Chateau Moulin Bellegrave 2006

The Top 100 Wines: Chateau Moulin Bellegrave 2006

As good a 'basic' St Emilion as I have tried.

Plenty of body, good flavours without being particularly complex and a smooth finish. Thoroughly enjoyable with some cold meats and cheese. Might improve in a year or two but I found it pleasant drinking now and evidence that you don't necessarily need to limit St Emilions to Grand Crus or GC Classes. I'd look out for this again at the right price.

Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2005

Name: Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2005

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2005

Producer: Campo Viejo

Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo

Alcohol: 13.5%

.

Purchase Price: £9.99 (Sainsburys)

.

Notes:Maker's tasting notes – Aged in barrel for 18 months. This Reserva exudes flavours of warm cinnamon, cigar box and ripe red fruits. An exceptionally smooth wine with hints of spicy oak. Perfect with game stew or roast shoulder of lamb.

Somnambulists verdict:

Campo Viejo seems to be everywhere, and being a bit of a 'brand' wine (with a different bottle for every market niche - a bit like Volkswagen for wine), it's fair to view it with a little apprehension... but let's not get snobby about this. We're at the supermarket end after all, not browsing the carte-des-vins at the Manoir aux Quatres Saisons, where you could exchange a case of this for a bottle of the house wine and probably get some change... (yes, yes, M. Blanc does have impeccable taste...

...click here to read the full review at TheTop100.net! 

Asda Portuguese Tinto

Name: ASDA Portuguese Tinto

Colour: Red

Country: Portugal

Region: n/a

Year: NV

Producer: Enoport-DT, Producao de Bebidas, SA.

Grape Varieties: ?

Alcohol: 13%

.

Purchase Price: £3.38 (ASDA)

.

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – (ASDA) A full bodied red wine with brambley red fruits and a nice smooth finish.

“A lovely, smooth and fruity red, ripened in the Portuguese sunshine. It's great with spicy food like chilli con carne” Phillippa Carr, Asda's Master of Wine.

.

Somnambulist's verdict: OK, let’s be honest, at £3.38 expectations are low. This is basic table wine, the like of which you’d pick up in a Portuguese supermarket for less than a bottle of water. Still, I gave it a full chance, decanting and allowing it to breathe for 30 mins before trying… and it wasn’t dreadful. There’s dark chocolate, a whiff of vanilla and some red fruits in there. These are flavours that can be crafted into intoxicating blends in the hands of a skilled wine-maker. Alas, I think in this case it’s more akin to shovelling everything into a large vat with all the finesse of a greedy schoolkid stuffing random confectionery into a rather acidic paper bag.

There are a lot worse things you can do with £3.38, but I’d suggest making it up to a fiver and going for one of the other superb budget wines available. If you’re going to try it, take Phillippa Carr’s advice and drink it with chilli, or in fact any very strongly spiced food that stands a good chance of masking the flavour…

La Chasse du Pape Reserve Rouge 2007

Name: La Chasse du Pape Reserve

Colour: Red

Country: France

Region: Cotes-du-Rhone

Year: 2007

Producer: Maison Gabriel Meffre

Grape Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre

Alcohol: 14%

Purchase Price: £5 (ASDA)

.

Notes:
IWSC 2008 SILVER. QUALITY AWARD.

Maker's tasting notes – The name La Châsse Du Pape is derived from the historic chest that contained the great reliquaries of the Popes who lived in Avignon during the 14th century. La Châsse Du Pape Réserve is sourced from the finest southern Côtes Du Rhône vineyards. Our winemakers carefully select the noble grapes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault to achieve the best expression of this classic Appellation. La Châsse Du Pape Réserve is a full bodied, round and harmonious wine with delicate hints of spices and vanilla, thanks to ageing of the Syrah in oak barrels.

.

Somnambulist's verdict: Another bargain cracker – decant this one and let it breathe for an hour or so to get the most out of this lovely smooth, yet spicey blend. I’d be very hard pushed to differentiate it from Chateauneufs 2 or 3 times this price, even side by side. I’ve also seen this at much higher prices at other supermarkets and wine stores, so if there’s an Asda near you go and put a few in the trolley. Alternatively use their home delivery service, which I found infinitely better than Sainsbury’s.

