World Book Day

World Book Day - what best therefore to pair with my wonderful Luca Veste 'The Dying Day' ? The equally great Casillero De Diablo 'Devil's Cellar' from Co Operative. Apparently the story is that the winemaker who developed this back 100 years ago wished to protect his grapes and so started a naughty rumour that the Devil inhabited his winery. Thus. 

A fairly deep and dark blackberry taste with tannins on the tongue and a gorgeous lingering aftertaste. Chilean, and perfect with cheeses to nibble while enjoying Luca's juicy tale. Won't go onto details - read it though, it's well written and riveting. From his blurb - having never read him before - Luca grew up reading all the authors I grew up reading -  Stephen (the) King, James Herbert, Dean Koontz, Barker and Mark Billingham. Can't wait to read more from him in due course.

Am about to start re-reading my Stephen Kings, just finished Bag of Bones - one I struggled with years ago, excellent on second go. Also Everything's Eventual - lots of snippy shorts there to enjoy and read in between other novels on the go. Then I just had to pop into the attic too to get Needful Things - there was a quote I wanted - and to my chagrin, the book is not there. . . . . not stocked in my local library either. (Have reread Insomnia so many times as was my favourite for a long time.) 

Then - lucky me - found a special treat, through one of Stephen's latest tweets. I follow him - wished he followed me. Have you read @StephenKing 's new story "A DEATH"? >>> http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/03/09/a-death-stephen-king … via @newyorker @scribner damn good. A Fair Trade - talking of Fair Trade (I should be on the radio with all these links . . .) Sainsburys FT Carmenere is a super, warm, smooth delicious 'book-reading' treat.

There really is nothing better than a good book and a good wine. Two of my favourite things - Needful or otherwise.

Opera and Wine

you know how it is when you come out of the Royal Opera House and you fancy a light canapé and some excellent wine? well, last week I spent a most enjoyable evening with a beautiful (half) bottle of Decenio Rioja Reserva, Bodega Las Orcas, Spain. Surroundings were most inductive to a relaxing half hour after a brilliant evening, they have a very good wine list too in the Amphitheatre, well worth a visit.

With a developed nose of black fruits, tobacco and leather, on the palate this is beautifully elegant and light on its feet. It's wonderfully balanced and super-smooth.

you can also buy it from Roberson Wines in Kensington High Street 

As regulars to my musings are aware I do love a good Rioja  and have enjoyed some good supermarket offerings these past couple of weeks too. Gone are the days when ordering a Spanish wine meant grimacing at the tartness while you wondered if you should have just plumped for the Sangria and be done with it.

Worth a mention is Tesco's El Pinsapo Rioja, great value for money and a super slurp.

Aromas of red berries underscored by liquorice and vanilla notes, complemented by soft spice and red cherry flavours. Made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes from Spain's famous Rioja region. An ideal partner to pasta, tapas and most cheeses

Co Operative's Marques de Valido Rioja Reserva 2009 enjoyed over valentine's weekend. Forget flowers and chocolates . . . .

Sainsbury's Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo - another great wine - smooth and highly drinkable, getting that for my Mother on Mothering Sunday - she doesn't drink, but I love it.

Looking forward also to my next wine review on London's Best Smooth Jazz, listen in for my 'wine of the week' while we enjoy some smooth soulful grooves. You'll notice host Rod has a new particularly nice wine glass for the small sample I allow him. Check us out.

Co Op ethically correct 2015

The Co-operativeFood has been named the UK’s top Ethical Drinks Retailer for the second year running at the Drinks Retailing Awards 2015.

They were awarded this prestigious accolade for its market-leading commitment to responsible retailing of beers, wines and spirits in the UK and I think well deserved.

Since launching the first own-label Fairtrade mark wine in the UK more than 10 years ago, the retailer has led the way in the development of Fairtrade and is the UK’s largest retailer of Fairtrade wine, selling 52.5% of all Fairtrade wine sold in the UK. The profits have helped to fund invaluable resources in poverty-stricken communities across the world including running water, healthcare and education.

Furthermore, the retailer has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 36% in the last year by increasing the volume of wine bottled in the UK as well as switching to a lighter weight glass bottle for many selected lines. The move has saved 4,222 tonnes of CO2 emissions – the equivalent to the electricity needs of 18,759 households for a year.

