Sunday 31 October 2010

Altos de Tamaron Crianza DO 2006

I got this Ribera Del Duero wine in Asda for an incredibly £4.96. It's by Pagos del Rey and perfectly respectable.

Brick red, berry fruits and hint of vanilla on the nose, with some vegetal notes. In the mouth, there's good black fruits and cherries, a little tannic with a short finish not much finesse but a lot better than the average £5 Spanish wine - not an embarrassment at all to RdD. 14 / 20

Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2009

I am a big fan of the Carmenere grape and it's one the Chile does really well. I find the C del D entry level wines quite pleasing and far better than usual generic New World varietals. This one usually retails at about £7 - I picked up this bottle for £4 on a supermarket special.

Lovely youthful deep purple colour, stewed fruits and a hint of tar on the nose; fruit forward, mouthwatering damsons and black fruits in the mouth, quite tannic and needs another 6 months to a year. A little short on the finish but amazing value for money - even at the full price. 15 / 20