Decanter World Wine Awards 2004 - Silver Winners

Abadía Retuerta Pago Valdebellón, Sardón de Duero 2000

Red

Ripe Tempranillo and good intensity. Very ripe fruit, nice weight, finesse but still quite lovely and rich. Up to 3 years.

UK price:£52.75 C&D

US price:$80.00 Fine Estates from Spain 001 781 461 5767

Abbaye Sylva Plana Le Songe de l'Abbé 2001

Red

Deep ruby. Sweet smoky peppery fruit nose. Juicy raspberry grenadine. Ripe peppery raspberry fruit, firm mineral flavours, well balanced structure with long finish. Now

Adami Vigneto Giardino 2003

White

Typical – grassy, asparagus. Nice balance, soft, fruity finish.

UK price:£10.00 Ast

Adega Cooperativa de Cantanhede Beiras Vineyards - Baga 2003

Red

Deep red steel purple. Good fruit, chocolatey tobacco, vanilla. Good acidity, good tannins and middle palate, fresh fruit finish. 2–5 years.

African Terroir Cape Soleil Organic Shiraz 2003

Red

Dark ruby. Peppery nose. Some sweet red fruits. Smoky, chalky, oak. Sweet tobacco and chocolate. Very spicy on palate, ripe fruit. White pepper. Sweet red fruits. Quite Syrah/Grenache/Rhôneish. Elegant style. Good acidity and excellent length and balance. 2–5 years.

Agricola Gavioli Stoiato dell'Astrone 1995

White

Bitter almonds, figs, burnt orange. Citrus notes mingled with figs, dates. Long finish.

Agricole Vallone Vigna Flaminio 2003

Rosé

Deep medium satin rose. Nose deep centre. Unusual ripw wine, chocolate good. Palate firm and rounded long and quite complex. Now

Albert Mann Tokay Pinot Gris, Altenbourg, Sélection de Grains Nobles 2001

White

Rich, powerful nose. Very concentrated. Elegant and long. Clean fruit and great balance.

UK price:£37.95 No retailer listed

Albert Mann Tokay Pinot Gris, Hengst 2002

White

Clean, fresh, good concentration. Off-dry. Good wine concentration and length. Good balance in a sweeter style.

UK price:£13.95 L&W, Vod

Albert Mann Riesling Schlossberg 2001

White

Pale golden. Mineral fresh and classic. A dry and steady mineral palate with clean flavour and very good length. Fine texture, a very good Riesling. 2–5 years.

UK price:£13.45 L&W, Vod

Albert Sounit Grésigny 2002

White

Attractive pure gold. Ripe, fresh, rich, appetising. Full, tannins, well integrated with lemony length. Drink now.

UK price:£16.99 EnW

Alberto Siegel Gran Crucero Carmenère 2001

Red

Warm inviting bramble/cedar. Some wild fruit/cassis/leaf. Elegant mid weight.

UK price:£11.99 Ads, T&S

US price:$20.00 Marie Brizard 0018002475982

Alexandra Bridge Wines 101 Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

Very nice ripe character. Ripe fruit and sweet oak, earthy. Cherry, balance, ripe, sweet, full character, oak. Up to 2 years.

Alexandra Bridge Wines Shiraz 2002

Red

Black-purple, deep. Good berry richness and complex, subtle spice and pepper. Lovely, juicy, ripe and opulent, chewy and spicy, peppery. 2–7 years.

Allegrini La Grola 2001

Red

Oaky, bitter. Has concentration. Some bitterness at back – dark chocolate, coffee – sweet fruit and balance.

UK price:£13.95 Lib

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2001

Red

Infused – classic forthcoming modern style. Juicy, ripe berry fruit, rich flavour. Slick, modern and beautiful finish.

UK price:£12.99 Lib

Alpha Estate Alpha 1 2002

Red

Big, earthy, lots of clean fruit. Smoky. Big succulent flavour, lots of ripe fruit, good tannins and acidity. Up to 5 years.

Anakena Onas, Viognier, Riesling, Chardonnay 2003

White

Clean, intense flavours of lime, peach, pear. Hint of wood. Clean cream from oak dominates. Viognier’s exotic note gives lively flavour. Good use of Riesling for acid. Up to 2 years.

Antiche Cantine Brema Bricco della Volpettona 2001

Red

Intense dusky fruit, plummy, warm, more cherry. Intense, deep, fruity, rounded, soft, fresh. Drink now.

Antinori Pian delle Vigne 1998

Red

Fragrant nose, spicy fruit, coconut – long, intense aroma. Fresh, soft tannins. Fragrant, crispy black fruit. Long, juicy.

UK price:£35.00 BWC

Antonin Rodet Domaine des Perdrix, Aux Perdrix 2001

Red

Very deep purple. Medium-ripe fruit. Very Pinot with ripe oak. Full, mouthfilling, rich and long. Superb balance and typicity. Great wine for 2001 vintage.

UK price:£32.00 RBa, Feb

US price:$45.00 WS Deutsch & Sons 001 914 251 9463

Aveleda Touriga Nacional, Aguieira 2002

Red

Opulent floral aromas. Very pure and fine. Very fine, rich, voluptuous fruit. Wonderful depth, breadth and texture. Ripe, round tannins and powerful length. Very, very good.

UK price:£15.00 Pgl

US price:$28.00 Fatima Pereira 001 401 7230 590

Avignonesi Desiderio 1999

Red

Firm but ripe tannins, good acid, lots of berry fruit, good length. 3–7 years.

UK price:£38.95 No retailer listed

US price:$50.00 Dalla Terra Napa CA 001 707 259 540

Azienda Agricola Cavazza Capitel Santa Libera 2001

White

Honeyed, with some spicy oak, apricots and almonds. Sweet, luscious. Long length.

Azienda Agricola Inama Sainbury's Classic Selection 2002

White

Pale - medium gold. Light, complex, activity with plenty of depth and some individual floral note. Honey, bringing palete, super integration back - little complexity but very good. Now - 3 years

UK price:£7.99 Sai

Azienda Agricola Poliziano Le Stanze del Poliziano 2000

Red

Fresh, vibrant cassis. Silky fine tannins. Fine structure, firm balance, acidity. Good persistence. Elegant wine.

UK price:£35.49 EnW

Azienda Agricola Querceto di Castellina Podalirio 2001

Red

Rich, smoky vanilla cream and strawberry-cherry aromas. Gripping acidity. 2–5 years.

US price:$15.50 WJ Deutsch & Sons 001914 251 3209/Vinity Wine Company 001 510 601 6010

Azienda Agricola San Lorenzo Vigneto di Solleone 2001

Red

Fruity nose. Hint of tar notes. Rich, supple ripe fruit, multi layered.

UK price:£15.99 No retailer listed

US price:$29.99 Domaine Select + 1 212 279 0799

Azienda Agricola Santa Lucia Riserva Le More 2000

Red

Juicy nose. Mouthfilling, very individual, stylish, complex cherry. Lots of flavour.

UK price:£19.50 B&T

US price:$30.00 Michael Skurmk Wines Inc (+516 6779300)

Barone Pizzini Bagnadore 1999

White

Intense – stylish. biscuity, complex wine – good combination and length.

Barone Ricasoli Campo Ceni 2002

Red

Firm red. Pure fruit – clean, acidic. Rich, ripe – high fruit. Very enjoyable.

UK price:£10.99 EnW

Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz 2001

Red

Very attractive ripe fruit nose. Rich and sweet, very good bakance for a wine of this price.

UK price:£7.99 Asd,Saf

Bassermann Jordan Kalkofen Deidesheim Riesling 2002

White

Light yellow. Lovely perfumed, honeyed floral nose. Delicious attractive honeyed rose petal flavours. Excellent breadth, soft granny smith apples, nice length, rich and clear. 5–10 years.

UK price:£11.05 WBn

Bava 2003

Rosé

Dark pink. Begamont nose, shavings and red berry confiture rounded and candy floss. Palate sweet and rich, great balance and ripeness long. Now

Beaulieu Vineyards Beauzeau, Signet Collection 2001

Red

Vibrant oxidative style with blueberry. A little disjointed, lovely flavours, but a little drying, acidity fine.

US price:$25.00 Diageo Château & Estate

Belle Vallée Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Deep ruby. Blackberry, ripe cherry and colour with lots of oak. Lasting finish. Up to 10 years.

US price:$35.25 Joe Wright 001 541 231 7969

Bellingham Spitz, Merlot 2002

Red

Deep red, opaque. Fragrant, bright Merlot fruit. Savoury notes. Chunky wine, promises a lot on mid-palate, oak-dominated finish. Full. 2–5 years.

Benziger Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Garnet; Spice, cola, rich; rich, solid, light, tannin, good cheery fruit. Now

US price:$17.00 Kobrand Corporation tel +1 212 692 4718

Beringer Blass Wine Estates Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2003

White

Good yeasty, refined barrel fermented and leesy. White pear, subtle undergrowth, good oak. Lovely balance with nutty, leesy feel and refined elegance. A touch firm but good. 2–7 years.

UK price:£11.99 Maj, Ths

Beringer Blass Wine Estates Beringer Vineyards, Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Red to pinkish red. Leather, cherry cough drops, mint. Medium body, acidity, tannins, balanced, dusty, medium length, brown spice. 2–5 years.

UK price:£12.99 WvD

Beringer Blass Wine Estates Annie's Lane Semillon 2003

White

Bright clear; Good aromatic, fresh, lively "pure fruit"; Really citrusy and long. Strong regional flavours. Now

UK price:£6.99 Odd, Saf

Beringer Blass Wine Estates Baileys 1920's Block Shiraz 2000

Red

Very bright deep red. Spicy, cinamon; Rich, soft- loads alcoholic.

UK price:£9.99 Odd

Beringer Blass Wine Estates Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

Moderate depth; Fresh, lifted, touch burnish; Ripe, balanced, definition is lighter.

UK price:£7.99 Asd, Maj, Tes, Unw, Saf

Beyerskloof Synergy Cape Blend Reserve 2001

Red

Opaque-dense. Inky, crushed oyster shells, very powerful primary aromas. Minty, fruity taste. Soft and supple. Very chunky, Mohammed Ali style. Big bruiser of a wine. 5 years+.

UK price:£20.00 Rai

Blackstone Chardonnay 2002

White

Light yellow, bright. Aromatic. Bright, balanced, moderate depth, citrus, some layers. Well integrated. 2–5 years.

UK price:£15.99 MCW

US price:$18.00

Bodega Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2002

White

Pale gold.Pear drops, lemons, green fruits, slightly yeasty, touch of vanilla, harmonised.Nice, modern, melon and peach scented chardonnay with very good oak integration. Harmonious and well-made, with good length and balance. A lovely drink.Now - 2

UK price:£9.99 No retailer listed

Bodega Mustiguillo Finca Terrerazo 2001

Red

Very dark purple. Lovely rich fruit, ripe perfume. Wonderful fruit, nice crisp tannins. Excellent length. Up to 10 years.

UK price:£19.95 Lib

US price:$20.00 Eric Solomon (European cellar)

Bodega Norton Norton Privada 2002

Red

Opaque brooding youthful colour.Ripe, spicy, black fruit nose, heady, pure.Succulent and fleshy soft yet beautifully balanced. Fine velvety tannins with gentle spice and vanilla flavours combining with generous ripe plummy fruit in a long finish.Now

UK price:£9.99 BWC

US price:$18.00 The Hess Colelction 001 707 255 1144

Bodega San Pedro Vallobera 1998

Red

Darker than average. Classic. Lots of fruit, generous, long. Needs time. 5–10 years.

UK price:£11.95 GWW

Bodegas Aragonesas La Riada old Vines Garnacha 2002

Red

Some bronzy but good depth. good fruit. Nice high fruit jammy.quite elegant fruit.strength with real length. 2-5

UK price:£4.99 Thr

Bodegas Arzuaga Gran Arzuaga 2002

Red

Opaque red. Classic, needed a little time and development. Opulent, very well balanced, tannic flavours. 5–10 years.

Bodegas Callia Syrah-Bonarda, Callia Alta 2003

Red

Youthful, vibrant violet/purple.Nice, good varietal character. Not over-oaked, smoky, perfumed.Attractive, textured, elegant syrah and well handled oak and sweet tannins.Now - 2

Bodegas Durón Durón Reserva, Colección, Zarcillo de Oro, Reserva 1996

Red

Deep red with some browning. Good development. A smooth drink. Drink now.

Bodegas Luis Cañas Amaren Reserva, Tempranillo 1999

Red

Cherry red. Coffee, oak. Flavoursome but missing a touch of acid. 3 years.

UK price:£24.99 All

Bodegas Marco Real Señorio de Andión 2001

Red

Cherry red. Elegant toasty oak. Excellent, smooth, balanced. 2–5 years.

UK price:£19.95 Oak

Bodegas Murúa Veguin De Murúa 1995

Red

Developed cinnamon, cocoa, sweet plum, complex. Dry, lots of spicy tannins. Lovely cherry bramble fruit. Long. 2–5 years.

Bodegas Ramón Bilbao Mirto 2001

Red

Very deep red. Clean but undeveloped. This has quality. Still in its infancy. Oak very pronounced. 5–10 years.

US price:$43.00 William Grant & Son (732 225 59000)

Bodegas Ramón Bilbao 1996

Red

Ruby red. Oak, tobacco. Excellent, agreeable and a long finish.

US price:$40.00 William Grant & Son (732 225 59000)

Bodegas Tobía 2000

Red

Spicy, dark cherries on nose. Full-bodied character, spicy style, quite well made. 2–5 years.

Bodegas y Viñedos Santa Emiliana Organic Mareante Hill Cabernet Merlot 2002

Red

inky.Clean, bit confected on the palate. Perhaps due to the oak.Soft, ripe and relatively elegant for such concentration. Now - 4

UK price:£6.99 M&S

Brigaldara 1999

Red

Intense. Full of concentration, powerful.

UK price:£30.00 Vin, Evy, Har

Brokenwood Forest Edge Chardonnay, Vineyard Selection 2002

White

Golden bright. Complex, barrel fermented. Worked style, long, multi dimensional. Drink now.

UK price:£12.95 Lib

Brookfield Vineyards Cabernet Merlot, Reserve Vintage 2002

Red

Deep ruby. Black fruit, cedar. Aromatic; blackcurrant. Supple, sweet fruit, well structured and balanced. Up to 5 years.

C Da Silva Presidential V 2000

Red

Good dark, rich colour. Attractive ripe fruit. Mouth quite full and peppery. Reasonably long.

Cairnbrae The Stones Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Mid lemon; Sherbet; Sweet and steel. Good linearity of flavour profile. Smooth texture hints of some complexity. Sweetness of fruit and harmony of structure. Classic Marlborough style, pungent, clean. Now

UK price:£7.99 Hba

US price:$13.99 Michael Skurnik wines Inc 516 677 9300

Calem 1983

Red

Pale bright. Spice, herbal notes. Elegant wine. Long fruit finish. Very good – not really at peak! 5–10 years.

