In memory of John Heavey
Arranged by the
chairman
A tasting to celebrate our late and much missed treasurer, featuring wines he liked donated by the members. No prices so stars are purely on how good it tasted; value didn't enter into it.
1. Dourthe Sauvignon Blanc No. 1, Bordeaux, 2007
Leafy, garden peas. Huge
zing, passion fruit, a hint of sweetness (12%). Very nice although, with
the smoked salmon, developed a bit of a metallic taste.
Donated by Roddy Comyn
2. d'Arenberg 'The Hermit Crab', Viognier/Marsanne, McLaren Vale, South
Australia, 2007
Somewhat smoky nose. Lovely
rich fruit, nicely fatted up by the Marsanne but with plenty of good acid.
Some alcohol sweetness (13.5%) Long, lovely finish.
Donated by Rodney Shaw
3. Darting Riesling Kabinett
Halbtrocken, Pfalz, 2006
Nice green apple and honey
nose. Apple a bit stewed in the mouth, some pear as well. Honey, even
caramel. Lovely. 10.5%
Donated by John Kavanagh
4. Ravenswood Vintners Blend
Zinfandel, Sonoma, California, 2005
Nice plug tobacco and
fruitcake nose. Good fruit and acid. Nice. I'm not a Zin fan
but I've always liked this one. 13.5%
Donated by Kevin Crowley
5. Azienda Agricola Zaccagnini,
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Bolognano, Pescara, Italy, 2006
Lovely, dark, clean red. Not
a big nose but very civilized. Beautifully smooth, some tannins but not
intrusive, well-structured.
Donated by Frank
Searson
6. Domaine Joblot, "Clos de la
Servoisine", 1er cru, Givry AC, Cote Challonaise, 2006
Mid-red, clean. Light nose,
quite a grab in the mouth. A teensy bit raw, loads of fruit, a wash of
strawberry and raspberry (without the cream). Something metallic without
being unpleasant; quite interesting but I'm not sure about it. Very young
and a little bit watery.
Donated by Conor Richardson
7.
Paul Jaboulet Aine, "Domaine de Thalabert" Crozes Hermitage, 1999
A hint of brown around the
edges. Beautiful edge of dried prunes and raisins; rich fruit, smooth,
still a good kick. Gorgeous. 100% Syrah..
Donated by Mark Wilkinson
8.
Chateau Musar, ekaa Valley, Lebanon, 2000
Nice red, hint of pink? Rich
fruitcake and tobacco nose. in the mouth, nice fruit and, again, plug
tobacco. Very fresh. Cab Sauvignon and Cinsaut, maybe Carignan. (Maybe
others too!) 13.5% I love it. More!
Donated by Mick Harkin
9.
Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia, 1991
Really deep red. A hint of
mint on the nose. Incredibly fresh, good acid, lighter fruit and a long
finish. Amazing. This was made for the 100th anniversary of Wynns.
Donated by Mark Downes
10. Il Molino di Grace,
Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, 2001
Deep, deep red. Smoky oak.
Fresh, amaro, cherry. Lovely bitter ending. A stunning match with walnuts
and Parmesan. At least 80% Sangiovese. 13%
Donated by Tony
Fahy
11.
Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva, Rioja, 2001
Huge mouth-feel. Quite
bitter: almond, marzipan. Tempranillo, Graciano, Marzuelo. 14%. 100th
anniversary year. Stunning stuff.
Donated by Se
Boland
12.
Mauro "Vendimia Seleccionada", Castilia y Leon, Spain, 2001
Deep, rich red. Good
structure, tannins still there but not intrusive; Great fruit, some amaro
again - seems to be theme of the night - A bigger wine but not showing
quite as well as the Marques de Riscal. 100% Tempranillo. 14.5%.
It's on the edge of Ribeiro del Duero. Note no D.O.!
Donated by Tom Kirley