Sweet #Kent #wine from England: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Sweet Elderflower Wine. Producer: Me! Vintage: 2010. Appearance quite a pale, clear yellow, like a colombard, thin-medium on the glass with elderflowers aromatics. The attack is soft, medium-sweet and light. Evolution: Sugar and elderflowers with a finish which is sugary elderflowers, quite lingering. Sweetness: 3. Acidity: 2. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is soft and velvety and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's beautiful – sweet but not too sweet, gently fruity, beautifully balanced. The wine has a cork cap closure and is 0% abv. Overall, this wine is: Delicious! Not one I meant to make, but this is really, really nice. It was overpowered by both the meat loaf and the prunes in brandy, but probably an ideal summer drink. Make again! The only thing that keeps it off a 90 is the sugar taste.. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 89 points.

White #Rheingau #wine from Germany: 2005 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

   

Wine name: Rheingau. Producer: Weingut Klaus König, Talweg 2, 65391 Lorch/Lorchhausen, Rheingau. Vintage: 2005. Purchased from lorch. Appearance slightly greenish yellow, quite thick and viscous on the glass with quite an intense riesling, almost new world in character aromatics. The attack is juicy citrus and lemon oil. Evolution: Grass, lemon oil, a touch of tropical fruit with a finish which is lots of lemon in the nose and on the swallow. Sweetness: 1. Acidity: 4. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is slightly rough thick water and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's a little over-juicy but pleasant – definitely a “food” wine. The wine has a closure and is 12.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very night, lots of fruit and juice, very New World in style, and definitely doesn’t taste its seven years of age. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 86 points.

Sparkling White #Mosel #wine from Germany: 1999 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Riesling - Sekt - Brut. Producer: H J Schwaab-Pfeiffer, D-54492 Erden-Mosel. Vintage: 1999. Purchased from ratskeller, bremen. Appearance quite a strong yellow, a small-medium amount of medium bubbles. absolutely crystal clear with not much smell, but fresh-ish aromatics. The attack is soft, candy cigarettes and lightly bubbly. Evolution: Candy cigarettes, chalk, sherbet with a finish which is citrus in the nose, sweet grass on the swallow. Sweetness: 1.5. Acidity: 2.5. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is quite smooth and lightly sparkling and the length is a bit patchy. As for balance, it's nicely balanced, and although it’s quite sweet, it’s pleasant. The wine has a cork closure and is 11.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: The was one hell of a bubbly to open – needed a cork screw, knife, two people and about 7 minutes spare! Worth the effort though, and this is a fresh, young-tasting Riesling at 13 years old!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 88 points. 0 65 32 23 54

White #Somontano #wine from Spain: 2002 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Enate. Producer: Vinedos Y Crianzas Bel Alto Aragon, S.A.. Vintage: 2002. Purchased from sheffield park vineyard. Appearance slightly greenish pale yellow, medium yet very slow on the glass with apples aromatics. The attack is quite soft, somewhat drier than i expected. Evolution: Quite light, with a slight elderly taste but not much of one. There’s a little metal on the tongue and a custard-apple flavour with a finish which is spicy apple peel in the nose and on the swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 1.5 with a texture which is slightly rough, slightly thick water and the length is very good. As for balance, it's a little dry for the grape but overall not bad. The wine has a cork closure and is 12.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Interesting and has aged well, although not really to my taste. A bit like when we had that dry Tokaji – Gewurztraminer should be off-dry. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 82 points.

Sparkling White #Loire #wine from France: 1999 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Brut 1999. Producer: SAS Huet, Rue de la croix buisée, 37210 Vouvray. Vintage: 1999. Purchased from vineyard. Appearance very deep amber yellow, quite a few large bubbles with deep and crisp like an old riesling aromatics. The attack is mellow yet bubbly, although not overpoweringly. Evolution: Old acacia honey, bark, a touch of summer yard-dirt with a finish which is over-ripe apples on swallow, hay in nose. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 1.5. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is a little foamy and quite thick and the length is nod bad. As for balance, it's really lost a lot of its freshness. The wine has a cork closure and is 12% abv. Overall, this wine is: This has lost its freshness, which surprises me for a Vouvray, although it’s not unpleasant. Certainly not past it, but tastes its age. Quite pleasant, but was a little over-powered by fish & chips. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 80 points.

