Reviews

  • Greasy Fingers Luscious Red

    Greasy Fingers Luscious Red

    The 2022 vintage of the new Greasy Fingers range from Pernod Ricard UK is a new addition to a portfolio that includes familiar names such as Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh. This wine is shy about its origins and the offering is more about branding – the country, Australia, is written very small on the back. Tailored for the food-loving, younger demographic, a challenging target considering the waning wine enthusiasm younger drinkers, this range aims to slice through the richness of greasy foods, making it a companion for the likes of fries and burgers. The name ‘Greasy Fingers’ is…

  • Canyon Springs Old Vine Zinfandel

    Canyon Springs Old Vine Zinfandel

    The Canyon Springs Old Vine Zinfandel 2020 is bottled and cellared by the rather elusive Eagle Rock Vineyards, as I couldn’t find much about them online. However, with a commendable 3.9 score on Vivino, it’s clear this wine is popular among tasters. At first, the wine greets you with an inviting bouquet of red berries. The taste is a mix of fruit and oak accompanied by undertones of blackcurrant, vanilla and chocolate. The Telegraph’s comparison to black wine gums is spot on. Despite its full-bodied nature, this Zinfandel shies away from boldness, favouring a softer approach due to its unusually…

  • La Toile Vierge

    La Toile Vierge

    La Toile Vierge, a French wine, comes in both red and white varieties. Despite being classified under the seemingly modest Vin de France appellation, these wines transcend their classification, proving that sometimes, greater freedom for the winemaker can yield better results. The red variant is based on Grenache and is medium bodied. It is highly aromatic, with a red berry fragrance being particularly notable. The person behind this wine is Iain Munson MW, an accomplished winemaker with a wealth of experience. His journey began with studies in Oenology at Montpellier in 1993, but it wasn’t until 2000 that he ventured…

  • Le Zeitgeist Trident

    Le Zeitgeist Trident

    Le Zeitgeist Trident 2022, created by winemaker Eric Lanxade, is a representation of the terroir found in the French Pyrenees. Rated 3.7 on Vivino, this wine benefits from the alluvial river plains that contribute to its minerally rich soils. These conditions, coupled with the cooling influence of the Pyrenees, create an ideal environment for the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc. Colombard and Gros Manseng in this blend. Originating from the IGP Cotes de Gascogne and fashioned in a modern style, the inclusion of Colombard introduces a zest and zing to the palate, Gros Manseng adds layers of complexity and Sauvignon Blanc…

  • Sparkling Wines From Three Continents

    Sparkling Wines From Three Continents

    The 2023 holiday season gave me the opportunity to try a few affordable Champagne and sparkling wines from three different continents: Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne is a great example of how quality and affordability can come together. Despite the Co-op’s discretion about its origins, it’s an open secret that this champagne is produced by Piper-Heidsieck, a fact underscored by its Silver Award at the International Wine Challenge and a high score of 92 from Decanter, acknowledging Régis Camus of Piper-Heidsieck for its creation. The champagne opens with a toasty, buttery nose, setting the stage…

  • Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

    Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

    Having been slightly disappointed with Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin in recent years, I approached this new 2023 vintage with hope. Upon tasting, the first thing you notice is its robust passion fruit aroma, a hallmark of classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which remains pronounced even at refrigeration temperature. The palate is greeted with a harmonious blend of tropical fruits, citrus and a distinct note of passion fruit. Unlike some of its contemporaries, this wine doesn’t overwhelm with complexity. Instead, it offers a clear, focused taste experience. The 2023 vintage has pleasantly surprised me, rekindling the essence of what…

  • Skipper’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc

    Skipper’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc

    Skipper’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc, a 2022 vintage created winemaker Andrea Maxwell, is an example of her expertise gained from a Viticulture & Oenology degree at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The decision to harvest this particular parcel earlier than usual has paid dividends, imbuing the wine with vibrant, fresh herbaceous notes, complemented by a pleasant natural acidity that elevates its character. This Sauvignon Blanc, intriguingly coming from South Eastern Australia, deviates from the typical regions known for this varietal. It presents a refreshing surprise for enthusiasts accustomed to the Sauvignon Blancs of New Zealand, France, Chile and South Africa.…

  • Virgin Wines 2023 Advent Calendar

    Virgin Wines 2023 Advent Calendar

    You might have noticed that I’ve been focusing quite a bit on Virgin Wines reviews lately. This is because I’ve been exploring the wines in the Virgin Wines’ Mixed 2023 Advent calendar. Those that are worth mentioning, include: While the 2023 Advent calendar itself is no longer on sale, many of the wines I’ve reviewed can still be purchased individually. Additionally, several are available in bottle cases, with options including red, white, or a mix of both. Small bottles provide a great way into the Virgin Wines collection.

