FOUR TO MAKE YOU JUMP FOR JOY
Bishop’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Saint Clair 2017 (£11.39, 12.5%)
Bishop’s Leap is made at the award-winning Saint Clair winery in Marlborough, New Zealand, with grapes from the Awatere and Wairau Valleys, giving a full, crisp wine jam-packed with aromas of gooseberries, herbs and passion fruit. It has a lovely, fresh acidity balanced by a full flavour that lingers. Owners Neal and Judy Ibbotson have been growing grapes since 1978 and making their own wine since 1994. They are now among the world’s best-known producers of sauv blanc having won shedloads of awards. From Winebuyers.com
Frog’s Leap Zinfandel 2017 (£28.01, 13.5%) This delicious organic red from California’s Napa Valley is a pricey option. But from the first taste it’s a winner – ideal for a special occasion like February 29. Rich flavours of raspberry, cherry and mulberry combine with a pinch of cinnamon to create a taste explosion. It’s spicy bouquet is glorious, too. One to sip and savour, then sip some more. Great with food. The Frog’s Leap winery sits among 130 acres of pristine vineyards in
Rutherford. It’s one of the Napa Valley’s most respected producers. From Thedrinkshop.com
Quinta Do Portal 29 Grapes Reserve Port (£13.91, 19.5%)
For something a little different, this traditional port from Portugal’s Douro Valley makes a sensational accompaniment to cheese or dessert. It’s a smooth, elegant after-dinner port – not too sweet – with a lovely fragrance of red fruit. Aged for about four years, it’s great value for money and extremely moreish. From Winebuyers.com
Bacardi Anejo Cuatro 4-year-old (£22.95, 70%)
I’ve written a fair bit about rum of late. It’s having a moment experts compare with the recent gin frenzy. Flavour-wise, it can be a box of treasures. This four-yearold golden rum from market powerhouse Bacardi is said to have been “inspired by founder Don Facundo’s original recipe”. It’s certainly a quality tipple with lovely honey-filled notes accompanied by vanilla and oak. Concentrate hard and you might discern the taste of cloves, too. Perfect on the rocks or in cocktails. From The Whisky Exchange.
2 3 4
Share your own drink-related tips with matt.nixson@reachplc.com