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rmcin626
24-10-2023, 16:29
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glenturret/the-glenturret-12-year-old-2021-release-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Another good dram Grant
Another good dram Grant
yes robin, very nice dram. had a couple early as had flu jjab and i was feeling a bit under weather... so very early night for me
2021 St. Emilion from Sainsbury
https://www.wine-searcher.com/images/labels/10/48/10461048.jpg?width=466&height=400&fit=bounds
https://www.sainsbury.co.uk/gol-ui/product/roc-de-lussac-lussac-st-emilion-75cl
13% ABV. £15.25 a bottle.
rmcin626
24-10-2023, 17:14
yes robin, very nice dram. had a couple early as had flu jjab and i was feeling a bit under weather... so very early night for me
Hope you are feeling better soon mate
2019 Château Pillebart, Bordeaux
https://www.sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4207519b.png
Petit château Bordeaux (i.e. not from the expensive Cru Classé properties) offers a wealth of luscious ripe fruit, coupled with elegance. They make a perfect partnership with food and some, like this, are also silky enough to enjoy solo. The wine is from a small property owned by second-generation Laurent Chenard. His parents grew cereal crops with a few vines, but when he took over in 1999, he transformed it into a wine estate, with 7 hectares of vineyard. He is situated in the Entre-Deux-Mers, where Merlot is the king of grapes. In 2019, it ripened to perfection, so that the wine offers generous velvety plum and damson fruit, with rounded tannins and freshness.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_entredeuxmers.jpg
13.5% ABV. About £22 a bottle. Drink by end of 2026
2020 L'Epiphanie de Margaux, Margaux AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/2876120b.png
Not able to name this top Margaux estate that's behind this red. The confidentiality clause is so strict that the wine was even bottled away from the château. (It’s why you won’t see Grand Cru on the label.) What is promised is that this is an exceptional wine from one of the most-prized estates in this prestigious appellation. While this is definitely not their Grand Vin (you'd have to pay £600 for that), it is made from the same grapes, by the same team, with the same lavish no-expense-spared expertise. All classic ripe black fruit character, alongside cherry and plum, infused with subtle spice, cedar and tobacco. Open early and decant, but for the best results cellar for a few years.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc_margaux.jpg
Tasting notes:
Black fruits, cherry and plum; subtle spice, cedar and tobacco
Aroma:
Complex ripe black fruit character; toasty oak, tobacco spice
14.5% ABV £28 a bottle, Drink before April 2035.
not had a dram for a while so try one tonight.. arran quarter cask
https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Arran-Quarter-Cask-Single-Malt-Whisky-1.jpg
rmcin626
31-10-2023, 18:30
not had a dram for a while so try one tonight.. arran quarter cask
https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Arran-Quarter-Cask-Single-Malt-Whisky-1.jpg
Bit of a fanboy of Arran myself
Looks like there are two Members in the whisk(e)y 'club', yet only one in the wine 'club'. :scratch: ( :lol: )
rmcin626
31-10-2023, 20:08
Looks like there are two Members in the whisk(e)y 'club', yet only one in the wine 'club'. :scratch: ( :lol: )
I enjoy a wee glass of red as well but usually just supermarket stuff.
Château Bel-Orme Tronquoy de Lalande 2011
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4354211b.png
Château Bel-Orme was founded in 1750 by the Tronquoy-de-Lalande family. Its design is by Victor Louis, renowned also for the Grand Théatre of Bordeaux. Since 1936 it has been the property of the Quié family, run today by the third generation. This grand estate stretches over 28 hectares, overlooking the Gironde estuary in Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne and includes land certified by Natura 2000 thanks to its rich biodiversity. Unusually for the Haut-Médoc, Merlot is dominant (65%), the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, all aged in French oak barrels for up to 14 months. With a dozen years' age, the wine offers aromas of rose petal, undergrowth and red fruits, with supple tannins. Delicious now, but still has a few years to go. A fine red, ideal with game.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc.jpg
Tasting notes: Supple tannins supporting red fruits with spice complexity
Aroma: Rose petal, sousbois, red berry fruits, oak spice
13% ABV £22 a bottle Drink by end of 2030
2018 Château Peymouton, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
https://jeroboams.co.uk/app/uploads/2023/07/1414110-30-600x900.jpg
The Château Peymouton stretches over 31 hectares across the splendid property of the Beaumartin Family. The vine is farmed with the utmost care, giving all due respect this exacting and totally prestigeous appellation. At harvesting, the fruit is picked meticulously and sorted during the picking them in the vat room. With this thoroughness and passion for their work, the Beaumartin family today offer a wine that combines potency with delicate finesse, releasing delicate aromas of small red fruit and giving a keen attack with a long aromatic finish.
The 2018 Peymouton is straightforward on the nose, featuring blackberry, briary, scorched earth and light tarry aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and quite structured, displaying blackberry and bilberry fruit and a light marine influence toward the finish. A bit reserved overall, but nicely proportioned.
13.5% ABV About £13 a bottle. Drink by end of 2036.
2020 Château du Ragon, Bordeaux AOP
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4218620b.png
Château du Ragon. A petit-château claret that’s kind on the pocket and delivers all the elegant fruit and structure the region is renowned for. What’s more it hails from the 5-star 2020 vintage. “The overall take on vintage 2020 is – in a word: stellar.” "An outstanding quality level from first growths to petits châteaux”. This claret is brimming with smooth red and black fruits, with smooth tannins. Open early and serve with roast meats.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg
Tasting notes: Juicy, rounded flavours of plum, cherry and blackberry, smooth spice
Aroma: Ripe aromas of juicy red and black fruits, soft spices
13% ABV, About £15 a bottle, Drink by end of 2025
Got this as a gift to try. 5cl of Mc'Nean Organic at 46%.
Distillery is up Oban way and spirit is rather nice. Light and quite fruity. No idea the age but feels that it has some age to it.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231104/32c738332b4b2f049a4d56af4e1164ba.jpg
Aberlour 14 Year Old Double Cask Matured Whisky
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/aberlour/aberlour-14-year-old-double-cask-matured-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
nice drop this but all but finished now
Aberlour 14 Year Old Double Cask Matured Whisky
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/aberlour/aberlour-14-year-old-double-cask-matured-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
nice drop this but all but finished now
One of my favourite malts. :)
Just bought myself a half-case of 2020 Château Le Bonalguet, Bordeaux AOC
https://i.postimg.cc/7YnncMDD/081.jpg
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/2901120b.png
Not many wines can boast 23 top Gold medals in six years, but that’s the triumphant haul for this claret, 2015 to 2020. It’s from a small estate in Saint-Germain du Puch, between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. The estate grows Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet on clay and limestone soils typical of the greater Saint-Emilion region. Owners Agnès and Alexandre Sueur and winemaker Gregory Dalla Longa make wines that reflect this special terroir and the unique character of each vintage. And Bordeaux 2020, with its long, warm summer, was certainly high quality. "Bordeaux has another terrific vintage on its hands with 2020" wrote Jeb Dunnock, "outstanding quality level" put Suckling. Decant at least an hour prior to serving it with roast lamb or duck.
Winner of six gold medals 2021 - 2022
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg
Tasting notes:
Supple, rounded with bright, fruity length and rounded tannins.
Aroma:
Deep cherry, plum, cassis, with a hint of floral and cedar spice.
13.5% ABV £16 a bottle. Drink by end of 2027.
Got this as a gift to try. 5cl of Mc'Nean Organic at 46%.
Distillery is up Oban way and spirit is rather nice. Light and quite fruity. No idea the age but feels that it has some age to it.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231104/32c738332b4b2f049a4d56af4e1164ba.jpg
got a bottle of this today. had a £10 voucher.... quite nice this
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/ncnean/ncnean-organic-single-malt-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
got a bottle of this today. had a £10 voucher.... quite nice this
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/ncnean/ncnean-organic-single-malt-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Nice looking bottle. How do you pronounce the name of the contents?
Nice looking bottle. How do you pronounce the name of the contents?
nic nee ann, i think.. its on the drimnin estate at oban. its the first organic distillery apparently.
rmcin626
10-11-2023, 18:31
got a bottle of this today. had a £10 voucher.... quite nice this
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/ncnean/ncnean-organic-single-malt-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Not tried that one so far
Not tried that one so far
pretty decent if young...
Speyside Whisky 12 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (70cl, 45.8%)
lots of fruits, mostly sherried here along with spicy cinnamon.. quite oily too. not sure what distillery it is but i guess the deer on label should be a clue:eek:
very decent
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/that-boutiquey-whisky-company/speyside-whisky-12-year-old-that-boutiquey-whisky-company-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/aberlour/aberlour-12-year-old-double-cask-matured-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/aberlour/aberlour-12-year-old-double-cask-matured-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Lovely!
aberlour 12..new bottle... ive been enjoying this over the 14 i usually got. smooth but has an afterbite, unlike the 14.
very good
https://www.houseofmalt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Aberlour-12-Year-Old-Double-Cask-Speyside-Single-Malt-Scotch-Whisky.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231120/42137ae7c3ed48a3addf31f4906405cf.jpg
Château Les Moutins 2019, Bordeaux AOP
https://shop.thewinecellargroup.com/common/images/products/large/4149119_L_jpg.jpg
For Bordeaux with lots of smooth, ripe fruit appeal, choose Château Les Moutins. 2019 was a great vintage – well balanced with deliciously ripe fruit. Nearly-all Merlot, this velvety claret makes delightful drinking now and over the next 4 years.
Château Les Moutins lies on the Right Bank of the Garonne. It has been family owned since 1852 and boasts 60 hectares of vineyard, most of those 20+ years old. The clay, limestone and chalk soils are key to the freshness and expressive aromas of the wine, redolent of ripe plum, redcurrant and rose petal. Merlot is the main grape on this side of the river, which accounts for the voluptuous, velvety style of the wine.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg
Tasting notes: Silky red fruits, creamy plum, sapid and leafy
Aroma: Juicy plum, redcurrant, floral hints, green leaf
13% ABV About £20 a bottle Drink by end of 2026
Château Le Coin Bordeaux 2020, Bordeaux AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/0607720b.png
The noise surrounding Bordeaux is usually focused on the unreachable 1er growths. But, if you know where to look, there are bargains to be found. Ludovic Roussillon’s Château Le Coin is the perfect example. Thanks to the strict, historic appellation boundaries, Ludovic’s estate shares the same fine, Saint-Emilion limestone soil but falls just outside the official boundary, on the other side of the river. Meaning top-shelf wine, but without the eyewatering price. The efforts pay off, winning countless Golds for this silky, rich claret.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_entredeuxmers.jpg
Tasting notes:
Smooth and silky with ripe damson, cassis fruit; hints of spicy oak
Aroma:
Ripe plum with notes of tobacco and spice
14.5% ABV About £13 - 15 a bottle Drink by end of 2024
Château Le Coin Bordeaux 2020, Bordeaux AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/0607720b.png
The noise surrounding Bordeaux is usually focused on the unreachable 1er growths. But, if you know where to look, there are bargains to be found. Ludovic Roussillon’s Château Le Coin is the perfect example. Thanks to the strict, historic appellation boundaries, Ludovic’s estate shares the same fine, Saint-Emilion limestone soil but falls just outside the official boundary, on the other side of the river. Meaning top-shelf wine, but without the eyewatering price. The efforts pay off, winning countless Golds for this silky, rich claret.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_entredeuxmers.jpg
Tasting notes:
Smooth and silky with ripe damson, cassis fruit; hints of spicy oak
Aroma:
Ripe plum with notes of tobacco and spice
14.5% ABV About £13 - 15 a bottle Drink by end of 2024
used to like nice bordeaux when i was into reds... not a bad price for a goodie
a new one for me, tho i do like fettercairn in general. this has been on shelf for some time.
fettercairn warehouse no2. batch 3 and came in at 50.6%. this edition has been aged in a combo of bourbon barrels, rum casks, and french red wine barriques.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231129/1e696769db8b6887d2b295090369970c.jpg
rather nice this. interesting bit of buttery raspberry on the finish, but its nice and completely different in mouth too with pepper on the tip of tongue. some mango on the nose also.
rmcin626
29-11-2023, 18:36
rather nice this. interesting bit of buttery raspberry on the finish, but its nice and completely different in mouth too with pepper on the tip of tongue. some mango on the nose also.
Fettercairn is a nice dram, not tried that one though
I came across a book recently, titled: "1001 Whiskys to Try Before you Die" (I hate those "1001 ..." books. :doh:). But I did wonder how many you and Grant had sampled. :scratch:
I came across a book recently, titled: "1001 Whiskys to Try Before you Die" (I hate those "1001 ..." books. :doh:). But I did wonder how many you and Grant had sampled. :scratch:
sure it wont be 1001..... i hope :D
sure it wont be 1001..... i hope :D
Unfortunately in Australia, we only get a fraction of that 1001
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Unfortunately in Australia, we only get a fraction of that 1001
Sent from my iPad using TapatalkA long way to send the good stuff I guess.
A freebie of Glenfarclas 105.
A nice and powerful dram. About 60%https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231130/29e510a9db155ca1885190c0ecadc63f.jpg
rmcin626
30-11-2023, 21:05
A freebie of Glenfarclas 105.
A nice and powerful dram. About 60%https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231130/29e510a9db155ca1885190c0ecadc63f.jpg
Nice dram
Les Hauts De Saint Martin, Saint-Chinian 2021
Grape: 45% Syrah, 30% Black Grenache, 15% Carignan and 10% Mourvedre.
Rich garnet red colour, with red and black currents, with a hint of spice aroma.
Full bodied and generous with rich, baked blackberry flavours and a long finish.
Winner of Medaille d'Or 2022, Concours Des Grand Vins De France A Macon.
13.5% ABV. Can be drunk now, but will age and mellow beautifully for up to three years.
Photos to follow.
