Bodegas Primicia Oak-Aged 2005

When people talk about red wine, they probably have something like this in mind. It’s almost cherry in colour and has all the flavours you would expect from a Rioja.

It has a bold, fruity taste - it’s not trying to be anything other than what it is and is all the more enjoyable for it.

Decanter Magazine rate Bodegas as one of the top 20 Rioja producers in the world and this barrel aged wine is a fine example of their offerings.

Rioja lovers won’t be able to resist it.

RATING: 8 out of 10

WHERE TO BUY:

Available from Laithwaites at £6.92 per bottle - click now to buy.

Ned Black Label Sauvignon Blanc

I must confess that, generally, I’m not a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc. Often wines of this grape remind me of washing up liquid, which is never an attractive taste.

However, this 2007 Ned Black Label Waihopai River New Zealand sauvignon blanc has everything you would want from a very dry white.

Majestic Wines claim it has a “nose of nettles and grass”. For me, though, it is reminiscent of freshly cut grapefruit.

On drinking, the grapefruit combines with other zesty flavours, such as lime and lemon. I guess this is one of those wines that is traditionally described as “complex” but it might be better described as “demanding”.

There are lots of flavours here all asking for attention and, like a stroppy teenager, demanding you pay them the respect they really deserve.

As far as very dry whites go, this is an excellent wine and I would recommend it highly.

RATING: 8 out of 10

WHERE TO BUY ?

£8.33 from Majestic Wines - click here to buy it now

Blossom Hill Chardonnay Review

Blossom Hill are, apparently, the wine makers that sell the most wine in the UK. This makes me want to cry. A lot.

Remember when you were young and your parents told you not to eat too many sweets or your teeth would rot ? Well, they should give the same advice about Blossom Hill Chardonnay.

You can almost literally feel your teeth rotting from the first taste of this wine. It is sugary in a way that no wine should ever be.

Flavour ? Well, there is a hint of the chardonnay grape on your first sip, but there is quite literally no middle or finish to this stuff. Although, you will want to brush your teeth after drinking it to get rid of the sugary residue.

Where I live, the local pubs and wine bars chill white wines far beyond the point where there is any taste left and I would suggest that is the secret to Blossom Hill’s success - it’s a wine designed for people who don’t actually like wine.

RATING: 1 out of 10

WHERE TO BUY?

LastOrders.com has 6 bottles for £36.99 - click here to buy now