Tuborg Pilsner Beer

Tuborg initially produced pale lager for the Danish market. It merged with United Breweries in 1894, which then entered into a profit-sharing agreement with Carlsberg in 1903. In 1970, United Breweries was acquired by Carlsberg.
Today, they make lager for global export, as well as a variety of continental styles for both domestic and foreign markets.

Bottle Size : 275ml

Alcohol Percentage : 4.6% Abv.

Where to buy : Any respectable supermarket or off-license

Price : from 5.00 GBP for 8 bottles

Personal Opinion : this beats his big brother Carslberg in value for money. Very refreshing lager.

Personal Score : 8.5/10

Winninger Uhlen Riesling Auslese - Weingut Richard Weyh - 2003

Name : Weingut Freiherr von Heddesdorff Winninger Uhlen Riesling Kabinett

Where it's from: Germany, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Price per case: £107.12

Bottle size: 75 cl

Style: Off-Dry And Slightly Sweet Whites

Description: Weingut Freiherr von Heddesdorff Winninger Uhlen Riesling Kabinett from Germany, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer by Freiherr von Heddesdorff Off-Dry And Slightly Sweet Whites

Where to buy : on-line

Personal Opinion : excellent German wine, you can't go wrong with this one. Try it out, you won't be dissappointed. Very nice when served really cold.

Personal Score : 8.5/10

Campo Viejo - Gran Reserva 2001 - Rioja

Description:Garnet cherry-red in color with aromas of stewed fruit, wood, and spicy nuances - a lot of character and a long finish.An elegant wine that is a wonderful complement to beef rib roast, sauced meats, casseroles and aged cheese.Aged for five years (two in oak casks, three in the bottle).In addition to a 400 acre Estate vineyard, the Bodega Juan Alcorta sources grapes from an area of almost 4700 acres. Most of the vineyards consist of old vines, over 25 years old, and mainly of the Tempranillo variety. The vines are arranged in plots, and are carefully selected for each wine. The vine growth cycle is carefully monitored and a series of growing guidelines are laid down for each estate.Elena Adell, has been involved in the project for the new Bodega Juan Alcorta from the very beginning, in which an ideal setting has been created for elaborating and enjoying wine.

Producer: Campo Viejo - http://www.domecqbodegas.com/

ABV: 13%

Country of Origin: Spain

Grape Type: Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo

Region: Rioja, Spain

Vintage: 2001

Chateau Pedesclaux - Pauillac 5eme Grand Cru Classe 2005

Château Pedesclaux lies on a chalky plateau overlooking the town of Pauillac and among such illustrious Châteaux as Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild and Pontet Canet.It was founded at the beginning of the 19th century by Mr. Urbain Pierre Pedesclaux, a well-known wine broker in Bordeaux, and was then classified in 1855 as a 5th Growth Grand Cru Classé. It is now in the hands of the Jugla family who, of late, have invested huge amounts of money and effort into the development of the chateau and the vines—the result now speaks for itself.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Alcohol Percentage : 13% Abv

Price : 24.50 GBP

Where to buy : http://www.fromvineyardsdirect.com/

Personal opinion : a little bit on the expensive side but if you don't mind paying this price you will be hugely impressed. In my opinion, this is one of the secret treasures of Pauillac. Keep the bottles in your cellar for a few years and experience something special.

Personal Score : 8.5/10

Beringer Founder's Estate - Cabernet Saubignon 2005

The Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet bursts with bright cassis, black fruit and sweet brown spice aromas with just a touch of vanilla that leads into a juicy mouthfeel. A balanced dose of structured tannins and its long finish make this unmistakably a California Cabernet. However, this Cabernet doesn't need to be cellared; it's ready to drink now.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Alcohol Percentage : 13.5% Vol.

Personal Opinion : A little strong in alcohol, but still very nice. Enjoyable Californian wine. We normally don't go for this kind of wine, but I was offered a drink while visiting some friends and I was very impressed with this one. I suppose this is exactly how you discover something different. I would class this wine as an everyday wine, easy to drink and you don't need too much of it.

Personal Score : 8/10

Where to buy : Treshers

Price : under 5 pound

Vina Albali Reserva 2000 - Felix Solis

From 100% Cencibel grapes, at least 18 months maturation in wooden barrels. Full aroma, fresh and nuances of vanilla, spices and fruits.