In 1996, The Co-operative led the industry by putting sensible drinking advice on our wines and spirits, which was in addition to alcohol units. In 1999, they were the first retailer to label the ingredients in wine. In 2002, the first retailers to include calorie labelling on alcoholic drinks. We take all this information for granted now I guess with many brands including the details we need to be aware of. I'll therefore drink to that.

Rudolfo Griguol, one of Argentina’s most respected winemakers, produces The Co Operative's flagship Fairtrade Malbec from high altitude vineyards growing on sandy alluvial soils in the remote, picturesque Famatina Valley in North West Argentina. Made from 100% Malbec, the fruit was hand harvested and gently crushed. Purple red – almost black in colour – and bursting with plum, cherry and jam aromas, this full bodied wine has sweet but firm tannins with bursts of chocolate, tobacco and vanilla. Pair with red meat, especially steak, a good stew this time of year or roast meats.

                                         

Rather enjoyed Sainsburys Era Costana Crianza at a family gathering last week. Deep but fruity enough to savour with all types of food - we had homemade sausage rolls, hand crafted scotch eggs  (slight variation - had horseradish and beetroot within) - and honey cinnamon biscuits. Do so love a Rioja and this one didn't disappoint. Also paired particularly well with own Hummus, basil pasta and charred chicken salad.

    

Valentine Day fast approaches, quick - have a couple of samples to try before the Day itself, perhaps a nice pink rose, Barefoot maybe or a Da Luca Italia, actually think it might just have to be Aldi's Della Italia Prosecco - watch this space . . .

Wee Drammie anyone?

I so enjoy Burns Night - so looking intensely at single malts and it occurred to me that a more affordable scotch must be around somewhere. Mustn't it? Suitably armed with drammie glass, pen and paper I set myself the task of sampling supermarket own brands. Not all in one day and absolutely not all in one sitting but still pretty deliciously dangerous.

The results however were extremely pleasing. Co Operative's 12 year old Highland Single Malt - a mere snip - at 21.99 was as good as - dare I say it - Glenmorangie, my all time very favourite single malt which is never a mere snip, currently retailing at £35.99. You still get that super smooth, well rounded, mellow taste, hold it in your mouth for 5 seconds and even more flavoursome notes are released on that swallow. Terrific. Definitely crushed almonds and some marzipan, hmm maybe not quite as much honey as 'The Great G' but there's warmth and exotic spices in there. Sometimes it's difficult to vocalise 'tastes' - I do hope my descriptions give an inkling of what I'm trying to say. On my regular Best Smooth Wines slot at London's Best Smooth Jazz I often end up babbling on about 'notes' and 'body' much to host Rod's amusement or confusion. Thing is you can't just say 'Yummy' or 'hmmmn' all the time.

Tesco's own brand 12 year old single malt also gives the higher price range a good run for it's money - literally. Aberlour has real competition with the bright pure clear offering from this supermarket. There remain purists among us who would never compromise their favourite scotch whisky but at least we have a decent choice. Thanks guys, I for one appreciate it.

Back to wines, the best in malbecs at the moment have to come from Argentina and Chile, haven't sampled one single dud recently, that pretty much goes for the merlots too. Affordable and widely available in most supermarkets - Famatina Valley Malbec is one great example - it's wholesome, full bodiedly delicious and bursting with cherry/plums. 

Yummy.

Pinot Noir Week

Don't you just adore a Pinot Noir? I do, and am currently on a most enjoyable quest to decide which one I like the very most.

Pinot noir is a red wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name is derived from the French words for pine and black; the pine alluding to the grape variety having tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped bunches of fruit.

Pinot noir grapes are grown around the world, mostly in the cooler regions, but the grape is chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France. Other regions that have gained a reputation for Pinot noir include the Willamette Valley of Oregon, the Carneros, Central Coast and Russian River AVAs of California. Talking of Russian River Valley, I am soon to be talking about and reviewing in more depth John Jacaman Wines. Since the first vintage in 2002, J Jacaman Wines has produced premium Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs.

