The Henney's cider is very good. Lightly oaked and tasting like oak aged honey. I could manage this but prefer my unoaked Thatcher's Gold. I do not like any of Wychwood's ales. Wychcraft and Hobgoblin Gold which seems to have replaced Wychcraft are about as dull as English ales get.

I ignored the Lorgere Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. I would have been even ruder to them but there were people watching.

Jackson Estate 2013 is £9.32 for 2 or more at Maj. I might get some.

Somebody gave me a glass of 2014 The Ned. It's not bad to be fair. Blackcurranty but overly acidic. Think Saint Clair's basic in a bad vintage.

Dunc,

Just seen Tom C on wine pages post a note on the Aldi Hermitage.
Might be worth buying now ?? sounds good to me.

Paul Chevalier Hermitage 2010
Hermitage (Rhône), France, Dry Red (Cork), 13.5% abv
This 100% Syrah wine is part of the seasonal range, and one of its stars. It exhibits a ripe and welcoming nose with lots of fat and creamy red and black fruit, but a bit of earthiness at the core too, with bloody and gamy nuances. There's a nicely lean streak to this, a muscular but taut character, with plenty of black fruit, chocolate and a hint of exotic spice. Long and chewy in the finish, but well made and will cellar five years plus.
£19.99 at Aldi. 90/100

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He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

Rich,
Well, if Tom Cannavan & Mel give this wine a thumbs-up, I'd say it is a pretty safe bet that you will also enjoy this Hermitage. Given that this price position is firmly into Waitrose territory. . . . . . I wonder if maintaining a regular eye on stock, while waiting a week, could pay a dividend just before Christmas. Or may be you will strike lucky, during the week before the New Year.

Good luck.

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Duncan

Sound advice just what I was thinking. Maybe a price drop to 14.99 ??

_________________
He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

I saw olly smiths review, its a cave de tain production, have bought a bottle , considering its 2010 exceptional vintage, not opened it as yet, but wondering whether to make it a half dozen.

I had the Gigondas 2013, which was very full, very drinkable, good value at £10, for me there was sufficient fruit, attracted by its chewiness, good legs, unfortunate i have a cold which prevented any further description.

Could not find wine pages review of the hermitage. But am looking forward to discover Aldis offerings, throughout its price ranges.

Let me know your thoughts if you open this shortly.
Popped in yesterday for milk and no price drops yet.

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He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

Hermitage Paul Chevalier 2010
13% rouge Cave de Tain
I had one, but now I have another 4 sisters, the one is not dead,she
is very much alive.
The first thing that strikes you, is the spine, that quality of structure, that enables
all components to come together, and to be held in place, and boy does she do that.
In a way, dry, but not really so, leading to sweetness. Pansies on the nose, liquorice develops, the length develops,elongates and holds its place, especially at the front of the mouth, but as she opens up, your whole mouth is called into operation. You then know, you are serving her, and not her thats serving you. As times goes on, her "legs"get stronger, not thinner and a spicy, pepperiness grows on you, reminds me of a Racinne, but not vegetal in any way, but organic and earthy and more complex. ... But sleek. She definitely has more to bring to the fore. Deep and still purple, ever so slight menthol
Good price, good value @£19.99

Today, I learned, that we very much can and do, expect wines to speak to us through what others have already said, but the greater value is to let her speak to you herself.

I guess the adage is, this Hermitage is for life and not just Christmas