Hardys Stamp of Australia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2012

Nose:  Definitely dark red berries and a little oaky, but in a damp way.

Taste:  Pretty tart overall, with a quick smoothy-sweetness at the beginning.  But the tartness lingers in your mouth.

Finish:  Some tannins, but pretty thin.

What we say:  V - 'The nose is a bit mossy?'  S - 'Yeah, a little bit of moss at the end.'  V - 'Moss is kind of a funny word.'  S - 'The taste is pretty generic, a little sweet, but not too much, a bit sour, but not too much.'  'There's not much to the finish....  Aaaahhkkk.' V - 'The tartness of the wine doesn't really go well with the tannins in the finish. It's not a great transition from sour to bitter.'  'Is Hardys Australian for wine?'

What they say: This vibrant wine displays ripe berry and plum fruit flavour, complemented by a soft, sweet vanillin oak background.

Rating: 3.5 (S - 3; V - 4)

Price:  £6.00

Budavár Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Hungary)

Nose:  Pretty fruity.  Little bit of oakiness, but mostly fruit.

Taste:  Black currents, kind of a medium red with some sweetness.

Finish:  Very little tannins - pretty unremarkable.

What we say:  V - "It's certainly not unpleasant on the nose, but almost a bit syrupy."  S - "There's something here, not necessarily sweet.  Caramel?  There's something to it - a sort of thickness you'd get from chocolate or caramel - but it's not caramel."  "It's not bad as a very simple wine."  V - "I agree, it doesn't do much, but it's drinkable."  S - "It's very middle of the road.  It's not absent flavour, but it's not particularly exciting."  V - "This is the wine that a 5 was made for."

What they say:  Supple and smooth with natural fruit flavours.

Rating:  5

Price:  £3.49

Marquis de St. Vincent Médoc Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (France)

Nose: Oak; dark red berries

Taste: Smooth; dry

Finish: Bitter - the tannins really bloom in the finish. Peppery. The finish really lingers.

What we say: It's so middle of the road, we have no comment.

What they say: Aromas of red fruit and cores. Well-balanced. Structured and fruity. Will seduce you (!).

Rate: 4

Prestige and Calvet Bordeaux Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (France)

Nose: Pretty light, nothing distinguishable.

Taste: Pretty dry all the way through.

Finish: See quote below.

What we say:  V - "There's a finish to it, and it's long, but it's not really related to the first bit.... or maybe it's the opposite, that it doesn't change at all?" "There's just not that much to say about it, it's pretty boring."  S - "Smells a bit like pencil crayon!" "It's a shame about the taste, because the label is kind of nice."



What they say: Full and fruity with a long, smooth aftertaste.

Rating: 4