Red #Wallonie #wine from Belgium: 2008 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Le Boisé. Producer: Baele & Fils, Domaine du Ry D'Argent, Rue de la distillerie, 51, B-5081 Bovesse. Vintage: 2008. Purchased from vineyard. Appearance very deep red with very thick sediment on the cork (and my shirt) with deep black cherries aromatics. The attack is quite dry and minerally. Evolution: Like Rondo wine with a finish which is grenadine in nose, rondo on swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 0.5 with a texture which is very rough soft water! and the length is very good. As for balance, it's a little metallic for my taste. The wine has a cork closure and is 12% abv. Overall, this wine is: Quite nice, definitely a “food” wine, went well with vegetarian lasagne. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 81 points.

Red #California #wine from USA: 2005 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Zinfandel. Producer: Walker's Pass. Vintage: 2005. Purchased from thresher's. Appearance deep purple, very thick & viscous on the glass with oodles of sweet blackberries aromatics. The attack is oodles of sweet blackberries. Evolution: Oodles of sweet blackberries. And some black cherries – like the little bits you used to get in yoghurts in the 80s with a finish which is sweet blackberries on the swallow and in the nose. Sweetness: 2.5. Acidity: 2.5. Tannin: 2 with a texture which is syrupy and the length is a little patchy. As for balance, it's a bit sweet, but very juicy and quite pleasant. The wine has a synthetic closure and is 14.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: A little one-dimensional but very chewy. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 81 points.

White #Rheingau #wine from Germany: 2002 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Abtei St. Hildegard. Producer: Abtei St Hildegard. Vintage: 2002. Purchased from rüdesheim. Appearance deep-ish straw yellow, thin and receding on the glass with quite soft, grassy, fruity aromatics. The attack is average intensity but with good acid and notes of lemon oil. Evolution: Traditional (cloudy, home-made) lemonade, lemon oil, crystal glass with a finish which is citrus in the nose and on the swallow, with a long lingering finish. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 4. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is rough and slightly thick and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's nicely balanced, if a little unusual. it's very acidic but the huge amount of lemon fruit balances it. The wine has a closure and is 12% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very nice, doesn't taste anything like its 12 years of age. Juicy, fresh, lemony with very good structure. This is a particularly good Riesling!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 90 points.

White #Kent #wine from England: 2007 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: No name!. Producer: Hidden Spring Vineyard. Vintage: 2007. Purchased from vineyard. Appearance straw-coloured with bits floating in it! thin and receding on the glass with a cross between a light riesling and swimming pool water aromatics. The attack is juicy, grassy, very slightly sweet. Evolution: Acacia honey, lime zest with a finish which is fresh and honey-ish on the swallow, star fruit in the nose. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is slightly rough buffered water and the length is pretty good. As for balance, it's beautifully balanced with a great riesling-type backbone. The wine has a cork closure and is 0% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very nice – fresh, interesting, went well with roast chicken. One to buy again. Doesn't taste English at all – more like a Rheingau Riesling. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 87 points.

White #Savoie #wine from France: 2011 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Cépage Gringet. Producer: Domaine Belluard, 74130 Ayse. Vintage: 2011. Purchased from vineyard. Appearance slightly dark straw colour, thick and smooth on glass with quite light with a grassy note aromatics. The attack is soft and smooth with a slight sweetness. Evolution: Grass and a touch of bitterness, with a deep, rich mouth-feel with a finish which is citrus in nose, a touch of lemon oil on swallow. Sweetness: 1. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 1.5 with a texture which is thick and creamy and the length is very good. As for balance, it's nicely balanced, with a great mouthful. The wine has a cork closure and is 12% abv. Overall, this wine is: Nice, smooth, fruity and interesting with good structure. Very nice and stood up well to beef and salsa!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 84 points.

Red #Bordeaux #wine from France: 2005 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: d'Argadens. Producer: Sichel. Vintage: 2005. Purchased from uncorked. Appearance deep purpley red, medium and smooth on the glass with redcurrants, quite light yet with a slight richness aromatics. The attack is medium and tannic. Evolution: Forest floor, old leather, dried black cherries with a finish which is blackcurrants in the nose and on swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 2.5. Tannin: 4 with a texture which is very rough sandpaper! and the length is missing slightly in the centre. As for balance, it's very nice, went well with a steak, and really satisfying to drink. The wine has a cork closure and is 14% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very tasty, my sort of Bordeaux and quite chewy with lots of fruit flavours. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 90 points.

