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 :-)

Meursault "Les Corbins" 2004

Name: Meursault “Les Corbins”
Colour: White
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Cote de Beaune
Year: 2004
Producer: Michel Picard
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13%

Purchase Price: EUR 29.00 (wine merchants, France)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Colour: Pale yellow with gold tints.
Nose: Strong toasted notes at the beginning then aromas of yellow fruits and almond.
Palate: Powerful and fat mouthfeel with harmonious boisé and fruity flavours.

Somnambulist's verdict: I’m not sure about “yellow fruits” and “mouthfeel” but this is a quite splendid white Burgundy. It seems only this region can get such a dry steeliness and complexity from the Chardonnay grape, and this is a wonderful example. I loved it.

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 :-)