It's only wine but I like it

Château Hourtou 2015, Ac Côtes De Bourg

Never mind the silly 92pt rating by James Suckling, this is a solid if unexciting right bank red. mid weight, pleasant red fruit primarily, with some oak showing (but not obtrusive). Seems a bit short/light on the finish. Maybe better in 12-18 months? Not for long keeping though. 80% Merlot, the balance is Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Malbec. Tasted April 2019.

Primus Carmenère 2017, Apalta, Colchagua Valley

Deeply coloured as one would expect from Carmenere. Lush and ripe, but thankfully, the green pepper/vegetal notes that often plague wines from this variety and kept in check. The oak seems a bit heavy handed but what is off-putting to me is this weird streak of acidity on the finish that seems artificial. Just not a balanced wine in my view. Picked up on sale for $16. Tasted nov 2019.

Rocca Delle Macìe Campo Maccione Morellino Di Scansano 2017, Docg

Directly south of Montalcino (and even further south of Chianti Classico), it should be no surprise that this red from Morellino Di Scansano leans toward the darker, riper side of Sangiovese. Good complexity and a long finish noted by some firm (but approachable) tannin and well-judged acidity. Fine red here from Rocca Della Macie, picked up on sale for about $14. Tasted April 2020.

Trapiche Pure Black Malbec Unoaked 2017

Pure = unoaked. Deeply coloured, inky almost. A bit herbal, bright fruit (not really black fruit I would say, despite the label), finishing with a noted acidity/lemony flavour. FIne enough for the price, but not especially memorable. Tasted June 2020.

Château Baracan 2015, Ac Cadillac Côtes De Bordeaux

A reasonably ripe red from Cadillac on the right bank, yet still has the tell-tale sign of cool climate red (herbeceous, twiggy, green pepper notes). Oak is well integrated and tannin is non-obtrusive. Good wine, but I wasn't really taken by it. 40% Merlot, 40% Can Sauv, 15% Cab Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted Dec 2019.

Lavau Rasteau 2015, Ac

Like JS, I found this wine a bit angular and austere. Certainly, there is the usual spice-infused south Rhone dark fruit, but there Is an astringency that detracts a bit. I am tasting the wine 2+ years on from the WA team, so seems that not much softening has occurred. Maybe another 2 years?

Second night, this seemed to be less astringent, I'd say wait until late 2022 or 2023 to open.

Tasted July 2021.

Domaine La Haute Févrie Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine 2017, Ac

Lean, crisp, very citrusy melon from the Loire. Despite the deeper yellow colour, this is fresh and lively. Not for people who want a fruity white, as JS says, this is more for fans of minerally, crisp whites. Fine value for the money for sure. Tasted july 2019.

Troupis Fteri Moschofilero 2017, Igp Arcadia

Straight off, the floral aromatics are what strike me. On the palate, I like the interplay of exotic fruits and citrus. Fairly light bodied, fresh with a very good finish. Really delicious wine here from Yiannis Troupis, one to drink in summer weather ...or whenever. Fine value. Tasted O
ct 2019.

Goru Organic Monastrell 2017, Do Jumilla

A big, ripe Monastrell, with jammy dark fruit. A bit of pepper and spice mixed in a some notable alcohol on the finish (seems like higher than the label's indicate 14% abv). Also, a wee bit of sweetness on the finish but nothing to annoy. A whole lot of flavour for only $14 and organic to boot but I must confess, it was difficult to finish a glass....maybe the weather is too warm (finally!!) for a big wine like this. Certainly worth buy a couple of bottles for the cold winter months to serve with a heavy stew. Tasted June 2019.

Lua Cheia Old Vines Red 2017, D.O.C. Douro

Second tasting, consistent notes with first tasting. Great value. Feb 2020.

Super value here from the Douro again this vintage. Nicely balanced tannin and acidity match well with the rich, ripe fruit. For drinking over the next few years. Worth buying a few for bbq season. Tasted June 2019.