It's only wine but I like it

Fattoria La Pupille Morellino Di Scansano 2015

Bigger and riper than a typical Chianti Classico, this Sangiovese from the warmer Morellino di Scansano still has the hallmarks of that grape - sour cherry fruit, and hint of earthiness, brisk acidity and dusty tannin. Not overly complex, but well within what one might expect at the price. You can safely ignore the 93 pt rating from James Suckling (his credibility long ago evaporated for me). Tasted May 2018.

Château De Treviac 2015, Ap Corbières

Consistently excellent, the '15 Treviac continues the trend. Rugged, darkly fruited, with spice, pepper, local herbs and dried meat notes. Heady and ripe, with a firm but approachable structure and a long finish. A great value yet again. Tasted March 2018.

Rymill The Yearling Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Coonawarra

What a fine value this is. Nicely ripened (but not over ripe) cabernet fruit, balanced with the right amount of tannin and just a touch of oak. A bit cool(er) climate herbs and acidity on the finish but nothing off-putting. Very nice indeed. Tasted May 2018.

Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2016, Doca Rioja

A modern take on Rioja, with bright, ripe red fruits dominating the flavour profile, with virtually no notable oak, save perhaps a bit of spice. A bit closed when first poured, this opens up nicely after 15 minutes or so, so give it a quick splash in the decanter before serving. Nice value. Tasted Nov 2018.

Caparzo Rosso Di Montalcino Doc 2015

second tasting Oct 2019: Similar impressions to first tasting but this seems to have developed a bit more depth. Quite good - upped to 88pts.

1st tasted: Fresh, light RdM here from Caparzo. Red fruit, a bit earthy, light tannin and then there is that refreshing acidity. Perfect match for tomato-based sauces or pizza. Drink over the next couple of years to capture that freshness, this ain't no Brunello. 87pts Tasted Oct 2018.

Chateau D'aigueville Côte Du Rhône Villages 2016, Ac

Re-tasted for the third time in Dec 2020, similar notes to below though structure seems a bit softer 2+years on.

Original note: Much like the '15, perhaps even a step up, this is a spot-on CdR Villages. Pepper and spice infused dark fruit, garrigue, fine tannin. Impressive complexity and density for less that $16. Really delicious and I'll be back for more. Tasted Oct 2018.

Tenuta Di Renieri Chianti Classico 2013, Docg

Despite ageing in Allier 225L barrels, the wood influence is very well integrated. This allows the sour cherry/red currant flavours to take center stage, as they should. Silky tannin and fine acidity keep the wine fresh. All in all, a fine Chianti Classico. No need to age further, this is a fine drink right now. Tasted Feb 2019.

Saint Roch Vieilles Vignes Syrah/Grenache 2015, Ap Côtes Du Roussillon

A bit lighter and less engaging than the 2014, this is still a fine representation of red wine from the Roussillon and good value too. Tasted May 2018.

Château La Brande 2015, Ac Côtes De Bordeaux Castillon

A nicely ripened Merlot-based right banker. Friendly and cuddly, with no hard edges. Not overly complex but nothing out of place in the flavour profile. This is just a delicious red - so easy to sip. I think that the original price was $18.95 (the displayed price here is the discounted one). Seems like it is at it peak now. Tasted Sep 2020.

Château Godard Bellevue 2010, Ac Côtes De Bordeaux Francs

As DL says...$15??? What a great deal on an aged petit chateau. Good complexity for the price, light on the oak, nicely ripened fruit which has morphed into the dried fruit a bit and some good structure. Really like the balance and the authentic non-Parkerized flavours. Still life yet in this too. Tasted July 2018.