Without a doubt, one of the best reds from the 2013 Vintage, as the combination of low yields and late picking has produced a full-bodied red that pushes 15% alcohol, with a concentrated mid-palate and fabulous length. Quintessential Franc with roasted red pepper, cassis, black raspberry, violets, smoke, black olives and graphite. Drink until 2022.
This organic blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc is from one of the largest privately-owned wineries in Corbières, covering 130 ha. Ollieux Romanis has belonged to the same family since 1860. This is full-bodied and round, slicked with the heady ripeness of the region and grapes, with honeysuckle, green fig, dried sage and rosemary. The palate is deep and spiced, lined with lees and honey, finishing with an alluring spicy finish and a flush of warmth. A few years in bottle is this wine's friend. Partner with roasted winter squash or braised chicken thighs.
Made from vines between 40 to 60 years old, this Vintage Port is black as night (as any good VP should be) and serves up a beguiling nose of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, mint, cocoa and coffee. The palate starts off lean and the expands on the finale with a massive explosion of crème de cassis which carries long. Drink over the next 25 years.
Plum, raspberry, sweet cherry, beetroot, button mushroom, liquorice and red flowers waft out of the glass and onto the palate, where brisk acidity and supple tannins round out the experience. Needs some duck to make it work perfectly
Impressively well-knit and balanced for such a young Tannat. Anise, tobacco, dusky blueberry fill this firm form, one lined with river stones, textured with graphite and perfumed with peonies. Love the freshness and bright acidity here. This interesting, accessible Tannat welcomes another glass, especially with grilled pork.
Medium-deep cherry red proclaims the Sangiovese grapes. Intriguing nose of ripe strawberries, herbs and spices, and a bit of caramel from the oak. Medium-bodied, tastes of cherries with a little mint and lots of tannins. Not ready yet; needs time.
Winner of Garrison Brewery’s 2011 Ultimate Brew-Off Competition for home brewers. Garrison brews a batch of the prize-winning brew each year, which is then labelled and sold at the brewery. This interpretation of a traditional German regional style is almost black in the glass, with smoky roasted chocolate-malt character and a hint of fruitiness on the nose. Lightly sweet citrus and contrasting dark malt flavours meld very smoothly on the palate, making it deceptively easy to drink.