The Wine Thread

[Paddington Bear]

Was caught by surprise in Waitrose yesterday when buying a bottle for dinner to find an English red wine - Dark Harvest from Sussex. Bought it out of curiosity. Quite sharp but otherwise fairly drinkable, wouldn't rush back to it but wouldn't say no either. Had no idea it was even possible t grow reds in our climate so fair play to them for giving it a go.

[Insane_Homer]

Costco have Chocolate Block for ~£18 a bottle.

[frankstero]

Costco have Chocolate Block for ~£18 a bottle.

The last time I tried Chocolate Block it was a bit awkward, probably just down to being very young, so probably worth putting down for a year or two.

In fairness it was tasted straight after Mullineux Syrah which is the business!

[frankstero]

Found a cracker for anyone that wants a big red.

https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/mayu-c ... ento-39407

Not going to try and get all frankster on this, as I don’t have the ability, so I’ll just say this; this wine tickles the side of my tongue. In a nice way.

Strongly recommend.

Interesting wine! Does it have any green bell pepper notes? Somewhat sweet?

It’s got a touch of sweetness, but must admit I wasn’t watching for green peppers.

I’ve ordered some more, so I’ll need to open one ASAP. For research purposes.

Thank you for your service

Green peppers can dominate Carmenère if it's not (phenolicly) ripe when harvested. In the background they can be very pleasant.

[frankstero]

My latest post is a book review: The Wines of New Zealand by Rebecca Gibb MW

[Insane_Homer]

Costco have Chocolate Block for ~£18 a bottle.

The last time I tried Chocolate Block it was a bit awkward, probably just down to being very young, so probably worth putting down for a year or two.

In fairness it was tasted straight after Mullineux Syrah which is the business!

I have a 2018 case set aside for that exact reason.

[SaintK]

My latest post is a book review: The Wines of New Zealand by Rebecca Gibb MW

Thanks Frankie, looks pretty comprehensive!
You come across Wine from Another Galaxy by Dan Keating and Mark Anrew, the Noble Rot guys?
Was given it for Christmas (mainly because I love their restaurant), it's a very enjoyable read.

[frankstero]

My latest post is a book review: The Wines of New Zealand by Rebecca Gibb MW

Thanks Frankie, looks pretty comprehensive!
You come across Wine from Another Galaxy by Dan Keating and Mark Anrew, the Noble Rot guys?
Was given it for Christmas (mainly because I love their restaurant), it's a very enjoyable read.

I also got given it for Xmas, though haven't had time to open it yet!

[SaintK]

My latest post is a book review: The Wines of New Zealand by Rebecca Gibb MW

Thanks Frankie, looks pretty comprehensive!
You come across Wine from Another Galaxy by Dan Keating and Mark Anrew, the Noble Rot guys?
Was given it for Christmas (mainly because I love their restaurant), it's a very enjoyable read.

I also got given it for Xmas, though haven't had time to open it yet!

Should imagine you'll enjoy it very much

[frankstero]

If you've never tried Aligoté, even the cheaper ones can be worth a try: Alsace & Burgundy from Lidl

[frankstero]

A catch up on recent posts:

Top notch Pecorino from Cataldi Madonna

Producer Profile: Pegasus Bay of Glasnevin

Bourgogne Aligoté from Maison Ambroise and Domaine Michel Lafarge

[Random1]

Frankster- I’m after a recommendation. I’m looking for a really powerful red. Like something that picks you up and slaps your face, but still smooth as silk.

Up to £100 for a bottle. I want to get my brother something really special and memorable for a big birthday.

Cheers

[Stranger]

Random1 - Cote de Rotie?

[Random1]

Random1 - Cote de Rotie?

I never even considered an old world wine. I’ll take a look at some roties.

[frankstero]

Random1 - Cote de Rotie?

I never even considered an old world wine. I’ll take a look at some roties.

Sorry I missed this. Côte Rôtie not a bad shout, but probably more power in a good CNDP - some of the bottles from Ch de Beaucastel would be up around £100.

Alternatively a top end Rioja or an Aussie Shiraz?

[frankstero]

Pepe Mendoza Casa Agricola Pureza Moscatel Anfora 2019

[dkm57]

It's 'fishul. wine is good for you - can reduce the need for cataract surgery in over 65s by 23%.

As it's a beautiful Spring day I've just cracked a bottle of Spatlese, we both have sweet palates. Need to order up another case of Murdei, only got 2 left.

