View Full Version : The Wine & Whisky Thread
Some slurps consumed of late:
2010 Château Haut-Bernones, Haut-Médoc
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/64157b.jpg?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
The Haut-Médoc is the southern part of the Médoc, home to the communes of Saint Julien, Margaux and Pauillac among others. You'll find some of the world's most famous châteaux, but lesser known properties, like the 18th century Château Haut Bernones, are well worth seeking out. Situated on excellent gravelly soils (just like its Cru Classé neighbour, Château Beychevelle), the estate has been owned and run by the Ruton family since 1948. Winemaking is overseen by Eric Boissenot, whose expertise is also called upon by such stellar names as Château Latour, Margaux and Léoville Las Cases.An elegant claret with good ageing potential, Château Haut Bernones is ideal with a roast and superb with venison stew.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
13% ABV. About £13 a bottle from Laithwaites.
Consumed the last of my 2009 Château de Boissac, Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/62853b.jpg?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
Double Gold Medal winner: Concours Mondial, Bruxelles, 2010 and Concours de Bordeaux, 2010
This sumptuous claret - beautifully smooth and brimful of ripe, dark berry fruit (think black cherries, blackcurrants and a lovely hint of tobacco) - proves why top Bordeaux is still the wine of choice for fine dining and how the First Growths command such high prices. No-one expects Lafite or Marguax for under a tenner but neither does one expect a double Gold medal-winning claret from an historic family estate on best ever vinatge form. And Chateau de Boissac is everything you definitely would expect of a super smart estate ... sweeping drive, magnificent lake and six generations of winemaking tradition.
13.5% ABV Was £10 a bottle, again from Laithwaites.
Now enjoying a bottle of the 2010 Château Le Coin, Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/63464b.jpg?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
This is the third vintage we've worked with Ludovic Roussillon at Château le Coin, helping him to make modern, fruit rich clarets exclusively for our customers. The soils on his immaculately tended estate in the Entre Deux Mers are pure limestone and very rocky, so the vines are kept well drained and grapes are very concentrated.Ludovic is very open to new ideas, and our own Bordeaux specialist Jean-Marc Sauboua helped him get the most from his grapes in the "once in a lifetime" 2010 vintage (Neal Martin). Both are justly proud of the wine's Gold medal winning success. Made mostly from Merlot with just a touch of both Cabernets, Château Le Coin makes a perfect partner for your Sunday roast and is delicious, too, with venison sausages.
Multi award winner:
Gold, Concours Agricole De Bordeaux, 2011 France
Gold, Concours General Agricole de Paris, 2011 France
Silver, Les Vinalies Internationales Paris, 2012 France
Silver, Los Angeles International Wine competition, 2012 USA.
14.5% ABV and only £10 a bottle from Laithwaites.
The 2010 seems to be living up to the superb standard of the 2009 vintage.
Have you opened yours yet Marco?
After a 10 day brewery tour of Brussels and Bruge when I was 25 I came to the conclusion that De Dolle Oerbier was the best I'd ever tasted.
25 years later I have not changed that opinion
Firebottle
26-04-2014, 10:58
Just looked up that ale Justin, that's strong :eek:
My favoutite continental ale is Jenlain ambre, :cool:
Alan
Just looked up that ale Justin, that's strong :eek:
My favoutite continental ale is Jenlain ambre, :cool:
Alan
At 9% yeah. You have no clues that it is when you drink it. It just tastes fantastic. Then, by the end of your third bottle, you're feeling pretty wasted. I used to be a very enthusiastic all grain home brewer. Trust me - this stuff is unreal good. The brewery is amazing too - copious amounts of copper everywhere.
I've noticed it is now extremely hard to buy here at a reasonable price. Beers of Europe did it but have no stock.
The Special Reserve version is 12%.
Westvleteren XII is the best beer I've ever tasted. Unobtainium though, unfortunately.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westvleteren_Brewery
Best place in the UK to buy hard to get foreign beers: http://www.beersofeurope.co.uk/beers
Marco.
Cheers Marco - I've ordered from them before and they are excellent (I've a few bottles left from a mixed case I bought at Christmas - including a 75cl bottle of Chimay Cent Cinq and a Rodenbach Grand Crû) , but the Westvletern beers are ONLY avalable to personal callers at the Abbey (booked in advance) - there are NO other outlets for their beers that are brewed in miniscule quantities.
Some recent slurps:
2009 Château Fontcaille Bellview, Bordeaux Supérieur
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/62086.png?type=Z022&imageType=smallImage&colour=Red
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape. 13.5% ABV ~ £9.50 from Laithwaites
2009 Château de Boissac, Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/62853.png?type=Z022&imageType=smallImage&colour=Red
Double Gold Medal winner: Bruxelles 2010 and Concours de Bordeaux 2010.
Clearly this wine has benefited from lying down. 13.5% ABV ~ £8 from Laithwaites
And drunk recently in an excellent restaurant in Atlantis (actually Santorini, though some might understand the connection) a:
2003 κτήμα εύχαρις (Ktema Eucharis)
http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/104_zpsc59e1a15.jpg
Can’t tell you too much about this wine, save it was expensive, used inter alia Petit Verdot grape and was 15.5% ABV. It was excellent.
[NB Eucharis is “thanksgiving” in Greek.]
Some slurps recently enjoyed:
2009 Château Fontcaille Bellevue, Bordeaux Supérieur
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/62086b.jpg?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape. 13.5%ABV £9.49 a bottle.
2010 Château Du Touginas, Bordeaux
http://static.wine-searcher.net/images/labels/90/31/chateau-du-touginas-merlot-cabernet-sauvignon-bordeaux-france-10569031.jpg
Winner of the Médaille d’Or, Concours de Bordeaux Vins D’Aquitaine 2011.
Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%). 14% ABV. Laithwaites £9.99.
2010 Château Cap D’Or, Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/63951b.jpg?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
Gold medal winner Concours Regional des Vins d’Aquitaine 2011
Can be drunk now but will gain complexity over the next few years. Drink by 2019.
Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%). 14.5% ABV. Laithwaites £14.99 a bottle
Ripe dark plum and cherry aromas with chocolate notes. Decant and leave to breathe for 1 hour before drinking
2010 is turning out to be just as good a vintage as 2009.
Absolutely superb – I’m thinking of buying a case.
2009 Château De Lisse, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
http://www.sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/63923b.jpg?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
Merlot (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). 14.5% ABV. Laithwaites £14.39 a bottle.
With aromas of damson, liquorice, green pepper and clove. Yet another from the outstanding 2009 vintage - said by some to be the greatest vintage Bordeaux has ever produced.
archiesdad
27-05-2014, 20:10
I recently took the plunge and stuck some money into the Arran brewery share offer, now whilst I like to drink their product anyway I'd like to encourage all here to do the same, sales pitch over, unfortunately it's Italian ground coffee at the moment as I drive for a living and have an early start.
Some damn good recommendations on here BTW.
2010 Château Haute-Bernones, Haut-Médoc
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/64157b.jpg?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. 13% ABV £12.99 a bottle.
Shares similar terroir to Saint-Julien Beychevelle and Margaux.
Best to open and let breath a hour before consumption.
The Barbarian
04-06-2014, 19:58
I had a good session on this last night, forgot what it was but i know it was 6.5% ABV
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w425/ELPFAN1968/Beer.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/ELPFAN1968/media/Beer.jpg.html)
Must have been good if you forgot what it was!
6.5% is pretty strong. The low 5's are strong enough for me!
I had a good session on this last night, forgot what it was but i know it was 6.5% ABV
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w425/ELPFAN1968/Beer.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/ELPFAN1968/media/Beer.jpg.html)
Wonderful - now ALL proper pint pots should have handles!! :yesbruv:
Marco.
The Barbarian
05-06-2014, 17:58
Aye real mans 70's pint pots
:eyebrows:
Barry: just remembered :D
https://untappd.com/b/elland-brewery-1872-porter/27988
hifilover
08-06-2014, 17:06
The barrel pint pots are back I fashion apparently...
There's a few real beer pubs in Preston that have got them back in and I got a few for my drinks dresser in the dining room ;)
Can't beat a pint out of a real pot :D
More so if it's a nice pint of Old Golden Hen or Robinson's 'Trooper'
Yes, I prefer the dimpled and handled pint pot. They went out of fashion as landlords couldn't stack them and they occupied more space in dishwashers.
walpurgis
16-06-2014, 17:42
Yes, I prefer the dimpled and handled pint pot.
They're probably made in China now and they add about half a kilo to the weight in your hand. I just find them clumsy, but then I'm a lager drinker and that looks better in a straight glass, which is what I'm used to.
They're probably made in China now and they add about half a kilo to the weight in your hand. I just find them clumsy, but then I'm a lager drinker and that looks better in a straight glass, which is what I'm used to.
It's the only kind of weight lifting I do. Anyway it's British - you don't see many pint pots in Europe, apart from the German steins used by lager drinkers there!
Anyway it's British - you don't see many pint pots in Europe, apart from the German steins used by lager drinkers there!
That's mainly because the attitude towards drinking beer there is different. Europeans favour the use of smaller glasses, replenished more frequently, in order to keep beer cool, rather than having a pint of beer sitting around for longer getting warm ;)
However, if you drink pints of beer quickly enough, I guess that isn't a problem! I like it abroad when specific beers have their own matching glasses. This is especially prevalent in Belgium, where you get 'beer lists' in pubs and restaurants, rather like one gets wine lists here. Class! :)
My bugbear in the UK is pints of lager being filled right up to the rim of the glass, allowing no room for a head... That almost never happens in Europe, where an inch or so is allowed at the top of the glass for a nice frothy head, which is how lager or beer should be served... I want to have a nice 'beer moustache' after I take my first sip!!
:exactly:
Marco.
Sovereign
18-06-2014, 22:13
My favourite Ale by a country mile is Marstons Owd Rodger. It's bloody brilliant, careful though it's 7.4%
Drinking one now actually
That's mainly because the attitude towards drinking beer there is different. Europeans favour the use of smaller glasses, replenished more frequently, in order to keep beer cool, rather than having a pint of beer sitting around for longer getting warm ;)
However, if you drink pints of beer quickly enough, I guess that isn't a problem! I like it abroad when specific beers have their own matching glasses. This is especially prevalent in Belgium, where you get 'beer lists' in pubs and restaurants, rather like one gets wine lists here. Class! :)
My bugbear in the UK is pints of lager being filled right up to the rim of the glass, allowing no room for a head... That almost never happens in Europe, where an inch or so is allowed at the top of the glass for a nice frothy head, which is how lager or beer should be served... I want to have a nice 'beer moustache' after I take my first sip!!
:exactly:
Marco.
Ale, as distinct from lager should be drunk at room temperature. A distinction lost on Americans with their taunts at our "warm, flat beer".
Agreed, re. Belgium beers and matching glasses.
