2009 Rijks Private Cellar Touch of Oak Chenin Blanc, Coastal, South Africa
Crème fraiche, delicate smoky bacon and a sappy freshness on the nose; fresh, medium-full palate with citrus fruit, some white pepper and spice, a rounded, creamy texture, and a crisp, slightly salty, mineral finish. All in all, an excellent, food-friendly chenin. 13.5% abv.
£15.99, Virgin Wines
2009 Finca Laderas Espiago, Calatayud, Spain
An unfiltered, old-vine garnacha blend made by Master of Wine Norrel Robertson in the hills of Calatayud in Aragon. Full bodied, dense and grainy, with delicious sweet redcurrant fruit and dark, savoury licorice notes. 14% abv. Perfect cold-weather wine.
£10.99, Virgin Wines
2009 Tabalí Late Harvest Muscat, Limari, Chile
A very useful, good value pudding wine. Intensely sweet, honeyed, floral and grapefruity, with touches of spice and cocoa, a smooth, round texture and balancing acidity to give it a bright, clean finish. 12.5% abv.
£6.49 a half-bottle, Virgin Wines