Alcohol Percentage : 13% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 3.49 GBP (on offer) Normal price 4.99 GBP

Where to buy : Sainsbury's

Personal Opinion : As usual, you can't go wrong with Vina Albali. I've tasted the crianza, reserva and gran reserva and everyone of them is worth buying. Good value for money.

When this wine is on offer, you should stock up.

Personal score : 9.5/10

Ramon Lopez Murillo - Rioja - Reserva 2003

The wine is aged for at least three years with a minimum of 12 months in oak barrels before blending and bottling. Full, but not overpowering, this rich, ruby red Reserva shows all the ripe, juicy fruit character of the Tempranillo grape, with just a hint of spice and buttery toffee on its long finish. It is an Old World wine with a touch of New World ‘up front fruit’ style.
Serious meat-eaters will find it a perfect companion to beef, game and lamb. Serve it with venison sausages and mash and be instantly transported to Alfaro, in the south east of La Rioja, where it was created.

Alcohol Percentage : 13.5% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 3.49 GBP (on offer) - normal price 4.99 GBP

Where to buy : Aldi

Personal Opinion : Well, this was a surprise. You think, Aldi?, Reserva?, but as soon as you taste this wine, you forget where you bought this. Aldi is usually associated with cheap stuff, but never associated with top quality. This is where Aldi has proved everyone wrong. Buy this now and experience a top quality wine at a fantastic price. Nothing more said.

Personal Score : 9.5/10

Castillo de Calatrava Reserva 2000 - La Mancha

Calatrava hails from Vinícola de Castilla, the largest privately owned wine producer in La Mancha and is entirely focused on producing quality bottled wines. Vinicola owns or manages 500 hectares of vineyards and boasts state of the art vinification, storage and bottling facilities. Underground cellars at the winery have the capacity to store 10,000 barriques of American and French oak as well as 2 million bottles of Reserva and Gran Reserva wines for bottle ageing, ensuring that the resulting Calatrava wines are of comparable quality to the very best Riojas.

Alcohol Percentage : 12.5% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 4.99 GBP

Where to buy : Sainsbury's

Personal opinion : I did expect something totally different, but I was still impressed. There is a clear difference between La Mancha and Rioja, but both wine-regions are by far the best Spain has to offer, in my opinion. This wine confirms this. If you want to try this out, buy the Gran Reserva as well, it's a great way of comparing the two wines. You will immediately understand what I mean.

Personal Points : 8.5/10

Chateau Peyrabon - Cru Bourgeois - 2000

Château Peyrabon

A Cru Bourgeois property whose vineyards are divided between the appellations of Haut-Médoc and Pauillac, is now considered one of the rising stars in the Haut-Médoc. This is largely due to the stewardship of its current owner, Patrick Bernard, who has invested heavily in the property since buying it in 1998. He is notoriously fanatical in his attention to every detail and has thus raised the wine to new heights. 2000 is arguably its finest wine to date.

Dark, deep purple with aromas of stewed fruit and cherries. The wine is rich and chewy with a hint of chocolate—good balance and weight. A delicious, full claret without being over extracted or concentrated. Delicious—and very good drinking now.

Wine data

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation: AC Haut-Médoc

Alcohol: 13.0%

Bottle Size : 150cl (Magnum)

Price : 29.95 GBP

Personal Opinion : This is one of those wines that you should try. Easy drinking, a little bit too expensive but it is definitely worth a try. I thouroughly enjoyed this.

Personal Score : 8.5/10

Alaia Roble - Castilla Y Leon 2006

Region: V.D.T Castilla y Leon

Vintage: 2006

Grape: Prieto Picudo, Tempranillo, Merlot

Alcohol: 13.5%

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 5.99 Euro

where to buy : Online

Maroon red, bright, medium head. Clean and intense with aromas of red fruit, woods, mushrooms and powdered cocoa. Fruity in the mouth, of medium structure, palatable, soft tannicity, good acidity and a long, red fruit persistence. Easily drunk.

Personal Opinion : try it, you won't be dissappointed. Equivalent to 4.20GBP, not a bad price. Very good value for money.