Mikeandvan
30-11-2023, 22:34
I'm drinking some wine tonight, some bog standard chardonnay from Co op, it tastes ok, and it gets me merry.
Château Bel-Orme Tronquoy de Lalande, 2011
Haut-Medoc AOP
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4354211b.png
Château Bel-Orme was founded in 1750 by the Tronquoy-de-Lalande family. Since 1936 it has been the property of the Quié family, run today by the third generation. This grand estate stretches over 28 hectares, overlooking the Gironde estuary in Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne and includes land certified by Natura 2000 thanks to its rich biodiversity. Unusually for the Haut-Médoc, Merlot is dominant (65%), the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, all aged in French oak barrels for up to 14 months. With a dozen years' age, the wine offers aromas of rose petal, undergrowth and red fruits, with supple tannins. Delicious now, but still has a few years to go.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc.jpg
Tasting notes: Supple tannins supporting red fruits with spice complexity
Aroma: Rose petal, sousbois, red berry fruits, oak spice
13% ABV About £22 a bottle. Drink by end 2030
Les Hauts De Saint Martin, Saint-Chinian 2021
https://images.ctfassets.net/6jpeaipefazr/6geLVoIOTSwW2eAW26O4wU/5d0c4aa8f620f8ce0046cf7884eaf52c/les-hauts-de-saint-martin-saint-chinian-793293.png?fm=jpg&fl=progressive&q=60&w=400&h=400&fit=pad
Grape: 45% Syrah, 30% Black Grenache, 15% Carignan and 10% Mourvedre.
Rich garnet red colour, with red and black currents, with a hint of spice aroma.
Full bodied and generous with rich, baked blackberry flavours and a long finish.
Winner of Medaille d'Or 2022, Concours Des Grand Vins De France A Macon.
13.5% ABV. Can be drunk now, but will age and mellow beautifully for up to three years. £10.25 a bottle from Co-op.
Speyside Whisky 12 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
(70cl, 45.8%)
lots of fruits, mostly sherried here along with spicy cinnamon.. quite oily too. not sure what distillery it is but i guess the deer on label should be a clue:eek:
very decent
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/that-boutiquey-whisky-company/speyside-whisky-12-year-old-that-boutiquey-whisky-company-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
end of this bottle.. tired so will rest after perhaps..slange
opened this tonight... a good quality drop too it is... for price maybe their best dram imo
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glen-scotia/glen-scotia-15-year-old-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
rmcin626
19-12-2023, 17:48
opened this tonight... a good quality drop too it is... for price maybe their best dram imo
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glen-scotia/glen-scotia-15-year-old-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Glen Scotia is a fine dram
opened this today; been on shelf since it came out. it was their first age statement dram.
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/wolfburn/wolfburn-10-year-old-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
rmcin626
20-12-2023, 17:07
opened this today; been on shelf since it came out. it was their first age statement dram.
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/wolfburn/wolfburn-10-year-old-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Not tasted that one
Not tasted that oneNot bad but not great
rmcin626
20-12-2023, 19:25
Not bad but not great
Noted, wont rush to buy then
GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 8. 57.2%. nice raisins and dark muscovado plus a touch of banana i think. great finish
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glenallachie/glenallachie-10-year-old-cask-strength-batch-8-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
rmcin626
21-12-2023, 17:54
GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 8. 57.2%. nice raisins and dark muscovado plus a touch of banana i think. great finish
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glenallachie/glenallachie-10-year-old-cask-strength-batch-8-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Another belter from Billy Walker, which I have in the drinks cabinet, will be opened in a couple of days
Another belter from Billy Walker, which I have in the drinks cabinet, will be opened in a couple of days
impressed with this one robin.. top class..
rmcin626
21-12-2023, 18:20
impressed with this one robin.. top class..
We are having a few people in on Boxing Day, and that’s one that will be opened.
At the moment it's a 16 year old Lagavulin.
Needs must - I've finished the Laphroaig! :lol:
rmcin626
22-12-2023, 17:04
At the moment it's a 16 year old Lagavulin.
Needs must - I've finished the Laphroaig! :lol:
A fine dram, but a bit overpriced now
opened this today; been on shelf since it came out. it was their first age statement dram.
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/wolfburn/wolfburn-10-year-old-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
this again.. an improvement on first one.. maybe needed air..a splash of o2 and its not bad now..:doh:
rmcin626
22-12-2023, 18:44
this again.. an improvement on first one.. maybe needed air..a splash of o2 and its not bad now..:doh:
A lot malts improve after a neck pour
opened an old fav, the unique 'edradour 10'. dark and sherried, but with a thick, rum-like texture and depth.
a classic from one of the smallest distilleries
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/edradour-10-year-old-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
worth trying if you haven't
last of the aberlour 12 tonight... sadly no more either lol...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231224/983831d3d818e2cca8470530b5eedf11.jpg
More of the 16yr Lagavulin - but I now have some 10yr Laphroaig as an alternative. :)
More of the 16yr Lagavulin - but I now have some 10yr Laphroaig as an alternative. :)
good...you still abroad?
Oui - we are celebrating Christmas with my partner's son's family.
Booze is a little cheaper here, especially the wine! :)
Oui - we are celebrating Christmas with my partner's son's family.
Booze is a little cheaper here, especially the wine! :)Good to get it done for you. I'm intending going to daughter's.
Unless she puts all lights out and locks door [emoji23]
just a heads up.. master of malt have a 20% off on the stock today. maybe worth an order if your needing anything for stock or new year.
just ordered 2 bottles of edradour myself:D
Mikeandvan
05-01-2024, 00:10
Dry January is upon us, I'll let you know if I make it or not.
I don't bother with any of that. Just follow my usual regime
of having two or three alcohol-free days a week.
walpurgis
05-01-2024, 09:01
I am unfortunately obliged to avoid drinking alcohol as it clashes with my medications and makes me feel terrible. Disappointing to somebody who really enjoyed a drop! :(
Mikeandvan
06-01-2024, 11:37
I don't bother with any of that. Just follow my usual regime
of having two or three alcohol-free days a week.
I now aim for 5-6 alcohol days free per week, but then again, I do tend to drink all my units in one go, but who made up this 14 unit per week measure anyway? It's naffin!
walpurgis
06-01-2024, 11:52
I now aim for 5-6 alcohol days free per week, but then again, I do tend to drink all my units in one go, but who made up this 14 unit per week measure anyway? It's naffin!
The guy who decided the old 28 unit recommendation should be halved.
doc once asked me if i stay within the 14 units and i said, mostly, but if im short i can make it up the next day:eek:
opened today..
Tomatin 14 Year Old Port Wood Finish
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/tomatin/tomatin-14-year-old-port-wood-finish-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
rmcin626
06-01-2024, 18:10
opened today..
Tomatin 14 Year Old Port Wood Finish
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/tomatin/tomatin-14-year-old-port-wood-finish-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Tomatin is a fine dram
Tomatin is a fine dram
yeah, this one of the better 'port caskers'. ive another bottle stashed. nice and creamy with lots of oak in the finish but keeps the red fruit and cream all the time it goes down and a bit of vanilla too. pretty smooth
Mikeandvan
07-01-2024, 11:17
The guy who decided the old 28 unit recommendation should be halved.
lol, I'll stick to the old recommendations then.
First for a few days. This is a MoM special. A Glen Elgin 17.
A half teaspoon of O2 opens a decent glass up very nicely.
Malty and fruity with a spicy backbone, probably ginger.
Very nice I have to say. This was just a guess buy.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240112/287933d4e116236f4b2dd5e4fba07abf.jpg
rmcin626
12-01-2024, 17:36
First for a few days. This is a MoM special. A Glen Elgin 17.
A half teaspoon of O2 opens a decent glass up very nicely.
Malty and fruity with a spicy backbone, probably ginger.
Very nice I have to say. This was just a guess buy.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240112/287933d4e116236f4b2dd5e4fba07abf.jpg
That look like a nice dram Grant
2018 Château Peymouton, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
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Château Peymouton is part of the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé, Château Laroque, close to the medieval village. Dating back to the 12th century, Laroque was originally built as a key defensive stronghold – its high position gave it an advantageous view. In the 18th century, its vineyards were first planted, and in 1935 the Beaumartin family took ownership, modernising the vineyards and the estate in the 1960s. 27 hectares of vines have been awarded Grand Cru Classé status, while the remaining 31 are Grand Cru and are labelled Château Peymouton. Soils are classic – red clay over limestone, with some pure clay – which lend density and structure to the wine, whilst also bringing out the intense fruit quality. Open early and decant or cellar.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_saintemilion.jpg
The 2018 Peymouton is straightforward on the nose, featuring blackberry, briary, scorched earth and light tarry aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and quite structured, displaying blackberry and bilberry fruit and a light marine influence toward the finish. A bit reserved overall, but nicely proportioned.
Producer Chateau Peymouton
Sub-Region St. Emilion
Region Bordeaux
Country France
Vintage 2018
Colour Red
ABV 14.50% Drink by end of 2033.
About £23 to £25 a bottle
sounds like i'd enjoy that one
2021 Les Hautes de Saint Martin, Saint-Chinian
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Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon (often called "the Languedoc") is a historical coastal region in southern France, extending from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and the border with Spain. It's now part of Occitanie. The area is a major wine producer, with Vin de Pays d'Oc and sparkling Crémant de Limoux among its best-known varieties. The regional capital, Montpellier, is home to a well-preserved medieval quarter.
https://cdn.britannica.com/27/107927-050-67E47914/regions-France.jpg
This Saint-Chinian wine is from vineyards located at the southern end of the Massif Central and just 20 miles from the Mediterranean coast, which enables the grapes to benefit from long, hot summers and mild winters, resulting in a smooth, rich, full-bodied wine. It won a Gold Medal in the Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2022.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre grapes, this is a dry wine with medium acidity, medium tannins and a lengthy finish. With bramble, plum and cherry on the nose, and an array of red and black fruits, with a hint of spice, on the palate, this is an appealing wine offering very good value for money.
A very good match for a grilled or roast meat dish, or roasted vegetables.
Made by Alain Rogier, winner of the IWC Red Winemaker of the Year in 2015, this deep and flavoursome red encompasses why St Chinian can be such a great hunting ground for good-value wines. Spicy with a complex, chocolate-textured palate of dark fruits and a delicious herbal twang.
Gold medal winner 2022
ABV 13%
Available from Co-Op at £10.25 a bottle
rmcin626
15-01-2024, 23:24
2021 Les Hautes de Saint Martin, Saint-Chinian
https://i.postimg.cc/BQhPWY3z/004.jpg
Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon (often called "the Languedoc") is a historical coastal region in southern France, extending from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and the border with Spain. It's now part of Occitanie. The area is a major wine producer, with Vin de Pays d'Oc and sparkling Crémant de Limoux among its best-known varieties. The regional capital, Montpellier, is home to a well-preserved medieval quarter.
https://cdn.britannica.com/27/107927-050-67E47914/regions-France.jpg
This Saint-Chinian wine is from vineyards located at the southern end of the Massif Central and just 20 miles from the Mediterranean coast, which enables the grapes to benefit from long, hot summers and mild winters, resulting in a smooth, rich, full-bodied wine. It won a Gold Medal in the Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2022.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre grapes, this is a dry wine with medium acidity, medium tannins and a lengthy finish. With bramble, plum and cherry on the nose, and an array of red and black fruits, with a hint of spice, on the palate, this is an appealing wine offering very good value for money.
A very good match for a grilled or roast meat dish, or roasted vegetables.
Made by Alain Rogier, winner of the IWC Red Winemaker of the Year in 2015, this deep and flavoursome red encompasses why St Chinian can be such a great hunting ground for good-value wines. Spicy with a complex, chocolate-textured palate of dark fruits and a delicious herbal twang.
Gold medal winner 2022
ABV 13%
Available from Co-Op at £10.25 a bottle
Need to have a look for that wine
Selection Vieilles Vignes, Côtes du Rhône, 2022
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A Red wine from Côtes-du-Rhône, Southern Rhône, Rhone Valley, France. Made from Shiraz/Syrah and Grenache grape.
Given to me by a friend living in France, so I don't know the price, but it was not expensive.
2020 Château Labastide Dauzac, Margaux
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Margaux is an important appellation in the Haut-Médoc district of Bordeaux, southwestern France. Located 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of the city of Bordeaux, the appellation is famous for producing supple, perfumed wines, predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, which can show excellent structure and longevity.
The other grapes permitted for use here are Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Carmenère, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Fruit must come from vineyards planted to densities of 6500 to 10,000 plants per hectare (2600 to 4000 per acre).
Quality and quantity
The Margaux appellation contains 21 cru classé properties from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification (20 of which still exist) – more than any other so-called "Left Bank" (on the left bank of the Gironde estuary/Garonne river) appellation. It is also, geographically speaking, the largest in the Médoc. The total vineyard area of the appellation covers approximately 1530 hectares (3780 acres).
Château Dauzac is a producer making Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blends in the Labarde commune of Margaux, and was ranked a fifth growth in the 1855 Classification of Medoc and Graves. The château gained prominence in the 1880s, when its vineyards were the site of trials that led to the development of a fungicide to combat downy mildew, commonly known as the Bordeaux Mixture, or "bouillie bordelaise".
The château is built on a property that has records of ownership dating back to the 12th Century, and a reference to "Bourdieu Dauzac" in the records of the Benedictine abbey St. Croix of Bordeaux dates back to 1545. The estate lies in in the commune of Larbarde, at the very eastern end of the Margaux appellation and south of the village of Margaux.
Indeed, while the Dauzac estate covers 120 hectares (295 acres) of land, with a single, 49 hectare (120 acre) block of vineyard, four hectares (10 acres) of it is outside the Margaux appellation and qualifies only for the Haut-Médoc title.
