Saturday, 13 December 2008

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

It’s that time of the year again. Grey, gloomy and wet outside. And then there is the prospect of spending Christmas with the Rellies. What you need is a special bottle or three to go with lunch or dinner. Something a little different – without pushing the boat out too far in these credit crunch times? We have just the wines - and here are just a few of my ideas.

* WHITES *
COLLARDS Hawkes Bay DRY CHENIN BLANC 2005 21.50
It was sad that that the family closed down their winery earlier this year. Their once rural plot of land was now surrounded by commercial development and they received an offer they couldn’t refuse for the land. This is arguably the finest “Dry Chenin” in the world; a crisp fruity style which slips down easily on its own or with the starter. Only 300 bottles left, so order fast!

SAINT VERAN 2006 DOMAINE GAËL MARTIN 22.50
CUVÉE OPHÉLIE. Gold Medal at Paris. This first arrived early November, and we sold 600 bottles! 100% unoaked Chardonnay, with heaps of generous honeysuckle and peach flavours. It also has gorgeously rounded flavours which linger in the mouth.

YALUMBA ‘WILD FERMENT’ CHARDONNAY 2007 26.00
My mate Rob Hill-Smith and the crew have turned out a South Oz wonder. They have created a wine that balances the knife edge between ’in your face’ Oz style and European lightness of being. The fruit is delicious and the oak delicate. ….. And all of this at a most reasonable price!

CROZES HERMITAGE BLANC 2006 DOMAINE du VEAU D’OR 26.00
London is not exactly awash with Crozes Blanc. In fact when did you last see some? This beauty, crafted by ace winemaker Christelle Beton, has an intriguing balance between Marsanne and Roussane with a healthy splash of Viognier. Perfect for the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) brigade, and the warming amalgam of flavours makes it “The Perfect Winter White”.

VINOPTIMA GEWURZTRAMINER 2006 35.00
NICK NOBILO. GISBORNE. The latest New Zealand classic – an ultimate Gewurzt. showing more aromatics than can be reasonably expected. Lashings of luscious lychees with a touch of quince and oh so gentle spice. Just the wine for the Bank manager or Divorce Lawyer!

* CHAMPAGNE *
DON HEWITSON ‘CUVÉE SPECIALE’ ROSÉ 45.00
Gloriously expressive 100% Pinot Noir, shrieking layers of fulsome raspberries & strawberries with a brilliant soft finish. One sip of this and you are in the heartlands of Burgundy … with Bubbles. I know that I am biased, but Pink Champagne doesn’t come any better than this!

* REDS *
JULIENAS 2006 DOMAINE LE COTOYAN Frédéric Bénat 22.50
CRU BEAUJOLAIS. A smashingly extroverted, juicy glass of Beaujolais at is finest. A Lovely scented nose with heaps of luscious cherries. You lot seem to agree – more than 400 bottles were enjoyed in November’s ‘Beaujolais Month’.

CHATEAU DES CHABERTS ‘CUVÉE PRESTIGE’ 2005 25.50
PROVENCE. Betty Cundell masterminds a great award winning wine packed with vibrant red fruit flavours, with a lingering finish and gentle oak. One star Guide Hachette des Vins.

GIGONDAS 2005 DOMAINE du GRAND MONTMIRAIL 29.50
CUVÉE VIELLE VIGNES. This sleepy Rhone village is the archetypal micro-climate. It lies in the shelter of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range, tucked away from the cursed Mistral. Yves Cheron’s estate is beautifully situated at 350 metres altitude, just below the mountains. The clay and chalk soil is littered with cannonball-sized rocks. These glacial deposits act as storage heaters, producing ripe, voluptuous fruit. 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre. Supple red fruit flavours with smooth toasty finish.

CHATEAU LA MARECHAUDE 2002 Lalande de Pomerol 29.50
Gorgeously ripe, extroverted yet subtle, smooth and sexy Merlot flavours with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Delicate oak allows an easy-going blend of top-notch flavours. ‘Classic Claret‘ at an affordable price!

ALOXE CORTON PREMIER CRU DOMAINE MALLARD 1998 45.00
Do you like your Pinot mature, soft and silky? Here’s the one for you…It is rare to find such a wine at a reasonable price (for Pinot around the world is expensive). Robert Parker says “Mallard’s 1998 Aloxe Corton has an explosive richness and a long finish.” ……… Quite

* FORTIFIED *
HENRIQUES & HENRIQUES FINE RICH MADEIRA 1995
Rich and rounded, with delicate toffee and raisin flavours. Great stuff!
”The perfect wine to end a meal on an uplifting note”, Hugh Johnson.
£28.50 50cl bottle £6.50 glass

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