WINE TASTING GROUP.     22^NDAPRIL 2014.                                     HOSTED BY RAY & JUNE.

The afternoons get together enjoyed excellent hospitality, with cheese, biscuits, and fruit, accompanying the wine.

WINE NO 1.   2013  RED Mc GUIGAN BLACK LABEL MERLOT. 13.5% VOL. FROM SOUTH EAST AUSTRALIA. PURCHASED FROM MORRISONS AT £5.99.

This fruity flavoursome wine with a bright pleasant smell and deep ruby colour has a good balanced taste with a good lasting flavour. It has light intensity with a medium body to it. We all enjoyed this wine, which at the price, we felt was excellent value for money. It attracted a high average score of 8.5. We felt that this wine, was one of the best we have enjoyed, since the  group started.

WINE NO. 2.   2011  RED BOSCHENDAL  SHIRAZ/ CABERNET SAUVIGNON.  14% VOL. FROM GROOT DRAKENSTEIN SOUTH AFRICA. PURCHASED FROM WAITROSE AT £8.99.

Grown in the vineyards of the mountainous coastal area of Groot Drakenstein this wine blend matured in French oak has meaty depth with firm tannins, complimented by the lingering spice and black fruit of the Shiraz. We thought it had a deep, healthy intensity, with a strong taste. The body was heavy, with good tannins but very little  sweetness. We all felt that the flavour lasted.

Again this wine was appreciated with a slightly lower average mark compared to the first one, of 7.5.

                                                                                                                                                  JOHN BENFIELD.