The vineyard is planted to a rough 65 percent to 35 percent ratio of Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot. This provides fruit for the grand vin and the second wine, Labastide Dauzac.
The four-hectare (10-acre) plot in the Haut-Médoc provides fruit for Dauzac's third wine, Château Labarde. A fourth wine, Aurore de Dauzac, was made exclusively for the 2013 vintage.
Until 2019, the estate had been owned by French insurance group, MAIF (Mutuelle d'Assurances des Instituteurs de France) for past 30 years. It was the directors of MAIF who, in 1992, brought in André Lurton to reinvigorate the property.
In 2019, Château Dauzac was sold to French businessman Christian Rolleau, founder of business services company SAMSIC.
Alcohol ABV: 13.5%
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
Bought in France, €33 a bottle.
What happens when you take an already delicious bourbon barrel matured Campbeltown single malt from Glen Scotia distillery and then finish it in first-fill Guyanese Demerara rum barrels? You get this tasty treat, that's what. Double the cask, double the flavour is the theory here, but this process also has historical precedence. Glen Scotia has records that go as far back as 1815, before the distillery was founded, that show casks of rum present and for sale in the town.
Glen Scotia Double Rum Finish Whisky (70cl, 46%)
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glen-scotia/glen-scotia-double-rum-finish-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Rather nice
rmcin626
16-01-2024, 22:38
What happens when you take an already delicious bourbon barrel matured Campbeltown single malt from Glen Scotia distillery and then finish it in first-fill Guyanese Demerara rum barrels? You get this tasty treat, that's what. Double the cask, double the flavour is the theory here, but this process also has historical precedence. Glen Scotia has records that go as far back as 1815, before the distillery was founded, that show casks of rum present and for sale in the town.
Glen Scotia Double Rum Finish Whisky (70cl, 46%)
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/p-2813/glen-scotia/glen-scotia-double-rum-finish-whisky.jpg?ss=2.0
Rather nice
Need try that one
Need try that oneHave to say it's pretty good. Likes air
2019 La Cave d'Augustin Florent, Madiran
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Madiran is a wine region located in the Southwest of France. This red wine region is situated in the Gascony district, relatively close to the renowned Bordeaux region. The region's entire reputation is built around the full-bodied, red wines that are produced here.
Madiran wines are often full-bodied and tannic, with intense dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum. They may also exhibit earthy, spicy, and sometimes smoky notes
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A pretty good table wine, 13.5% ABV Bought in France €9.70
2020 Château Mazeyres, Pomerol
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CHÂTEAU MAZEYRES
The complexity of Mazeyres' wines comes from the vineyard's size - 22 hectares - and the variety of highly complementary soils. The clay gravel brings length and finesse, the sandy clay adds volume and fruit, and the clay lends structure to the wine. Château Mazeyres is one of those Bordeaux vineyards whose historic origins is demonstrated by the fact that it is surrounded by urban development. Although now, its long history is less well-known. Bought in 1988 by the Société Générale pension fund, it has been under major renovation works since 1992 which has been reflected in the improvement in its high quality wines - uncommon in the history of a vintage. In July 2020, Mazeyres was acquired by the Guillard family.
A must in the Pomerol appellation: a wine of remarkable complexity! Château Mazeyres is the perfect embodiment of the elegance and complexity of the Pomerol terroir. With its biodynamic approach, this wine combines refinement, authenticity and delicacy, reflecting the passion and expertise of winemaker Alain Moueix, an agricultural engineer and Bordeaux winemaker who has been running the estate for over 20 years! The vineyard is situated on a sandy gravel hillside and a plateau of sand rich in iron dross, favouring fine Merlot and producing dense, juicy and generously aromatic wines. The Cabernet Franc adds structure, while the Petit Verdot brings finesse, freshness and straightforwardness...this wine has it all!
The wine is medium-bodied, soft, silky, and elegant, with freshness, refinement, and loads of spicy, fresh, vibrant red pit fruits with hints of strawberries, and pepper that comes in on the finish. Drink from 2024-2035.
14.5% ABV. About £33 a bottle.
2016 Clarendelle, Bordeaux
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From the same stable as crazy-priced, 1er Cru Haut-Brion, this is a claret of 5-Star pedigree. Wine Advocate described it as “well worth seeking out in terms of value and pleasure”. Premium Bordeaux in a top vintage. Fine balance and ample fruit.
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American financier Clarence Dillon visited Bordeaux in 1934 and fell in love with world-famous Château Haut-Brion. The estate wasn’t then in peak form, but that didn’t put him off one iota. Certain it was the jewel of Bordeaux, he bought it and so started his family’s long commitment to the region and fine wine. In 1983 they purchased La Mission Haut-Brion, next door, and the family have since extended their portfolio to other areas of Bordeaux. Clarendelle is the initiative of Clarence Dillon’s great grandson, Prince Robert of Luxembourg. It’s a premium blend Bordeaux that expresses the very best of the vintage – the excellent 2016. Largely Merlot, it offers rich berry fruit, with rounded tannins, and already makes very enjoyable drinking.
The 2016 vintage is a blend of 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. A very fruity wine, with aromas of red fruit and blackcurrant alongside floral overtones reminiscent of violet. Tannic power together with deliciously velvety texture and rare smooth, powerful, and generous on the palate.
13.5%ABV, drink by end of 2025. About £18 a bottle
rmcin626
02-03-2024, 09:06
The drams at an Ardnamurchan tasting last nighthttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240302/2645e3b63e64b120397d97fc22f1f779.jpg
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rmcin626
02-03-2024, 09:35
very much a peat night
Yes but in most cases , very light peat
Château Les Moutins, Bordeaux 2019
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Château Les Moutins lies on the Right Bank of the Garonne. It has been family owned since 1852 and boasts 60 hectares of vineyard, most of those 20+ years old. The clay, limestone and chalk soils are key to the freshness and expressive aromas of the wine, redolent of ripe plum, redcurrant and rose petal. Merlot is the main grape on this side of the river, which accounts for the voluptuous, velvety style of the wine.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg
2019 was a great vintage – well balanced with deliciously ripe fruit. Nearly-all Merlot, this velvety claret makes delightful drinking now and over the next few years.
Winner of 8 Gold Medals
13% ABV Drink by end December 2026 £19.50 a bottle.
2020 Château du Ragon, Bordeaux
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Château du Ragon. A petit-château claret that is inexpensive and delivers all the elegant fruit and structure the region is renowned for. It hails from the 5-star 2020 vintage. This claret is brimming with smooth red and black fruits, with smooth tannins. Open early and serve with roast meats.
Tasting notes: Juicy, rounded flavours of plum, cherry and blackberry, smooth spice
Aroma: Ripe aromas of juicy red and black fruits, soft spices.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
Double Gold Medal winner
13% ABV, Drink by end December 2025. £15 a bottle.
Château Le Bonalguet 2020, Bordeaux
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Château Le Bonalguet is from a small estate in Saint-Germain du Puch, between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. The estate grows Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet on clay and limestone soils typical of the greater Saint-Emilion region. Owners Agnès and Alexandre Sueur and winemaker Gregory Dalla Longa make wines that reflect this special terroir and the unique character of each vintage. And Bordeaux 2020, with its long, warm summer, was certainly high quality. Decant at least an hour prior to serving it with roast lamb or duck.
Tasting notes: Supple, rounded with bright, fruity length and rounded tannins.
Aroma: Deep cherry, plum, cassis, with a hint of floral and cedar spice.
13.5% ABV, Drink by end December 2027. £18 a bottle.
Château La Tour Carnet 2020, Haut-Médoc
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Château La Tour Carnet has been the witness to the history of wine making in France since it was founded in the 12th Century. The estate belonged to the Montaigne family in the 16th century, its wine becoming famous when it joined the 1855 Grands Crus classification. The best techniques are used to express the great qualities of the vinyard.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc.jpg
The Château La Tour Carnet 2020 is made from a blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%)
Best after 2023. Almost always a winner, the 2020 Chateau La Tour Carnet offers a terrific, medium-bodied, concentrated style as well as classic notes of ripe currants, darker cherries, spicy wood, and graphite. It has the vintage's more focused, classic, structured style, with ripe tannins and outstanding length.
13.5% ABV Bought in France, but expect to pay £32 a bottle in the UK
Now enjoying a bottle of Sainsbury's 2022 Palais Rohan, St-Emilion, Bordeaux.
Rich and concentrated, this St-Emilion has delicious complex aromas of red berries and cedar notes, with ripe silky tannins.
14% ABV. Normally £17.50 a bottle, but now on offer at £14.00.
Having one for Grant tonight,
Not much more to say.
Deeply saddened, knew him outside Forumland, one of the Good Guys.
Heres too you lad.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Foldtennesseedistillingco.com%2Fb ourbon-and-whiskey-whats-the-difference%2F&psig=AOvVaw3Dyyz_yPt0PWKXQCeVmoer&ust=1711397957798000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCMijzazcjYUDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAEhttps ://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Foldtennesseedistillingco.com%2Fb ourbon-and-whiskey-whats-the-difference%2F&psig=AOvVaw3Dyyz_yPt0PWKXQCeVmoer&ust=1711397957798000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCMijzazcjYUDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAEhttps ://oldtennesseedistillingco.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AdobeStock_358133927-scaled.jpeg
Yes, I raised a glass to Grant last night.
It was a 10 year old Glenmorangie single malt.
rmcin626
24-03-2024, 21:26
Time to raise a wee dram to Grant, will miss our chats and his advice and thoughts on all sorts of subjects.
My current favourite dram is from Ardnamurchan.
RIP Grant
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rmcin626
29-03-2024, 20:04
Glenrioch 12 year old
A favorite Highland whisky of mine , 46% proof , non chill filtered, bourbon and sherry casks, quite a sweet whisky.
Not one of the big names but a very nice dram, Grant always enjoyed a touch of sweetness.
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rmcin626
29-03-2024, 21:04
A complete change , from Tobermory , Ledaig Sinclair series, nice peaty whisky, finished in Rioja. Very enjoyable
Grant was never that big on the peated whisky.
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I love peated whiskys: Laphroaig being my favourite.
rmcin626
29-03-2024, 22:15
I love plated whiskys: Laphroaig being my favourite.
A few more recommendations coming in the next few days
rmcin626
30-03-2024, 20:11
I love plated whiskys: Laphroaig being my favourite.
As you mentioned peated whisky, a really nice independent bottling, lovely cask strength Islay whisky.
From Morrisons {not the supermarket) the Mac Talla Mara
To absent friends
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It's on my list Robin.
Cheers! :)
2017 Cariñena Monte Plogar, Gran Reserva
Something a little different for me - a very decent, yet inexpensive dry red wine from Spain.
Vibrant and primary in colour, it is venous and black cherry-coloured, with a little bit of balsamic character, leading to a firm but juicey palate, unbaked so sweet and sour tight black fruit comes through.
A touch lean in the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Grenache grape.
13.5% ABV. Serve at 14 - 18C. Can be drunk now, and best before 2027.
About £6 a bottle from Lidl.
rmcin626
31-03-2024, 20:48
It's on my list Robin.
Cheers! :)
Lovely dram but remember cask strength, a wee touch of water maybe
rmcin626
01-04-2024, 20:32
Finishing off the holiday weekend with the Ledaig, a lovely slightly peated dram and not expensive
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rmcin626
07-04-2024, 18:54
Bunnahabhain Eirigh Na Greine 46.3%, a nice dram, nice touch of sweetness from the red wine casks used, with a touch of smoke.
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2021 'The Signal Post', Shiraz
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This full smooth Shiraz is produced from grapes grown in South Eastern Australia. With wonderful aromas of red fruits, flavours of spice and a hint of oak, this is a great wine to enjoy with roast meats, hearty pasta dishes and cheeses.
Not the smoothest of reds, but perfectly acceptable given the price. It has a decent, if short, finish.
13.5% ABV. £7.50 from the Co-op.
rmcin626
13-04-2024, 19:11
Not the usual sherry bomb from Billy Walker, in virgin oak, some sweetness, very smooth. 10 year old, non chill filtered.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240413/2c17aea7ffca5fd15206cc67178cc7de.jpg
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La Croix D'Austéran, Bordeaux, 2020
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13.5% ABV Bought in France, about £5 a bottle.
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Découvrez le Bordeaux Rouge AOP La Croix d'Austéran. Ce vin séduit par ses arômes délicats de fruits rouges frais, offrant une rondeur en bouche et une souplesse agréable. L'harmonie des cépages dans sa vinification est savamment équilibrée entre le Merlot, le Cabernet Sauvignon et le Cabernet Franc. Cet assemblage confère à La Croix d'Austéran une certaine polyvalence. Il sera idéal en compagnie des viandes blanches en sauce, des viandes grillées ou rôties. Il sait même surprendre en se mariant harmonieusement avec des desserts chocolatés.
A servir de préférence entre entre 14° et 16°.
rmcin626
19-04-2024, 19:07
https://i.ibb.co/mJLM70w/IMG-2245.jpg (https://ibb.co/8MWSVbp)
A wee bit of peat tonight
Les Hautes de Saint Martin, Saint-Chinian, 2021
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A Red wine from Languedoc-Roussillon, France.
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This Saint-Chinian wine is from vineyards located at the southern end of the Massif Central and just 20 miles from the Mediterranean coast, which enables the grapes to benefit from long, hot summers and mild winters, resulting in a smooth, rich, full-bodied wine.
Made by Alain Rogier, winner of the IWC Red Winemaker of the Year in 2015, this is a dry wine with medium acidity, medium tannins and a lengthy finish. With bramble, plum and cherry on the nose, and an array of red and black fruits, with a hint of spice, on the palate, this is an appealing wine offering very good value for money.
Gold medal winner: Concours Des Grands Vins De France A Macon, 2022
Made from 30% Carignan, 30% Shiraz/Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre grapes
13% ABV. £10.25 a bottle from the Co-Op.
rmcin626
12-05-2024, 16:49
From current favourite distillery.