Red #Puglia #wine from Italy: 2009 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Primitivo. Producer: Azienda Agricola Masciulli Pietro, Alberobello. Vintage: 2009. Purchased from vineyard. Appearance deep browny red, very thick and viscous on the glass with quite dense with interesting flavours of fudge and pear drops aromatics. The attack is smooth and silky with instant body. Evolution: A little sharp now, but with nice juice and redcurrants with a finish which is black cherries in the nose, redcurrants on the swallow. Sweetness: 1. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 2 with a texture which is slightly rough slightly thick water and the length is not bad. As for balance, it's a little acidic. The wine has a cork closure and is 14.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: This scores points for having such interesting flavours, particularly pear drops in a red wine.. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 83 points.

Red #Alsace #wine from France: 2003 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Rouge de Marlenheim. Producer: Romain Fritsch, 67520 Marlenheim. Vintage: 2003. Purchased from vinyard domaine fritsch, marlenheim, alsace. Appearance quite pale browny red, thick and viscous on the glass with red fruits, a little spice aromatics. The attack is surprisingly smooth with silky mouth-feel. Evolution: Raspberries, redcurrants, light leather with a finish which is grenadine on swallow, wild strawberries in the nose. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 1 with a texture which is absolutely silky-smooth and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's beautiful, good acidity yet smooth like velvet. The wine has a closure and is 13% abv. Overall, this wine is: Really nice. I thought at 9 years this might have bee npast its best, but this is silk in a glass. Lovely deep flavours for an Alsace, lovely texture, still fresh – beautiful!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 97 points.

White #Vallée d'Aoste #wine from Italy: 2011 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Pinot Gris. Producer: Cave des Onze Communes, Aymavilles. Vintage: 2011. Purchased from vineyard. Appearance very slightly rosé gris colour, medium and slow on the glass. with very fresh and minerally aromatics. The attack is lime juice, candy cigarettes. Evolution: Flint, dry soil, lime, good acidity with a finish which is lime oil in nose, lime zest on swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 0.5 with a texture which is sandpaper and the length is very good. As for balance, it's a little bitter. The wine has a synthetic closure and is 13% abv. Overall, this wine is: Nice, but definitely a “food” wine, as it's a little on the bitter side. Interesting though, and at least it's not a flabby Pinot Griggio!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 81 points.

White #Campania #wine from Italy: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Bianco. Producer: De Angelis S.N.C., Sorrento. Vintage: 2010. Purchased from wine shop in sorrento (sedil dominova). Appearance slightly dark pastille yellow, thin and receding on the glass. with not-very-refreshing fruit, with a nice density and flavours of concentrated star fruit aromatics. The attack is lemon oil and a touch of light maple syrup. Evolution: More citrus oil, minerals, vanilla with a finish which is a slight bitterness on the swallow and fruit in the nose. Sweetness: 1. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is oily and the length is . As for balance, it's nicely balanced. quite concentrated, approaching a new world style, but not quite. The wine has a cork closure and is 13% abv. Overall, this wine is: This is a very nice wine! Stood up well to a quite spicy ratatouille. Interesting flavours and a softness despite its concentration and high-ish acidity. One to buy again!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 91 points.

Red #Côtes du Rhône #wine from France: 2005 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Château de Beaulieu. Producer: Caves Saint-Pierre Négotiant, Eleveur à Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Vse). Vintage: 2005. Purchased from laithwaite's. Appearance dark purple like dark cherries, thick and viscous on the glass with a little watery, then black grape skins aromatics. The attack is dry and juicy. Evolution: Forest floor, soft wet dark bark, old libraries with a finish which is black cherries in the nose, decaying wood on the swallow. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 0.5 with a texture which is thick rough water and the length is very good. As for balance, it's nicely balanced. The wine has a closure and is 14% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very nice, my sort of wine. Old leather and oak, this is delicious with great body and character. One to buy again!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 86 points.

Red #Wallonie #wine from Belgium: 2009 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: La Ronce. Producer: Baele & Fils, Domaine du Ry D'Argent, Rue de la distillerie, 51, B-5081 Bovesse. Vintage: 2009. Purchased from vineyard. Appearance deep purple, quite thin yet smooth on the glass with black cherries and blackcurrants aromatics. The attack is quite dry yet smooth and fruity. Evolution: Black cherries, steel, bark with a finish which is bark on the swallow, black cherries in the nose. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 0.5 with a texture which is buffered water and the length is very good. As for balance, it's quite metallic but nice and chewy. The wine has a cork closure and is 12% abv. Overall, this wine is: Went well with a Mexican, this is quite rustic and rough around the edges but very satisfying. Incredibly sedimenty!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 82 points.