Caliterra Arboleda Carmenère 2002

Red

Deepish.Quite a rich nose in terms of fruit and oak.Lovely wine! Complex, rich and good oak integration and sweet fruit concentration. Harmonious, balanced, silky tannins. Good length and complexity. Textbook conceive.now

UK price:£7.99 Wmb, VII, Luv, DBy, Fah

US price:$15.00 Robert Mondavi Imports Tel: +1 707 226 1395

Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

medium ruby. Soft nose. Bit green. Bit stretched confected middle but also quite inviting. Simple red fruit style. Not too hot at finish.now

UK price:£6.99 Wmb, VII, Luv, DBy, Fah

Càntele Trulli Chardonnay 2002

White

UK price:£4.99 Sai,Unw

Cape Mentelle Semillon Sauvignon 2003

White

Nice herbaceous fruity nose. Youthful fruit. Good richness and complexity. Should develop well.

UK price:£10.00 Wai

US price:$14.99 Clicquot Inc 001 212 888 7575

Capel Vale Wines Unwooded Chardonnay 2003

White

Pale; Fresh, creamy, touch of spice, tropical and pineappley; Firm depth on palate, clean, well balanced with a touch of breadiness on finish. Good length. 2-10

UK price:£6.49 N/A UK

Carl Schmitt-Wagner Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett 2003

White

Lime. Excady, yeasity spirit. Lovely full, great balance, good acidity. 2-5

US price:$17.00 Michael Skurnik Wines +1 516 677 9300

Carlos Serres Onomástica 1995

Red

Vanilla, meaty undergrowth. Dry, full bodied and spice, well-integrated tannins, chocolate, long. 2–5 years.

UK price:£14.00 LPh

Casa Girelli Virtuoso 2001

Red

UK price:£9.99 Odd, EWA, Thr, Vll, Pek

US price:$9.99 FWI

Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2001

Red

Elegant again though a touch alcoholic. Good use/choice of acid to tame the fruit. Refreshing big style.

UK price:£37.50 Sai, Unc, Gdh, Far, RdV, Har, Sel

US price:$60.00 Schieffelin & Somerset +1 212 251 8426

Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Syrah 2002

Red

Green fruit, restrained but noticeable oak, light spice. Elegant and attractive. Good balance of leesy and oaky character on palate. Good structure and length. Drink now.

UK price:£28.00 No retailer listed

US price:$19.00 Schieffelin & Somerset +1 212 251 8426

Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Merlot 2001

Red

Attractive, herbaceous. Very concentrated, elegant, refreshing but very deep. Very good example. Needs time.

UK price:£12.99 Maj,Thr,Sai,Bth,EWG,Sel,Hic,BlB

US price:$19.00 Schieffelin & Somerset +1 212 251 8426

Casella Estate Yellow Tail Reserve Pinot Gris 2003

White

Lovely yellow green; Attractive fruit, PG; Good, fresh floral, good balance. 5-10

UK price:£6.99 Msn

Casella Estate Yellow Tail Shiraz Cabernet 2002

Red

Mid red; Oak lift, overipe shiraz. Chocolatey, shiraz and liquorice. Soft and round. Now -2

UK price:£4.99 No retailer listed

Castellblanch Rosado NV

Rosé

Dry Rosado. Agreeable but not penetrating. Considerable character with good length. Now

UK price:£5.99 M&S

Castello Banfi 1999

Red

Ripe, fruity, perfumed oak. Sweet oak, morello cherry fruit. Will improve.

UK price:£32.00 Vin, Evy, Res

US price:$66.00 Banfi Vintners (+1 516 6269200)

Castello di Meleto 2001

Red

Nicely firm, but will evolve very well. Bright acid and good length.

UK price:£12.80 Lai

Castello di Poppiano 2000

Red

Deep garnet. Emyole, modern explosive modern style. Good concentration of ripe flowers - vibrant rich, intense, excellent balance. 2-5

UK price:£9.95 GWW, MoC

US price:$21.49 AIMC Co INC; Allied Beverage Group; Classic Wines Import; Continental Divide; Gourmet Gallery;

Catena Cabernet Sauvignon, Agrelo Vineyards 2000

Red

Medium cherry-garnet.Developed, chocolatey nose. Intense and fairly complex.Notably sweet fruit character, bright fruit, fresh acidity , fine tannins. Ripe, medium-weight, very lively. Vigorous, long finish.Now

UK price:£9.99 No retailer listed

Cave de Prissé Les Monts 2002

White

Yellow. Low toned - strong terrois nose - some breadth/character. Ripe mid palate. Some weight, mid concentration of fruit. Brighter; spice, good. Now- 1 year.

UK price:£7.50 M&S

Cave de Roquebrun Seigneur d'Aupenac 2001

Red

Very full, intense. Lovely red garrigue ‘tapenade’. Real character. Ample, lush, lovely, violets. Real concentration and a mass of wild herbal fruit. Drink now+.

Cave de Roquebrun Domaine de la Mouline 2003

Red

Deep purple. Stunningly forward nose, pot pourri of Herbes de Provence. Great fruit, intense mineral oak, character, firm tannin - great style. 2-5

Cave de Turckheim Radcliffes Gewurztraminer 2002

White

Deep straw. Honeyed and cinnamon spice now. Off-dry but lovely complexity. Really good lengths of fruit and spice and acidity. Long finish. Now

UK price:£7.99 Thr

Cave des Vignerons de Chablis 2002

White

Pale yellow/green. Quite full, citrousy, clear, fine. Very pure, good concentration, lively good mineral, firm acidity, balanced, long. Very good.2-5 years

Cave Spring Cellars Icewine Riesling 2001

Red

Intense honeyed apricots. Rich, intense, honeyed with good balancing acidity. Full bodied and fat. Drink now.

UK price:£24.95 BBR

US price:$50.00 Nial Haden & Assoc

CAVIT Aréle, Vino Santo 1995

White

Intense orange blossoms. Rich and concentrated. Lovely. Drink now.

UK price:£35.00 MeW

Cecilia Beretta Terre di Cariano 1999

Red

Cherry liqueur on palate, peach, dried fruit, if one can say that, almost delicate.

UK price:£28.00 C&B

Cesar Pisano E Hijos Pisano RPF Tannat 2003

Red

Inky purple. Youthful primary fruit. Casis and plum. Attractive palate has ripe youthful refreshing tannin and decent length

UK price:£9.95 Wai

US price:$17.50 Aventures in Wine 0014154670130

Chanson Père & Fils Hauts Marconnets 2002

White

Interesting bouquet of stony, flinty, peachy fruit, minerals. Cool, mineral. Quite intense, concentrated, a touch rustic at the finish but complex. Up to 2 years.

UK price:£12.99 Men

Charles Heidsieck Cuvée 'Champagne Charlie' 1985

White

Light yellow/straw. Evolves. Good character. 2–5 years.

UK price:£85.00 Max

US price:$125.00 Remy Amerique 001 212 399 4200

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, Mis en Cave en 1998 NV

White

Fresh, creamy fruit. Some biscuity complexity. Really quite impressive.

UK price:£23.49 Tes

Château Beau Rivage Le Phare de Château Beau Rivage 2000

Red

Warm, earthy, vivid, full, soft, creamy, long on the nose. Deep textured, perfumed blackcurrant and blackberry. Good depth and charge of fruit. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£28.00 OBr

Château Beau-Site Cru Bourgeois 2001

Red

Dense, oaky nose. Rich, well balanced, fleshy finish, tannins, plenty of ripe fruit, long across the palate and long to finish. Stylish, complete, very good. 5–10 years.

Château Bernadotte Cru Bourgeois 2000

Red

Complex oaky mineral nose. Fruit and spice. Beautifully elegant. 2–5 years.

UK price:£12.20 F&R, L&W, SWA

US price:$22.00 USKWS; USSWS; USWAL

Château Bousquette Cuvée Prestige 2001

Red

Very full, intense. Plenty of concentration, richness, spice, character, warmth. Ample, lifting, ripe and generous. Good rich fruit. Drink now.

US price:$26.00 Organic Wine Co, San Francisco 001 415 256 8888

Château Citran Cru Bourgeois 1998

Red

Nice mature, rich and convincing. Flavours are developing well and will make a good finish. 2–5 years.

Château Clos De La Tour 2003

Red

Purple/black. Lovely meaty merlow scents over sweet plum fruits. Juicy fruit, excellent concentration, vivid; spicy finish-stylish and exuberant wine. Now to 2 years.

UK price:£5.99 Soon Available

Château de Bernadon 2000

Red

Promising red-black. Lovely ripe come hither currant and bramble fruit. Dense, ripe with sweet fruited, complex, wellmade, with finness. Judged tannic mass and persistent finish. Satisfying and good chocolatey finish. Now - 2 years

Château de Côme 2000

Red

Dark red ruby. Restrained elegance. Spice, oak, fruit in fine balance. Long and strong. 5–10 years.

Château de Fesles "la Chapelle" 2002

White

Mid yellow. Some honey. Crisp and fresh with lovely honeyed fruit. Good depth of flavour. Elegant style, with good length and balance. 2–10 years.

Château de Francs Les Cerisiers 2002

Red

Blackberry and cedar oak. Rich medium weight with a fine, firm tannin and fresh acidity. Elegant blackberry. 2–5 years.

UK price:£10.50 Haw

Château de la Garde 2001

Red

Dark rich ruby appearance. Fine oak scents and a good depth of ripe fruits. A well-funded modern style but with an excessive extraction. Balanced, harmonious, long finish. Now; 2-5

Château de Landiras 2001

White

Bright straw. Mellow, complex, but refined.Luscious, creamy, with touches of spice. A wine of class and distinction. Good length. Now

UK price:£9.99 MLK

Château de Parenchère Cuvée Raphael 2002

Red

Very dark and thick. Lush, sweet, dense cherry plums. Dense, spicy, earthy, vivid, intense fruits, power and intensity depth. Warm Close grains and masterful. Now

UK price:£8.85 Alx, Bcc

US price:$20.00 Stawle Co Inc (+1 561 998 0029)

Château de Surville 2001

Red

Purple-opaque. Deep, dark and brooding. Intense, extracted,good on tongue, superripe, interest but potential to improve over 5 years. Very very good. 2-5

UK price:£6.99 M&S

Château Dereszla Aszú Eszencia 1988

White

Green highlights. Green intensity/energy. Concentration is total. Complex wine dominated by its high acidity, exotic and glossy. Sexy posh spice! 5 years+.

Château Fonroque 2001

Red

Simple calm, restraint, prospect of quality. Superb, deep with refined fresh fruits. And very long, harmonious finish. 5–10 years.

Château Grivière Cru Bourgeois 2000

Red

Fine deep, dark ruby. Crafted, scented nose with deep fruit notes and complex oak/mineral characters. Ripe, almost jamming fruit with plenty of dimension the limit of ripness for this style.2-5

UK price:£9.99 AWW

US price:$16.99 USA Wine Imports 001 212 9417133

Château Guiot 2003

Red

Purple, Youthful inky nose. Peppery youthful exuberant fruit, fresh, vibrant, clean. Well-made. Now

UK price:£4.99 MWW

Château Henye 5 Puttonyos 2000

White

Classic young open, lime. Simple, developed, bright, good acid/sugar balance. Classic, complex. 5 years+.

Château l'Escart Cuvée Omar Khayam 2001

Red

Warm spray of fruits. Vivid and long. Fresh, floral. Soft, firm texturing here. Earthy, vivid, mouthfilling. Up to 5 years.

Château la Fleur Peyrabon 2000

Red

Scented, cedary nose, persistent, quite fruity. Elegantly balanced, integrated ripe fruit – rich tannins, good length. Stylish. 2–10 years.

UK price:£13.33 Mls

Château la Tourette 1997

Red

Developing fruit. Settled, steady maturity. Sweet/ripe and good balance. 2–5 years.

UK price:£18.95 GWW

Château Lascombes Chevalier de Lascombes 2001

Red

Lush, full, rich and mouthcoating. Subtle and understated, long, persistent, tapered blackcurrant fruits, soft, gravelly depth beneath. Graceful and good. Drink now.

UK price:£15.99 Wai

Château le Thil Comte Clary 2001

White

Toasty oak nose. Well balanced, fresh, dry, gently honeyed well-sustained flavours, good length. Good. 2–5 years.

UK price:£12.73 C&B

US price:$24.00 European Cellars 001 704 358 1565

Château les Grands Chênes Cru Bourgeois 2001

Red

Solid, confidently full fruit style. Very clear and impressive. Very modern style. Will develop very well as the balance is excellent and already at ease with itself.

Château Los Boldos Grand Cru 2000

Red

Ground coffee, slight smoky, and spicy notes, energy. Spicy, peppery, black fruit, fresh, holds up well, finish impressive

UK price:£21.99 HBJ

US price:$55.00 Dreyfus Ashby +1 212 818 0770

Château Lyonnat 2001

Red

Dark dense ruby. Fine scented wine. This is very interesting. Supple, elegant, flavoured, long with delicious fruit and nice ripe tannins. 2-5

UK price:£7.50 Rbs

US price:$12.00 Ex-cellars Wine Agencies 001 617 876 5105

Château Marbuzet Cru Bourgeois 2001

Red

Typical cedar. Nicely made. Good sweet/ripe style. Good tannins, and maturing very well. 5–10 years.

Château Moujan Cuvée La Vallière, La Clape 2001

Red

Deep ruby. Juicy, brambly, blackberry fruit. Broad, mineral, earthy fruit, mouthfilling black cherry and chocolate fruit, more grenadine style, characterful and classy. 2–5 years.

Château Passe Craby 2003

Rosé

Pale red lighting. Clean and fresh, nicely defined wallnuts. Lots of vivid fruits with a touch of class, too depths and soft weavy texture. Now

Château Petit Bocq 1998

Red

Deep, dense. Fine fruit and smoky nose. Luscious, ripe fruit and sweet oak. Very well judged. Long length. 2–5 years.

UK price:£12.90 J&B

Château Phélan Segur Frank-Phélan 2000

Red

Dark red. Dense, mineral infused; ripe fruited. Very well balanced, full bodied, hot, ripe, generous, fleshy, long across the palate, complex, long grained, and with succulent length. 5–10 years.

UK price:£18.00 Open Market

US price:$18.33 Palm Bay Imports, +1 800 872 56 21

Château Pichon Longueville Les Tourelles de Longueville 2001

Red

Dense tannic nose. Well balanced, slightly old-fashioned wine with firm, ripe fruit, soft mid palate, long finish, elegant, long term, but good new wine! 5–10 years.