They produce a high-quality wine that anyone on any budget could drink any day, the wines are extremely exclusive – limited quantities are available for courier delivery exclusively in the United Kingdom. J Jacaman.com

                                    

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2005 - elegant and feminine

A ruby red deepness, think cherries and espresso. Visualise a ripe berry on your tongue, soft and silky, then melting - slowly, exquisitely.

Another Pinot Noir well worth a mention is Sainsbury's Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2010, super depth and a quality warm taste, more plummy and red fruits, perfect for a cheery pasta lunch with friends. 

Also Co Operative's Trapiche Pinot Noir 2010 from Argentina, bit lighter and of a higher 'note' still lovely to share over supper with some warm bread and mature cheese.

glassware by Bunce

Fair Trade Wines

How time flies, just wanted to talk a bit about Fair Trade - whenever I hear the words I immediately think of The Co-Operative but other major markets and retailers also offer FairTrade, namely Sainsburys for one. I thought it my mission to taste wine from both these supermarkets and give you the low down.

Not being an avid lover of white wines in general, preferring to focus my attentions on red only because I usually like them better and remember there's only a certain amount of hours in the day one can spend on this particular pastime/job/vocation - BUT, having said that - The Co-Operative's Fairtrade Pinot Grigio was indeed excellent. Couldn't fault it. Fresh, hints of citrus, splash of vanilla, soft on the tongue, totally delicious. Served really cold.

The Co-operative Food is celebrating 10 years of  FAIRTRADE Mark wines this year, and, to mark the occasion, the retailer is encouraging shoppers to take the “Fairtrade Wine Challenge” by trying one of the wines from its delicious, market-leading Fairtrade wine range.

The Co-operative, which has led the way in the development of Fairtrade, is the UK’s largest retailer of Fairtrade wine, selling 52.5% of all Fairtrade wine sold in the UK.  It has also been recognised as the world’s largest retailer of Fairtrade wine by The Fairtrade Foundation - accounting for 28% of global Fairtrade wine sales. Over the last 10 years, The Co-operative has sold a staggering 35 million bottles of Fairtrade wine.

The good news is that the quality of Fairtrade wines in general has improved massively over the years, and I think they are now at the point where they represent excellent quality and value for money in their own right. 

Taste the Difference Fairtrade Cabernet Merlot from Sainsburys was beautifully rounded and mellow, quite robust and a very enjoyable experience. Plummy on the palate and tasting ripe and fruity, it made for a most relaxing evening. Coupled with a few choice bix and some mature, hard cheese, it reminded me of why I do what I do.

The other Fairtrade offerings from The Co-Operative were just as good. In fact I rejoiced over the Argentinian Cabernet Sauvigon on one of my Saturday Night Best Smooth Jazz Reviews

Follow me on Twitter as I muse and tweet @bestsmoothwines

Glassware by 'Bunce'

Asda's Black Tower Pink and Bubbly Lovely

Thanks Asda for supplying me with Black Tower's Pink and Bubbly! Who would've believed it? I thought Black Tower - that fine upstanding icon of the 80's from Germany - was long forgotten and then they go and pop up with a great fun wine. Only 9% which makes it a super choice for parties and celebrations, good price too so you can share with friends and it looks lovely. beautiful bottle design (with bubbles floating up through the pinkness) and it tastes . . . .

. . . .well, actually it tastes like strawberry 'pop' which is lovely. It is effervescent and non subtle. I think ladies will love love love it for Valentine's day and as an accompaniment to the box of chocs (and obligatory bouquet) from their nearest and dearest.

Also from Asda and staying with pink and frothy - Lovely Louvel Fontaine Martel Rose - a fine bubbly to celebrate the loveliness of Valentines Day. I liked it - although I'm not generally a particularly pink and frothy person - and would recommend it as an affordable option. Very cold (almost icey) dry and not sweet. Have I said 'lovely' enough yet?

Valentines Day also merits the wonders of Champagne Monsigny Brut No.3. 'My No.1' which is from Aldi at an excellent price and with an excellent taste. Dry and again, icey, with an aftertaste of lemony zip!


