Decanter’s top wines of 2018: Most exciting picks
Here are the 75 wines that have particularly impressed our staff and contributors in 2018, re-tasted blind by an expert panel. Tina Gellie reports...
75 wines tasted by our expert panel of Oz Clarke, Sarah Jane Evans MW and Tina Gellie
Decanter magazine’s ‘most exciting wines of the year’ list is all about wines that really made an impression for their ability to stand out from the crowd, whether that be through quirkiness or classicism.
This isn’t necessarily where you’ll find the biggest names or highest scorers of 2018, but you will hopefully find new wines to look for and to try.
‘So many different grape varieties, countries and wine styles. This is what our Brave New World of Wine is all about.’ – Oz Clarke
How the wines were chosen
As in the previous two years, we asked Decanter World Wine Awards Regional Chairs, key contributors and Decanter staff to name the wines they have most enjoyed over the past 12 months. Each wine’s ‘champion’ is included at the end of the tasting notes.
Only wines with a UK retail price of £60 and under were considered.
The wines were tasted blind by our expert panel, with only the grape variety and vintage disclosed.
Wines were rated for their complexity, harmony and wow-factor, with value also being taken into consideration.
We particularly wanted to reward wines with real individuality and a great drinking experience.
Scroll down to see Decanter’s top wines of 2018
The results
A remarkable 88% of entries scored an average of 90 points or above, displaying an impressive array of styles, with 17 countries and 37 different grapes represented.
Australia and Spain led in terms of numbers, with France and South Africa close behind. But there were also entries from Greece, Georgia, Hungary, England, Canada and more.
And while classic varieties dominate – Chardonnay was closely followed by Pinot Noir – there were also more unusual grapes such as Grecanico, Hárslevelú, Rkatsiteli and Xinomavro.
Even with a price limit of £60, there are many wines at £25 or under.
Continue reading below
Decanter’s top wines of 2018:
Sorted by style
‘It was a deliciously diverse array of wines – all different, all memorable.’– Sarah Jane Evans MW
Our tasters’ top picks from the tasting:
Oz Clarke
Oz Clarke is an award-winning communicator. His latest book is Red & White (Little Brown, £12.99)
Clarke’s honourable mentions went to the Sherries, a ‘remarkable’ Bierzo, ‘stunning’ South African Cinsault and an ‘astonishing’ Canadian Sauvignon Blanc.
‘But I’m going back to the old world for my favourites: Vassaltis’ brilliant Assyrtiko from Santorini; a Vinho Verde from Soalheiro I’d like to drink all summer, and the crunchy red Corbières from Domaine Le Champ des Murailles – the kind of red I long for in winter.’
Sarah Jane Evans MW
Sarah Jane Evans MW is DWWA co-chair, past chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine and an award-winning writer
For Evans, welcome surprises were from Greece and Georgia, plus the ‘glamorous’ Douro sparkling, ‘and the fact I put a Soave and a Pinot Gris in my top 10’.
She also highlighted the South African Albariño, which she said was ‘convincing, for a Spanish wine lover’, plus Vasse Felix’s Heytesbury Chardonnay – repeating the success of the 2014 vintage in last year’s line-up – plus stand-out Pinot Noirs and Garnachas.
You might also like:
Jane Anson’s top fine wines of 2018
Stephen Brook’s top scoring fine wines of 2018
Top wines of 2018 from Decanter Panel Tastings
Gusbourne Estate, Blanc de Blancs, Kent, England, United Kingdom, 2013
Oz Clarke: Full and dry, with a telling streak of mineral stoniness softened by creamy hazelnut which will increase with age. Sarah Jane Evans: Clean, punchy delivery, with vibrant and thrilling freshness. Finely balanced. The finish is tight, but promises well with time. Tina Gellie: Ripe mango, yellow apple and floral notes. Zingy and fresh, with an elegant finish. Recommended by Stephen Skelton MW
2013
Gusbourne EstateKent
Vértice, Pinot Noir, Douro Valley, Portugal, 2007
Oz Clarke: A very full, leesy style, almost oaky, but still packed with flavour. For me it's just probably a little heavy and strong on the phenols. Sarah Jane Evans: Complex aromatics. It's finely smoky and toasty, with developing maturity adding complexity to the palate. A fine backbone of acidity is joined by delicate mocha and roasted fruits. A long, considered finish. Tina Gellie: Classic spiced, honeyed apples and toasty digestive biscuit aromas and flavours on a creamy palate – this is very pretty. Great acidity and a long, toasted brioche finish. Recommended by Tom Cannavan
2007
Vértice
House of Arras, Grand Vintage Brut, Tasmania, Australia, 2007
Oz Clarke: Classically aged, with notes of dry chocolate and a hint of cocoa powder mixed with hazelnuts. Lovely if you like your fizz aged. Sarah Jane Evans: Subdued aromas, with light herbs. Bright and fresh in the mouth, but with a defined mushroom undertone. Tina Gellie: Showing its age but still very classy, with creamy, yeasty aromas and soft, buttery red apples on the palate – earthy but still fresh. Lovely to enjoy now but will keep. Recommended by Julie Sheppard
2007
House of Arras
Ferrari, Perlé Zero Cuvée Zero 11, Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, 2011
Oz Clarke: Fresh, proudly dry and almost austere, but it works because the wine has a deep, nutty warmth and good lean but chewy apple fruit. Sarah Jane Evans: Plenty of fizz retained in the glass. It has a bright, smoky aroma, lightly toasty. The palate arrives with a buzz of sparkles. Vivid and racy, it has a creamy richness, but remains fresh. An almost metallic, salty sign-off. Tina Gellie: A lovely fine mousse and a firm, taut, bone-dry palate of tart green apples, a herbal anise edge and a steely tang. The acidity is piercing – this will age well. Recommended by Anne Krebiehl MW
2011
FerrariTrento
Nyetimber, Classic Cuvee Brut, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
Oz Clarke: A very attractive young wine. It’s fresh, and a little softer than the others, but there’s an attractive mineral chalkiness and green acidity that keeps the softness serious. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This is smoky, toasty and gently aromatic. It has a bright arrival in the mouth, but the finish is short. The aftertaste is slightly oily and it lacks real charm. Tina Gellie: A shy nose but a juicy, ripe and simple palate of apple fruit with a hint of age. It has a creamy mid-palate but is perhaps a bit short. Recommended by Anthony Rose
NyetimberWest Sussex
Guillaume Sergent, Les Pres Dieu Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France
