Anyone can look up Parker or Wine Spectator and talk about great and expensive wines… the 1er Cru’s of Bordeaux, the Romanee Conti’s etc. Yes I’ve even collected a few which are maturing in a cellar in London, which in time I hope to bring them out for special occasions with friends. However a better challenge I think is finding comparable wines, with something of the sophistication and structure of the more expensive wines but at every day prices so can be drunk readily. Unlike most other wine blogs, I am only going to include the ones that I want to remember and would buy again rather than reviewing everything we try.
Reds
- The Chocolate Block
- Ravenswood – Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitniers Blend)
- Francesco Borgogno – Langhe Nebbiolo (2005)
- Bogle Petite Syrah
- Castle Rock – Pinot Noir (2007)
- Maipe, Malbec (Mendoza): Very cheap for 90 points from RP
- Catena, Malbec (Mendoza)
- Marques de Murietta, Tinto Reserva – Rioja
To try…
- 2007 Colosi Nero D’avola
- 2006 Quiteria Loma Gorda
- Chateau Cote Montpezat 2000
- Antonin Rodet, Pinot Noir 2007
- 2005 Artesa Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros (93 points)
- 2005 Torres Cabernet Sauvignon Penedès Mas La Plana Black Label (WS90)
- COS, Cerasuolo di Vittoria – 2007 (Astoria)
Whites
- Mulderbosch – Chenin Blanc
- Pride Mountain – Viognier
- Seven Hills – Viognier
- Babich – Sauvignon Blanc
To try…
- Veramone Wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Reserva)
- 2006 Russiz Superiore Pinot Bianco
- 2007 Shaw And Smith M3 Chardonnay (93 points WS)
- Bonterra 2007 Viognier, Mendocino Lake
Sauternes (Desert Wines)
- Noble One – De Bortoli
Some other interesting links
Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines 2008
Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines 2007
Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines 2006
Wine Enthusiast Magazine – Editor Choices
Here’s a neat wine pairing guide, although I would not suggest using it as a bible as I don’t necessarily agree with all the categorisation.
