Steven Spurrier, editor of Decanter Magazine, and Jancis Robinson review the latest Buddha's wines.
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2005 Sauvignon Blanc
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(S.S.) Fine pale yellow, crisp northern fruit nose, good ripe fruit and clean dry finish, quite a broad wine and still very fresh. 15/20.
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(J.R.) Far from the most pungent Sauvignon this has lovely green fruit (limes?) on the mid palate not unlike some dry Rieslings and plenty of follow through. Would make a great match for seafood. Unlike many Sauvignons, this tastes bone dry.
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2006 Rose
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(S.S.) Very bright rose petal red, quite fruity, rosehip syrup (but dry) good clear fruit and quite fleshy yet dry, nice lift of acidity for rose, good summer wine. 14./20.
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(J.R.) Big, bold, bumptious, this looks and smells like strawberry juice and should be served pretty cool. Kept lively by lots of fresh acidity but drink this as young as possible.
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2004 Sangiovese
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(S.S.) Fine deep red, very attractive bitter cherry nose, very typical Sangiovese, nice fruit, a little softer than expected from the nose, probably young vines, nicely balanced, good effort for this varietal. 16/20.
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(J.R.) Pale cherry red. Fine, pure, tangy varietal nose. Quite ready for drinking - with food only.
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2005 Tempranillo
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(S.S.) Very fine deep colour, lovely ruby density, quite meaty, earthy nose with a lift of sweetness and vanilla due to oak, this dominates a bit at the moment, but will blend in well. A more serious wine than the Sangiovese. 15.5/20.
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2006 Tempranillo
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(J.R.) Spicy, leathery, this really does taste of both Tempranillo and Heathcote!
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2005 Merlot
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(S.S.) Deep ruby colour, smooth and ripe, quite spicy blackcurranty fruit, nice touch of natural acidity and a little complexity from oak, fresh and fleshy, good now and for two years. 15.5/20.
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(J.R.) Full and round with a vaguely leafy scent.
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2004 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
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(S.S.) Very good deep colour, really most impressive extraction, smooth and rich, fine nose dominated by Cabernet with nice supple edge of Merlot, even quite gamey and good natural acidity. A very successful blend, fine and fruity now and will gain complexity over two years. 16.5/20.
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(J.R.) Relatively complex earthy nose. Complete and very appetising.
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2004 Shiraz
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(S.S.) Deep ruby, quite rich on the glass, nice touch of black pepper spice and quite Crozes-Hermitage style, not Barossa style at all, exuberant fruit kept in check, good clear flavours, good varietal and nice use of oak. 15.5/20.
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(J.R.) Surprisingly delicate for this alcohol level with some obvious maturity and lift.
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2005 Shiraz Mataro Viognier
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(J.R.) Rich, spicy, scented - a thoroughly satisfying cocktail.
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