UK price:£15.00 No retailer listed

US price:$27.00

Château Pomeaux 2000

Red

Dark rich ruby. Intense, spicy notes. elegant, flattering with ripe fruit and sweet oak. Delicious. Up to 2 years.

Château Ramafort Cru Bourgeois 2000

Red

Dark and glowing. Very clean, earthy, dark and fresh. Earthy warm roasted currents here. Grand depth lively vivid reverberative flavours. Just in roasted ripeness and earthy tannins

UK price:£9.99 AnS, AWW, Feb

US price:$16.99 Washington Selection 001 973 624 6444/Great Lakes Wine 001 630 616 1690

Château Reynella Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

Deep purple. Ripe, cassis and oaky with a leafy edge. Good intensity. Pure and ripe cassis. Good tannins, a bit coarse but good length and balance.

UK price:£13.99 No retailer listed

Château Rollan de By Cru Bourgeois 2002

Red

Very ripe, sweet blackberry fruit. Well balanced, flowing, ripe, fruited Merlot style. Juicy, lightly tannic, modern. Complex, attractive, firm oak. 2–5 years.

Château Sénéjac Cru Bourgeois 2001

Red

Sophisticated, scented nose. Elegant and long. This is a wine of class, with firm-grained tannins and soft oak. 2–5 years.

Château Sénéjac Karolus 2001

Red

Deep purple. Dense, sweetly ripe fruit. Well-balanced, light, firm oak around sweetly ripe fruit. Very nice, elegant, juicy, stylish. 5–10 years.

Château Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Red

Ripe cassis, plum; deep, solid, concentrated, firm, quite elegant but will age. 5–7 years.

UK price:£10.49 BWC

Château Ste Michelle & Dr Loosen Eroica Riesling 2002

White

Light yellow. Apricot, peach, floral, evergreen flavours on the palate. Medium body, lively, racy, balanced. Up to 3 years.

UK price:£14.99 BWC

Château Suduiraut Castelnau de Suduiraut 2002

White

Beautifully balanced, elegant middle weight Sauternes, sweet, fresh, refined, subtle flavours.

UK price:£17.00 No retailer listed

US price:$30.00

Château Villa Bel-Air 2002

White

Toasty oak. Medium full, lush, dry oak. Savoury, good length and freshness. Good definition of character. 2–5 years.

Chestnut Grove Wines Verdelho 2003

White

Very nice grapefruity nose; Some ripenses and tropicals; Grapefruit, crispiness, great length, varietal.

Chiara Boschis E. Pira Cannubi, Chiara Boschis 1999

Red

Huge vibrant wine. High acidity as well as being elegant. Great. 5–10 years.

UK price:£44.99 EnW

CJ Pask Reserve Declaration, Gimblett Gravels 2002

Red

Very dense crimson. Very restrained yet complex and fine nose. Lovely cassis fruit. Well-handled oak. Not too hot. Good, very long – fine even. Up to 3 years.

UK price:£11.99 L&W

Clos de la Vieille Eglise 2001

Red

Well balanced, rich middle length, firm tannins. Long, sweet, concentration of Merlot fruit. Refined, stylish, complete. Excellent, lovely length too! 5–10 years.

US price:$50.00 bvewines.com

Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Red

Bright deep purple. Bitter chocolate, clove. Ripe plum, blackberries, olive, meaty, earthy, medium-full body, acidity, medium tannins, long finish. 5–10 years.

UK price:£18.00 Cap

US price:$28.00

Col Solare 1999

Red

Plum, pencil length, cassis, great nose. Deep, lovely smoky – toasty, pretty fruit, but drying out the palate. 3–5 years.

Colonnara Tufico 2001

White

Elegant, refined mineral and honeyed complexity. Long and very aromatic, with a beautiful, honeyed, toasty finish and superb depth. Drink now.

US price:$14.99 Winebow Inc 001 201 445 0620

Colonnara Tornamagno 1998

Red

Medium deep ruby. Loads of tobacco and vanilla blended with black berries intense herbacious and leathery nose. Good balance, with clean acidity, soft tannins and still shaving fruitness on the finishes. Now

UK price:£9.00 Ali

US price:$14.99 Winebow Inc 001 201 445 0620

Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Estates 2000

Red

Colour Vibrant and youthful. Intensity cassis leafy, sweeter, fruit, red/black profile. Matchsticks. Shows nice attack leafy varietal soft ripe. Lovely red body but good nose. Nice soft will age for 2yrs. Now

UK price:£8.99 BWC

Compañia Bodeguera de Valenciso Valenciso 2000

Red

Clean and strong. There is everything here: fruit-tannins balance. Needs time. Good length. 5–10 years.

UK price:£14.00 DcW

US price:$30.00 Classical Wines 9075 Holman Road NW Seattle WA 98117 USA

Compañia Bodeguera de Valenciso Valenciso 1999

Red

Some oak, cold tea nose, with a hint of figs and walnuts. Some good fine notes and style, pleasant gentle oak. 2 years.

UK price:£14.00 DcW

US price:$25.00 Tricana Imports 001 556 935 4080

Comte Jean-Baptiste de Monpezat Château Leret-Monpezat 2001

Red

Deep purple. Hidden nose, black cherry undertones. Good extraction, firm tannin, oak prominent but well integrated. Now

Contadi Castaldi Satèn 2000

White

Wonderful intensity. Long, elegant, powerful and round on the finish. Long and refined. Stunning. Drink now.

US price:$44.00 Dufour & Company Ltd 001 617 734 6488

Contino Viña Del Olivo 2001

Red

Deep red, good legs. Varietal, good. Rich, fruity, excellent. 2–5 years.

UK price:£45.00 Mar

Coopers Creek Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley 2003

White

Fresh and zesty, lots of varietal character. Very well made but lacks real intensity and vibrancy on finish. Drink now.

UK price:£10.49 Stf

Cordier Collection Privée 2001

Red

Deep some maturity. Rich aromas, notesof street chocolatey rench oak. Good persistence and length, lovely fruit, modern in style, sat very successful. Excellent at this price. 2-5 years

UK price:£9.99 Thr

Craggy Range Winery Gimblett Gravels Block 14 2002

Red

Very, very dense crimson. Very sweet peppery fruit. Opulent, silky, intense; needs time for varietal character to develop. Rich. Up to 3 years.

UK price:£16.00 Dis, Cap

Craggy Range Winery Avery Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale lemon. Gentle white pepper and grass. Spicy white pepper overlying grassy melon, white peach. Intense, pungent weight. Drink now.

UK price:£12.00 Dis, Cap

Croft 1998

Red

Big dark red. Spicy green tea and eucalyptus rich cassis

UK price:£8.99 Cos, Sai, Som

Crown Estates of Hungary Szarvas Vineyard, 6 Puttonyos 1994

White

Golden/tawny. Burnt marmalade. Lighter style – nice fixed acidity. Pithy – not clumsy but smooth and charismatic. 3 years+.

UK price:£38.49 Har, HvN

Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2000

Red

Evolved, ruby. Ripe, clean. Soft and supple, ripe tannins, good oak balance. Very long.

UK price:£19.95 Lib

d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2002

Red

Lovely almond notes, lifted aromatics, even some elegance. Ripe, rich, sweet and full of liquorice, earthy fruits. Aggressive tannins. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£11.00 Bib,Odd

US price:$35.00 Old Bridge Cellars

d'Arenberg The Lucky Lizard Chardonnay 2003

White

Nice young wine, young burgundian matchstick character well made intense flavours nice richness, good fresh acidity a touch oaky. Now

UK price:£9.00 Bib,Odd

US price:$20.00 Old Bridge Cellars

Dao Sul Quinta de Cabriz, Reserva 2000

Red

Good depth of colour showing some amber signs of maturity. Full characteristic. Tinta nacional nose. Ripe berry earthy richness. Warm spicy fruit. Big round tannins, with an explosion of fruit on the palate. Good structure showing some elegance and style. Now

UK price:£6.99 FWW

US price:$10.00 Tastings Illinois

de Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut Select NV

White

Bubbles. Candied fruit. Round and easy. Good character.

UK price:£21.99 Odd, BoW

US price:$29.99 Baron Francois Ltd

Devaux Blanc de Noirs, Veuve A Devaux NV

White

Very rich strawberry Pinot fruit. Surprising class.

UK price:£20.99 Vll, SHJ

DFJ Vinhos Grand' Arte, Alicante Bouschet 2003

Red

Very deep and dark colour. Black opaque centre. Ripe, cherry jam, with vanilla oak. Delicate aroma, very well combined. Good wood.Full ripe and luscious, morcello cherries and all-spice. I like this. Good body, well balanced, good finish. Without tannins to a good development.Now + 2

UK price:£6.49 D&F

Dimitrios Katsaros Domaine Katsaros 2002

White

Green gold. Toffee toasty oak on nose with tropical/ melons. Oak quite dominant on palate but fruit balanced well. Good creaminess to palate and good length.2-5

Dobogo 6 Puttonyos 1999

White

Amber/green. Some caramel/orange. Some coarseness of texture, complex. Orange slices. Fine, drying, elegant, very good length and finesse. Some coarseness of texture, complex. Orange slices. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£37.95 Lib

Domaine Biblia Chora 2003

White

Clean, bright and clear. Nose is correct - not overwhelming. Typical of variety.First attack lovely. Gorgeous balance of mineral acidity and fruit. A noble Greek wine.Now +

UK price:£9.99 EcW

Domaine Carneros Brut 2000

White

Intense bouquet, citrus. Very impressive. Lovely attack. Acidity pronounced. A well-balanced wine. Lovely profile of biscuit and citrus. Very serious volatile acidity, complexity and length. Drink now.

UK price:£16.99 HaM

US price:$24.00 Domaine Carneros 001 707 257 0101

Domaine Corsin 2002

White

Medium yellow tone. Nice fresh nose. Good palate of grass, good balancing acidic on finish. Drink now.

UK price:£14.50 StG

Domaine Deshenrys Deshenrys Lissac 2001

Red

Purple. Subtle nose - hints of cassis and depth. Fuller bodied, minerally - one fruit, herbal fruit. Now

Domaine du Closel Clos du Papillon 2002

White

Golden, deep. Intense cherries, lemons, slightly burnt. Full, fruity. Some good length and balance.

UK price:£12.00 BBR, Gau, Yap

US price:$22.99 USASWS, Polaner Selections In New York/Estate Wines In California Louis Dressner +1 212 334 8191

Domaine du Closel La Jalousie 2002

White

Straw gold. Typical wet wool attractive cherries. Savouries .Very good cherries. Classic with scallops. Lovely balance and fruit and great length towards the focus

UK price:£9.00 WSo, Yap

US price:$18.50 Estate Wines In California Louis Dressner +1 212 334 8191

Domaine du Moulin Granger Moulin Granger 2003

White

Pale gold. Lightly aromatic nettly nose. Decent character nice weight of ripe fruit, good mouthfeel, attractive, nettly and juicy flavours. Mineral finish good. Now-2

UK price:£9.99 No retailer listed

Domaine Galtier Cuvée Kermès 2001

Red

Deep purple. Deep brooding nose. Good attack of wild berry fruit, spicy and herbal, integrated tannin, silky with great finesse. Now

Domaine Gerovassiliou Malagousia 2003

White

Fresh green tinges slight spoty. Lovely aromatic peachy spicy floral nose.Excellent light and intensity lovely palate good concentration and length very persistant fruit.1 - 3 years

US price:$18.00 Sotiris Bafitis Selections Vina Mediterranean (+1 301 599 8380)

Domaine Gerovassiliou Viognier 2003

White

Pale clean and bright. Nice varietal character. Lychess, white flowers peaches, (oak dominates?)Well done, oak good creamy mid palate. Acid and alcohol balanced. Now 2 - 5.

Domaine Gerovassiliou 2002

Red

Domaine Jean Goulley & Fils Fourchaume 2002

White

Light nose – fresh, vibrant. Good balanced fruit, gentle tannins. 5 years.

UK price:£15.99 SHW

Domaine La Madura 'Grand Vin' 2001

Red

Purple. Subtle nose with red cherry character. Great fruit, elegance, peppery and spicy. Long, clean character, beautifully silky and voluptuous - firm finish. 2-5

UK price:£9.00 Trr

US price:$19.00 JF Wine Import 001 941 485 4492

Domaine La Sauvageonne Puech de Glen 2001

Red

Full, intense, youthful. Full, intense spice, briar – soft. Ample, violets, clean, intense. Classy and powerful. Needs time to evolve. Characterful. 2 years+.

UK price:£15.99 You, Vir, DMy

US price:$34.99

Domaine Meriwether Fort Clatsop Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs 1998

White

Bouquet very yeasty with melon and citrus. Honey weight, better on palate. Acidity. Complex. 5–7 years.

US price:$26.00

Domaine Saint André de Figuière Réserve 2002

Red

Good depth youthful. Ripe 'warmth' and 'spice'. Ample, good character, spice and hint of tobacco. Will take time to evolve. 2-5

UK price:£8.12 AnS, MHl, DPW

Domaine Tselepos Avlotopi 2000

Red

black. Cassis. Aggressive fruit. 3-7

UK price:£9.99 GVF

Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg, Clos des Capucins 2002

White

Ripe, fragrant mango fruit. Off-dry. Moderate acidity. Good intensity, lovely control and long on finish.

UK price:£20.50 J&B

Dominio de Eguren Épico, Tempranillo 2002

Red

Deep Purplish, garnet, intense, bright. Heady, full but subtle nose; creamy complex.Sweet, fine wood, creamy texture, very good balance between mature fruit and acidity. 2-3 years

UK price:£4.80 J&B, See, Gll, Fol, Maj, OBr

US price:$9.00 Fine Estates from Spain +1 781 461 57 67

Duval-Leroy Fleur de Champagne Brut NV

White

Very yellow. Original flowery nose. Good balance. Well made.

UK price:£17.99 Clk, Duv

US price:$30.00 Partners Wine Marketing Group (+1 504 269 4845)

Duval-Leroy Blanc de Chardonnay 1996

White

Bright yellow, gold. Clean nutty, nice green flower (honeysuckle). Lots of foam as well as good fruit. Good character.

UK price:£24.45 Clk, L&W, DLIV

US price:$45.00 Partners Wine Marketing Group (+1 504 269 4845)

Duval-Leroy 1996

White

Lovely soft, silky mousse, complexity building.

