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TN: Bodega La Tapada Guitian Godello, 2002, Valdeorras, Spain.
Bodega La Tapada Guitian Godello, 2002, Valdeorras, Spain.Ultimate Wines £8.70.
Pronounced lemon and sherbet aromas lead into a rich palate full of orange and almonds flavours. Crisp orange zest acidity keeps the rounded honeyed fullness in check. Love it! Godello is the grape variety with this particular wine widely regarded as the being the pinnacle of quality.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
Vineking Times Recommendation.
Had a nice chat with Erik The Vineking at yesterdays Henley Wine Fair. He was terribly excited by a mention in the Times listing one of his brood in their Top 100 Winter Wines. Sadly, he didn’t have the Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard Bourgogne 2003 (£8) on tasting, as his initial stocks had sold out following the recommendation. More stock arriving soon though for this “seductive, velvety, raspberry-stashed Bourgogne rouge”.
Eric kindly brought along a bottle of the Peregrin Vineyards 2003 Riesling for me; this I intend to sample for the next Wine Blogging Wednesday. Although I was going to take the sweet dessert accompaniment route - which I generally love - I thought I would be adventurous and try a dry version of this classic grape.
Eric kindly brought along a bottle of the Peregrin Vineyards 2003 Riesling for me; this I intend to sample for the next Wine Blogging Wednesday. Although I was going to take the sweet dessert accompaniment route - which I generally love - I thought I would be adventurous and try a dry version of this classic grape.
Vintage Wine Records Trace Climate Change to 1300s.
"Connoisseurs may pore over grape-harvest records in search of the perfect vintage of wine. But a team of French scientists and historians is toasting the same records for the insights they yield on past climate. In Burgundy, France, as in other parts of Europe, the first officially decreed day of grape harvesting has been carefully noted in parish and municipal archives for at least 600 years.
Using a scientific method known as phenology—in which the onset of various stages of plant growth are correlated with climate—the team was able to reconstruct spring and summer temperatures in Burgundy from 1370 to 2003. The findings are based on the harvest dates of pinot noir grapes. "
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11
/1117_041117_wine_climate.html#main
Using a scientific method known as phenology—in which the onset of various stages of plant growth are correlated with climate—the team was able to reconstruct spring and summer temperatures in Burgundy from 1370 to 2003. The findings are based on the harvest dates of pinot noir grapes. "
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11
/1117_041117_wine_climate.html#main
News Snippets.
Waitrose has the Pimms Winter Cup on tasting today in selected stores.... Vintage Roots has an open tasting at the River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames today 10-6 (which explains why they couldn't attend our Wine and Food at Henley Fair tomorrow)... Le Bon Vin is offering a Traditonal Kir Kit (Cassis and a bottle of wine in a box £19.99) and a festive German Gluhwien (£4.89)... today and tomorrow Brett Jones has his WineCases free Christmas Wine Tasting in Billericay (12-4).
Christmas Wine Case.
Wine-Parcels.co.uk has just released a mixed case of wines with a saving of nearly £20. Includes 6 easy-drinking/party wines, champagne, a stickie and more.
http://www.wine-parcels.co.uk/Wines/ourCases.asp?
KC=7&PL=2&FP=32&TID=c&GID=14595&SCI=14596
http://www.wine-parcels.co.uk/Wines/ourCases.asp?
KC=7&PL=2&FP=32&TID=c&GID=14595&SCI=14596
Vinopolis Show - report.
Available on UKWOL - small selection of wine tasting notes taken at the Independent Wine Merchants Fair last Sunday. Some real crackers amongst them...
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/ourWines.asp?
KC=7&FP=37&ST=3&SS=INDEPENDENT%20MERCHANTS%20FAIR%20
VINOPOLIS%20NOVEMBER%2021ST%202004&SCI=14886&HC=1
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/ourWines.asp?
KC=7&FP=37&ST=3&SS=INDEPENDENT%20MERCHANTS%20FAIR%20
VINOPOLIS%20NOVEMBER%2021ST%202004&SCI=14886&HC=1
Wine Blog Meanderings...
I have just been doing my weekly meander through the worlds wine blogs - nice to see what occupies the attention of other bloggers. While most are American and thus looking at Thanksgiving (http://www.thefoodsection.com/foodsection
/2004/11/chasin_the_bird.html) the Caveman who doesn't seem to post very often has a review of the Terre Rouge Enigma (dated May)... which I posted about a couple of days ago. I must hunt out the other Rhone-based offerings from this vineyard... The food section article includes a suggestion by me. Wonder how many people went with my suggestion of a Chenin Blanc...
