If I ever I was in South Kensington I would always try to make time to visit The Sampler on Thurloe Place. Sadly the store closed in 2017 but were soon to open south of the river in Putney and nearby Wimbledon. Neither store is as spacious but there is still a great range of wines and plenty of opportunities to taste from the Enomatic machines.
Navazos Niepoort White. 2016. Made from the Palomino grape with fermentation in stainless steel followed by ageing for 11 months in oak under natural flor. Not surprisingly it is very sherry like, dry, mineral and with a lovely freshness. It has a lingering finish. If you love sherry but want a little less alcohol this could do the job.
Chateau Lapuyade. Jurançon Sec. 2016. Lapuyade is a certified biodynamic estate and this fry white, made from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, is an absolute delight. Packed with citrus, stone fruit and a touch of caramel. Rich and with lovely balance. The finish is incredibly long. Fantastic value for money.
Novum Chardonnay. Marlborough. New Zealand. 2017. The amount of Chardonnay grown in Marlborough is minute compared to Sauvignon Blanc. This is rather good, Pale yellow in appearance with a delicate nose of citrus, stone fruit and a delightful floral note. The palate is dry with lovely balance and a fresh citrus finish.
Le Soula. La Maceration du Soula No. 16. A skin contact, orange wine made from a blend of Vermentino and Macabeu along with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Malvoisie du Roussillon. It is also a blend of six different vintages with 2016 being the largest component (30%). Light orange in appearance it is very dry but with lovely flavours of orange and spice and some significant tannin. A really unusual wine.
Scholium Project. 1MN. Bechtold Ranch. California. 2016 Bechtold Ranch is a Cinsault vineyard plated in 1870 on ungrafted rootstocks where it was originally known as Black Malvoisie. Light red in appearance and with a slight haze. Nose is wonderfully expressive with red fruits. Dry with soft berry fruit and a touch of floral perfume. Very dry on the finish.
Inconnu. Lalalu Cabernet Franc. California. 2017. Light with fragrant red fruits. This is an easy drinking wine which doesn’t disappoint. Drink young to enjoy it at its best.
Domaine Binet Jaquet. Faugères Grande Réserve. 2016. This is serious stuff. Made biodynamically and a blend of Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. It is packed with dark fruits and a subtle savoury spice. It is full bodied and very appealing. Wonderful.
Alpha Box & Dice Icona. Cabernet Sauvignon. McLaren Vale. Australia. 2015. Grapes were destemmed, crushed and left for two weeks on the skins. Following fermentation it was aged for 24 months in oak of which one third was new. Rich and opulent with lovely blackcurrant, chocolate and vanilla. Currently drinking very well. Jolly good stuff.