UK price:£23.00 DWV

Enate Merlot 2001

Red

Big colour. Great depth of fruit raspberry.Very intense fruit, rounded fruit very classy, ripe plums. 2-5

UK price:£8.49 Sel, DDY, Eur, IRo, Dnk, SHW

Ernest & Julio Gallo Turning Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

v, pale, straw; quite hard, lemony, lemon peel aroma, the green-fruit follow through apples; crisp, distinctively strong bodied acidity, holding firm green apple fruit, Long finish, good breadth and palate, richness. Now to 1yrs

UK price:£5.99 No retailer listed

Ernest & Julio Gallo Turning Leaf Zinfandel 2001

Red

Colour shows more vibrant + density. Shows oxidative spectrum on cusp. Lovely intensity a stale note. Lovely attack and weight + texture. Light alcohol some pepper + spice but overall a little minted. Good wine. 2-5

UK price:£6.49 Tes, Sai, Som, Coo, Unw

Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2001

Red

Refreshing nose. Elegant palate. Pleasant herbaceousness. Easy elegant finish. Medium weight of fruit, intense character.

UK price:£19.99 TOS, Thr, Wmb, VII, Luv

Errázuriz Viñedo Chadwick 2001

Red

Silky tannins. Elegant, tight fruit. Fruit shines through to the finish.

UK price:£35.00 Wai, Wmb, Luv, VII, DBy

Esk valley Black Label Chardonnay 2002

White

Bright pale lemon; Hints of mocca; Some complexity - nutty, lemon, toast, good weight and volume of fruit. Softly textured and beautifully balanced and long.Misses gold by a whisker. Now - 2 yrs

UK price:£8.99 Wmb, VII, Luv, DBy, Fah

Evans & Tate Redbrook Chardonnay 2001

White

Good youthful intense nose. Nice rich barrel-fermented character and some complexity. Rich.

UK price:£26.99 P&S

US price:$39.00 Scott Street Portfolio (925 299 6854)

Evans & Tate Bush View Shiraz 2002

Red

Deep brick; Good oak, blackberry. Sweet oak/fruit palate. Good volume.

UK price:£8.99 M&S

F. Olazabal Quinta do Vale Meao 2001

Red

Rich, intense if still slightly austere, needs time to open and develop. Very rich, powerful, voluptuous fruit, touch of smoky oak. Big, rounded, ripe tannins and a long intense finish. 2–5 years.

UK price:£30.00 Ryn

F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Kellerberg 2002

White

Complex and integrated, fruity, full of terroir. Well developed. Complexity of fruit: pineappley, melon and lots of minerals – great finish. Up to 10 years.

UK price:£36.00 RdW

Fairview Solitude Shiraz 2001

Red

Intense, rich fruitcake mix, almost Merlot. Very ripe, full, multi-dimensional. Tight and youthful. Long. Chocolate and roses, old fashioned and chewy but has attractive mellowness. 5 years+.

UK price:£12.99 Lib

US price:$31.00 Vineyard Brands 001 205 980 8802

Fairview Goats do Roam in Villages 2002

Red

Rich purple red; Nutmeg spice. Very rich bramble. Lovely. Crushed black fruit. Smooth, ripe and good oak integration. Supple fruity wine with good depth and length.Very dense, complex mid-palate, long finish. Now - 2-5 yrs

UK price:£6.99 No retailer listed

US price:$14.00 Vineyard Brands 001 205 980 8802

Famille d'Amecourt Château Perrou 2003

Red

Ripe, scented plummy nose. Violets, tar. Big, ripe cherry-plum fruit, broad, earthy, juicy, youthful exuberance. Good length. Mouthfilling. 2–5 years.

Fattoria Sant'Appiano Monteloro 2000

Red

Baked, classy, inspiring. Aromatic. Lots of wood extract. Good.

UK price:£11.99 FWI

Fermoy Estate Semillon 2002

White

Bright, clean; Very herbaceous, smoky, becoming more vegetal; Fresh lively, good style. Minerally palate and citrus. Now-2

UK price:£9.95 GWW

Fernando Remírez de Ganuza Remírez de Ganuza 1999

Red

Big, ripe fruit with sweet oak. Nice balance, earthy and looks young. Quite intense and slightly overripe. 2–3 years.

UK price:£35.00 VIT

US price:$65.00 Fine Estates From Spain (+1 781 461 5767)

Finca La Anita Tocai Friulano 2002

White

Honey and damp straw. Almost Chenin Blanc-like. Perfumed and aromatic. Honey, apple and wet straw. Alsace-like. Up to 2 years.

UK price:£14.99 Hpa

US price:$24.00

Finca La Celia La Celia Reserva Cabernet Franc 2002

Red

Good youthful, dense colour. Ruby/purple.Warming, spicy, cedary nose with intense berry fruit.Silky texture, very well made. Good density and weight of bramble and berry fruit. Some spicy and leafy complexity. Long finish.2-5

UK price:£7.99 RobInson Wine Merchants

Finca Navarrita Malbec, Winemaker's Selection 2002

Red

Perfumed, spicy, blackberryish/Viognier-like nose. Rich, spicy, smoky, perfumed and harmonious. Slightly dry, but a lovely complex red. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£10.50 CCl, YWD

Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2003

White

Pale, fresh light; Fresh, crisp, peachy fruit; Rounded well-balanced wine, delicate oaking, good acidity and length - good wine; now-2

UK price:£6.99 No retailer listed

Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz 2002

Red

Lovely clean, concentrated Shiraz spice. Ripe fruit, balanced. Very, very good.

UK price:£32.00 Australian Portfolio Wines 0061 29006 1275

US price:$50.00 Vineyard Brands 001 205 980 8802

Franciscan Chardonnay 2002

White

Spicy, rich, orange and caramel flavours harmonious and lingering. Lovely mouthfeel. 2–3 years.

UK price:£12.99 No retailer listed

Franciscan, Oakville Estate Merlot 2001

Red

Open fruit with some new oak touches. Varietal character is there. Youthful fruit and spice from the barrel, still some astringency to lose, but promises more to come. 3–6 years.

UK price:£15.99 No retailer listed

Franciscan, Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Opaque ruby red. Sweet cassis. Pretty, sweet fruit, dense tannins and a lot of sweet wood. A nice package that shows depth and some elegance.

UK price:£19.99 No retailer listed

G Chavet & Fils 2002

White

Pale gold. Crisp, floral elegance and juicy pleasant. Crisp and fresh, with good Savignon character. Nice chalky dry delicate fruit. Very good and balanced. Now-2

UK price:£9.50 Ear

G Karelas Aeolos 'Nemea' 2003

Red

Vibrant purple. Fabulous intense rich, plum flavours and spice on both the nose and palate. Lovely intense fruit. Good spicy length.

Gardet Cuvée Charles Gardet 1997

White

Green glints of Chardonnay colour. Fresh, green leafy. Attractive character. Good attack.

UK price:£27.00 Alx, Con, Cmb, Hsl, Osb, Gdh, NLW, BoC, Grp, GPa, CWW

Gardet Cuvée Saint Flavy, Brut Tradition NV

White

Light straw. Rich, round but still yeasty. Good balance and finish. Complex.

UK price:£15.99 Alx, Con, Gdh, Dvy, NLW, JkN, DBy, BoC, NGW, BeW, Hsl, MSa, Har, CWW

Gerard Bertrand La Forge 2000

Red

Purple. Subtle nose. Very ripe fruit, elegant, terroir of garrigue and fine, concentrated but muted. 5–10 years.

UK price:£25.00 No retailer listed

US price:$64.99

Gerard Bertrand Domaine de Fontseque 2001

Red

Bright red. Melange of herbs and spices. Controlled elegance, firm cherry fruit with fresh mouthwatering cherry acidity. Integrated oak. Firm, silky, ripeness. Mineral sophistication. Now

UK price:£9.99 M&S

Gerard Bertrand Domaine de Villemajou 2001

Red

Deep opaque ruby. Sweet smoky ripe nose. Peppery fruit, firm, chewy plummy ripeness. Well integrated oak. Still quite closed, good potential. Brambly richness. 2-5

UK price:£7.95 No retailer listed

Gibbston Valley Wines Pinot Gris 2003

White

Pale straw; Clean fresh lifted with gentle spice notes. Very attractive. Very fresh and crisp on the palate. Just dry. Good viscosity: slightly hot finish. Now

Gini La Frosca 2002

White

Medium gold. Medium complex honey. Mediumish flowery, dry m mostly Mostly fully personality. Now

UK price:£9.95 J&B

González Byass Somerfield, Brut 1998

White

Good mousse. Plenty of grape character. Good quality. Excellent length. Drink now.

González Byass González Byass Noë Pedro Ximénez Muy Viejo, 30 years old NV

Red

Almost opaque. Rich, PX. Enormous, rich, powerful. Drink now.

UK price:£10.79 Sai

González Byass González Byass Apóstoles, Palo-Cortado, 30 years old NV

Red

Dark amber. Rich, nutty nose. Lovely, spicy, warm, rich, crisp, long, nutty. Drink now.

UK price:£10.79 Sai

González Byass González Byass Matúsalem, Oloroso Dulce, 30 Years old NV

Red

Dark brown. Rich Moscatel. Big, rich, power but not complex. Drink now.

UK price:£10.79 Sai

González Byass Somerfield NV

White

Dark amber. This is a soft, rich, nutty, oloroso. It’s delicious, fun and powerful. Drink now.

Graham's NV

Red

Deep, dark with purple rim. Closed nose. Full. Medium sweet, advanced for its age. Good acidity. Drinking well. But still room to develop.

UK price:£12.99 Sai, Bok, WIE, Bcn, BnC

Grant Burge Meshach 2000

Red

Simple ripe fruit, high alcohol. Good style, coffee-aged character.

UK price:£36.95 Amp, Jas, Con, P&R, StG

US price:$100.00 Wilson Daniels +1 707 963 96665

Grant Burge Shadrach 2000

Red

Deep colour. Ripe cassis, sweet, ripe berry fruit. Rich weight, oak balance, good tannins, quite long.

UK price:£18.45 OFo, Dsm, Nid, P&R, StG

US price:$50.00 Wilson Daniels +1 707 963 96665

Grant Burge Origin Reserve Shiraz 2002

Red

Very ripe and oaky nose. Long rich liquoricy. Barosse shiraz. Lots of fruit flavours with spicy rich textured fruit, good fruit alcohol.

UK price:£9.99 Thr

Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2002

Red

Dense colour; Very nice spicy nose. Fruit concentrated, intense, rich, spicy, blackberry fruit. Very supple with fine acid abd supple tannin.

UK price:£9.95 Whb, Ply, P&R, StG

US price:$19.00 Wilson Daniels +1 707 963 96665

Gravitas Oaked Chardonnay 2003

White

Pale. Quite mealy. Evidence of malolactic. Quite fresh with attractive fruit. Very concentrated with good oak integration. Well made. Drink now.

UK price:£12.93 Loe

US price:$19.99 Weyland Metzler Importing +610 486 0 800/0700

Green Point NV

White

Gold. Full, complex nose, dried fruits and bread. Good palate, creamy.

UK price:£9.99 No retailer listed

Greenhough Chardonnay Hope Vineyard 2002

White

Pale. Lifted and rich. Plenty of high-quality oak on nose. Fresh, lean palate with excellent fruit and intensity. Long. Very good. Nicely balanced. Drink now.

UK price:£14.95 L&W

Haan Viognier 2003

White

Good peachy aromas; nice weight and peachy fruit, full bodied, rich Rhône style.

UK price:£13.50 Arm

US price:$28.00 Epicurean Wines 001 206 923 1376

Hafner Wine Specialities Winery Chardonnay Barrique, House of Hafner Trockenbeerenauslese 1998

White

Developed nose, lots of botrytis, dried date and figs. Dates on palate, very rich, not for the faint hearted! Up to 20 years.

UK price:£35.99 DWL

US price:$75.00 hafner@trockenbernauslese.at

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Medium deep ruby/cherry. More savoury than fruity. Quite complex. Young and underdeveloped. Gorgeous restrained fruit flavours (black cherry) with perfect balance of tannin. Long. 2–5 years+.

UK price:£18.49 Sel, C28, F&M , Har, IRo, Swg, You, Odd, Bcn, HvN, Hug, SHW

US price:$30.00

Hammel Clos du Châtelard, Malvoisie Vendange Tardive, Villeneuve 2002

White

Deep colour – golden. Rich, ripe, spicy, honeyed sultana. Sweet, intense clean botrytis, dried apricot and peach and honey notes. Balanced acidity and good length. 5–10 years.

Hanging Rock Winery Shiraz 2001

Red

Powerful oak nose. Clean, rich colour, lots of pepper, spicy, full, nice richness with subtle tannins and fresh acid balance.

UK price:£16.99 Thi

US price:$35.00 Heatcote cellars tel: 916 765 0629

Hardys Tintara Shiraz 2000

Red

Red tinges. Classic big, rich, sweet fruit. US oak, hint of complexity. Big, dry, integrated, long and complex. Up to 2 years.

UK price:£10.49 MCW

US price:$18.00

Hardys First Flight Reserve Shiraz 2002

Red

Good depth; Ripe, touch of jam. Soft and juicy, fruit depth , touch sweet.

UK price:£4.99 Som

Henriques and Henriques-Vinhos 15 Year old Bual NV

Red

Mahogany colour, green-toned rim. Cooked fruit on the nose with an underlying fruity quality. Quite full, medium rich, good if a little soupy in style. Drink now.

UK price:£24.99 Hed

US price:$42.00 Pivotal Inc California

Henriques and Henriques-Vinhos 15 Year old Verdelho NV

Red

Deep black leather. Crème brûlée bluntness on nose – very intense. Very concentrated powerful palate, lovely balancing acidity with a blunt edge on length. Drink now.

UK price:£24.99 Hed

US price:$42.00 Pivotal Inc California

Henriques and Henriques-Vinhos 10 Year old Malmsey NV

Red

Big, brown with fine olive edge. Woody dry nose. Good plump sweetness with rich wood and dried fruit. Fine balance.

UK price:£17.99 Oxf, Hed

US price:$32.00 Pivotal Inc California

Henschke Julius Riesling 2002

White

Green tones. More developed than some. Racy. Good balance but a little short.

UK price:£12.45 L&W

Houghton Shiraz 2002

Red

Different, liquorice fruit, vanilla, good expression. Juicy fruit with backbone, nice structure and acidity, toasted oak. Good length. Up to 2 years.

UK price:£14.99 Wso

Houghton Chardonnay 2003

White

Pale. Clean, restrained, touch of smoke. Good depth on palate, nice weight and balance, with good length.

UK price:£14.99 No retailer listed

Houghton Riesling 2003

White

Good varietal, slight development. Grapey, limey, good length. Some character and balance.Now

UK price:£8.99 No retailer listed

Houghton Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Lovely, yellow, green; SB aroma Tropical passion fruit , gooseberry. Fresh SB palate. 2-5

UK price:£9.99 Wso

Inglewood Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Green tinge on rim; Fennel, some figs; Multi layered, complex, zesty, fresh. Mix of green fig and fruit. Good varietal character, good length. Now

UK price:£5.99 Vinfruco Wines 01628 763 769

Inniskillin Oak Aged Icewine Vidal 2002

White

Aromatic in the extreme, fresh and luscious. Exotic perfume of rich, honeyed fruit. Superb length. Drink now.