/2004/11/chasin_the_bird.html) the Caveman who doesn't seem to post very often has a review of the Terre Rouge Enigma (dated May)... which I posted about a couple of days ago. I must hunt out the other Rhone-based offerings from this vineyard... The food section article includes a suggestion by me. Wonder how many people went with my suggestion of a Chenin Blanc...
TN: Domaine de la Tourade Cuvée Morgan Gigondas, 2001, Rhône, France.
Domaine de la Tourade Cuvée Morgan Gigondas, 2001, Rhône, France.Big Red Wine Company £16.50.
Rich and powerful both on the nose and the palate. A big wine but with very fine tannins and superb overall structure. Tar and mint add complexity to the deep fruit flavours touched off with a sweet oak edge. A blend of Grenache and Syrah with 14.5% alcohol. Needs a big hearty stew or fine beef dish to set it off.
Legal Action against Architects of Wine.
Information posted on UKWOL details the latest legal moves against Architects of Wine and assosciated companies. Many thanks to Steve Dunkley for the details.
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/Retailer.asp?RI=717
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/Retailer.asp?RI=717
TN: Enrique Foster Reserva Malbec, 2002, Mendoza, Argentina.
Enrique Foster Reserva Malbec, 2002, Mendoza, Argentina.
Vinos Vinos £13.99 Wine-Parcels £155 for 12.
Concentration and fruit in droves. A stunning new world Malbec with pure fruit, great tannic structure and plenty of length. Blackberries, cherry and more cascade over the tongue. Big and beefy but with a touch of refinement. Still young but drinking beautifully.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
Vinos Vinos £13.99 Wine-Parcels £155 for 12.
Concentration and fruit in droves. A stunning new world Malbec with pure fruit, great tannic structure and plenty of length. Blackberries, cherry and more cascade over the tongue. Big and beefy but with a touch of refinement. Still young but drinking beautifully.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
TN: Rosenblum Cellars Late Harvest Viognier Ripken Ranch, 2001, Lodi, Californina.
Rosenblum Cellars Late Harvest Viognier Ripken Ranch, 2001, Lodi, Californina.Ultimate Wines and EasyWine £14.50 half bottle.
Apricot and biscuit nose with more than a hint of stewed apple and spiced orange. A sweet palate, lots of apricot flavours again with honey, a touch of caramel and toffee. Quite oily and perhaps just a tad lacking in acidity on the finish. But superb all the same. Alcohol 13.1%.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
TN: Terre Rouge Enigma, 2001, Sierra Foothills, California.
Terre Rouge Enigma, 2001, Sierra Foothills, California.Ultimate Wines £14.50.
An enticing and interesting aroma – I suppose it could be ‘green almond, apricot and acacia blossom’ as the rear label details but it does not really suggest that to me. The palate is lovely – weighty, a touch of sweetness, a slither of spice (like a Pinot Gris) and the lightest touch of liquorice. A touch of wood on the complex herby palate adds the finishing edge. A clean, dry finish. This is a blend of 46% Marsanne, 29% Viognier and 25% Roussane.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
New Names for Aussie Wines.
"Australia is about to agree to a naming-rights policy that will end the use of many European names on Australian wines. But what will the favourite wines be called in future?"
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3107319a7775,00.html
With a unique wine heritage of their own I cannot see why Australia should not be able to find their own terminology. The article mentions 'two penny dark' as a style of fortified wine popular at the start of the 20th century for example - which conjurs up all sorts of images.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3107319a7775,00.html
With a unique wine heritage of their own I cannot see why Australia should not be able to find their own terminology. The article mentions 'two penny dark' as a style of fortified wine popular at the start of the 20th century for example - which conjurs up all sorts of images.
Argentinean Malbec Offer.
A missive from Wine Parcels informs us that they have just added an Argentinean Malbec to their list. Buy a case and receive a very generous 7% discount. I think I tried this just the other day and it is stunning - big, rich, smooth in a New World style. It isnt cheap at around £12 a bottle but with this discount unmissable.
http://www.wine-parcels.co.uk/wines/ourwines.asp?KC=7&PL=2&FP=32&GID=30442&TID=w
http://www.wine-parcels.co.uk/wines/ourwines.asp?KC=7&PL=2&FP=32&GID=30442&TID=w
Boddingtons Strike.
"Workers fighting plans to close the Boddingtons Brewery in Manchester are beginning a four-day strike."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england
/manchester/4030433.stm
CAMRA is also organising action.
http://boddingtons.camraactionnetwork.org.uk/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england
/manchester/4030433.stm
CAMRA is also organising action.
http://boddingtons.camraactionnetwork.org.uk/
Christmas Wine Tastings.
The Wine Maestro has an open invitation to a pre-Christmas wine tasting on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November (12 noon - 4 pm). Brett is such a fine chap and always unearths some great value wines. This will be in Billericay, Essex.
