Abandoned for a week 7 - Oct - 2011
Heather, Zoe and Rocky abandoned me last week, heading to St Andrew's, allowing me a week of tidying the shop, catching up on admin and planning for Christmas. However I misinterpreted this as meaning I was to stay behind late in the shop and taste wine, eat take-away and don't even ask how much paperwork I forgot to do!!!
I am sure my lack of self discipline is of no concern to you. However my efforts seem to have been worthwhile as I have managed to select some cracking new wines for the shop.
Thistledown Wines from Australia - A range of 3 Australian wines, Eden Vally Chardonnay, Barossa Valley Shiraz and a McLaren Vale Shiraz. Premium Australian regions that at exceptional value prices. The Barossa Valley Shiraz, from around Moppa and Marananga,is home to some of the country’s oldest vines and in turn some of the most impressive expressions of Shiraz. Sourced from vines aged 60yrs plus, the cooler 2009 season allowed more moderate alcohols whislt retaining the immense fruit weight. Powerful, glossy, deep and intense, this is an extraordinary find.
Mount Cass Gewurtztraminer - Gewurtztraminer is an aromatic grape that performs best in cool climates, traditionally Alsace. However New Zealand Gewurtztaminer is getting rave reviews recently. The Mount Cass does not disappoint, the wine has a lovely rose petal nose with a soft peach finish. It has the lychee and spicy characteristics that you would expect from a good Gewurtztraminer. Perfect with Asian Food
Lomond Reserve Sauvignon Blanc from South Afica - Seemingly the winemaker is the double of Baywatch genius "The Hoff" and this wine displays as much personality as him. I really loved this wines unusual characteristics! It has all the usual flavour characteristic of a good Sauvignon Blanc, lime, tropical fruit and green flavours. However it has lots of minerality and flint and has a pronounced pepper and spice finish. Perfect with Asian fusion seafood!!! A real find!!!
Chateau Routas Rose, Provence - A lovely wine from inland Provence which is proving increasingly popular in the U.K. The vineyard is owned by Sir David Murray, an entrepreneur with a well developed interest in wine. The Wild Boar Rosé is lovely and light, not too expensive, yet very, very, good. Pleasant, light berry fruit, type aroma and you may also detect a little of what seems like mint. Nice and dry with a crisp finish. Versatile with food, especially grilled white meats and seafoods.
and a good few more!
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Escaping Mickey mouse 28 - sept - 2011
I have just returned from a 5 night visit to Disneyland Paris. Due to good behaviour I was given a day off from Disney. I decided to spend my R & R in Reims, Champagne.
The plan was to visit both Veuve Clicquot and Taittenger in the late afternoon following a few hours sight seeing in Reims otherwise known as finding a well priced bar and drinking a fair amount of Champagne, which was not too difficult following a few days being robbed off a six foot mouse!!!
We searched out a restaurant on Trip Advisor and selected the Brasserie du Boulingrin which turned out to be the highlight of the visit. I now firmly believe that if you have seen one chalk cellar you have seen them all. If it were not for the tastings of the excellent Champagne's at the end of the visit then it would be hard work getting me to visit!
We may have had a glass or two too many at the restaurant (we were on holiday) but the meal was excellent value, 3 courses for 22 euro's, and we selected some excellent Champagnes.
Some Notes -
Besserat de Bellefon, Blanc du Blanc - An exceptional quality wine. The colour is a very pure bright yellow, with golden highlights. This wine has a unique finesse!
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label - Good aroma's of fruit, fresh and consistent. Always good value!
Ruinart Blanc du Blanc - A very pale golden yellow colour, perhaps a consequence of the wine being 100% Chardonnay, a good nose of citrus and floral notes with a balanced and intense fruity palate. Had this wine with the oysters and its really all I have thought about since I got home!!! Immense!
Marc du Champagne - Never drink one of these never mind 3 with a coffee at the end of the meal!!!
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A WELL DESERVED DAY-OFF (Or is it)? 12 - sEPT - 2011
Occassionally I get a wee day away from the shop and get to go somewhere reasonably glamorous, while calling it work!!!
My most recent "pass out" was a trip to Glasgow's Ubiquitous Chip for a tasting with Bruwer Raats of Raats family wines, South Africa.
Bruwer Raats mission is to consistently produce exceptional quality Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc and to establish these as International Benchmarks.
Having tasted these wines before, and already stocking them, my mission was to have a drink and enjoy myself! My plan was to treat the wine and the lunch as a jolly!
Having arrived early, like any good Glaswegian with a "pass out", I found time to have a quick look at the Chips excellent wine list and was pleased to see lots of their wines available at the Bottle Shop.
However my plan for a day out drinking was foiled as the wines were so good and Bruwer presented them so well that I had to put my serious hat on and take notes on these exceptional wines.
Raats Original Chenin Blanc - Bruwer want's this wine to taste like you have just taken a bite out of a some Chenin grapes in his vineyard! When you taste the wine you can understand this description. I was immediately struck by yellow apple and pineapple with notes of melon and a little ginger spice. On the palate the wine is bursting with fresh fruit, pineapple, apple and some citrus with a subtle minerality on the finish. This wine has been a consistent award winner for 10 years. A real example of top Chenin Blanc, perfect on its own or with perhaps some Thai food. £8.50 per bottle. A real bargain!!!
Raats Original Cabernet Franc - Bruwer decided on specialising on two grapes not to be quirky but as he was convinced these two grapes were perfect for his vineyards. Most can understand Chenin Blanc being chosen for this area but to choose the mostly overlooked Cabernet Franc seemed risky! However this powerful but elegant red show the stunning heights this grape can attain! The wine has a pronounced dark fruit nose and shows some spice and savoury notes. It is full bodied, velvety and has silky tannins it shows lots of plum and dark cherry on the palate with a really elegant spicy finish!!! Perfect with red meat would cope with stronger flavours. £17 per bottle.
Who says this is not work?
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