News, Awards and Reviews
June 2009
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Alliance Wine - Faring well on UK wine lists!
Despite the challenging times we are operating in we are proud to be recognised as a top 10 distributor in a recent survey of the UK 'on trade' market, as reported in Harpers (29 May 2009). A summary of some key points is below and the full story is available on page 19 at: Full story.
The study, carried out by Wine Business Solutions, was based on nearly 12 500 wine listings across the UK. Distributors were judged on various criteria, including:
- the number of listings they achieved;
- the number of listings per brand;
- by the glass as a percentage of total listings;
- the number of alternative formats offered, such as magnum and small sizes.
By -the -glass and smaller - format pouring were found to be vital for brand building . In terms of market share , France
still leads the way with a 45% share, while Italy is in second place with 14% and Australia and Spain in joint third with 9%. In terms of pricing, Chile has the highest percentage of sub -£20 wines, followed by South Africa and Australia. France had the highest proportion of wines over £100. One of the biggest surprises was the appearance of two
Lebanese brands in the top 30 listed, proving that even “curiosity wines” can grow to become very significant in size.
The 50 Best New World Pinot Noirs
Paul Hobbs Russian River 2006 Pinot Noir has been awarded 4 stars out of five by Matthew Jukes and is ranked by him as one of the top 50 Best New World Pinot Noirs. Matthew liked it for its: 'Zen-like control and flow of beguiling flavours'.
Vina Cobos in 21st Annual 'Best of the Best'
The latest Robb Report, 'Best of the Best', reported on page 108 that Vina Cobos 2005 Unico Mendoza was one of the best red wines: 'Hobbs has touched the sky again and again with each new vintage. A dedicated state-of-the-art winery facing the great wall of the Andes is proof of the vinters commitment to the Mendoza region, as is Vina Cobos 2005 Unico Mendoza. Inky powerful and saturated with plum and spice, the wine presents amazing structure and complexity that leave no doubt that Argentina is redrawing the map of world-class wine regions'.
What's rated and reviewed this month?
Tate Modern's Hamish
In 12 June 2009 issue of Harpers, Hamish Anderson - Tate Modern's Wine Buyer of 11 years discusses his role at the Tate and mentions his relationship with Alliance Wine.
'Amayna Sauvignon Blancs are the best in Chile'
On 30 June 2009 issue, Wine Spectator placed Amayna Sauvignon Blancs as the best in Chile. Amayna Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented 2007 received the top score of 91 points. 'This shows a kiss of toast, with a blanched almond note leading the way for notes of paraffin, lemon pound cake, honeysuckle and mineral. The finish is long and creamy. Very stylish. Drink now through 2010. 1,500 cases made“. James Molesworth
Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2008 received an impressive 90 points. 'Very fresh, with bracing lemon peel, white asparagus and herb notes backed by a clean, salt-tinged finish. Deliciously pure. Drink now.' James Molesworth
From Argentina to Chile via France - Wine Spectator Blog on Amayna's Claudia Gomez
Wine Spectator featured a story on Claudia Gomez of Vina Garces Silva (Amayna) this month. The story captures Claudia's character and history and can be read in full in the pdf at the link below.
Wine Enthusiast on 2004 Brunellos
Uccelliera Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, was among the favourite 2004 Brunellos. The article summarises: 'Winemaker Andrea Cortonesi who once said, ' the best irrigation is sweat', has worked hard to craft this plush, modern and penetrating wine. It boasts a deep dark concentration and a very beautiful bouquet of luscious blackberries, spice, black mineral and cola. It's round and supple and shines simpatico'.
Wineanorak on Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon
On Monday 1 June 2009, Jamie Goode reported on his blog from the Barossa in his story 'Good Morning from the Barossa':
Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia
'we also had a remarkable Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon (this is fantastic)'.
http://www.wineanorak.com/blog/labels/Australia.html
Bodegas Veracruz - Decanter Choice June 2009
A four out of five rating for Bodegas Veracruz, Ermita Veracruz, Verdejo, Rueda 2008
This is a typically delightful Verdejo from Veracruz. Lively and vital, there's plenty of uplifting floral notes on show, given a bit of punch by juicy grapefruit aromas. In the mouth, it's crisp, mineral and well rounded with citrus fruit and elderflower flavours. Lovely stuff. Drink 2009. http://www.decanter.com/winefinder/wine_details.php?wid=69942
Majella's Musician 2008
You can see a video review of Majella Winery at this link: http://jdereport.com.au/?p=1592
Paddy Kendler, writing in the Melbourne Herald Sun earlier in June, gave Majella's 'The Musician' Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 the following review:
"Majella has deservedly graduated from a cult favourite to a nationally revered brand. You can rest assured that any wine under this label will deliver pleasure at a realistic price. The Musician is very much a classic and traditional Australian dry red: a Coonawarra blend of cabernet and shiraz, not too fruity-sweet nor bone dry, open, honest, generous and definitely drinkable. May mellow out into an even better wine over the next few years but most enjoyable and satisfying right now. 4.5 Stars."
Tony Love in the Adelaide Advertiser also reviewed the 'The Musician' Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and awarded it94 points:
'A totally seductive working of ripe cabernet with an underpinning of plummy, spicy shiraz that meld seamlessly, elements of regional bush and mint in the background and lovely fresh fruit singing in the glass'.
Chris Shanahan shares his view on 'The Musician' Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 in the Canberra Times:
'Prof and Tony Lynn's Musician gives elegance a good name. It is sourced entirely from the Lynn's Southern Coonawarra Vineyard and made specifically for early drinking. It captures Coonawarra's bright, magic berry aromas and flavours. And though it is soft and easy to drink, it still has the structure of a real red. I rate this as my top Australian red under $20'.
Cielo e Terra Website Update
Cielo e Terra have updated their website at: http://www.cieloeterravini.com An English and Italian version is available.
The Ultimate Austrian Wine Guide 2009/2010
Peter Moser's Ultimate Austrian Wine Guide includes Domaene Wachau. Full spread can be viewed by clicking this link to view the pdf:
View Austrian Wine Guide 2009 2010 spread
New Vintage of Luis Canas Reserva Seleccion de la Familia
Bodegas Luis Canas, featured in 'La Prensa del Rioja', has begun to market the 2003 vintage of its Reserva Seleccion de la Famila, of which 153 106 bottles have been produced. The wines the Bodega sets aside for this wine come from a selection of old vines which enjoy a unique environment that includes good orientation, protection from northerly winds, good sun exposure and relatively unfertile soils resulting in low production figures. The minimum vine age is 45.
The wine is made with 85% Tempranillo and offers a lovely bright ruby-red colour with clean, brick hues. Clean, fairly intense nose. Hints of ripe fruit and jam against a background of fine wood with marked balsamic personality (eucalyptus, pines). In the mouth it is powerful and dense with a well-structured mouthfeel and good tannins. The finish is ample, complex, long and persistent.
7 Beechfield Road, Willowyard Estate, Beith, Ayrshire KA15 1LN
Tel: 01505 506 060 Fax: 01505 506 066
Email: sales@alliancewine.co.uk Web: www.alliancewine.co.uk