French specialist and a company well known via the UKWineTastings circuit, Allez Vins, has a similar tasting on the 4th December. This is in Birstwith, Harrogate (11am - 4.30pm).
French specialist and a company well known via the UKWineTastings circuit, Allez Vins, has a similar tasting on the 4th December. This is in Birstwith, Harrogate (11am - 4.30pm).
Vionopolis Fallout.
Just sorting out a big batch of wine samples picked up at the end of yesterdays show – lots of Italian, a couple of Beaujolais, three Austrian stickies, a motley selection from the Rhône and a couple of vintage Armagnacs. Just a snap shot of the wines on tasting at the show. First to the tasting table are two wines from a Languedoc estate – Les 3 Poules (three chickens). While the front labels are exactly the same the rear are different. Labelled as Cueilie à la Main (hand gathered) and Barrique. Full tasting notes to come but the Barrique had noticeably different tannins – dusty, while the other was fruitier, softer, with gently tannins. At the show I had a quick slip of a Cabernet Franc from the same estate. Not a grape you see much of as a single varietal from the Languedoc. I didn’t manage to take a tasting note but the wine was rather good. Hopefully, for those going to our Harrogate Fair, all will be on tasting there and you can try them yourself.
Vinopolis Show.
Off to our show at Vinopolis. Just hope someone else turns up too... say hello if you do; I'll be wearing a name badge.
Gluck to leave the Guardian.
Malcolm Gluck is to write his last Guardian column on the 11th December. A female replacement has already been appointed. Leaving was "not entirely my own choice".
Sangiovese's Ancestors Found.
Ever heard of the grape Salabrese Montenuovo? Apparently it is one of the genetic relations of Sangiovese. The other is Ciliegiolo, an ancient vine species well known in Tuscany. Montenuovo was rediscovered in a vineyard farm in Campania cultivated from a sample of a dozen originals.
http://www.agi.it/english/news.pl?doc=200411181520-
1102-RT1-CRO-0-NF11&page=0&id=agionline-eng.oggitalia
http://www.agi.it/english/news.pl?doc=200411181520-
1102-RT1-CRO-0-NF11&page=0&id=agionline-eng.oggitalia
Beaujolais Nouveau Marks 2004 Vintage With New Monopoly Game.
Bloomberg.com are reporting that Beaujolias Nouveau producers have produced a 30 euro Monopoly game. Annoyingly they do not report which website this is available from. Thought it would make a great present; they have replaced the names of stations and streets with those of villages and wines apparently. I have checked four possible websites but drawn a blank.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?
pid=10000100&sid=aKbFND6VuOrU&refer=germany
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?
pid=10000100&sid=aKbFND6VuOrU&refer=germany
Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé.
Did you know that DHL shifted 2600 tons of BN this year? Has the whole BN thing passed you by? “Beaujolais Nouveau is particularly popular in Japan, which ordered 1300 tons, while 1000 tons went to the United States and 200 to Korea. Among other more far-flung destinations were Vietnam, China, Korea, Micronesia and Australia.”
Why Australia would be interested in the first wines of 2004 is beyond me – when Southern Hemisphere wines of this vintage have been available for weeks.
But the interest is there. Specialists such as Nick Dobson offer wines at the quality end of the spectrum and most of the major high street chains will have a token display too. Might be worth hunting out this year.
Update: Just received word from Nick Dobson that his entire allocation of BN has almost sold out. If he has any left it will be available for tasting at our Vinopolis show this Sunday… if he has any left!
Why Australia would be interested in the first wines of 2004 is beyond me – when Southern Hemisphere wines of this vintage have been available for weeks.
But the interest is there. Specialists such as Nick Dobson offer wines at the quality end of the spectrum and most of the major high street chains will have a token display too. Might be worth hunting out this year.
Update: Just received word from Nick Dobson that his entire allocation of BN has almost sold out. If he has any left it will be available for tasting at our Vinopolis show this Sunday… if he has any left!
Richard and Judy drive me to drink.
"last Friday at teatime, with an ease born of practice, Judy Finnigan hoved into view on the small screen and urged everyone to get the wine out of the fridge and fill the glasses up. It wasn't even six o'clock! Meanwhile, her husband, Richard Madeley, held his nose while he chewed some cheese and slurped wine "like Hannibal Lecter, look!"
http://wine.telegraph.co.uk/wine/main.jhtml?
xml=/wine/2004/11/17/wjudy17.xml
http://wine.telegraph.co.uk/wine/main.jhtml?
xml=/wine/2004/11/17/wjudy17.xml
TN: Château Clos de la Tour Bordeaux Supérieur Reserve, 2002, Bordeaux, France.
Château Clos de la Tour Bordeaux Supérieur Reserve, 2002, Bordeaux, France.Oddbins £9.59.
