ACCOLADES FROM “DECANTER” MAGAZINE…..
Decanter magazine held their “Glittering Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 ceremony at the Royal Opera House …..An evening of celebration by producers from across the world” – their words, not mine.
The marvellous house of Gardet won Gold Medal for their ‘Brut Tradition’, a remarkable achievement. And the good news is this is the very same cuvee that is Don Hewitson Champagne. This superb bubbly is only £44.95 and always available by the glass. You owe yourself a taste next time at the Cork & Bottle!
CHATEAU KIRWAN, 3RD GROWTH MARGAUX
In fact Decanter has been pretty complimentary about quite a few of our wines lately. The cover story of their recent “Bordeaux 2012” issue was “The Top Ten Chateaux to Watch” – and Number One was Chateau Kirwan, 3rd growth Margaux. C&B regulars will know that we have followed Kirwan for the past 20 years. I bought en primeur every good vintage. At present we list two vintages in magnums. *
2002 £120 Magnum
“Tasting these 10 year old Cru Classé wines is a huge pleasure…..The Kirwan has an alert palate with a core of ripe fruit.” Decanter July 2012. I describe it as “A lovely wine with powerful elegance and concentrated cigar box and cassis flavours abound.”
1999 £110 Magnum
Decanter considers this a “very good vintage”. Stephen Brook in his opus The Complete Bordeaux says “Blackcurrant pastille aromas and sweet fruit”.
* “A magnum is the perfect size for two – the wine waiter and me.”
The late, great Victor Lanson
CHATEAU DE CHAUSSE, PROVENCE
The June issue features “Six Provence Vineyards to Visit”, and features our very good Roseline Schelcher of Chateau de Chausse. We ship two of her wines
Provence Rosé 2011 £26.50
Will and I think that this is the finest vintage Roseline has ever made. Deliciously bone dry with luscious, extroverted fruit.
Provence Rouge 2007 £29.50
Cabernet Sauvignon – Syrah. Gloriously robust layer upon layer of red and black berry fruits and spices, balanced with bounteous, smoky oak.
We have Magnums of the 2008 vintage. £65
AKARUA, CENTRAL OTAGO
In the July issue Bob Campbell MW profiles “Top New Zealand Pinot Noirs”…..and there is Akarua Rua Pinot Noir with 5 stars. This beauty is a comparative snip at £45. I describe at as “A soft, aromatic sensuous beauty. Juicy, vibrant cherries mixed with cinnamon, mocha, plums and gentle spice – just to keep one’s palate busy.”
YALUMBA, BAROSSA and EDEN VALLEYS
Also there is a piece on “Australia’s Top 10 White Wine producers…..And, of course there is Yalumba. We list three whites
“Y” Riesling 2009 £26.50
This vivacious, crisp beauty is grown on the higher slopes. Lovely citrus fruit with a soft finish.
“Y” Viognier 2010 £26.50
Yalumba were the first in the New World to tackle the vagaries of this fickle varietal which requires heaps of patience. Gently spiced fruit with apricots and honey.
“Wild Ferment” Chardonnay 2008 £31.50
From the cool climate Eden Valley. Subtle fruit flavours with a splash of lightly toasted oak. The exotic attributes of Oz Chardonnay combine with Burgundian style excellence.
Prices subject to change