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Raboul Salze, Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux, 2021
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From the Right Bank Bordeaux, This gorgeous, velvety claret is the result of Bordeaux's renowned Christophe Reboul Salze, who has blended a cuvée from each of his exceptional Blaye estates to create a wine so good he lent it his name.
"Delicious, creamy-textured and fresh with slate and blackberries and some peppery complexity. Easy drinking."
Tasting notes: Silky, but with firm tannins, supple black fruit, floral, spice
Aroma: Ripe black plum, violets, spice and hedgerow
13.5% ABV, Drink by 1 April 2027, £15 a bottle.
Château Les Moutins,Bordeaux 2019
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Château Les Moutins has been a family-owned estate since 1852. Located on the right bank slopes of the Garonne River, the 60 hectare vineyard benefits from clay, limestone and chalk soils that contribute to the fresh, expressive bouquet of its wines. A bold radiant red robe, the nose unveils light and fruity aromas. Suave and smooth opening on the palate, with great roundness and balance.
Nearly all Merlot, this velvety claret makes delightful drinking now and over the next 4 years.
Winner of 8 Gold Medals 2020 and 2021.
13% ABV. Drink by 31 December, 2026. About £14 a bottle.
Château Lamothe Sandeaux, Bordeux 2020
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Uncork the essence of Bordeaux with Château Lamothe Sandeaux, a delightful red wine crafted in the heart of this world-renowned wine region. This medium-bodied beauty offers a taste of tradition at an exceptional value.
Château Lamothe Sandeaux covers 12 hectares of land in a very characterful vineyard planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The fifteen year old vines lie on the rich clay-limestone, sand and gravel soils. This wine displays a bright garnet red hue. The attack is round, fresh and dominated by ripe red fruits. Attractive notes of licorace linger on the finish.
Aromatic Profile:
Bold & Balanced: Rich aromas of dark fruit like plum and black cherry mingle with hints of earth and spice.
Hints of Oak: Subtle oak aging adds a touch of complexity and structure.
On the Palate:
Smooth & Fruity: The first sip reveals a smooth, well-rounded mouthfeel bursting with juicy dark fruit flavors.
Elegant Finish: Hints of spice and earth linger on the palate for a pleasant and satisfying finish.
Food Pairing:
Versatile Delight: Château Lamothe Sandeaux pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Enjoy it with grilled red meats, hearty stews, or aged cheeses.
Casual or Special Occasion: Equally at home on a casual weeknight or a special occasion, this wine is sure to impress.
At a Glance:
Region: Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietals: Typically a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (exact blend may vary)
Style: Medium-bodied red wine
ABV: 13%
Serve at 17oC
About £8 a bottle.
Not Spanish, and not a Rioja! A very nice French Pinot Noir, down to £8.50 in Tesco and not bad.
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Château Le Bonalguet 2020, Bordeaux
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Château Le Bonalguet is from a small estate in Saint-Germain du Puch, between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. The estate grows Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet on clay and limestone soils typical of the greater Saint-Emilion region. Owners Agnès and Alexandre Sueur and winemaker Gregory Dalla Longa make wines that reflect this special terroir and the unique character of each vintage. And Bordeaux 2020, with its long, warm summer, was certainly high quality. Decant at least an hour prior to serving it with roast lamb or duck.
Tasting notes: Supple, rounded with bright, fruity length and rounded tannins.
Aroma: Deep cherry, plum, cassis, with a hint of floral and cedar spice.
13.5% ABV, Drink by end December 2027. £18 a bottle.
Just finished a bottle of the 2019 vintage, and pleased to report it was as enjoyable as the 2020, despite the lack of any awards.
13% ABV. About £9 a bottle.
rmcin626
28-05-2024, 20:53
Just finished a bottle of the 2019 vintage, and pleased to report it was as enjoyable as the 2020, despite the lack of any awards.
13% ABV. About £9 a bottle.
Sounds good, stockists?
I get my wine from The Sunday Times wine club, but they have sold out of the 2019.
rmcin626
28-05-2024, 21:04
I get my wine from The Sunday Times wine club, but they have sold out of the 2019.
Nearly finished the bottles from Naked Wines, so looking for some new wine, unfortunately no wine stores locally only supermarkets,
Nothing wrong with wine from a supermarket. Just don't be tempted to buy cheap wine. I would suggest £12 as a minimum, unless on special offer. I have found the odd bottle or two, reduced to ~£8 from the Co-op.
On offer in the Co-Op at £8 I think - not bad, nice and smooth.
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rmcin626
01-06-2024, 19:41
A very nice first release
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rmcin626
05-06-2024, 18:52
A couple of anniversary malts tonight
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rmcin626
05-06-2024, 18:55
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rmcin626
05-06-2024, 18:57
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rmcin626
17-06-2024, 15:53
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Really enjoying this heavily peated Glen turret
Château de Colombe, Sainte-Colombe, Castillion, Côtes de Bordeaux, 2020
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Across the slope from Saint Emilion’s Grands Crus: Châteaux Faugères and de Pressac lies little Château de Colombe. It sits on the same limestone ridge but in less fashionable Castillon.
Medium to full bodied, 14.5% ABV Drink by end of 2024.
L'Épiphanie de Margaux, Bordeaux, 2020
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“There is a delicacy about archetypal Margaux, and a sweet, haunting perfume, that can make it the most exquisite claret of all.” The normal bottle price from this château is £100s, but this one cost a lot less."
Tasting notes:
Black fruits, cherry and plum; subtle spice, cedar and tobacco.
Aroma:
Complex ripe black fruit character; toasty oak, tobacco spice.
Medium bodied, 14.5% ABV. Drink by end of March 2035.
Château Peymouton, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 2018
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The 2018 Peymouton is straightforward on the nose, featuring blackberry, briary, scorched earth and light tarry aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and quite structured, displaying blackberry and bilberry fruit and a light marine influence toward the finish.
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Château Peymouton is located on a high plateau on a parcel of the estate, that is composed of a thin layer of rich clay over limestone and partly of deep, thick red clay. These soils contribute density and structure while the limestone helps impart elegance to the wine.
Château Peymouton is part of the estate of Château Laroque, a historic Grande Cru Classe of Saint-Émilion just to the east of the medieval village, acquired by the Beaumartin family in 1935. From the 1960's, the family started regenerating and modernising the vineyards along with their facilities. Merlot-dominated, this full-bodied Bordeaux has dark fruits, with structure and length.
14.5% ABV About £25 a bottle. Drink by end of 2033
Le Vieux Château Guibeau, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion 2019
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Superb, Merlot-rich claret from an award-winning estate: the Saint-Emilion satellite, Puisseguin, offering class and value with its ample rich plum and cassis intensity. Cellar or enjoy now.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_puisseguin_saintemilion.jpg
Tasting notes:
Smooth, ample ripe plum and cassis, with firm tannins, tight oak spice.
Aroma:
Ripe plum, blackberry, herby leafy edge, cloves.
80% Merlot, 10% cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.
14% ABV. About £20 a bottle. Drink by 15.11.2036
rmcin626
13-07-2024, 17:29
First of a couple of new drams to try
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rmcin626
13-07-2024, 17:31
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Château de Colombe, Sainte-Colombe, Castillion, Côtes de Bordeaux, 2021
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Château de Colombe in the village of Sainte-Colombe lies on the steep, sunny face of the limestone ridge that runs along the Dordogne valley, from the village of Sainte-Emilion to Castillion-Bataille. The blend is mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc with some Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2021 harvest delivered an exemplary Bordeaux wine with classic freshness and complexity.
Tasting notes:
Velvet texture, fleshy dark berry fruit, underlying creamy spice.
Aroma:
Intense ripe plum and cherry with a hint of oak and creaminess.
13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2026. About £15 a bottle.
Château du Ragon 2020, Bordeaux AOP
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Awarded two Gold medals, this is a rich, flavoursome claret from the exceptional 2020 vintage.
Tasting notes:
Juicy, rounded flavours of plum, cherry and blackberry, smooth spice.
Aroma:
Ripe aromas of juicy red and black fruits, soft spices.
"So supple and easy-going, this is an appealing claret"
13% ABV. Drink by end of 2025. About £20 a bottle.
Château de la Grande Tour, Cuvée Phoebe, Bordeaux 2022
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This is a new Bordeaux to me.
Located in the village of Saint-Martial in Bordeaux's Entre-Deux-Mers, Château de la Grande Tour has been in the Dumas family since the end of the 19th century. The old stone farmhouse once boasted a large watchtower, hence the property's name (and not to be confused with the considerably more expensive Château Latour). Xavier Dumas is today the fourth generation of his family to run the estate, combining tradition and modernity in the wine making.
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80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Gold medal winner 2023 Concours Général Agricole
"Very dark colour with purplish reflections. Bouquet of black fruit with a discreet woody mineral undertone. Pleasant concentration and expressive flavours. An elaborate, complex cuvée that is definitely worth cellaring for a while."
14.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2032. £15 a bottle, but can be as low as £11 a bottle if bought in quantity.
Château Le Bonalguet 2020, Bordeaux AOC
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Château Le Bonalguet is situated in the village of Saint-Germain-du-Puch, to the east of Bordeaux. Château Le Bonalguet is a deep ruby colour with vibrant cherry and blackcurrant aromas infused with delicate floral hints. The palate is perfectly balanced, with silky smooth tannins and a complex, lingering finish. Can be enjoyed now or allowed to mature for a few more years.
Winner of five Gold medals.
Tasting notes:
Supple, rounded with bright, fruity length and rounded tannins
Aroma:
Deep cherry, plum, cassis, with a hint of floral and cedar spice
13.5% ABV Drink by end of 2027. £18 a bottle.
rmcin626
07-08-2024, 16:06
Château Le Bonalguet 2020, Bordeaux AOC
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Château Le Bonalguet is situated in the village of Saint-Germain-du-Puch, to the east of Bordeaux. Château Le Bonalguet is a deep ruby colour with vibrant cherry and blackcurrant aromas infused with delicate floral hints. The palate is perfectly balanced, with silky smooth tannins and a complex, lingering finish. Can be enjoyed now or allowed to mature for a few more years.
Winner of five Gold medals.
Tasting notes:
Supple, rounded with bright, fruity length and rounded tannins
Aroma:
Deep cherry, plum, cassis, with a hint of floral and cedar spice
13.5% ABV Drink by end of 2027. £18 a bottle.
Think I might have a look for that one Barry
rmcin626
13-08-2024, 21:59
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Well my birthday is nearly over, been a great few days, apart from the football tonight.
Happy birthday Robin, the whisky will always help the bad football results!
rmcin626
13-08-2024, 22:31
Happy birthday Robin, the whisky will always help the bad football results!
Very true Alex and many thanks
Le Vieux Château Guibeau, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, 2019
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Superb, Merlot-rich claret from an award-winning estate. It’s from the Saint-Emilion satellite, Puisseguin, and offers class and value with its ample rich plum and cassis intensity. Cellar or enjoy now.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_puisseguin_saintemilion.jpg
Tasting notes:
Smooth, ample ripe plum and cassis, with firm tannins, tight oak spice
Aroma:
Ripe plum, blackberry, herby leafy edge, cloves
80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.
14% ABV, Drink by end 2036, £20 a bottle
rmcin626
01-09-2024, 17:54
A couple of bottles from our local whisky shop, bought with vouchers from my birthday last month
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Another favourite of mine, and another Islay whisky:
16 yr old Lagavulin
(Kindly bought for me by my partner. :) )
rmcin626
03-09-2024, 22:32
Another favourite of mine, and another Islay whisky:
16 yr old Lagavulin
(Kindly bought for me by my partner. :) )
Yes Barry, a lovely dram especially if you can pick it up at a decent price
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We have just spent a few days in Lyon, France, and as is my wont drunk the local Rhône wine. To remind us of an enjoyable time, I picked up a bottle of Sainsbury's 2021 Cru Côte du Rhône, Vinsobres.
The Rhône valley has three quality levels, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages and the highest level Cru des Côtes du Rhône. This is a classic traditional French wine for special occasions. Rich, full, concentrated, bursting with summer fruits all backed up with a spicy finish.
Rich and complex aromatic nose: ripe black fruits are dominant, with spicy flavours (wild black pepper).
Taste: intense ripe black fruits flavours and pepper aroma. Tannic and powerful wine with a good aromatic persistence.
14% ABV Mostly Syrah and Grenache grape. £12 from Sainsbury's
(According to perceived wisdom, Côte du Rhône should be served at between 15 and 16C, and the wine I drunk in Lyon was IMO served too cold to the point of not really having much taste. The wine cited above was served at just below room temperature (say 18C) allowing the taste to open out and was much more enjoyable.)
rmcin626
15-09-2024, 19:22
A wee visit to the local whisky shop.
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Château de la Grande Tour, Cuvée Phoebe, Bordeaux AOC, 2022
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Located in the village of Saint-Martial in Bordeaux's Entre Deux-Mers. Château de la Grande Tour has been in the Dumas family since the end of the 19th century. The old stone farmhouse once boasted a large watchtower, hence the property's name. Xavier Dumas is today the fourth generation of his family to run the estate, combining tradition and modernity in the wine making.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg
Château de la Grande Tour is a medium-bodied red with aromas of ripe damson, blackberry, black currant and hints of earthy spice. Look for similar flavors on the palate. Round tannins frame the long, complex finish. Very dark colour with purplish reflections. Bouquet of black fruit with a discreet woody mineral undertone. Pleasant concentration and expressive flavours. An elaborate, complex cuvée that is definitely worth cellaring for a while.