Red #Sud-Ouest #wine from France: 2003 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Les Hauts de Bergelle. Producer: Producteurs Plaimont, 32400 Saint-Mont. Vintage: 2003. Purchased from wine merchant in luz-saint-sauveur. Appearance thick & viscous on the glass, dark browny purple with red fruits, charcoal, forest floor aromatics. The attack is very juicy with strawberries and raspberries in a very concentrated, cordial-like way. Evolution: Dried strawberries, Ribena, wood with a finish which is quite sharp on the swallow yet more mellow in the nose. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 0.5 with a texture which is fruit juicy water and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's quite sharp and a little light. The wine has a cork closure and is 13% abv. Overall, this wine is: Quite nice, very juicy, went well with food but not an “alone” wine. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 82 points.

Rosé #Rheingau #wine from Germany: 2007 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Spätburgunder Rosé. Producer: Weingut Peter Schneider, Waldstraße 13, D-55432 Damscheid. Vintage: 2007. Purchased from vineyard restaurant in st goar. Appearance very pale, almost a gris with peaches, orange oil aromatics. The attack is soft and fruity with good acidity. Evolution: Quite citrusy with notes of honey and cheesecake with a finish which is lemon curd on the swallow and in the nose. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is slightly thick and syrupy and the length is a little patchy. As for balance, it's nicely balanced with good acidity. The wine has a cork closure and is 11.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Nice, perhaps just past its best, but very drinkable and quite mellow. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 82 points.

Sweet #Kent #wine from England: 2010 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotdSweet #Kent #wine from England: 2010 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Fruit: Rondo grapes, elderberries, blackberries. Producer: Me!. Vintage: 2010. Purchased from home made!. Appearance quite pale browny red, like a pinot noir, medium-thick and very viscous on the glass with dry black fruits aromatics. The attack is soft and light. Evolution: A touch of honey, a little yeast and dry blackberries with a finish which is warming in nose, dry and sharp on the swallow. Sweetness: 2. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 1 with a texture which is thick buffered water and the length is pretty good, quite varied. As for balance, it's nicely balanced and very drinkable. The wine has a cork closure and is 0% abv. Overall, this wine is: I love the warming peppery notes which I can feel going right down inside. It's a shame about the slight yeasty flavour, but it doesn't spoil it at all.. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 84 points.

Red #California #wine from USA: 2002 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Cabernet Franc. Producer: Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys, California. Vintage: 2002. Purchased from village wines, bexley. Appearance very browny deep red with fruity blackcurrants aromatics. The attack is quite sharp blackcurrant juice. Evolution: Blackcurrant skins. Quite pure and fruity with a finish which is custard in nose and on swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 4.5. Tannin: 1 with a texture which is watery and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's ok, perhaps a little over-acidic. The wine has a synthetic closure and is 13.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Nice but a little past its best. Worth to buy again though, and went well with shepherd's pie. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 80 points.

Sweet #Kent #wine from England: 2010 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Sweet 1858 Rhubarb Wine. Producer: Home-made Vintage: 2010. Purchased from home made!. Appearance slightly rose-y yellow, thick and viscous on the glass with rhubarb aromatics. The attack is soft and syrupy . Evolution: Rhubarb, acid drops, pear drops. Taste like an old fashion sweet shop. with a finish which is acidy fruit syrup. Sweetness: 4.5. Acidity: 1.5. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is smooth and velvety and the length is little patchy. As for balance, it's good . The wine has a cork closure and is 0% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very nice sweet dessert wine, just tiny tiny tiny bit of yeast at the back of the mouth, but not enough to ruin it.. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 85 points.

Red #Côtes du Rhône #wine from France: 2005 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Château de Beaulieu. Producer: Caves Saint-Pierre Négotiant, Eleveur à Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Vse). Vintage: 2005. Purchased from laithwaite's. Appearance deep browny red with blackcurrants aromatics. The attack is quite firm, full, good acidity. Evolution: Tannin, blue cheese, earth with a finish which is black cherries in nose, earthy swallow. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 4 with a texture which is rough and slightly thick and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's great balance between body and tannin. The wine has a  closure and is 14% abv. Overall, this wine is: This is a particularly good one, would have gone well with a steak, was a little too refined for a home-made sausage roll. Really good!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 87 points.

Red #South Eastern Australia #wine from Australia: NV : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Winemaker’s Reserve Selection. Producer: Pfeiffer Enterprises, 1 Starvich Road, Loxton, South Australia, 5333. Vintage: NV. Appearance deep purple, thick & viscous on the glass with blackberries, black cherries aromatics. The attack is quite soft and smooth and light yet a little creamy. Evolution: Juicy, lots of blackberries with a finish which is blackberries. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 2. Tannin: 0.5 with a texture which is rough buffered water and the length is very good. As for balance, it's nicely balanced but much lighter than i was expecting from these grape varieties. The wine has a screwcap closure and is 12.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Nice if a little uninteresting. Smooth, drinkable, but a little dull. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 79 points.