Oz Clarke: This is a quite a full, direct wine that’s still very young. It has an attractive yeasty softness that’s just showing, with firm lemon pith acidity. It will be good. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This has subtle earthy notes on the nose and palate, and a flat finish with a citrus edge. Tina Gellie: Biscuity, autolytic characters come through with some vegetal, autumnal aromas. It tastes quite mature, with high acidity and flavours of crisp green apples. One for drinking in the short term. Recommended by Natalie Earl
Guillaume Sergent
Brokenwood, Indigo Vineyard Chardonnay, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, 2016
Oz Clarke: Classic, struck-match Chardonnay, but this has enough fruit character to match the smoke and create a delightful nutty, balanced style. Sarah Jane Evans: Struck match is the key aroma here. The lime and pomelo palate develops into a smoky richness, and finishes with a punch of freshness. Impressive. Tina Gellie: Full-frontal aromas, in that lean Australian Chardonnay style. Toasty, nutty oak joins punchy flavours of nougat, spiced apples and sharp grapefruit. Recommended by Roger Jones
2016
BrokenwoodBeechworth
DeMorgenzon, Reserve Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2017
Oz Clarke: A rich style that's oaky and full. Notes of nuts, honeysuckle and syrup. It’s decent now, but will be even more exciting in a few years. Sarah Jane Evans: Aromas of honeyed apples. The palate is ripe and buttery with a lovely edge of lemon zest, plus nutmeg and cinnamon spice. Tina Gellie: Full-bodied enough to carry its alcohol and oak. Apple crumble, lemon and stone fruit on the nose and palate. Characterful. Recommended by Simon Field MW
2017
DeMorgenzon
Vassaltis, Assyrtiko, Santorini, Aegean Islands, Greece, 2016
Oz Clarke: A serious, attention-seeking wine with sun- and wind-blasted fruit; salty, nutty and rocky in a furious embrace. Sarah Jane Evans: Aromatically more Riesling than Assyrtiko, with its creamy, smoky notes. A gloriously explosive palate with ripe lemons, saltiness and full-bodied stone fruit and greengages. Tina Gellie: Wow! An expressive, almost smoky petrol nose leads to a lean, savoury palate with complex oxidative notes. A diva of a wine. Recommended by Jim Budd
2016
VassaltisSantorini
Ata Rangi, Lismore Pinot Gris, Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand, 2017
Oz Clarke: Honeysuckle notes; full and ripe, with pear flesh, a little warm dust and good, savoury, nutty creaminess. Sarah Jane Evans: Tempting aromas: orange peel, kumquats, honey. The palate offers the same intensity, developing a silky richness. Smooth finish. Tina Gellie: Musky apricot nose leads to a full, soft jasmine and peach palate. The racy acidity and nutty length makes this a lovely food wine. Recommended by Roger Jones
2017
Ata RangiMartinborough
Bosman Family Vineyards, Fides Grenache Blanc, Wellington, South Africa, 2016
Oz Clarke: Fascinating amber wine; rich, chewy, with the scent and bitterness of tamarind and orange pith, and a dusty roast almond smokiness. Sarah Jane Evans: Burnished colour. Tertiary palate of roasted and toasted flavours, with a tinge of bitter orange zest. Long, Intense finish. Tina Gellie: Clearly an orange wine on the nose: toasted nuts, spice and burnt orange peel. Lean, firm and drying on the palate. An individual style that will divide opinion. Recommended by Sarah Jane Evans MW
2016
Bosman Family Vineyards
Okanagan Crush Pad, Haywire Free Form Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada, 2016
Oz Clarke: A blast of squirted lemon juice, grapefruit pith and greengage skin. Flesh, skin and pith; ebullient palate. Sarah Jane Evans: Charming, creamy, elderflower florality. Starts light and fresh, then shows flower meadow complexity. Plenty of energy. Tina Gellie: Cloudy in the glass but not on the nose: bright, fresh aromas. Vibrant palate has mouth-watering acidity, with mandarin, mango and hay. Unlike any Sauvignon Blanc you've tried before. Recommended by Tina Gellie & Joanna Simon
2016
Okanagan Crush PadOkanagan Valley
Vasse Felix, Heytesbury Chardonnay, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia, 2016
Oz Clarke: Gentle, mellow, nutty and round with a hint of struck match. Sarah Jane Evans: Beautifully controlled Chardonnay. The palate is ripe but carefully overlaid with fine oak, bright acidity. Gloriously long, juicy finish. Notes of lime and pineapple highlight. Tina Gellie: A serious, Burgundian-style Chardonnay with toasty, nutty oak that’s balanced by lemon acidity and breezy, ripe yellow apples. Long and complex; will age well. Recommended by Michael Hill Smith MW
2016
Vasse FelixMargaret River
Errazuriz, Las Pizarras Chardonnay, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, 2015
Oz Clarke: Pale, green, salty fresh with a delightful yellow peach skin and just a little chewiness. Sarah Jane Evans: Full, broad and bursting with flavour. A forthright style, with developing tertiary characters. Delicate lift of freshness at the end. Tina Gellie: Evolving, savoury style, boasting flinty minerality and bold, pure apple flavours. Excellent, fresh acidity with gentle and well-balanced oak. I'd happily have another glass. Recommended by Alistair Cooper MW
2015
Errazuriz
Gini, Contrada di Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne, Soave, Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2014
If Sandro Gini’s exquisite wines are not better known, it might have something to do with his self-effacing modesty, or perhaps with the generally low expectations that the outside world holds of Soave. The Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne is anything but the stereotypical simple, light, dry summer wine. Gini’s family has owned the Salvarenza vineyard since 1852. The average age of the vines, around a third of which pre-date phylloxera, is around 100 years, give or take a decade. Gini attended oenological school but says that when he started making wine he had to unlearn much of what he had been taught. For example, he has completely eliminated the use of sulphites during vinification. The grapes for the Salvarenza, 100% Garganega, are picked at full ripeness and fermented in barrels of varying capacities, where the wine remains for 12 months. It is cellared for another year before release and will continue to develop for at least another decade. Starts subdued but opens with amazing assurance to a fantail of aromas from lime and lemon to dandelion, hawthorn and beeswax and a fascinating note of smoky tea leaf. Irresistibly drinkable but with an amazing depth of flavours and long, flinty finish.
