July 08

Written by Sally Gudgeon

40 winter reds

These rich warm reds provide good reason to stay indoors this winter.

Four leading wine writers nominate 10 top drops.

Notoriously hard to get right, a good pinot is all about perfume. When the aromas of a great pinot (often a top Burgundy) slowly unfold in the glass, it is all-encompassing. You know the exquisite treat that is in store for you the moment you take your first sip. Most of the pinots reviewed here will be more expressive after you decant them.

No# 2 Picardy 2005 Pinot Noir

A classic pinot from Pemberton in Western Australia, it has a gorgeous nose with notes of red cherries, dewy rose petals, cinnamon and spicy oak. The palate is sappy and fresh, with tantalising sweet-and sour-cherry flavours, mineral notes and silky tannins. A very harmonious wine with lingering dry finish.