Six Nations Tipples

It is that time of year when the Six Nations is upon us! Whether you are a Rugby fan or not this is a fantastic competition to get behind your nation! A great way to do this is to choose your tipple of choice!

It could be Guinness for the Irish, a lovely single malt Scotch for the Scottish, a pint of Brains for the Welsh, a glass of Bordeaux for the French, a Limoncello for the Italians or a glass of English Sparkling for the English.

Which ever tipple you decide to drink over the Six Nations let me know on Twitter @roberthaynes88 using #sixnationstipple

Celebrate your country's produce or indulge yourself in a drink from another nation!!

Wine Review - Yalumba Y Series Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012, Australia

With wallets on lockdown after Christmas, this wine is a great value red to help keep you warm in this rainy weather!

Yalumba are a great Australian producer and this wine is perfect for this chilly weather. Warm notes of blackcurrant, pepper and cranberry on the nose are followed by plenty of black fruit, pepper and menthol. This is a light bodied, fruity style which makes it perfect for drinking on its own but it will pair very well with spaghetti bolognese (tried and tested) and grilled meats.

Available at Majestic Wines for £7.99 (when you buy 2 or more, £9.99 single price).

Follow me on Twitter @robberthaynes88

Wine Review - Domaine Tempier Bandol, 2010, South of france

Bandol is a little known region in Provence, down in the south of France. It might not be a name that immediately makes your ears prick up, but it should be!! Bandol is down on the Mediterranean coast nestled between Marseille and Toulon. This small appellation produces lovely rich rosés and blockbuster reds. It is a blockbuster red that I am reviewing. Mourvedre is the dominant grape variety with Syrah, Grenache and Carignan (amongst others) making up the rest of the blends.

The Domaine Tempier Bandol is 80% Mourvedre and is a fantastic example of what these wines are capable of. This wine is 2010 and has spent 18 months in old French oak. It has an inviting nose of black fruit, menthol, clove and sage.

The palate is even more appetising! It is full bodied with ripe, grippy tannins and a core of concentrated black cherry, plum and blackcurrant. Complexity then comes through in the form of pepper, sage, thyme and liquorice notes along with cloves and sweet spice from the oak. This wine also has a real gamey character with leathery notes.

All in all, this wine has it all! It is rich, full bodied, plenty of complexity and a hugely long finish. This wine can be enjoyed on its own by those who love big reds, or alternatively this wine will pair beautifully with duck cassoulet, rare beef and other hearty dishes. This wine will also benefit from cellaring for up to 10 years, if you have the patience!

This wine is available for around £25 from The Wine Society and I think it is worth every penny. If you want this kind of quality and complexity in wine from other areas then you would be paying double. This is a fantastic wine!

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Reviews En Route!!

I have just returned from a week at the WSET school in London as part of my diploma studies. I have had the opportunity to revisit some old favourites and also the chance to try some fantastic new wines! I am very excited to share some of these wines with you so keep your eyes peeled for some reviews of some of the highlights of the week!!

Follow me on Twitter @roberthaynes88