In honour of the holidays, there will be no InterWined post.
However, it is hard to believe it is even the holiday season as the Rose bushes and fuchsia are blooming on my street.
English Sparkling wine producers say that, in this decade, global warming will give Britain wines that rival France. Indeed, some French vintners are […]

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A bottle of 2005 Italian Job Sangiovese Zinfandel…Italian Job is a grapey table wine from anywhere in Italy. It is bold and expressive, with a touch of tar, but lacks finesse. Drink this table wine now, as it will spoil hours after opening. If won in a raffle, it represents the best value for a wine one could ever hope to have. ‘The Italian Job,’ £1: 8.0.

Also, 2004 Bonterra Merlot, Mendocino County, for £8: Ripe red cherry, with a flair of cherry coke. Maybe too much French oak. Very aromatic, and a stunner for the price. Highly recommended and extremely classy for California at this price range: 8.8.

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Wines from Burgundy are made with Chardonnay for whites and Pinot Noir for reds. But, like many French regions, the struggle has been for a consistent wine at a decent price.

All of the whites came from the 2004 harvest, the reds, some still not in bottle for retail, from the 2005. Remember that. The 2004 Burgundy whites are crisp and clean, metallic, citrus and vanilla. Touch of honey in the grapes infected with mild rot.

The 2005 are uplifting and fresh, fruit-forward and funky. Tannic but not tart. Memorable. The ‘estate’ wines can age for at least ten years yet. Both outstanding wines from outstanding vintages.

2004 Burgundy White: 9.0.
2005 Burgundy Red: 9.1

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