You won’t find many French Cabernets at this price point, and Gerard Bertrand does a nice job in building a bargain wine that fights above its weight class. Look for bold raspberry, blackberry and violets with light spice on the nose. It’s smooth and fruity on the palate with just a lick of oak spice and a fair amount of acidity.
A grassy-herbaceous nose with grapefruit and gooseberry fruits. In the mouth, it’s lip-smacking good with tart citrus, kiwi and grass notes. Altogether a tangy, fresh and vibrant white that goes nicely with seafood salad, asparagus or fresh pea soup.
Inky/purple, this is a substantial Malbec with blueberry, cassis, cherry, smoke, vanilla and distinctly spicy. Concentrated with loads of fruit and spice lingering long. Drink over the next 5 years.
An alternative to Chip Dry (and my preferred white port) for Porto Tonicos. This dry white Port opens with a nice cut of citrus, orange and lemon pith. A fine vibrance and snappy acidity on the gently citrus-sweet palate. A blend of Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato and Arinto.
This is an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon from a vintage in Margaret River that Ring Bolt’s viticulturist described as “Near to perfect as could be hoped for.” The nose presents refined developed dark fruit with discernible blackcurrant notes, spice and a whiff of earthy mushroom. Gorgeously integrated fruit, spice and French oak come through on the palate with a lick of milk chocolate on the very long finish.
A blend of local Castelão, Camarate, Tinta Miúda and Touriga Nacional varieties. Offers intriguing spicy clove and a dusting of cinnamon with lightly sweet, ripe red fruits, moderate tannins and a splash of milk chocolate.
Bright, pale straw colour with a passion fruit and citrus bouquet and notes of sweet grass; medium-bodied, crisply dry with green plum and gooseberry flavours; beautifully balanced and great length.