2014
GiniSoave
Kikelet, Kassai Single-Vineyard Hárslevelű, Tokaj, Hungary, 2015
Oz Clarke: Round and soft. Dusted lightly with baking spices and infused with the gentle citrus richness of boiled lemons softened with a dash of hazelnut cream. Sarah Jane Evans: Ripe, rich, succulent wine. All bruised apple and custard; a fine blend of ripeness with refreshing acidity. Tina Gellie: Complex mineral, spiced yellow apple, quince and rich honey characters. Elegant, savoury and beautifully made: lemon freshness and a toasty length. Recommended by Caroline Gilby MW
2015
Kikelet
Kusuda, Riesling, Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand, 2015
Oz Clarke: Citrus, lime zest, almost petrol but with very good, soft texture, a touch of leather and long, lingering, lime freshness. Sarah Jane Evans: Developing the lovely signs of Riesling age on the nose. By contrast, the palate remains youthful. Punchy acidity, stony impression and a long, lean finish. Tina Gellie: Gorgeous, waxy lime and slatey mineral aromas. Showing some petrolly signs of age, but still vibrant, pure and youthful. Super vitality, freshness and length. Recommended by Elin McCoy
2015
KusudaMartinborough
Newton Johnson, Albariño, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, South Africa, 2015
Oz Clarke: Good, full, round. Lees-aged and nutty with ripe fruit and a hint of cocoa. Quite rich. Sarah Jane Evans: Subdued on the nose. The palate is memorable, with a fine blend suggesting sea, stones and sunshine. The extra age brings fine complexity, and a bright, fresh ending. Tina Gellie: Nutty, yeasty and savoury nose. Flavours of cooked yellow fruit, bright acidity and a saline touch. Complex, rounded mouthfeel with a lovely creamy length. Very tasty. Recommended by Fiona McDonald
2015
Newton JohnsonUpper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Orgo, Qvevri Rkatsiteli, Kakheti, Georgia, 2016
Oz Clarke: Bitter stone notes; dry and chewy, with tamarind, peach skin and apple pips. Sarah Jane Evans: Sumptuous auburn colour. Subtle aromas of roasted fruits and nuts. The palate is driven by texture rather than fruit, with a slight rasp of tannin. Notes of mint and eucalyptus. Tina Gellie: Amber hue. Mellow, roasted pear and fresh green apple aromas. More nutty and woody on the textured, grippy palate. Contemplative and food-friendly, but not for everyone. Recommended by Andrew Jefford
2016
Orgo
Santa Maria La Nave, Millesumare Bianco, Sicily, Italy, 2016
Oz Clarke: Haughty, solitary kind of flavours – with an intriguing scent of barely ripe lemon and moist blossom rubbed on pale linen. Unusual, fascinating. Sarah Jane Evans: A touch reduced on the nose. A smoky edge takes down the overt fruit. Stony freshness. Individual, with a slow burn to develop its full flavour. An elegant finish. Tina Gellie: Definitely more mineral and smoky than fruity, with lots of oyster shell notes. Very appealing, fresh and food-friendly with excellent acid balance. Recommended by Julie Sheppard
2016
Santa Maria La Nave
Quinta de Soalheiro, Primeiras Vinhas Alvarinho, Monção e Melgaço, Vinho Verde, Portugal, 2017
Oz Clarke: Irresistibly aromatic; curls of lemon zest twined with pear and white peach fruit. Utterly drinkable. Sarah Jane Evans: Rose petals and violet aromas. Typically Albariño with a balance of grapefruit and creamy richness. Long, intense finish. Bring on the razor clams! Tina Gellie: Classic Albariño: sea spray plus tropical and exotic fruit salad notes. Still young, but a great food wine. Recommended by Richard Mayson
2017
Quinta de SoalheiroMonção e Melgaço
Bründlmayer, Terrassen Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Austria, 2016
Oz Clarke: Quite lean, showing lemon and apple peel fruit, with a fresh flash of green leaf. Sarah Jane Evans: Slight hint of white pepper on the nose. From this subdued beginning blossoms a bold and generous wine: golden peaches, ripe lemons, cream and a delicate texture. Impressive Grüner. Tina Gellie: Classic, stone fruit and white pepper on a weighty, textured palate. Fresh lemon acidity. Well made and drinking nicely. Recommended by Jane Anson
2016
BründlmayerKamptal
Arnot-Roberts, Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA, 2016
Oz Clarke: Full, rich, golden style. A big, salty, nutty, mineral wine, streaked with lemon zest. Still young and needs two to three years to develop. Sarah Jane Evans: Roasted peaches on the nose; brisk and punchy in the mouth. The palate develops richly and is balanced by a note of bitterness, Long, persistent finish. Tina Gellie: Very overt and concentrated stone fruit – almost extracted. Youthful, tight palate with sharp acidity. This needs time. Recommended by Ronan Sayburn MS
2016
Arnot-RobertsSan Francisco Bay
Domaine William Fèvre, Chablis, 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre, Burgundy, France, 2016
Oz Clarke: Pale, lean and very clear-eyed. Bone-dry with lean lemon fruit, a hint of blossom and a flash of struck match. Sarah Jane Evans: Singing purity – a Chardonnay that’s all about freshness. Some tropical fruit on the nose and palate. Plenty of youthful acidity to give energy to the style. Tina Gellie: Bright, light and fresh in a Chablis style. Nutty creaminess and tart green apple with brisk lemon acidity. Recommended by Rosemary George MW
2016
Domaine William FèvreChablis
Sandhi, Rita’s Crown Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Sta Rita Hills, California, USA, 2014
Oz Clarke: Round, soft and mellow with a charming gentle maturity of cream and roasted nuts, freshened up with lemon zest acidity. Sarah Jane Evans: Lean, clean wine. Smoky reductive notes lead to a clean, linear palate. Fruit is subdued; the palate is developing notes of stony purity. Elegant and refined. Tina Gellie: Quite smoky and reduced on the nose. The palate is grippy, lean and tight with savoury mineral notes and hints of confit peach. A very New World Chardonnay. Recommended by Chris Mercer
2014
SandhiSanta Barbara County
Vita Vinea, Kisi Amber Dry, Kakheti, Georgia, 2016
Oz Clarke: Pretty full style; dusty, clay-scented, with a little pale orange and apricot fruit, dried out but there, to soften the bitter bite. Sarah Jane Evans: Brilliant gold with yellow lights. Delicately smoky aromatics. A rasp of tannin gives a drying note. The freshness lifts the weight of tannin, and offers light orange notes. Long spicy finish. Tina Gellie: Burnished gold colour. Aromas and flavours of smoky toasted nuts and tart greengages on a grippy palate with dusty tannins and savoury, fresh acidity. Intriguing. Recommended by Anthony Rose