UK price:£50.00 Hal

Ivan Enjingi Traminac Mirisaui Zeborna Berba, Kntjevacko Vinogorje 1999

White

Dark straw- clean. Lovely sweet honeyed nose - perfumed, molton Brown ginger soap! Palate is dry with lovely ripe fruits - tropical, complex.Now - 5

J Vineyards & Winery J Ratafia NV

White

Super intensity, ripe tropical; Sensational wine, Wonderful complexity, lovely length. Nuts, super length. Slight apricots.

US price:$42.00 J Vineyards & Winery 001 707 431 5400

J. Boutari & Son Wineries Malagouzia 2003

White

Pale clear. Clean. Lovely, bright, cheerful wine. Well structured. It’s cool, calm and collected 2–5 years.

UK price:£11.49 AWi

J. Calheiros Cruz Grande Escolha 2000

Red

Good depth. Crimson red, showing some maturity. Stewed pears/berry fruit. Full, showing some elegance. Gamey, chewey finish. Robust and earthy palate. Very concentrated. Showing some finesse and style. Very good. Now + 2 yrs

J.W. Burmester & Ca Quinta Nova 2000

Red

Very deep black/purple. Big, fat, ripe fruit style. Very full – some dark chocolate, herbal nose. Opulent ripe, full fruit, silky palate, with tannic structure. Very long. Really classy. 15–20 years+.

UK price:£35.00 No retailer listed

Jacob's Creek Limited Release Chardonnay 2002

White

Bright straw yellow. Restrained light barrel and oak complexity. Good long depth. Good balance. 2–5 years.

UK price:£14.99 Saf, Tes

US price:$28.49 Pernos Ricard USA +1 914 539 4500

Jacob's Creek Semillon Chardonnay 2003

White

Pale bright; Some so2 , bright young; good fresh, semillon, well made, vibrant, balanced. Now-3

UK price:£4.69 Saf, Tes

US price:$8.49 Pernos Ricard USA +1 914 539 4500

Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée NV

White

Good yellow; Fresh nose, with some nice yeast development, Earthy, fresh prune, light palate, good finish/dry.

UK price:£6.99 Saf, Tes

US price:$8.49 Pernos Ricard USA +1 914 539 4500

Jacob's Creek Grenache Shiraz 2003

Red

Bright, red, mid weight; Spicy, almondy, peppery. Really vibrant, bright, drying tannins. 2-4

UK price:£4.99 Saf, Tes

US price:$8.49 Pernos Ricard USA +1 914 539 4500

Jean-Luc Aegerter Bonnes Mares, Réserve Personnelle 1999

Red

Good deep red colour, not showing age. Ripe vintage. Fine now. Good depth of fruit, some acidity for balance. Will be fine for next few years.

UK price:£58.00 No retailer listed

US price:$110.00 Gueerlings & Wade +1 781 821 4152

José Maria da Fonseca & Van Zeller Quinta Vale D. Maria 2001

Red

Rich blackcurrant fruit and black pepper nose. Lingering juicy tannins with some gamey richness on the finish. Quite high in acidity. 1–2 years.

UK price:£14.00 No retailer listed

José Maria da Fonseca & Van Zeller Vale Dona Maria 2001

Red

Very deep, opaque, clear. Very deep, dense, closed and withdrawn. Big, solid, fleshy and sweet, solid tannins.

UK price:£20.00 No retailer listed

Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2001

Red

Deep ruby. St-Julien type nose – meaty elegant. Lush, ripe but very firm wood tannins – classy. Needs to develop. 2–8 years.

UK price:£16.99 GGr, Tan, Hed

Kaapzicht Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Deep, rich colour; Powerful, alluring aromas, though quite hot and alcoholic. Cor! Fills the mouth with rich, velvety yet jumping flavours of rich cassis fruit tempered by cedar and mint.Needs time. Now + 5 yrs

UK price:£9.99 GGr, Tan, Hed

King Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2002

White

Intense melon notes. Super attack, lovely power and weight with nice acidity. Classy wine with minerality and length of flavour.

UK price:£11.25 BBR

US price:$15.00 King Estate Winery 001 800 884 4441

King Estate Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2000

Red

Pretty cherry nose; moderate acid, sweet almost candied fruit, some grip, good concentration and lingering flavours, some complexity. 5–10 years.

UK price:£17.75 BBR

US price:$35.00 King Estate Winery 001 800 884 4441

Kir-Yianni Xinomavro 2000

Red

Xinomarmo, Not bad! Elegant. Oak dominated, but well balanced nice 3

US price:$18.00 Vina Mediterranean Imports

Klein Constantia Danford's Merlot 2001

Red

Deep garnet; Red fruits and curry powder and apple mint. Curious but attractive. Fragrant blend of fruit and oak, delicate. Very soft palate, good mid palate. Ripe, juicy, creamy finish. Sweet fruit, good balance, good length. Smooth oak - very good wine. Now + 2

UK price:£9.99 Lai

Kuentz Bas Tokay Pinot Gris Collection Rare 2000

White

Mid gold. Mineral quite pronounced. Dry, fresh, very mineral weighty style, with excellent balance and concentrated fruit. Peachy, steady finish. Excellent.

UK price:£14.00 Evy

Kuentz Bas Riesling Collection 2001

White

Pale straw. Mineral, gamey style of nose. Lovely and dry. Top-class producer. Great acid. Good control and length.

UK price:£10.00 Evy

Kuentz Bas Riesling Collection Rare 2000

White

Firm mineral palate, with excellent concentration and food ripeness. Dry with lovely intensity and texture. 2–10 years.

KWV Cathedral Cellar Merlot 2000

Red

Garnet; Approachable berry fruit, quite spicy. Plump, voluptuous full in middle, long/chunky. Nice harmony of fruit.

UK price:£8.99 Cav

US price:$15.00

KWV Silver Tree Shiraz 2002

Red

Deep garnet; Very savoury, quite elusive and elegant nose. Smoked bacon. Sweet fruits, satin and velvet soft, caresses the mouth. Gentle flvaours with enough structure/finesse. Good balance and length. 2-5

UK price:£7.99 M&S

L'Alpha du Château Peyfaures 2002

Red

Medium garnet. Fruity, nutty, hearty, ripe honeyed nuts. Smooth, soft, mouthfilling, warm, persistent. Excellent depth, texture and finish. Up to 5 years.

L'Ecole No 41 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate, Syrah 2001

Red

Red fruit and leesy note, capsicum behind. Palate attack shows more spicy capsicum than red fruit. Light style with layers. 2–5 years.

US price:$35.00 Elliott Bay Distributing +1 206 935 9463

La Crema Chardonnay 2002

White

Citrus, orange peel, toast. mid body, light lees and dried orange. Good pear fruit. Up to 2 years.

US price:$35.00

Lagarde Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Red

Deep cherry coloured.Violets and cedar, gorgeous bouquet - elegant, exotic.Light and fresh, elegant style, velvet tannins, red and black fruits, spicy, aromatic finish.Now - 2

UK price:£6.49 Coe

US price:$12.99

Laibach Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

Good colour; Very fragrant, perfumed fruit on nose. Mellow oak. Sweet fruit, soft generous body, good balancingacidity. 2-5

UK price:£8.99 Eur

Leasingham Classic Clare Shiraz 1998

Red

Very juicy and fresh, subtle. Rich and full. Good structure.

UK price:£21.99 MCW

Leasingham Bin 7 Riesling 2003

White

UK price:£7.99 Wai, MCW

Leasingham Magnus Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Nice copper; Oak, good ripe fruit. Good balance and concentration lots going on here, well structured. Now

UK price:£7.99 Sai

Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Le Dix de Los Vascos 2000

Red

Attractive leathery, spicy dark/fruit nose. Attractive elegant weight and structure. Good fruit and spicy character.

UK price:£25.00 C&O, Lai, L&W, Wdd

Les Domaines Lignieres Château La Baronne, Réserve du Château 2001

Red

Full, rich, intense. Violets. Tobacco and warmth. Ripe spice character, tobacco. Good concentration. 2 years+.

UK price:£11.49 No retailer listed

US price:$22.99 Domaine Select + 1 212 279 0799

Librandi 2003

White

Medium brown. Intense vilosity - fine effective. Full rich and ripe flavour, good balance - dry - ripe delicate and long finish. Now - 3 years

UK price:£6.06 EnW

US price:$11.00 Winebow Inc. 001 2014450620

Lindemans Reserve Shiraz 2002

Red

Bright; Very good fruit. Pristine, berry fruit; Spice, fruit driven.

UK price:£7.03 Tes, Maj

Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2003

Red

UK price:£5.99 No retailer listed

Linton Park Wines Proprietor's Reserve, Merlot 2001

Red

Chunky, chocolatey, crushed fruit, very full and forward aromas. Full, chunky. Very long. 2–5 years.

UK price:£15.99 Euw

Loacker Corte Pavone 2001

Red

Refreshingly classic, opulent nose. Very generous and open. Ample fruit – ripe, generous, good texture. Satisfying.

UK price:£11.50 GWW

Luis Felipe Edwards Merlot Terraced, Gran Reserva 2002

Red

deep.Clear green pepper and plummy fruit nose, vibrant and fresh.Lovely peppery, spicy fruit with good integration of wood and a very long, structured finish. Excellent.now

UK price:£7.99 No retailer listed

US price:$13.00

Luis Felipe Edwards Doña Bernarda, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

opaque.Discreet liquorice currant aroma.Silky tannin ripe current tightly knit and long finish.Now

Lustau Lustau Old East India Sherry NV

Red

Dark amber. Rich, date and fig. But big spicy palate. Drink now.

UK price:£11.19 Sai

Lustau Sainsbury's Pale Dry NV

White

Pale. Good, zippy. Nice salty, tannins, elegant style. Now

UK price:£4.49 Sai

Macari Vineyards Bergen Road 2000

Red

Floral, very attractive, Merlot bouquet. Bouquet attack, good word (last of it) good finish, elegant. 2–5 years.

US price:$36.00 Macari Vineyards 001 631 298 0100

Madeira Wine Company Blandy's Harvest Malmsey 1997

White

Fruit leafy dark on the nose. Quite rich, lovely texture with fresh acidity on the finish, lovely figgy length. Drink now.

UK price:£12.49 Lai, CTW, Maj, Fen, Sai

Magnotta Winery Icewine Riesling, Limited Edition 2002

White

Racy, high acid, intense fruit aromas. Very pure fruit, intensely sweet.

Mailly Cuvée les Echansons, Grand Cru 1996

White

Delicious, complex, great finesse.

UK price:£35.00 Ell

US price:$59.00 J. Davis Adams III, Grape Expectations (+1 770 883 4500)

Maison Albert Bichot Domaine du Clos Frantin, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2002

Red

Quite balanced. Good hidden depth of fruit. Very fine density, depth, oak, nice weight, clean finish, not top class but good and long.

Maison Albert Bichot Domaine du Clos Frantin, 'Les Malconsorts', Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2002

Red

Very successful, very long fruit and tannic balance. Quite expressive good finish – balanced, integrated tannins. 5–10 years.

Maison Vin Origin Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale; Tropical, sherbet; Rich fruit flavour, - tropical zesty pineapple. True intense good pungency. Now

UK price:£8.99 Thr

Marqués de Cáceres 1996

Red

Mint and leather on the nose and clean, lively fruit on the palate. Excellent balance between youth and age. Persistent.

UK price:£12.00 For, CWi, BBR, Odd, Ell, Maj, Mer, Whi

Marqués de Riscal 2000

Red

Deep red. Good. Big impact, this does have lots of opulence. Very big and long. Needs time. 5–10 years.

UK price:£10.99 Har, HvN, Maj

Martha Clara Vineyards Ciel Table Wine 2001

White

Pure gold, very rich on glass. Rich, honeyed, complex and very ripe, exotic. Very rich, full and honeyed Sauternes weight and good florality. Well done. Up to 5 years.

US price:$25.99 Martha Clara Vineyards 001 631 298 0075

Mas d'en Gil Coma Vella Mas d'en Gil 2001

Red

Appealing, bright, depth. Intense charge of mature fruit. Mineral. Milky rich fruit, high intensity, saved by surprisingly good acidity. Lovely drink. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£15.99 Wai

Mas des Baux Rouge Gorge 2001

Red

Very full, intense, youthful. Mulberry, spice and characterful violets. Ample, rounded and plenty of vigorous spicy fruit. Drink now.

Masi Costasera 2000

Red

Hints of coffee, prunes, strawberry jam. Full, rich, soft, immediately appealing – very seductive, soft, simple and stylish.

UK price:£19.99 Odd, BWC

Mason Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2002

White

Pale Yellow; Cats pee, dense, sweet gardinia like. Very herbal & Lychee sharply grape fruity intensely grassy, piquant, assertive. Now

US price:$16.00 USRW/USDD/USTWC/USWH/USWAL/USGT

Medici Ermete Concerto, Lambrusco 2003

White

Deep red. Wonderfully arromatic with juicy red and black fruit. A highly satisfactory mouthful of proper Lambrusco - nose dry, arromatic beautifully balanced and demanding food. Now

UK price:£9.00 Vin, Evy, Har, Bth

Melini Vigneto La Selvanella 1999

Red

Medium depth red. Traditional, gamey nose, leather and cedar. Reflects dry traditional style, good mature fruit good body and length. Now

UK price:£8.58 MnW

Mercouri Estate Domaine Mercouri, Cava 2000

White

Fabulous, intense, with lots of black fruit and oak. Very complex, very well made.

US price:$30.00 Atheuse Imp and Distr. 001 516 505 4800

MH Wine Estates Green Point, Brut 1999

White

Gold; Full, complex nose, dried fruits and bread. Good palate, creamy.

UK price:£11.99 Tes, Odd

Michel Laroche Les Blanchots 2001

White

Yellow. Some limey maturity, breadth and weight. Quite elegant. Good palate weight, sweetness of fruit, mid acidity, some length and class. 3 years.

UK price:£42.00 Bib

Michele Chiarlo La Court, "Nizza" 2001

Red

Seemingly high alcohol with berries and toast. Good acidity, pudding cherries and chocolate. Well balanced. Drink now.

UK price:£25.49 Cve, FFW

US price:$40.00

Millbrook Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2001

Red

Bright mid red. Very ripe style, minty Cabernet. Very cassis. Rich, luscious.

Miloto Jester Shiraz 2002

Red

Slightly shy nose. Good intense, vibrant, powerful fruit richness, lovely youthful rich sweetness. With spice and pepper, firm structure. Power and intensity, firm backbone, bit of a finish.

UK price:£11.50 GWW

Moët & Chandon Rosé 1998

Rosé

Pink, gold/orange. Evolution, clean, good fresh, fruit. Balanced. Good. 2–5 years.