Regarding head, that depends on the brew and how quickly the glass is filled. Personally, the size of the head doesn't bother me - it's all about the taste: some brews have very little head. (As a smutty aside: what do you think the reaction would be if one were to approach the bartender and ask if they "could give me some more head"?)
The Grand Wazoo
19-06-2014, 23:44
A head is OK if you're in the north and the glass is designed to take it. Give one to a southerner in a southerner's glass and watch out ...............grrrrr!
I’ve been banging on for sometime now about what an excellent year 2009 was for Bordeaux, to the extent I have been buying up as much of the 2009 as I can lay my hands on. Well now I’m pleased to say that 2010 – 2012 were also good vintages. In particular:
2012 Château Bernot, Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/65025b.jpg?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
This Gold medal winner (Concours de Bordeau 2013) comes from a 400 year old chateau south of St Emilion.
70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. 12.5% ABV
Good depth of flavour with an acceptably long finish. Lovely fruit, spice and mineral notes to the nose. At only £10 a bottle I can thoroughly recommend this charming Bordeaux. Can be drunk now, but ought to take on further complexity over the next couple of years.
Enjoyed with a Chicken Parmigiana: chicken fillets topped with roasted aubergine, tomato and basil sauce, a light Parmigiano sauce and breadcrumbs. Served with boiled potatoes, broccoli, French beans and red cabbage.
2010 Château du Touginas, Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaiteswine.hk/labels/1628210.jpg
80% Merlot 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 14% ABV
Gold medal winner: Concours de Bordeaux, Vins D’Aquitaine 2011
Yet another superb 2010 vintage.
Description:
This treasure comes from Entre Deux Mers, the oldest winemaking region of Bordeaux situated between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Château Touginas is a small estate owned by the Guilhon family, third generation winemakers of the region.
Tasting Notes:
The vines are planted in the classic clay and limestone soils of the region and, at 30 years old, produce fruit of excellent concentration. Along with the rest of Bordeaux, the estate enjoyed excellent vintage conditions in 2010, and has produced one of its best wines ever. A perfect choice for dinner parties or special occasions and particularly delicious will roast lamb or beef.
£12 a bottle from Laithwaites.
Firebottle
28-08-2014, 14:40
My favourite Ale by a country mile is Marstons Owd Rodger. It's bloody brilliant, careful though it's 7.4%
Drinking one now actually
Good taste there James, rather like that one myself. I like an ale with flavour, and plenty of it.
A new one to me is Dragons Blood from Holdens brewery, as it happens we were staying very close to the brewery in the UK.
Had to have a little re-stockage for our French 'cellar':
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/P1040212.jpg
Just drinking a Holdens Golden Glow at the moment,
:cool: Alan
Ummm! Old Speckled Hen and Spitfire.
Those are a couple of my favourite bottled beers, along with Marston’s Pedigree, Fuller’s London Pride and Sharpe’s Doombar.
Cheers :cool:
Firebottle
28-08-2014, 18:14
Has to be ESB from Fullers for me Barry, one of my top favourites.
:cool: Alan
The Barbarian
16-09-2014, 21:58
The old Barbarian has been guzzling his Homebrew mucky Beer for the last gawd knows how many hours..
:eyebrows:
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w425/ELPFAN1968/Beer-1.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/ELPFAN1968/media/Beer-1.jpg.html)
Nice... Does it come out the other end the same way? :eyebrows:
Marco.
The Barbarian
17-09-2014, 09:49
The same colour exactly minus the head ofc
:D
2010 Château d’Arche, Haut Médoc
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/65502b.png?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
Cabernet Sauvignon 45%, Merlot 40% and Cabernet Franc 15%. 13.5% ABV
This wine is signed by Mäher-Besse, whose name and expertise has been associated with Bordeaux fine wines since 1892. This cru Bourgeois is located at the gateway to the Médoc region.
Made with predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Châteaux d’Arche is full of character, offering superb length and surprising complexity.
Bordeaux's 2010 vintage took everyone by surprise. No one expected it to equal, let alone better, the superb 2009, yet it did just that. At the top level, the wines reveal beautiful ripeness and elegant structure, with layers of complexity unfolding as they evolve. Here you can enjoy all that without paying the premium for a classed growth. A little property of just nine hectares in the Haut-Médoc, Château d'Arche has been run by the Mähler-Besse family since 1994. Just recently Arche's neighbour, Château Lagune, who makes some of the finest wines of the Haut-Médoc, took ownership and have raised standards yet higher. This fine, barrel aged claret is delicious now but will mature gracefully for years to come.
Aroma: Tightly furled red fruit aromas with hints of liquorice and tobacoo.
Taste: Complex and layered with red and black fruits, minerals and toasty oak.
Can be drunk now but worth laying down to mature. Drink by 2020. Normally £19 a bottle, but Laithwaite’s have it on offer at £17.09.
Superb – I’m going to get myself a case.
2009 Château Margerots, Bordeaux Supérieur
http://img.tesco.com/wine/UIAssets/pi/529/3192371107529/IDShot_150x300.jpg
Cabernet Franc grape, 12% ABV
With its deep ruby-red colour and crimson tints, Château Margerots offers an expressive bouquet of black fruits and grilled almonds, along with a hint of morello cherry and a note of leather. It is an elegant wine that has both the charm and the class of a great Bordeaux. Rounded and full, it will go well with strong cheeses and red meat dishes.
Medaille d’Argent, Concours de Bordeaux 2011
Available from Tesco £7.50 a bottle, however if bought as a case of 12 it works out at £5 a bottle.
2009 was an exceptional year for Bordeaux, so this offering from Tesco is worth checking out.
What are your views on this thread, Barry:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?34553-Fine-wine-clubs-and-online-sellers
:)
Marco.
Martyn Miles
09-10-2014, 11:34
You can't beat Fuller's ESB ale.
Had a pint on Sunday...
2013 Château Le Coin, Bordeaux
http://www.sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/65799b.png?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
For anyone who loves a decent claret this is one NOT to miss. Château Le Coin has won gold medals for the fifth vintage in a row. This year, Château Le Coin won Gold at the Concours General de Bordeaux - on its ‘home patch’ so to speak.
Grape: Merlot-based blend
Style: Full-bodied, rich red
Drink By: Dec 2017
Serve at: 18°C
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
"Consistently excellent - this Gold medal claret from a family estate is silky with creamy ripe fruit"
At £8.99 a bottle “it tastes like a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, but at half the price!” Buying a case of 12 will, at £107.88, save you £12.
Since 2009, I have praised Château Le Coin several times on the Forum, so not surprisingly I have bought another case.
Barry, if you can get yourself along to Aldi (and/or Lidl), but preferably Aldi, they both have some superb wines (clarets and interesting Italian varieties) in for Christmas, at just stupidly low prices for what they are! :)
When you go into the store ask for/find their Christmas catalogue ‘Christmas with all the Trimmings’, and go to page 34.
Highlights (for me) are the 2011 Château Chantemerle Médoc Cru Bourgeois, and 2012 Château Grand-Pey-Lescours 2012 St. Émilion Grand Cru, both for a measly £9.99 each :eek: :eek:
See here:
https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas-at-aldi/christmas-drinks/wine/product-detail-page/ps/p/chateau-grand-pey-lescours-2012-st-milion-grand-cr/
There is also a rather spectacular Paul Chevalier Hermitage 2010, for £19.99 (the kind of thing you’d pay perhaps £30-35 for in a ‘posh vintners’). See here: https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas-at-aldi/christmas-drinks/wine/product-detail-page/ps/p/paul-chevalier-hermitage-20100/
I’d also recommend the Brunello di Montalcino, if you’ve not had one of those before (think high-end Barolo, but better): https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas-at-aldi/christmas-drinks/wine/product-detail-page/ps/p/terra-del-foschi-brunello-di-montalcino-2009/
Ideal to have with your Christmas goose! So get yer arse along there, pronto, while stocks last!! :hotrod:
Marco.
I also fancy getting one of these chaps:
https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas-at-aldi/christmas-drinks/spirits/product-detail-page/ps/p/1973-ducastaing-armagnac/
It should be a rather civilised way of rounding off Christmas lunch!
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
Barry, when you go to Aldi, the ‘special wines’, as discussed above are NOT in with all the other wines. They’re in the ‘Christmas aisle’, along with all the other festive goodies. Just in case you go there like before and can’t find what you’re looking for :)
Marco.
i like brandies but my ticker doesnt. the french used to have a dish made with a bird and that stuff. think they drowned it in the stuff....hell of a way to go
2013 Château Le Coin, Bordeaux
http://www.sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/65799b.png?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
For anyone who loves a decent claret this is one NOT to miss. Château Le Coin has won gold medals for the fifth vintage in a row. This year, Château Le Coin won Gold at the Concours General de Bordeaux - on its ‘home patch’ so to speak.
Grape: Merlot-based blend
Style: Full-bodied, rich red
Drink By: Dec 2017
Serve at: 18°C
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
"Consistently excellent - this Gold medal claret from a family estate is silky with creamy ripe fruit"
At £8.99 a bottle “it tastes like a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, but at half the price!” Buying a case of 12 will, at £107.88, save you £12.
Since 2009, I have praised Château Le Coin several times on the Forum, so not surprisingly I have bought another case.
I think Aldi are selling this but it may be a bit more expensive than the price you quoted?:scratch:
Under orders from Daughter to take some Prosecco to xmas lunch...apparently its Italian sparkling vino(looked it up):doh:. Will try Aldi first then move outwards.....anyone like the stuff?
Hi Grant,
Aldi is indeed your best bet. Trust me, Prosecco doesn’t get much better than this (as it's DOCG):
https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas-at-aldi/christmas-drinks/wine/product-detail-page/ps/p/prosecco-spumante-docg/
We bought a few bottles today (had it before), so looking forward to enjoying it again! :cheers:
Marco.
Ok Cheers Marco. I'll get down tomorrow and grab some then
Nice one - I think your daughter will love it. They have two types, though (a cheaper one with a yellow label, not in the same league), so make sure you get the one with the silver label (marked DOCG on the neck), called ‘Valdobbiadene’, Superiore.
Read about about it here, which will explain the quality: http://www.prosecco.it/en/
Marco.
This was the only one they had it does have the control on it
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/24/3c64870a568560223e01d03d0f30fe1b.jpg
The Barbarian
24-11-2014, 14:11
Only Red wine ill sup is Shiraz..
This was the only one they had it does have the control on it
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/24/3c64870a568560223e01d03d0f30fe1b.jpg
That should do fine, matey. I see you’ve landed a Lescours, too! ;)
Marco.
yep. . grand cru...luvvly jubbly. better than the made with the leftovers type:cool:
and some benchmark old no8 bourbon
This one probably doesn't sell as well as hoped:
http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj624/markwilson9000/Silly%20Signs/IMG_20141201_152919.jpg
This one probably doesn't sell as well as hoped:
http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj624/markwilson9000/Silly%20Signs/IMG_20141201_152919.jpg
I'm quite partial to a good rioja. How do you rate the Chiton? Is it 'chit hot'?