2016
Vita Vinea
Knewitz, Riesling Trocken, Rheinhessen, Germany, 2017
Oz Clarke: Full, direct orange zest and soft apple core, with a little leather and mineral stones. Sarah Jane Evans: Lively aromatics with honey and fennel. Super-clean and vivid Riesling. Delicate in weight, but punchy and bold nevertheless. It would be cradle-snatching to drink now. Tina Gellie: The aromas seem quite simple – peaches, marshmallows and honeysuckle – but the palate is more austere: tight and fresh with citrus blossom, stone fruit and apple. Youthful, lively acidity. Recommended by Anne Krebiehl MW
2017
Knewitz
Dal Zotto, Arneis, King Valley, Victoria, Australia, 2016
Oz Clarke: This is enjoyable with some quite ripe, soft fleshy fruit and good balance. It’s good, though not special. Sarah Jane Evans MW: A limpid, brilliant wine with delicate green tinges. It has subtle aromatics, but the palate makes itself felt. It starts with green apples and develops a glorious lime marmalade intensity with a long, punchy finish. Tina Gellie: An unusual nose of caramel and burnt sugar that is toasty, ripe and appealing. There’s a saline hint on the palate followed by a good nuttiness, fine mouthfeel and a long, creamy finish. It’s really tasty with nice acidity. I would enjoy another glass of this. Recommended by Andy Howard MW
2016
Dal ZottoKing Valley
Mas Champart, Pays d'Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2013
Oz Clarke: This is quite full, nutty but a little neutral. It’s good but not exciting. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This has aromas of freshly-cut herbs, it’s still youthful despite the years. The palate leads on with savoury notes rather than fruit, and finishes with a clean, almost stony edge. A wine that is shy to charm but finishes strongly. Tina Gellie: This is a nice, savoury mineral style that has some interest. It’s lean, fresh, nutty and savoury with good complexity and balance. It has a nice firm and weighty palate Recommended by Rosemary George MW
2013
Mas ChampartPays d'Oc
Azores Wine Company, Arinto dos Açores, Pico, Azores, Portugal, 2016
Oz Clarke: A strong gold colour, heavy in the glass and a broad, waxy texture to a wine that is fairly rich in a neutral fruit way and laced with smoke. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This has a vivid attack of struck-match aromatics and a linear palate with a marked stony character. This is a wine that definitely speaks of its origins! It's pure, with a finely balanced acidity and a long, elegant finish. Tina Gellie: This is volcanic and reduced in style – it’s lean and perhaps a bit too mean. It has flavours of cooked peaches and apples with a grippy mouthfeel. It’s nice but not the best. Recommended by Elin McCoy
2016
Azores Wine CompanyPico
Tetramythos, Roditis Nature, Patras, Peloponnese, Greece, 2017
Oz Clarke: A delightful, mellow, warm yet gentle and easy-going wine. It has fruit streaked with smoke and a creamy softness sharpened up by greengage skin acid. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This is creamy with fresh herbs, a Mediterranean charm on the nose and equally lively palate. There are garrigue flavours on the palate, with an imagined hint of sea salt and, running through it all, a lemon-curd freshness. Definitely one for the shellfish course. Tina Gellie: This is smoky and slatey with notes of wet stone, nectarine, yellow apple and nougat. It’s not overly complex but is tasty and makes a great food wine. Recommended by Nico Manessis
2017
TetramythosPatras
Aldinger, Marienglas Untertürkheimer Gips Spätburgunder, Grosses Gewächs, Württemberg, Germany, 2014
Oz Clarke: Struck match is the most prominent flavour here with the pale, delicate fruit dominated by winemaking. Sarah Jane Evans MW: The smoky aromatics dominate: underneath, the Spatburgunder gives a delicate, vivid expression of red and black berries, with a vivid freshness. Balancing the fruit there's the gentle rasp of tannin. Tina Gellie: This is leafy, firm and savoury - a nicely autumnal wine. It’s a very mature style for its age – one to drink soon. Recommended by Anne Krebiehl MW
2014
AldingerGrosses Gewächs
Domaine de la Bégude, Rosé, Bandol, Provence, France, 2017
Oz Clarke: A good wine that is full, with some scent but also some meaty fattiness to wrestle with good stewed strawberry and cherry skin fruit, and a lick of old leather to finish. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This is deep salmon pink with copper highlights and is all about the red fruits. There’s strawberry on the nose but without being at all jammy. In the mouth it's equally ripe and fruity, but it's a real wine - not a bubblegum rosé. It’s structured, with an edge of tannin and a zip of freshness to balance the fruit, and a long finish. Tina Gellie: A simple and fresh wine that's firm but basic with some overly confected fruit flavours – a bit cordial-like. Recommended by Liz Gabay MW
2017
Domaine de la BégudeBandol
Domaine Skouras, Peplo, Peloponnese, Greece, 2017
Oz Clarke: A light, bright, fresh and modern wine. It’s slightly yeasty still, but attractively scented with moist pink flowers and a squeeze of rosehip. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This is pale salmon pink, like silk. It’s sumptuously aromatic and musky on the nose. By contrast the palate is less sumptuous, more straightforwardly ripe. There's a richness to it - serve really cool with spicy foods. Tina Gellie: This has a swimming pool-fresh, clean and crisp musky nose. This is basic with some confected notes. Recommended by Caro Maurer MW
2017
Domaine Skouras
Roda, I Reserva, Rioja, Northern Spain, Spain, 2011
Oz Clarke: Good: full, ripe and serenely balanced, the tannin nips just enough to enliven the rich strawberry and cranberry fruit, with hints of spicy scent. Sarah Jane Evans: Textbook: fleshy Tempranillo blend, with Graciano ensuring the freshness. Aged in oak, now reaching a fine equilibrium with a delicate grain of tannin. Tina Gellie: Classic Rioja: coconut and vanilla oak spice deftly balances savoury, leathery red berry fruit. Drinking well now but will age. Recommended by Joanna Simon
