Preamble Tasting May
2001
An International Selection
Mark Downes
1. Gewurtztraminer, Trimbach, Alsace, France,
1998
Always lovely, but this
vintage a bit softer than usual; a bit sugar-watery. Suggestion by
apple of my eye that I am comparing against some recently glugged aged
Grand Crus may have merit, however :)
Superquinn, £11.00
2. Bernkastler Badstube Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Reichsgraf von
Kasselstatt, 1997
The typical Riesling nose; a
bit off the chill but still lots to say. Too sweet for me, though
with good acids and a hint of petrol coming through. Slightly
petillant.. Only 8%.
Searson £9.40
3. Wine Makers Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Babich,
Marlborough, New Zealand, 2000 
Very aromatic.
Beautifully rounded wine, well balanced, less grassiness than the
'99. A tremendous extract from gravelly soil. 13.5%
Gleesons, £8.99
4. Pepperwood Grove Zinfandel, Oakville, California, USA, 1998
Lovely orangey colour,
almost a creamy nose. A hint of cough medicine. Beautifully
rich and structured. 13.5% I admit again to a general dislike
of Zin (although I love Italian Primitivo) but have always liked this
one. It must be the way they make them; Now I have this theory
that it's maceration carbonique that creates the taste I dislike; I
wonder ... OK, OK, I can hear the yawns starting!
Magic Carpet, £8.99, widely available
5. Chateau Bonnet Reserve, Lurton, Bordeaux, 1997
Rich Bordeaux
fruitcake nose. Good tannin, fruit and acid. Could go another year
or two, but '97 was a light vintage so don't keep it too long. Teeny bit
sharp. 12.5%
Febvre, £10.00
6. La Cuesta, Vina Tarapaca, Maipo Valley,
Chile, 1999
Lovely rich nose
with hint of rubber. Sense of warmth. Quite stern but
rich. Odd finish - not unpleasant - something cool at the back of
the palate. Oaky vanilla; young but drinking well. Will get
better. With a big juicy steak ...mmm! 14%. Cab Sauv and Syrah
Gleesons, c. £9.50
7. Ciro Classico Riserva 'Duce San Felice',
Librandia, Calabria, Italy, 1997
A lighter feel on
nose and palate than previous vintages, a nice light colour.
Loads of fruit, soft tannins, cherries, warmth - lovely. Gaglioppo
grape, said to be originally from Greece.
Findlater, £9.00
8. Chateau Musar, Gaston Hochar, Beka Valley, Lebanon, 1994
Sediment clouded;
acetone, quite sharp and hot on the palate. Not showing at its
best. Cab Sauv and Cinsault. May improve; always had good
aging properties.
Superquinn, £15.99
9. Rust en Vrede Esatae, Cabernet Sauvignonm
Stellenbosch, South Africa, 1997
Mid - dark red, not particulary noticeable nose. Very
blackcurrant, too young, hint of rubber, loads of fruit.
Silky. Good grip. Will go a long way. It means
"Rest in Peace".
O'Brien, £13.99
10. Arzuaga Crianza, Ribero del Duero, Spain, 1997
Burnt rubber and vanilla, Palate of condensed milk and tannins
doesn't live up to the nose. Loads of fruit submerged behind; could
be great. Leaves a warm buzz in the mouth afterwards,
with the milk taste. 100% Tempranillo,13.5%.
Searson, £19.49
11. Maglieri Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South
Australia, 1997
Big deep red-black. Surprisingly restrained on the nose; hint of
leather. Big, fruity, rounded. I still find Italian
nuances in here, as I did when first tasted (blind).Prunes, rich flavours,
14%, lovely.
Gleesons, c£12.50
12. Urtiga v.c. Port, Ramon-Pinto, Portugal
Beautiful, smooth, a bit of burn. Maybe needs a bit more
backbone but lovely nonetheless. 19.5%
Searson, £16.81