No, it gave him the runs! :D
Marco.
Returning yesterday from taking Del out for her birthday to one of our favourite haunts in Brecon: http://www.eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk/Drink.aspx we had an amazing bottle of wine with dinner, which I thought I’d mention here for anyone who may be interested in trying it.
I’ve long been a fan of the renowned and superb rosé wines from Bandol, but this particular red is rather special. Wines from Provence can often be somewhat different from the norm, offering an alternative drinking experience, and this Bandol red, from the small Chateau of St Anne, is one such wine:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/909/kpYSvh.jpg
A very interesting story behind the wine, here: http://www.wineterroirs.com/2011/08/chateau_sainte_anne_bandol.html
Fortunately, one of my favourite local wine merchants sells it (£27 per bottle): http://definefoodandwine.com/
Think the usual fruity intensity of red wines from the south of France, but with the finesse and earthy depth of flavour of a very good Bordeaux. Trust me, a bottle of this would accompany your Christmas turkey (or other roast) perfectly. Great with Stilton, too - a veritable stonker for sure! :cheers:
Marco.
julesd68
22-12-2014, 19:08
I don't often go to Budgens but was there today and decided to take a punt on Palacio Rojo Gran Reserva 2008, reduced from 10.99 to 5.99 a bottle.
*Exceptional* value for money. Lovely ripe fruit with good depth and weight - you can really taste the bottle age.
http://vineyardwine.co.uk/image/cache/data/product/Palagio-Rojo-Gran-Reserva-75cl-330x550.jpg
RobbieGong
22-12-2014, 19:56
I don't often go to Budgens but was there today and decided to take a punt on Palacio Rojo Gran Reserva Rioja 2008, reduced from 10.99 to 5.99 a bottle.
I do like a good Rioja but find so many modern style Riojas too lightweight and generally dissapointing. This one however is *exceptional* value for money. Lovely ripe fruit with good depth and weight - you can really taste the bottle age.
http://vineyardwine.co.uk/image/cache/data/product/Palagio-Rojo-Gran-Reserva-75cl-330x550.jpg
Thanks for the recommendation Jules, my Mrs likes a Rioja (and says I literally live in our local Budgens !) so I'll take a punt - Cheers. Hope you and fam' are good by the way :)
julesd68
22-12-2014, 20:17
hey Rob, what a plonker I am - obviously drunk too much of this stuff - it's not actually a Rioja!!
:drunk:
It is however oak aged Gran Reserva and mainly Tempranillo, so tastes very similar to a good Rioja - give it a try, your Mrs should like it unless she prefers a lighter style of wine - it's definitely on the full bodied side ...
RobbieGong
22-12-2014, 21:00
hey Rob, what a plonker I am - obviously drunk too much of this stuff - it's not actually a Rioja!!
:drunk:
It is however oak aged Gran Reserva and mainly Tempranillo, so tastes very similar to a good Rioja - give it a try, your Mrs should like it unless she prefers a lighter style of wine - it's definitely on the full bodied side ...
:lol: Will definitely still grab a bottle as the Mrs does prefer full bodied.
I don't often go to Budgens but was there today and decided to take a punt on Palacio Rojo Gran Reserva 2008, reduced from 10.99 to 5.99 a bottle.
*Exceptional* value for money. Lovely ripe fruit with good depth and weight - you can really taste the bottle age.
http://vineyardwine.co.uk/image/cache/data/product/Palagio-Rojo-Gran-Reserva-75cl-330x550.jpg
Looks nice, Jules - I’m sure that’ll hit the spot!
Just been to DeFine wine in Sandiway (Cheshire) to buy the Bandol [as shown earlier] for lunch on Christmas day. Picked up a rather fine Barbera there, too. A 45-mile round trip to buy a bottle of wine… But hey, it is utterly gorgeous, and so looking forward to slurping it! :cheers:
Marco.
Do any of our resident red wine drinkers like Beaujolais Nouveau? We like its light and fruity flavour, and the fact that it tastes ‘young’ and vibrant. Currently enjoying a rather fine one from Tanners (with some Brie de Meaux and oatcakes):
http://www.tanners-wines.co.uk/beaujolais-nouveau-e-loron-et-fils-2014.html
:cheers:
Marco.
I don't often go to Budgens but was there today and decided to take a punt on Palacio Rojo Gran Reserva 2008, reduced from 10.99 to 5.99 a bottle.
*Exceptional* value for money. Lovely ripe fruit with good depth and weight - you can really taste the bottle age.
http://vineyardwine.co.uk/image/cache/data/product/Palagio-Rojo-Gran-Reserva-75cl-330x550.jpg
i am partial to a rioja and we have a new budgens up the road. i will pop over and get one on boxing day, cheers :)
Some slurps enjoyed over the Festive Season:
Château Le Coin 2012, Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/64955b.png?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
Merlot 90%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Deep purple red
Ripe plum aromas with notes of tobacco and spoces
Smooth and silky with ripe damson fruit and hints of spicy oak.
14.5% ABV £10 a bottle Gold medal winner: Concours Agricole De Bordeaux
Château D’Anvichar 2012, Côtes de Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/65526b.png?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
Merlot 80%, Cabernet Franc 20%
Deep ruby red
Intense blackberry and plum with spiced notes
Lots of cassis and toasty oak with silky tannins and a long finish
13.5% ABV £13 a bottle
Château D’Arche 2010, Haute-Médoc
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/65502b.png?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc
Deep purple red
Tightly furled red fruit aromas and hints of liquorice and tobacco
Complex and layered with red and black fruits, minerals and toasty oak
13.5% ABV (drink by 2020)
Le Croix Des Bordeaux 2012, Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/65154b.png?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
100% Merlot
Deep plummy red
Ripe, fruity notes of red and black berries; a hint of liquorice
Fruity and ripe, soft and smooth. Good length
12.5% £9.50 a bottle Gold medal winner
Château Les Trois Manoirs 2011, Médoc Cru Bourgeois
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images/uk/en/law/product/65515b.png?type=Z022&imageType=largeImage&colour=Red
50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep ruby
Aromas of black fruits, liquorice and vanilla oak
Smooth cassis and redcurrant flavours, supple tannins and oak notes
13.5% ABV £18 a bottle
Cool, Barry. Some good stuff there! What about the wine you bought in Aldi or Lidl, which I recommended - how did you get on with that? :)
Marco.
julesd68
06-01-2015, 19:36
This Co-op Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir is an absolute steal at just £7.99!!
Weighing in at 14% vol, it's a substantial wine that has real depth to it and a lovely touch of chocolate on the finish.
I've had a couple of bottles of this beauty and will be going back for more.
http://www.co-operativefood.co.uk/globalassets/assets/spotlights/2014/wine/wine_red_pinotnoir.jpg
I'll see if they have that in my local Co-op. :)
Cool, Barry. Some good stuff there! What about the wine you bought in Aldi or Lidl, which I recommended - how did you get on with that? :)
Marco.
Are you talking about the
2011 Château Chantemerle, Médoc Cru Bourgeois, and the
2012 Château Grand-Pey-Lescours, St. Émilion Grand Cru?
Well actually I did buy a couple of bottle of each, but I’ve not opened them yet - they will be a private pleasure for the New Year.
I omitted to mention the ‘whites’ we drank. I’ll correct this now:
Les Ruettes Sancerre
http://www.marksandspencer.com/les-ruettes-sancerre-case-of-6/p/p21126716?extid=af_a_GoldenFeeds&source=affwindow&extid=af_a_Uncategorised_57997&comgp=57997&awc=1402_1420663096_e1d7f6c5db0e8e30b0ee4890a87c31 22
12.5% ABV from Marks & Spencer £14 a bottle
and
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico
http://img.tesco.com/wine/UIAssets/pi/558/5000119123558/IDShot_150x300.jpg
12% ABV from Tesco at £5.50 a bottle
Are you talking about the
2011 Château Chantemerle, Médoc Cru Bourgeois, and the
2012 Château Grand-Pey-Lescours, St. Émilion Grand Cru?
Well actually I did buy a couple of bottle of each, but I’ve not opened them yet - they will be a private pleasure for the New Year.
Yes, those were the chaps. Let me know what you think of them, when slurped! :)
Marco.
The Barbarian
13-01-2015, 18:46
I was rat arsed yesterday on Chantry 'Diamond Black Stout' this is Brewed about 10 mins from us.infact it's over the road from where i work.
http://www.chantrybrewery.co.uk/our_beers.html
Think this should be wine, real ale and whisky:eyebrows: ....enjoying a nice drop of Aberlour tonight again, to banish the blues.
I was rat arsed yesterday on Chantry 'Diamond Black Stout' this is Brewed about 10 mins from us.infact it's over the road from where i work.
http://www.chantrybrewery.co.uk/our_beers.html
Handy! ;)
Marco.
I have extracted one of my specials for consumption. These are my exceptional circumstances treat to me bottles.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/673/ru1k42.jpg
This is a rather good wheated bourbon....once its gone its gone :eyebrows:
caio, shalom, salaam, annyeong, aloha :peace:
Think this should be wine, real ale and whisky:eyebrows: ....enjoying a nice drop of Aberlour tonight again, to banish the blues.
Why don't we re-title the thread: "Wine, Whisky and Real Ale Recommendations"? (With the tacit assumption that " whisky" also includes "whiskey").
I think only Admin can do this - so Marco what are your thoughts?
Anyway, regarding whisk(e)y, my favourite tipples are:
Auchentoshan
Highland Park
Glenfiddich (12 yr old) and Glenlivet
Lagavulin
and my favourite
Laphroaigh.
I've renamed a thread before(my gallery one).... This Weller is really nice; I'd forgotten how nice as I have had that bottle lying in reserve for some years now, from a time when I was more affluent :eyebrows:
I think we ought to get Marco's approval before anything is changed - he started the thread. :)
most definitely......it was just a thought as whisky, like wine is so varied and a bit of a minefield to the uninitiated.
jollyfix
14-01-2015, 21:49
http://www.eaglerare.com/
One of my favorite bourbons, just polishing off the last few drops now.
Why don't we re-title the thread: "Wine, Whisky and Real Ale Recommendations"? (With the tacit assumption that " whisky" also includes "whiskey").
I think only Admin can do this - so Marco what are your thoughts?
Yeah, sure, but since we’re changing the title, why not just make it ‘Tell Us About Your Favourite Tipple’, and leave it open-ended? :)
Marco.
Ninanina
14-01-2015, 22:02
most definitely......it was just a thought as whisky, like wine is so varied and a bit of a minefield to the uninitiated.
Actually any whisky will do me as I only mix it... I hate the stuff neat... :spew:
I know, I know... don't go there.... :doh:
http://www.eaglerare.com/
One of my favorite bourbons, just polishing off the last few drops now.
Ah, Eagle rare 10...great choice Dave, and was one of my favs for a long time. They kinda changed it a bit plus upped the price and I stopped buying it but it was, and may well still be a stunning drop.