2011
RodaRioja
Comando G, Uvas Felices El Hombre Bala, Madrid, Spain, 2015
Oz Clarke: Lovely round and mellow style. Ripe red fruit with sultry cake and kitchen spice, plus a nip of ripe tannin and apple pip acid. Sarah Jane Evans: Just right! Silky, generous Garnacha lifted by a note of the zippy, blueberry fruit of Carignan. Complex, vibrant and individual. Tina Gellie: Delicious easy-drinking red made with a light touch. Juicy and ripe stewed red berries and sweet spices on a supple palate enlivened by fresh, crunchy acidity. Recommended by James Button
2015
Comando G
Lukas van Loggerenberg, Geronimo, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2016
Oz Clarke: Full style, with mature, rich red fruit. Scented strawberry and redcurrant notes with a flutter of icing sugar and a suggestion of herbs and lemon zest. Sarah Jane Evans: Lovely to have Cinsault in this line-up! Great to see it restored to the Pantheon of grape varieties. But this is a bit too herbaceous for a top score. Tina Gellie: This tastes like the Cape: fynbos herbs and crunchy, vital red and blue berries, made in a pure, hands-off style. Recommended by Roger Jones
2016
Lukas van Loggerenberg
David Franz, Grenache Noir, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia, 2016
Oz Clarke: Light but very tasty. Scented with rosemary and mint, and with delightfully syrupy strawberry and red plum fruit on the palate. Sarah Jane Evans: Super-pale, orange tinted, strawberry hints, and brightly fresh. Very nicely balanced: the fruit is ripe but not overbearingly sweet, and there’s a savoury note at the core. Tina Gellie: Light, tight and savoury red berry fruit with fresh herbs and earthy notes. Quite high-toned on the palate with firm acidity. Long and lean. Recommended by Simon Wright
2016
David FranzBarossa Valley
Raúl Pérez, Ultreia, Bierzo, Spain, 2015
Oz Clarke: Good and quirky red. Soft strawberry and raspberry fruit, shot through with sap, some crunchy leafiness and grippy tannin. Sarah Jane Evans: Light in colour and on palate, with eddying flavours of redcurrants and berries, wrapped in a rasp of tannin. Loosely knit, without the usual hard hit of acidity, and with a long finish. Tina Gellie: Appealingly juicy and friendly redcurrant and raspberry fruit on the nose and palate. A lovely open style, with fine weight and a nice grip of dusty tannins. Recommended by Justin Howard-Sneyd MW
2015
Raúl PérezBierzo
Blank Canvas, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2015
Oz Clarke: Full and ripe style. The fruit is a little skins-dominant and squeezed. Chewy oak. Sarah Jane Evans: The very model of a modern Pinot: ethereal balance on the nose between promise of red fruits and fine oak. The palate has a delightfully juicy impression, toned down by delicate spice. Tina Gellie: Dense bramble fruit, green apple acidity and gentle spice. Unusually dark and concentrated for a Pinot. Dusty tannins and some nice freshness to finish. Modern but good. Recommended by Bob Campbell MW
2015
Blank Canvas
Cristom Vineyards, Mt Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA, 2015
Oz Clarke: Ripe and soft, with even a hint of raisin, but this works well, as the richness is nicely balanced and the oak is mellow. Sarah Jane Evans: Redcurrants and wood smoke are the profile of this Pinot, giving a brisk edge to the finish. Long and supple sign-off. Tina Gellie: Vibrant but soft cherry and cranberry fruit with gentle oak spice and savoury, dusty tannins. Modern and quite complex, with some balsamic tones. A unique wine. Recommended by John Stimpfig
2015
Cristom VineyardsWillamette Valley
Frederick Stevenson, Dry Red, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia, 2016
Oz Clarke: Lovely, bright and lively raspberry and ripe apple, with lemon zest and a flicker of herbs. Good acidity. Sarah Jane Evans: Aromatics are jam-packed with ripe fruits, plum conserve, fruit jellies. The palate is less expressive, but has a fine texture of tannin to contrast with the sweet fruit. Long! Tina Gellie: Full-on primary fruit aromas of summer pudding and fruit pastilles. A touch jammy, but crunchy acidity refreshes. Really quaffable. Recommended by Tina Gellie
2016
Frederick StevensonBarossa Valley
Riccitelli, The Party Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Oz Clarke: Big and toasted; rich and ripe. Deep, sweet cherry and plum fruit with some scent. Fat and toasty but good. Sarah Jane Evans: Aromatically it’s roasted Victoria plums in vanilla syrup. The palate overflows with flavour too, alive with juicy Malbec plumpness and a seasoning of spice. Tina Gellie: Deliciously vibrant and juicy black fruit pastille notes, with vanilla sugar. Brambly and plush with a good grip of tannins. A very moreish Malbec. Recommended by Andy Howard MW
2017
RiccitelliUco Valley
Thymiopoulos, Jeunes Vignes de Xinomavro, Naoussa, Macedonia, Greece, 2016
Oz Clarke: Delightful red, bursting with blackberry and stewed black plum fruit, with high plum-skin acid. Lively and appetising. Sarah Jane Evans: Pale in colour, but overflowing with flavour. Cherries, fresh red berries, some chocolate and sweet spice. Very appealing. Tina Gellie: Very ripe, dark berries on an inky, chewy, tannic palate. Deep and rich but with a seam of refreshing acidity to balance. Recommended by Amy Wislocki
2016
ThymiopoulosNaoussa
Viñedos de Alcohuaz, Tococo Syrah, Elqui Valley, Chile, 2015
Oz Clarke: Very pleasant style. Quite soft, with mild redcurrant acid, good raspberry fruit and a veneer of toast. Sarah Jane Evans: Floral, aromatic, sumptuous Syrah; nothing too savoury here. Instead the exotic charm of the variety shines through. The richness is lifted by the line of acidity. Long and lively finish. Tina Gellie: Breezy primary red fruit, mineral hints and soft, grassy, floral notes. Not overly complex but well made, with fresh acidity and fine length. Recommended by Alistair Cooper MW
2015
Viñedos de Alcohuaz
Burn Cottage, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2015
Oz Clarke: Delightful floral nose, tempered by sappy green notes. Beautifully balanced rosehip and cherry fruit. Sarah Jane Evans: Fine, fresh herb edge to the red fruited aromas. Palate is full of generous juice, with a bright lively finish. Tina Gellie: A vibrant New World Pinot Noir with violet lift, sweet and ripe cherry and raspberry fruit, and bright acidity to balance. Juicy, forward and rich. Recommended by Richard Mayson
