West London Wine Blog

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Vertical 1983-99

2012-01-27T16:45:00.006Z

Twenty eager West London Winers and I shared the delight in tasting such a wonderful and impressive range of Bordeaux from Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste in January, kicking off our 2012 Fine Wine Tasting Calender. In summary the selection was consistently high in quality and proof that this estate is punching far above its' weight in the Bordeaux Left Bank classification.

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste

The now 55 hectare vineyard derives its' name from two sources. Firstly the 'Grand-Puy' is the name of the well-drained gravel plateau where we find the vineyard. 'Puy,' like 'cos' or 'fite' is another name for a raised area of land or hillock. Secondly the 'Lacoste' comes from a 19th century owner of the estate, Francois Lacoste. The estate had been known as 'Saint-Guiron' beforehand and can be found adorning earlier vintages of the wine - indeed the 1983, 1985 and 1989 all had Saint-Guiron on the label as well as Grand-Puy-Lacoste. The vineyard consists of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc with around 185,000 bottles of the Grand Vin produced per year.

Francois Lacoste led the estate to a successful 19th century surge with Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste being awarded 5th Growth classification in 1855. In the early 20th century the estate changed hands many times before finally being purchased by Raymond Dupin in 1932. Mr. Dupin was a distant-owner, living a high-life in Bordeaux rather than tend to the vines. Therefore the estate went through a further period of stagnation with its' full potential not being recognised.

It was not until 1978 that the true potential was realised when Jean-Eugine Borie purchased the estate and passed on the reigns onto his son Francois-Xavier Borie (who was running Ducru Beaucaillou). Let the good times roll...

Francois-Xavier Borie

Mr. Borie has injected quality into many of his vinous projects. From Ducru-Beaucaillou to Haut-Batailley and of course to Grand-Puy-Lacoste he has fulfilled the potential of these excellent Pauillac chateaux. He has been the outright owner since 2003 and in his leadership the chateau has experienced dramatic change for the better.

Average vine age has increased and specific grape parcel selection is normal allowing for better quality control. The winery was renovated in 1997 with grand and modern temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and an impressive new barrel cellar was constructed in 2003. Because of Francois-Xavier Borie we are in the Golden Age of Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste.

Quotes:

"A classic Pauillac at a very high level of quality. The wine is full, firm, long-lived, ripe and almost creamy-rich - it has a lot of breed." (Clive Coates MW writing in 2004)

"GPL is the connoisseur's wine and a quintessential Pauillac to boot. The wine is rich and vigorous but balanced and poised." (James Lawther MW writing in 2010)

The Wines on Tasting:

JS - Jimmy Smith

Best Wine - tasters were asked to pick their favourite wine of the night

Best Value Wine - tasters were asked to pick their best value wine of the night

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 1983

1983 was always going to struggle as it followed the vintage that put Bordeaux back on the vinous map, 1982. However it was a good vintage that finished in style with a long Indian Summer. Tasting Note: Garnet colour. A lovely mature claret nose with dried fruit, raisin and gamey-leathery nuances. The palate formed an excellent structure still with a spicy and smoked meat finish - just lacking a little in fruit. But still very good. £65 - 17.5 JS - 1 Best Value Vote, 0 Best Wine Vote. Drink now.

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 1985

1985 was a very good vintage with fruit racing through to ripeness and in a healthy state - Peter Sichel mentioned 'it is rare to see Bordeaux vineyards in such exuberant health.' Tasting Note: Ruby core with a thickening garnet rim. A lovely nose, lightly perfumed and packed full of aromas; black fruit, raisin, earth, tobacco, spice and mineral. There is a wonderful lift on the nose. The palate is exceptional and very long with a wonderful lively freshness (great acidity!). Black cherry, raisin with a black olive edge and a long smoky, mineral oak finish. Outstanding. £85 - 19 JS - 5 Best Value Votes, 10 Best Wine Votes - BEST WINE OF THE NIGHT. Drink 2012 - 2025.

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 1989

1989 was an excellent vintage that experienced record-breaking climatical conditions. May experienced 316 hours of sunshine (av. 10 a day!) with the Summer being the 2nd warmest and the driest since 1947. Tasting Note: Ruby garnet full colour. Very deep black fruit aromas - very Pauillac. Slightly edging into secondary aromas with tobacco, earth and spice but all round beautifully poised. A palate full of blackcurrant, deep cassis notes with a delightful full mouthfeel and very well-integrated tannins. Very long-lasting finish of pure fruit and only just edging into mature characters. £110 - 18.5 JS - 0 Best Value Votes, 0 Best Wine Notes. Drink 2012 - 2020.