Although 'Red January' is well and truly finished for another year - phew - It doesn't have to be a 'Frothy February' let's move swiftly onto some red. Going all domesticated and trying hard to make authentic Italian dishes, I've tried some really great Italian wines lately. With my homemade ravioli (now there's a time consuming delicacy) I served a brilliant Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chiant Classico DOCG 2010 from Sainsburys. Am sure Simply Italian (tweetable @XsimplyitalianX ) make ravioli  much better than I, wonder if they serve Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chiant Classico though? at room temperature or slightly above . . . mmmmmm
 

Also the excellent Casa Planeta which I can't get enough of -  definitely recommended - from the Cooperative - well warm rounded and deep yet not too heavy and highly drinkable with pastas and tomato spiced dishes.

*finest Carmenere

Can't recommend highly enough Carmenere. A beautiful grape that's often blended with others - Syrah, Merlot, Malbec - and is pretty good on it's own such as the Cambucha Carmenere, robust and rich with that inky deepness associated with the Carmenere grape. This is indeed Tesco's finest.

Also love the Monte Real Malbec Shiraz, from Argentina which is a super accompaniment to roasted meats and strong cheeses and my final exultation of this particular foray into reds is Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot - Chilian and delicious, lighter and more fresh than the others but well worth a mention. With the prices so reasonable - there's no excuse for not treating yourself during the long, dull month that is January. 'Red (Wine) January' I shall call it from now on. Does it for me.

Medieval Mulled Wine or potus ypocras

A warming brew just right if serving outside on a cold winter's evening - 'tis the season of wassailing after all.

I make this recipe every year and we adults usually have a couple of goblets when we get home after the Christingle service on Christmas Eve. (This year my daughter had the responsibility of placing the donkey in the cattle shed during heartening rendition of - yup - 'Little Donkey')

potus ypocras is much more of an experience and less sweet than the modern mulled wines around today and as many of the ingredients for authentic medieval mulled wine are difficult to find I tend to substitute variants, we don't want to make this a chore after all. So cauldrons out, cinnamon sticks at the ready and let us proceed.

Recipe Ingredients:
2 bottles of red wine (around 1.5 litres) French or Spanish (a cabernet is good)
200g natural brown sugar (or 3 tbsp clarified honey)
3 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground Spikenard root (a relative of ginseng, mild, pleasant licorice like, leave out if cannot get it but it is available at health food shops and online)
1/4 tsp each of ground, cloves, long pepper (which is an old fashioned Indian pepper, I substitute teeny pinch regular black pepper), nutmeg, marjoram and cardamon
A few ground ‘grains of paradise’, also called ‘guinea grains’, or ‘melegueta pepper’ (forget it - I use ginger)
A few ground dried Cassia Buds (I use cinnamon here as it's a close relative apparently)
a cheesecloth or similar (to strain the wine through)

Grind all the dried spices in a pestle and mortar.
In a large saucepan bring the wine and sugar to a boil to dissolve the sugar (or honey). Then remove from the heat. Pour the sweetened wine into a large, non-metallic bowl, and stir in the ground spices. Allow to cool and sit covered for 48 hours.
After sitting for 48 hours, having deeply infused the wine, the spices will create a thick residue which will have settled to the bottom of the bowl. Using a ladle pass the wine into another container through a strainer or sieve (lined with 2 layers of a clean cloth – a cloth with a fine weave such as a cheese cloth, muslin or similar) to remove the larger ground spices, being careful to leave as much of the spice residue in the pot as possible.
Bottle the clear infused wine in sterilized bottles and seal. To be at its best make it up at least 1 month before serving to mature it. To serve, pour the wine into a saucepan and gently re-warm on a low heat before ladling into glasses. Note: The older it is, the better – however, at a pinch, it can even be made a few nights before and served warm after straining

Always to be served in a goblet, always with a cinnamon stick for stirring purposes and always with a smug graciousness when you see the looks of divine delight on your friend's faces as they imbibe.

Medieval Mulled Wine

At last - the recipe is here to share - mulled wine as it should be enjoyed. Ideally on Christmas Eve after Christingle (or indeed anytime thereafter until March 31st)

Got the right wines, little Malbec, drop of left over (gasp) Merlot. Just checking the quantity of cloves and will be right back . ..

BORDEAUX ‘GEM’ ADDED TO THE CO-OPERATIVE FOOD’S WINE RANGE

The Co-operative Food has become the first major retailer to list the stunning Clos Floridene 2012, topping off its spectacular Christmas wine offering at the great-value price of £16.99. Fresh and delicious with gentle lime citrus, grapefruit peel, and a hint of gooseberry, it's the perfect accompaniment to all things festive.