UK price:£35.99 No retailer listed

Moët & Chandon Dom Pérignon Rosé 1993

Rosé

Evolving elegance, salmon, fine colours. delicate fruit on nose. Fruit still there, evolving vinous flavours. Fine.

UK price:£180.00 Odd, Sai

Moët & Chandon Dom Pérignon 1996

White

Fine daisy aromas, good structure, acidity and elegant fruit.

UK price:£74.99 Sai, Tes, Wai

Moët & Chandon Recently disgorged 1990

White

Exotic, fresh. Not classic but very special.

UK price:£35.99 World Duty Free Exclusive

Montana Kaituna Hills Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2003

White

Pale; Muted nose; Good palate. Classic New Zealand flavours here. Very intense and linear. Fresh long finish. Very good. Now

UK price:£7.99 M&S

Montes Alpha M 2001

Red

Ripe, chewy blackcurrant fruit. Crowd pleaser. Balanced oak. Good level of concentration. Raunchy.

UK price:£30.00 Wai,

US price:$75.00 USHI,USMC,USSL,USZ,USSWS,USGWS

Moondah Brook Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002

White

Pure. Clean, understated, herbal. Good depth on palate, nice understated aromatics, good length with hedgerow characters coming through.

Moss Brothers Moss Shiraz 2002

Red

Smokiness and blackberry. Rich, peppery Shiraz, well-balanced oak. Up to 2 years.

UK price:£14.15 Img

US price:$29.00 Oz Pacific Wines 001 987 265 8460

Mount Edward Pinot Noir C 2001

Red

Light mulberry colour. Some delicate leafy notes, redcurrant jam. Lightweight but elegant; delicate forest floor notes; soft fruit reminiscent of cherry and plum. Well made for a light year. Up to 3 years.

UK price:£20.00 BBR, You

Mount Horrocks Riesling 2003

White

Limey fruit, focused, varietal. Lots of fruit. Good balance but a little flat on finish.

UK price:£12.49 Lib

US price:$20.00 The Australian Premium wine Collection

Mount Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz 2000

Red

Deep colours. Ripe and clean, touch of spice and liquorice, dry. Sweet, fruity and ripe, cool climate. Good tannins, nice oak balance, very good length.

UK price:£19.95 Lib

Mt Difficulty Wines Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Medium ruby. Lifted cherry nose. Full juicy fruit attack. Sweet fruit with some attractive hints of complexity. Nicely balanced with good length. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£20.00 Sai, HvN, Res, P&S, Vll

Mt Difficulty Wines Chardonnay 2002

White

Good straw colour; Steely delicate honied nose; Crisp; nutty and fruity notes; acidity quite dominant; some lemony appley notes, minerally. Now 2-5 yrs

Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale; Hint of burnt rubber on nose here. Pungency comes through. Opened well in glass. Excellent gooseberry. Piercing palate. Balanced fresh acid. Long. Very good. Now

UK price:£9.99 Maj, Har, Wmb, You

US price:$16.00 Negociants UK 001 707 259 0993

Nepenthe Wines Tryst Sauvignon Semillon 2003

White

Straw/green; Intense gooseberry fruit a touch herbal, well rounded. The palate is lean and tight great front and focus.

UK price:£6.99 Stf, Odd, Sai, Asd

Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvée Speciale 1997

White

Very fruity, building some biscuity vanilla finesse.

UK price:£24.99 Tes

Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d'Or Rosé 1997

Rosé

Deep pink, almost too much. Very complex, slight spiciness, beautiful. Fresher than expected from the nose. Excellent balance. 2–5 years

UK price:£75.00 Dou

US price:$110.00 Sherry Lehmann, Monell (NY); KLL (San Fransisco); Wine House (Los Angeles)

Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d'Or 1996

White

Nice, elegant, attractively fresh fruit.

UK price:£55.00 Joh

US price:$110.00 Sherry Lehmann, Monell (NY); KLL (San Fransisco); Wine House (Los Angeles)

Niepoort NV

Red

Fresh roasted almonds. Luscious fruit. Fills the mouth with fruit and maturity.

UK price:£21.00 Cze, Dll

Niepoort NV

Red

Cream, soft, dried apricots on the nose and palate. Grippy wine, green notes, soft orange peel.

UK price:£40.00 Wea, Dll

Niepoort 1987

Red

Amber rim. Very fine, alcoholic, great poise. Soft, salty, smooth and very sexy. Perfect poise and balance.

UK price:£37.00 Wea, Ryn, Por

Niepoort Redoma 2002

White

Mid-deep colour. Subtle, taut nose. Complex, suggesting barrel fermentation. Lemon and lime fruit with good acidity offset by buttery oak. Very Burgundian in style. Lovely use of oak. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£12.95 Dll, QNW, Han, PWA, Wno, F&M, R&S, P&R

Niepoort 2000

Red

Elegant fruit, floral, attractive wine. Good structure, smooth, good length and freshness.

UK price:£60.00 Ryn

Nobilo Wine Group Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Medium lemon. Floral, white peach. Full bodied, richly textured, pungent, concentrated, grassy, figs. Drink now.

UK price:£11.99 Sai, Clk

Olssens Pinot Noir Jackson Barry 2002

Red

Youthful colour. Slightly restrained fruit but good purity. Excellent concentration and weight on palate. Highish alcohol but otherwise good. Youthful. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£18.50 you, Vll

US price:$28.00 via Pacifica impacts +1 707 823 3320 jennifer@viapacifica.com

Palandri Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

Cola nose; Nice berry fine quality with grassy cool climate, capsicum , ripe berry fruit richness. Now

UK price:£8.99 VtH, Pln, GWp, Vet, Rak

Palandri Cabernet Merlot 2001

Red

Oxidative nose. Cooked fruit wood, concentration, good sweetness. Good complexity , good balance , quite whippy. Excellent fruit finish.

UK price:£8.99 VtH, Pln, GWp, WOd, Rak

Palandri Estates Chardonnay 2003

White

pale gold/green; Rich stone/tropical fruit, in spice and oak. Rich and intense in ripenses. Balance of fruit and oak good length.

UK price:£6.99 Lon, VtH, Pln, Vet, WOd

Palandri Estates Merlot 2001

Red

nice merlot nose, good ripe sweet plummy fruits. Almost chocolaty touch of richness. Nicely made good full finish.

UK price:£6.99 Som, Vlg, Pln, YoW

Papkuilsfontein Tukulu Pinotage 2002

Red

Deep red; Understated - but very "pure" nose - hint of new oak. Chunky, spicy, toasty, possibly American oak. Lovely smooth elegant flavours. Needs time. Full, ripe. Excellent. Now - 2yrs

UK price:£7.99 Odd

Parparoussis Winery Epilegmenos Oenos Reserve Parparoussis 1997

Red

Very mature colour, Very developed nose. Quite mature, good, complex.

Paul Cluver Weisser Riesling, Noble Late Harvest 2003

White

Mid deep gold; Floral, honey, limey and lemons. Sweet, limey acidity - no botrytis. Now - 2 yrs

UK price:£9.00 McK, Pip

Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

Smoky, tight Cab with US oak, sweet hint of herbaceousness. Good palate richness and sweet, juicy, open fruit. Lovely balance. Up to 5 years.

US price:$24.00 Old Bridge Cellars 001 707 258 9552

Pepper Bridge Merlot 2001

Red

Dark. Shows plum and complex oak. Intense, pure. beautiful attack, medium palate behind. Well-interpreted tannins, soft but still some backbone, velvet texture. Honey length. 2–5 years.

US price:$45.00 USEWM

Petaluma Shiraz 2001

Red

Bright red purple; Simple fruit but classy oak. Tight style, fine oak. Great potential.

UK price:£14.99 Bib

US price:$30.99 Paterno Wines

Petaluma Croser 2001

Red

Tight, fresh, mineral green hints, subtle, full. Fresh tight, clean touch. Citrus.

UK price:£14.99 Bib

Peter Schandl Ruster Ausbruch (Krone) 2001

White

Bovril, peaches. Very sweet, soft, barley sugar, oranges – persistent.

Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 1991

White

Sweet ripe, extraordinary finish. Exceptional for 1991.

UK price:£58.95 CeD

US price:$110.00 Ex Cellars Wine agencies 001 805 686 9153

Pillitteri Estates Winery Icewine Vidal 2002

White

Old gold. Fruity, juicy. Spicy, rich honey and peach flavours. Sweet length. 16 years+.

US price:$24.00

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Rare NV

White

Clean biscuity nose. Elegant. Good style in mouth. Fruity nuances and good volume. 3 years.

UK price:£39.99 Max

Piper-Heidsieck Brut Divin, Blanc de Blancs NV

White

Very toasty aromas; clean, fresh fruit on palate. Has been disgorged 2–3 years.

UK price:£27.99 Max

Planeta Alastro 2003

White

Intense, cherry and ripe. Lovely development and intensity. Rich and powerful. Long, ripe and fresh. Drink now.

Planeta La Segreta 2003

Red

Deep ruby. Obvious ripe, creamy and rural, wonderfully spiky. Really showy. Long and refind with no power to complarity. Ability to develop further loads of length a superb example. 5-10

UK price:£9.99 EnW

Plantagenet Great Southern Pinot Noir 2001

Red

Red, depth. Ripe, intense, ripe complexity touch of game. Rich, evolved. Very good grip, complex but with evident Pinot character, good style.

UK price:£11.95 Lib

Plantagenet Omrah Shiraz 2001

Red

Bouquet Fruit nose. Rich, oaky palate well ripe berries. A good full bodied.

UK price:£7.99 Som

US price:$16.00 Robert Whale Selections

Podere Castorani Coste delle Plaie 2003

Red

Dark inky, ruby red with beautiful purple tinges. Cherry and strawberry nose, upfront fruit. Fresh fruity, yet a trifle austere. Fruity, nice medium structure, with a good mineral subtle complexity. Well rounded pleasantly tannic (coats the teeth), potential for considerable improvement. 2-5 years

Pol Roger Rich Demi Sec NV

White

Fresh. Deliciously fresh, lovely sweetness.

UK price:£23.99 Saf

Prinz-von-Hessen Erstes Gewächs Johannisberger Klaus Riesling 2002

White

Riesling nose. Terrific concentration, typicity of Rheingau. Plenty of acidity, still very young. 5–10 years.

Prinz-von-Hessen Johannisberger Klaus Rielsing Beerenauslese 2002

White

Lime yellow colour. Honeyed fruit nose. Quite intense fruit with very racy acidity. Creamy, pearly flavours. Very rich, with lovely balancing acidity. Good finish. 2–15 years.

Protos Bodega Protos Reserva 2000

Red

Dark purple. Dark fruit – big concentration. Hidden depths. Tight – big tannins. Needs time. 2–5 years.

UK price:£40.00 Bod, B&T

US price:$50.00 Chatham Imports (N.Y)/ Wineco, Co (Florida)

Provenance Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2001

Red

Deep, blackberry, blueberry. Ripe, cassis, integrated, warm, angular. 4–6 years.

US price:$35.00 Chalone Wine Group 001 707 254 4200

Provins Valais Vieilles Vignes, Maître de Chais 2001

White

Clear golden straw. Intense ripe, peaches with hints of caramel and toasted nuts. Ripe fruit, creamy texture, notes of caramel and nuts. Quite soft acidity and fades a little on finish. Drink now.

Prunotto Bussia 1999

Red

Gamey, pungent. Soft, ripe berry fruit. Rich, ripe, concentrated, firm texture with massive fruits and long, elegant finish.

Quinat do Portal Grande Reserva 2001

Red

Black cherry and pepper nose. Quite gamey. Complex fruit and acidity. Good soft tannins. Quite tight, but will continue to improve with age. Up to 10 years.

UK price:£20.00 GWW, HEIV, EdS

Quinta do Crasto Reserva, Old Vines 2001

Red

Quite reserved initially but showing some finesse and style. Wild fruit and stalky aromas. Balanced, rich fruitcake finish. Some length, but holding back on mid-palate to make this outstanding. 2 years.

Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2001

Red

Very deep opaque colour. Very impressive powerful mulberry fruit nose, opulent with a hint of coffee bean. Rich, sweet and powerful. Full-bodied, big, broad fruit, very port-like in its sweetness. Very concentrated. Up to 10 years.

Quinta do Noval Noval NV

Red

Fine tigers’ eye colour. Fresh, good fruit. Good balance. Fresh and lively. Good maturity and deliciously rounded.

UK price:£20.25 No retailer listed

US price:$37.00

Quinta do Portal NV

Red

Rich caramel and honey, green tea notes. Good moist feel with some fine caramel notes, touch of heat in the centre.

UK price:£24.00 GWW, EdS, Vll, Ths

Quinta do Portal Auru 2001

Red

Ruby. Tasty, but intense and fresh aromas of blueberry fruit, and very delicate floral. Well balanced with fresh fruit aromas in the palate, medium bodied with good finish. 2–5 years.

UK price:£25.00 Haw

Quinta do Tedo NV

Red

Opaque. Very young port nose akin to nutage before its bottled. Full, long, fruit and good body. Now

US price:$14.00 Bock Vines + Wines 415 710 7438

Ramos Pinto - Vinhos Duas Quintas Reserva 2000

Red

Very pure fruit on the nose – floral, violets – typical of Touriga Nacional. Chocolate intensity. Firm, fine, spicy tannins, elegant with good length. 2–5 years.

UK price:£21.00 Evy, Nsn, Par, Por, PWA, HoF, MMD

Real Companhia Velha Evel Grande Escolha 2001

Red

Deep red colour. Rich, complex ripe berries, spicy. Good oak.Good structured tannins, good body firm and fruity finish. 2-5

US price:$25.00 Admiral Wines Merchants tel +1 9733712211 email: mail@admiralwine.com

Real Companhia Velha Quinta de Cidro, Sauvignon Blanc, 2003

White

Very pale citrous lime yellow. Almost tropical. Full clean gooseberry, grassy fruit. Quite stylish. Good. Good length. Clean, crisp acidity with firm structure. Showing very well. Now

UK price:£7.99 F&E

US price:$10.00 Admiral Wines Merchants tel +1 9733712211 email: mail@admiralwine.com

Real Companhia Velha Quinta de Cidro, Chardonnay Reserva 2002

White

Pale mid-straw yellow. Lovely ripe buttery chardonnay with toasty-savoury oak. Round, quite full without being fat. Balanced toasty flavours, clean, with good length and depth. Now

UK price:£9.49 F&E

US price:$12.00 Admiral Wines Merchants tel +1 9733712211 email: mail@admiralwine.com

Reh Kendermann Riesling Kabinett 2003

White

Lime colour. Typical moist riesting, peachy fruit nose. Fresh flowers fruit nice and racey such intensity. Such balance a lovely clean pre furit style with very attractive length. Deliciously full as the fruit of good example. Light and delicate sweeter style orthodox. 2-5

UK price:£4.29 Saf, Som

Reichsrat von Buhl Armand Riesling Kabinett 2003

White

green/yellow. beautiful exotic character. power and ripe tropical fruit, typical, Pfatz. Good acidity. 2-5

UK price:£8.75 Odd, F&E

US price:$13.00 Cellars International Inc +1 760 566 0499

Robert Craig Affinity 2001

Red

Exotic fruit almost suggests plenty of resinous wood and spice. Palate shows jammy confected fruit, structured with light nice finish.