2015
Burn Cottage
Cara Sur, Tinto, Calingasta Valley, San Juan, Argentina, 2017
Oz Clarke: Ripe, juicy and sweet, with sour raspberry and raw cherry notes. High acid but joyful, appetising red fruit too. Sarah Jane Evans: Plump, with aromas of baked fruits, crushed raspberries and mocha. A vibrant jab of acidity leads into flavours of orange peel and lemon curd. Tannins add savoury complexity. Tina Gellie: Stewed red and black fruit with soft tannins, but quite firm acidity, giving a sweet-and-sour character. Recommended by Paz Levinson
2017
Cara SurCalingasta Valley
Domaine l'Aiguelière, Côte Rousse, Montpeyroux, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2015
Oz Clarke: Ripe and deep, with blackberry and black plum fruit. Good acidity, but slightly rasping tannin that still needs a bit of bottle age. Sarah Jane Evans: Bursting with baked fruits, and layered with toasty oak. This is a burly, warm-hearted creature. Needs a few years to calm down further. Tina Gellie: Savoury, opulent nose full of ripe damsons and black berries, leading to a structured, weighty palate. The oak is evident but classy and needs time to integrate. Recommended by Tom Cannavan
2015
Domaine l'AiguelièreMontpeyroux
Stéphane Ogier, Réserve, Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, France, 2012
<p>OC Ripe, rich and quite soft, with some black cherry and clean leather notes, as well as an attractive touch of slate.</p> <p>Sarah Jane Evans: Rich and fleshy Syrah, still charmingly aromatic. The palate is beginning to slow down but retains fine texture and freshness.</p> <p>Tina Gellie: Lifted violet and mulberry fruit – very pretty. Great vibrancy for its age thanks to zesty acidity.</p> <p>Recommended by Simon Field MW</p>
2012
Stéphane OgierCôte-Rôtie
Hickinbotham, Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia, 2016
Oz Clarke: Very unusual mix of marzipan, dry chocolate and blackcurrant. It is quite tannic, but does have some violet scent and sap to lift it. Sarah Jane Evans: Textbook aromas: blackcurrant with a hint of green pepper. This is a modern and glossy approach to Cab. Fleshy blackcurrants and a firm undertone of cedar. Tina Gellie: Quite a jammy Cab, but still has that cassis and green pepper note, plus soft vanilla oak and grippy tannins. Recommended by Huon Hooke
2016
HickinbothamMcLaren Vale
Le Due Terre, Sacrisassi Rosso, Friuli, Colli Orientali, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2015
Oz Clarke: Big and burly, but with good black cherry fruit, lively cranberry acid and a savoury, mineral streak that ends with a hint of cherry blossom scent. Sarah Jane Evans: Brisk, firm and just a little austere, with all that classic, crisp crunchiness. Dark plum and black cherry fruit dominates on the elegant palate. Tina Gellie: Appealingly rustic, high-toned red with tart, savoury cranberry and rosehip flavours. Firm stewed tea tannins and crunchy acidity. Recommended by Richard Baudains
2015
Le Due TerreFriuli
Saurwein, Nom Pinot Noir, Western Cape, South Africa, 2016
Oz Clarke: Pale, delicate and scented with cool earth and soft rosehip. Mellow strawberry fruit and a dusting of fresh summer earth. Sarah Jane Evans: Very pale Pinot but not in the least pale in flavour. Bursting with cherry juice, enriched with cocoa and fines herbs. Long, juicy finish. A very popular style. Tina Gellie: Gentle pomegranate aromas. Quite lean and tart cranberry and sour cherry fruit on the palate, with high acidity and a leafy edge. Firm, subtle and savoury. Recommended by Chris Mercer
2016
Saurwein
Château Potensac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France, 2016
Oz Clarke: Young, purple, rich and oaky. This is a bit 'made' and modern in style but is a big, rather rich and plummy spicy wine, if a little tannic. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This is intensely aromatic, with notes of cedar and cigar box and wafting round, black fruits. The blend is classic and richly layered in ripe and glossy flavour with a resounding finish. Tina Gellie: A fresh and youthful wine, it has baked dark berry and plum fruit with vanilla. It’s decent, not complex though. Recommended by Panos Kakaviatos
2016
Château PotensacMédoc
Château Valcombe, Cinq Puits, Ventoux, Rhône, France, 2015
Oz Clarke: A big, powerful wine verging on being over-the-top, but there’s a powerful black cherry and honey richness slapped with pepper and thyme leaves which makes for a pretty serious glass. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This has succulent, chewy fruits that are balanced between savoury and sweet and ripe and crisp. It finishes ultimately drying with a warm lick of alcohol. Tina Gellie: This is fresh, clean and breezy with tight, meaty, dense and dark, quite sweet fruit. It’s musky and sweetly appealing with sour cherry, raspberry and a high level of firm acidity. Recommended by Peter Richards MW
2015
Château ValcombeVentoux
Chiara Condello, Le Lucciole, Romagna, Sangiovese Predappio, Emilia Romagna, Italy, 2015
Oz Clarke: Full, ripe, chewy and fairly tannic but there is good, pale cherry fruit, sappy savoury ripe tomato flesh and a leavening of fresh herbs. It’s good and young, a bit oaky, but it works. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Initially, a cheerfully singing Sangiovese - all red cherry fruit that is plump, with notes of vanilla. The layer of oak adds a delicate complexity with grip on finish. Tina Gellie: This is meaty and savoury with a dark plum nose. It has a high-acid and linear palate that is firm and fresh. There’s ripe pear with some confected undertones. Recommended by Michaela Morris
2015
Chiara CondelloRomagna
Gabriëlskloof, The Landscape Series Cabernet Franc, Bot River, Walker Bay, South Africa, 2016
Oz Clarke: A deep, toasty style with a definite leathery overtone that works because there is fairly good syrup and some toffee-nut finish. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This is an altogether bold wine with a chocolate box and dark fruit richness. Cocoa solids soften the tannins, and the blackcurrant fruit with a lemon edge shines through, The rich alcohol pairs the rich body and drives to a weighty finish. Tina Gellie: A full-frontal nose that is overt and black fruited with spice. The wine is lean and tight, firm and a bit angular with a touch of volatile acidity on the palate. Recommended by Tim Atkin MW
