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Apothic Merlot, 13.5%, (From Pat 27th July 26)

One of 5 red wines that apothic produce from California. The merlot retails at £11.25 but Tesco has it on offer at the moment at £9.
The label says that the Merlot grape was named after a bird that used to steal the fruit off the vine
There are lots of blackberry and blackcurrant with dark plums flavours and aromas from this wine, with mellow tannins and a velvety finish. A slight hint of spice can be tasted. Decent legs.
If you like this wine you could try Apothic red made from a blend or Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is sweeter than the Merlot.
Then there is Apothic crush, a smooth red with black cherry, raspberry and caramel
Apothic ferno is a limited edition aged in whiskey barrels, intense and smokey.
Lastly there is Apothic Cabernet with plum and vanilla notes

Vina de Santa Isabel Mendoza Chardonnay 2025. 12.5% (Pat 27/04/26)
Well this white certainly made me sit up. Made by Robert Gonzalez on the Molinos Estates in Argentina, using only stainless steel equipment shows the purity of this grape. First the aroma was citrus and first taste was peach. Combine them and you get nectarine. Really fresh. Lovely after taste. Dry enough without scrunching up your face! But refreshing. A warm sunny evening outside or with a chicken dish. I liked it very much. Retails at £13.99 but I got mine from virgin wines. Sláinte (pronounced Slanche!)

Cavalo Preto 2020 (From Pat 22/04/26)

Grown in a terroir area of the UCO Valley 100km south of Mendoza city high in the Andes, this full bodied Malbec is a dark red wine with violet hints. Rich and strong aromas of ripe fruits including plum, cherry, blackcurrant, chocolate and violets. The tannins are soft making it a very pleasant drink either on its own or with grilled or spicy food. At £15.95 a bottle from upstairs downstairs it is not a cheap drink but it definitely isn't plonk

Fetesca Neagra 2000 12.5% (From Pat 22/04/26)
Produced in the Republic of Moldova from a vine called Black Maiden which is a pre phylloxeria variety. Phyllixera, from the ancient greek meaning dry leaf. Originally from eastern north America, the phylloxera insect feeds on the roots and leaves of the vine preventing nutrients from rising up the vine. The vine has evolved to produce defences of a sticky sap which clogs up the mouth of the insect when it feeds. The vine also forms a protective layer over wounds to prevent further bacterial of fungal infection. Grafting of resistant root stock is the only known best to fight this bug.
It is described as a rich intense oaked red, tasting of blackberry,plum and dark chocolate pairing well with pork, chicken and vegetable stews
M&S £12

Tingleup Riesling 2025 12.5% (From Pat 22/04/26)
Produced by Howard Park in the great southern region of western Australia, where the conditions are cool. It is the largest wine region in Australia producing exceptionally high quality Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Howard Park is one of the top 10 producers
This wine is zesty, crisp and dry and is ideal as an aperitif or drunk with prawns, salads, and mildly spiced Asian foods
It is aromatic with flavours of citrus fruit and green apples, tropical fruit and a hint of white pepper. The acidity is gentle. Chill for 20 minutes before opening. It said to age well and can be cellared for 25 years. Wine Pilot have rated it as 95 points and label it a very fine vintage.
Time to get the Barbie out!!
Tesco Finest £11.50

Billy Bosch (Pat Feb 2026)

Billy Bosch is a traditional African farmer who grows bush vines dating back to 1659
Not a great lover of white wines per se but this was very pleasant. He dry grows his bush vines and makes his wine traditionally.
Nice summery aroma of pear with a  pear and orchard fruits flavour, and a citrus finish. Lovely soft yellow colour.
A very pleasant drink in the summer evenings in the garden when chilled.