Personal Score : 7.5/10

Famatina Valley - Fairtrade Argentine Reserva - Malbec

La Riojana Co-operative is the world's largest maker of organic Fairtrade wines: its 510 members produce some 4.7 million cases a year. This fantastically full-bodied, smooth, chocolaty 100 per cent Malbec from Famatina Valley - made especially for the Co-op - is best enjoyed with a juicy chargrilled sirloin steak.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Alcohol Percentage : 14% Vol.

Price : 4.99 GBP (Co-op)

Personal Opinion : I'm not a fan of New-World-Wines, but this was ok. I would probably buy this again, if I couldn't find anything else.

Personal Score : 7.5/10

Lagunilla Rioja Reserva 2003

Intense ruby in colour, the wine has toasted aromas of dark berry fruits with hints of vanilla and a slight reminiscence of leather. On the palate, the wine is very aromatic; it is round and velvety with flavours of strawberry and plums."

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : buy 6 for 27 pound (Tesco) or 4.99 GBP (Morrisson)

Alcohol Percentage : 13% Vol.

Personal Opinion : I was very impressed with this particular wine, however I would not pay the normal price that Morrisson's had stated. This wine is supposed to be on offer (half price), but I wouldn't pay 8 or 9 pound for this. 5 pound makes this wine very good value for money. Get it while it's on offer.

Personal Score : 8/10

Warre's Warrior Special Reserve Port

Warre's Warrior Port - Special Reserve.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 4.99 - 7.99 GBP

Personal Opinion : Ideal drinking port. No need to keep it lying in your cellar, it won't get any better. So drink and enjoy. Ideal with cheese and salami's. Try it, you won't be dissappointed.

Personal score : 9/10

Tyneside Blonde - Hadrian & Borders 3.9%

Tyneside Blonde

Light hoppy and refreshing

Alcohol Percentage : 3.9% Vol.

Bottle Size : Comes in a pint-glass in your local pub

Where to buy : Tankerville Arms - Eglingham - Northumberland (I think it was a guest-beer)

Personal opinion : I was hugely impressed with this beer. I don't always drink real ales, but I just fancied trying something different. And that's exactly what it was. Try it, you won't be dissappointed.

Personal score : 8.5/10

Vina Decana Crianza 2000 - Utiel - Requena

Utiel Requena, west of Valencia

Varietals : Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker comments : Requena is a small village which has been producing wines for more than 200 years. Located 50 miles west of Valencia the vineyards culminate at 600 meters altitude.Description of the wineVina Decana is medium-bodied with juicy red fruit flavours supported by soft tannins and a toasty wood character. Food : Red meat, roasted chicken, paella, cheese or by itself.

Where to buy : Aldi

Price : 3.99 GBP

Bottle Size : 75cl

Alcohol Percentage : 13% Vol.

Personal Opinion : This wine is one of the better selections from Aldi. It doesn't always happen that you find something really exciting in the wine-section at this store, but this is simply fantastic. They also have the same wine in Reserva, which can be bought for about 1 pound more. Keep up the good work.

Personal Score : 8.5/10

Marchese Antinori - Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2004

Estate grown - Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva
2004
90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and other complementary red varieties
Following a very rainy autumn and a cold winter with abundant heavy rain, budbreak took place about 10-15 days later than average. There was frequent rainfall and cool temperatures during flowering and the foliage developed well although the initial delay also applied to the veraison and ripening phases. The harvest also took place a couple of weeks later than previous years, and was accompanied by frequent and quite heavy rain. Unlike 2003, with its high temperatures and drought, 2004 will be remembered for the cool, wet weather.
Due to the weather, the selected grapes were harvested about two weeks later than usual for the two main varieties (Sangiovese and Cabernet). After destemming and soft crushing, the grapes were placed in stainless steel vats where alcoholic fermentation took place. The phenolic and aromatic components were slower to be extracted than in the hot dry 2003, and in the cellar this meant longer maceration, slightly higher fermentation temperatures and more frequent racking and délestage. After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation took place spontaneously by the end of the year when the wine was in French 225-litre barriques used for the second and third time. After malolactic fermentation the wines were selected, blended and replaced in the same barriques for about 14 months. At the end of the ageing period, every single barrique was tasted and the necessary selections made, after which the wine was bottled, and aged in the bottles for another y Alcohol : hol: 13.5 %
Marchese Antinori is produced, exclusively from the finest, most highly selected grapes grown on the Antinori Santa Cristina, Pèppoli and Badia a Passignano estates in the Mercatale Val di Pesa zone in Chianti Classico.
Intense ruby red colour. Spicy hints of cinnamon and cloves, alongside oaky and piquant peppery aromas. A rounded, creamy, sweet and well-balanced palate throughout the tasting. The aftertaste mainly expresses aromas linked to the ageing period – incense, balsamic hints and more spice.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Alcohol Percentage : 13.5% Vol.