[frankstero]

This one's not exactly a bargain at €170 retail: Domaine Louis Latour Grand Cru Corton-Charlemagne 2017

[GogLais]

Late frost seems to have buggered France for 2021. Or parts anyway.

[laurent]

Late frost seems to have buggered France for 2021. Or parts anyway.

Yes however claiming 80 -90% destruction is early though but yes likely be a shit year in quantity.

[frankstero]

A new post just up:

19 Crimes Red (no shackle-dragger jokes please!)

[laurent]

Ah Well. Does not look like it's for me either.
We improved the cellar recently to be able to store 60 more bottles in the racks...

Nothing crazy however I managed to break 1 bottle of 2006 Bordeaux :(

[frankstero]

Ah Well. Does not look like it's for me either.
We improved the cellar recently to be able to store 60 more bottles in the racks...

Nothing crazy however I managed to break 1 bottle of 2006 Bordeaux :(

shite luck mon ami!

[laurent]

Ah Well. Does not look like it's for me either.
We improved the cellar recently to be able to store 60 more bottles in the racks...

Nothing crazy however I managed to break 1 bottle of 2006 Bordeaux :(

shite luck mon ami!

Could have been worse though next is re-doing the bottle list and rearranging the bottles by region (we have a lot of ardèche wine still in boxes)

[Mileendmikey]

Any wine « club » recommendations?

Rather than buying randoms at Tesco, I’m thinking of joining a subs type service to broaden my horizons a bit beyond the Malbec / Sauvignon blanc that we always seem to buy from Tesco.

Any recommendations or views ? Naked wines ? laithwaites ? Others ?

Ta muchly

[frankstero]

A superb modern white Rioja: Conde Valdemar Finca Alto Cantabria 2019

[Mileendmikey]

That was actually just the kind of thing I was after.
Thanks

[frankstero]

Thanks for the vote of confidence chaps

I've never joined a "wine club" as such, but it's definitely worth having a look at The Wine Society's mixed cases if you want some variety.

[Mileendmikey]

Thanks Frank and others. I guess I’m just a bit set in my ways…a few mixed cases will force me to try something new!

[frankstero]

New post on a cracking pair from Piedmont: Ricossa Gavi & Barolo

(Irish lads: these are in the SuperValu Italian wine sale starting 20th May)

[frankstero]

Another Italian pair, this time from Tuscany: Colle Alla Mine Vermentio & Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

[frankstero]

A couple of tasty rosés with an Irish connection

[laurent]

This week end was rather nice.

Pouilly Fumé with a seafood salad
Followed by Chassagne Montrachet with cote de boeuf and Grattin de courgette
Finishing with a viognier (vielle vigne / Late harvest) and an orange cake dessert.

yes it was the 1st nice Sunday in about 2 month.

[SaintK]

This week end was rather nice.

Pouilly Fumé with a seafood salad
Followed by Chassagne Montrachet with cote de boeuf and Grattin de courgette
Finishing with a viognier (vielle vigne / Late harvest) and an orange cake dessert.

yes it was the 1st nice Sunday in about 2 month.

I see you are sticking with that strict diet

[laurent]

This week end was rather nice.

Pouilly Fumé with a seafood salad
Followed by Chassagne Montrachet with cote de boeuf and Grattin de courgette
Finishing with a viognier (vielle vigne / Late harvest) and an orange cake dessert.

yes it was the 1st nice Sunday in about 2 month.

I see you are sticking with that strict diet

Forgot to mention Cheese But then my wine drinking friend does not like it
Tome de brebis Corse

Not much diet here but trying to move more

[frankstero]

A couple of tasty rosés with an Irish connection

I'm not done yet! 2 more rosés with interesting bottle designs

[SaintK]

A couple of tasty rosés with an Irish connection

I'm not done yet! 2 more rosés with interesting bottle designs

Good timing Frankie
We’ve suddenly got rose weather here

[frankstero]

A couple of tasty rosés with an Irish connection

I'm not done yet! 2 more rosés with interesting bottle designs

Good timing Frankie
We’ve suddenly got rose weather here

Ditto in Ireland !

[laurent]

There is 2 3 bottles of rosé left in the cellar but then we get to refill in a month :D

Found a syrah that's not too thin for my taste in ardèche...

[frankstero]

"the palate is beautifully balanced, poised between fruit sweetness, tangy green notes and fresh acidity"
Outstanding Sauvignon Blanc from Whitehaven