Corney & Barrow 

29 May

Wine: Something For The Weekend?

Malbec, Achaval-Ferrer, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza 2008
"Splash out: Achaval Ferrer Malbec, Mendoza. Youthful Argentinian malbec with violety aromas and subtle oak spice underlining black cherry-like fruit."
by Anthony Rose, in the Independent
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24 May

Jim Budd reviews our Loire wines

Sancerre, Domaine du Nozay 2008
"This characterful 2008 Sancerre comes from Sainte-Gemme-en-Sancerrois  at the northern limit of the appellation. Produced by the Barons Philippe and Cyril de Benoist it has quite pronounced aromas of gooseberry and asparagus, mid-weight with the typical acidity and minerality of the 2008 vintage."
by Jim Budd in his blog Jim's Loire
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Les Graviers Domaine du Bourg Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Frédéric Mabileau 2007
"Certainly a good effort in a difficult vintage – easy drinking, soft fruit, slightly edgy in the finish. Frédéric used a short cuvaison in 2007 in order to extract fruit and not very much tannin. I think I would drink this up over the next year. Corney & Barrow will be shipping the 2008 soon. "
by Jim Budd in his blog Jim's Loire
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21 May

Wine World Cup: what country's the top scorer?

Malbec, Achaval-Ferrer, Mendoza 2008
"With less than a month to go before the World Cup kicks off, now is an ideal time to test your palate to find some refreshments to accompany the matches. With that in mind The Hour’s wine expert Tom Cannavan has devised a plan, the Wine World Cup. Where he will take a look at wines from the top seeded countries of the ‘World Cup’ and choose the best for aroma, flavour, style and value for money. 

This Argentinean wine which uses a world class grape, Malbec, comes from the best wine regions in the country. This wine shows off plenty of class and is not afraid to throw its muscle about either. Tasting cues include green herbs, raspberry and chocolate."
by Tom Cannavan on STV
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21 May

A Glassful of Summer

Barbera d'Alba, Josetta Saffirio 2008
"This small estate run by Sara Vezza produces sublime Barbera. What is immediately attractive is the nose, which exhibits a concentrated purity reminiscent of violets. The palate is fresh with a good texture."

"[...] quite by chance I drifted into this state of mind last week tasting a particularly good example of Barbera d'Alba. In my world, Barbera d'Alba is one of the greatest feel-good summer wines. Made from the Barbera grape variety, this red wine is grown in the villages around Alba in Piedmont, Italy. Its main characteristic is high acidity and a cherry-like aroma, and it is defined by its freshness.
As I sipped the wine in question, I was transported back to early evening, sitting outside a sun-drenched villa in the Mediterranean, with a fresh salad ready to enjoy. In short, I thought I was on my summer holiday, which brings me neatly to summer wines."
by Will Lyons in the Wall Street Journal
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13 May

The Discerning Drinker: best wines from Spain

Miros Organic Tempranillo 2005, Ribera del Duero
"Rich, sweet, expressive fruit with fine structure and balance: very good, from one of Spain's most serious red wine regions." by Andrew Neather, Evening Standard
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1 May

Achaval-Ferrer, Best Argentinian Malbec

Malbec, Achaval-Ferrer, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza 2008
"Vivid and juicy with very good detail and fine fruit. Savoury and spicy, with a sleek, textured palate. An excellent wine that wears its weight lightly. From 2011."
Decanter Award Winner 5 stars,  19 points/20. Best scoring Argentinian Malbec by Decanter Magazine, June issue
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Finca Altamira, Achaval-Ferrer, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2007
"Dense, waxy berry fruit. Structured, vibrant acidity, smooth tannins, a hint of gaminess and wild herbs. Lots of interest. From 2011." 3*** Decanter Magazine, June issue
To buy this wine, please call 020 7265 2453 or email sales@corneyandbarrow.com

Finca Bella Vista, Achaval-Ferrer, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza 2008 
"Clean, red fruits, spice. Concentrated spice,  fruit, balanced, fresh, well-made. Needs food. From 2010." 3***  Decanter Magazine, June issue 
To buy this wine, please call 020 7265 2453 or email sales@corneyandbarrow.com

1 May

Ten Portuguese Whites that deserve more than sardines

Quinta de Chocapalha, Arinto 2008
"25 year-old-vines, Tight and crisp, with fresh, lime-fruit intensity, enlivening acidity, wet-stone minerals and a dry finish, Drink now." 4**** Highly recommended. Decanter Magazine, June issue
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1 May

Top wines of May 2010... under twenty

Schloss Schönborn, Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Spätlese 2007, Germany
"With only 9.5% alcohol this has a beautifully ripe, quite tropical fruit aromatic with hints of mango and nectarine. The palate has delicious sweetness, the gorgeous, freshly bitten peach juiciness poised and balanced by hyper refined acidity. A truly yummy, summer must buy. 92/100." by Tom Cannavan, Wine-Pages.com
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