2016
GabriëlskloofBot River
Campo Alla Sughera, Arnione, Bolgheri, Superiore, Tuscany, Italy, 2013
Oz Clarke: Quite rich and full with deep cherry skin and ripe red plum flavour with some spice and syrup richness. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Five years allows for the integration and development of this wine: it has a bold fruit and oak palate that has been toned down by bottle age. It’s powerful and full bodied but restrained by oak. Tina Gellie: There’s dark black pastilles and sweet confected notes here but with a touch of leathery age as well. Recommended by Simon Wright
2013
Campo Alla SugheraBolgheri
David & Nadia, Grenache, Swartland, South Africa, 2015
Oz Clarke: This is a nice, fresh, modern wine with rich syrupy strawberry and red plum fruit and a hint of mint leaves. Sarah Jane Evans MW: An elegant grenache that is refined and delicate, with an edge of tannin to give structure. Tina Gellie: This is high toned, fresh and firm. It’s simple but it’s juicy and ripe. Recommended by Tina Gellie
2015
David & Nadia
Joseph Phelps, Freestone Vineyards Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2014
Oz Clarke: This is dark and deep, oaky and ripe, but it works in its way because there is a good, beguiling cherry scent with fruit and juicy acidity to keep it refreshing. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This is ripe and ready – a Pinot full of juice and brambly spiciness. It has glossy fruit paired with a bramble jam. Tina Gellie: This has a creamy aroma with quite a full and firm palate. It has thick, unctuous, ripe strawberry fruit that's full and forward. It’s nice but not overly nuanced. Recommended by James Button
2014
Joseph PhelpsSonoma County
Meyer-Näkel, Dernauer Pfarrwingert Spätburgunder, Grosses Gewächs, Ahr, Germany, 2015
Oz Clarke: Perhaps too oaky for the rather lean fruit, though there's some quite attractive sap and dry plum fruit with a fair amount of acid. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Such a delicate appearance with such a powerful palate. This is Pinot with an iron fist in the proverbial velvet glove. The aromatics show the lovely combination of red fruit and fine cedar - the Pinot explodes with berry fruits, overlaid with elegant oak. Tina Gellie: This is a savoury, leafy, mature and elegant wine that's been made in a very classic Burgundian style. It’s leafy, with red strawberry fruit and a nice roundness on the palate. Recommended by James Button
2015
Meyer-NäkelGrosses Gewächs
Bruno Rocca, Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy, 2015
Oz Clarke: This is quite nice with round, mellow plum flesh fruit, some sap, bitter bark and a little dough. Not bad. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This is the essence of savouriness. It has a firm rasp of tannin, autumnal fruits, a dense concentrated palate and very long finish. Tina Gelli: This is nice and savoury with a depth of ripe, tart and fresh black cherry fruit. There’s some earthy notes and a linear acidity that benefits from some air. Recommended by Michael Hill Smith MW
2015
Bruno RoccaBarbaresco
Kanonkop, Paul Sauer, Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2015
Oz Clarke: This has good mid-weight, it’s ripe, quite soft with a creamy oak and Merlot influence. It’s modern and attractive - needs 2 - 4 years. Sarah Jane Evans MW: This has plenty of rich fruit underneath, but the weight of oak does obscure the best of the palate. It has dry tannins with a hint of spice. Tina Gellie: This is big, deep and dense with a round, creamy black fruit nose. It’s youthful still with notes of old world oak treatment. Recommended by Fiona McDonald
2015
KanonkopSimonsberg
Hamilton Russell, Ashbourne Pinotage, Hemel-en-Aarde, Walker Bay, South Africa, 2015
Oz Clarke: A big, solid oaky wine that's a little reductive with notes of undergrowth. Sarah Jane Evans MW: A Pinotage to make new friends for the variety: this is young, lively and fresh - not built for the long haul. Tina Gellie: A fresh and firm wine with nice tannins and acidity. It has a great structure with cherry and berry fruits coming through. Surprisingly nice and should help convince non-Pinotage drinkers. Recommended by John Stimpfig
2015
Hamilton RussellHemel-en-Aarde
Château Gombaude-Guillot, Pom'N'Roll, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France, 2015
Oz Clarke: A rich, full and soft but not very distinct wine. There’s reasonable red cherry notes and some scent but is a little dusty. Sarah Jane Evans MW: A perfumed, floral blend. In the mouth it's less ethereal, more spicy and structured, finishing with a rasp of dryness and a a pop of pepper. Tina Gellie: This has a jammy and spiced dark fruit nose. It’s a pure, minimal intervention style with beautifully vibrant dark fruit. The alcohol is balanced by the weight of fruit and the fresh acidity. Nice! Recommended by Panos Kakaviatos
2015
Château Gombaude-GuillotPomerol
Le Macioche, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2012
Oz Clarke: Quite full and chewy, with notes of herbs, stones and dark fruit with a dominant bitterness. Sarah Jane Evans MW: Six years old and at a fine equilibrium. It has firm tannins that are just loosening their grip, the cherry fruit becoming burnished and roasted and nutty layers appearing. Under it all, a fine line of acidity appears. Tina Gellie: A high-toned, fresh and big-acid wine. It’s vibrant, with a classic and typical Sangiovese character. Recommended by Jane Hunt MW
2012
Le MaciocheBrunello di Montalcino
Albert Bichot, Domaine du Clos Frantin, Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy, France, 2012
Oz Clarke: A bit chewy and tough. There’s reasonable depth and some fruit, but it’s a fairly solid style when something a bit more delicate would have worked better. Even so, not bad. Sarah Jane Evans MW: As the tertiary character develops over the years the blushing red fruit disappears to be overlaid by a rasp of tannin and complex notes of forest floor. It has a long finish but isn't built for the long haul. Tina Gellie: A shy nose here and an initially closed palate. It’s high-toned and fresh but a bit overly acidic.