Produced by renowned Bordeaux winemaker and scientist, Denis Dubourdieu, this is a dry blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 47% Semillon and 3% Muscadelle, with intense fruity aromas of white peach, lemon and grapefruit. I love it and can't stop recommending it. I am not and probably never will be a great white wine drinker, always preferring red but this has got to be a great reason for considering conversion. While we're talking about best recommendations for the festivities ahead, why not reach for a bottle (or two) of Calvet Cahors Malbec - from Tesco - an excellent choice for turning up for dinner at friends, will go down well I promise. Also from Tesco - Cono Sur Bicileta Pinot Noir, a Chilean light fruitiness, just right for the party season.

Lastly but not leastly - another Cooperative offering - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, from their Truly Irresistible range -  a wonderful well rounded, plummy Italian red. Enjoy. And think about getting those decorations down from the attic. . . .

Barefoot Pink Moscato 2013*

Barefoot Pink Moscato 2013* 

Hmmn not often I really don't 'get' something but you've got to say what you feel and I am nothing if not honest. Was looking forward to this particular gem which has nestled pride of place in the fridge for a few days now. Coaxed it out to try alongside the Doctor Who episode on Saturday (all treats together, David Tennant and all) and what a disappointment. (the rose - although to be honest the episode had a few bits lacking/confusing/anti-climax)

Barefoot Pink Moscato looks extremely pretty - has a good little element of effervescence - but tastes like a home made elderflower wine served by an 'amateur home wine maker' despite my serving it in a delicate Waterford crystal glass at almost icy. http://waterford.royaldesign.co.uk . At 9% it would be a good party wine so you could potentially drink loads of it but I certainly couldn't drink more than one and so swiftly went back to my beloved red in the form of  Tesco's finest Swartland Pinotage. A plummy warm and well rounded sup, served at just above room temperature. This is something I've been doing more of recently. Not heating the wine exactly - it's not Christmas yet, mulled wine and that, (wait til you try my recipe for mulled wine)  - but bringing it up past room temperature by placing the bottle near a source of heat, heathen that I am. Actually a friend of mine had a good Tempranillo the other day in a London hotel and it was served warm and delicious (wonder how they heat it professionally). I digress, the Swartland Pinotage was terrific, part of Tesco's finest range and well recommended. http://tesco.com/wine 

Perhaps a Waterford crystal red wine goblet would improve this even more?

Sainsbury’s Red Burgundy 2011 from The Winemakers Selection was by contrast a little tart (maybe should have done my warmy trick, to eager to try it perhaps?) Still, it held well, at 12.5% and was light and fruity. Good value too at £7.99. http://sainsburys.co.uk  


A man of words and never deeds is like a garden full of weeds.

The Garden Route 2012 South Africa

What better way to celebrate a birthday than to have a good old fashioned Chinese Takeaway meal, great company, super food and what an amazing wine? Love The Garden Route, great name, great label from http://Tesco.com. A really tasty Shiraz from the Western Cape of South Africa. Obviously I've had a few wines from South Africa but this one has to count as one of the smoothest, mellowest, most delicious in a long while. It is 14.5%  which was remarked upon by fellow imbibers - and certainly held the glass well with a great purple aroma plus hints of dark berry. Sadly Birthday Girl herself still remains too young to enjoy anything stronger than a sniff from the edge of the bottle but we adults raised our glasses with glee as the prawn crackers disappeared. I'll be recommending this one on my next podcast, don't forget to check out the latest podcast at http://winedrinkerme.com

Some great wines recommended on my 'Wine of the Week' slot with Rod Lucas http://bsj.fm I can't wait  and even more musings http://BestSmoothWines.com

Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2012

Having enjoyed a truly great bottle of  Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2012 last night from The Co-operative Truly Irresistible range, I must say that's one to include on your Christmas list. At only £6.99 a bottle at the moment - as it's on special offer - you could even share a little with Santa himself (just a little mind, he has a job to do and it is 13.5%). Will be extolling the delights of old 'Monte' along with numerous others on this week's podcast. links to follow - and check out the pretty arrangement below. Can't wait  . . . .

