Let our trusty guide Greg Sherwood MW help with this, his 13th edition of An Informed Opinion.
Trust him to keep your wine selection relevant, nuanced, and engaging, which in these trying times, is a necessary service. Keep an eye out and see what appeals on the day, be it an investment, something eclectic, or a sure thing midweek wine – you’re bound to find something to suit your mood (and pocket). Or even discover something NEW.
#AnInformedOpinionNo13
An Investable Wine
These are showstopper wines worthy of their price tag, and something to invest in.
“When the world’s greatest critics tasted the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon reds from South Africa, they all proclaimed this vintage as a once-in-a-lifetime effort considering the challenging conditions of global warming, etc. Then, before they even had time to reset their barometers, along came the incredible 2017 vintage with its majestic power, concentration, elegance, and freshness. When a winery captures all the best elements of a vintage in a bottle, you know it’s not only a keeper, but a wine you can look forward to drinking many years into the future.”- Greg Sherwood MW.
94 Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“It’s always a pleasure to taste and assess wines from the super 2017 vintage, but when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon, there are few vintages better. This youthful expression shows a vibrant aromatic top note of sweet cedar spice, sandalwood oil, tilled earth, sun raisined black currants, wet cherry tobacco, peppermint crisp chocolate, and subtle savoury vanilla oak spice nuances. This wine is, at the very same moment, modern, vibrant, and opulently fruited yet simultaneously fresh and classically textured with a mineral vein of graphite spice, pithy black plum, dried guava, crushed nettles, black cherry, and a delightfully mouth-watering acid vibrancy on the finish. Simply delicious on so many levels. Enjoy this now or over the next 8 to 10+ years.”- Greg Sherwood MW.
A Mid-Week Wine
A wine to elevate any random Tuesday without breaking the bank.
“The essence of the best Rosé wines is their unmistakable drinkability, persistent freshness, and light touch concentration. A wine you cannot say no to! With Spring in the air, we think you need a few more of these irresistible Rosé best sellers on your drinking rack. This beautiful example from the Famille Sumeire is a stunning example from one of the oldest classical Provencal houses in the Languedoc. Reputations are not created overnight, and this rings especially true when it comes to classical Provencal Rosé. The M de Sumeire is assured to ease you gently into a fine summer disposition!”– Greg Sherwood MW.
90 + Points – Greg Sherwood MW | 90 Points – Decanter
“The colour on this vibrant Rosé is a beautifully wild salmon copper pink with a translucent glow. The nose is very grown up with hints of wild strawberries served on a carved granite cutting board, notes of crunchy summer peaches, watermelon, and subtle ruby grapefruit nuances. The palate is bright and lithe with a medium-bodied weight in the mouth but also plenty of delicate fruit concentration, melon, red cherry rock candy, and a fine-grained liquid minerality on the dry, clean, classical Provencal finish. Outstanding Rosé drinkability is always based on lightweight intensity, refreshing acids, and plain and simple allure. This wine shows all these characters in a perfect equilibrium. Drink now and over the next 1 to 2 years.”- Greg Sherwood MW.
An Eclectic Wine
A story wine worthy of its salt, and your cellar.
“Nebbiolo might be recognised as one of the greatest premium grapes in the world of wine, but that probably only extends in brand value to Barolo and Barbaresco. But if you are perhaps looking for an opportunity to do a little more belt-tightening money-wise, it’s probably time to discover the wines of the Langhe Nebbiolo DOC. Primarily made from the same quality grapes as Barolo, the mostly shorter ageing in stainless steel tanks is a sure recipe for greater accessibility, aromatic vibrancy, and fruit freshness. Barolo and Barbaresco might not mention the grape on the label, but that shouldn’t stop thirsty and eager Nebbiolo lovers picking up a great bottle of wine like the Marrone Langhe!”– Greg Sherwood MW.
92 Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“This wine shows a lovely delicate linear expression in the glass. Light and translucent, the aromatics are certainly slightly more assertive than the delicate Nebbiolo colour with sweet fruit red cherry aromatics, dried potpourri herbs, rose petals, red liquorice, and sweet sun-dried red currants. The palate shows a fine-boned structure resting comfortably on a taut frame of sinewy tannins and deliciously tangy fresh acids. But Nebbiolo is a deceptive grape, and the light touch concentration, minerality, and subtle tobacco and tar hints really make this quite a food-friendly mouthful. Don’t expect to just pop and pour because it’s not a Barolo, this wine needs a good 1 to 2-hour decant, and only then do you really get your money’s worth. A classical beauty. Drink now to 2028+.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