Yeah, sure, but since we’re changing the title, why not just make it ‘Tell Us About Your Favourite Tipple’, and leave it open-ended? :)
Marco.
Yeah, it could work. Lots of different drinks around nowadays anyways. I am not up on most of them as I usually just stick to nice whisky and Bourbon etc. Love wine too but don't dabble much these days although still have a few bottles stashed away :eyebrows:
The Barbarian
15-01-2015, 00:45
im not safe on Whiskey once the top off it never goes back till it's gone. saying that i aint safe with any booze :D
jollyfix
15-01-2015, 09:13
Ah, Eagle rare 10...great choice Dave, and was one of my favs for a long time. They kinda changed it a bit plus upped the price and I stopped buying it but it was, and may well still be a stunning drop.
I get a bit annoyed when good things get changed , most not for the better. Fortunately Eagle rare still a very nice smooth drop i must say.
jollyfix
15-01-2015, 09:19
Grant have you tried any Noahs Mill Bourbon?
Grant have you tried any Noahs Mill Bourbon?
no ive not tried that one. in fact i dont recall the name. i will watch out for it.
jollyfix
15-01-2015, 10:27
Not cheap, but well worth it Grant. My special occasion drink.
im not safe on Whiskey once the top off it never goes back till it's gone. saying that i aint safe with any booze :D
Yup, it's why I stick to beer and wine. I got a nice bottle of Jack Daniels Single Barrel "Select", much better than usual JD, gone in 2 days, drank straight...
dearest one i bought was a pappy van winkel of over 20 years aged which is a lot for bourbon. it was well over 100 quid a bottle.. bloody good but think id rather have 4 or 5 normal bottles
"The boy " bought me a bottle of malt....1,2,3...Ah! a nice lad :) A bottle of The Singleton "Tailfire"
Rather nice it is too.. It's fruity man:eyebrows:
walpurgis
17-01-2015, 21:36
"The boy " bought me a bottle of malt....1,2,3...Ah! a nice lad :) A bottle of The Singleton "Tailfire"
Rather nice it is too.. It's fruity man:eyebrows:
I shall be having a modest drink soon, being Saturday. Don't overdo it Grant, you'll only start deleting things again. ;) :)
Ninanina
17-01-2015, 21:41
Completely dry house tonight... :(
Em, didn't delete anything except a pixie thread :lol: It is rather good actually; but I will, as usual be good.;)
Completely dry house tonight... :(
Ah, I will have one for you Bev. ...:D
walpurgis
17-01-2015, 21:45
Completely dry house tonight... :(
Best nip down to the 'offy' then.
Haven't had a drink since Tuesday, celebrating that tonight :eyebrows:
Ninanina
17-01-2015, 21:53
Ah, I will have one for you Bev. ...:D
Yeah thanks Grant... :doh:
I just can't be bothered to go down the shop either..
Yeah thanks Grant... :doh:
I just can't be bothered to go down the shop either..
You are really enjoying this ;)
Ninanina
18-01-2015, 17:24
You are really enjoying this ;)
Oh I am ...?
I've restocked so I can join in now ... :D
Got some real ale type bottles for my birthday so here goes. try one every few nights I think
http://www.ohbeautifulbeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/shepherd-neame-1698.jpg
Got some real ale type bottles for my birthday so here goes. try one every few nights I think
http://www.ohbeautifulbeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/shepherd-neame-1698.jpg
Well you could live on it, but it tastes like s**t!;)
Some recently enjoyed slurps:
2009 Château Cap d’Or, Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion
http://www.bawineclub.co.uk/images/products/64961b.jpg
Saint-George is one of the finest of Saint Emilion’s ‘satellites’, and this claret is from the outstanding 2009 vintage. Gold medal winner: Concours National des Vignerons Independants, 2011.
80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% ABV
A medium bodied, deep purple wine with ripe dark plum and cherry aromas with chocolaty notes.
£15 a bottle. Drink by end of 2015.
2011 Château Les Trois Manoirs, Médoc Cru Borgeois
http://sr1.wine-searcher.net/images/labels/12/13/10651213t.jpg
Medaille d’Or, Concours Géneral Agricole, Paris 2013.
Gold medal winner, Les Vinalies Internationales Paris, 2013. Gold medal winner, Concours General de Paris, 2013. Silver medal winner, Bettane et Desseauve, 2013
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec.
A powerful, very full-bodied, bone-dry deep ruby wine, with aromas of black fruits, liquorice and vanilla oak.
13.5% ABV £18 a bottle.
2010 Château Taffard de Blaignan, Médoc
http://cdn.winesdirect.co.uk/productimage.ashx?type=product&pid=80920
Gold medal winner Concours National Vignerons Indépendants
50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
A medium bodied wine having a deep crimson colour with a purple core. Aroma of ripe red fruits, subtle liquorice, mint and cassis.
Beautifully balanced, rounded, ripe and elegant. Firm yet smooth.
13.5% ABV ~ £13 bottle. Drink by end 2016.
Were those all from Laithwaites, Barry, or if not, where? The last one looks like an Aldi or Lidl special….
If they're interested, folk need to know where to buy the stuff, matey! ;)
Marco.
Were those all from Laithwaites, Barry, or if not, where? The last one looks like an Aldi or Lidl special….
If they're interested, folk need to know where to buy the stuff, matey! ;)
Marco.
I got them all from Laithwaites Marco (they're my vintners - I'm a lazy sod), despite the images for the last two having to be found elsewhere. However I'm not sure if either the 2009 Cap d'Or or the 2010 Taffard de Blaignan are still available from Laithwaites.
The 2010 Taffard de Baignan is superb – I was thinking of buying a case. If Laithwaites can’t supply it, I have to have a look to see who else can.
Ah, ok. However, not everyone will know that Laithwaites are your vintners, especially newbies, so best to state that info on your wine reccos in future :)
I recognised the Taffard, as I’ve got a bottle myself, and I know it either came from Tanners, Lidl or Aldi, which is interesting…. You may wish to check that out.
Marco.
Actually, I’ve just checked and I distinctly remember that it was bought in either Aldi or Lidl. Remember I gave you some recommendations over Christmas, as Aldi and Lidl (especially the latter) were doing some ‘specials’?
You’ve probably forgotten that’s where the Taffard has come from, presuming instead that it was from Laithwaites, the same as everything else….
Marco.
Were you thinking of this Marco? http://www.aldiliquor.com.au/top-bordeaux/chateau-blaignan
Can’t do anything about it at the moment as I’m off to Greece in a few days time, but I’ll definitely investigate upon my return (or perhaps you could do it for me? :D)
Cheers
Nope, dude, it was the Taffard, which you listed earlier. It's defo from either Lidl or Aldi, not Laithwaites. I don't use the latter, so if the wine was from there it wouldn't be sitting on my wine rack ;)
Marco.
Not available anywhere at moment is the 2010.......... Marco may have the last bottle:eyebrows: Unless I have one.:scratch:
Not available anywhere at moment is the 2010.......... Marco may have the last bottle :eyebrows: Unless I have one. :scratch:
That's a shame as it was a 'stonker' (to use Marco-speak).
Indeed, and it shows what you can find when you shop around, eh, lazy-arse?? :D ;)
Marco.
Pieoftheday
29-03-2015, 14:52
I'll try most alcoholic beverages but my default tipple is Jamesons, sometimes with milk, full fat mind, saw it on an episode of lovejoy:)
The wine my absent guests were getting was going to be a Domaines Paul Mas Pezenas. now im getting all of it Ha! that'ill teach the smeggers.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/04/d6ec0c87f6fc84307ba74fa0d2f8ccdb.jpg
The wine my absent guests were getting was going to be a Domaines Paul Mas Pezenas. now im getting all of it Ha! that'ill teach the smeggers.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/04/d6ec0c87f6fc84307ba74fa0d2f8ccdb.jpg
Not a bad drop this. sipping as I type. perhaps a tad dry for just drinking but I aint complaining.......
The Barbarian
05-04-2015, 21:32
Grant your making me cry stop it :(
Red wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France are usually rather interesting, as the grape varieties indigenous to that region (coupled with the heat in southern France) combine to add different flavour characteristics from the norm.
More folk should experiment with French regional wines, rather than simply going for the 'usual suspects', as the rewards can be significant and the value for money excellent! Enjoy, mon ami :cheers:
Marco.
Red wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France are usually rather interesting, as the grape varieties indigenous to that region (coupled with the heat in southern France) combine to add different flavour characteristics from the norm.
More folk should experiment with French regional wines, rather than simply going for the 'usual suspects', as the rewards can be significant and the value for money excellent! Enjoy, mon ami :cheers:
Marco.
Having another 2 glasses tonight. Its burned in now and is way better :eyebrows:
I always like to try the different Marco wine wise. as you say there are gems that the usual shelves dont stock
Lol - nice one. If you're enjoying the Pezenas, check out some of the better examples of Corbières (AOC status). They are superb, and should hit the spot nicely in a similar way :)
Have a read here: http://www.corbieresweb.com/-Wine-
Marco.
Lol - nice one. If you're enjoying the Pezenas, check out some of the better examples of Corbières (AOC status). They are superb, and should hit the spot nicely in a similar way :)
Have a read here: http://www.corbieresweb.com/-Wine-
Marco.
wont open in this browser... will try another.
Fine here on Google Chrome, mate :)
Marco.
I got it up on firefox :eyebrows: Interesting few pages. nice link-...... Tesco wine online seem to do cases of decent stuff; I wonder if the shops do it by the bottle
only have 2 glasses tonight. Driving tomorrow
Picked up a couple of bottles at lidl 10 mins ago. Waiting for the boy getting his tests done.
Look to be nice wines. A corbieres and a bordeaux. ..graves.
Nice one. Piccies would be good when you get a chance :)
Marco.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/07/a4c9e00b1e61f16878f91b0e3f97ace3.jpg
Will get better ones up later
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/07/b6291c8d491d0e036e18d04b58e3398b.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/07/acb8d7584c87ec3fbefc41fbaf9c362c.jpg
Excellent, Grant. Both of those should be nice wines :)
The Corbières interests me more, as I'm pretty familiar with the wines of Bordeaux, and so would know what to expect from a half-decent Graves. The 'Johan du Barrou', on the other hand, is more of an unknown quantity and thus more intriguing.
May I ask how much you paid for them each?
Marco.
cant rmember actually doh. about 6/7 pounds. i think.
tesco had cuvee exceptional alexis lichine bordeaux at half price so nabbed a couple b4 the sold out.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/07/c1623fc01b81f66d4c539731453f3744.jpg
This was about the same after deduction
Found several bottles of vino at the back of one of m cupboards. lol. will have to see exactly whats there. all look pretty good at a glance though. Happy times.
walpurgis
07-04-2015, 22:33
Oh dear. Sounds ominous. :drunk:
Oh dear. Sounds ominous. :drunk:
Not Me....never get drunk. I'm a responsible drinkard:lol:
Hic...
