Hopwood. Charlotte's Farm 2007 Sangiovese

General: This was an "End of Bin" purchase. It's cheap and there is a lottery as to how good it will be. I hope for more luck with my other "End of Bin" purchase...

Variety: Sangiovese

Alcohol: 13.3%

Bouquet: Spices, mainly black pepper and a little earthiness. Nice.

Flavour: Watery. I couldn't get much at all even after waiting a couple of hours. I am guessing it is flawed and in a bad way.

Points: 78

Notes: Yes, it was cheap. Yes, it was not good.

Bremerton Wines. Tamblyn 2007 CabernetShiraz Malbec Merlot

General: Tasted a couple of weeks ago before we were hit with the heatwave.

Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 52%, Shiraz 30%, Malbec 12%, Merlot 6%

Alcohol: 14.5%

Bouquet: Not surprisingly, the Cab wins through. Blackcurrant predominant but spices, particularlyblack pepper also present for a compex nose.

Flavour: Stewed plums in the main. Also blackcurrant. Medium tannins. The alcohol level appears in the mouth.

Points: 84

Notes: This was very enjoyable. It will be interesting to see if the alcohol still appears after another couple of years of ageing.

Trentham Estate. La Famiglia 2005 Nebbiolo

Variety: Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 13.5%

Colour: Rusty red

Bouquet: Overripe mulberry and earthy spices

Flavour: Light bodied but surprisingly long in the mouth. Raspberry is the strongest flavour with a very good spicey, smooth finish.

Points: 83

Notes: This is a lighter style of red to which I normally go for but it is well worth it as it packs quite a punch in flavour.