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Chapel Hill The Prophet Shiraz 2015
Michael Fragos is a former winemaker at first
class Tatachilla. Today he heads the 5-Star
rated Chapel Hill winery, 10 wines of which
James Halliday has awarded 94+.
The Prophet is a powerful,
rich and spicy Shiraz.
Ripe with dense black
fruit, spice, tannic grip and
great length.
Just in case you doubt
its credentials my cousin
Peter, who is actually a
vicar in McLaren Vale, told
me that Chapel Hill was
the choice at a meeting of
Anglican bishops recently.
So what better
recommendation for
accompanying you on a
night in an old church.
£22.99 from Laithwaites,
Theale
Silver Ghost Sauvignon Blanc
and Cabernet Sauvignon from
the Central Valley, Chile
A couple of wines definitely worthy
of consideration even for more
suggestible souls.
Invitingly fruity, offering a juicy
citrus and gooseberry backbone
overlaid with notes of lime zest and
fresh green apples. Crisp acidity
provides maximum refreshment.
Chill well and enjoy on its own or
with simple fresh pasta dishes.
£5.49 from Majestic Newbury
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most
widely planted grape in Chile, and
was among the first of the noble
varieties to have been brought over
from Europe in the mid-1800s.
This example is made by one of
the Central Valley’s major wineries,
based in Cachapoal. A medium-bodied, fruit-
driven style of Cabernet that offers rounded,
ripe red berry fruit with a plummy and easy-
going feel. Hints of green pepper and subtle
oak notes on the nose.
£5.49 from Majestic Newbury
Abbot Ale
For those who fancy a different
tipple, this fine ale from Greene
King will certainly warm the cockles
of your heart.
With masses of fruit character, a
malty richness and superb hop
balance. It is brewed longer to a
unique recipe.
£19.20 for 12 bottles from
Majestic Newbury
Manus Dei de Sixtine 2015,
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Well what overnight stay would be
complete without the involvement
of the ‘Hand of God’? Full flavoured
berry fruit, smooth tannins and a
long finish. From a distinguished
and much lauded winery.
£16.99 from Laithwaites, Theale
Mission Estate Greenmeadows
Pinot Noir 2014
From New Zealand’s oldest winery
(established by monks in 1851) this
2014 Pinot Noir has a bright colour
and a sweet floral bouquet of red
cherries, strawberry and spicy
aromas.
The palate is medium bodied and
carries an abundance of sweet fruit
and ripe silky tannins. The wine has
a fine structure with a rich
long finish.
£14.99 from Laithwaites,
Theale
top
by
tipples
JAMES ALLEN sets out to lift your spirits with these divine offerings
If you feel slightly spooked at the thought of champing, as experienced by Sarah Bosley and her
family (p21), then here’s a selection of tipples to give you a bit of Dutch courage and fortify you
through the night if you decide to give it a go. Hopefully one or two of these may hit the spot.
READER
OFFER
OFF
15%
Greyfriars Classic Cuvée
A classic blend of the
three traditional
Champagne varieties
creating a delightfully light
and crisp wine. This is a
great showcase of English
sparkling wine and
should not only be
saved for special
occasions.
£24.95 from
Inn at Home,
Newbury
15% off all wines,
only with this voucher
Offer ends July 29, 2017
Not to be used in conjunction
with any other offer
151 Bartholomew Street,
Newbury