Rosé #Loire #wine from France: 2010 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Le chant du moulin. Producer: G.A.E.C. Vaillant, La Roche, Aubry 49380. Vintage: 2010. Purchased from carrefour. Appearance pale pinky burnt orange, medium and smooth on glass with sweet shop with a slight bitter note aromatics. The attack is lively and citrusy. Evolution: Nectarines, particularly nectarine peel with a finish which is kumquats, citrus and nectarines. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 3.4. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is slightly rough thick water and the length is excellent and very varied. As for balance, it's nicely balanced between a slight sweetness and good acidity and fruitiness. The wine has a cork closure and is 11% abv. Overall, this wine is: Nice, went well with pork and Jägersauce. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 83 points.

Red #Valle Colchagua #wine from Chile: 2008 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Las Estrallas Carmenére. Producer: V.E.S.A.. Vintage: 2008. Purchased from christmas present from m&d. Appearance deep purpley red, thick & viscous on the glass with very juicy ribena aromatics. The attack is quite light yet tannic. Evolution: Very tannic, forest floor, charcoal, blackcurrant skins with a finish which is black cherries and blackcurrants on swallow, black cherries in nose. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 3.5 with a texture which is rough and a bit thick and the length is a little missing behind the tip. As for balance, it's nicely balanced in a chewy way!. The wine has a screwcap closure and is 13.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very nice with a burger, this is a nice full-bodied, strong-flavoured, rustic wine. Lacks finesse but makes up for it in meat!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 84 points.

Red #Languedoc-Roussillon #wine from France: 2009 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Autrement. Producer: Gérard Bertrand, F-11100. Vintage: 2009. Purchased from carrefour. Appearance deep yet bright purple, smooth and viscous on the glass with black cherries and blackcurrants aromatics. The attack is juicy and with good acidity. Evolution: Very juicy, firm, mouth-watering and with lots of black fruits with a finish which is wood, black grape skins, blackcurrant skins. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 2.5 with a texture which is rough sandpaper and the length is pretty good. As for balance, it's nicely balanced, good body, good acidity. The wine has a cork closure and is 13% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very nice, fresh and lively with good and nice acidity. Not bad at all!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 84 points.

Red #Duero #wine from Spain: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Resalso. Producer: Bodegas Emilio Moro S.L., Pesquera de Duero, Valladolid. Vintage: 2010. Appearance very deep beetroot purple, smooth and viscous on the glass with quite dry with earthy tempranillo flavours aromatics. The attack is quite acidic but not in a bad way. very earthy. Evolution: Earth, red wine sediment, lichen with a finish which is earthy and spicy in the nose, blackcurrant skins on the swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 4. Tannin: 4.5 with a texture which is very rough, slightly thick water and the length is very good, although hard to find it through the tannins. As for balance, it's a little tannic, would age well. The wine has a cork closure and is 14% abv. Overall, this wine is: One to buy again, but to age somewhat before drinking. Could have a little more body, but this is very nice and my kind of drink, and went really well with a rather good steak & kidney pie. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 86 points.

2008 vintage ale @FullersTony - beautiful beer, tasting notes here: http://bit.ly/qRHBqI

Drunk with my steak & kidney stew. It's a deep nutty brown, quite hazy and cloudy yet fairly smooth on the glass. Smells very malty and tastes so as well. It still has good fizz which pops on the tongue, and a lovely caramel sweetness which is light rather than heavy. Tastes of malt, caramel, the texture, if you swill it round your mouth, is quite foamy and overall very nice in texture and flavour. Rich, dark, yet with light sweetness and toasty flavours with dark honey lingering in the mouth. A very nice beer, I'll leave the other for a couple more years to see how it develops. My score is 89.

Red #Bordeaux #wine from France: 2001 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Canon Fronsac. Producer: J. Bussier, 33126 St-Michel-De-Fronsac, Gironde. Vintage: 2001. Appearance deep and smooth red, thick and viscous on the glass with very fruity – strawberries, red grapes, juice aromatics. The attack is light and fruity. Evolution: Very juicy, with redcurrants and grape juice with a finish which is redcurrants on swallow and in nose. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 2 with a texture which is sandpaper and the length is excellent and varied. As for balance, it's beautiful, but nothing like i expected: this is young, light and fruity, despite its 11 years of age. The wine has a cork closure and is 12.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very nice, light, refreshing, summery and young-tasting. A surprising drop but very pleasant. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 85 points.