Price : check on-line

Where to buy : on-line

Personal Opinion : Antinori has got to be one of the best wine-houses in Italy. Nothing more said.

Personal Score : 9/10

Cockburn's Special Reserve

Cockburn’s Special Reserve is the world’s most popular premium port. Special Reserve is a medium dark ruby color, with a deep garnet edge. The blend has a clean aroma, showing maturity and finesse, with a hint of dried plums. Off dry to medium sweet, Special Reserve has a rich, mellow texture and smooth tannin structure, with a long, satisfying finish. The classic way to serve Special Reserve is with aged Stilton cheese after dinner. Or enjoy with roasted almonds or walnuts and squares of rich, dark chocolate for a simple but elegant dessert.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 4.99 GBP

Where to buy : Sainsbury's

Alcohol Percentage : 20% Vol.

Personal Opinion : Ideal Port to drink daily. Doesn't cost the world and it tastes exactly the you expect it to do.

Personal Score : 8/10

Beringer Sparkling Zinfandel

Beringer Sparkling Rose 75cl

Description:

The nose has lovely floral notes that are reminiscent of the wonderfully refreshing Spumante’s of Italy, with citrus and strawberry fruit nuances. The palate begins with a nice, classic mousse mouthfeel, and strawberry, brown spice and citrus flavours interplay with a refreshing acidity that carries everything into a long, delicious finish.

Price : £8.98

Alcohol Percentage : 10,5 % Vol.

Bottle Size : 75 cl

Personal opinion : This is a very good wine. I normally don't go for US wines, but this one stands out from the other ones. If you want to impress the majority of a large party, this will do the job.

Personal Score : 9/10

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin - Yellow label

Veuve Clicquot 'Yellow Label' Brut Non-Vintage Champagne. This label has earned its reputation for being best in class and is probably the most popular gift Champagne.
Veuve (widow) Clicquot became famous for shipping champagne to Russia in 1814 in defiance of the blockade of Napoleon.
Gold in color, crisp and dry, with a fine, persistent sparkle. It is a classically styled blend of two-thirds black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and one-third Chardonnay. Its complex nose of apple, citrus and caramel is followed by rich flavors of citrus, hazelnut and baked bread, with a crisp, spicy finish.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 26.00 GBP

Where to buy : Olivers

Personal opinion : Does exactly what it says on the tin.

Personal score : 10/10

Sancerre 'le Mont Fleurie' 2006

Sancerre "Le Mont Fleuri" : This is a gently herby, slightly grassy white wine with a really pleasant ripe, rounded character. It’s supple and generous rather than nettly and sharp, like some Loire Sauvignons tend to be.

Bottle size : 75cl

Price : 9.49 GBP

Where to buy : on-line

Personal opinion : This is exactly what you expect from a good Sancerre. A little bit overpriced but well worth a shot.

Personal Score : 8/10

Marques de Casa Concha 2005 - Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Region:
Puente Alto Vineyard, Maipo Valley, Chile

Grape Variety:
100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Production Technique:
The grapes are manually harvested during April. The wine is aged for 18 months in new (35%) and used (65%) French oak barriques, then aged a further 2 months after bottling.

Description:
Color: Bright, deep red.Bouquet: Cherry, chocolate, black tar and smoke.

Taste: A smooth, almost silky texture with a long finish. Concentrated and full bodied.

Alcohol Content: 14.0%

Total Acidity: 3.61 g/l .
The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon come from the Puente Alto Vineyard in the Maipo Valley, Chile's most celebrated wine region.
Dark ruby-red. Fine red cherries with hints of toasty French oak. Smooth, round, well balanced and tasteful with a long finish.
The wine complements steaks, roasts, pasta dishes with robust sauces, and strong cheeses.

Price : 7.49 GBP

Where to buy : check on-line

Personal Opinion : you won't find much better than this. This is one of the best Chilean Wines I've tasted in my life.