UK price:£21.75 ThH

US price:$40.00 Robert Craig Wine Cellars 001 707 252 2250

Robertson Winery Wolfkloof Shiraz 2002

Red

Opaque; Dense, chunky up-front fruit. Very big wine, layers of flavour. Long. Superb. 5+

UK price:£7.99 ABy

US price:$20.00 Indigo Wines +1 815 455 5385

Rodney Strong Vineyards Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2002

White

Bright clear, looks clean. Attractive chardonnay with good quality oak. Complexity. Nicely balanced, with good structure from barrel. Doesn’t seem too forced. Very respectable indeed. Now

US price:$18.00 Rodney Strong Vineyards 001 707 433 6521

Roederer Estate Quartet NV

White

Toasty, yeasty qualities. Intensity, citrus fruit profile. Attack impressive, very dry autolysis notes follow through. Not a dry wine but elegant with super balance and length. Drink now.

UK price:£17.99 BlB, Vll, P&S, HvN, Har

US price:$23.00 Maisons Marques&Domaines 510 286 2000

Roriz Vinhos Quinta de Roriz, Reserva 2000

Red

Good. Baked chocolate and black pepper nose. Quite earthy and rustic in style. Big complex tannins. But quite high in acidity – this will soften in time. Long, powerful finish. Showing well. 2–10 years.

UK price:£11.90 Har, Dvy, PWA, Gen, HSm

Rosemount Estate Show Reserve Chardonnay 2002

White

Barrel fermented, complex fruity. Tight, good acid, long harmonious. Drink now.

UK price:£10.03 Wai, Coo, Sai, Saf, Mns, Maj

Rosenthal-The Malibu Estate Merlot, The Devon Vineyard 1999

Red

Lush grapiness, super ripe, an august garden of aromatics. Resembles grape soda. Syrup, oak, lushness, jammy, soft tannins, a tippler. Drink now.

US price:$35.00 USHI, USWAL, USWY, USLW, USVAR

Royal Tokaji Aszú Eszencia 1995

White

Rich tawny gold. Marmalade intensity. Clean and good. Deeply intense, sweet concentration. Clean and firm at the finish. Drink now.

UK price:£90.00 BBR, EnW, L&S, Tan, Wdd

Ruinart Dom Ruinart 1993

White

Very green. Candied, pleasant. Round, easy charm. Not too deep or long.

UK price:£85.00 ABr, Rak, C&O, Har, Res, Rui, WEt, Mdh

US price:$120.00 Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, Illinois 001 847 604 8900

Rymill Coonawarra Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Good green/ yellow. Herbaceous, fresh, attractive; Good varietal . Attractive charm. 2-10

UK price:£7.99 PLB, OBr

US price:$12.00 Vinelite Imports +1 317 264 9250

Sanford Winery Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills 2001

Red

Cherry, rose petal, toast, raspberry. Lively elegant, juicy, persistent. Up to 2 years.

UK price:£34.95 Ave

US price:$50.00 Paterno Wines International 001 847 604 5774

Sassotondo San Lorenzo, Ciliegiolo 2001

Red

Ruby. Interesting, stylishly perfumed, medium-bodied wine of medium structure and cherry fruit character.

US price:$30.00 Grappoli Imports 001 703 519 2155

Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir 2001

Red

Rust, raspberry, quite intense. Elegant well-balanced firm structure. Quintessential Russian River Valley. Pure now. Lovely mouthfeel. 1–2 years.

UK price:£29.95 Lib

Scrimaglio Acse 2000

Red

Blackcurrant, good, lively, fruity, spicy. Good, soft, rounded, smoky, slightly woody, warm and fruity. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£18.95 Fri

Sebastiani Merlot 2001

Red

Deep, dark purple. Intense sweet vanilla, cocoa. Oak driven. Concentrated, rich full body, medium acidity and tannins; lush long finish. 2–5 years.

UK price:£13.00 No retailer listed

US price:$24.00

Sebastiani Merlot 2000

Red

Colour Evolved; Minty intense shows good primery + charnile. Slight leafy note on attack moderate attack and weight. Not over extracted, good length+layers of complexity. 2-5

UK price:£9.21 No retailer listed

US price:$17.00

Seghesio Zinfandel 2002

Red

Moderate opaque. Bramble, oak. Talc, bramble pie with fresh acidity. Forward fruit, oak flavours. Good complexity.

UK price:£13.95 Lib

US price:$17.00

Sigalas Paris Sigalas Santorini 2003

White

Green golden. Fresh, lively, nice. Gassy, but the balance is there. 2–5 years.

Sigalas Paris Sigalas-Barrel Santorini 2003

White

Punch on the nose! Full throttle. Yeasty, limey, oaky palate. 1–4 years

Sigalas Paris Sigalas Vinsanto 2001

White

Good acidity giving freshness on the palate. Nice toffee/honeyed finish.

Silva & Cosens Dow's Quinta Da Senhora Da Ribeira 1998

Red

Caramel notes on the palate, with a touch of heat in the centre. Green bitter note on finish.

UK price:£39.00 Dvy, Pen, Wmb, Hed

Silva & Cosens Dow's 1998

Red

Good deep colour. Red crimson. Youthful with good fruit. Very soft, sand stuff and fleshy - lacks tannic grip intensity - tannin, rising out acid fruits. Good. Now

UK price:£9.99 Tes, Sai, Asd, Odd, Wai

Simcic Marjan Leonardo (Passito) Ribolla Gialla, Goriska Brda 2000

White

Tawny gold, bright. Intense and distinctive, lemon sultana and lemon balm notes and honey. Attractive and distinctive. Balanced acidity and good length. 5–10 years.

Sittella Wooded Chardonnay 2003

White

Very good complex nose. Cask fermented Chardonnay, a hint of vanilla and toffee, fudge, nice fruit richness, with complex, toasty, leesy character. Fresh balance.

Smith Woodhouse 1994

Red

Good colour. Fine plum-red edge. Soft rounded nose, rich fruits of mint and spice. Big, rich, jammy fruit. Blackberry, good structure. Good length.

UK price:£14.99 WSo, Ger, L&W, Eld, Pan

Spice Route Malabar 2002

Red

Deep garnet/bright purple. Spicy, chocolatey, mocha, cigarbox. Very upfront. Modern. Some violet and spice. Multi-layered, very ripe, soft, juicy fruit. Lots of underlying complexity. Very long. 2–5 years.

SPR Vinhos Porto Rozes, Unfiltered 1995

Red

Very red dark colour with maturing rim. Lovely plum and curvy fruit on the nose. Rich, sweet berry fruit off-set by full brow ripe tannins. Very very good. Now + 5 years

Spring Valley Vineyard Frederick 2001

Red

Dark. Spicy, plum, blackberry fruit. medium, elegant, subtle, long finish but soft. 2–5 years.

US price:$45.00 Spring Valley Vineyard 001 509 337 6915

Spy Valley Riesling 2003

White

Lemon straw; Lime blossom notes; Lime blossom, hint of honey, tinge of residual sugar; some fragrant notes at the end; clean and fresh. Now - 2-5 yrs

UK price:£6.99 Bib

US price:$12.00 Broadbent Selections (+1 415 931 1725)

Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Deep red; Slightly metallic, but there is density here with good pinot character. Plenty of depth and concentration. Ripe without being jammy. Well managed tannins and good varietal character. Now

UK price:£8.99 Bib

US price:$22.00 Broadbent Selections (+1 415 931 1725)

St Francis Chardonnay 2002

White

Bright clear, Straw colour, very pale. More Minerality. Fruit here is individual and seems well in charge of any influence from ther barrel. Quite racy. Good acids. Now + 3 yrs

UK price:£9.99 Sai, Luv, Wmb, VII, Fah

US price:$13.00 Kobrand Corporation +1 212 490 9300

St Supery Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale Bronze; Veggie, inviting, cats pee, lychee, flowery. Exceptionally graceful, lean, complex. Full of subtly. Ingratiating, appetite, awakening.

US price:$18.00

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Fay Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Red

Opaque. Animal, sweaty, autumnal undergrowth, leafy, berryish. Lovely smooth entry, jammy, particularly savoury, graceful, mild tannins. Good length. Drink now.

UK price:£50.00 Har, Sel, HvN. Unc, Res, Wmb

US price:$75.00 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars +1 707 944 2020

Stanton and Killeen Muscat NV

White

Bright brown. Very sweet, concentrated, loads of barrel age. Delicious lighter style.

UK price:£10.99 Tan, WSo, You, P&S, Wat

Stellenzicht Golden Triangle Shiraz 2002

Red

Deep concentrated; Ripe, spicy rhubarb, fruit, hints of oak; Rich concentrated pure fruit. 2 +

UK price:£8.99 Fah, HBJ, Sao

Step Wines Beresford Shiraz 2002

Red

Good depth; Ripe , spicy, alcoholic; Very clean and sweet and ripe, a bit single but good.

UK price:£7.99 Stf

US price:$14.99 Kysela Pere et Fils

Sterling Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Red

Opaque. Flirtatious, fruitiness, blackcurrant, rich; Sweet, Burgundy fruit, soft tannins, long finish, vanilla. Drink now.

US price:$75.00 Diageo Château & Estate

Tasca d'Almerita Cygnus, Nero d'Avola Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Minty, complex, well-integrated oak. Firm structure. Good and refined, long, stylish.

UK price:£11.99 BWC

US price:$19.99

Taylor's 30-year-old Tawny NV

Red

Brown/orange. Good oak notes, soft, dry. Rich, full style. Good acidity, nice nutty finish.

UK price:£49.99 For, Har

Taylor's Finest Reserve, Marks & Spencer NV

Red

Fine colour - good ruby edge. Complex spicy nose with fine berry fruit. Good rich berry fruit, spicy with fine blackberry fruit good weight and complexity. A fine reserve

UK price:£5.99 M&S

Tenuta Torciano Baldassarre 1998

Red

Firm red. Nicely balanced between fruit, oak and structure. Tropical fine fruit and oak not overdone. Classy.

US price:$18.32 Lionstone Int +1 847 247 8755

TerraMater Reserva Shiraz 2002

Red

inky. Pepper. Quite extracted. Way too young. Coconut oak and oak nearly overripe shiraz-style (aussie) fruit. Wait.

TerraMater Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

inky.Very attractive spice and peppers, plus wild, plum and cassis.Silky tannins and new oak of good quality. Elegant finish.now

US price:$7.99 American wine distributors +14159867677

TerraMater Shiraz Cabernet 2002

Red

Deep colour.Brambley nose.Clean red fruit and newish oak. Good mix of firm wood tannin and softer but quite insistent oak. Full finish. Needs time..now.

The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale straw; Sappy-passionfruit nose; fresh and clean (classic Kiwi nose!); Same on palate; broad flavour; clean and fresh some sweaty notes; got finesse, classic pungent NZ Sauvignon Blanc. Now - 1/2 yrs

UK price:£6.99 Tes

US price:$15.99 NJ Deutsch 001 914 251 9463 info@wjdeutsch.com

Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Shiraz 2001

Red

Ripe raspberry with attractive oak balance. Strong blackberry/raspberry flavours, well-balanced tannins. 2–5 years.

UK price:£10.99 LPr

Tower Estate Shiraz 2002

Red

Mid red. Loads of charry oak. Mid weight, complex, earthy, smoky.

US price:$35.00 Thurston Wines 001 714 734 5702

Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Red

Dark pretty colour. Blackcurrant, beets, raspberry jam, lead pencil, chocolate. Sweet, round, appealing, noteworthy, interesting, finesse. Drink now.

US price:$40.00

Tyrells Twin Wells Semillon 1999

White

Pale, gold, bright; Some, bottle-age, complex buttery; Adolescent hunter, still developing, needs time. 2-5

UK price:£7.99 M&S

Umberto Cesari Liano, Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Minty oak – classic Sangiovese. Sweet, ripe, firm, bashful – dense, compact, spicy, long, harmonious. 3 years.

UK price:£15.49 Wno, You, Plo

US price:$21.99 Costco Whole Foods, Bierrys-Chicargo, Sarm's Chicargo

Union Champagne De Saint Gall, Brut NV

White

Rich, yellow. Ripe, full fruit tones. Still young. Strong acidity.

UK price:£18.99 M&S

Valdivieso Reserve Chardonnay 2002

White

Good elegant weight. Leesy and mineral finish, find this very promising, not too hot, subtle.

UK price:£12.99 Sai,Tes,Bib

US price:$12.99 Laird & Company

Valdivieso Caballo Loco Nº7 NV

Red

Coconut, liquorice, opulent aroma. Elegant wine, well balanced coffee, tobacco, cassis notes. French style. Very long.

Valdivieso Merlot Single Vineyard 2001

Red

Deep, purple rim.Elegantly integrated oak and dark fruit, impressive and inviting.Still young and tight on the palate, with oak predominant, but good concentration and weight of fruit on oak. Very good. Needs age.1-3 yrs

UK price:£8.99 Bib,Wso

US price:$15.99 Laird & Company

Vallegre, Vinitos do Porto Vista Alegre 2001

Red

Very deep opaque. Closed, dense. Very long, intense, fruity. Quite a four-square wine, but this has lovely fruit and firm tannins.

Vasse Felix Cabernet Merlot 2001

Red

Nice nose. Vanilla and cola nice. Good ripe full sweetness attractive cabernet with succulent textured fruit. Juicy character.

UK price:£9.99 Maj, L&W, You, P&S, Rob, Sel

Vidal Estate Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Red

Classic plummy Merlot on nose. Very generous fruit. Excellent grip. Reasonable length. Good. Elegant and stylish without being over oaked. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£14.99 Wmb, VII, Luv, DBy, Fah

Vidal Estate Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

Deep ruby; Earthy and sweet vanilla; Sweet vanilla attack overlies plum and black cherry fruit. Balanced wine. Ripe fruit, no rough edges attractive and harmonious. Now - 5

UK price:£6.99 Wmb, VII, Luv, DBy, Fah

Vigna Rionda-Massolino Vigna Rionda, Riserva 1997

Red

Tan. Acidity. Very old fruit. Some coffee and spice together with sweet fruit, bitter chocolate on fruits, good length.