Opening with plenty of ripe, sweet red fruit flavours this wine was a delight. Soft and full, good tannins led into a rounded palate with lingering flavours. There is a certain amount of spicy cherries on the finish. Very drinkable now but potential too over the next couple of years. Went very well with some slow roasted lamb shanks. This is a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 14% Alcohol. If I have read the press release correctly there is a non-Reserve version available at Asda for just £5.94.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
TN: Bodegas Frutos Villar Calderona Roble, 2003, Cigales, Spain.
Bodegas Frutos Villar Calderona Roble, 2003, Cigales, Spain.£5.99 Laymont & Shaw.
This aroma impresses first - deep fruits with vanilla and cinnamon notes. I like it already! The palate is great too - great concentration and lots of deep black fruit flavours. Vanilla too, from the American oak is obvious, but all in balance with the tannin and acidity all melding into a great wine. Excellent value for money. 100% Tempranillo with 13% alcohol. Great with autumn/winter roasts and game.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Cru Bourgeois classification to be reviewed.
An article on Decanter.com reports that Seventy-six Bordeaux châteaux excluded from the 2003 cru bourgeois classification have had their declassification declared void.A regional court in Bordeaux found in favour of the 78 wine producers who questioned their exclusion from the 2003 reclassification which saw only 247 out of 490 châteaux receive cru bourgeois status. Two producers of the 78 have had their cases judged as 'non-immediate' while the rest find themselves in a viticultural limbo.
'One of a Kind' Jaguar XJS Table/Wine Rack.
Amazing what rubbish/works of art you can discover...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&rd=1&item=7934858759&category=33613
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&rd=1&item=7934858759&category=33613
Majestic fizzes as wine sales buck the trend.
"As Majestic Wine, the wine warehouse group that sells bottles by the caseload, racked up another sharp rise in interim profits, the clock was ticking yesterday on the sale of Unwins, its less fortunate high street rival."
http://news.independent.co.uk/business/
analysis_and_features/story.jsp?story=583316
http://news.independent.co.uk/business/
analysis_and_features/story.jsp?story=583316
Bat and Bottle: Latest Wine List.
Just received the latest wine list from Bat and Bottle. It must be one of the best lists I have seen all year. The tasting notes are just too enticing. The producer and vintage snippets are more than just interesting enhancements but impart the dedication and love that Bat and Bottle really put into their selection. Concentrating on Italy, Bat and Bottle are now in their tenth year. Their stand should be on everyone’s call list at our three shows.
http://www.batwine.co.uk
http://www.batwine.co.uk
Competitions! Win Wine!
At each of our Autumn/Winter Wine Fairs there is a small competition. Complete the ticket stub with your name and address and if your name is the first out of the hat you win a bottle of the delicious Jean Dumangin NV Champagne.
At Harrogate only Alan Andrews of European Vineyards Direct will be hosting a raffle with three prizes:- 1st A bottle of Daniel Bouju 1er Cru Cognac, 2nd A bottle of Pineau 3rd A bottle of Michel Brock Sancerre
Entry is free, all one has to do is give name and contact details to European Vineyards Direct's stand. The winners will be drawn one hour before the end of the event. Winners name will be posted on our web site by the 7th December. In the event of the winner not be able to collect their prize we will send it to them.
Have you brought your ticket yet?
At Harrogate only Alan Andrews of European Vineyards Direct will be hosting a raffle with three prizes:- 1st A bottle of Daniel Bouju 1er Cru Cognac, 2nd A bottle of Pineau 3rd A bottle of Michel Brock Sancerre
Entry is free, all one has to do is give name and contact details to European Vineyards Direct's stand. The winners will be drawn one hour before the end of the event. Winners name will be posted on our web site by the 7th December. In the event of the winner not be able to collect their prize we will send it to them.
Have you brought your ticket yet?
Trip to Bajoz.
The highly affable Brett Jones the Wine Maestro is organising a 4 day wine trip to Spain - specifically the Toro region and the Bajoz winery - next May.
Booked.
Booked.
TOTAL PRICE PER PERSON: guide price £395 (supplement for single room)
Including all meals, transport (apart from flights), trips, materials and accomodation
You only need to book your flight to Valladolid with RyanAir
Parker Impresses.
While Robert Parker's influence is incredibly influential in the wine world (especially his yearly thoughts on Bordeaux) his name is perhaps not that well known in the UK. Those that do know of him - whether they dispise or applaud his influence - may be interested in this view posted on Vinography, a San Francisco based wine blog.
http://www.alderyarrow.com/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi?__mode=view&entry_id=397
http://www.alderyarrow.com/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi?__mode=view&entry_id=397
Christmas Hampers & Gifts
Just uploaded to UKWinesOnline a selection of 'recommended retailers' for a selection of seasonal gifts and wine/food hampers.
