianti Classico. Brims with bright red cherry fruit, sour cherries, cranberries and hints of herbs. Any wood flavours are suitably well in the background. Lively acidity (as there should be for CC) and mellowing tannin. Seems to be at its peak now though no rush I would say. Lovely wine and very keenly priced. Tasted March 2022.

Kir Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro 2017, P.D.O. Naoussa

re-tasted April 2021, still in fine form.

A fresh and lively style of Xinomavro, brimming with red fruit, dusty tannin and citrus-y acidity. Tasted blind, one might have thought a Nebbiolo, though less tannic than a Barbaresco or Barolo. Such impressive complexity and long finish for what is a relatively modestly priced wine. Super food wine, though easily enjoyable sipped on its own. Drink now through the next 4-5 years. Tasted July 2020.

Grands Serres Les Hautes Vacquieres Vacqueyras 2016, Ap

My notes are in line with to David, Michael and John's. This is a fine CdR from my favourite AC in the region. I do wish we saw more Vacqueyras come through our wine monopoly. I derive more pleasure from a bottle of Vacqueyras than from an overblown Chateauneuf costing twice as much. Tasted Feb 2021.

Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Do Valle Del Maipo

The herbal streak is notable from first taste, then the dark fruit stakes steps in and takes center stage. Certainly complex, finishing very dry with a good structure and acidity, Very delicious. Drink now or hold for a few years. At $18, worth buying more than 1 bottle. Tasted Nov 2021.

Castello Di Fonterutoli Mazzei Chianti Classico 2017, Docg, Italy

As with prior vintages, Fonterutoli's Chianti Classico is modern-styled with it shadings of oak from the small barrel ageing. But the quality of the Sangiovese fruit shines through. Red cherry fruit, tart and focused with just the right amount of tannin and a long finish. Seems to be drinking very nicely to me though should hold a few years if you prefer your CC with more mature flavours. Tasted Sep 2020.

Jim Barry Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Coonawarra, South Australia

Ripe, juicy Cab Sauv from the famed Coonawarra region. Made in an approachable style, medium-bodied with oak well-integrated. Certainly some juicy acids on the finish (a little too much acidification perhaps?). I suppose this will age for a few years but essentially ready to guzzle now. Tasted Dec 2020.

La Tremenda Monastrell 2017, Do Alicante

A big, fairly powerful red with very ripe fruit and firm tannin. Nicely accented with some pepper and herbs. A lot of flavour and depth for only $18. Fine wine. Tasted Jul 2021.