It has been a demanding week – work has been full on, Diploma viticulture and vinification exam on Wednesday evening, Christmas hovering closer. So instead of lots of words, here is a list and a pictorial version of the ‘bring a bottle club’ for December. Normal service will be resumed shortly!
Don’t miss the picture of the best use yet of a spittoon.
Phillipe Michel, Crémant de Jura 2007 – sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from an unusual source
L’intruso, Bianco Veronese IGT, Buglioni, 2010 – in effect out of zone Soave
Vasse Felix, Heytesbury Chardonnay Margaret River 2007 – cool climate Auz Chardonnay
Secateurs, A A Badenhorst, Swartland, 2010 – very good quality, great value for money Chenin Blanc from S Africa
Ch. Rayas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Reserve, 2002 – classy white wine from a famous red appellation, half Grenache blanc, half Clairette
Rioja Gran Reserva, Vina Real, Cune, 1999 – the richness of Gran Reserva
Valbuena 5º, Bodega Vega Sicilia, Ribera del Deuro Riserva, 1995 – fully mature example of the second wine of Spain’s most famous winery, tempranillo, merlot, cabernet sauvignon
Duckhorn Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 1994 – positively venerable bottle from prime Napa producer
Campo Montecristo, IGT Toscana, Serraiolo 2009 – overly young Merlot from the Tuscan coast
The Baroness, Irvine, Australia, non vintage – multi-vintage (1998-2001) multi-zone Bordeaux blend red from Barossa and Eden Valleys
Corte Sant’Alda, Recioto del Valpolicella, 2002 – moderately sweet red wine from the Verona area
Dow’s Vintage Port 1983 – it must be Christmas if people are producing bottles like this, the Ch. Rayas and the Valbuena, indeed the whole series of reds!