I would usually expect to enjoy a smooth Merlot at almost any time, and I probably raised my own expectations beyond the reasonable when I picked up this 2011 from Italian producer, Arrigo Bidoli. Sadly, this one under-delivered. At £10.99 … Continue reading
For years I’ve always thought that Chilean reds are great value, hugely reliable and incredibly tasty. Well, there’s a generalisation if ever there was one. To talk about all red wine from the whole of a country to be characterized … Continue reading
Oh dear, how disappointing. Having really enjoyed the 2008 Cleanskin, as previously blogged, I thought it fun to try a ‘branded’ Cabernet Shiraz Merlot from the highly rated McLaren Vale region. Supposedly fruity, which I didn’t get, the label says … Continue reading
This ‘Cleanskin’ from Laithwaites really works for me. As it says on the tin, it’s a Shiraz Cabernet Merlot combination which is relabelled so as not to reveal its true source. The spiciness of the Shiraz, the robust Cabernet AND … Continue reading
Casillero del Diablo, another mid-week, easy-drinking Merlot, widely available for around £7 from Sainsbury’s and other supermarkets. It does what it says on the tin, but it doesn’t stand up to the Errazuriz (see earlier review). This one is a … Continue reading
Such an easy-drinking Merlot. We find it reliable, easy to drink on its own, and a soft, pleasant, classic Merlot. We tried it with a selection of cheeses, whcih was a bit of a mistake as the cheeses killed the … Continue reading
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