An innovation from Budweiser, this beer features the presence of Jim Beam barrel staves. Perhaps it is the connotation of the name, but there is a small metallic presence on the nose along with overripe banana and a touch of coconut from the oak. The caramel sweetness of the body suffers a little distraction from oak tannin. Better in concept than execution.
A blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon showing warmly developed ripe plum and dark berry fruit with a pinch of cinnamon and clove. Mediterranean-style fruit compote on the palate is disciplined by firm structure, stony mineral and balancing acidity.
Potent and direct, now worn soft around the sides with some time, this is drawn from three terroirs: eastern Corbières, south, near the edge of the Frito and 15 percent from the Corbières Boutenac cru. This spent time on lees, 40 percent in barrels (20 percent new) and 60 percent in stainless. Drilling dark anise, cassis jam, brooding black pepper and sultry pipe tobacco along sticky, ripe tannins to a warming, espresso bitter finish. Even open a day in advance, this welcomes hearty beef and lamb shank to counter.
Deep ruby in colour with a savoury-herbal blackberry nose; medium-bodied, dry, blackberry flavour with well-integrated oak finishing with soft, grainy tannins. Good value.
Ruby purplish. Ripe red berries and soft oak notes combine in an inviting nose. Rich fruity taste, soft texture and full body. There is a good balance in spite of the acidity that makes the tannins a bit edgy in the finish. Drink or hold 2 to 3 years.
A French Chardonnay that tastes like it could have been made in Chablis. Nice. The nose shows citrus-apple fruit, toasted almonds and flinty minerality. It’s fresh and fruity on the palate with razor-sharp acidity, gunflint and wonderful nutty notes. Fantastic bargain wine.
This full-bodied, gutsy Cab from the cooler southern Patagonia is dense purple-black in colour. On the nose it offers a bouquet of blackcurrants and vanilla oak. Sweet fruit and a soft mouthfeel but structured and finishing with a mocha sweetness.