Not to be missed, even if you did!
THE CHRISTMAS TASTING OFFER 2012
The Highlights
For the horde who descended on Mary Ward House in Bloomsbury for our Christmas Tastingon the 14th November, there was an amazing array of wines on offer along with Champagne producers and some of Bordeaux’s most famous characters on hand to pour and entertain.
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| A thoroughly enjoyably tasting all round |
From the moment you entered Charles Dickens’ Library you were spoilt with an array of our Grower Champagnes (Gimonnet, Gratiot-Pilliere and Rapeneau)along with Grande Marques, Pol Roger, Krug, Dom Pérignonand Laurent Perrier and from England our Gusbourne sparkling wines, fresh from the accolade of being chosen as the fizz to be poured at Buckingham Palace’s Olympic Receptions.
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| Hervé Berland running through his wines with Dider Gimonnet. |
The Christmas Selection in the second room gave guests the chance to taste 45 wines from all over Europe and the New World. Carefully chosen to ensure they were all ready for opening and enjoying this Christmas, wines such as Tua Rita’sRosso di Notri, Seresin’s Leah Pinot Noir and Sicily’s Passito dePantelleria were soon being enjoyed with gusto.
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| Thanks Sue and Harry for such delicious cheese |
Just because you could not make the tasting this time is no reason for you to miss out on some of the exceptional wines and keen prices. We have selected a few of the highlights of the evening for you to order and there is also this linkwhere you can find all the wines that were shown. Please take advantage of the chance to drink some very fine wines:
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| Jean-Luc Thunevin smiling for the camera. |
CHAMPAGNES
Order 1-2 cases @ £152.94/cs of 6bts inc.VAT
Order 3 cases or more @ £143.94/cs of 6bts inc.VAT
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| Christelle Gratiot delighted that her Champagne went down so well! |
Our new grower, Christelle Gratiot never fails to win over a legion of new fans. With the brioche and biscuit taste of a vintage Champagne, this non-vintage was a huge favourite. With our Christmas Champagne offer it is an absolute steal.
The winner on the vintage Champagne front for many, as it over delivers on every level. Undoubtedly the greatest vintage since 1990 it will drink beautifully this Christmas but also age terrifically over the next decade.
WHITE WINES
This was a big step into the unknown for many and firmly broke any lingering taboos about Austrian wine. Dry, mineral-laden and framed with a touch of spice, this elegant Grüner will partner roasted white meat and fish alike, and is a brilliant choice to go with smoked salmon.
Everyone loved the minerality and class of this elegant white Burgundy. It has wonderful depth and complexity, but could prove dangerous for those with no willpower - one bottle is never enough of this wine!
Surely everyone wants some Puligny at Christmas? Seriously good white Burgundy is always a draw at the Tasting and this fabulous 2010 has all the power and minerality you would expect along with a lingering depth of flavours that makes you reach for the order form.
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| The Christmas Selection wines were a great hit |
RED WINES
As entry level wines from Tuscany go this has to be one of the finest to be found. Many guests agreed. Gorgeous, ripe berry fruit infused with a dash of spice - it is only £12.70 a bottle.
Intensely perfumed on the nose and then pure silk on the palate. This organic Pinot ticks every box when it comes to New Zealand Pinot Noir . It may come in a six-bottle case but that will not last long once you have opened it!
Ridiculously drinkable with juicy bramble fruit, violets, this wine is succulent and velvety, exhibiting all the hallmarks you would expect of a claret made by Ausone’s Alain Vauthier, the perfect wine to drink with friends.
A top Claret from one of Bordeaux’s finest producers in one of the best vintages of all time… It’s no surprise that this gem was such a hit at the tasting. Such gorgeous fruit and impressive complexity at this price is not to be missed.
Presented alongside the Grand Vin, Château Lafleur 2007, this showed its pedigree beautifully. At under £60 a bottle, this is the perfect introduction into the rareified world of Château Lafleur.
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| Our guests enjoying the fabulous selection of wines |
SWEET WINES
Three decades of Doisy-Védrines were on show,with the freshness of the 2009 contrasting with the more honeyed flavours of the 1989 and 1999. The standout wine for me though was the 2009 - the perfect sweet wine, open a bottle or two every year and enjoy the wine evolving.
Lots of great wines at great prices.