Fortified sweet #Malaga #wine from Spain: NV : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Pedro Ximenez. Producer: Bodegas Malaga Virgen, Fuente de Piedra 29520, Malaga, Andalucia. Vintage: NV. Appearance very dark guinness brown, very thick and viscous on the glass with dark welsh toffee aromatics. The attack is it doesn't attack – it's like taking a spoonful of malt from a jar!. Evolution: A little like a good stout or dark beer, with very malty undertones and lots of non-fruity sweetness with a finish which is toffee!. Sweetness: 5. Acidity: 2. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is literally like taking a spoonful of runny honey! and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's the slight earthiness balances the sweetness. The wine has a cork cap closure and is 17% abv. Overall, this wine is: I think this is my first 5/5 wine for sweetness, it's very, very sweet. Would go well with Christmas Pudding! My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 82 points.

Sparkling White #Champagne #wine from France: NV #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Champagne Reserve. Producer: Claude Beaufort, Ambonnay. Vintage: NV (bottled 2004). Purchased from vineyard. Appearance slightly amber yellow, small-medium amount of small bubbles, thin & receding on the glass with sherbet, candy cigarettes, white grapes aromatics. The attack is quite mouth-filling and lightly prickly. Evolution: Chalk, bananas, tropical fruits with a finish which is citrus zest on swallow and in nose. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 4. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is mouth-watering and prickly and the length is excellent and varied. As for balance, it's nice, perhaps a little “new world” for my taste, but this is very pleasant nonetheless. Overall, this wine is: Interesting citrus flavours mixed with other fruits make this a serious drink and very pleasant in an unusual way. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 86.

Red #Alsace #wine from France: 2009 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Alsace Pinot Noir. Producer: Domaines Jean Becker, Zellenberg 68340. Vintage: 2009. Purchased from Carrefour.

Appearance: Pale-ish browny red, medium and receding on the glass

Aromatics: Red fruits and blackcurrant skins
Attack: Quite firm and juicy
Evolution: Loads of redcurrants and other summer berries with good acidity and an interesting taste of old wood
Finish: Mouthfuls of red berries, this is really a summer drink!
Length: Excellent
Texture: Fine sandpaper
Balance: Very fresh and zingy but backed up with good body
Notes: Alsace reds seem to be getting better and better. This is much richer than the would have been a few years ago and it stood up to a chicken & stilton pie very well
Score: 84

Rosé #Hampshire #wine from England: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Row Ash Rosé. Producer: Wickham Vineyard, Shedfield, Hampshire. Vintage: 2010.
Appearance: Tizer red, medium and smooth on the glass
Aromatics: A touch of yoghurt, sweetness, a little red apple
Attack: Fresh and lively with a Sprite-like quality
Evolution: That usual rosé bitterness, with nice red apple peel flavours
Finish: Apples on swallow and in nose
Sweetness: 0.5
Acidity: 3
Tannin: 0
Length: Excellent
Balance: Lovely balance, quite light and lively and went really well with roast pork
Texture: Lively water
Notes: Really nice, quite an unusual appley flavour, tastes very English in a good way. Buy again!
Score: 84

Sweet #Pas de Calais #wine from France: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotdSweet #Pas de Calais #wine from France: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Hydromel des Dieux. Producer: LUCAS Didier, 93 Rue de Cassell, 59940 Neuf-Berquin. Vintage: 2010. Purchased from “vineyard”. Appearance pale amber, smooth and thick on the glass with honey, bark, tcp aromatics. The attack is very light, surprisingly. Evolution: Unfortunately a little yeasty, although this makes me feel better about my home-made stuff! There's an interesting flavour of TCP, which isn't necessarily a good thing! with a finish which is peppery spice in the nose, rich honey on swallow, yeasty aftertaste. Sweetness: 2.5. Acidity: 2. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is very silky and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's nicely balanced between quite a light sweetness and a good sharp flavour of honey. The wine has a synthetic closure and is 15.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Not bad, shame about the yeast, but it almost doesn't spoil it. Certainly an interesting drink. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 79 points.