So sticking with the best the Co Operative  has on offer at the moment, I must enthuse about the Luis Felipe Edwards, absolutely love it. As recently reviewed on Rod Lucas's Best Smooth Jazz show this week, we love the 'warmth' of it's shiraz flavours. It's a Shiraz Carmenere from Chile and there's another version of this particular grape variety that am hoping to try next week. (What a job but someone has to do it.)

Terrific with a gorgeous Danish Blue and warm home baked bread or just on it's own. I do think it's a great choice while the weather struggles into Spring . . .

Angie J Walker
Wine Reviewer

The Co-operative South African Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 www.co-operative.coop

So yesterday enjoyed a fantastic Smooth red (from the Co Op again) - on the Smooth Jazz Show with Rod Lucas. Check out http://bsj.fm 

Am a great fan of South African wines, this one is so reasonably priced in Co Op for £4.79. and we both felt it was smooth and well rounded but still fruity and distinctly blackcurranty. Not too heavy. I would've thought it'd be a good partner for meaty pasta dishes, again with some cheese sprinkled. 

A real treat, would definitely drink it again, I do feel you can't go far wrong with a South African and am looking forward to the rose version in due course. The grapes below are Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (just for interest, I'd wondered if they looked much different from Merlot or Syrah grapes, I guess they probably do, so watch this space and we'll discover together over the next few posts . . . .)

Following on, I tend to get most of my wines from supermarkets - Co Op being one of the main ones due to being my nearest, plus it also has some amazing deals, particularly after Christmas, clearing stock I expect. Recently found visits to local wine merchants expensive, whatever happened to all the 'special offers' they used to do? or maybe I'm just getting old. 

Last night had a super Sicilian Red, (that's it's name as well as it's description) often have this one as it's drinkable, mellow, not too boring but also has some great blackcurrant tones. I would have chosen to have some cheese with it, a good mature cheddar or maybe a danish blue but has am currently off the fattening stuff so there is NONE IN THE HOUSE! In fact had it with a spicy chicken dish and rice but it's definitely a match for pasta (with grated cheese? perhaps a teeny bit of parmesan) and various meats.

Again the grapes are Merlot, plus Nero d'Avola and good old Syrah. At only £3.99, this Sicilian red is fine for most occasions, you know you can't go wrong, it certainly doesn't offend. It says on the blurb that it's a good party wine, I guess the price helps.

Will be featuring this one when reviewing next week on http://BestSmoothJazz.com together with some other Italians. I don't like Chianti as a rule, happy to be persuaded otherwise, maybe it's the Sangiovese grape I don't like but I find it tart and abrasive on the occasions I've ever had it. In my quest for answers though I will be giving it another go. It's a difficult job I know but someone has to do it. Just to let you know I am committed.

How I love my smooth wines by Angie J Walker

Hi I'm Angie Walker and as a broadcast writer and journalist, I'm now specialising in reviewing wines, one of my very favourite things.

Got some new releases coming up soon. Would appreciate any recommendations you may have or maybe you'd like me to feature something you've sampled. Will be presenting some best smooth wine podcasts for download - will keep you updated on how, when and where - and also doing some more super stuff with Rod Lucas discussing the best and sometimes the worst in the latest wines out there on the coolest radio station around bestsmoothjazz.com http://bsj.fm  

Love red wine the best but of course will try out the odd white, occasional rose and obviously anything particularly champagney if the mood suits. Let's get started . . . .

Mustang Valley - often drink this great Californian Red. Goes well with most foods, particularly Pasta dishes, Cheeses and a good beef casserole. It's fairly well rounded, mellow but not instantly forgettable and unlike some wines that you just couldn't drink too much of, this one goes down a treat, well into a second bottle (as long as there are at least 2 people present) It's not too rich.

Not sure which grape but am guessing syrah and/or merlot (always one of my favourites)

Really is best served at room temperature - sometimes I can be too keen and cooler definitely isn't better.

According to the bottle blurb it has juicy black cherry and vanilla aromas, I just know it tastes great for any occasion, is well affordable at £4.29 a bottle and easily found in my usual supermarket. Can certainly recommend it to anyone who likes a wholesome good red at a sensible price.

Angie Walker
Wine critic