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/gazjamster/61644-highland-park-12-klein_2807.jpg (http://s434.photobucket.com/user/gazjamster/media/61644-highland-park-12-klein_2807.jpg.html)
awkwardbydesign
08-04-2015, 09:24
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/07/a4c9e00b1e61f16878f91b0e3f97ace3.jpg
Will get better ones up later
Have you tried the Lidl wines yet? I have almost always been disappointed with Lidl/Aldi wines, so a recommendation would be useful. I bought a Nero D'Avola/Syrah (I think) recently and it gave me a headache!
going to try the barrou tonight..
ps Marco it was £5.29 a bottle.
some of their wines are very good but i guess some will be nasty as in every place. will leave a review
I have been loving the Trivento Reserve Malbec recently: https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Trivento-Reserve-Malbec/80004011
I have been loving the Trivento Reserve Malbec recently: https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Trivento-Reserve-Malbec/80004011
Saw that in asda on line and was going to get some as it was reduced to £6 a bottle with free delivery.
going to try the barrou tonight..
ps Marco it was £5.29 a bottle.
some of their wines are very good but i guess some will be nasty as in every place. will leave a review
Ok am having a glass with my dinner...bangers n mash with a glass of wine ..I know, so cool :eyebrows: this 2012 reserve vintage is a mix of Shiraz/Syrah · Grenache Noir · & Carignane grape styles, and I can, even after 1/2 a glass, that I like it. in fact I could easily drink the bottle in a oner..A spicy fragrance of herbs on the palate with an impressive fruitiness, reminiscent of cherries and plums. The finale, with a hint of cocoa is simply adorable. At £5 a bottle its an excellent wine, and more reminiscent of a wine twice the price.
going to try the barrou tonight..
ps Marco it was £5.29 a bottle.
some of their wines are very good but i guess some will be nasty as in every place. will leave a review
Ok am having a glass with my dinner...bangers n mash with a glass of wine ..I know, so cool :eyebrows: this 2012 reserve vintage is a mix of Shiraz/Syrah · Grenache Noir · & Carignane grape styles, and I can, even after 1/2 a glass, that I like it. in fact I could easily drink the bottle in a oner..A spicy fragrance of herbs on the palate with an impressive fruitiness, reminiscent of cherries and plums. The finale, with a hint of cocoa is simply adorable. At £5 a bottle its an excellent wine, and more reminiscent of a wine twice the price.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/07/acb8d7584c87ec3fbefc41fbaf9c362c.jpg
awkwardbydesign
10-04-2015, 10:33
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/07/a4c9e00b1e61f16878f91b0e3f97ace3.jpg
Will get better ones up later
Just been to my local Lidl. They don't have either! :(
I was done mine yesterday and got another Barrou. it was in the wooden cases they use at bottom. nearly missed it..its really nice. maybe sold out at your store...not so many wine drinkers here...more bucky country:eyebrows:
Was out for dinner tonight as it was "theBoy's" birthday..had a very nice lasagne. so now home and having a wine to send it to bed :eyebrows: found this in the cupboard the other day; been there for a few years and has aged well... very smooth now.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/11/74521763de5834c730155cde4da8953b.jpg
I'm on this one tonight.
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0249/1170/products/Thrappledouser_1024x1024.jpg?v=1385055859
If you are all drinking something from here, I'll drink something from there.
hifilover
11-04-2015, 20:35
Old Golden Hen followed by Edradour 'Chateneuf du Pape' cask malt ;)
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/19/34a3b5897cfaf09167498412a3bce6bb.jpg
Been drinking this for last couple of days.
It's very nice
Some recently enjoyed slurps.
2010 Château Taffard, Médoc, Bordeaux
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Red-PRD-Red-still-wine/Ch%E2teau-Taffard-de-Blaignan-2010/65227
(Similar to this image of the 2003 vintage)
http://ct-static.com/labels/255934.jpg
Gold medal winner, Sélectionné par Le Guide Gilbert & Gaillard. Médaille d’Or Récolte 2010, Gold, Concours des Vignerons Independants, 2013
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
13.5% ABV. £16 a bottle. (British Airways Wine Club)
2009 Château Blanchon, Lussac Saint-Emilion
http://images.vivino.com/thumbs/00hejnx8dp6ga_375x500.jpg
Médaille d’or Récolte 2009. Médaille d’Or, Concours de Bordeaux, Vins d’Aquitaine 2010.
14.0% ABV. £23 a bottle. Drink by December 2015
2008 Château de Pez, Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux
http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/382_zpsbqczxxdd.jpg
50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=725045
€100
2011 Château Le Coin, Bordeaux
http://ct-static.com/labels/350129.jpg
80% Merlot, 15%; Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc
Gold medal winner: Concours General Agricole de Paris, 2012
14.5% ABV £10 a bottle (Laithwaites). Drink by end 2015
2007 Château Capbern Gasqueton, Medoc Saint-Estephe
http://static.wine-searcher.net/images/labels/41/66/chateau-capbern-gasqueton-saint-estephe-france-10274166.jpg
60% Cabernet Sauvignon; 25-30% Merlot and 10-15% Cabernet Franc.
13% ABV. Approx £19 a bottle
2007 Château Le Boscq, Saint-Estephe
http://ct-static.com/labels/155163.jpg
60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
http://librairie.thienot.com/media/millesimes/742-2012/docs/fiches-techniques/fichetechnique-2012-le-boscq-2012-fr-0.pdf
Co-op. Approx £25 a bottle, though can be found for ~£15 by shopping around.
Some nice wines there Barry.. Probably more than I like to pay tbh but on an occasion I spend that kind of money... a hundred is ott though, although I once paid more for a very aged bottle of Bourbon...it was awesome :eyebrows:
Haha - at least you read the post thoroughly! :lol:
I did actually pay €100 (~ £80) for the 2008 Château de Pez, since it was bought as part of dinner at a top class restaurant in Athens (The Hotel Grande Bretagne), where wines are charged at three times the dealer's price.
2008 Château de Pez can be bought for £22 - £35 a bottle. I chose it since it was the cheapest vintage wine on the list, sharing company with the likes of say a €3,500 Pétrus or Margaux! It was a good bottle and probably worth it, I enjoyed it but I was "stuck" for choice! :lol:
Anyway, I have just taken a punt on this:
2012 La Barrique de Bordeaux
https://alltommatvinklubb.se/media/catalog/product/cache/5/image/170x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/v/i/vin-rott-la-barrique-de-bordeaux-2012-w09277.png
http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Red-PRD-Red-still-wine/La-Barrique-de-Bordeaux-2012/65989
14% ABV £150 for a case of 12 bottles (= £12.50 a bottle) Normally £19 a bottle.
I’m rather looking forward to drinking it. :)
http://www.grandebretagne.gr/?PS=LGEN_AA_DEMA_CGGL_TPRP&SWAQ=7M96
Love it, Barry! How long were you there for, and what was the food like? :)
When I was scrolling down your list, as soon as I spied the Pez, I knew it was going to be an expensive bottle... Still, at restaurant prices, that's not too bad. I've paid more in the past on special occasions ;)
I think you'll enjoy the bottle I've put aside for you (a top-notch Haut-Médoc). It should be on a similar level to the Pez...
Del's taking me here for my 50th birthday in August, which is just down the road from us: http://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk/
Should be good. I'm looking forward to reading their wine list....! :eyebrows: :cheers:
Marco.
We didn't stay there, we only used the restaurant to enjoy a good "blow out" at the end of our holiday.
To be perfectly honest I can't remember what I eat, think the entreé was a rib-eye steak cooked a point - delicious. Considering the bill came to €250 for the two of us (including €100 for the wine), the food was very reasonably priced considering the quality, service and location and ambience of the restaurant. The views of the Acropolis and Parthenon from the roof-top restaurant were quite stunning!
(Good job I took the photo of the Château de Pez before we consumed it, otherwise it might have come out looking like the image of the Château Blanchon! The latter, I should add, was not taken by me!)
Peckforton Castle looks fabulous - I'm sure you will have a wonderful evening there. You're a lucky man Marco! Don't forget to wear your DJ!
More my level this. Not cheap this but first impression is lovely wine..just my taste
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/30/557478aa99ac94adf6dd21542920a848.jpg
I see it's available from Tesco. I'll check it out - Saint Chinian is an appellation new to me.
Thanks for the recommendation Grant. :)
I see it's available from Tesco. I'll check it out - Sainte Chinian is an appellation new to me.
Thanks for the recommendation Grant. :)
Its rather nice barry, and doubt this bottle will last long :eyebrows: Its on their Finest range and was reduced a fair bit if memory serves.
hifilover
30-04-2015, 18:53
The Chateau le Coin is a lovely drop; bought a case and it soon got supped over Christmas!!!
Not touched a drop of wine since, I'm enjoying my bourbons too much...
https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-28332.aspx
https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-23469.aspx
https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1136.aspx
https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1018.aspx
The Blanton's is simply stunning! Silver Select is the one I always go back to though ;)
http://m.vcst.net/wines/buffalo-trace-527482_p.jpg
one of the best, and very reasonable too... how they do it for the price? dunno; Tesco are doing it currently for £20
hifilover
30-04-2015, 20:37
Yeah it's a supper but can do better IMO for not a lot more... JD's Gentleman Jack for instance ;)
Yeah it's a supper but can do better IMO for not a lot more... JD's Gentleman Jack for instance ;)
aH, Sippin'Whisky ;) its nice, but not worth the extra for me over no7. unless its discounted of course. :eyebrows: Wild Turkey is pretty decent too, especially the 50 proof stuff.
hifilover
30-04-2015, 20:54
No.7's but you can do better easy enough but mainly via the web and not shops...
In all honesty I'd rather go for the Jim Beam Black over No.7... A lot smoother with a deeper, trailing after taste
Funny that; I used to drink Beam Black all the time, but now I cant stand it. Either they changed it somewhat (I think they did) or I just got a scunner for it. If Beam was all I could get I would give up and join the Sally Army. Got a couple of bottles of Beam lying around.If I have a party I will use it with coke for the peasants ;):lol:
My monthly trip to lidl produces thus for under a fiver
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/05/0ed6acaf679a06f50f4cf5c9eb701ffe.jpg
Two wines from the Langedoc Rousillon region:
2013 Château de Puichéric – Minervois, Cuvée les Clots
http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/014_zpsu6q47ebc.jpg
Situé entre Carcassone et Minerve, le Domaine se compose d’un vignoble de 1.5 ha à l’entrée du vieux village de Puichéric.
Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache and Carignane grape
Delicious red for everyday drinking. An intense plummy and morello cherry nose with a bit of spice. Delightful red berry fruits on the palate, with a refreshing acidity and pleasantly gripping tannins. There is a savoury quality here, not complex, but complimentary nonetheless.
