Alborato 2006

Name: Alborato
Colour: Red
Country: Italy
Region: Umbria IGT
Year: 2006
Producer: Cardeto
Grape Varieties: Merlot 70%, Cabernet Franc 30%
Alcohol: 13%
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Purchase Price: ? (ca. EUR 6.00?)
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Notes:
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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%
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Purchase Price: EUR 28.00 (restaurant)
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Notes:
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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%

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Purchase Price: EUR 44.00 (restaurant)

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Notes:

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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.

Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin Brut Yellow Label NV (magnum)

Name: Brut Yellow Label (Magnum)

Colour: White

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Year: N.V.

Producer: Veuve Clicquot

Grape Varieties: 50-55% Pinot Noir, 15-20% Pinot Meunier, 28-33% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 12%

Purchase Price: EUR 155.00 (posh restaurant)

Notes:

Maker’s notes – First, Brut Yellow Label looks beautiful: golden-yellow, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. Next it is so pleasing to the nose: initially reminiscent of white fruits and raisins, then of vanilla and later of brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty aromas following the ageing in the bottle. The first sip delivers all the freshness and forcefulness so typical of Yellow Label with asymphony of fruit tastes following on. Here is a true member of the powerful Brut family, well structured, admirably vinous. The lingering aromas echo and re-echo, with each fruit or spice note distinct. Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label manages to reconcile two opposing factors – forcefulness and finesse - and to hold them in perfect balance. This consistent power to please makes it ideal as an aperitif, and perfect as the Champagne to enjoy with a meal.

Somnambulist's verdict: Err.. a bit humbled by the above verbosity. I think this is probably the best of the big name, mid-price-range NV Champagnes (ignore the premium restaurant price above and use the wine-searcher.com link on this page). “Finesse” is the most appropriate characteristic for this spankingly good wine. A fine and fitting parting gift from a good friend.

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.

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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%
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Purchase Price: EUR 5.99
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Notes:
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Maker’s notes – The noble red with history. Dainty, delicate berry fruit, smooth texture, elegant tannins, concentrated and lingering.
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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%

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Purchase Price: EUR 5.99

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Notes:

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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.

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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%

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Purchase Price: EUR 8.99

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Notes:

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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.

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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.

Sangre de Toro 2006

Name: Sangre de Toro
Colour: Red
Country: Spain
Region: Catalunya
Year: 2006
Producer: Miguel Torres, S.A.
Grape Varieties: Carinena, Garnacha Tinta
Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 6.49

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes: Deep ruby colour with a hint of ochre. Rich complex Mediterranean aromas with exuberant notes of spices and blackberries. Velvety tannins are noted on the palate with elegant flavours of liquorice and small dark forest fruits (blueberries and blackcurrants).

Somnambulist's verdict: This bottle came with a plastic bull attached, which should have served as a warning. Lesson learned. I would go more for the sour cherries, than "small, dark forest fruits." With the amount of alcohol in it, the opening glass is like liquid... err.. petroleum gas mixed with a bowl of black pepper. Probably ok with food, but you can get a decent Rioja for the same price and they are lightyears apart.

Knipser Cuvee X 2003

Name: Cuvee X
Colour: Red
Country: Germany
Region: Pfalz
Year: 2003
Producer: Weingut Knipser
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: ca. EUR 38.00

Notes:

Maker’s notes – Very herbal aromas from black currant, tobacco, coffee and cedar.

Somnambulist's verdict: Complex, velvety smooth, a fabulous winter red. I have not found many German reds that I like but this is spectacular.

Quinta do Ameal Escolha 2004

Name: Quinta do Ameal - Escolha
Colour: White
Country: Portugal
Region: Minho - Ponte do Lima
Year: 2004
Producer: Pedro Araujo
Grape Varieties: Loureiro
Alcohol: 11.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 51.00 (Intercontinental Hotel)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes - Clear and citrus coloured. Floral aromas, orange-tree blossom. Its full fruitiness blends harmoniously with the vanilla and smoky tones, which are the result of ageing in new Nevers French oak. Its exceptional body and intensity is due to the selection of grapes whilst at an excellent stage of maturation, as well as its subsequent fermentation and ageing, with "bâtonnage", for 6 months in French oak barrels that have been especially selected for the Loureiro grape variety. Extremely delicate wooden notes, without interfere on the fruit and floral explosion characteristic. It has a very good length, with a complexity befitting a great wine. We suggest that it is decanted one hour before serving.