UK price:£47.50 Lib

Vignobles Lorgeril Les Hauts de L'Enclos des Bories 2001

Red

Purple.Spicy and blackcurrant nose. Berry fruit, tight structure, red spice and herbal palate, mineral style, subtle oak but nice weight. 2-5

UK price:£8.99 Tes

Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale. Very grassy and herbaceous. Ripe, clean and correct. Very intense. Lifted and correct with a touch of minerality. Balanced and concentrated on end. Long. Drink now.

UK price:£11.99 Odd

US price:$22.00 Vineyard Brands Inc Tel : 001 205 980 8802

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Lemon. Muted nose, green bean. Grassy attack, round fruit palate, with good concentration and pungency. Classic. Drink now.

UK price:£14.99 Wmb, VII, Luv, DBy, Fah

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Fletcher Chardonnay 2002

White

Quite muted and restrained but with good underlying richness. Fresh and balanced with plenty of ripe fruit. Excellent acid balance. Very long. Benchmark. Up to 2 years.

UK price:£12.99 Wmb, VII, Luv, DBy, Fah

Villa Maria Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Deep purple tone. Spicy, hint of leafiness. Quite fresh attack with rich supporting fruit, good varietal definition and hints of complexity. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£14.99 Wai, DBy, You, Wmb, Luv

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale. Clean lifted classic grassy nose. Quite good complexity and good intensity. Some complexity at last. Gooseberries with intensity and length. Fresh and balanced. Very good. Now

UK price:£7.99 Odd, Tes, Thr, Asd, Sai

US price:$13.00 Vineyard Brands Inc Tel : 001 205 980 8802

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale lemon straw. Some restrained fruit here, gooseberry and stone fruit. Very dry and restrained yet some delicate notes of stone fruit, bellpepper and gooseberry. Well made. Now - 1/2 yrs

UK price:£9.99 Odd, WBn, DBy, VII, Luv

US price:$17.00 Vineyard Brands Inc Tel : 001 205 980 8802

Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale straw. Sappy gooseberry notes. Sappy gooseberyy notes; fresh clean flavours; good acidity; nice length on finish. Classic sauvignon blanc. Now 1-2 years

UK price:£9.99 Thr, Saf, Sai, Maj, Unw

Viña Carmen Wine Maker's Reserve Chardonnay 2003

White

Creamy oak and ripe fruit. Acid just a bit aggressive. Good use of malo for flavour enhancement. Perhaps too young. But effective. Up to 4 years.

UK price:£10.95 StG

Viña Cono Sur 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2002

White

Elegant barley sugar, apple crumble - restrained. Crisp appley attack. Elegant vanilla citrus notes on the long aftertaste.

UK price:£14.99 Wes

Viña Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Deep colour for a Pinot. Very toasty style but attractive, brambly fruit too. Attractive and complex layered, good structure of fruit, oak spice, braod, perhaps lacks bit of elegance, quite loud but good. Big style.

UK price:£29.99 WSo

Viña Cono Sur 20 Barrels Merlot 2002

Red

Ripish berry black fruit. Pure fruit and oak .Firm cassis, Eucalyptus. Refreshing, intense, pleasant.

UK price:£14.99 Maj

US price:$22.95 Banfi Vintners 01800 645 6511

Viña Cono Sur Visión Gewurztraminer 2003

White

UK price:£7.99 Thr

Viña de Larose Las Casas del Toqui, Reservado Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Deep ruby, pink rim.Very classy, mature, Cabernet Sauvignon based.A touch of Bordeaux style fruit, smoothly textured tannins, attractive fruit cake flavours and a touch of maturity. Good length. Lovely, harmonious red.now

UK price:£7.50 GWW

Viña Echeverria Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

Red

Spicy, elegant aged fruit nose. Complex, inviting, touch of leather and cassis fruit. Spicy, chunky palate. Needs food.

UK price:£10.49 You, Hns, Plo

Viña La Rosa La Palma Merlot 2003

Red

opulent arome plummy.Smooth attack loosely hint minty, spicy notes, meduim length

UK price:£4.99 Odd

US price:$7.00 USSWS

Viña La Rosa Don Reca Merlot 2003

Red

Ripe soft plum, mint, cherry and new oak. Clean well crafted.Initially firm, but elegant fruit tannins. Coffee hints from well used oak.now

UK price:£9.99 Wai

US price:$25.00 USSWS

Viña Seña 2001

Red

Inky. Band-aid and Savlon nose. Crisp fruit, plenty of weight but heavy. Elegant French style/oak. Crowd pleaser.

UK price:£45.00 Sel, Har, Wmb, VII, Luv

Viña Seña 2000

Red

Mute aroma with blackcurrant notes and vanilla. Smooth attack. Elegant, restrained on middle palate. Very long aftertaste.

UK price:£45.00 Sel, Har, Wmb, VII, Luv

US price:$70.00 Robert Mondavi Imports Tel: +1 707 226 1395

Viña Tarapacá Zavala 1998

Red

Very elegant, spicy, dried and fresh fruit. Good weight, elegant, firm tannin, spicy and fresh, still fruit is fresh and juicy, good spicy length.

Viña Undurraga Merlot, Reserva 2002

Red

Deep ruby.Morello cherry, complex aroma.Tightly knit, harmonious wine. Herbaceous notes on finish.now

UK price:£7.99 Chv

US price:$11.99 Undurraga USA Tel: 1203 921 0350

Viña Undurraga Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Red

inky.Spicy, brett nose, with good cassis fruit. Bags of character.Fresh fruit palate with delicious spicy, funky notes and a long finish.Now - 3

UK price:£7.99 Chv

US price:$11.99 Undurraga USA Tel 1203 921 0350

Viñas del Vero Blecua 2001

Red

Deep red. Very attractive. Well structured. Plenty of backbone. Tobacco box. Great length. 2–5 years.

UK price:£49.99 No retailer listed

US price:$80.00 Sr Andres Blazquez 001 908 534 8946

Viñedos y Bodegas Dominio de Tares SA Bembibre 2002

Red

A bit shy, spicy, white pepper, smooth cedar, elegant oats, vanilla, a bit of boot. Dark fruit. Dry. Well-integrated tannins, medium-high alcohol, full bodied but restrained and elegant style. Very intense fruit. Very long finish. 5–10 years.

US price:$44.99 Classical Wines

Vinyes i Bodegues Miquel Olivier Aia, Miquel Oliver 2002

Red

Intense dark red. Lovely plummy ripe fruit, balsamic. Very well balanced concentrated plummy fruit very good weight. 2-5

Vitivinicola Cremaschi Furlotti Vénere 2001

Red

Turksih delight nose. Rich, French-style fruit in a lower key. Fresh tannins, longish.

UK price:£15.00 Haw

Viu Manent Secreto Malbec 2002

Red

Young, deep.Lovely soft black cherry and violet aroma.Bright flavours and soft tannins. Well made, refreshing..now

US price:$11.99 M.G.M.

Viu Manent Secreto Syrah 2003

Red

young.Fresh, fragrant black and blue fruit, some reduction.Some spice and leather, animal hints, savoury - quite broad, with fresh fruit palate and oaky spice. Good

US price:$11.99 M.G.M.

Vulcania Lusio, Nero d'Avola 2002

Red

Deep ruby. Smokey oak very intense aromas. Opulent flavours. Ripe, rich and high extract jamming, blackberry - long lavish texture, great finish. Now

UK price:£6.99 Lib

W&J Graham Graham's Six Grapes Unfiltered NV

Red

Great deep ruby. Very sweet nose – loads of black fruit behind it. Big, sweet, full-bodied ruby. Lovely and clean with maturity and structure.

UK price:£12.99 Odd, Bls, WIE, BBR, MCC

W&J Graham Graham's Malvedos 1995

Red

Fine caramel notes, touch of heat in the centre. Green bitter note on finish.

UK price:£29.99 Sai, Odd, WIE, NIC, BNT

Waipara Hills Botrytis Riesling 2003

White

Pale lemon. Unctuous nose – very sweet and very toffee like. Apricots, honey and honey blossom. Very sweet and unctuous; delicious and concentrated; apricots, limes, honey with some good acidity. Some toffee notes. Delicious! Up to 5 years.

UK price:£14.00 HoT

US price:$24.99

Wakefield Estate St Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

Red

Good fresh, classy nose. Fruit quite ripe, almost baked, but good rich mulberry and dark cherry fruit quality with fine tannins and acidity.

UK price:£21.49 Stf, Lai, STW

Walter Skoff Classique Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

pale.Gentle nose, some grassy character, ripe notes underneath.zip and zing, juicy nice texture follows through well. Smooth finish. Crisp clean with a hint of tropic complexity.. 0-4

US price:$15.00 Tash Wines

Warre's 1994

Red

Firm brick edge. Closed nose. Good depth and weight, chewy tannins and fruit. Soft with some spice.

UK price:£15.99 Sai, Asd, Saf, Wai, Tes

Warwick Three Cape Ladies 2001

Red

Dark garnet; Subdued, some cassis, quite spicy, interesting. Soft, voluptuous multi-layered long. Full, interesting.

UK price:£9.99 WSo, Hnd, Swg, Ply, Jer, Rei, Par

US price:$19.99 Broadbent Selections 001 415 931 1725

Warwick Prof Black Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale centre, lemony. Exotic fruit and fig. Bright primary aromatic. Very clean and fruity. Fruit continued on palate, quite complex long. Good length. Very good varietal style. 2-5 yrs

UK price:£8.99 WSo, Hnd, Swg, Ply, Jer, Rei, Par

US price:$14.99 Broadbent Selections 001 415 931 1725

Watershed Premium Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2002

Red

Oaky flat nose. Good long fruit palate. Long with good tannins. 2–7 years.

UK price:£12.99 Orb

Weingut Jurtschitsch Sonnhof Riesling Heiligenstein Reserve 2002

White

Pale greeny yellow. Touch of botrytis gives a bit of honey. 5–10 years.

UK price:£21.75 VDW

Weingut SA Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2002

White

Light green lime colour. Reserved minerally nose. Long, vibrant, structured fruit, very good intensity, nice balance, good structure. Lovely vibrant acidity, with a hint of creaminess. Very good length. 5–10 years.

UK price:£12.49 AWi

US price:$19.99 Weinbauer inc, Chicago

West Brook Winery Riesling 2002

White

Lemon straw; Distinctly lifted and limey. Some bottle age complexity. Very good. Balanced viscous fat , full palate. Limey with distinct off dry finish. Decent length. Quite good. now 2-5 yrs

UK price:£7.95 GWW

Williams & Humbert NV

White

PS. Big old fashioned nutty style - fab. Big, savoury, nutty, delicious. Now

UK price:£4.99 M&S

Willow Creek Vineyard Tulum Chardonnay 2001

White

Golden. Ripe oak and complete fruit focus. Rich, fine style. Well balanced – seamless. Drink now.

Wither Hills Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Deep ruby. Tar, tobacco. Spicy black cherry fruit. Full, complex, juicy. Well structured and long. Potential for ageing. Attractive fruit concentration. Oak needs time to soften. Up to 5 years.

UK price:£13.99 Wai

Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2003

White

Pale. Classic lifted nose of piercing gooseberries. Very concentrated and well balanced. Distinctly gooseberry nose. Very intense and long. Complex too. Very good.

UK price:£7.99 Odd, Wai, WSo, Dec, EdS, Oxf

Wittmann Kirchspiel, Westhofen, Riesling Trocken 2002

White

Deep yellow green. Good, natural, very pronounced. Dry, full, great fruit – grapefruit. Quite fine. Long spirit. 2–5 years.

UK price:£20.10 WBn

Wittmann Westhofener Aulerde, Riesling Auslese 2003

White

Lime green. Very reserved nose. Very refined fruit and nice acidity, long and fresh. Very clear and pure. Deliciously fresh. 5–10 years.

UK price:£19.10 WBn

Woodward Canyon Winery Artist Series #10 Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Smooth, rich, forward style, pale, good concentration, some persistence, but the alcohol sticks out. 2–3 years.

US price:$42.00 USWWD; USELOM; USWS; USZ; USMC; USPEND

Wyndham Estate Show Reserve Cabernet Merlot 1998

Red

Good fragrant berry fruit perfume. Very nice intensity, richness and cassis berry fruit, supple tannins, fleshy fruit, good-quality acidity and very stylish balance.

UK price:£12.99 Saf, Tes

US price:$23.95 Pernos Ricard USA +1 914 539 4500

Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

Red

Good depth, youthful. Ripe and cassis with clean leafy fruit. Ripe, firm, rich balanced oak, good length.

UK price:£30.03 Maj, P&S

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling 2002

White

UK price:£6.03 Maj

Xanadu Normans Chais Clarendon Shiraz 2002

Red

Purple/black. Liquorice fruit, good intensity, some spices. Well balanced, fruity tones, clean marzipan, nice length. Up to 2 years.

UK price:£14.99 PLB

US price:$29.99 Wiliam Grant & Sons 001 732 225 9000

Yalumba Mourvedre Grenache Shiraz 2002

Red

Nice intensity of black fruits and peppers with a touch of oak toast. Full structure, very high alcohol, grainy tannins. Good length. Quite unique style. 1–2 years.

UK price:£14.99 Neg, BWC, F&R, HeC

US price:$32.00 Negociants UK 001 707 259 0993

Yalumba The Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 1998

Red

Powerful liquorice spice nose. Lots of spicy oak and good rich cassis flavours. Good concentration with stylish balance, tannins and acid.

UK price:£39.99 F&R, Gdh, Wmb, Lay, You

US price:$100.00 Negociants UK 001 707 259 0993

Yalumba Shiraz 2001

Red

Spicy varietal, edgy. Clean, spicy ripe fruits. Rich and juicy, good length.

UK price:£7.99 Tes, Bth, You, P&S, WSo, Tan

US price:$17.00 Negociants UK 001 707 259 0993

Yarra Burn Shiraz Viognier 2002

Red

Powerful aromatic character. Very nice vibrant, voluptuous Shiraz blackberry fruit richness. Succulent tannins, fresh acidity, good richness.

UK price:£12.99 M&S, SWS

Yering Station Reserve Pinot Noir 2002

Red

Good colour. Berry fruit aromas, nice Pinot varietal character, subtle flavours, rich in weight with vanilla oak and nice balance, finish. Good young Pinot.

UK price:£24.99 EnW

Yvon Mau Château du Val d'Or 2000

Red

Well-balanced, rich middleweight with firm, dry tannins, long, fairly complex, ripe, gentle. Good length. Slightly hot.

UK price:£15.99 Frx (DWS)

ZD Wines ZD Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Red

Opaque inky oak. Ripe, cassis, some capsicum. Sweet, ripe extracted fruit, pale toasty wood that’s integrated, spice, slighty dense fine tannins, good depth and nice length.

UK price:£74.00 Hsn

US price:$40.00