Latest wine notes

A selection of various wines tasted over the last few weeks. Some times you go through periods when you seem to taste one disappointing wine after another and some times the exact opposite. And this was one of those periods when the opposite took place. Lots of very good wine. Three of the cuff from supermarkets and one from the cellar. So in chronological order.

Honey Tree 2005
Gewurztraminer Riesling, South E. Australia

This is from M&S at £6.99. This was a very much random choice we were after a reisling but then Nancy saw this one. And a good choice she made. The wine, in a blend never seen in Europe, really worked well here. The classic signitures of both grapes (thats Gewutz and Riesling) come throug clearly. It pours into a bright lime green. On the nose its floral and citric with a hint of oaky vanilla. On tasting this gives way to the tell tell lychee taste of Gewurz added with a touch of melon. Touch of tea. A light easy fresh wine. Good. 7.5/10.

Mt. Billy, Harmony 2003, Barossa Valley, South Australia

This was a wine we had picked up from a Noel Young Australian wine tasting. We meet the wine maker John Edwards (pictured below) handlebar et al.

This was a serious wine that is made from 80 year old vines and spends 2 years maturing in oak barrels. This is reflected in the price £19.99, that is if you can get hold of any. Its made from the classic rhone blend of Shiraz, Monverdre and Grenache. Deep dark plummy depth give way to a truely fantasic nose. Powerful, complex sweet, plum, chocolate. The taste is smooth with an explosion of spice, chocolate, pepper fruits. A truely wonderful wine. 9/10.

Seleccion Especial 2005, Shiraz, San Juan, Argentina.

This shiraz is from the Finest range at Tesco and sells from £5.99 (I think). South American shiraz/ syrah is all the rage at the moment for good reason, its good. Ful of spice and pepper. Some tannins but in balance to a easy but meaty drink. Good. 7.5/10.

Leasingham, Magnus 2005, Riesling. Clare Valley.

This typical Aussie riesling is young bright and full. Its also refreshing to pick up a wine that weighs in at 12.5%. The nose is citric and full of petrol (this is a good thing) with a hint of biscuit. The taste just confirms with kerosin and floral lime. Quite acidic and worked well with sea food, and I expect spicy food (good curry wine). Good young Riesling. 8/10.