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

 
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