This is my first tasting note so be gentle with me!
A small dinner party over the weekend with a few friends.
A marvellous Test Valley smoked trout pate went down a treat with my last bottle of Villa Maria Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2002. The nose was a heady, powerful blend of ripe, citrus notes and oh..it just oozed clean, zesty power, but with real depth. The palate had softened in the 6 months since release and gave a crisp, full, mouthtingling note - just excellent. I can see why NZ Sauvingon is starting to become the 'reference' over the Loire.
Then a splendid Venison and Chestnut casserole, first with Morey St Denis
1er cru La Forge Clos du Tart (Mommesin) 1996. One of those dreamy bottles of burgundy that remind you why you hunt for the great ones! A sweet, textured nose of ripe strawberries, and not at all 'farmyardy'. And a silky palate that went on and on. This relly knocked us for six! The hint of sweetness went perfectly with the chestnuts. The second wine was Cote Rotie Chapoutier 1995, which, although pleasant, did not fare so well with the food. This wine was just right now, with a deep, sultry nose, redolent of smoky fires, and on the palate, the acidity was just starting to bite, so the fruit was muted. Again, this may have been the food, which also had redcurrant jelly in it. Nevertheless, a good wine, and with plenty of depth to it, so maybe with a stronger, 'meatier' dish....Pud (pear tarte) was with a Seppelt Muscat, which was unremarkable..but ok!
But (and can I say it again) oh the burgundy.....thanks to the Wine Society and my Brother in law for that one!
Johnners.