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December 11, 2023
Winter Wine Tasting 30th November
A bitter Thursday night didn’t stop our hardy locals popping in for some wine therapy.
We had the pleasure of Andrew from Thorman Hunt in to do a tasting.
Thorman Hunt have an outstanding portfolio of small / great producers so there is always huge anticipation for the evening and Andrew didn’t disappoint.
Chateau Haut-Rian Blanc £14.95
White Bordeaux seems so last century but how wrong am I. Chateau Haut-Rian bring it right up to date with an amazing zippy, fresh Sauvignon blanc / Semillon blend. Forget the Loire and New Zealand this is where Sauvignon is at!
Michel Chavet St-Veran £19.95
St-Veran Michel Chavet is now in the hands of the 6th generation of the family, and they produce delicious, layered Chardonnay full of peach, pear, floral & nutty notes. A lot of bang for £20
Chateau Le Bedat Bordeuax Superieur £15.95
Chateau Le Bedat is a Bordeaux Superieur. A step up from the everyday wines of Bordeaux. It is based in the commune of Gensac, east of St. Emilion and like those wines is dominated by Merlot. Juicy, plum, blackcurrant fruit & soft tannins would really complement that Sunday roast or maybe a mushroom risotto. (as Andrew would say)
Domaine La Soumade Rasteau £22.95
Domaine La Soumade Rasteau is a constant on the shelf. A traditional Rhone blend dominated with Grenache. It really does conjure the terroir with its warm, gently spicy fruit with floral / smoky notes.
Shafer TD-9 £69.95
Shafer is “One of the world’s greatest wineries” – Robert Parker
That is a hard statement to follow. The TD9 is their entry red. A merlot dominated blend that exudes plush, ripe berry fruit that Californians do so well. We are fortunate to have some of the very small allocation the UK sees.
Gallimard Blanc de Noir NV £32.95
To cleanse our palates, we had Gallimard Blanc de Noir Champagne. A well kept secret. Let’s just say this slays some better known, pricier brands. It is that good.
And last but not least some Bas Armagnac Loubère to warm our journey home. A traditional French brandy full of fruitcake, dried fruit & spice.
Huge thanks to all who came and commiserations to those who couldn’t.
A big shout out to Andrew. Who’s casual (keep calm and carry on drinking) demeanor wins my host of the year award.
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