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/FAQS/xtraPages.asp?PG=c4
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/FAQS/xtraPages.asp?PG=c4
Cloudy Bay Screwed.
The 'wines under screwcap' revolution continues. Not that we care much either way, here in Gladstone Terrace. Harpers reports that the New Zealand icon Cloudy Bay is to appear in the UK in screw capped bottles. Just Drinks has details of the Montana range that is also being relaunched with the same closure.
TN: Cuvée Royale Crémant de Limoux Brut, NV, Languedoc, France.
Cuvée Royale Crémant de Limoux Brut, NV, Languedoc, France.£6.99 Waitrose Exclusive
There was quite some fever a few years ago concerning France’s sparkling wines made outside of Champagne. It may have been the follow-on over some trophy winning number or other; I forget the details, but as I had only just began my wine-trade career at the time it was all pretty much lost on me. New World sparklers soon eclipsed them anyway. Time for a re-investigation perhaps? Certainly the The Hachette Guide to French Wines seems to think so.- “customers are learning to appreciate the subtle blend of the personality and character of Mauzac, the elegance and roundness of Chardonnay and the youth and freshness of Chenin”
This example, for just £6.99, is rather good – especially if you are looking for a decent bottle of party fizz. Nice, fine stream of bubbles, creamy texture and crisp baked-apple and pear flavours with hints of orange and tangerine peel, biscuits and nuts. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
TN: AurVin Firebird Legend Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003, Moldova.
AurVin Firebird Legend Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003, Moldova.
Waitrose £5.49.
Out of all the wines on the Waitrose shelf would you pick a cheapie red from, of all places, Moldova? The rear label states that the heritage of winemaking in Moldova’s vineyards goes back as far as the birth of the legend of the Firebird; but sadly doesn’t explain just what that legend is.
This is a nice wine – medium-bodied, juicy fruit runs from the mellow tannins through to the spicy black-fruit finish. This would be great with some lamb or pork chops, grilled meat-filled sausages and the like. It washed down garlic bread and lasagne very nicely.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
Waitrose £5.49.
Out of all the wines on the Waitrose shelf would you pick a cheapie red from, of all places, Moldova? The rear label states that the heritage of winemaking in Moldova’s vineyards goes back as far as the birth of the legend of the Firebird; but sadly doesn’t explain just what that legend is.
This is a nice wine – medium-bodied, juicy fruit runs from the mellow tannins through to the spicy black-fruit finish. This would be great with some lamb or pork chops, grilled meat-filled sausages and the like. It washed down garlic bread and lasagne very nicely.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
A few Google searches revealed that the AurVin winery is at Vulcaneshti, right down in the south of this landlocked country. A map can be viewed here
http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/moldova.pdf
As to the firebrid story, between the Pontiac Firbird and an Australian-based Doom Rock outfit, there is a reference to a story relating to Russian fleece.
“The firebird is an ancient Russian legend about a girl, Maryushka, who possessed extraordinary talents to embroider breathlessly beautiful garments. She was turned into a firebird by the jealous Kaschei, the sorcerer, and then killed by him. But before she died she dropped her brilliant feathers to the ground as a gift to those who love beauty and to those who also make it for others.”
Gay wine brand launched.
New Zealand producer Kim Crawford is producing a wine aimed at the gay community. Despite the reports that it is new (perhaps it is in Australia), Pansy is available in the UK. Look at Surf4Wine for example who is listing it at £8.50 a bottle.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4002569.stm
http://www.just-drinks.com/news_detail.asp?art=25205
TN: Ken Forrester Meinert Chenin Blanc, 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Ken Forrester Meinert Chenin Blanc, 2002, Stellenbosch, South Africa.Waitrose Exclusive £14.99.
An audacious attempt at making – according to the back label – an ‘icon Chenin’. An amazingly complex aroma; very Chenin. Not bone dry, but gorgeously rich on the palate emphasised by the slight sweetness. Amazing flavours – nuts, orange peel, lanolin edge, minerally. Superb length too. The sweetness stems from using Late Harvest Botrytis touched Chenin Blanc grapes as a blending wine. It also adds greatly to the array of flavours. The grapes were hand-picked (you have to with bush-vines) from a vineyard on the Helderburg mountain that was planted in 1967. Alcohol 13.5%.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
New Rare Sherry Range Launched.
Allied Domecq is launching a series of rare Sherries into the UK, from its Harveys and Domecq lines.
The range consists of ten wines, seven from Domecq, four of which are classified as VORS (Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum or Very Old Rare Sherry) and three from Harveys.