Somnambulist's verdict: The notes above nail it, although perhaps not as floral as the description suggests. The light alcohol content doesn't detract at all, in fact think it stacks up against some very good, heavier Burgundies. Absolutely gorgeous, highly recommended.

"Les Baudrieres" Pouilly-Fume 2006

Name: Les Baudrieres
Colour: White
Country: France
Region: Pouilly-Fume
Year: 2006
Producer: Dominique Baud
Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol: 12.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 9.99

Notes:

Struggled to find much information on this wine or the producer. References seem to be largely from German sites so that is probably the main market. Will update if we come across anything else.

Somnambulist's verdict: A very pleasant, drinkable Sauvignon Blanc, if a little uninspiring. Smooth, quiet and lemony, with a touch of citrus acidity. Wouldn't pay up for it.

Chateau d'Angludet 2001

Name: Chateau d’Angludet

Colour: Red

Country: France

Region: Margaux

Year: 2001

Producer: Maison Sichel

Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: ?

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes - Very deep red colour, shot through with purple tints. Ripe fruit on the nose but incredible finesse and complexity. Same characteristics on the palate, dense, silky and elegant, with rich, ripe tannin structure.

Somnambulist's verdict: Not cheap but if you are going to splash out on a Margaux this is luxury in a glass. Advise decanting and allowing to breathe for at least an hour. Gorgeous.

Vina Albali Gran Reserva 2001

Name: Vina Albali Gran Reserva

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Valdepenas

Year: 2001

Producer: Felix Solis

Grape Varieties: Tempranillo

Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: ca. EUR 8

(update 28/4/09 - Asda is offering this at £5 - great value!)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Deep ruby-red in colour with amber tones this wine has complex aromas of dignified wood, vanilla and red fruit. Dry and warm on the palate, the Gran Reserve maintains perfect tannic balance and a pleasant bouquet.

Awards: Viña Albali Gran Reserva 2001

-Wine Style Asia Award. Singapore 2008. Bronze medal

-AWC Vienna 2008. Silver medal

-Magazine “Weinwirtschaft 01 – 2008”, 3rd Best International Brand.

-Wine and Spirit Asia Challenge 2008. Singapore. Bronze Medal

-International Wine and Spirit Competition 2008. United Kingdom. Silver Medal

Somnambulist's verdict: Great with tapas or spicy food.

Buzbag Rezerv 2004

Name: Buzbag Rezerv
Colour: Red
Country: Turkey
Region: Elazig
Year: 2004
Producer: Kayra
Grape Varieties: Bogazkere
Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: ?

Notes:

Elazig is in the South Eastern part of Anatolia. Pronounced B’z-bah.

Somnambulist's verdict: Bought as a gift, came locally recommended and didn’t disappoint. Lots of fruit and spice. A real treat!

Vina Sol 2007

Name: Vina Sol
Colour: White
Country: Spain
Region: Catalunya
Year: 2007
Producer: Miguel Torres, S.A.
Grape Varieties: Parellada
Alcohol: 11.5%

Purchase Price: ca. EUR 6.00

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Elegant, fresh, fruity aromas with fine spicy hints. Smooth, rich and crisp on the palate, with plenty of fruity flavours (apples and pineapples) and a touch of spice (fennel).

Somnambulist's verdict: Good every day drinking, alone or with light food. Simple but effective.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose N.V.

Name: Brut Rose
Colour: Rose
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Year: NV
Producer: Billecart-Salmon
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12%

Purchase Price: ca. EUR 35.00

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Its pale pink colour is adorned with warm glints of gold, and its delicate, slowly rising bubbles give it a persistent mousse. This cuvee unveils a subtle aroma leading to an elegant, delicate bouquet of fine notes of red fruits. A light elegant style, followed by a fresh finish.

Somnambulist's verdict: Probably my favourite Champagne. Frivolous, decadent, awesome.

Fabelhaft 2006

Name: Fablehaft
Colour: Red
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Year: 2006
Producer: Niepoort Vinhos SA
Grape Varieties: Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao
Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: EUR 12.00

Notes: Produced for the German speaking markets, "Fabelhaft" translates as fabulous, phenomenal or scrumptious.

Maker's tasting notes - It is a dark ruby wine with an intense dark and red fruit aroma with spicy character. On palate it is young, appealing and fresh, with fruity tannins, good acidity and appealing structure.

Somnambulist's verdict: Fabulous is about right. Fruity, complex but very quaffable. Tremendous value for money.