Gran Familia Rioja 2008

Name: Gran Familia

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2008

Producer: Castillo de Fuenmayor

Grape Varieties: Tempranillo 90%, Graciano 10%

Alcohol: 12.5%

Purchase Price: £4-5 (Asda)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Gran Familia is a classic Rioja red wine in the much-loved smooth, mellow style. It comes from one of the region's very best bodegas. Our winemakers select high quality Tempranillo and Graciano grapes and the wine is matured in our cellars for 8 months to create the perfect balance of luscious fruit and silky tannins. Full-bodied with plenty of meaty, warm, ripe red fruit flavours. Drinking well now, but will improve in your cellar for up to three years.

Somnambulist's verdict: Another great find in the search for value at £5 and under. Everyone who has tried this at the Somnambulistic table has really enjoyed it. A+ for value-for-money.

Grizzly Bear Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Name: Grizzly Bear

Colour: Red

Country: USA

Region: Central Valley, California

Year: 2007

Producer: Zimmermann-Graeff & Mueller

Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: £3.33 (£10 for 3 offer, Sainsburys)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – A full-bodies red wine with masses of plum and blackcurrant flavours, finished with toasty oak and subtle chocolate notes. Excellent with steak or roast dinner.

Somnambulist's verdict: I don’t often choose Cab Sav varietals especially not at the bargain-basement end but somehow this found its way into the shopping trolley and I’m very pleased it did. This is a very quaffable red, loads of fruity flavours (I’d add cherries to the black fruits mentioned above) with a smooth long finish. I have no idea how a Mosel weingut ends up bottling Californian reds but it doesn’t really matter – at 3 bottles for a tenner I am filling the cellar with this excellent everyday drinker.

Chateau Mas Del Perie 2006

Name: Chateau Mas Del Perie

Colour: Red

Country: France

Region: Cahors

Year: 2006

Producer: Marie-Rose Ortalo

Grape Varieties: 100% Malbec

Alcohol: 12.5%

.

Purchase Price: EUR 4.00 (supermarket, France)
.

Notes:
.

Maker’s tasting notes – Deep red with purple reflections. Nose very fruity, with a little spicy red fruits. Subtle and balanced with strong tannins.
.

Somnambulist's verdict: A good, if simple example of the “black” wines of Cahors. Very dry and very strong tannins – a bit too chewy to drink on its own, needs meat or cheese to soften it up. Definitely worth a try at this price if you fancy a change of varietal.

Chateau Cheval Brun 2005

Name: Chateau Cheval Brun
Colour: Red
Country: France
Region: St Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
Year: 2005
Producer: Familie Riviere
Grape Varieties: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 12.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 20.00 (wine merchants, France)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – deep and intense crimson robe. Fine nose of ripe grapes, with elegant toasted and vanilla oak aromas confirmed in the mouth. Elegance, balance and harmony.

Somnambulist's verdict: I’d not heard of this St Emilion before, and raised a slightly suspicious eyebrow given the similarity of the name to the famous Cheval Blanc. This was totally misguided, and proved to be the consensus favourite of all the wines tried over the holiday period. It’s unctuous, smooth as silk, with gorgeous rounded flavours. Very highly recommended.

Gervrey-Chambertin "Monte-Ronde" 2005

Name: Gevrey-Chambertin “Monte-Ronde”
Colour: Red
Country: France
Region: Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy
Year: 2005
Producer: Bertrand de Monceny
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: EUR 20.00 (wine merchants, France)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – n/a

Somnambulist's verdict: Brilliant! Fresh, rich, complex with a long finish. Hints of strawberries and perhaps tobacco. Couldn’t resist stocking up :-)

Vina Albali Gran Reserva Seleccion Privada 2001

Name: Vina Albali Gran Reserva Seleccion Privada
Colour: Red
Country: Spain
Region: Valdepenas
Year: 2001
Producer: Felix Solis
Grape Varieties: Tempranillo
Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: GBP 5.00 (Tescos, on offer reduced from £10)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Deep ruby-red in colour with amber tones. This mature wine has a complex elegant bouquet with hints of leather and spices. On the palate it is well balanced and expressive, with rounded and polished tannins.

