You might recall that we posted a Bordeaux vintage update back at the end of October on our website. Well, now our friends at Bordeaux Vins Selection have released further details on the exciting 2009 vintage.
Their report in summary:
Winter provided an idyllic start to the cycle. A mixture of cold and rain left vines in good condition with ample stores of water for the rest of the year.
An early Spring brought with it quick and even flowering allowing bunches to arrive at maturity together during the grape-picking.
Humidity alternated with heat in July facilitating even and regular development of the grapes. August's climate was sunny, hot and dry and continued into September where the advent of cool nights caused a slower, more even, maturing process. A short period of rain in the middle of the month relieved the stress on the vines and the subsequent harvest was relaxed through to the middle of October.
Analysing the year's climatic conditions alone leads to a prediction of a great vintage. The grapes were gathered in incredibly good condition and the technical teams have worked hard even thought the richness of the must has not been equaled since 1982.
The resulting wines from this vintage are rich in density, fruit and freshness. Although the pH is slightly higher they remain balanced. A mythical vintage could be in the offer judging by the roundness of tannin and the succulence gained from a few weeks aging. It all brings to mind past vintages like 1982 and 1989.
Click HERE for the full report.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Australian Shiraz and Meat Pies: a great pairing.
Most people know that a good steak will love the company of a good Shiraz but recently I have come across another perfect match.
I was sharing some pre-Christmas drinks with friends at home and opened a bottle of RockBare's 2006 McLaren Vale Shiraz. We let it breathe in the bottle for a few minutes but it didn't take long before we had to pour it in to the Riedels and indulge. We were met with a powerful nose showing an abundant amount of blueberries, subtle oak and spice to which all at the table expressed their approval.
But this is nothing new!
However, at the very same time my wife served up some mini Australian meat pies (or as we call them, party pies) that ended up being consumed with the said Shiraz. A friend alerted us to how the two seemed to go together rather nicely. This led to a flurry of arms reaching out for the pies followed by ooh's, aah's, wow's and requests for more pies...... and wine.
It seems that the Australian Shiraz was the perfect match for the rich gravy that we find in meat pies adding spice and fruit to what can be a somewhat bland sauce.
Next time you're considering a meat pie at a restaurant look for the Aussie Shiraz on the wine list. My friends and I recommend it.
Well that's my experience anyway!
Dean
Update: On Christmas day I had the slow cooked Ox Tail at a restaurant and they recommended an Australian Shiraz. Again a good choice. Looks like I'm on a winner with this Shiraz/Gravy combo.
I was sharing some pre-Christmas drinks with friends at home and opened a bottle of RockBare's 2006 McLaren Vale Shiraz. We let it breathe in the bottle for a few minutes but it didn't take long before we had to pour it in to the Riedels and indulge. We were met with a powerful nose showing an abundant amount of blueberries, subtle oak and spice to which all at the table expressed their approval.
But this is nothing new!
However, at the very same time my wife served up some mini Australian meat pies (or as we call them, party pies) that ended up being consumed with the said Shiraz. A friend alerted us to how the two seemed to go together rather nicely. This led to a flurry of arms reaching out for the pies followed by ooh's, aah's, wow's and requests for more pies...... and wine.
It seems that the Australian Shiraz was the perfect match for the rich gravy that we find in meat pies adding spice and fruit to what can be a somewhat bland sauce.
Next time you're considering a meat pie at a restaurant look for the Aussie Shiraz on the wine list. My friends and I recommend it.
Well that's my experience anyway!
Dean
Update: On Christmas day I had the slow cooked Ox Tail at a restaurant and they recommended an Australian Shiraz. Again a good choice. Looks like I'm on a winner with this Shiraz/Gravy combo.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Surviving The Festive Season
At this time of the year life can get a bit hectic and, of course, with the good comes the bad. Here is our top tips for getting through some of the less fun parts of the Christmas season.
· Annoying Relatives: On your way over to the family home rub your nose briskly for a good 10 minutes and hold onions up to your eyes. This will make you appear like you have the worst Flu in history and people will usually leave you alone for the day.
· Kids waking up early on Christmas Morning: For around $30 at the local hardware shop you can buy a suitable bolt lock for the outside of the children’s bedroom door. Of course this won’t stop you from hearing their yells so invest another $2 for industrial strength ear plugs.
· Christmas Lunch: Find a friend who has just had a baby and ask if you can borrow their maternity pants. You’ll be doing everyone a favour. You know you are going to over eat and no-one wants to see the belt undone and the top button open.