The Domecq range consists of; Sibarita, an Oloroso, Venerable, a Pedro Ximenez, Capuchino, a Palo Cortado and Amontillado 51-1a. Only 400 cases of each wine are being drawn from the soleras each year.
The Harveys rare sherry portfolio include Harveys Palo Cortado, Harveys Fine Old Amontillado and Harveys Rich Old Oloroso.
The three premium sherries which make up the Domecq portfolio are Rio Viejo, an Oloroso, Viña 25, a Pedro Ximenez and Domecq La Ina Fino sherry.
“Creating interest in the sherry category is key to the development and growth of the sector,” said Joanne Smith, brand manager for Harveys® and Domecq®. “General industry trends seem to identify a move towards higher quality wines, offering consumers alternatives to their usual choice of style, and encouraging them to develop new tastes and interests. We are also finding that consumers are also showing more interest in brands that can offer history, heritage and authenticity, offering a reason to trade up. We believe premium sherry offers an exciting option for consumers looking to find something different."
The Domecq range consists of; Sibarita, an Oloroso, Venerable, a Pedro Ximenez, Capuchino, a Palo Cortado and Amontillado 51-1a. Only 400 cases of each wine are being drawn from the soleras each year.
The Harveys rare sherry portfolio include Harveys Palo Cortado, Harveys Fine Old Amontillado and Harveys Rich Old Oloroso.
The three premium sherries which make up the Domecq portfolio are Rio Viejo, an Oloroso, Viña 25, a Pedro Ximenez and Domecq La Ina Fino sherry.
“Creating interest in the sherry category is key to the development and growth of the sector,” said Joanne Smith, brand manager for Harveys® and Domecq®. “General industry trends seem to identify a move towards higher quality wines, offering consumers alternatives to their usual choice of style, and encouraging them to develop new tastes and interests. We are also finding that consumers are also showing more interest in brands that can offer history, heritage and authenticity, offering a reason to trade up. We believe premium sherry offers an exciting option for consumers looking to find something different."
TN: Dourthe Beau Mayne Merlot, 2001, Bordeaux, France.
Dourthe Beau Mayne Merlot, 2001, Bordeaux, France.Tesco £3.49 reduced from £4.99.
What’s this on the front label? A recommendation as one of the Wine List Top 250 wines of 2005 (Not that is says so but this is a Matthew Jukes written publication). Excellent value. Smooth, medium-bodied, quite mellow with soft tannins. Nice rounded red fruit flavours. Screw capped.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
TN: Perez Barquero Gran Barquero Pedro Ximenez, NV, Montilla, Spain
Perez Barquero Gran Barquero Pedro Ximenez, NV, Montilla, Spain
Waitrose £6.49 50cl
Deep mahogany in colour. A powerful treacle edged coffee aroma. The palate is very sweet and very sticky. Absolutely packed with raisin and cocoa flavours. It is mouth-filling and substantial and while it would go with heavier desserts the combination may be a little rich and filling! We prefer it on its own or poured over ice cream. Alcohol 15%.
This is a fortified wine made from sun-dried Pedro Ximenez (PX) grapes that have matured in oak barrels for 5 years. It is also one of those unique wine styles you have to try at least once!
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Waitrose £6.49 50cl
Deep mahogany in colour. A powerful treacle edged coffee aroma. The palate is very sweet and very sticky. Absolutely packed with raisin and cocoa flavours. It is mouth-filling and substantial and while it would go with heavier desserts the combination may be a little rich and filling! We prefer it on its own or poured over ice cream. Alcohol 15%.
This is a fortified wine made from sun-dried Pedro Ximenez (PX) grapes that have matured in oak barrels for 5 years. It is also one of those unique wine styles you have to try at least once!
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Nouveau Beaujolais is worthy in its own right.
"To this day, some wine folks (none of whom I've ever known to turn down a barrel sample) continue to dismiss the yearly fanfare as overblown spin promoting a substandard drink. It's been suggested by more than a couple of colleagues that I've compromised my credibility because ... sacre bleu ... I happen to like the stuff."
http://www.freep.com/features/food/winecol9e_20041109.htm
http://www.freep.com/features/food/winecol9e_20041109.htm
UKWinesOnline Update - Thirty/Fifty.
As well as organising wine parties at home (and for corporate events too) Thirty/Fifty also offer an interesting array of wines via this website. New Zealand is a strong point here due to one of the partners hailing from there.
Wine Blogging Wednesday No.4 New World Riesling.
Wine Blogging Wednesday Number 4 has been set by Obsession With Food for December 1st.
