Together Alone

What we drank at BD Mansions during Christmas 2005

Argentina

Malbec/Corvina “Passo Doble”, Masi Tupungato, Mendoza. 2004
Extraordinary, unique. A brilliant achievement. Wine Alchemy review published soon.

 

France

Alsace

Pinot Blanc, Marcel Deiss, Bennwhir, 2002
Simply stunning, perfect with home made Quiche Lorraine and a salad. Biodynamic. Wine Alchemy review published.

Bordeaux

Chateau Beaumont, Cru Bourgeois, Haut Medoc. 1999
BD Mansions House Claret. Good fruit, some cedar box complexity. Good value reliable Bordeaux.

Champagne

Domaine Jacques Selosse Rosé Champagne NV
One of Champagne’s great Rosés. Biodynamic. Wine Alchemy review published.

Serge Mathieu Cuvee Tradition Blanc de Noirs NV Champagne
Superb Pinot-based NV shames many a Grande Marque. Wine Alchemy review published.

Tarlant Brut Zero NV Champagne
Delicious baked apples on the nose and the palate, bone dry.

Drappier Grande Sendree Brut, Vintage Champagne 1996
To celebrate the New Year. Serious Pinot based Vintage from the Aube. Lots of biscuit, hot cross bun and Gôut Anglais, full rich and rounded.

White Burgundy

Montagny, Vendanges des Novembre, 2002. Cave des Vignerons de Buxy
Late Harvest Chardonnay with botrytis. Super-rare and not officially allowed in the Montagny appellation. Glorious with Foie Gras, followed by meringues with blackcurrants from the BD Mansions garden

Meursault, 1999, Patrick Javillier “Les Tillets”
Rich powerful Meursault. A brilliant paradox of elegance and power.

Chablis Grand Cru, Grenouilles, 1996 La Chablisienne
Excellent GC Chablis, lots of gunflint minerality. At peak now, enhanced by pan-fried prawns and nothing else.

Red Burgundy

Givry, Premier Cru Crausot, 2000, François Lumpp
Very fine, an exceptional lieu-dit and my favourite Cote Chalonnaise producer. What more could I reasonably ask?

Côtes de Couchois, Vielles Vignes 2000, Domaine de la Tour Bajole, Jean-Claude Dessendre
Perfect minor red burgundy from the Couches-master, now softening nicely. Amazing value.

Vosne-Romanée, 2000 Patrice Rion
Stunning wine that belies its village level, made by one of the best. Drinking relatively early, a little development showing already. Years ahead. Oh! That Pinot mouthfeel!

Gevrey-Chambertin, Premier Cru “Les Cazetiers”, 1998 Armand Rousseau
Very good, understated and subtle, sous-bois perfume and elegance. Enough concentration and power to match the Christmas Day Goose perfectly.

 

Northern Rhône

Crozes-Hermitage, “Les Jalets” 1997, Paul Jaboulet Ainé
Exactly at peak. White lily nose, red fruit and raw meat flavours. This is supposed to be only a minor Syrah. No-one told Jaboulet.

 

Italy

Dindarello, 2002. Maculan, Breganza, Veneto. (Half)
Muscat. Light honey and apricot sweetie. Good with Crème Brulee, but not with mince pies. Very well made.

 

New Zealand

Trinity Hill, Hawke’s Bay Syrah. Gimblett Road, 2000.
Syrah is hot on the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay. Here’s why.

 

South Africa

Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2001 and 2002 WO Walker Bay
One of RSA’s great Pinot-istes. Wine Alchemy reviews of both these vintages published.

 

Spain

Grans Muralles, Torres, 1997 DO Conca de Barbera
Torres’ Flagship. Wine Alchemy review published.

Mas La Plana, Torres, 1999, DO Penedès
Torres’ ex-Flagship. Wine Alchemy review published.