Awards: Viña Albali Gran Reserva Selección Privada 2001

- International Wine and Spirit Competition 2008. Silver Medal “Best in class"

- International Wine Challenge 2008. United Kingdom. Commended

Somnambulist's verdict: Perhaps a shade more refined than the Viña Albali Gran Reserva (although that’s hard to tell without tasting them side-by-side), but at this offer price is fantastic value. Go to your local Tescos and clear the shelves :-)

Alborato 2006

Name: Alborato
Colour: Red
Country: Italy
Region: Umbria IGT
Year: 2006
Producer: Cardeto
Grape Varieties: Merlot 70%, Cabernet Franc 30%
Alcohol: 13%
.
Purchase Price: ? (ca. EUR 6.00?)
.
Notes:
.
Maker’s notes – Purple-flecked ruby red, rich and harmonious, releasing smooth spice. Dry, full and velvet-textured, with elegant well-ripened wild berry fruit.

Somnambulist's verdict: Got this as a Christmas freebie and had very low expectations, but still managed to be disappointed. Has a nose that exuded alcohol and little else. Bland and lifeless. More expensive than La Cuvee Mythique – go figure. Brokers used to be more generous in the old days...

Regaleali Nero d'Avola 2006

Name: Regaleali
Colour: Red
Country: Italy
Region: Sicilia
Year: 2006
Producer: Tasca d’Almerita
Grape Varieties: Nero d’Avola
Alcohol: 13.5%
.
Purchase Price: EUR 28.00 (restaurant)
.
Notes:
.
Maker’s notes – Bright, intense ruby red. Bouquet: Cherry, mulberry, sour black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, sage. Taste: Pleasantly velvety and well balanced tannins.

Somnambulist's verdict: This came recommended by a restaurateur who clearly knew his onions. And grape varieties. Apparently, the “Nero d’Avola” grape makes wines that compare to New World shirazes. Perhaps, although I didn’t notice any of the harsh, biting pepper that sometimes pervades those wines. Thoroughly enjoyed this wine and will look out for it again…

Il Bruciato 2006

Name: Il Bruciato

Colour: Red

Country: Italy

Region: Bolgheri DOC

Year: 2006

Producer: Antinori

Grape Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Syrah (and other black varieties)

Alcohol: 14%

.

Purchase Price: EUR 44.00 (restaurant)

.

Notes:

.

Maker’s notes – Intense ruby red colour. Aromas of fruit and whole red berries (especially cherries) rather than jam on the nose. Light hints of liquorice and vanilla follow from the oak. Sweet tannins and a dense structure, with a return of the fruit in the aftertaste alongside a hint of saltiness, which gives the wine a lovely harmonious, lingering flavour.

Somnambulist's verdict: This was absolutely superb – rich, fruity, perfect with some fine hams and cheese, and very moreish. So much so that a small group got through 4 or 5 bottles in pretty quick fashion. Interestingly, one bottle was not decanted but served straight to the glass and was remarkably bland by comparison. A perfect reminder for our party about the value of allowing a good wine to breathe.

The Chocolate Block 2006

Name: The Chocolate Block
Colour: Red
Country: South Africa
Region: Franschhoek
Year: 2006
Producer: Boekenhoutskloof
Grape Varieties: 55% Syrah, 17 % Grenache Noir, 15% Cinsault, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Viognier
Alcohol: 14.5%

Purchase Price: EUR ?

Notes:
Maker’s notes – Spicy, dark chocolate surrounded by ripe berry flavours and a fine clove character show in the nose of the Chocolate Block. The Richness of the palate with ripe flavours is in balance with the smooth tannins. This wine has great length with a minimum of 5 years aging potential.

Somnambulist's verdict: Found the initial bouquet a little over sweet, like strawberry confection, but beyond that, wonderful. Deliciously rich, intricate blend of berries, exotic fruits, a touch of pepper and spice, and yes, chocolate. Not a lot of chance of it aging for 5 years in the Somnambulist household.

Marques de Caceres Crianza 2005

Name: Crianza

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2005

Producer: Marques de Caceres

Grape Varieties: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha Tinta & Graciano

Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 7.62 (Carrefour)

Notes:

Maker’s notes – Attractive, bright ruby red colour. Refined bouquet of black cherries and blackberries with a soft touch of aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Lusciously fresh and fruity in the mouth where rich fruit (cherries, strawberries, raspberries) and notes of cinnamon mingle to give a pleasant fullness with a backbone of silky-smooth tannins. Long-lasting, unctuous finish. A splendid vintage that is velvety-soft and elegant.