  • Borrowdale Shiraz Cabernet

    Borrowdale Shiraz Cabernet

    The Borrowdale Shiraz Cabernet 2021, from Australia and crafted by winemaker David King, presents a interesting blend that marries the distinct characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This wine, a part of the 2023 Virgin Wines advent calendar and also featured in the mini bottle red case, offers a unique experience that sits comfortably between the two varietals. The fruity notes are prominent, creating dual flavours that are both familiar and intriguing. On the palate, it strikes a good balance, leaning towards a medium body. While this blend is certainly enjoyable for a one-off tasting, it might not entirely satisfy…

  • Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon

    Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon

    The Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is made by Grant Burge in Australia. This 2021 vintage, with a blend of Cinsault and Petit Verdot, offers a unique twist to the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been rated 4.0 on Vivino, reflecting its quality and popularity among wine lovers. The 2020 vintage of this wine was commended by the International Wine Challenge. This has a dark, purple-edged appearance, indicative of its full-bodied nature. On the palate, it presents a mix of blackcurrant, mint and dark chocolate, creating a rich flavour profile. Compared to a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, it is less tannic…

  • 16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz

    16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz

    16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz 2022, created by winemaker Steve Grimley from McLaren Vale in Australia, is a wine that has earned some accolades, including the LWA 2022 Gold and the Customer Poll 2019 People’s Choice award. It also has a rating of 3.8 on Vivino which reflects its popularity. This Shiraz starts with cherry notes. It strikes a balance between boldness and subtlety, making it an approachable choice for a wide range of palates. The oak, toffee and coffee undertones add depth and complexity, while the red fruit elements bring a refreshing vibrancy. A key characteristic of this wine…

  • Tu Yo Tres Cabernet Franc

    Tu Yo Tres Cabernet Franc

    The Tu Yo Tres Cabernet Franc 2022 is a result of the expertise and passion of winemaker Carlos Torres Silva. With over four decades of experience, Silva, a former key figure at Concha y Toro, has truly outdone himself with this Chilean gem. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Curico Valley, nestled along the picturesque Rio Claro river, this wine is a product of a challenging yet rewarding year. The 2022 harvest, shaped by drought and soaring temperatures, resulted in a lower yield. However, this scarcity has heightened the quality of the wine, surpassing its predecessors in depth and character.…

  • The Watchmaker Tourbillion Malbec

    The Watchmaker Tourbillion Malbec

    The Watchmaker Tourbillion Malbec demonstrates the expertise of winemaker, Stephen Huse. With a prestigious background that includes stints at renowned Bordeaux wineries such as Châteaux Margaux and Mouton-Rothschild, as well as the acclaimed Harlan Estate in the USA, Huse brings a wealth of experience to this Argentinian offering. Originating from Mendoza, this Malbec is a blend of grapes from three distinct parcels: one near the town, another on the valley floor, and a third from the coveted slopes of Mount Tupungato. This careful selection of terroirs contributes to the wine’s unique character. It has been rated a respectable 3.9 on…

  • Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superoire

    Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superoire

    The Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore from Aldi uses the traditional Ripasso technique for an added richness and depth, a characteristic feature of the process where the wine undergoes a second fermentation. It’s created predominantly from 75% Corvina, complemented by 20% Corvinone and 5% Rondinella. I tried the 2021 vintage. Olly Smith noted the 2019 vintage had flavours of cloves, sweet cherry and an almond-like flourish. The 2021 iteration mirrors these flavour profiles, maintaining a similar taste. However, it does not entirely match the stature of any of the more premium wines I tasted in Amarone Calling. This version, though…