2012
Albert BichotVosne-Romanée
Ca' La Bionda, Campo Casalvegri, Valpolicella, Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2013
Oz Clarke: A nice mild, scented wine but beginning to lose its zip. There’s attractive incense and gentle old cherry. Enjoyable, but a little fragile. Sarah Jane Evans MW: There is development in the colour of the wine, but initially there's still plenty of primary fruit on the palate. As it lingers, the fruit fades gently, with a delicate rasp of tannin. Tina Gellie: This has ripe cherry fruit, it’s simple and juicy with a nice sour edge. Recommended by Michael Garner
2013
Ca' La BiondaValpolicella
La Ca'Nova, Montestefano, Barbaresco, Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy, 2015
Oz Clarke: A full, quite rich, ripe apple sauce flavour with spice and baked red cherry. The Nebbiolo tannins are fairly relentless but not overbearing, and held in check by some lingering scent. Sarah Jane Evans MW: A dark, savoury wine with firm, dry tannins and fruit that's hidden under a black velvet cloak with a spicy finish. Tina Gellie: There are apple overtones here. It's oxidative and fresh but a bit too cider-like. Recommended by Michaela Morris
2015
La Ca'NovaBarbaresco
Demeter Zoltán, Eszter, Tokaji, Tokaj, Hungary, 2013
Oz Clarke: Full and soft, with notes of pineapple, wax and lemon pith. Rich and syrupy but with lemon zest and pith bite. Very good. Sarah Jane Evans: Golden colour, gloriously scented and sumptuously fruity, with cling peach aromas. Palate is bright and equally peachy with lemons, apricots, limes, butterscotch, brown sugar and marmalade. Textbook example. Tina Gellie: Luscious mango, pineapple and barley sugar sweetness. Lifted, juicy and unctuous, balanced by bright lemon curd acidity. Very long. Recommended by Caroline Gilby MW
2013
Demeter ZoltánTokaji
Bodegas Callejuela, Amontillado, Jerez, Spain
Oz Clarke: Full, rich and wonderfully deep, with notes of Brazil nuts, caramel and honey, plus almond skin bitterness and probing acidity. Excellent. Sarah Jane Evans: Intensely roasted aromas; mahogany, toast, vanilla. Palate is exceptionally long and vivid, with bright punchy freshness, memorably so. Tina Gellie: Beautifully complex notes of peanut brittle and Scottish tablet, with a piercing seam of balancing acidity and a lingering saline finish. Delicious! Recommended by Matt Walls
Bodegas CallejuelaAmontillado
Emilio Lustau, Almacenista Cayetano del Pino, Palo Cortado, Jerez, Spain
Oz Clarke: Deep amber, with a marvellous mix of nuts. Rich but dry, with peach skins and piercing acid lift. Excellent. Sarah Jane Evans: Gloriously roasted, honeyed aromatics to match the sumptuously golden, glinting colour of the wine. Long, savoury palate, full of orange marmalade and with a salty savoury edge. Tina Gellie: Great concentration and complexity of walnut skins, toffee apples, salted caramel and furniture polish. Savoury, saline length and brilliant orange peel freshness. Recommended by Peter Richards MW
Emilio LustauPalo Cortado
Equipo Navazos, La Bota 71 Navazos, Manzanilla, Jerez, Spain
Oz Clarke: C A delightful balancing act between the sweet-sour yeast and dry but rich notes of nut husk and apple core. Very good style. Sarah Jane Evans: Typically nutty purity – where else but Sherry? Very intense palate. Silk entry, notes of orange, eucalyptus, salted almonds. Dry, punchy palate; long finish, unexpectedly soft and round. Tina Gellie: Nutty, yeasty and fresh aromas lead to a bone-dry palate of salted almonds and orange blossom. Zesty, bright and linear. Recommended by Natalie Earl
Equipo NavazosManzanilla
Cockburn's, Bicentenary, Port, Douro Valley, Portugal
Oz Clarke: Deep and rich; dense and ripe. Tannic and powerful – but not that scented. Sarah Jane Evans: Youthful blast of Port: jostling with tannins, young fruits, spices and warm alcohol. Plenty to enjoy! Tina Gellie: A powerful and imposing Port with lots of ripe bramble fruit, liquorice tones and sweet spice. Young, potent and structured. Recommended by Richard Mayson
Cockburn'sPort
