Dark garnet, almost black. Rich aromas of black cherry, vanilla, smoke and roasted meat. The concentration of cherry fruit makes this wine almost sweet. 20 months aging in new oak provides mocha flavours and a long finish. Full-bodied with 15% alcohol, but manages to be classy rather than clumsy. Will improve over a couple of years, then last a few years more.
An explosion of mango and spicy florals erupts on the nose, priming the palate for a judiciously hoppy sip of pineapple and spicy bitterness with a nearly imperceptible malt backbone. This session ale is laser-focused on its bright, Galaxy and El Dorado hop profile with a dry, lightly bitter finish and a soft, delicately bubbly body.
Deep straw colour. Rich, toasty, spicy nose with tropical fruit notes; sweet pineapple and mango flavours with a buttery note. Nicely oaked and balanced with citrus acidity. Great length.
Though it might still be fashionable to do so, don’t give up on New World Merlot! This sample from Simi has it all wrapped up with aromas of sweet dark plum, sandalwood, vanilla, mocha and allspice. Rich, warm, perfectly balanced and, well, just yummy. Mind blowingly complex? Maybe not. But impossible to put down? Pretty much.
Green apple and stony hints on the nose followed by zesty lime notes of intense citrus and grapefruit wrapped in well balanced, keen acidity with assertive minerality through the mid-palate to a lingering close.
Shows surprisingly intense scent of lime with background tropical fruit notes. Pure lime hits the palate first, together with lemon, gritty mineral and vibrant acidity. Pure crisp clean flavours call for grilled seafoods or lightly spiced oriental dishes.
15 months of barrel aging adds depth and some complexity to this velvety smooth wine. There is plenty of ripe berry and currant fruit with good weight, deft balance and a lick of milk chocolate.