  • Pepperjack Shiraz

    Pepperjack Shiraz

    Pepperjack Shiraz 2021 from Barossa, Australia is a robust offering that is reflected in its strong 14.5% ABV. Pepperjack, since its inception in 1998 with Barossa Shiraz, has evolved, originally catering to an exclusive clientele in bars and restaurants before broadening its reach and acclaim. The 2020 vintage received favourable reviews, with James Button of Decanter highlighting its ripe blackcurrant notes and balsamic freshness, leading to a peppery, plummy finish. This new vintage has gone down well, securing a 3.9 rating on Vivino and earning a spot among Vivino’s top 24 South Australian Shiraz wines in the United Kingdom. I…

  • La Vieille Ferme Rosé

    La Vieille Ferme Rosé

    La Vieille Ferme Rosé is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Shiraz/Syrah. Despite its modest 3.6 rating on Vivino, it comes recommended by the Telegraph newspaper and proved to be a pleasant discovery. The wine has a floral aroma and the taste distinguishes itself with its dryness, a quality that isn’t always associated with rosé wines. The flavour is peachy/nectarine, offering a fresh and fruity experience that works well both as a standalone drink and as an accompaniment to food. This rosé is available at several major supermarkets in the UK, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Iceland, Morrisons and Asda. There…

  • Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red

    Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red

    The 2021 Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red from Aldi is made from the Touriga Nacional grape. Following the footsteps of its predecessor, the 2019 vintage, which Decanter praised for its ‘juicy brambles, liquorice and smoky tarry notes’, this wine maintains a high standard, scoring a respectable 3.8 on Vivino. On tasting, there’s red fruits. The wine is well-balanced, medium-bodied, with a taste very similar to that of the popular and ubiquitous Porta 6, perhaps intentionally so. When tasted back to back with the Porta 6, the Aldi version is slightly smoother despite having less alcohol at 13% rather than 13.5% for…

  • Produttori Primitivo di Manduria Riserva

    Produttori Primitivo di Manduria Riserva

    The 2019 vintage from Manduria’s Consorzio Produttori Vini showcases the deep-rooted history of the winery, founded in 1932. This year is proudly indicated on the label. This full-bodied wine, with its robust 14.5% alcohol content, is also suitable for vegans. The wine has been carefully aged in oak barrels for at least nine months, a process that has imparted a complexity and structure. The nose is rich with dark berry fruit, where blackberry and fig notes are predominant, followed by an undercurrent of liquorice. The high alcohol content is well-integrated, providing silky tannins that contribute to a good length and…

  • Masso Antico Negroamaro

    Masso Antico Negroamaro

    The Masso Antico Negroamaro from Salento, Puglia, comes with a reputation that sets high expectations. Awarded a gold medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2021 and rated 4.1 on Vivino, not to mention its IWSC bronze, this organic wine certainly has a lot to live up to. Upon uncorking, the first thing that strikes you is the colour—a youthful and thin hue that suggests a relatively young vintage, although the bottle doesn’t specify the year. The bouquet is advertised as intense, but I found it less so, lacking the robustness one might expect from a Negroamaro, a grape…

  • Triade Rosso IGT Puglia

    Triade Rosso IGT Puglia

    Triade Rosso is a interesting red wine from Puglia in Italy. This blend combines three grape varieties: Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Nero di Troia. The result is a wine that is deep red in colour, offering a different type of complexity. On the nose, the wine greets you with a bouquet of blueberries, dark cherries, cinnamon and black pepper. The taste is pleasing and spicy, with subtle hints of chocolate and oak that add depth to the flavour. The wine has gained a 3.8 rating on Vivino, which suggests it has been well-received. As someone who counts Primitivo and Negroamaro among…

Did You Know?

Nearly a third (32%) of UK consumers say they have already used AI for alcoholic drinks advice. More

Among socially active wine buyers, 37% have bought a wine recommended online. More

In 2026, 72% of consumers now think wine knowledge is essential to appreciation, up 20 percentage points on 2025. More

Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More

Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More

People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More

In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More

UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More

For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More

Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More

Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More

A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More

Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More

In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More

In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More

In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More

In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More

Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More

Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More

In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More

Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More

8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More

Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More

Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More

Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More

Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More

During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More

In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More

In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More

In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More

In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More

In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More

In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More

Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More

In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More

In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More

In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More

The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More

Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More

Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More

In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More

The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More

90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More

IMAGE WALL