Now New World Rieslings are not that high on my list of favourites, but Obsessions write-up mentions dessert wines (my interest is sparked!) so that might open up some possibilities. There again maybe a little adventurous exploration will reveal something interesting.
http://www.obsessionwithfood.com/
2004_11_01_blog-archive.html#109985006995686136
Now New World Rieslings are not that high on my list of favourites, but Obsessions write-up mentions dessert wines (my interest is sparked!) so that might open up some possibilities. There again maybe a little adventurous exploration will reveal something interesting.
http://www.obsessionwithfood.com/
2004_11_01_blog-archive.html#109985006995686136
UKWinesOnline Update: Balti Wines
A new site has been brought to our attention - Balti Wines. As may be inferred by the name this company offers wines designed specifically to accompany Indian foods. The website is nicely designed and offers several recipes ideas with the appropriate wine to match. Six wines are currently listed, two of which are reds. They have promised to send some samples.
Exclusive Wine Offer.
The UK's only Argentine wine specialist - Vinos Vinos - is offering an exclusive offer to readers of Spittoon.biz. By using this link -
www.vinosvinos.co.uk/erol/erol.html#1477x0 and logging in with wine malbec (the latter being the password) you will automatically garner 10% off all purchases.
We have sampled several wines from this company - have a look over at UKWinesOnline for details.
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/ourWines.asp?KC=7&FP=32&ST=3&SS=SIX%20FROM%20ARGENTINA&SCI=13671&HC=1
www.vinosvinos.co.uk/erol/erol.html#1477x0 and logging in with wine malbec (the latter being the password) you will automatically garner 10% off all purchases.
We have sampled several wines from this company - have a look over at UKWinesOnline for details.
http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/ourWines.asp?KC=7&FP=32&ST=3&SS=SIX%20FROM%20ARGENTINA&SCI=13671&HC=1
VdP Val de France Proposed.
A new category of Vin de Pays, called Val de France (in preference to Vin de France), has received the strong support of the Association Nationale Interprofessionnelle des Vins de Table et des Vins de Pays (ANIVIT), according to French review VSB.
It could not, however, be introduced for at least two years, as blends of the same grape variety from different regions (as envisaged under the previously proposed Cépages de France category) would require a change to French law. ANIVIT has also declared itself in favour of the proposed ‘85% rule’, which would permit up to 15% of
another grape variety and vintage from those on the label.
UKWinesOnline Update - Wrightson & Co.
Wrightson & Co Wine Merchants are based in a delightful looking house in North Yorkshire. Here Bordeaux is the speciality - across all price levels - but most other countries and regions are covered to one degree or another. Tasting notes are sparse and there is no online ordering. However the company is highly regarded and has the honour of being listed in the Which? Wine Guide.
Harrogate Wine Fair Update.
Nottingham based Modern French Wine is to travel up the M1 to Harrogate on the 5th December to participate in the Harrogate Christmas Wine Fair.
UKWinesOnline Update - BarGizmos.
A new listing under the Miscellaneous/Accessories category. Bar Gizmos lists hundreds of products on a drink/bar related theme. Glasses, corkscrews, cocktail bits and pieces, branded bar items, games, measures, neon signs and more are all available via the frantic looking website. TN: Cullen Ellen Bussell Red, 2003, Margaret River, Australia.
Cullen Ellen Bussell Red, 2003, Margaret River, Australia.Waitrose £9.99.
This, the latest release under this label, is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. It has a stunningly good aroma - rich, melding blackberry, cherry and chocolate. Full-bodied, perfectly balanced, with ripe, complex fruit, warming alcohol and good length. Rounded, smooth, very soft tannins. Screwcap. 13.5% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
TN: Domaine Berthoumieu Pacherene du Vic Bilh Sec, 2003, France.
Domaine Berthoumieu Pacherene du Vic Bilh Sec, 2003, France.
Allez Vins £7.99.
A rounded nutty aroma. Palate is dry, medium bodied with oodles of flavour - walnuts, orange peel and pith, and soft grapefruit. Flavours last ages in the mouth. A fresh, crisp acidity makes for great food affinity. (We tired a simple herby/garlic roast chicken - delicious combination). This wine is the white stablemate to the trophy winning Madiran we reviewed a few weeks ago. While the reds from this region are made from Tannat the whites are from local varieties including Arrufiac, Petite Mansenf and Courbu plus the Bordelais Sauvignon and Semillon.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Allez Vins £7.99.
A rounded nutty aroma. Palate is dry, medium bodied with oodles of flavour - walnuts, orange peel and pith, and soft grapefruit. Flavours last ages in the mouth. A fresh, crisp acidity makes for great food affinity. (We tired a simple herby/garlic roast chicken - delicious combination). This wine is the white stablemate to the trophy winning Madiran we reviewed a few weeks ago. While the reds from this region are made from Tannat the whites are from local varieties including Arrufiac, Petite Mansenf and Courbu plus the Bordelais Sauvignon and Semillon.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Replacing Mines with Vines.