Gold medal winner: Médaille d'Or, Paris 2023
80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% ABV. Drink by end February 2033. About £13 a bottle.
rmcin626
26-09-2024, 19:36
Château de la Grande Tour, Cuvée Phoebe, Bordeaux AOC, 2022
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4405622b.png?w=1920&q=75
Located in the village of Saint-Martial in Bordeaux's Entre Deux-Mers. Château de la Grande Tour has been in the Dumas family since the end of the 19th century. The old stone farmhouse once boasted a large watchtower, hence the property's name. Xavier Dumas is today the fourth generation of his family to run the estate, combining tradition and modernity in the wine making.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg
Château de la Grande Tour is a medium-bodied red with aromas of ripe damson, blackberry, black currant and hints of earthy spice. Look for similar flavors on the palate. Round tannins frame the long, complex finish. Very dark colour with purplish reflections. Bouquet of black fruit with a discreet woody mineral undertone. Pleasant concentration and expressive flavours. An elaborate, complex cuvée that is definitely worth cellaring for a while.
Gold medal winner: Médaille d'Or, Paris 2023
80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% ABV. Drink by end February 2033. About £13 a bottle.
Decent price at £13
It's been a difficult day today, so good slug of
16 year Lagavulin
According to Ian Buxton:
Colour: Deep gold.
Nose: Intense peat rush, followed by sweet oranges and toffee.
Taste: A huge, mouth-filling whisky. Dry, then some sherries sweetness with toffee and salty hint.
Finish: Massive peat smoke and salty climax.
rmcin626
01-10-2024, 21:51
It's been a difficult day today, so good slug of
16 year Lagavulin
According to Ian Buxton:
Colour: Deep gold.
Nose: Intense peat rush, followed by sweet oranges and toffee.
Taste: A huge, mouth-filling whisky. Dry, then some sherries sweetness with toffee and salty hint.
Finish: Massive peat smoke and salty climax.
Lovely dram
Château Haut Pougnan, Château Les Moutins Bordeaux Rouge, 2019
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"Château Les Moutins has been a family-owned estate since 1852. Located on the right bank slopes of the Garonne River, the 60 hectare vineyard benefits from clay, limestone and chalk soils thet contribute to the fresh, expressive bouquet of its wines. A bold radiant red robe, the nose unveils light and fruity aromas. Suave and smooth opening on the palate, with great roundness and balance."
Château Les Moutins, 2019 was a great vintage – well balanced with deliciously ripe fruit. Nearly-all Merlot, this velvety claret makes delightful drinking now and over the next 4 years.
Tasting notes:
Silky red fruits, creamy plum, sapid and leafy
Aroma:
Juicy plum, redcurrant, floral hints, green leaf
Winner of eight gold medals in 2020 and 2021.
13% ABV. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. About £20 a bottle. Drink by end of 2026.
2019 B by Fonbadet, Bordeaux
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From a fourth-generation-owned Pauillac cellar, B de Fonbadet may fall under the humble Bordeaux label, but it’s intensity and complexity leave no doubt about its high-end quality. This 2019 has won the Decanter’s esteemed Platinum medal.
"B by Fonbadet is a ripe, supple expression of Bordeaux's finest fruit and the excellence of the 2019 vintage. Combining Sauvignon and Merlot grape, it is aged six months in barrel. The wine is smooth and elegant with ripe blackcurrant, plum and cherry notes. It will continue to give pleasure over the next few years."
Tasting notes:
Mellow tannins, rich black fruits and cedar spice
Aroma:
Cassis, black plum, cherry, cedar, chocolate, tobacco
13.5% ABV About £16 a bottle. Drink by end of 2030.
I'm really enjoying this wine - good job I ordered half a case. The only snag is the shape of the bottle means it is difficult to lay it down.
Baron Augustin, Grande Réserve, Bordeaux 2019
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"Baron Augustin evokes delicate notes of red fruit such as raspberries and redcurrants."
"An attractive and elegant palate of strawberriy and mocha leads on to beautifully balanced and soft tannins."
Tasting Notes: A savoury mix of red and black fruits, quite full-bodies with some pepper
60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
13.5% ABV. About £7 a bottle.
Found this at the back of my wine store. Given its very cheap price it is a quite palatable wine; though obviously not as good as more expensive Bordeaux wines. Later vintages may well be better and still offer good value.
Château Gigault Cuvée Viva, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, 2014
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Across the river from famous Margaux lies the Premières Côtes de Blaye. With Stéphane Derenoncourt as winemaker, this terrific estate is ensuring the region’s wines get the recognition they deserve. Cuvée Viva is a rich, world-class, modern claret.
"Voici quelques roses, d'un bouquet de silence
Invitées au milléseme de ta tendre jeunesse
Vendange Joyeuse de tes rires d'adolescence
Amitié du vin gai en sa nobel promesse."
(Here are some roses, from a bouquet of silence
Invited to the vintage of your tender youth
Joyful harvest of your adolescent laughter
Friendship of the wine gay in its noble promise.)
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Sensational deep shade of expectant red. Redcurrants and paprika nose. Blackcurrant and dark chocolate mocha with a hint of tannin.
Tasting notes: Deep, black cherry fruit with hints of paprika spice and tobacco.
Aroma: Exotic, ripe red and black fruits with vanilla oak and spice.
Merlot grape based. 13.5% ABV. Drink up by end of 2025. About £20 a bottle.
Not the golden elixir, but a couple of books about it:
The Classic Whisky Guide by Jim Murray
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ISBN 978-1-85375-741-9 (1977)
Jim Murray is the world's only full-time whiskey writer, and, despite his outspoken views, is much in demand as a consultant to the industry on both sides of the Atlantic.
Unlike anyone else in the field he has visited just about every working whisky distillery in the world and sampled its product in the true locale - a labour of love which has given him insight into the spirit in all its varied forms.
The Legend of LAPHROIAG by Marcel van Gils & Hans Offringa
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ISBN 978-90-89100-276 (2007)
This 'coffee table' book of one of my favourite Islay whiskies is a delight to read and is a labour of love by the authors. Not only does it chart the development and history of the distillery, but includes photographs of all the bottles and packaging used over the years.
As an added bonus, both books were picked up at a recent boot-sale for 50p each, and both are in mint condition.
rmcin626
17-10-2024, 18:18
Not the golden elixir, but a couple of books about it:
The Classic Whisky Guide by Jim Murray
https://i.postimg.cc/Y9GBnnvv/006.jpg
ISBN 978-1-85375-741-9 (1977)
Jim Murray is the world's only full-time whiskey writer, and, despite his outspoken views, is much in demand as a consultant to the industry on both sides of the Atlantic.
Unlike anyone else in the field he has visited just about every working whisky distillery in the world and sampled its product in the true locale - a labour of love which has given him insight into the spirit in all its varied forms.
The Legend of LAPHROIAG by Marcel van Gils & Hans Offringa
https://i.postimg.cc/vHyJRLTS/007.jpg
ISBN 978-90-89100-276 (2007)
This 'coffee table' book of one of my favourite Islay whiskies is a delight to read and is a labour of love by the authors. Not only does it chart the development and history of the distillery, but includes photographs of all the bottles and packaging used over the years.
As an added bonus, both books were picked up at a recent boot-sale for 50p each, and both are in mint condition.
a couple of great book buys there Barry
rmcin626
22-10-2024, 19:21
A recent purchase, although my bottle is still in its very nice packaging.
https://i.ibb.co/ZXSyTT6/IMG-0087.webp (https://ibb.co/bmFpddg)
rmcin626
26-10-2024, 19:38
Latest purchase , another Billy Walker
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Château Capbern, Saint-Estéphe, 2021
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From the same team as renowned Third Growth Calon-Ségur, this is a firm, sleek fruit claret from the Haut-Médoc’s revered Saint-Estèphe. Silky blackberry, currant intensity and a graphite edge, a fine Left Bank claret the classic 2021 vintage.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc_saintestephe.jpg
Tasting notes:
Chewy tannins still, creamy edge to black fruit and graphite notes
Aroma:
Black berry fruit, currant intensity, stony, earthy
13% ABV, Drink by end of 2036. £28.00 per bottle.
rmcin626
27-10-2024, 22:44
Château Capbern, Saint-Estéphe, 2021
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/0296521b.png?w=1920&q=75
From the same team as renowned Third Growth Calon-Ségur, this is a firm, sleek fruit claret from the Haut-Médoc’s revered Saint-Estèphe. Silky blackberry, currant intensity and a graphite edge, a fine Left Bank claret the classic 2021 vintage.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc_saintestephe.jpg
Tasting notes:
Chewy tannins still, creamy edge to black fruit and graphite notes
Aroma:
Black berry fruit, currant intensity, stony, earthy
13% ABV, Drink by end of 2036. £28.00 per bottle.
You do seem drink some very nice wines Barry, wish I had your knowledge
You do seem drink some very nice wines Barry, wish I had your knowledge
That is very kind of you to say that Robin, but the truth of the matter is my knowledge of wines is largely defined by the wines I buy from my wine club (The Sunday Times Wine Club, which is an outlet for Laithwaites wine).
I may be an oenophile, but to put it simply: "I know what I like". It's true I do have a few books on wine, as well as having once attendied evening classes in wine appreciation, but what I write in the posts here is often taken off the bottle itself, or from the web. So it may look impressive but it's almost all "cut and paste".
rmcin626
24-11-2024, 22:04
That is very kind of you to say that Robin, but the truth of the matter is my knowledge of wines is largely defined by the wines I buy from my wine club (The Sunday Times Wine Club, which is an outlet for Laithwaites wine).
I may be an oenophile, but to put it simply: "I know what I like". It's true I do have a few books on wine, as well as having once attendied evening classes in wine appreciation, but what I write in the posts here is often taken off the bottle itself, or from the web. So it may look impressive but it's almost all "cut and paste".
like you , for me fairly straightforward wither its wine or whisky , I know what I like, will maybe have a look at the Sunday Times wine, I did order stuff from Naked wines before some of which were fairly decent and nothing was terrible.
Château de la Grande Tour, Cuvée Phoebe, Bordeaux AOC, 2022
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4405622b.png?w=1920&q=75
Located in the village of Saint-Martial in Bordeaux's Entre Deux-Mers, has been in the Dumas family since the end of the 19th century. The old stone farmhouse once boasted a large watchtower, hence the name. Xavier Dumas is today the fourth generation of his family to run the estste, combining tradition and modernity in the winemaking.
Crafted mainly from plummy-smooth Merlot (plus a healthy dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc), Château de la Grande Tour is a medium-bodied red with aromas of ripe damson, blackberry, black currant and hints of earthy spice; and is a classic example of how Bordeaux’s many petites châteaux can over-deliver on value for money. For instance, the 2020 vintage won a Gilbert & Gaillard gold medal. Judges raved:
“Perky nose of ripe garden berry fruits. The palate is crisp, well-balanced and savoury and shows more of the same, extremely delightful aromas...already very enjoyable.”
Bordeaux blends like this are all about a balance between ripe fruit flavor, structured tannins and fresh acidity. In short: it’s a wine that will really come into its own with a meal. Serve alongside a Sunday roast beef with mushroom sauce (to really play up the earthy notes in the wine).Some of the world’s finest red wines are from Bordeaux. Château La Grande Tour is an elegant example from the highly respected Christian Dumas.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/information/LRI_entredeuxmers_bordeaux_france.jpg
Wine Flavor Profile:
Château de la Grande Tour is a medium-bodied red with aromas of ripe damson, blackberry, black currant and hints of earthy spice. Look for similar flavors on the palate. Round tannins frame the long, complex finish.
Wine Food Pairings:
Aged cheese, duck, game birds, venison, pork, vegetarian
14.5% ABV. Drink by February 2033. Gold Medal winner, Paris 2023. About £15 a bottle'
This is a fabulous wine - I'm ordering a case for Christmas.
-
rmcin626
04-12-2024, 09:59
Château de la Grande Tour, Cuvée Phoebe, Bordeaux AOC, 2022
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4405622b.png?w=1920&q=75
Located in the village of Saint-Martial in Bordeaux's Entre Deux-Mers, has been in the Dumas family since the end of the 19th century. The old stone farmhouse once boasted a large watchtower, hence the name. Xavier Dumas is today the fourth generation of his family to run the estste, combining tradition and modernity in the winemaking.
Crafted mainly from plummy-smooth Merlot (plus a healthy dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc), Château de la Grande Tour is a medium-bodied red with aromas of ripe damson, blackberry, black currant and hints of earthy spice; and is a classic example of how Bordeaux’s many petites châteaux can over-deliver on value for money. For instance, the 2020 vintage won a Gilbert & Gaillard gold medal. Judges raved:
“Perky nose of ripe garden berry fruits. The palate is crisp, well-balanced and savoury and shows more of the same, extremely delightful aromas...already very enjoyable.”
Bordeaux blends like this are all about a balance between ripe fruit flavor, structured tannins and fresh acidity. In short: it’s a wine that will really come into its own with a meal. Serve alongside a Sunday roast beef with mushroom sauce (to really play up the earthy notes in the wine).Some of the world’s finest red wines are from Bordeaux. Château La Grande Tour is an elegant example from the highly respected Christian Dumas.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/information/LRI_entredeuxmers_bordeaux_france.jpg
Wine Flavor Profile:
Château de la Grande Tour is a medium-bodied red with aromas of ripe damson, blackberry, black currant and hints of earthy spice. Look for similar flavors on the palate. Round tannins frame the long, complex finish.
Wine Food Pairings:
Aged cheese, duck, game birds, venison, pork, vegetarian
14.5% ABV. Drink by February 2033. Gold Medal winner, Paris 2023. About £15 a bottle'
This is a fabulous wine - I'm ordering a case for Christmas.
-
Barry, any suggestions of a mixed case for Xmas?
rmcin626
08-12-2024, 12:52
A couple of new additions
https://i.ibb.co/TPKbRy5/IMG-3128.jpg (https://ibb.co/gtvPwYC)
rmcin626
26-12-2024, 19:55
A couple of very nice Christmas presents.
https://i.ibb.co/WBJgYs6/IMG-3148.jpg (https://ibb.co/wpmMxYR)
Anybody tried Wolfburn Morven?
rmcin626
29-12-2024, 09:34
Anybody tried Wolfburn Morven?
