24/11/2018
From the Umbrian Apennines not too far from Orvieto and close to the border of Tuscany comes this truly remarkable Pinot Noir from Castillo Della Sala, of the Antinori stable. Grown in relatively tiny quantities, this Pinot Noir is an outstanding example of how Italian producers can create magic beyond the more atypical super Tuscans. Awarded 90+/100 points by all the major wine reviewers, the taste is initially of rose, violet and red berries, supremely smooth and silky in the mouth with a quite wonderful finish, decaying away with grace and elegance.
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Or to put it really simply, it’s super smooth, remarkably balanced, and perfect for that rack of lamb you’ve been promising to cook yourself...
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At around £30 a bottle it is fantastic value too
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23/11/2018
The good life definitely continues with an out of this world Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2001.
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An underrated year perhaps, but this Pauillac from one of the greatest names in Bordeaux astounds with its balance and finesse. It is ever so slightly restrained in its flavour, seemingly holding onto a slight pompousness and arrogance in its presentation. Or in non-poncy speak, it isn’t in your face and you have to think a bit more about what you’re tasting. But, it is stonkingly good wine nonetheless and we are lucky to have been able to try this with our dish of venison fillet.
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20/11/2018
In 1961, Nathan Fay planted the first crop of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, California. Fast forward to 1976 and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars put California on the map in terms of serious winemaking when their wines beat the best of Bordeaux in a blind tasting competition in what is now termed the “Judgement of Paris”. The neighbouring vineyards Fay and S.L.V continue to produce some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in the world.
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Quite contrasting in flavour, both can be described as iron fists in velvet gloves, with power and tannin enveloped in a silky smooth and finessed taste in the mouth. Fay is the more delicate - bright red berries, softer tannins and more floral. S.L.V. on the other hand shows richer, darker flavours of to***co and chocolate, with more structured tannins to match.
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Both wines (magnums in this case) find a happy home in our cellar and as an alternative to top Bordeaux, either are exceptional purchases.
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