Personal Score : 9/10

Pinot Grigio - Villa Mura 2006

Light and fresh, with hints of green apples and peaches.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 4.69 GBP

Alcohol Percentage : 12% Vol.

Personal opinion : ordinary Pinot Grigio. Nothing special but enjoyable to drink. I'm sure there is plenty of other choices available.

Personal Score : 6/10

Moondarra Shiraz - 2006

Moondarra Shiraz, SE Australia 2006/07
Moondarra Shiraz is a wine with a rich, spicy mouthful of ripe plums and bramble fruits - soft, rich and warm in style and finish. Enjoy Australia

Bottle Size : 75 cl

Price : 5.99 GBP

Where to buy : M&S

Personal Opinion :

excellent exemple of a perfect Shiraz. In its kind it is an extraordinary wine that is easy drinking and will satisfy any Shiraz lover. If you look on-line you could probably find this wine a bit cheaper than at M&S. You would have to buy it in bulk though.

Personal Score : 9/10

Grimbergen Blonde - Belgian Beer

Grimbergen Blond

Grimbergen is the name of a group of Belgian abbey beers first brewed in 1128 at the abbey that Saint Norbert of Xanten built for the Premonstratensian (Norbertine) canons regular in Grimbergen. They became famous for providing hospitality and their home-brewed beer to visitors, and handed down the recipe over the centuries. The beers are now brewed by Alken Maes brewery group. The varieties are: Blond, Dubbel (brown), Tripel (blond), Optimo Bruno (brown) and Cuvée de l'Ermitage (brown) Grimbergen.

Alcohol Percentage : 6.4 % Vol.

Bottle Size : 33cl

Price : from 1.59 GBP

Where to buy : any respectable supermarket.

Personal opinion : excellent beer to accompany some Belgian Cheeses. Try drinking it at room temperature.

Personal points : 8/10

Duvel - Belgian Beer

Duvel has a fruity dry aroma, owed to the finest hops, that reminds experts like Michael Jackson of Poire William concerning its bouquet and pallet. Its dry but still alcohol-sweet flavour makes the beer an excellent thirst-quencher, with a pronounced hop aroma. Thanks to the balance between a fine aroma and subtle bitterness, this beer occupies a unique position in the rich Belgian Beer tradition. Duvel is the perfect companion for appetisers, digestives and every other occasion.

Bottle Size : 33cl

Alcohol Percentage : 8.5% Vol.

Personal Opinion : Drink this beer as slow as you would drink a wine. If not you could be standing on your head before you realise it. Strong beer but excellent in flavours. Highly recommended to drink while having some strong cheeses or smoked ham or Ardennes Pate.

Personal Score : 9/10

Where to buy : Every self-respecting supermarket.

Price : From 1.79 GBP

Albali Caliza 2006 - Crianza

Albali Caliza 2006

A cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo blend from the Vina Albali company of Spain. A medium bodied wine displaying reasonable strawberry and cherry flavours which has been aged in oak for 4 months to round the wine off.
A basic wine from the Vina Albali stable but I much prefer their reserve wine (details in the review archive) which although is about the same price offers so much more flavour and character.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Alcohol Percentage : 13 % Vol.

Personal opinion : Simply Ok. Nothing special but good value for money. I would buy this again if I had some company over for a drink. This wine could easily please a lot of people and I'm sure you could do worse than this wine.

Price : 4.99 GBP (on offer - normally 5.99)

Where to buy : Sainsbury's

Personal score : 8/10

Torres San Valentin 2006

Torres San Valentin 2006

Description:

Clear pale yellow colour, with enticing aromas of fresh grapes, together with other fruits (ripe bananas, quince ) and flowers (acacia with hints of roses and rosemary). Voluptuous and slightly sweet on the palate.The Parellada grape, the best traditional white variety found in some of the highest vineyards, produces fruity, aromatic wines with moderate alcoholic strength, such as San Valentín.

Size: 75 cl

Alcohol Percentage : 11% Vol.

Price : 6.99 GBP

Personal opinion : this is by far the best drink in its kind. A very good wine from a very good house. I can highly recommend this wine. Spain is not always popular with its white wines but this one is fantastic to drink by itself or as a dessert-wine.