12.5% ABV, 75cl £6.45 a bottle from peterwatts@welikewine.co.uk www.welikewine.co.uk
2013 Saint-Chinian
http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/015_zpskanpmu9q.jpg
Carignane and Grenache grape
Wild fruit with dark balsamic aroma and a rich black fruit and herbal flavoured palate, make up this classic St. Chinian from the Langedoc Rousillon.
As recommended by Grant :)
13% ABV, 75cl Was £9.99, now reduced to £6.74 from Tesco.
Picked up this in Morrisons today under £14. It's rather good and reminds me of Well er a bit. Quite rich.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/08/70d7a9d4cc3be0c04b90e89769290d28.jpg
Strong STRONG recommendation for Aldi's "Clarke's 1886" Bourbon, bit fussy when it comes to this stuff and it's top notch for £12 a bottle.
Far better than any of the other Supermarket bourbons I've tried, and way better (Imo) than your Jim Beams and Jack Daniels (which isn't even a real bourbon anyway!)
Warm, sweet and quite woody...leaves a really nice aftertaste simila to a few single malts I can think of.
Great sippin' whiskey, check it out.
Strong STRONG recommendation for Aldi's "Clarke's 1886" Bourbon, bit fussy when it comes to this stuff and it's top notch for £12 a bottle.
Far better than any of the other Supermarket bourbons I've tried, and way better (Imo) than your Jim Beams and Jack Daniels (which isn't even a real bourbon anyway!)
Warm, sweet and quite woody...leaves a really nice aftertaste simila to a few single malts I can think of.
Great sippin' whiskey, check it out.
Been drinking Clarkes for years Gary...its a decent bourbon for the money aint it :eyebrows: Aldi originally got it as a special a few times and was so popular they now stock all the time. Morrisons do an even better one , to my tastes anyways in John Lee...!3.95 I think. got another bottle today actually. it darn good for that price. A French company import it for the French market but have just started selling it here too
Ninanina
19-05-2015, 20:40
A recent purchase from Asda... more than I'd normally pay for a red, at £9 a bottle, but it is very nice indeed...
http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/IMG_0710.jpg (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/IMG_0710.jpg.html)
Wine for a lass eh :) or up here a burd :eyebrows:
Ninanina
19-05-2015, 21:13
Wine for a lass eh :) or up here a burd :eyebrows:
A ?? I didn't understand that one Grant... ;)
Ninanina
19-05-2015, 21:14
Oh now I get it... ooops... :D:D
Been drinking Clarkes for years Gary...its a decent bourbon for the money aint it :eyebrows: Aldi originally got it as a special a few times and was so popular they now stock all the time. Morrisons do an even better one , to my tastes anyways in John Lee...!3.95 I think. got another bottle today actually. it darn good for that price. A French company import it for the French market but have just started selling it here too
Off to Morrisons then for my next treat, thanks Grant will try the John Lee. :)
A recent purchase from Asda... more than I'd normally pay for a red, at £9 a bottle, but it is very nice indeed...
http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/IMG_0710.jpg (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/IMG_0710.jpg.html)
Very nice indeed, Bev, and a bit of a bargain indeed for a Chianti Riserva! I'll look out for that one in Asda :)
If you like that (and you haven't done so already) try some Barbera or Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. Without using specialist wine merchants, it's hard to find quality Italian wine in the UK.
Marco.
Ninanina
21-05-2015, 21:08
Very nice indeed, Bev, and a bit of a bargain indeed for a Chianti Riserva! I'll look out for that one in Asda :)
If you like that (and you haven't done so already) try some Barbera or Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. Without using specialist wine merchants, it's hard to find quality Italian wine in the UK.
Marco.
Thanks Marco I will look out for that one ;) I'm getting back into Red's after a long time away...:cheers:
Ok guys,
Just a 'heads up' if you weren't aware of the above. There are some top-notch wines available at very good prices. Knowing Italian wines (and others) in depth, here are my recommendations - indeed I have just returned from Lidl and bought these myself:
Italian (white) :
Roero Arnesis, Cascina Valentino 2013 - £7.99.
This wine is from the Piedmont area of Italy, using a rather unusual grape variety, and is superb served chilled with some chicken dishes, fish and seafood. Very unusual to see it in this country!
Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Corte alle Mura 2013 - £5.99.
This wine is a Tuscan classic, beautifully fruity and flavourful. Gorgeous, served chilled, even as an aperitif! Also, very nice with risotto, veal, grilled chicken or pork dishes.
Italian (red) :
Fortezza dei Colli, Chianti Classico D.O.C.G Riserva, 2009 - £6.99. This is big, bold, juicy, fruity lusciousness to the max, and probably one of the best Chiantis you can drink south of £25.00 a bottle! This is a MEGA BARGAIN, folks and should be snapped up immediately!!
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2011 - £7.99. Another mega bargain. Think Brunello di Montalcino on the cheap: big, powerful and jammy, but instead of £20-30 a bottle, you're getting it for £7.99 :eek: Awesome with all red meats and strong cheeses!
French (refreshing rosé for summer) :
Corbières Rosé, 2014 - £4.99.
Côtes du Rhône Rosé, 2014 - £5.49. This one will be a little more full-bodied and 'intense' than the Corbières.
Cabernet d'Anjou Rosé, Domaine de Terrebrune 2014 - £5.99. The driest of the three, but still nicely fruity. Great with pan-fried scallops!
French (red) :
One for Barry... An outstanding Bordeaux (Fronsac), Les Sources du Château de la Riviére, 2012 - £7.99. Should be up there with some of the nicest Médoc you've had, but at around half the price you'll pay per bottle from Laithwaites! ;)
Enjoy, folks :cheers:
Marco.
pcourtney
30-05-2015, 16:44
my Dad's favourite after dinner tipple, with a splash of water, divine
Tesco and Waitrose sell it for £41.50, but now and again they discount to £35
aged in sherry casks, drink neat with a little drop of water, I used to drink more expensive single malts, but now I don't bother since my Dad got me onto this one, enjoy !
Ok guys,
Just a 'heads up' if you weren't aware of the above. There are some top-notch wines available at very good prices. Knowing Italian wines (and others) in depth, here are my recommendations - indeed I have just returned from Lidl and bought these myself:
Italian (white) :
Roero Arnesis, Cascina Valentino 2013 - £7.99.
This wine is from the Piedmont area of Italy, using a rather unusual grape variety, and is superb served chilled, with some chicken dishes, fish and seafood. Very unusual to see it in this country!
Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Corte alle Mura 2013 - £5.99.
This wine is a Tuscan classic, beautifully fruity and flavourful. Gorgeous, served chilled, even as an aperitif! Also, very nice with risotto, veal, grilled chicken or pork dishes.
Italian (red) :
Fortezza dei Colli, Chianti Classico D.O.C.G Riserva, 2009 - £6.99. This is big, bold, juicy, fruity lusciousness to the max, and probably one of the best Chiantis you can drink south of £25.00 a bottle! This is a MEGA BARGAIN, folks and should be snapped up immediately!!
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2011 - £7.99. Another mega bargain. Think Brunello di Montalcino on the cheap: big, powerful and jammy, but instead of £20-30 a bottle, you're getting it for £7.99 :eek: Awesome with all red meats and strong cheeses!
French (refreshing rosé for summer) :
Corbières Rosé, 2014 - £4.99.
Côtes du Rhône Rosé, 2014 - £5.49. This one will be a little more full-bodied and 'intense' than the Corbières.
Cabernet d'Anjou Rosé, Domaine de Terrebrune 2014 - £5.99. The driest of the three, but still nicely fruity. Great with pan-fried scallops!
French (red) :
One for Barry... An outstanding Bordeaux (Fronsac), Les Sources du Château de la Riviére, 2012. Should be up there with some of the nicest Médoc you've had, but at around half the price you'll pay per bottle from Laithwaites! ;)
Enjoy, folks :cheers:
Marco.
Some nice ones there....A trip to lidl is on the cards.
If nothing else, Grant, make sure you grab a bottle of the Fortezza dei Colli. Trust me, it'll blow your mind! ;)
If I may suggest a few tips for serving.... It's essential that wines like this are served at the right temperature. Simply lifting it up from the kitchen table (or wherever it's been stored) and opening it, will mean that you'll not be enjoying its full potential.
Do you have a wine thermometer or some other way of measuring temperature? Chianti Riserva should be served at 17°C. Any cooler than that, and it will taste more acidic than it should, and you will lose its inherent richness. The difference really is noticeable!
Also, wines of this quality should be decanted before they're served, in order to aerate the wine. You don't need a fancy decanter - simply pour the existing wine SLOWLY into a clean spare wine bottle, or similar container, using a little plastic funnel (to prevent spillage).
When done, simply transfer the wine back into the original bottle (I doubt that there will be any sediment to remove, but if there is, swill it out with warm water before pouring the wine back in), doing it SLOWLY (you don't want to see any froth accumulating). This is a much better process than simply uncorking the wine and leaving it to 'breathe'!
Once done, ensure that the wine has reached the correct temperature (as specified earlier) and serve it inside a lovely thin, tall-stemmed wine glass, such as this, ensuring that the glass is only a quarter full at any one time, so that you can swill the wine around the glass and enjoy its full bouquet:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/912/6ioIuG.jpg
Trust me, if you go to a little effort like that with good wines, you'll appreciate them far more!
:cheers: :cocktail:
Marco.
Ninanina
30-05-2015, 18:23
Very nice indeed, Bev, and a bit of a bargain indeed for a Chianti Riserva! I'll look out for that one in Asda :)
Marco.
Just purchased a couple more bottles of this lovely wine and it was reduced today to £5.97... bargain indeed... :D
Good stuff, Bev! Do you have a Lidl near you? If so, grab a bottle of the Chianti Riserva I've recommended. I think you'd love it! :)
Marco.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/30/70c6dd1d8d8e555cae3139cb9c955c08.jpg
Been slurping this cheeky chappie...woof
Lol - did you read my previous post, daftee [the big long one for your benefit]? :D
Marco.
Ninanina
30-05-2015, 18:46
Good stuff, Bev! Do you have a Lidl near you? If so, grab a bottle of the Chianti Riserva I've recommended. I think you'd love it! :)
Marco.
Yes I have a Lidl not too far away... I'll try the Chianti Riserva you mention... thanks ... ;)
Nice one. I think you'd also like the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano :)
Marco.
Lol - did you read my previous post [the big long one for your benefit]? :D
Marco.
ah yes. I have an aerator and a decanter, and a thermometer. My kitchen counter in corner is usually about that temp as it doesnt get any sun.. If I bag any I will follow your instructions then drink frae the bottle :eyebrows:
Lol! Aye, just like ye dae wi Bucky! :eyebrows:
Seriously though, give it a go and see what you think. If you appreciate nice wine, how it's treated and served is just as important to the final result as ensuring that your system is set up properly to accurately reproduce recorded music! ;)
Marco.
very true. i usually drink out of my big thin finely engrraved wine goblet. been in the family for an eon and i treat it better than my kids
Sounds nice. We need a piccy!
