Here is a recent Wine Purchase

[malt_boy]

3 French wines bottled by JC Mas (Pays D'Oc) selected by Asda Wines

2010 Merlot 13.5%
2009 Shiraz 13.5%
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 13.5%

And a Californian Gallo White Grenache 2009 9.5%

£4 each

[The Third Dram]

On an Italian roll of late, given the recent arrival of several new wines from that country on my local shelves. Here we go (in ascending order according to cost)...

San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2008
CDN$20.50
Typically intense bittersweet blackcherry Sangiovese thrust with the supporting acidity coming through a tad forcefully at the moment. Surely better in a year or two.

Rosso dei Notri Tua Rita Toscana i.g.t. 2009
CDN$21.10
Immediately forthcoming and attractive mouth feel, with the Syrah and Merlot combination acting to flesh out the majority of Sangiovese in the mélange to great effect. Lots of ripe, dark fruit leading to delicate notes of smokiness (a not uncommon trait with Merlot) and pepper spice. Lovely drinking right now.

Palazzo della Torre Allegrini Veronese i.g.t. 2007
CDN$24.95
From one of the region's most reputable producers, a Ripasso wine of considerable substance. Ideal combination of firmness and drinkability, with the dried cherry and raisin notes lingering on the palate. Will doubtless improve with some cellaring, but so hard to not open more right now! Classy wine.

Insoglio del Cinghiale Campo di Sasso Bibbona Toscana i.g.t 2009
CDN$28.00
All I can say is, "Wow!" An unusual mix of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The Syrah predominates at first, offering up berry fruit and pepper, before a very subtle vegetal-like quality emerges (doubtless from the Cabernet Franc). The balance is exemplary. This is a 'big' wine that, nevertheless, doesn't overpower one's palate. Outstanding.

Le Volte Ornellaia Toscana i.g.t. 2009
CDN$30
The entry-level wine from one of the region's most renowned estates. In comparison to the previous wine, much less giving at this time, with the aromas and flavours lurking in the glass rather than opening up to the senses. Could this be due to the Cabernet Sauvignon included in the blend? Tautly structured and worthy of cellaring for 2 to 4 years, I would think.

[malt_boy]

Croft Late Bottled Vintage Port 2004 Unfiltered 20%

[C57]

The Black Stump 2008. Got to love the Durif grape

[The Third Dram]

Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja 1998
13.0% alcohol by volume

Though I love a good Rioja just as much as anyone, it's been quite some time since my last 'go' at one from this particular bodega. Now approaching 13 years of age, the 1998 Faustino I displays that effortless balance between silky smooth maturity and still youthful firmness. What more can I say except that it paired with a rolled boneless turkey roast (white and dark meat) served with a Scotch whisky and Chantarelle mushroom reduction sauce perfectly!

[The Third Dram]

Bodega Volver 2007 Tempranillo
La Mancha, Spain

For lovers of red wines that straddle the New and Old World styles. Medium-full to full bodied. Bagfulls of ripe dark berry fruit. Good input from the oak. Substantial yet silky tannic-acidic backbone. Ready to drink now if decanted well in advance (I drank my first bottle over two consecutive evenings, and the wine opened up nicely on the second occasion). Excellent value (I paid under CDN$20). Produced from grapes harvested from old (50 years+) vines.

Once again, ample evidence that it's hard to go far wrong with just about any 2007 from the Iberian Peninsula.

[dfmd]

Te Mata 'Awatea' Cabernet Merlot 2006, Hawkes Bay, NZ
Dog Point Pinot Noir 2007, Marlborough, NZ
Aurum Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, NZ
Ascension 'The Bell Ringer' Pinotage, Matakana, NZ
Bodegas Muga 'Prado Enea' Gran Reserva 2001, Rioja DOCa, Spain

Will try to remember and post tasting notes!

[Yello to Mello]

Lionheart of the Barossa shiraz 2008, Dandelion Vineyards. x6

[Jimmy321]

Thought I should mention that my local Makro is clearing out some of their old stock of wines, I got a good selection for ~£7+VAT each. Tonight i'm going to open one from South Africa, 2004 donatus The Red Carbernet Franc - Merlot @15.0% vol. Hope they are still good.

[malt_boy]

2010 Riesling (Mosel) from Loosen Bros. and a Portugese Rose Wine from Asda. Both good summer vinos

[martin grant]

A 2009 Torrontes from Argentina. Should wash down tonight's Thai green curry quite nicely

[dfmd]

Te Mata 'Awatea' Cabernet Merlot 2006, Hawkes Bay, NZ

Had this recently; lovely with roast lamb and all the trimmings. Very poised fruit, with a smooth mocha finish.

Te Mata are a great winery, with a strong range throughout. Their entry level "Woodthorpe Cabernets Merlot" is one of my all-time favourite "go to" Kiwi reds.

[The Third Dram]

Most unusual red wine of late? Baron Philippe de Rothschild 2007 Carabas Vin de Pays d'Oc.. Think blueberry pie (yes, that sweet and ripe in terms of the grape thrust) along with pepper and dark chocolate. Dangerously close to being over-the-top. Yet the structure of the wine (a mélange of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon) just manages to rein in this particular characteristic and bring the wine back to a savvy compromise between New World opulence and Old World restraint. Quite fabulous with red meats.