Not me Kevin
My concern is that it may be a bit young.
The wife bought it for me as a Christmas present.
Some reviews say it is very good, but I am not keen on the younger spirit, this being 3 to 4 years old.
rmcin626
29-12-2024, 10:07
My concern is that it may be a bit young.
The wife bought it for me as a Christmas present.
Some reviews say it is very good, but I am not keen on the younger spirit, this being 3 to 4 years old.
There is quite a lot of young malt whisky around just now, and although some is excellent while some is very “spirit forward” and not to my taste.
It is the spirit forward that I also dislike.
There is only one way to find out if it is to my taste, and then it is too late to change it.
rmcin626
29-12-2024, 10:55
It is the spirit forward that I also dislike.
There is only one way to find out if it is to my taste, and then it is too late to change it.
If you really don’t fancy it and it would be easy to change then change it for something you would prefer.
Apparently, the vendor only has 4 bottles of single malt to choose from.
rmcin626
29-12-2024, 17:16
Apparently, the vendor only has 4 bottles of single malt to choose from.
That’s not great although depends on what the other bottles are
I decided to do some research on the Wolfburn, and most reviews I saw were favourable, and some specifically talked about the lack of “spirit burn” so I cracked it open.
A pleasant surprise, with it being better than I thought. Quite a fresh drop, with the peat coming late in the finish.
I am looking forward to some older expressions from Wolfburn.
rmcin626
08-01-2025, 14:43
I decided to do some research on the Wolfburn, and most reviews I saw were favourable, and some specifically talked about the lack of “spirit burn” so I cracked it open.
A pleasant surprise, with it being better than I thought. Quite a fresh drop, with the peat coming late in the finish.
I am looking forward to some older expressions from Wolfburn.
Good to know you are enjoying it Kevin
rmcin626
08-01-2025, 14:47
A new one for me, purchased using a Xmas voucher for the local whisky shop.
https://i.ibb.co/9yz8pNC/IMG-3154.jpg (https://ibb.co/449mF75)
Château Le Coin Bordeaux, Bordeaux AOC, 2022
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Red Bordeaux is prized by wine lovers and collectors the world over. And while the big, expensive names like Château Lafite command the lion’s share of the spotlight, Bordeaux’s petits châteaux (literally ‘small castles’) are where fantastic values can be found. Especially when you know the right people. Our man on the ground, Jean-Marc Sauboua, has an unrivaled set of contacts in the region, including the renowned Ludovic Roussillon, whose small estate produces this perennial bestseller.
Château Le Coin is also loved on the wine competition circuit, and has won at least one gold medal every vintage since its U.S. debut nine years ago. Just as delicious as the ones that came before, we expect this new 2022 release to continue that streak.>
Ludovic’s 45-year-old vines yielded superior-quality fruit. This is a classic Bordeaux blend of soft, plummy Merlot, firm Cabernet Sauvignon and spicy Cabernet Franc. It’s made for enjoying with food, and boasts a freshness that’ll have you coming back for a second glass. Look forward to bright aromas of bramble fruit, dark plum and baking spices. On the palate, ripe black fruit and touches of vanilla and clove continue to please through the smooth, elegant finish.
Already drinking deliciously, this delightful red will also cellar well for a few years. Whenever you choose to serve it, we recommend decanting it at least an hour beforehand to help draw out its full aromas and flavors. Then sip with roasted red meats, hearty stews, mature cheeses or tasty French vegetarian dishes like courge et duxelles de casserole (butternut squash and chopped mushroom casserole).
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_entredeuxmers.jpg
Tasting notes:
Smooth and silky with ripe damson, cassis fruit; hints of spicy oak,
Aroma:
Ripe plum with notes of tobacco and spice.
Merlot grape, 14.5% ABV, Drink by end of 2027. About £18 a bottle.
Château Moulin du Prieur 2022
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From the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, this mostly Merlot red wine blend with a little Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – all vinified to bring out the fruit richness, supported by sleek tannins. Rethink Bordeaux with this supple, generously fruity, rounded wine. It’s already drinking really well, with or without food.
Wine Flavor Profile
Château Moulin du Prieur is a medium- to full-bodied red wine with expressive plum, cassis and earthy spice aromas. On the palate, rich black-fruit flavors introduce velvety tannins and a lengthy, complex finish.
Wine Food Pairings
Aged cheese, duck, game birds, venison, pork, vegetarian.
14% ABV, Drink by end of 2027, About £11 a bottle.
Château la Grande Tour, Cuvée Phoebe 2022
https://www.bbcgoodfoodwineclub.com/images/uk/en/law/product/4405622b.png?w=1920&q=75
Château de la Grande Tour is from the highly respected Christian Dumas and already a Gold-medal winner.
Very dark colour with purplish reflections. Bouquet of black fruit with a discreet woody mineral undertone. Pleasant concentration and expressive flavours. An elaborate, complex cuvée that is definitely worth cellaring for a while.
Tasting notes:
Dark fruits, plum, velvety tannins, freshness
Aroma:
Ripe damson, blackberry, cassis and earthy spice
Merlot (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), Malbec (5%) 14.5% ABV, Drink by end of Januaru 2033, about £15 a bottle.
Le Vieux Château, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion AOC, 2020
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/0051720b.png?w=1920&q=75
Vieux Château Guibeau hails from Bordeaux’s fantastic 2020 vintage and was lovingly crafted at a small, family-owned estate in the Saint-Émilion satellite village of Puisseguin. It’s silky and deeply concentrated, with ripe plum and toasty oak notes. A Merlot-rich claret from an award-winning estate, it offers class and value with its ample rich plum and cassis intensity. Cellar or enjoy now.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_puisseguin_saintemilion.jpg
Tasting notes:
Smooth, ample ripe plum and cassis, with firm tannins, tight oak spice
Aroma:
Ripe plum, blackberry, herby leafy edge, cloves
14% ABV, Drink by end of 2037 About £20 a bottle.
Château Dalem 2021 Fronsac AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/2856021b.png?w=1920&q=75
The Vinyard of the Château DALEM was founded in 1610. It is located on a high hill close to St Emilion and Pomerol and well orientated to the South. The wine is elegant with silky tannins and a full aromatic complexity. It can be enjoyed now or many years later from the beginning to the end of the meal.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_fronsac.jpg
Tasting notes:
Silky, precise and elegant red fruit, sleek tannins, freshness
Aroma:
Red fruits, with hints of cloves, violets, liquorice
Merlot and Cabernet Franc, 14% ABV, Drink by 31 December 2036. £21 a bottle.
rmcin626
25-01-2025, 18:35
It is Burns night, so a decent dram is called for
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Château Bernon Bécot 2016, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion AOC
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Owned by the same family as Beauséjour Bécot, a classed growth in Saint-Emilion, this mature wine comes from a 22-acre vineyard, mainly planted to Merlot. The wine is dense and dark, the black fruits full of juicy black-currant flavors. The wine is very ready to drink.
Caroline and Pierre Bicot, fourth-generation owners of Beau-Séjour Bécot imbue some of the 1er Grand Cru Classé finesse onto their Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion claret, Bernon Bécot. 2016 was a good keeper vintage, and this wine, with 8 years maturity, has a delicious richness.
https://www.averys.com/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_puisseguin_saintemilion.jpg
95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc
Tasting notes: Deep black fruits, velvety smooth, tobacco hints, gentle tannins
Aroma: Dark cherry, plum, rose petal hints
14.5% ABV, Drink by end of 2030, £21 a bottle
rmcin626
08-02-2025, 20:02
A couple new additions, both very different.
https://i.ibb.co/Y7W9XZFv/IMG-3201.jpg (https://ibb.co/fYSR9vzm)
rmcin626
09-02-2025, 14:46
Two very different whiskies , the Turntable “Bitter sweet symphony “ is a Malt consisting of 4 different malts, 26%TEANINICH OLOROSO BUTT LEADING NOTE:BITTER DARK CHOCOLATE 31% BALMENACH PX PUNCHEON, LEADING NOTE: DRIED FRUITS, 16% UNNAMED SPEYSIDE BLENDED MALT 1ST FILL BOURBON BARREL, LEADING NOTE: ORANGE PEEL, 22% NORTH BRITISH VIRGIN OAK BARREL, LEADING NOTE: TOFFEE , as copied from their web page.
Château du Tertre Belair, Cotes de Bordeaux, 2022
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This 2022 release of Château du Tertre Belair is not one to pass up. 2022 is poised to set a new standard in France’s most celebrated wine region. As critic James Suckling writes, "This is the 40th year I have tasted barrel samples in Bordeaux, but I have never come across anything like the 2022 vintage…it produced opulent and structured but still fresh and balanced wines. The 2022 vintage really is something unique."
https://www.sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_cotesdecastillon.jpg
Taste for yourself with this elegant beauty from Bruno Dellac’s Château du Tertre Belair. He and his father planted vines here over 30 years ago, and still dutifully tend to their 14 hectares of vines themselves (with the rough hands to prove it). Previous vintages of the wine have scooped top gold medals, and the 2022 release will surely follow suit.
With its beautifully smooth, ripe black-fruit flavors and silky tannins, Château du Tertre Belair is a perfect match for hearty roasts or meaty stews.
Merlot-based Blend
13.5 % ABV. Drink by January 2028. About £17 a bottle.
rmcin626
22-02-2025, 19:49
Latest release
https://i.ibb.co/P3qGcqY/IMG-3227.jpg (https://ibb.co/rTD2xDt)
Another whisky I haven't heard of! Looks good though.
rmcin626
22-02-2025, 22:30
Another whisky I haven't heard of! Looks good though.
Ardnamurchan is a fairly new distillery Barry, the 10 year old was recently released, the Madeira finish is their latest release, highly recommended, great whisky at a decent price
Château Le Bonalguet, 2020 Bordeaux AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/2901120b.png?w=1920&q=75
To earn one Gold medal may be regarded as good fortune. To win five suggests something extra special and Château Le Bonalguet 2020 is certainly that. Situated in the village of Saint-Germain-du-Puch, between Bordeaux and St-Emilion, the estate grows Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon on clay and limestone soils typical of the greater St-Emilion region. Owners Agnès and Alexandre Sueur and winemaker Gregory Dalla Longa make wines that reflect this special terroir and the unique characteristics of each vintage.
Recommend decanting Le Bonalguet an hour prior to serving it with roast lamb or duck in plum sauce..
Flavour Profile
Tasting notes:
Supple, rounded with bright, fruity length and rounded tannins
Aroma:
Deep cherry, plum, cassis, with a hint of floral and cedar spice
13.5% ABV, Drink by end of 2027. About £14 a bottle
2020 L'Épiphanie de Margaux
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“There is a delicacy about archetypal Margaux, and a sweet, haunting perfume, that can make it the most exquisite claret of all.” The normal bottle price from this château is £100s, but not so with this one."
L'Épiphanie wines are born of privileged relationships with some of the world's greatest winemaking properties. This cuvée comes from Margaux's most prestigious châteaux, a top Grand Cru Classé known for its exceptional terroir and fine wines of great finesse. This expressive wine wine displays classic ripe black ripe black fruit characters, alongside cherry an plum, infused with subtle spice, cedar and tobacco notes. These classic aromas and flavours combine with firm, beautifully ripe tannins for a complex, well-balanced wine with a long harmonious finish.
Can be drunk now, but cellering this wine for a few years and decantering before serving will pay dividends.
https://www.sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc_margaux.jpg
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape.
Flavour Profile:
Tasting notes
Black fruits, cherry and plum; subtle spice, cedar and tobacco
Aroma
Complex ripe black fruit character; toasty oak, tobacco spice
14.5% ABV. Drink by January 2035. About £38 a bottle.
Château de Colombe, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2021
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“A Castillon which without doubt has plenty of potential for aging.” Gilbert & Gaillard
Across the slope from Saint Emilion’s Grands Crus Châteaux Faugères and de Pressac lies little Château de Colombe. It sits on the same limestone ridge but in less fashionable Castillon. Hence this supple claret is both delicious and well priced.
Wine Flavor Profile:
Château de Colombe is a medium- to full-bodied red wine with generous dark plum, licorice and spicy oak aromas. The palate is intense, offering rich dark-fruit flavors and a savory complexity. Beautifully balanced with a long, smooth finish.
A blend of mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with some Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
Aroma:
Intense ripe plum and cherry with a hint of oak and creaminess
Wine Food Pairings
Aged cheese, duck, game birds, venison, pork, vegetarian.
Double Gold medal winner
14.5% ABV, Drink up by end of December 2026.
Château Le Bonalguet, Millésime Bordeaux 2020
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Château Le Bonalguet is situated in the village of Saint-Germain-du-Puch, to the east of Bordeaux. Château Le Bonalguet is a deep ruby colour with vibrant cherry and black current aromas infused with with delicate floral hints. The palate is perfectly balanced with silky smooth tannins and a complex, lingering finish.
Winner of 5 Gold medals in 2021 and 2022.
13.5% ABV, Drink up by end of 2027.
L'Épiphanie de Pauillac 2020, Pauillac AOC
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L'Épiphanie wines are born of privileged relationships with some of the world's greatest winemaking properties. This cuvée comes from one of Pauillac's most prestigious château , a top Premier Grand Cru Classé known for it exceptional terroir and fine wines of great elegance. This expressive wine displays classic blackcurrant, black cherry and black plumb characters, infused with subtlespice, cedar and cigar box notes. These classic aromas and flavours combine with firm , beautifully ripe tannins for a complex well-balanced wine with a long harmonious finish. Can be drunk now, but cellaring for a few years and decanting before serving will pay dividends.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc_pauillac.jpg
13% ABV. Drink by end of December 2034. About £29 a bottle.