"Heidi Kuhn tasted the fruits of her labors in September when she visited Croatia and sampled the first harvest from a vineyard that used to be a minefield. "We ate the grapes," she says. "We tasted peace."
http://cbs2chicago.com/cooler/
watercooler_story_307174726.html
http://cbs2chicago.com/cooler/
watercooler_story_307174726.html
WP launches Gift Packs.
Wine-Parcels has just released a selection of wine/food gift packs, just in time for the festive season. If like me, you find most 'gift packs' as being either style over substance or just too huge for a simple yet effecitve gift, these should be of interest.
http://www.wine-parcels.co.uk/Wines/ourCases.asp?
KC=7&PL=2&FP=32&TID=c&GID=14595&SCI=14596
http://www.wine-parcels.co.uk/Wines/ourCases.asp?
KC=7&PL=2&FP=32&TID=c&GID=14595&SCI=14596
Which? Wine Guide Retailer Awards.
The 2005 issue of the Which? Wine Guide has just been published. Their retailer awards are –Best Supermarket
Waitrose – “by far the best range of supermarket wines in the country, proving that quality and good value can go hand in hand”
Best High Street Chain
Majestic Wine Warehouses – “adventurously chosen, well-priced wines”
Best Mail Order Merchant
The Wine Society – “Choices are better than ever this year”
Most Innovative Wine Merchant
Noel Young Wines – “New World wines are selected with native insight, and unusual wine treasures celebrated with scant regard to fashion”
Best Value Wine Merchant
S H Jones – “Few merchants can take in such adventurous and interesting wines as S H Jones”
Bordeaux Specialist
Bordeaux Index – “an all round service and plenty of guidance for consumers”
Burgundy Specialist
Howard Ripley – “From small-scale growers to out-and-out stars, from grand vintages to lesser known bargains, all the best wines are listed”
Rhône Specialist
Berry Brothers and Rudd – “not only succeeds in spanning the styles but also keeps the prices down”
German Specialist
Fortnum & Mason – “the fine German selection is proof that quality matters here more than fashion”
Italian Specialist
Valvona & Crolla – “far and away the most exciting Italian list this year”
Spanish Specialist
The Halifax Wine Company – “offers one of the broadest, most interesting wine lists in the county”
New World Specialist
Vin du Van – “a virtually unmatched selection of Australian wines”
Fine Wine Specialist
Corney & Barrow – “the selection is peerless with the finest ranges of all from Bordeaux and Burgundy”
Organic Wine Specialist
Vinceremos Wines & Spirits – “value for money is as good as ever”
Wine Blogging Wednesday - Australian Shiraz.
As selected by Seattle Bon Vivant this months theme is Australian Shiraz. A rummage through the Castel dominated shelves of Oddbins revealed a wine “so new I haven’t tried it yet” according to the assistant. Just wondered why it was stuck on the bottom shelf and dusty. Still, thought I would give it a go. Not a producer I have heard of is Fox Gordon – no mention in any of my reference books, no listing on any online Australian wine retailers I could find either. It’s new to the UK – this being the first vintage released here; is the most I could find out.
Fox Gordon Eight Uncles Shiraz, 2002, Barossa Valley, Australia.
Oddbins £12.49.
Deep black cherry in colour. After a couple of hours breathing and a decant (we went all the way this time for WBW!), revealed an intense blackberry aroma; powerful but refined with a layer of vanilla complexity. The palate is very rich and full - a stunningly gorgeous, typical Shiraz offering with lashings of strawberry, black cherry and blueberry fruit. There is a lot of richness here; certainly characterful and certainly worth throwing a few in the cellar for a few (8?) years.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
Wonderful to drink on its own – the tannins are very soft - but to make WBW more of an event this was served with a substantial stew and went superbly. With Autumn well and truly ensconced, a slow cooked beef stew – brisket from our favourite local butcher cooked in a mix of Fullers 1845 , RCH Old Slug Porter and beef stock flavoured with a healthy pinch of NoMu Provencal herb mix and tomatoes. While it might have benefited with a few mushrooms to encapsulate the autumnal feel this was a superb match.
Update: The Seattle Bon Vivant has posted an overview of all the participants. There is one other UK participant this time round - Cook Sister! who was rather disappointed with a McGuigan Gold Shiraz. Others posted form Washington, Florida, Ohio, San Francisco, and North Carolina.
12 Beers.
Now available 12 real ales - all bottled-conditioned - reviewed and rated on UKWOL. These form a mixed case of beers from LivingBeer.com. An excellent Christmas present we feel.http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/Wines/ourWines.asp?
KC=7&FP=37&ST=3&SS=LIVING%20BEER%20CHAMPION%20CASE&SCI=14606&HC=1