Personal score : 9.5/10

Chateau le Monteil d'Arsac 2004 - Haut-Medoc - Cru Bourgeois

Chateau le Monteil d'Arsac 2004 :

Appellation : Haut-Médoc

Vintage : 2004
Price : £4.79 / Lidl Wine

Chateau Le Monteil d’Arsac is a Cru Bourgeois which is a guidance of quality. Fine; it’s not the best wine from the region, but it doesn’t cost £500+ a bottle either!
This is a deep, ruby coloured wine (with the lightest of garnet tinge); a light nose (I expected a bit more to be honest) with a spicey base. On the palate, the acidity is well balanced with blackcurrent fruits, with the fairly high tannins not standing out of place with the rest of the wine.

Commune : Arsac

Owner : Philippe RAOUX

Contact : Patxi MIGUEL

Phone : +33 (0)5 56 58 83 90

Fax : +33 (0)5 56 58 83 08

Area Under Vines : 53 hectares

Average age of the vines : 15 years

Grape varieties : 40% Merlot Noir, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon

Terroir : Sandy-gravelly

Production : 350 000 bottles

Personal points : 8/10

Muscadet - La Regate - 2006

There's not a lot to say in some ways. This is a negociant wine. Pierre Bonnet, a negociant or broker, has bought wine from a number of smaller producers to blend together into this entry level wine.
Good value wines are often the result of hard times on someone's part. Nowhere is this more true than with Muscadet and the Pays Nantais. Here falling consumer demand, strong marketing of rival wines from the New World and some unfortunate scandals involving local merchants have driven the price down. Whilst too much of the wine is of mediocre or poor quality, even good quality producers are forced to sell their product cheaply.
Tasting NoteSurely a contender for one of the UK's greatest value wines. Does exactly what it promises. It tastes just like it should, of clean, lightly fruity Muscadet and delivers a very drinkable mouthful of light, zesty wine. No mucking around, no fuss, just honest party drinking and everyday fun.

Alcohol Percentage : 12% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 2.99 GBP

Where to buy : Sainsbury's

Personal opinion : Ok, but not special. It does only cost 2.99, so if you have a house-party planned, get some of this and some lemonade for the ladies.

Personal Score : 7.5/10

Faustino I - Gran Reserva - Rioja 1996

Description:
Brilliant, medium to high depth. Cherry red in the centre of the glass with a garnet and tawny rim. Intense and complex to the nose. Aromas of spices and new wood (toasty, leather, vanilla, balsam). Well finished, powerful, enveloping tannic notes in the mouth that develop into an elegant meatiness and just the right acidity to match any dish. Serve between 18°C and 19 °C.Aged 28 months in casks - 80% American oak from West Virginia and 20% French oak from Les Vosges.

Grape Varieties: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo

Size : 75cl

Alcohol Percentage : 13% Vol

Personal Points : 9.5/10

Personal Opinion : We bought this wine at a very reasonable price. Buy 2 and get 3rd free.Therefor it makes this wine very good value for money. Ideal with red meat and heavy meals.

Where to buy : Thresher's

Price : 16.99 or 3 for the price of two

Muriel Gran Reserva 1999

Traditionally produced from grapes coming from wineyards of 20 years old. Delicate ruby colour.

Alcohol Percentage : 13.5% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 9.99 GBP

Personal Opinion : Excellent exemple for Rioja Wines. Very good value for money. Any Gran Reserva under 10 pound with a quality like this one is for trying. We were having a wine and cheese night and this one was the highlight of our evening. We all agreed that this one was standing out from the rest.

Personal Points : 8.5/10

Marques Del Romeral Reserva - Rioja 2001

ABOUT THIS WINE: A classic mature red for those who like their wine traditional. Made from a blend of classic Spanish grapes - Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Classified as a Reserva, this wine was aged in American oak barrels for 2 years and a further year in bottle. The winemaker was Elana Adell.

SERVING: Serve at room temperature with roast meat (lamb or chicken), fine full-flavoured cheeses and game dishes.

KEEPING: This wine has been aged at the winery and released ready to drink. Open within 2 years of purchase and finish up within 2 or 3 days of opening.

Alcohol Percentage : 13% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl.

Price : 6-8 GPB

Personal Opinion : Very enjoyable Rioja. Well worth its status. This is good value for money. Ideal if you want to buy something that is ready to drink. Doesn't keep very long, so don't expect this wine to become better buy keeping it.

