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Links to the left feature an archive of previous round-ups.

week beginning 28/05/2007

the Times - Jane MacQuitty

juicy, rich, velvety, plum-laden

pleasant, ripe, juicy, apple-charged white

tingly, smoky sauvignon oozes with verdant, minerally spice

gorgeous, tropical fruit and nettle-spiked 2006

waxy, spicy, zingy, lemon and lime-charged cava

meaty, partridge-eye pink; strawberry-scented, inky fruit

the Sunday Times - Joanna Simon

Sophisticated Californian, with fine orchard fruit

Honeyed but dry, with a ripe grapefruit flavour

Cape chenin with tangy fruit and a creamy texture

the Independent - Anthony Rose

capsicum-scented; rounded out with a touch of viognier.

green peppery carmenère with the blackcurrant ripeness of cabernet

luscious concentration of peachy fruit flavours

the Observer - Tim Atkin

rich, aromatic

sweeter, more sensual with its lovely oak and rich berry fruit

Further up the quality ladder; supple and deliciously fragrant

surely as close as New Zealand gets to Pinot Noir Nirvana

the Telegraph - Jonathan Ray

It’s en primeur time again. It seems like only yesterday that we were all getting in a tizz about the wonders of the 2005 Bordeaux vintage. Now it’s the turn of 2006 and it would seem that, after the fireworks of the previous year, normal service has been resumed. There is no doubt that 2006 is a more than decent vintage, but it is certainly no 2005 belter. As a result, initial prices are a welcome 15 per cent or so down on last year (although they look set to remain around 30 per cent higher than 2004). I join three old wine-merchant friends of mine – master of wine David Roberts of David Roberts Domaines; Tom Cave, cellar plan manager of Berry Bros & Rudd; and Jamie Graham, sales director of Fine & Rare Wines — to discuss the vintage. “2006 will undoubtedly suffer from being in the shadow of such an amazing year as 2005,” says Tom. “It is also seemingly inconsistent, but in five years’ time we may well look at the 2006s in the same way that we look at the 2001s now — lovely wines, seriously underrated at the time.” David thinks that we are wrong to be obsessed with the previous vintage. “We should look at 2006 on its merits and I think that it has got plenty going for it, especially in Pomerol and St Emilion where some outstanding wines have been made.” Ever the broker, Jamie reckons that pricing is the key. “The Bordelais don’t need to sell lots of 2006, having sold bucket-loads of 2005,” he says. “Prices will be fairly high, I fear, partly because they don’t need the cash so badly, partly because they all seem to be reinvesting in their vineyards and rebuilding their cellars and partly because of demand from the Far East. But if the prices are right, then it’s a goer.”

the Guardian - Victoria Moore

much meatier and richer than a nouveau.

off-dry, lilting, pure, clean and bright

this peppery, bold shiraz is an award-winner.

biodynamic, detailed, rounded, rich, fat, splurgey and tropical