.

Somnambulist's verdict: No doubt this is a good Rioja but I think the winemaker's notes above are going a bit over the top. The flavours are all there but if anything it's a bit on the arid side of dry. Certainly value for money but think I would spend more and go with the marvellous Reserva or Gran Reserva next time.

Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Name: Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Colour: Red
Country: USA
Region: Napa Valley
Year: 2005
Producer: Woodbridge Winery by Robert Mondavi
Grape Varieties: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, complementary varieties incl. Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 28.00 (restaurant)

Notes:
Maker’s notes – Lush aromas and velvety texture envelop vibrant dark fruit flavors. Briary blackberry character mingles with complex violet, cola and spices nuances. Smooth, elegant style.

Somnambulist's verdict: Reminded me of cherry tarts for some reason. Which is weird as I don't really eat cherry tarts. Throw in a pepper edge on the nose, some black cherries and a fair bit of acidity. Easy drinking, and not much in the way of complexity. Wouldn't search it out...

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2003

Name: Marchese Antinori Riserva

Colour: Red

Country: Italy

Region: Chianti Classico

Year: 2003

Producer: Antinori

Grape Varieties: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and selected others

Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 47.99 (posh restaurant)

Notes:

Maker’s notes – Intense ruby red colour with light garnet hues. Vibrant aromas of citrus marmalade, dried fruit and sultanas. Full-bodied, solidly structured lingering palate with a pleasantly tannic finish. Hints of liquorice in the aftertaste.

Somnambulist's verdict: Super-smooth with rich fruits that somehow captured that scorching '03 Tuscan summer in a glass. Brilliant. A real heavyweight that needs meaty foods or cheese (in my case a wonderful veal lasagne!).

Esterhazy Pinot Noir Cuvee Reserve

Name: Pinot Noir Cuvee Reserve
Colour: Red
Country: Austria
Region: Neusiedlersee Huegelland
Year: ? (I'm assuming a blend of different vintages but nothing on the website)
Producer: Weingut Esterhazy
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5%
.
Purchase Price: EUR 5.99
.
Notes:
.
Maker’s notes – The noble red with history. Dainty, delicate berry fruit, smooth texture, elegant tannins, concentrated and lingering.
.
Somnambulist's verdict: I'm learning that they can make some pretty decent pinot noirs up in the mountains but most of the time you have to go to the Alps to try them, since most wines are consumed locally. While perhaps a little one-dimensional this had lots of fruit and was very quaffable and good value. I've had a lot worse for a lot more money...

La Cuvee Mythique 2005

Name: La Cuvee Mythique

Colour: Red

Country: France

Region: Vin de Pays d'Oc

Year: 2005

Producer: Vignerons du Val d'Orbieu

Grape Varieties: Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache Noir, Old Carignan

Alcohol: 13.5%

.

Purchase Price: EUR 5.99

.

Notes:

.

Maker's tasting notes: A lovely intense crimson colour with purplish tints. The bouquet reveals black cherry scents mingling with slight hints of cocoa, leading into roasted chestnut aromas after swirling around the glass. The sensation on the palate is long-lasting and rounded with plenty of flesh. The tanins are intense, yet nice and ripe, while spice and plum flavours charm the taste buds in the finish.

.

Somnambulist's verdict: Ridiculously good value for money. Serve this at a dinner party with red meat and spices (in our case a home-made Vindaloo :-) and I guarantee that guests will think you are spoiling them. It's rich, smooth, well-rounded with gorgeous flavours (I definitely got the cherry / cocoa / chestnut hints). This great find goes on the Somnambulist regular purchase list!

Gran Condal Reserva 2003

Name: Gran Condal Reserva

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2003

Producer: Bodegas Rioja Santiago, S.A.

Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha

Alcohol: 13%

.

Purchase Price: EUR 8.99

.

Notes:

.

Maker’s notes – A red wine with an intense ruby red colour, deep aroma, round and velvety on the palate. Full and balanced aftertaste. Very select. The wine is aged for more than three years, at least one of which is spent in American oak barrels.

.

Somnambulist's verdict: Not a bad regular drinking wine, but I didn't find it as 'round and velvety' as the maker claims (a bit edgy if not given a bit of time to breathe). Misses the smooth yet complex combo of my favourite Rioja's.