· Over Indulgence: Prepare in advance 2-3 emergency aid kits. Place them in strategic positions; beside the bed, in the bathroom, next to the couch.
o Each Kit should contain:
§ Nurofen Plus (2 Packs)
§ Berocca Vitamin Drink
§ Red Bull
§ Hildon Water - Large
§ Bacon and egg sandwich
§ Sunglasses
§ Earplugs
§ DVD - Rocky Collection (Men) or Sleepless in Seattle (Ladies)
§ Emergency Phone Numbers like McDonalds or KFC delivery
Office Christmas Party: Under no circumstances should you ever, ever, ever kiss your Boss at the Staff Christmas Party (unless they are really cute)
W
We hope these will help get you through this season.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Turkey Tips for Christmas
We are often asked for suggestions on matching wines for various food dishes and I thought I would post some suggestions for the Christmas Turkey meal.
The good (and bad) thing about the traditional Christmas Turkey roast is that it comes in so many variations that we can really select from a range of wines. Turkey itself can be quite bland but by the time we add stuffing, gravy, cranberry or mint sauce we start to get all sorts of dominant flavours. My guess is that you know what you like with your Turkey so select a wine style that you like to go with it.
I asked our Sales Manager, Lee Watson, to share his suggestions for the dinner table this Christmas and here is what he recommends.
White Wine
A good dry white wine with fuller body and good fruit will compliment the turkey roast nicely. My first choice would be a good Chardonnay like the Antonin Rodet, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru, Cave Privee 2006 from Burgundy (HK$725).
For something in a more moderate price range I would suggest something from the Rhone Valley like Domaine La Roquete, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2008 (HK$300) or Chateau des Tours, Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2005 (HK$220).
If you like a bit of extra cranberry sauce on the side then you will like an Alsace wine with lots of fruit like Domaine Marcel Deiss' Pinot Blanc 2004 (HK$210).
Red Wine
The obvious choice is something that is not going to dominate the meal but still has nice fruit and balance. Head straight to Burgundy for a Pinot Noir like the Beaune 1er Cru, Les Champs Pimont 2006 from Domaine Jacques Prieur (HK$405).
An alternative choice can add a bit of excitement to the meal like a New Zealand Forrest Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006 (HK$210).
Champagne
There are very few occasions or meals that can't benefit from a great glass of bubbles. Christmas is a time to dig into the pocket and spoil yourself with something special. Try Krug's Grand Cuvee NV (HK$1,030) or a nice vintage Dom Perignon 2000 (HK$950).
Impress your family and friends at Christmas with the perfect wine for your gathering.
Dean Aslin
Marketing Manager
(For more wine information and a full list of Christmas Specials go to http://www.saveurs.com.hk/)
The good (and bad) thing about the traditional Christmas Turkey roast is that it comes in so many variations that we can really select from a range of wines. Turkey itself can be quite bland but by the time we add stuffing, gravy, cranberry or mint sauce we start to get all sorts of dominant flavours. My guess is that you know what you like with your Turkey so select a wine style that you like to go with it.
I asked our Sales Manager, Lee Watson, to share his suggestions for the dinner table this Christmas and here is what he recommends.
White Wine
A good dry white wine with fuller body and good fruit will compliment the turkey roast nicely. My first choice would be a good Chardonnay like the Antonin Rodet, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru, Cave Privee 2006 from Burgundy (HK$725).
For something in a more moderate price range I would suggest something from the Rhone Valley like Domaine La Roquete, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2008 (HK$300) or Chateau des Tours, Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2005 (HK$220).
If you like a bit of extra cranberry sauce on the side then you will like an Alsace wine with lots of fruit like Domaine Marcel Deiss' Pinot Blanc 2004 (HK$210).
Red Wine
The obvious choice is something that is not going to dominate the meal but still has nice fruit and balance. Head straight to Burgundy for a Pinot Noir like the Beaune 1er Cru, Les Champs Pimont 2006 from Domaine Jacques Prieur (HK$405).
An alternative choice can add a bit of excitement to the meal like a New Zealand Forrest Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006 (HK$210).
Champagne
There are very few occasions or meals that can't benefit from a great glass of bubbles. Christmas is a time to dig into the pocket and spoil yourself with something special. Try Krug's Grand Cuvee NV (HK$1,030) or a nice vintage Dom Perignon 2000 (HK$950).
Impress your family and friends at Christmas with the perfect wine for your gathering.
Dean Aslin
Marketing Manager
(For more wine information and a full list of Christmas Specials go to http://www.saveurs.com.hk/)
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