Fellow Wine Lovers,
So that’s that then, this week we have come to the end of an era.
When he burst onto the scene as a precociously talented teenager, the world immediately paid attention as he did things that teenagers weren’t yet supposed to be able to do. Whilst physically not as strong as many of his opponents, over time he grew and developed and very soon everyone in the world knew his name and was keen to get a glimpse of his talents. There was always an arrogance and a swagger about him, some people found it annoying whilst others understood it to be part and parcel of being the best in the world. Whilst famous for his speed, athleticism and his trademark diving when in the vicinity of a net, away from sport he was probably most famous for his love of money, which ultimately could be what he is remembered for most.
Boris Becker was released from prison on Thursday and was expected to be immediately deported to Germany – bye, bye Boom-Boom – never again shall we see you charging up Marryat Road on Finals Sunday, red faced from too much sun/hospitality, next stop Hemingways…. How the mighty are fallen!
(Alex, shall we keep this on file to recycle when Ronaldo moves to Saudi/USA/Newcastle?)
Now that football has come home, carrying its customary quantity of silverware, and Morocco have finished a campaign that has been a delight to us all, we can now get back to watching Harry & Meghan on Netflix. Or we can sit in the corner and squirt lemon juice into our eyes, which would probably be more enjoyable. Or we can start thinking about the next big event on the horizon, which is a mere 9 days away.
Yep, let’s talk Christmas and avoid politics this week.
A couple of weeks back we had our Champagne & Fizz evening, which was a lovely event – 8 bottles of bubbles and trays of smoked salmon, what’s not to like. Anyway, of course, all the wines were very well received; the differences between Champagne and English Sparkling were duly noted; and the out and out winner on the night was an almost unanimous decision. As often happens, it was the most expensive wine on show but everyone agreed it was well worth it, when put into context:
Pierre Moncuit Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2008 – £75
100% Chardonnay, from Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, from an outstanding vintage, it was always likely to be a popular drop. The consensus was that the 12 years on its lees had added enough brioche and breadiness to the delicious fruit and the age had given it a really nice balance and length. Antonio Galloni put it in a more erudite manner when he gave it 94 points:
‘Moncuit’s Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millesimé (sic) shows a different facet of its personality in this version, with lower dosage vis-à-vis the Brut version. Here the flavors are brighter and more sculpted throughout. Hints of toastiness, almond and tangerine oil add an exotic flair that makes the Extra Brut absolutely beguiling. Lower dosage seems to exalt the minerality and bright acids of the year, while pushing the fruit a bit into the background. Both Brut and Extra Brut bottlings are terrific; choosing among them comes down to personal preference. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged November 2020.’
And the context I mentioned earlier? Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV, should you be able to find any, retails for £75 and it’s not even vintage…. IYKYK, as the kids say!
Keeping with IYKYK, we have added Bolney Estate Foxhole Vineyard Brut Reserve (£29) to our cracking 3 for £75 fizz deal. You can mix it with Lété-Vautrain Brut 204 if you’d like!
Tasting this weekend
It’s the last full weekend before the big one, so let’s have some fun:
Domaine Moingeon St Aubin 1er Cru ‘Les Frionnes’ 2019 – £35.99 A couple of years ago we were involved in a MW study that compared St Aubin with Puligny Montrachet and we were really struck by the quality we were getting in St Aubin. This is a joyous wine, elegant with lime blossom, peachy fruitiness and a touch of nutty creaminess from a barrel ageing. A perfect partner with white meats, should you encounter any in the next week or so and an impressive if perhaps surprising match with a cheeseboard.
Cantine Povero Barolo Priore DOCG 2017 – £33 ‘The king of wines and wine of kings’. The Priore is aged for a minimum of 38 months which gives it intense garnet red colour whilst the nose and palate show notes of violet, cassis, wild rose, cinnamon, anise, leather, and perhaps too earthy character of the Langhe, such as truffles, dried mushrooms, and hazelnuts. The palate is warm, dry, earthy, and full and it should come as no surprise that it got a Gold Medal and 95 points in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2022!
La Fleur de Bouard 2012 – £30 Hailing from Lalande de Pomerol, this is owned by the same family as Chateau Angelus. 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is very much the modern style of claret. Really voluptuous on the palate with black cherry and berry fruits, toasted spice, mocha, and a hint of graphite. The tannins are oh so silky and it has an impressive velvety finish.
Plus we still have the Porto Krohn 2003 – £50 in the eto and plenty of Foxdenton Estate Christmas Liqueur – £23, should you fancy tasting something sweeter.
That’s it from us, time for us all to get back to work – we’re ready, are you?