Clarendelle Bordeaux Inspired by Haut-Brion 2016, Bordeaux AOC
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"Inspired by Haut-Brion" says it all ... or almost! 1935 sees the creation of the family company when Mr. Clarence Dillion acquires the legendary Château Haut-Brion. In 2005, his great grandson Prince Robert of Luxembourg opens a new chapter with the creation of Clarendelle. Overseen by the same wine making team as the First Growth, Clarendelle is born of a long-standing culture of expert blending. The guiding principle remains to present perfectly aged wines inspired by their heritage and reflecting the hallmarks of the great estates: Elegance, Balance and Complexity.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux.jpg
Merlot 84%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10% and Cabernet Franc 6%
Tasting notes:
Silky, ripe berries, fresh edge, spicy sandalwood and smooth tannins.
Aroma:
Ripe plum and berry fruit, chocolate, hazelnut and sandalwood.
13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2025. About £20 a bottle.
Château du Breuil 2016, Haut-Médoc AOC Cru Bourgeois
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For a Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc with 8 years' age, Château du Breuil provides immense class and value. It's from the same owners as renowned Château Cissac and lies not far from Lafite and Cos d'Estournel.
https://www.bbcgoodfoodwineclub.com/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc.jpg
54% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot
Tasting notes:
Silky mature red fruit, seam of tobacco, cedar spice complexity.
Aroma:
Mellow morello cherry, fruit cake and cedar spice.
13% ABV. Drink by end of November 2030. About £20 a bottle.
rmcin626
24-03-2025, 16:48
One of the better wines we had on holiday
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Château Le Vieux Serestin 2020, Médoc AOC Cru Bourgeois
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Le vin présente une robe pourpre sombre. Le bouquet est serré et intense, avec des arômes de cerise noire, de crème de cassis, de sureau et de mûre. Une note florale dominante fait également son apparition, ainsi qu’un soupçon de poivre rose et de douces épices comme la cannelle et la vanille. En bouche, l’assemblage de cépages bordelais est saisissant et soyeux à la fois. Il enveloppe bien le palais, les tanins sont accrocheurs tout en restant veloutés et prêtent au vin sa structure et sa longueur.
(The wine has a dark purple color. The bouquet is tight and intense, with aromas of black cherry, crème de cassis, elderberry, and blackberry. A dominant floral note also appears, along with a hint of pink peppercorn and sweet spices like cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate, the Bordeaux grape blend is both striking and silky. It wraps well on the palate, the tannins are tenacious yet velvety, lending the wine its structure and length.)
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_medoc.jpg
45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
Double gold medal winner 2023.
Tasting notes:
Intense ripe fruits and freshness, with rounded tannins.
Aroma:
Ripe plum, cassis, floral hints, cedar complexity.
13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2028. About £15 a bottle.
One of the better wines we had on holiday
https://i.ibb.co/XkXZNtJY/IMG-3294.jpg (https://ibb.co/jZhvBD4J)
Sounds good:
Yaiza Blanco Seco
19,00€
Esencia de Yaiza is the genuine expression of Lanzarote's artisan viticulture. Upon arrival at the winery, we hand-select the volcanic malvasia from the best farms on the island. Afterwards, the grapes are fermented in tanks using cold maceration techniques, producing a highly expressive wine characterized by its freshness and aromatic personality.
rmcin626
24-03-2025, 22:11
Sounds good:
Yaiza Blanco Seco
19,00€
Esencia de Yaiza is the genuine expression of Lanzarote's artisan viticulture. Upon arrival at the winery, we hand-select the volcanic malvasia from the best farms on the island. Afterwards, the grapes are fermented in tanks using cold maceration techniques, producing a highly expressive wine characterized by its freshness and aromatic personality.
There were a couple that were quite nice in the hotel, they were priced around €30 was going to picked them up at the airport but they were the same price, very strange, will do a google search when I have time.
rmcin626
06-04-2025, 10:01
TEANINICH - 2013
9 Year old Highland - 47.5%
https://i.ibb.co/B5qGBSQd/IMG-3346.jpg (https://ibb.co/W4g0fYMq)
rmcin626
18-04-2025, 11:15
A very nice dram 99+1 from Living Souls
https://i.ibb.co/bMvDXBJZ/IMG-3359.jpg (https://ibb.co/ksDvX81f)
Château Le Bonalguet, Bordeaux 2020
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/2901120b.png
Château Le Bonalguet has been rated a “near-perfect wine” by former Best Sommelier of France Fabrice Sommier and sports a history of gold-medal acclaim. Rich, deep and beautifully structured, the 2020 release continues the tradition.
Winner of 5 Gold Medals in 2022.
Tasting notes: Supple, rounded with bright, fruity length and rounded tannins.
Aroma: Deep cherry, plum, cassis, with a hint of floral and cedar spice.
ABV 13.5% ABV Drink by end of 2027.
Château Montlabert Grâce Dieu, Saint-Emilion AOC 2022
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4460822b.png
Looking for a silky claret with red fruit charm that’s already drinking well, open a bottle Château Montlabert. It’s a charming Saint-Emilion Grand Cru from a lovely ripe vintage. Silky ripe plum and cassis fruit, with a hint of violet and freshness.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_saintemilion.jpg
Tasting notes: Silky, with ripe plum fruit, a touch of cassis, fresh finish.
Aroma: Violets, ripe plum and cassis.
14% ABV, Drink up by end of 2034. About £19 a bottle.
Château Moulin du Prieur 2022, Bordeaux AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/3752622b.png
Château Moulin du Prieur is a blend of old vine Merlot and Cabernet Franc with a small parcel Cabernet Sauvignon to give added structure and complexity to the classic ripe plum, cassis and spice aromas anf flavours. Expressive black fruit notes, velvety tannins and a long finish make for a wine that can be enjoyed now and if given time and cellared well, will develop further complexity in bottle.
14% ABV. Drink up by end 2026. About £11 a bottle.
rmcin626
16-05-2025, 07:41
Another great dram from the Turntable guys
https://i.ibb.co/GQ7n8pp0/IMG-3415.jpg (https://ibb.co/v41VTqqH)
This one is called Unplugged
Are you sure it's not a "wind up"? ;)
rmcin626
17-05-2025, 08:46
Are you sure it's not a "wind up"? ;)
Very sure Barry, this is the second bottle Ive had of theirs, the first one was called Bitter sweet Symphony, google them , from memory they have about 6 different blended Malts in their range.
Oh I believe you, my question was a play on the name of the whisky: 'wind-up gramophone'.
Boom boom! ;)
Château Le Vieux Serestin, Médoc AOC Cru Bourgeois, 2020
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4437620b.png
Fine, cru artisan Médoc from a 5-star vintage and a family estate lavished with serious investment. Le Vieux Serestin is a classic claret with lovely depth of fruit. It’s from 2020, “an excellent vintage” (Neal Martin), and a family estate dedicated to the highest standards. A rich, velvety blend of Cabernet and Merlot, aged in seasoned oak casks.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_medoc.jpg
"Beautiful clean, deep red. Endearing nose with a blend of floral and fruity tones. Soft attack on the palate where the fruit shows through. The mid-palate and finish are more structured but remain steeped in fruit and freshness."
Tasting notes:
Intense ripe fruits and freshness, with rounded tannins.
Aroma:
Ripe plum, cassis, floral hints, cedar complexity.
45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
Double Gold medal winner 2023
13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2028. About £15 a bottle.
Château La Fleur Saint Bonnet, Médoc AOC, 2023
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4491823b.png
Château La Fleur Saint Bonnet is a medium-bodied red wine with fresh black cherry, licorice and blueberry aromas, which carry onto the palate with intensity and finesse. The tannins are refined and the finish is long with toasty cedar complexity. The classic Bordeaux delights with delicate aromas of fresh black cherry and blueberry, which carry onto the palate with an elegant structure with a pleasing roundness, refined tannins and a harmonious balance.
Tasting notes:
Bright and juicy youthful plum and black fruit, well-integrated tannins, stony finish.
Aroma:
Black cherry, blueberry.
60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, aged 12 months in oak.
13% ABV. Drink by end of 2030. About £12 a bottle
Château de Lussac, Lussac Saint-Émilion AOC, 2004
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4298004b.png
"Built in 1876 by Gaston Montouroy, Château de Lussac is a picturesque estate featuring a distinctive blend of classical and Renaissance architecture. Its 32 hectares of vines lie at the highest point in the village of Lussac. It is also bordered by two hectares of forest, enhancing the estate's natural charm. Made mostly from Merlot, supported by a good dash of Cabernet Franc, the 2004 vintage is well structured with abundant ripe black fruit, and notes of tobacco and saddle leather,"
Lussac is a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion, renowned for its high-quality, good-value clarets. Château de Lussac is one of the best, this superb 2004 showing mature notes of mellow, toasty red fruit, with hints of cedar and spice box.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_lussac_saintemilion.jpg
Tasting notes:
Silky, ripe fruit, fruitcake, hints of maturity, spicy length, elegant finish.
Aroma:
Smoky meaty, ripe black fruit, mature notes of tobacco and leather.
13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2026. About £19 a bottle.
rmcin626
28-06-2025, 19:42
Some new additions
https://i.ibb.co/60hbLTNq/IMG-3464.jpg (https://ibb.co/VYyD5z3k)
rmcin626
12-07-2025, 19:33
Another great Indy bottle from Living Soles
https://i.ibb.co/RT1NStHg/IMG-3494.jpg
Château de Lussac 2004, Lussac Saint-Emilion AOC
https://www.averys.com/images/uk/en/law/product/4298004b.png
Lussac is a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion, renowned for its high-quality, good-value clarets. Château de Lussac is one of the best, this superb 2004 showing mature notes of mellow, toasty red fruit, with hints of cedar and spice box.
Built in 1876 by Gaston Montouroy, Château de Lussac is a picturesque estate featuring a distinctive blend of classical and Renaissance architecture. In 32 hectares of vines lie at the highest point in the village of Lussac, It is also bordered by two hectares of forest, enhancing the estate's natural charm. Made mostly from Merlot with a good dsh of Cabernet Franc, the 204 vintage is well structured, with abundant ripe black fruit, and notes of tobacco and saddle leather.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_lussac_saintemilion.jpg
13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2026. About £19 per bottle.
L'Épiphanie de Pauillac 2020, Pauillac AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/3882020b.png
We’d love to reveal the name of the illustrious château behind this fine claret, but we’re sworn to secrecy. We can reveal, though, that it’s made at a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Pauillac whose Grand Vin sells for sixteen times the price.
Epiphany: 'a moment of great or sudden revelation'.
L'Épiphanie wines are born of privilaged relationships with some of the world's greatest winemaking properties. This cuvée comes from one of Pauillac's most prestigious châteaux, a top Premier Grand Cru Classé known for its exceptional terroir and fine wines of great elegance. This expressive wine displays classic blackcurrant, black cherry and black plum characters, infused with subtle spice. cedar and cigar box notes. These classic aromas and flavours combine with firm, beautifully ripe tannins for a complex well-balanced wine with a long harmonious finish. By all means open a bottle on release, but cellaring this wine for a few years and decantering before serving, will pay dividends.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc_pauillac.jpg
13% ABV. Drink by January 2035. £30 a bottle (it's that good!, so maybe save for a special occasion.)
rmcin626
24-07-2025, 16:37
L'Épiphanie de Pauillac 2020, Pauillac AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/3882020b.png
We’d love to reveal the name of the illustrious château behind this fine claret, but we’re sworn to secrecy. We can reveal, though, that it’s made at a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Pauillac whose Grand Vin sells for sixteen times the price.
Epiphany: 'a moment of great or sudden revelation'.
L'Épiphanie wines are born of privilaged relationships with some of the world's greatest winemaking properties. This cuvée comes from one of Pauillac's most prestigious châteaux, a top Premier Grand Cru Classé known for its exceptional terroir and fine wines of great elegance. This expressive wine displays classic blackcurrant, black cherry and black plum characters, infused with subtle spice. cedar and cigar box notes. These classic aromas and flavours combine with firm, beautifully ripe tannins for a complex well-balanced wine with a long harmonious finish. By all means open a bottle on release, but cellaring this wine for a few years and decantering before serving, will pay dividends.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_hautmedoc_pauillac.jpg
13% ABV. Drink by January 2035. £30 a bottle (it's that good!, so maybe save for a special occasion.)
Birthday next month at my age they are all special
Château La Fleur Saint Bonnet 2023,Médoc AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4491823b.png
This fine, young Médoc is from a small château in Saint-Christoly which prides itself on its approachable, great-tasting, and food-friendly claret.
With its bright ruby hue, the wine offers a delicate nose of black cherry and blueberry. On the palette, it's eligant and rounded, with silky tannins and a harmonious balance of flavours. Perfectly suited for dishes like duck breast with red fruits or a selection of aged cheeses, its refined character makes it ideal for special occasions and gourmet meals.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_medoc.jpg
60% Merlot with 40%Cabernet Sauvignon blend, and aged 12 months in oak casks.
13% ABV. Drink by end of 2030. About £14 a bottle
Le Vieux Château Guibeau, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion AOC. 2020
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Superb, Merlot-rich claret from an award-winning estate that Tony Laithwaite has bought from for years. Tony's first vintage of Le Vieux Château Guibeau was the 1966. Tony crashed into the vineyard on his first visit (not the best way to introduce himself) but the then owner, Henri Boulon, forgave him and they became great friends. This is the original label and the ethos of the Boulon family remains the same, although winemaking is now in the hands of Henri Bourlon's great grandaughter, Brigitte Bourlon. It's not only the soil, the grapes and the vintage, but the skill and dedication of the team that make Le Vieux Château Guibeau a gold medal winner nearly every vintage.
