New Release Imported Red Wines: April 2017

Over the last few years, Lamont’s have been importing a range of wines from Europe. This has ranged from high-end Burgundy to cheap and cheery reds and whites from Spain.

In this tasting, the panel looked at a range of cheaper wines that are currently available. Whilst all of the wines showed well, the wines reviewed represent excellent value. Mention my name and you might even get a discount!

Reviewed.

Domaine Nicolas Boiron – Cotes Du Rhone – 2012 (17.5+pts – $23). More intensity to the colour and more depth and richness to the fruit that takes on an almost cherry note. The palate is somewhat firmer, though the balance is excellent. The fruit quality elevates this above the average, whilst the supple winemaking presents the fruit in an approachable package. Will be a treat with food.

Domaine Raymond Usseglio – Cotes Du Rhone – Les Claux – 2015 (17.5pts – $29). Pristine fruit that is ripe and very well handled in the winery. Leather, spice, menthol, red currant, lovely acidity and fine tannins. Again, this is fresh, youthful and excellent drinking.

Acentor – Grenache – Garnacha – 2015 (17.2pts – $16). Fleshy plummy fruit on the nose. The mid-weight palate has fine tannins complement the juicy fruit, making for an excellent early drinking style. Balanced, with spicy notes to the fruit. Plump, round and easy to drink.

Alceno – Shiraz – Premium 50 Barricas – 2012. (17pts – $16). More depth and power to the fruit. I really like this wine. Ripe, almost chocolaty fruit is combined with menthol, Asian spice and fine tannins. The oak adds depth to the palate, while the savoury tannins keep the palate vibrant. Will do well with a few years in the cellar.