Pocket Vintages - wine vintage charts and wine information

Chateau Haut-Badon 2003

This is a Saint Emillion Grand Cru with 12.5% alcohol.  It is drinking very well now - still rich cassis whiff when you open the bottle and a good chunky mouthful with a creamy aftertaste.

Still a little tannic, this wine would work well with any light meat dish but is actually good enough to drink on its own.  Very little sediment in the bottle so no need to decant although I would open it up a couple of hours before pouring.

Will probably improve another couple of years then turn.

8/10

Scotchmans Hill Swan Bay Shiraz 2006

14% alcohol, rich cherry and plum with a soft oak finish, this is a deliciously smooth Shiraz from Scotchmans Hill, about 50k south of Melbourne, Australia.

For a Shiraz, it lacks the classic spiciness, but for me, it still works, either as a big red to be drunk on its own or as a fine addition to any meaty dinner.

Drinking well now and not built to last, so drink up within the next 3 years.

9/10

Chateau Cheval Brun 2000 St Emillion Grand Cru

I'm a bit  off clarets at the moment, having opened quite a few recently that had gone over.  This one was a point, drinking beautifully and better on day two.  A silver medal winner at the Blaye-Bourg challenge in 2003, this is still smelling and tasting of ripe black fruit with a warmth that is unusual for a St Emillion this old.

Probably got another couple of years left in it, but I won't hang around to drink the other 5 bottles I have.

7.5/10

Pasanau Ceps Nous Priorat 2006

Approx price: £12.49

I love Priorat's and this is a very good example.  It has a surprisingly complex nose and when tasted gives away liquorice, blackcurren, petrol and leather.

It is a blend of Garnacha, Merlot, Syrah and Mazuelo and would grace any dinner table.

Will keep for another 10 years and improve along the way.

9 out of 10

Alpha Zeta Amarone 2005

Approx price: £25

This is an absolutely delicious Amarone but packs a punch at 15% alcohol.  It is rich, thick, creamy with a long finish that definitely tastes of your granny's fruit cake.

Will improve for another 5 years.

9 out of 10

Domaine L'Estagnere 2006

Approx price: £8.49

This is a Vin de Pays from near Carcassonne in South West France.  It's not half bad, especially for a VDP but for the price you can get better elsewhere.

7 out of 10

Bodegas Lan 2004 Rioja

Approx price: £9.99

A smooth, complex and lip smackingly good Rioja from this established Bodega.  I would happily buy a case of this 2004 but I bet the 2005 is even better.

7.5 out of 10

Domaine Pinson Chablis 2007

Approx price: £13.99

A very smooth and rounded mouthful with a crispy tart apple follow through.  This is a very good Chablis.

8 out of 10

Denbies Surrey Gold 2006

Approx price: £8.49

Long standing English vineyard producing a number of whites and sparkles.  This wine is made up predominantly of Muller Thurgau and whilst is pleasant on the nose has a peculiar aftertaste that would ensure you didn't want a second glass unless it was very chilled and you were desperate.

6 out of 10

Pocket Vintages Wine Club