It’s from the Saint-Emilion satellite, Puisseguin, and offers class and value with its ample rich plum and cassis intensity. Cellar or enjoy now.
80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_puisseguin_saintemilion.jpg
Tasting notes:
Smooth, ample ripe plum and cassis, with firm tannins, tight oak spice.
Aroma:
Ripe plum, blackberry, herby leafy edge, cloves
14% ABV. Drink by end 2037. About £20 a bottle.
Château du Breuil, Haut-Médoc, 2016
https://threshers.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/374B40Haut-Medoc_540x.jpg?v=1691764900
Established in the 6th century, the Baronnie du Breuil is the oldest vineyard in the Médoc region. Clay and limestone predominate in the vineyards, which have an average vine age of over 20 years, and are managed with inter-row grass cover to best manage yield and quality. The blend is 54% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot; vinification is carried out in small tanks, allowing small plots to be worked upon separately. After a cool fermentation, the wine is aged for about a year in a mixture of French and American oak barrels, of which 10% are new. Recognised as a cru bourgeois in 1932, its status was confirmed in 2003.
The vineyards adjoin those of Château Cissac. They slope in the direction of the south-south-east, towards a stream with its precious "micro-climat" which, having watered the valley over-looked on one side by Château Lafite and on the other by Château Cos d'Estournel, flows into the Gironde below Pauillac.
13% ABV. About £22 a bottle, but can be cheaper if a half case is bought.
Fantini Edizione Cinque Autoctoni, No.23. 2021
https://www.vinvm.co.uk/image/cache/catalog/fantini-edizione-500x800.jpg?v1601027742
www.fantiniwines.com
Many years ago, two masterminds of Italian winemaking, Filippo Baccalaro and Jean-Marco Sauboua chose five indigenous grape varieties from the thousand year old wine regions of Puglia and Abruzzo. The five grape varieties are: Montepulciano, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Negroarmano and Malvesia Nera, which are blended in different amounts.
Edizione has no vintage as the grapes originate from two different wine regions; for this reason the wine is named with the progressive number of the vintages produced.
14.5% ABV. About £32 a bottle.
Château la Tour Carnet 2020 - 4ème Cru Classé, 2020
https://www.vinatis.co.uk/83802-detail_default/chateau-la-tour-carnet-2020-4eme-cru-classe.png
Description
The typical of a Haut-Médoc red wine, signed by Bernard Magrez.
https://www.bordeaux.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Medoc.png
The estate
With origins dating back to the 12th century, Château La Tour Carnet is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc. The property takes its name from its tower, built in 1120 and surrounded by moats. In 1407, vines were planted at the estate. Owned by Bernard Magrez, this Classified Growth of 1855 belongs to the elite wine estates of the Haut-Médoc.
The vineyard
Situated in the commune of Saint-Laurent-Médoc, the Château La Tour Carnet vineyard covers 176 hectares of vines. Planted at a high density (8 to 10,000 feet per hectare), the vines are aged 32 years on average and planted in Gunzian gravel soils upon a mostly calcareous clay base. The vineyard of Château La Tour Carnet has achieved the label of High Environmental Value Level 3.
The vinification and ageing
Harvested manually, the grapes undergo an initial sorting in the vineyard, followed by manual sorting on a vibrating table, then de-stemming and optical sorting. Cooling of the harvested fruit using a cryogenic tunnel (by spraying liquid nitrogen). Vatting by gravity. Vinification in oak vats and small cement vats. Cold pre-fermentation maceration (8°C). Alcoholic fermentation at a low temperature (28°C). Maceration period of 25 to 32 days. Ageing lasts 16 months in barrels, 30% of which are new oak barrels.
The blend
The Château La Tour Carnet 2020 is made from a blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%)
13.5% ABV. About £30 a bottle
Château Gromel Bel Air Cuvée Eva 2018, Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4497218b.png
This triple-Gold-medal claret is a special cuvée from a 150-year-old cellar situated just north of Fronsac on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, close to Pomerol. High altitude vineyards produce Merlot-rich wines, with Cabernet adding structure and freshness.
https://emarketing-au.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/69221/AKBAhFtVLX5pOrlH1Rnb1d_CIj6aqnQECms0GpCa4fI/2025475.jpg
La cuvée Eva est le fruit d'une longue recherche cultivée sur un terroir sélectionné de 3 Ha dont les vignes sont âgées de 25 ans. Le produit mis en bouteilles affirme son charactère exceptionnel par la finesse d'un bouquet légèrement boisé, et une franche attaque en bouche où les fruits rouges dominent.
Deep scarlet hue, ripe red fruit with smoky tobacco notes and a hint of oak.
Merlot 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%
13% ABV. Drink up by 28 August 2026. About £15 a bottle.
Château Le Vieux Serestin 2020, Médoc
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Fine, cru artisan Médoc from a 5-star vintage and a family estate lavished with serious investment. The Concours de Bordeaux Vins d'Aquitaine awarded the 2019 vintage Gold.
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/tastingnote/map/LRM_france_bordeaux_medoc.jpg
"Belle robe d'un rouge franc et soutenu. Nez engageant mariant tonalités florales et fruitées. En bouche une attaque fondue où le fruit s'exprime. L'évolution et la finale sont plus structurées mais toujours baignées de fruit et de fraîcheur."
45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
13.5% ABV Drink up by end of 2028. About £14 a bottle.
Château Gigault, Cuvée Viva, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux AOC, 2014
https://images.vivino.com/thumbs/oY6zPCAyTnuwAKFOc6brIg_pb_x600.png
Across the river from famous Margaux lies the Premières Côtes de Blaye. Cuvée Viva is a rich, world-class, modern claret. This is a structured wine made from 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Aged in barrels (30% of them are new), this wine is well balanced with very smooth tannins and delicate wood notes.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/images/region/63/03/gmaps-m-85-00006303.jpg?width=334&height=296&fit=crop&format=auto&auto=compress&dpr=1&quality=70
Voici quelques roses, d'un bouquet de silence
Invitées au milléseme de ta tendre jeunesse
Vendage joyeuse de tes rires d'adolescence
Amitie du vin gai en sa noble promesse.
Here are a few roses, from a bouquet of silence
Invited to the vintage of your tender youth
Joyful harvest of your adolescent laughter
Friendship of wine, joyful in its noble promise.
Tasting notes:
Deep, black cherry fruit with hints of spice and tobacco.
13.5% ABV. Drink up by end of 2028. About £20 a bottle.
Château Montlabert Grâce Dieu, Saint-Émilion, 2022
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4460822b.png
Château Montlabert is a charming Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from a lovely ripe vintage. With its deep, crimson colour, this luscious claret has an expressive aroma that is both fruity and fresh, accentuated by hints of violets. On the palate, it offers a lovely balance of vibrant ripe plum and cassis, a smooth, rounded texture and an elegant finish. A wine that effortlessly combines richness with freshness, making it a delight from start to finish.
https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/bordeaux_map.bmp
14% ABV Drink by end of 2034. About £14 a bottle.
Campo V Primitivio Di Manduria, 2022
https://th.bing.com/th/id/OPEC.yts5mBn1ja3l7g474C474?w=592&h=550&o=5&dpr=1.3&pid=21.1
15% ABV. About £16 a bottle.
Château Gromel, Bel Air, Cuvée Eva, Bordeaux Supérieur, 2018
https://www.comptoirdesvins.be/media/catalog/product/cache/d19ed4b90f79c30f86672518189bb4e8/g/r/gromelbelair-01_1.png
This triple-Gold-medal claret is a special cuvée from a 150-year-old cellar situated just north of Fronsac on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, close to Pomerol. High altitude vineyards produce Merlot-rich wines, with Cabernet adding structure and freshness.
https://emarketing-au.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/69221/AKBAhFtVLX5pOrlH1Rnb1d_CIj6aqnQECms0GpCa4fI/2025475.jpg
13% ABV. Drink by end of August 2026. About £16 a bottle.
Great having our very own AOS wine expert will help me with my Christmas selection lol:
Great having our very own AOS wine expert will help me with my Christmas selection lol:
That's kind of you to say so - but I'm not an expert: I just know what I like and post so that other members might be interested.
L'Épiphanie de Margaux, 2020
https://www.laithwaites.com/images/us/en/product/2876120.png
L'Épiphanie de Margaux 2020 is a premium Bordeaux wine known for its elegant profile, featuring rich fruit flavours and a smooth finish.
Under its normal label, you could buy this wine today for £124 a bottle. It's from a very famous, 'Second Growth' estate and there are only 15 of those to choose from, five of which are in Margaux. This wine is an astonishing coup thanks to a tip-off from the son of Bordeaux Buyer, Jean-Marc Sauboua. His son is a fine wine broker who heard of 550 unreserved cases of 2014 Margaux from last year's en primeur campaign. To save embarrassment, the estate was keen to place them on the market discreetly, providing the wines were labelled anonymously.
L'Épiphanie wines are born of privileged relationships with some of the world's greatest winemaking properties. This cuvée comes from one of Margeaux's most famous prestigious châteaux, a top Grand Cru Classé known for its exceptional terroir and fine wines of great finesse. This expressive wine displays classic ripe black fruit characters, alongside cherry and plum, infused with subtle spice, cedar and tobacco notes. These classic aromas and flavours combine with firm, beautifully ripe tannins for a complex, well-balanced wine with a long harmonious finish.
14.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2026. About £30 a bottle.
.
Another bottle of this:
Château de la Grande Tour, Cuvée Phoebe, 2022
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4405622b.png?w=1920&q=75
I posted about this wine about a year ago (see page 516 for details), and it's still an excellent 'slurp' for £13 a bottle
Wish I had bought more at the time as it is still 7 years before "drink by end of February 2033".
rmcin626
08-11-2025, 20:15
Keep forgetting to post new whisky , cask strength 55.8%, non chill filtered and natural colourhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20251108/68a8246cf9d257d43f9729730d9127f0.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That reminds me, I must buy a bottle of whisky for Christmas.
rmcin626
09-11-2025, 11:58
That reminds me, I must buy a bottle of whisky for Christmas.
Whisky is just not for Xmas, Barry
Whisky is just not for Xmas, Barry
It's a bottle of whisky, it's not a puppy! :lol:
Château Alcée, 2014
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4380214b.png
Castillion Côtes de Bordeaux, shown in grey:
https://vineyards.com/photos/maps/Bordeaux%20Wine%20Map.png
95% Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc
14% ABV. Drink by end 2028. £19 a bottle.
Château La Fleur Saint Bonnet 2023, Médoc
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4491823b.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/GirondePays.png/960px-GirondePays.png
With its bright ruby hue, this wine offers a delicate nose of black cherry and blueberry. On the palate, it's elegant and rounded, with silky tannins and a harmonious balance of flavours.
Its refined character makes it ideal for special occasions and gourmet meals.
13% ABV. Drink by end 2030. £14 a bottle.
Château Maine D'Arman, Côtes de Bourg AOC, 2020
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/3885020b.png
https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP._pYAfmygMxMurjczofkE7AHaHa?pid=Api&dpr=2&rs=1&c=1&qlt=95&w=164&h=164
Enjoy intense ripe black fruit, with hints of mocha and tobacco in this fine silky claret from the Right Bank's premium Côtes de Bourg. It's from the gorgeously ripe and richly layered 2020 vintage. Delicious drinking now and a few years to come.
https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.UU1BVAhDaDYU1HwcqvT02AHaDt?pid=Api&dpr=2&rs=1&c=1&qlt=95&w=350&h=175
14% ABV. Drink by end of April 2035. £17 a bottle.
rmcin626
12-12-2025, 20:12
Château La Fleur Saint Bonnet 2023, Médoc
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/4491823b.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/GirondePays.png/960px-GirondePays.png
With its bright ruby hue, this wine offers a delicate nose of black cherry and blueberry. On the palate, it's elegant and rounded, with silky tannins and a harmonious balance of flavours.
Its refined character makes it ideal for special occasions and gourmet meals.
13% ABV. Drink by end 2030. £14 a bottle.
Sounds good Barry, will try and find some locally
rmcin626
13-12-2025, 21:24
A couple of new additions,
https://i.ibb.co/qLvxjkbq/IMG-3795.jpg (https://ibb.co/KcJmhFC4)
2018 Château Bibian, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Haut-Médoc
https://thewinecompanyni.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Chateau-Bibian-Haut-Medoc.jpg
Château Bibian is one of the oldest and most renowned properties within Listrac. It takes its name from Pierre Bibian, who bought it in 1857. In 1999 Alain Meyre and his two children took it over and have breathed a new lease of life into the property. It boasts 20 hectares of vines, between 40 to 70 years old, which accounts for the wine’s intensity and depth of flavour. Tannins tend to be firm, so the wine takes a while to open up. A relatively high proportion—10%—of Petit Verdot is used in this cuvée, and it shows in the deeply coloured, concentrated juice. An opulent and generous nose of kirsch and blackberries leads on to a weighty palate, intensely flavoured with juicy cassis, vanilla and nutmeg. Drink now with beef fillet en croûte or strong cheeses.
Concours Géneral Agricole Silver medal winner, Paris 2020.
14% ABV Drink by end of 2028 About £19 a bottle.
Johnny Walker 'Double Black Label
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Normally I don't go for blends, but this was given to me by my partner. Whilst I was aware of Johnny Walker Red, Black, Blue (and I believe there is a Green) Label, I had not heard of "Double Black".
It turns out that this is a special blend with the intention of having a more smoky, peaty taste than that of the standard Black. The malts chosen for the blend are thought to be Cardu, Talisker and Lagavulin - the last two being favourites of mine. Double Black does not have an age, but again the malts used are at least 12 years old.
I usually drink Islay single malts, Laphroaigh being a particularly favourite as I do like peaty whiskies, but I have to confess I was rather taken with the Double Black.
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