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 1996

1996 was a great vintage for the Medoc (Saint-Emilion and Pomerol was rain-affected in September) with a glorious sunny first 3 weeks in September and a further Indian Summer perfect for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasting Note: Deep ruby full colour. Very full nose with rich and succulent black fruit and chocolate. Very full bodied, opulent and driven by a fine grainy tannin. Very weighted, with a smooth long rich fruited finish. Very good perhaps lacking in a little acidity. £95 - 18.5 JS - 0 Best Value Votes, 7 Best Wine Notes. Drink 2012 - 2020.

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 1998

1998 was a good vintage for the Left Bank but better for the Right due to the sporadic heavy rainfal that affected Bordeaux City in September. Tasting Note: Very deep youthful ruby. Very dense blackcurrant cassis with a smoky oak and a perfumed lift. Lovely weight on the palate, fleshy and full with decent acidity. Abundant fruit length with an evident smoky spicy oak finish. £55 - 18 JS - 8 Best Vale Votes, 0 Best Wine Notes - BEST VALUE WINE OF THE NIGHT. Drink 2012 - 2020.

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 1999

1999 was a challenging vintage throughout. Tropical weather is throughout Summer led to fights against mildews and rots whilst the harvest was affected by rainfall. Tasting Note: Difficult vintage shows here with mid colour of ruby. Plump and rich nose with cassis, black olive, a smokiness and a mineral nuance and an edge of leanness. Good palate lacking the classic Lacoste charm, but good acidity in balance with the grippy tannin and a decent smoky length. £55 - 17.5 JS - 0 Best Value Votes, 0 Best Wine Notes. Drink 2012 - 2018.

Next Bordeaux Fine Wine Tastings at West London Wine School:

Chateau Langoa-Barton Vertical - Wednesday 14th March - £40

Vintage 2003 Horizontal - Tuesday 29th May - £50

Bordeaux Grand Cru Classe Vintage 2000 Tasting

2011-12-08T19:03:00.015Z

As we welcome the festive December we also welcomed an array of wonderful fine wine tastings at West London Wine School. One such tasting was the much anticipated Bordeaux Grand Cru Classe night tucking exclusively into the remarkable 2000 vintage only. The wines selected are from Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac and Saint-Emilion and are 5th Growth (1), 2nd Growth (4) and 1er Grand Cru Classe (1) - all listed below.

Bordeaux 2000 Vintage

The millennium year was a stellar success for the Bordelais. Writing in 2004 Clive Coates MW stated 'Bordeaux has had four great years in the last 30: 1970, 1982, 1990 and 2000.' Backed up by the all-important Robert Parker '2000 is a phenomenal year that might turn out to be one of the greatest vintages Bordeax has ever produced.' The important conditions that created this were early flowering and colour change allowing for an earlier grape ripening (sugar and tannin) through a pro-longed autumn. Indeed the peak flowering average of the 1970s was on June 17th, the 1980s was on June 13th, the 1990s and the year 2000 was on June 3rd. Veraison (colour change) occured on August 6th a full 16 days earlier than the 1970s average and even 3 days earlier than the 1990s average.

These earlier conditions led to remarkable ripeness in Cabernet Sauvignon. 'This is indisputably a Cabernet Sauvignon vintage - the best wines are to be found in the Medoc and Graves' states Clive Coates MW. Cabernet Sauvignon achieved a ripeness of 220 g/l compared to 216 g/l in 1996 and 199 g/l in 1990 - both previously great vintages. Therefore where we find Cabernet Sauvignon, such as the Haut-Medoc, we find wonderfully complex wines. The total level of acidity was at 3.8 (g of H2SO4 per l) and lower than previous years such as 5.0 in 1996 and 4.7 in the famous 1982. What we found in our tastings that whilst the wines were very dense and complex there was not as much acidity as one would expect - not a criticism, but perhaps not the vintage that everyone expected in terms of long-term cellaring.

The Tasting (all 2000 vintage):

Chateau Brane-Cantenac, 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot & 5% Cabernet Franc

The quality of B-C has vastly improved since the supervision of Henri Lurton from the mid 1990s. B-C is traditional Margaux, displaying what James Lawther MW calls 'elegance and breed.' Tasting note: Very classic Margaux, fragrant earth notes, tobacco, cedar supported by blackcurrant and black cherry. Edge of animal leather note edging through. This is very elegant on the palate; medium-bodied with a little refreshing acidity. Black-fruited upfront developing into earthy-mineral edges and a lovely long smoky oak finish. Not too dense, very well poised, for drinking now to 2015. 18/20 (£63 Fine & Rare)

Chateau Rauzan-Segla, 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux

54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot & 1% Cabernet Franc

R-S has been owned by Chanel Inc since 1993, and with the huge investment that has followed the quality has increased exponentially. With John Kolasa at the helm the yields have been drastically cut so that the estate now produces around 140,000 bottles per year - down from 200,000. In addition the have re-introduced Petit Verdot into the blend, the signature that made Rauzan so successful in the 19th century. Tasting note: Greater density on the nose, opulent blackcurrant and deep cherry, black olive and a core sweetness of vanilla, sweet spices with an edge of earth and tobacco. Medium-full bodied (much greater than the Brane) with a richer mouthfeel and some lingering grainy tannins. More Saint-Julien than Margaux with big black fruit and a gentle soft finish. Very different, very good. Drinking 2012-2018. 18/20 (£77 Fine & Rare)