Personal Points : 8/10

Vieux Marc de Banyuls !

Vieux Marc de Banyuls

Vieux Marc de Banyuls is made from what remains of the skin, flesh and stalk of the grapes. It is distilled on a still, acquiring a fiery colour with golden tints, and develops intense aromas of walnuts with hints of vanilla and liquorice. Superb as a digestive at the end of a good meal or with a good cigar.

Alcohol Percentage : 40% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 35-40 GPB

Where to buy : http://www.banyuls.com/

Personal Opinion : Forget all your brandys and ports as a digestive drink. A Marc is far better as a digestive and will finish your meal in style. This Vieux Marc de Banyuls is a rare product and unique in every aspect. Try it and you will not be dissappointed.

Personal Points : 8.5/10

Chateau des Abelles - AOC Collioure

Chateau des Abelles

Set inland from the village of Banyuls Sur Mer, the vineyards of Château des Abelles grow on terraces forming a south-facing amphitheatre, protected from the Tramontane winds. The Estate’s chosen varieties of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan flourish in the soil of broken-down schist, producing wine with powerful tannins and a deep colour.

Alcohol Percentage : 13% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 15 GPB

Where to buy : http://www.banyuls.com/

Personal Opinion : This is one of the smallest Appellation Controlees (AOC) in France. Cellier des Templiers is by far the most interesting producer of Collioure and Banyuls Wines. This particular wine stands out from the rest. If there was a grand cru classification for Collioure then this one would definitely get it. This wine can compete with any high class Bordeaux or Burgundy wine.

In this price-range, it is good value for money.

Personal Points : 9/10

Cuvee Prestige President Henry Vidal - Banyuls Grand Cru.

Président Henry Vidal

Vinified as a sweet vin doux, Cuvée Président Henri Vidal is the emblematic cuvee of the Cellier des Templiers. It fully embodies all the characteristics of very great Banyuls wine. Bright in colour, with aromatic intensity, complexity and finesse in the nose, it is remarkably balanced in the mouth, blending smoothness and liveliness, topped off with a particularly long finish. This cuvee will take you on a journey to the Orient, with aromas of citrus and sweet spices and just a touch of coffee.

Alcohol Percentage : 18.5% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 25-30 GBP

Where to buy : www.banuyls.com

Personal Opinion : This wine is known to be the only wine to drink with chocolates. The combination is incredible. This particular Banyuls Grand Cru is by far the best in its range. Anyone who likes a good port will find that once you've tasted a Vin Doux Naturel, you will never drink Port again. This particular wine also exists in medium and in dry.

Personal Points : 9/10

Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port 1999

Taylor's Ports represent a Three hundred year old tradition that began with the foundation of Taylor Fladgate & Yeatman in 1692. Three centuries of independent family ownership and experience in producing the finest Ports of all styles ensure that Taylor's Ports continue to be made to the highest standards, combining the best of tradition and innovation. Late Bottled vintage was developed as an alternative to Vintage Port for more informal occasions. Produced from wines from a single harvest., it is a wine with the rich fruity character of a classic Vintage. However the longer time spent in cask means that it is ready to drink when bottled and needs no decanting. It will remain in good conditions for two or three weeks after the bottle is opened.

Alcohol Percentage : 20% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Price : 6.49 GBP (on offer)

Where to buy : Morrisson's

Personal Opinion : In this range you will not get much better than this. I bought this bottle when it was on offer. Now I go to Morrisson's very often and look at the LBV Ports to see if any of them are on offer. I wouldn't pay the full price which ranges between 10 and 15 pound, but when I see a bargain, I will buy more than one bottle at a time.

Personal points : 9.5/10

Romanetti Vermouth di Torino

Vermouth Bianco combines the elegance of Premium white wines with the mystic power of selected herbs. The result is a memorable aromatic-sweet taste experience. Either as a cocktail, long drink or on the rocks.

Alcohol Percentage : 15% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Where to buy : Lidl

Price : 2.49 GBP

Personal opinion : we only drink this with lemonade as a long-drink, so there is no need to pay twice that amount of money to buy the real Martini. I wouldn't drink this on the rocks.

Personal points : 7.5/10

Baron Del Cega - Valdepenas - Gran Reserva 1999

This well-balanced Gran Reserva is made from hand-picked Tempranillo grapes which give it an intense ruby-red colour with amber tones. Matured for 24 months in American oak barrels, it has complex flavours of red fruits and vanilla. On the palette, the wine is characterised by its sweet tannins and fragrant bouquet.

