Striking Gold in Tesco
Posted on January 6th, 2011
Saved in Sour Grapes recommends, White wine, €10-€15
Amongst the infinitude of too-good-to-be true offers in Tesco are a couple of real gems, at a genuinely good discount. I can only speculate, but they come from an oversupply in the UK, or liquidated stock of an unfortunate importer.
In recent times I’ve picked up some of these gems, Monte’s Alpha Cabernet was at half price (€10) though there didn’t appear to be much of it. Since then, the wines that have caught my eye are from a winery which needs little introduction, Wolf Blass.
Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling, Eden & Clare Valleys 2005
Their Gold Label Riesling from fruit sourced in the Clare and Eden Valleys (2005) has the lime fruit and it’s really starting to develop those kerosene characters which Riesling fans will really enjoy.
Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills 2006
For me, the pick of the bunch. I’ve tried it a couple of times at John McDonnell’s excellent Australian-themed tastings. Butter on toast, hazelnuts, creamy texture, peaches, nice oak integration and nice little dose of minerality. Not to be confused with the Yellow Label, which isn’t too shabby, but this is streets ahead.
If you can still find them, both are available at €15, down from around €23.
I don’t get into Tesco much as there is none, believe it or not, anywhere near where I live or work. But on the rare occasions I get to one (usually Mahon Point, Cork), I never see any of these good discounts. I guess it’s only ever small quantities and they sell out quickly.
The Gold Label wines are great wines for the price The Chardonnay is well made with good use of oak. I also particularly like the Shiraz & Cab Sauv too. mmmm.