Archive for March, 2010

Goats do Roam Red 2007 tasting note

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Hi all, just tasted this wine today and would like to share my thoughts.

Made by Charles Back of the fairview winery the grapes for the Goats do Roam Classic Label 2007 come from the Paarl, Perdeberg, Stellenbosch and Swartland regions.   This is a psychedelic blend of (take a deep breathe here..)

40% Shiraz, 18% Pinotage, 17% Cinsault, 13% Carignan, 10% Mourvedre and 2% Gamay Noir

Goats do Roam South African Red 2007

Goats do Roam South African Red 2007

Made to look like a version of a Cotes du Rhone (hence the play on words in the title Goats do Roam/Cotes du Rhone, get it?). Well the Rhone Valley producers weren’t too fussed and tried to sue him at one stage but weren’t successful.  (He also has other wines named Goat Door, Goat Roti, Bored Doe and so one, aimed to mimick the wines of these regions in France)

So this is what “they” say (”they” being Goats do Roam Marketing people):

“Vibrant ruby red colour. Rich red fruit aromas, with cloves and spiciness. Rich medium bodied style, with subtle oak influences and soft tannins. Fruit flavours follow through onto the palate with supple tannins and a rounded finish.”

This is what i say:

Medium ruby colour with fairly obvious legs from its 14% alcohol.  On its nose clove spice hits you first then on that back of that i’m getting some slightly stewed blackberry fruit with a hint of vanilla.  Combined it reminds me of a warm blackberry tart with cream on the side.  The palate is medium in body almost verging on being light with soft tannins which are quite ripe.  Alcohol is quite evident in this wine on the back palate which is a bit of a down point for me. (it knocks it out of balance a bit).  The fruit coming through on the palate is again blackberry with hints of plum and raspberry with the warming spice of clove and hint of pepper on a medium length creamy finish. 

Overall this is pleasant everyday wine which offers plenty of flavour for its price.  While never going to be a world beater it certainly doesn’t disappoint in the value for money stakes. Should be good with a bar-be-que (if we ever get the weather) or alternatively with spicy tomato based pastas. 

For a limited time you can buy this wine for £74.99 per case making a saving of £8.89 on standard retail.

To find out more about this wine and others from this producer visit their website

Visit the website to find out more about Goat do Roam wines

Argentina’s New Wave of Wonder Kids ain’t no Cowboys

Monday, March 8th, 2010

We’ve recently taken delivery of wines from the excellent Dante Robino of Argentinas Mendoza Valley.  With 2 red varieties in stock at the moment both the  Bonarda and the Malbec  punch well above their weight.

New in from Mendoza Argentina

New in from Mendoza Argentina

The last time i saw Bonarda, it was really awful and about 10 years ago.  So when this one came along i was initally thinking “not another one of these” but boy was i surprised.   This Bonarda has a gorgeous nose, really inviting with blackberry, liquorice and creamy notes, not the most complex in the world, but really invites you in to taste.  The palate is full bodied, big, yet soft, with deliciously ripe tannins and a slightly spicy finish.  A lovely wine for the money and will go great with red meat or tomato based dishes.
New in from Mendoza

New in from Mendoza

The Malbec is what Mendoza and Argentina are much better known for and this wine certainly keeps the already strong reputation going.  Big, brambly fruit on the nose, hints of chocolate and coffee, invite you in just like the Bonarda, but the palate has more tannin, more spice and a longer finish.  Quite big bodied again and very moreish.

Both wines are very soft for big wines, almost silky over the palate and are a real joy to drink.  We expect these to big hits over the next while, so get in early when they’re still available! 

We are offering an introductory case price on these of £99.00.  This represents a saving on £8.88.  Priced individually they are £8.99.