Top wines in the Asian media

2012 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

This wine is recommended by Wai Xin (Certified Specialist of Wine) of winexin.sg, he wrote: “A complex set of smoky-meatiness and floral perfume dominated the nose. Mouth feel was soft and silky, juicy red fruits with a slight touch of sweetness from the alcohol.”

2012 Pine Ridge Vineyard Chenin Blanc/Viognier

This is another recommendation from Wai Xin, who wrote that the characteristics of these two grapes had been fused “in a seamless fashion.”

He added: “Aromas of ripe melon, lemon peel with hint of sweet nuts. Palate was struck by lively crisp acidity, but quickly comforted by the plush roundness.”

Baglio di Pianetto Nero d’Avola

This wine was picked out by winebuzz.hk, writing: “Nero d’Avola is considered as one of the most important grapes used in Sicilian Wine. It is know for it sweetness and full body. Powerful like a Syrah, Nero d’Avola is a sure bet for pairing with heavy meat dishes.”

Kanonkop Pinotage 2005

Winebuzz.hk wrote of this wine: “Rich and complex with black fruits and spices and a hint of coffee (rather than burnt coffee) on the back palate.”

1996 Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises Blanc de Noirs

This is one of the wines recommended by Jeannie Cho Lee MW on asianpalate.com. She wrote: “A gorgeous Champagne that offers focused, minerality and a concentrated palate of toasted nuts and baked bread flavours. Powerful yet elegant with still youthful energy and lifted acidity. This Champagne will age for another decade easily but it is perfect to drink now.”

2011 Rossignol-Trapet Beaune 1er Cru Les Teurons

Lee also recommended this wine, writing: “Lovely bright red berry flavours along with roasted herbs and garrigue on the palate. Silky tannins and medium body with long length. Impressive Beaune 1er Cru.”

Bindi Composition Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir 2011

Singapore wine blogger Chek Wong recommended this wine on The Local Nose, writing: “Noticeable vanilla, cream and woody notes, with boiled sweets and slight gaminess. Quite overt, thickly layered with a candied sweetness to the fruit. Lively acidity provides a lift to this wine and prevents it from becoming flabby. Very good.”

Greywacke Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

Wong also recommended this wine, writing: “Brilliant purplish crimson hue. Nervy acidity, layers of red fruits, strawberry and plums, exuding magnificent intensity and poise.”

Los Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva 2007

And this was chosen as a “wine of the week” on winekorea.asia, where it was described as: “Dense purple colour. Tight blackberries and boysenberries on the nose initially. Leathery tannins are balanced, with plenty of grip but don’t dominate, (a problem with some cheaper Malbecs). The wine opens up after 45 min with pointed blackberries, tight black forest and dark wood. Elegant and classy with a long sustained finish.”