Red #Sud-Est #wine from France: 2008 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Autrement Languedoc. Producer: Gérard Bertrand à F 11100. Vintage: 2008. Purchased from carrefour. Appearance deep purple, medium and smooth on the glass with quite dry with a nice prune flavour and black cherries aromatics. The attack is quite dry with a nice prune flavour and black cherries. Evolution: Black cherries, black pepper, quite tannic with a finish which is black cherries in nose and on swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 3.5 with a texture which is very rough and the length is a little patchy. As for balance, it's could do with a little more body to match the tannin and acidity. The wine has a cork closure and is 13% abv. Overall, this wine is: Not bad but clearly a cheapy. Good for the price and at least it's orgamic. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 79 points.

Red #Niederösterreich #wine from Austria: 2006 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Appearance: Deep red, with a watery hue on the edges, thick and viscous on the glass
Aromatics: Fresh black and red fruits, quite dry
Attack: Slightly sweet, very juicy
Evolution: Good acidity makes this very mouth-watering, with black cherry juice, liquorice and Ribena
Finish: very yet sweet on the tongue, it's quite strange, with very grassy acidity
Sweetness: .5
Acidity: 4
Tannin: 1
Texture: Very rough water
Length: Excellent
Balance: A very interesting balance of quite deep rich flavours against a fresh fruity feeling in the mouth
Notes: Very interesting, when we first opened the bottle it tasted very sharp, but once it had breathed, it was very nice, juicy and refreshing in a racy way - went really well with venison steak, jerusalem artichoke
Score: 84

Sweet #Mosel #wine from Germany: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: 2010 “Estate” Riesling. Producer: Dr. Loosen, D-54470 Berbkastel/Mosel. Vintage: 2010. Purchased from sheffield park vineyard. Appearance pale pastille yellow, thick and viscous on the glass with riesling, lemon oil aromatics. The attack is rounded yet form and with good acidity. Evolution: Loads of lemon oil, citrus flavours, a touch of candy with a finish which is green apples and lemon zest in nose and on swallow. Sweetness: 3. Acidity: 2. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is very thick and viscous and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's lovely balance between an understated sweetness and mouthfulls of green apples and lemon oil. The wine has a screwcap closure and is 7.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very nice, not as sweet as the chap in the shop said, but really refreshing yet soft and fruity. Buy again!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 91 points.

Very old red #Languedoc-Roussillon #wine from France: 1995 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Mas Saint Laurent. Producer: R. Tarroux, Monmese 34140. Vintage: 1995. Purchased from sheffield park vineyard. Appearance deep purpley brown, thick and viscous on the glass with juicy, vanilla, caramel, kirsch aromatics. The attack is soft and very juicy, nice a mellow. Evolution: Kirsch, brandy, prune juice with a finish which is still a brandy flavour, with a nice richness left in the mouth and nose. Sweetness: 1. Acidity: 2.5. Tannin: 2 with a texture which is very soft tannins yet quite a rough texture and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's very good balance with great body. The wine has a cork closure and is 12.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Doesn't taste anything like its 17 years of age, this is really nice although nicely mellow and mature too. Went really well with Lamb & Guinness Pie, and is delicious for such an old Vin de Pays!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 88 points.

Red #Beaujolais #wine from France: 2011 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Le Chat Rouge. Producer: Signe Vignerons, F69430, Quincie. Vintage: 2011. Appearance purpley red, medium-thick yet receding on glass with quite dry with blackcurrant skins aromatics. The attack is dry juicy. Evolution: More blackcurrants and a touch of liquorice with a finish which is blackcurrants in nose, blackcurrants and black cherries on swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is buffered rough water and the length is quite subtle. As for balance, it's not bad, a little lacking in body. The wine has a synthetic closure and is 12.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Nice, but not as good as the Georges Duboeuf ones I've had from 2011. Nice to try something different though. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 79 points.

White #Kent #wine from England: 2011 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Peach Wine. Vintage: 2011. Home made! Appearance pale yellowy amber, smooth and quite viscous on the glass with quite light and a little grassy aromatics. The attack is soft and fruity. Evolution: Peach juice, peach skins, grass and oaked chardonnay with a finish which is oaked new world white on swallow, peach skins in the nose. Sweetness: 1. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is metallic water and the length is a little patchy. As for balance, it's nicely balanced despite quite high extraction. The wine has a cork closure. Overall, this wine is: A nice wine which stood up well to pork & chilli burgers with couscous. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 81 points.