Marco.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/30/a683f8686999375e06ca472976413b3f.jpg
Gorgeous!! :drool:
Love vintage glass :thumbsup:
Marco.
walpurgis
30-05-2015, 19:21
I usually drink out of the can ('cos I'm a yob). :D
I usually drink out of the can ('cos I'm a yob). :D
Prefer my lager from a can; I must have the yob in me too:lol:
Ha - I do that, too. However, my preference is for a nice Pils-type glass, such as this (as I like to drink beer through a nice frothy 'head'):
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/537/lmNpjh.jpg
Or this:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/901/2f2DXl.jpg
I have quite a nice collection! :barrel:
Marco.
Ok guys,
Just a 'heads up' if you weren't aware of the above. There are some top-notch wines available at very good prices. Knowing Italian wines (and others) in depth, here are my recommendations - indeed I have just returned from Lidl and bought these myself:
Italian (white) :
Roero Arnesis, Cascina Valentino 2013 - £7.99.
This wine is from the Piedmont area of Italy, using a rather unusual grape variety, and is superb served chilled, with some chicken dishes, fish and seafood. Very unusual to see it in this country!
Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Corte alle Mura 2013 - £5.99.
This wine is a Tuscan classic, beautifully fruity and flavourful. Gorgeous, served chilled, even as an aperitif! Also, very nice with risotto, veal, grilled chicken or pork dishes.
Italian (red) :
Fortezza dei Colli, Chianti Classico D.O.C.G Riserva, 2009 - £6.99. This is big, bold, juicy, fruity lusciousness to the max, and probably one of the best Chiantis you can drink south of £25.00 a bottle! This is a MEGA BARGAIN, folks and should be snapped up immediately!!
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2011 - £7.99. Another mega bargain. Think Brunello di Montalcino on the cheap: big, powerful and jammy, but instead of £20-30 a bottle, you're getting it for £7.99 :eek: Awesome with all red meats and strong cheeses!
French (refreshing rosé for summer) :
Corbières Rosé, 2014 - £4.99.
Côtes du Rhône Rosé, 2014 - £5.49. This one will be a little more full-bodied and 'intense' than the Corbières.
Cabernet d'Anjou Rosé, Domaine de Terrebrune 2014 - £5.99. The driest of the three, but still nicely fruity. Great with pan-fried scallops!
French (red) :
One for Barry... An outstanding Bordeaux (Fronsac), Les Sources du Château de la Riviére, 2012. Should be up there with some of the nicest Médoc you've had, but at around half the price you'll pay per bottle from Laithwaites! ;)
Enjoy, folks :cheers:
Marco.
Only had one of those in my local..doh! so i got 3 bottles:D may not be buying food nextvweek but got plenty liquids
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/31/64be1a259bdb3a6f4a12b86becbc46bf.jpg
pcourtney
31-05-2015, 15:08
managed to get some from the Harlow branch of Lidl today, this will be great for our Dinner party next week, thanks for the tip off Marco :-)
http://www.lidl.co.uk/en/2486.htm?action=showDetail&id=23864
No worries, guys. Let us know what you think when you slurp it! :)
Marco.
I am intrigued by your recommendation of the Fortezza dei Colli , Marco.
Every time I have had wine from Lidl ,its been disappointing. I will have to try and find some:)
Mind you ,the last time I was in your local branch ,I told my wife it was full of foreigners !!
Welsh and Polish !!
Wash my mouth out!!!!
The Poles seem to have taken over Lidl's in my area I suppose its natural being from that part of the world. Always found them helpful in the shop. Finished the last bottle so will be trying out the Fortezza next.:D
Lol - there are rather a lot of those in Wrexham, Anto! :eyebrows:
Interesting that you've always been disappointed with Lidl wines. My experience is quite the opposite, certainly when it comes to these 'specials' (for Italian week, etc) that they get in occasionally, which for me always offer superb 'slurp-per-pound' value!
Whether or not you'll enjoy the Colli will be down to two things: your individual palate and whether or not Chianti is your 'bag'. It's certainly superb value, as you could easily pay double that for it in a specialist wine merchants.
It's never going to be the most robust or powerful tasting wine in the world, but the Riservas have a structure and finesse about them (as well as the inherent fruitiness associated with the Sangiovese grape) that sets them apart from the bog-standard varieties - and ABOVE ALL, Chianti is a foodie wine, so to be appreciated at its best, it should be enjoyed with, say, a fantastic plate of tagliatelle al ragu, wild mushroom risotto, or just with some crusty bread and a big dollop of Dolcelatte!
I'm also down your way quite often, popping into Tanners, which is where I buy my 'special wines' for laying down, and unusual stuff that's difficult to find elsewhere.
Marco.
Ninanina
31-05-2015, 20:50
.......or just with some crusty bread and a big dollop of Dolcelatte!
:drool::drool: one of my favourite cheeses...
dont like blue cheese.:rolleyes: more of a cheddar type; not much to beat a bit of mousetrap:lol:
:drool::drool: one of my favourite cheeses...
Quality, innit? Have you ever tried CREMA di Dolcelatte? Now that is unctious in the extreme!! Yummers..... :eyebrows:
Marco.
dont like blue cheese.:rolleyes: more of a cheddar type; not much to beat a bit of mousetrap:lol:
Nah, you can't beat a top-notch Stilton with some vintage port! ;)
If you like cheddar, have you tried Snowdonia Black Bomber? If not, that'll blow yer mind.... :trust:
Marco.
walpurgis
31-05-2015, 21:02
Can't resist a bit of St Agur myself. Never mind the bread or crackers, I just cut a big chunk and eat it like that. Heaven! (mind you a pongy soggy Camembert is very nice too)
For a bit of local cheese ,try some Belton Red Fox , made in Whitchurch . (Dare I say it from milk from some of my cows):D
St Agur is scrummy I agree , Stilton needs to be young and creamy IMO
Not sure how many enjoy the real ale on here :),but a favourite from the North Wales border of mine , is Station Bitter ,brewed in Oswestry .
Another new brewery is in Shrewsbury ,Battlefield brewery , and they produce some amazing real ales , Gold , Citrus Burst , and a strong IPA called Sabut Yung and others :cool:
Ninanina
31-05-2015, 21:13
Can't resist a bit of St Agur myself. Never mind the bread or crackers, I just cut a big chunk and eat it like that. Heaven! (mind you a pongy soggy Camembert is very nice too)
Yes I like St Agur as well but the best Camembert i've had is this:
http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/camembert.jpg (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/camembert.jpg.html)
And you can 'bring it on' if you store it for some days in the fridge... it gets really smelly and quite runny and is lovely.. :)
Yes I like St Agur as well but the best Camembert i've had is this:
http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/camembert.jpg (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/camembert.jpg.html)
And you can 'bring it on' if you store it for some days in the fridge... it gets really smelly and quite runny and is lovely.. :)
Living where you do , I would be over the water to fetch a few cartwheels of the proper stuff !! Ha
Not sure how many enjoy the real ale on here :),but a favourite from the North Wales border of mine , is Station Bitter ,brewed in Oswestry .
Another new brewery is in Shrewsbury ,Battlefield brewery , and they produce some amazing real ales , Gold , Citrus Burst , and a strong IPA called Sabut Yung and others :cool:
Do you know any decent pubs in the area that serve them on draught? I love real ales, but for me, they're never the same out of a bottle! :)
Marco.
walpurgis
31-05-2015, 21:20
Yes I like St Agur as well but the best Camembert i've had is this:
http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/camembert.jpg (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/camembert.jpg.html)
And you can 'bring it on' if you store it for some days in the fridge... it gets really smelly and quite runny and is lovely.. :)
Yeah, that's a good one. I often buy that and as you say, it gets better whilst it's stored. Yum!!
As for Cheddars, I quite partial to Maryland Cheddar. Very tangy and slightly crumbly. Nice.
Not sure how many enjoy the real ale on here :),but a favourite from the North Wales border of mine , is Station Bitter ,brewed in Oswestry .
Another new brewery is in Shrewsbury ,Battlefield brewery , and they produce some amazing real ales , Gold , Citrus Burst , and a strong IPA called Sabut Yung and others :cool:
Barry likes his real ale; personally I dont much. Used to like Belhaven best when younger; although not real ale, but is close enough. Think Croc Dundee summed things up for me with his "Well, you can live on it, but it taste like shit.":eyebrows:
As for Cheddars, I quite partial to Maryland Cheddar. Very tangy and slightly crumbly. Nice.
Try Snowdonia Black Bomber, Geoff. I think you'd love it (most supermarkets sell it). Here's one on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/131502753358?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&chn=ps&device=c&rlsatarget=&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0
It's awesome stuff, mate! :)
Brie lovers? There is only ONE, and that's the highest quality Brie de Meaux - anything else pales into insignificance in comparison: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brie_de_Meaux
Choose your favourite producer, by all means, but if you're a mature Brie lover, there is *nothing* to touch Brie de Meaux!!
:exactly:
Oh, the Colli would go very well with that, too!
Marco.
walpurgis
31-05-2015, 21:40
Try Snowdonia Black Bomber, Marco.
Don't know that one Marco. I shall keep an eye out for it! I'm a bit of a cheese addict, so anything good is appreciated.
StanleyB
31-05-2015, 21:45
I am a rum man myself, so not much to say on wine, unless it is prosecco or champagne. The only whiskey that I drink is Southern Comfort. Real Ale? Never tried the stuff.
Don't know that one Marco. I shall keep an eye out for it! I'm a bit of a cheese addict, so anything good is appreciated.
Grab some next time you're buying cheese. It has a unique flavour all of its own, but also that lovely tongue-tingling pungency of the best, most mature cheddars :)
Marco.
Try Snowdonia Black Bomber, Geoff. I think you'd love it (most supermarkets sell it). Here's one on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/131502753358?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&chn=ps&device=c&rlsatarget=&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0
It's awesome stuff, mate! :)
Brie lovers? There is only ONE, and that's the highest quality Brie de Meaux - anything else pales into insignificance in comparison: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brie_de_Meaux
Choose your favourite producer, by all means, but if you're a mature Brie lover, there is *nothing* to touch Brie de Meaux!!
:exactly:
Oh, the Colli would go very well with that, too!
Marco.
Not tried Bomber or seen it but will watch for it. Aldi often do some nice little chedders in wax that are the right size for me. only me and I have to only take small quantities these days. about the only thing my stomach doesnt get up in arms about is chicken, red wine and bourbon :eyebrows:
I am a rum man myself, so not much to say on wine, unless it is prosecco or champagne. The only whiskey that I drink is Southern Comfort. Real Ale? Never tried the stuff.
