Wine Tastings
Niepoort Vintage Port 2019 75cl
We are delighted to announce that Niepoort have declared their 2019 Vintage Port, and to share the details of this exceptional vintage, and our offer, with you.In the words of Dirk Niepoort..."2019 had the classic hallmarks of a great vintage; A rainy winter followed by a dry summer with rain in the last weekend of August allowing the fruit to reach full maturity whilst maintaining finesse and elegance - the perfect conditions in which the Niepoort style thrives!
This is a port with a concentrated depth of colour. The true potential and style of this wine is really displayed on the palate with wonderful integration of dark fruits, a grainy tannic structure, and pairing volume with amazing balance and elegance culminating in an impressive finish.
In conclusion, the primary fruit on the palate is appealing at this stage, but it is the balanced tannic structure which indicates great ageing potential for the future.
This is a Vintage Port with personality and, for Niepoort, richer and riper than previous vintages, but maintains the true essence of a Niepoort Vintage Port; finesse, no exuberance and an overarching balance to the wine that will continue to develop for years to come."After trying this wine, I heartily agree that this is a very special wine. What I love about Niepoort's Vintage Ports is that they are so VERY DRINKABLE; they have the depth and complexity of a fortified wine but they have a lightness of touch almost like his (amazing) table wines. I'll certainly be buying some for myself, perhaps to squirrel away for a few years, but as the wine is drinking so well already, it will be hard to resist when Christmas rolls around this year!
Buy for yourself or as a wonderful gift for future generations.This wine is available to buy now and the wine will arrive in the UK November 2019 - we will notify you when it arrives. Offer ends Monday 14th June
Gordon & MacPhail – Caol Ila 13yo Single Malt Whisky
Gordon & MacPhail – Tomatin 2010 Single Malt Whisky
Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Safres’, Le Clos du Caillou’
The much-lauded Le Clos du Caillou produces classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines that just keep getting better, year-on-year. The domaine is situated on the edge of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is unique in that, in 1936, the owner (who was then away at a hunting retreat) refused to allow the experts who were drawing up the boundaries of the appellation to visit his domaine. Thus, it was not included in the delimited area and remains to this day an enclave within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The domaine practices biodynamic farming techniques and was certified "Agriculture Biologique" in 2010 and "Vin Biologique" in 2012. Their trademark style lies in full-bodied wines with rich red fruit flavours, velvety texture and fine tannins.Les Safres is 95% Grenache with the rest Mourvedre, Cinsault & Vaccarese. Not too heavy for a Chateauneuf but great intensity of pure spicy dark fruit. Really impressive.
Amarone, Musella
Musella make very special wines! What makes them unique is that they look for harmony and balance in the wine, not just power and intensity. Don't get me wrong, this is still a full-bodied wine, made with dried grapes in the usual way, but it isn't too intense or too alcoholic like a lot of modern Amarone. This is deliciously drinkable; more than one glass won't knock you out! Maddalena Pasqua is passionate about her vineyards and the land on which she lives; she makes wines that shine with this love. All the vineyards and farmed Biodynamically and the wines made by hand.
A great wine to finish the meal and can accompany a range of cheeses including complex Cheddars such as Montgomery or Pitchfork, or soft blues like Beauvale.
Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco, Piemonte
In 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way the small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. The first three vintages were made in the church basement, and then in the winery built across the square from where the Produttori is still located. United once again, the small growers continued the work started by Domizio Cavazza, producing only Barbaresco wine and enhancing both the reputation of the wine and the village.
The Produttori del Barbaresco now has 50 members and 100 hectares (250 acres) of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation, which amounts to almost a sixth of the vineyards of the area. The most important thing, however, is that quality is always the highest priority and in Aldo Vacca, they have one of the World's most respected winemakers.
We buy this wine every year and it never disappoints; every vintage is different, reflecting the year itself, but has the hallmark of class and quality. The thing I like most about this is the amazing perfume; great Nebbiolo has a unique nose that is hard to beat! These wines age gracefully for decades and really represent great value in the context of Piemonte's top producers.
A great wine for the cheeseboard but also, venison and duck; when young the tannins are firm, so the food does need some richness and fat. As they age, the tannins soften but strong, hard cheeses (Old Winchester, Double Barrel, Cornish Kern...) are still my favourite match.
Etna Rosso ‘Passorosso’, Passopisciaro, Sicily
Passopisciaro is one of the leading producers in Sicily; their wines really have something special about them.The grape here is Nerello Mascalese and on Etna's volcanic soils it makes wines of beguiling perfume and style.
This is not a heavy, full-bodied wine but like Barolo and Barbaresco, there is a structure that gives them stature and a sense of import.This wine can stand up to rich stews and game dishes but really shines with a couple of simple hard cheeses; try it with Corra Lin or Lincolnshire Poacher
Benromach 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
Redoma Tinto, Niepoort
The Redoma wines are perhaps the flagship of Dirk Niepoort's range. The Tinto is rich and full-bodied with layers of dark fruit flavour and complex spice. 2017 was such a fantastic vintage for Niepoort, the wine is approachable now, but having tried older vintages over the years, it will definitely repay some years in the bottle.
Perfect with the full roast beef dinner, or something gamey like venison stew.
Vina Arana Gran Reserva, La Rioja Alta
La Rioja Alta is one of the great names in the world of wine, making truly magnificent wines. Vina Arana was always made as a Reserva, but from the 2012 vintage, they have extended the ageing to elevate it to Gran Reserva. The result is impressive – very smooth and complex; drinking well now but will improve for decades to come!
