We’ve a really strong selection this week from Tanners of Shrewsbury. In fact, I was so impressed that it took a heck of a lot of swilling, swirling and spitting (well, not so much of the latter to be honest) to whittle the wines down to six.
Tanners’ Robert Boutflower even put up a deliciously tasty South African Pinotage, and that’s not a phrase I’m used to typing. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is a grape with which I’ve always struggled, but this example (from Doran Vineyards, since you ask) had none of those characteristic burnt-rubber notes; it was just joyously juicy and very drinkable. Anyway, it didn’t quite make the cut but is on the Tanners list if you’re interested.
The following wines, however, did make it, and a cracking bunch they are too. The 2015 Domaine Rives-Blanques Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc (1) from Limoux, in the deep south of France, is a delightful blend of 85 per cent Chardonnay and 15 per cent Chenin Blanc.
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