Alcohol percentage : 13% Vol.

Bottle Size : 75cl

Where to buy : Lidl

Price : 5.49 GBP

Personal Opinion : This wine was well worth the money, however the next time I would drink it with a heavy meal. I personally think that it would shine better. We were drinking this by itself and we both agreed that the wine was very strong in flavours and heavy to drink.

Personal points : 8/10

The Legendary Alnwick Rum - Vatted Rum

The Legendary Alnwick Rum - A Fine Old Blend of Guyana & Jamaica Rums.

This distinguished dark rum, which has been enjoyed around the world for generations, is based on an old, secret recipe from Alnwick. Lost for 20 years, this unique recipe requires the masterful blending of aged rums from Guyana and Jamaica. The introduction of other selectively aged rums during the marrying process gives this exceptional blend a distinctive, full round character with a depth of flavour to delight the palate. And so ... The Legend Lives on.

Percentage : 43% Vol.

Bottle Size : 70cl

Personal Opinion : dark rum is my favourite drink, but to live in a town that produces a quality rum like this is very fortunate. Obviously I don't drink any other rum than this one.

Personal Points : 10/10 Perfect !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where to buy : visit the website www.alnwickrum.com

Price : 19.99 - 21.99 GBP

Alnwick IPA - Indian Pale Ale

India Pale Ale (IPA) is a historic beer style developed in the 19th Century to aid in transportation to British Empire troops and officials in India and the West Indies. It was "a strengthening, exhilarating and wholesome beverage."
Masses of hops were used as a natural preservative on the long sea voyage and, some may say, to disguise any off-flavours that may have developed. A high alcohol content also helped its endurance.
Alnwick IPA which was last brewed in the late 1950's is now being brewed to match the original recipe as closely as possible to give you the taste experience of that indigenous brew that was certainly in existence in the late 19th Century.
Alnwick Brewery recently featured in the Journal newspaper, in a great article by Alistair Gilmour who is a highly respected journalist and beer connoisseur,
Alistair said of our beer "Alnwick IPA is a beautiful, mid-gold colour with some malt on the nose but not a lot of hop.More malt develops in the flavour and a slightly bitter caramel influence takes it through to a long-lingering toffee sweet finale when some earthy hop eventually catches up. It's a very good beer indeed, and one that you'd want if it was your money put where Alnwick's mouth is."
If you would like to order any of this superb beer please call on (0191) 2512372.

Percentage : 4.5% Vol.

Bottle Size : 500 ml

Personal Opinion : I am proud to live in a town that produces a Beer of this quality. For anyone who visits the area, the Alnwick IPA is available in most pubs and restaurants, so don't miss out on the opportunity to taste something special.

Personal Points : 9.5/10

Vina Albali - Gran Reserva 1999 - Felix Solis !

Viña Albali (Spain) Valdepeñas Gran Reserva 1997

This wine is undeniably Rioja-like in style, but modern Rioja, where the quality and purity of ripe, rich black Tempranillo fruit is allowed to sing and is supported by, rather than smothered in, creamy American oak. It is aromatic, sumptuous and beautifully balanced, with warming tobacco and spice layered with masses of fruit. Great value wine and excellent. £6.49 - £6.99 - Booth's, Budgens, Morrison's, Sainsbury's, Unwins and Thresher from early summer.

Tresher has an offer on this wine, buy 2 and get the 3rd one free, which would make this wine approx. 5 pound per bottle.

percentage : 13% Vol.

Year : 1999

Origin : Valdepenas

Personal opinion : Don't forget that this is a Gran Reserva and is the nearest thing to a Rioja. The price of this bottle is amazing. I don't think you could get any better at that price.

Personal points : 9.5/10

Baywood Zinfandel Rose 2006 - California

Zinfandel Rose is a Californian wine with a fruity bouguet. Enjoy this wine well-chilled together with lighter meat dishes, seafood and mild cheeses. Once opened please consume within 3 days.

Price : 2.99 GBP.

Place of Purchase : Lidl

Alcohol percentage : 10,5% vol.

Personal Opinion : cheap enough but not very impressive.

Personal Score : 4.5/10