Plenty of superb Prosecco in Lidl, Stan! Also very good Champagne, from small producers, ably capable of competing with the 'big boys'. Check out this chap (also available in the UK):
http://www.lidl.de/de/bissinger-champagner-premium-cuvee-brut/p35484
Far better than Moet, for much less money! :trust:
They're also doing this, which I want to try. Should be lovely for summer drinking: http://www.lidl.de/de/bissinger-champagner-rose-brut/p391
:)
Marco.
Finished the last bottle so will be trying out the Fortezza next.:D
So how was it for you then, dahling, and did you serve it the way I suggested? :eyebrows:
Marco.
StanleyB
01-06-2015, 07:37
Thanks for those tips Marco. I'll have a browse in my local Lidl next time I pass there IF I can find a parking space..
So how was it for you then, dahling, and did you serve it the way I suggested? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Not opened it yet.[emoji12]
Thanks for those tips Marco. I'll have a browse in my local Lidl next time I pass there IF I can find a parking space..
No worries, dude. Lidli/Aldi produce is all about getting the absolute best quality for your money, 'sans frills', which is why it appeals to me, as that's one of my mantras in life! :)
Marco.
No worries, dude. Lidli/Aldi produce is all about getting the absolute best quality for your money, 'sans frills', which is why it appeals to me, as that's one of my mantras in life! :)
Marco.
Agree, a lot of this is to do with their buying method i.e. drive bulk prices of ketchup down by only stocking one product rather than increased cost of stocking multiple ketchup in lower bulk. ALDI meat is just stunning too, a fiver for a proper aged steak or free range chicken.
They cut out the bullshit and snob value of what some perceive as the prestige 'status' of certain supermarkets, which I wholeheartedly applaud.
The Deluxe range from Lidl, for example, is IMO better than anything you'll find in M&S - and at considerably less cost! :)
Only Waitrose and Booths, IMO, have anything genuinely 'posher' to offer than the other supermarkets. Anyone who thinks that shopping, for example, in Tesco or Sainsburys is somehow 'better' than shopping in Aldi or Lidl, for the majority of food items, is suffering from delusions of grandeur and living in cloud-cuckoo land!!
Marco.
Ninanina
01-06-2015, 17:49
Just opened a bottle of Colli, very nice it is too
Just going to sip it with some pate´and crusty bread.. :D
Nice one, Bev - as long as you're enjoying it with some type of food, it should hit the spot. Enjoy! :)
Marco.
Opened one of my bottles . Not b ad...could get a bit sick of it after a case lol.
Very nic e with sweet chilli chicken and noodles
Ninanina
01-06-2015, 21:30
I've decanted my Colli, which I very rarely do... I've twice poured it back and forth and I think it is nice and aerated now... it's a lovely drop of red... but as you say Marco it has to be with some food... it's not an idle sipper.. :cheers:
Its my hospital day in livvy so always end up in the lidl there ..... so will see if i can track down any more of those wines you mentioned ...I enjoyed the one i was drinking yesterday..
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/02/8860ee551832a4eca3d236f218c5e950.jpg
found one of these[emoji12]
Cool. Sometimes they have them outside of the main wine area, and in a separate section next to the Italian food they're promoting, so try there.
Failing that, pick up one of the Italian week brochures at the entrance, identify the wine you're looking for in it, and ask a member of staff when that wine (or those wines) are coming in. I usually find the staff very helpful.
The two other main reds you want to try and get are the Fronsac (French) and the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - both of those are superb! :)
Marco.
Lol - just seen your last post! :eyebrows:
Marco.
ALDI just won an award for their Highland Black 8yr Old @ £12.99. It was blind tested & awarded alongside a £75 bottle!
Doesn't surprise me one bit. The inherent quality of the products that they sell applies across the board, including as I said earlier, champagne. If you're into some quality bubbly, try the one I linked to earlier and, trust me, it will 'refocus' your view of what you're paying for with some well-established brand names! ;)
Lidl and Aldi are taking more and more business away from the 'big boys' every day, and that's simply because more and more folk are sussing out how good their stuff is and where the REAL value lies with their supermarket shopping, and as such Aldi and Lidl's market share is only destined to grow.............
Bring it on, I say, because the 'big boys' (Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys) have been getting it their own way for far too long, and so have been overdue a kick up the arse! It can only be good news, for us, the consumer, as it will both lower prices and drive up standards :)
Marco.
I've twice poured it back and forth and I think it is nice and aerated now... it's a lovely drop of red... but as you say Marco it has to be with some food... it's not an idle sipper.. :cheers:
Once is usually enough, Bev, as you don't want to 'agitate' the wine too much. Totally agree about it not being an "idle sipper". For me, that's the case with the majority of red wine, but I guess that's just the way I've been brought up.
You'll rarely see Italians eating without wine featuring somewhere in the equation, and when the food eating stops, usually the wine drinking does too... ;)
Consequently, the only wine I can really sip on its own is dessert wine. With what one could call 'table wine', I always feel that something is missing without food - even if it's simply nibbling on some nuts!
Down Grant, yer chuckies are safe.... :eyebrows:
Marco.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/02/4f0470bcbff426c4cb4c7f5b674b1565.jpg
Picked this up in Aldi . £4.99
2005 Château Castelbruck, Margaux Médoc, Bordeaux
http://www.bawineclub.co.uk/images/products/39651b.jpg
12% ABV, ~ £23 a bottle
As close to Château Margaux as I am ever going to get. I bought a case of the 2005 a few years ago and I’m down to the last two bottles! 2005 was never the best vintage for Château Castelbruck and it now needs drinking up.
Still it accompanied the fine meal I had cooked: grilled venison steak, with braised fennel, boiled potatoes, glazed carrots, leeks, cabbage and sweetcorn.
(My guest had no complaints about the food or the wine! :))
Excellent! Now when are you going to pop along to Lidl and grab that Fronsac? ;)
Marco.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/02/4f0470bcbff426c4cb4c7f5b674b1565.jpg
Picked this up in Aldi . £4.99
A little info on this type
Carignan – Syrah is a blend of two dark-skinned grape varieties that is used in France, Spain and South Africa. The blend is somewhat uncommon in that it is usually augmented by the addition of other, more expressive grapes, such as Grenache or other Southern Rhone varieties.
Syrah (also known as Shiraz) is the more prestigious of the two partners in the blend. It is a variety that has berry clusters that are looser, more resistant to wet weather and which are earlier to ripen than those of Carignan. However Carignan (also known as Cariñena or Mazuelo in Spain) adds more astringency, tannins and deep color to the mix. Wine made from Syrah and Carignan frequently have dark-berry flavors, often with a savory or smoky twist.
The blend is permitted in the dynamic Priorat DOCa of Spain but is mostly produced in southern France.
Tonight I have mainly been drinking Battlefield Gold and some Green King IPA
Burp
Ok guys,
Just a 'heads up' if you weren't aware of the above. There are some top-notch wines available at very good prices. Knowing Italian wines (and others) in depth, here are my recommendations - indeed I have just returned from Lidl and bought these myself:
Italian (white) :
Roero Arnesis, Cascina Valentino 2013 - £7.99.
This wine is from the Piedmont area of Italy, using a rather unusual grape variety, and is superb served chilled with some chicken dishes, fish and seafood. Very unusual to see it in this country!
Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Corte alle Mura 2013 - £5.99.
This wine is a Tuscan classic, beautifully fruity and flavourful. Gorgeous, served chilled, even as an aperitif! Also, very nice with risotto, veal, grilled chicken or pork dishes.
Italian (red) :
Fortezza dei Colli, Chianti Classico D.O.C.G Riserva, 2009 - £6.99. This is big, bold, juicy, fruity lusciousness to the max, and probably one of the best Chiantis you can drink south of £25.00 a bottle! This is a MEGA BARGAIN, folks and should be snapped up immediately!!
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2011 - £7.99. Another mega bargain. Think Brunello di Montalcino on the cheap: big, powerful and jammy, but instead of £20-30 a bottle, you're getting it for £7.99 :eek: Awesome with all red meats and strong cheeses!
French (refreshing rosé for summer) :
Corbières Rosé, 2014 - £4.99.
Côtes du Rhône Rosé, 2014 - £5.49. This one will be a little more full-bodied and 'intense' than the Corbières.
Cabernet d'Anjou Rosé, Domaine de Terrebrune 2014 - £5.99. The driest of the three, but still nicely fruity. Great with pan-fried scallops!
French (red) :
One for Barry... An outstanding Bordeaux (Fronsac), Les Sources du Château de la Riviére, 2012 - £7.99. Should be up there with some of the nicest Médoc you've had, but at around half the price you'll pay per bottle from Laithwaites! ;)
Enjoy, folks :cheers:
Marco.
Managed to bag half a dozen bottles of the Fortezza dei Colli yesterday, I will sample on Friday. Thanks for the recommendation.
Yer welcome, John. Let us know how she slurps when you pop the cork! :cheers:
Marco.
Managed to bag half a dozen bottles of the Fortezza dei Colli yesterday, I will sample on Friday. Thanks for the recommendation.
its very nice even without food...i polished off the bottle in 2 sessions. had a chilli with one glass the rest just slurping
Apparently, it goes great with deep-fried Mars bars... :eyebrows:
Marco.
Apparently, it goes great with deep-fried Mars bars... :eyebrows:
Marco.
:lol: funny but never tried one...actually dont know anyone who has. but one day i must:D
I know, it's one of the many fables that seem to attach themselves to Scotland (usually perpetrated by the English) - like we all cut about the place in kilts shouting: 'There's a moose loose aboot this hoose!' :mental: :D
Marco.
Beobloke
03-06-2015, 11:57
:lol: funny but never tried one...actually dont know anyone who has.
I have, on several occasions. Last time was in Camden market a few months ago but a chippy in the village near us does them as well.
They're wrong....but yet so right at the same time!
2009 Château Rollin, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
http://static.wine-searcher.net/images/labels/90/07/chateau-rollin-haut-medoc-france-10379007.jpg
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape.
“Pencil shavings, juicy plum and blackberry, nice slight animal touch to the nose. Good structure and length.”
Decanter Wine Bronze medal winner
13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2015. Approx £6 a bottle.
Enjoyed with gammon steak and new potatoes, grilled tomatoes, petit pois, sweet corn and leeks.
Excellent! Now when are you going to pop along to Lidl and grab that Fronsac? ;)
:popcorn: :popcorn:
Marco.
:popcorn: :popcorn:
Marco.
Does it go well with deep-fried Mars bar?
Yesh, but even better with gammon steak and new potatoes, grilled tomatoes, petit pois, sweet corn and leeks! :lol:
Marco.
Ninanina
03-06-2015, 18:59
I'm really enjoying the Colli...
It is better from the decanter though... I sound so posh don't I ?? :D:D
i AM ONTO THE Carignan – Syrah...its very good value for a fiver. really liked it....but have had a hard day and that calls for the hard stuff:eyebrows:
I'm really enjoying the Colli...
It is better from the decanter though... I sound so posh don't I ?? :D:D
Told yer! Yesh, did the sommelier serve it to you? :eyebrows:
Marco.
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