Red #BeaujolaisNouveau #wine from France: 2011 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Beaujolais Nouveau. Producer: Les vins Georges Dubœuf, 71570 Romanèche-Thorins. Vintage: 2011. Purchased from john lewis food hall. Appearance deep purple, very smooth and slow on the glass with red fruits, fish skin (perhaps i'm having an off-day!) aromatics. The attack is dry and fruity. Evolution: Blackberries, elderberry juice with a finish which is blackberries. Sweetness: 0.5. Acidity: 3.5. Tannin: 3.5 with a texture which is rough, like sandpaper and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's nicely balanced, not too sharp, has mellowed slightly over the past 2.5 months. The wine has a synthetic closure and is 12.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Still very nice, and definitely one of the best BN years for a while. Wish I'd bought more!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 83 points.

Red #Bekaa Valley #wine from Lebanon: 2009 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Musar Jeune. Producer: Château Musar. Vintage: 2009. Purchased from Sheffield Park Vineyard. Appearance very deep purple, thick and viscous on the glass with black cherries, cherries, plums, black grapes. Very fruity aromatics. The attack is very juicy, like fresh blackcurrant juice. Evolution: Like un-smokey smoke! Blackberries, blackcurrants with a finish which is blackcurrant juice in nose and on swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 4. Tannin: 1.5 with a texture which is like blackcurrant juice. The tannins are very smooth and the length is not bad. As for balance, it's very nice balanced and particularly juicy. The wine has a cork closure and is 13.5% abv. Overall, this wine is very nice and an unusual style of wine. Heavy grape varieties produced in such a light style make for interesting drinking!. My score is 84 points.

Red #Languedoc-Roussillon #wine from France: 2009 #organic: http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Veredus. Producer: JeanJean Saint-Felix de Lodex, Herault. Vintage: 2009. Purchased from carrefour. Appearance deep purple, thick and smooth on the glass with ribena, cherries, nicely fruity yet quite soft aromatics. The attack is juicy and firm with good acidity. Evolution: Very juicy with flavours of blackcurrant juice and a touch of forest floor with a finish which is black cherries and blackcurrants on swallow, black cherries in nose. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 2.5. Tannin: 4 with a texture which is rough and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's good balance as the body balances out the slight harshness. The wine has a cork closure and is 13.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: A lovely rustic wine, which struggled a bit against a curry but afterwards it's drinking very well. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 82 points.

White #Cava #wine from Spain: NV : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Cava Brut. Producer: Castellblanch S.A., Sant Sadumi D’Anoia. Vintage: NV. Appearance lots of small quick bubbles, quite pale greeny-yellow with quite toasty with notes of sesame aromatics. The attack is very prickly and quite intense. Evolution: Lovely juicy intensity, green apples, citrus, star fruit, grapefruit with a finish which is apples in nose, lemon on swallow. Sweetness: 1.5. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 0 with a texture which is prickly and quite dense, yet not foamy and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's the acidity and fizz really sets off the sweetness nicely. The wine has a cork closure and is 11.5% abv. Overall, this wine is: Very tasty, and much better than I expected for a Cava, very nice. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 86 points.

Rosé #Campania #wine from Italy: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Rosato. Producer: De Angelis S.N.C., Sorrento. Vintage: 2010. Purchased from wine shop in sorrento (sedil dominova). Appearance quite deep, slightly orangey red with candy, pomegranate, grenadine aromatics. The attack is juicy and like opal fruits. Evolution: Redcurrants, cranberries, oranges with a finish which is orange in nose, strawberries on swallow. Sweetness: 1. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 0.5 with a texture which is smooth and juicy and the length is excellent. As for balance, it's lovely balance for a rosé, with flavours of strawberries and oranges really balancing out the natural rosé bitterness. The wine has a cork closure and is 13% abv. Overall, this wine is: Lovely, quite easy to drink without being boring, and unusually intense for a rosé. Buy again!. My score (which is NOT the same as Robert Parker's!) is 86 points.

Red #Languedoc-Roussillon #wine from France: 2010 : http://tinyurl.com/3qjhotd

Wine name: Le Pas du Templier. Producer: Les Celliers des Terres de France, F30942. Vintage: 2010. Appearance deep purple colour, slow and viscous on glass with very rich and deep, notes of forest floor, rare beef, black fruits aromatics. The attack is very crisp for a red but surprisingly lacking in body. Evolution: Harsh, rough tannins, like a German Pinot Noir, like eating concrete with a finish which is green leaves in nose, rotten leaves on swallow. Sweetness: 0. Acidity: 3. Tannin: 3.5 with a texture which is very rough and heavy and the length is not bad. As for balance, it's very harsh with little body. The wine has a cork closure and is 13% abv. Overall, this wine is... Oh dear, this is disappointing – I was expecting this to be lovely as I usually really like this type of wine. My score is 74 points.