Baron de Ley 7 Vinas

Vintage: 2004
Type: Blend of 7 grape varieties
Country: Rioja, Spain



Wow x 10! This wine was for me the highlight of the Tesco Wine Fair 2009. As a fan of their Finca (2004), I knew this blended wine would put a smile on my face.

The seven grapes are blended just right to produce a wine that is worthy to age in oak barrels for three years before being tenderly laid down for a year in bottles. These seven grapes that are perfectly married are Tempranillo (of course!), Graciano, Garnacha, Mazuelo, Viura, Malvasia, and White Granache.

The tannins are rich and the concentration of the fruity flavours is just exquisite. Yummy, yummy! I predict a purchase of a case in my future. At almost £16 per bottle in store, you might think this is over-priced for a Rioja, but believe me, every drop is worth it. Not a red wine for beginners or girly white wine drinkers because they simply wouldn't know how to appreciate its complex formula.

More info here.

Pink Elephant Rose

Vintage: 2008
Type: Blend of 4 grape varieties
Country: Portugal



I discovered this brand at the Tesco Wine Fair 2008 and tried this modern blush for the first time. I decided to re-visit it today at the Fair, just because I have fond memories of Portugal.

This is one of the few wines that tickled my palate so much that my mouth watered immediately. Although attempting to be a feminine wine that should accompany heavy Indian curries, I really believe that this blush could be enjoyed on its own, with maybe a small dish of rice crackers or wasabi peas to balance out the wine's tangy notes.

The four grape varieties that are used to make this easy-to-drink wine are Alfrocheiro, Castalao, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Because cases are so cheap at the moment, I imagine this will be the first rose wine that will grace our ever-growing rack.

More info here.

Clos de los Siete

Vintage: 2007
Type: Blend
Country: Argentina




What is this a blend of? Quite a lot: Malbec, Merlot Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon. I've recently tried a few blends from the new world, and if done properly they are exquisite. This one is done well. I enjoyed all aspects of this wine, fruity flavours and oakey finish, great colour and legs. Recommended.

Bock Ermitage

Vintage: 2006
Type: Blend
Country: Hungary - Villany



An excellent Hungarian wine, if a bit expensive. One of Hungary's most famous vineyards in their premiere wine region this mixed red ( Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and others) aged in oak before being bottled. Great to drink and a fine example of Hungarian wine.

Dragon Tree

Vintage: 2005
Type: Blend
Country: Wester Cape - South Africa




Flagstone Dragon Tree is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Pinotage, 10% Merlot, 10% Cab franclinks, 6% Shiraz, and 4% Petit Verdot.

What a combination! Full bodied and strong. Great flavours and smoky overtones.

More details here.

Lategan Family Reserve

Vintage: 2005
Type: Oak-aged Blend
Country: South Africa - Breede River Valley



An excellent wine, though you will need to let it breathe for a bit to bring out its full potential. Also, I think that it is now in its prime to be consumed. The oak taste is superb and the rest of the flavours are well balanced and smooth.

More info here.