Chateau Leoville-Barton, 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot & 8% Cabernet Franc

This is the flagship estate of the charismatic Anthony Barton (the other estate being Langoa-Barton) who is one of the most well-respected winemakers in Bordeaux. Tasting note: Powerful nose, youthful, with cassis, vanilla, black olive and smoked oak. Very Saint-Julien - open, inviting and dense. Structured palate, with firm tannin and generous blank fruit. Very well-textured and layered - needs a little more time. Drink 2013 - 2020. 17.5+/20 (£122 Fine & Rare)

Chateau Haut-Batailley, 5eme Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

The Batailley estate was split in 1942 into Chateau Batailley, the larger estate ran by the Castejas, and Chateau Haut-Batailley, much smaller (22ha) ran meticulously by Francois-Xavier Borie. Today the smaller estate is much more impressive than its' big brother. Tasting note: Great example of Pauillac on the nose; fragrant sweet black fruit, balsamic notes, edge of developed raisin and even a mocha touch - excellent nose. The lack of acidity from the 2000 vintage shows on this wine, very upfront and masculine with black cherry and smoky oak but fades quicker than one hopes. Good nonetheless. Drinking now. 17/20 (£53 Fine & Rare)

Chateau Pichon-Longueville, 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

An iconic Super-Second that is regarded by many as one of the closest in quality to the 1st growths. The quality has been exceptional since AXA acquired the estate in 1987 and instantaneously produced high-quality vintages. Today ran by Christain Seeley and as good as ever - 'this is a true Pauillac: full, rich, firm and masculine with plenty of tannin but no lack of breed' (Clive CoatesMW). Tasting note: Very dark almost opaque depth with an edge of garnet - this wine still has youth! Big and powerful, but still in good measure. Black fruited, chocolate with an array of sweet spices; cloves, cinnamon and vanilla - there's even a slight exotic touch from the Petit Verdot, albeit 1%. Fantastic and complex on the palate, very firm tannins that coat the mouth but relax after a few seconds. Dense dark fruit, wonderful mouthfeel and seductively smooth with an amazingly perfectly balanced length. Almost perfect. Drink 2015-2025. 19.5/20 (£182 Fine & Rare)

Chateau Figeac, Premier Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion

35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot

A much smaller estate of 40ha that is atypical for Saint-Emilion. Whilst many other Chateaux here enjoy high percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Figeac has 35% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (one of the highest on the Right Bank) due to amount of gravel mounds within the estate. This makes it the most 'Medoc' of the Right Bank. Tasting note: Fantastic nose - loved this for the opposite reason to the Pichon before. Where as the Pichon was almost perfectly made, this is a little rough-around-the-edges like a diamond in the rough (Saint Emilion was not as good in 2000 as the Medoc). Dense black fruit on the nose, but there is a fragrant earth and herbaceous note from the Cabernet Franc, with a plum smoky oak from the Merlot. Lovely rich palate, very burly and full, with black cherry, plum, sweet spices and a long lingering length of earthy oak. Not as balanced and as pure as the Pichon, but you just love it for its impurities. Fantastic. 19/20 (£145 Roberson)

Click here to view forthcoming Fine Wine Tastings at West London Wine School

Bordeaux Vintage 2000 Tasting

2011-12-07T13:26:00.005Z

Tonight's tasting:

Brane-Cantenac 2000

Rauzan-Segla 2000

Leoville-Barton 2000

Haut-Batailley 2000

Pichon Baron 2000

Figeac 2000

To read the full tasting notes and the information on the 2000 vintage

A Taste of Galicia

2011-11-25T20:41:00.018Z

Recently I met Olga Babkina who has embarked on an ambitious vinous revolution. Olga and her partner have established Taste of Galicia, a new wine company importing the delights of the North West of Spain. The aim of this exciting new importer is to share the vinous delights of Galicia with us in the UK - this is great news for us as we don't often get to see much from this region. Even better for us West London Wine Schoolers as we are teaming up with Taste of Galicia in February 2012 for a truly unmissable tasting of many of the wines tasted below. Wonderful.

Olga of course is not Spanish, but lived in Galicia for seven years and fell in love with the region; the stunning panoramic views, the gentle climate, the delicious cuisine and of course the mouthwatering local wine. Since moving to the UK she has wanted to share her passion of these fantastic wines with the UK. So Taste of Galicia was born representing all the 5 quality districts (pictured) and the plethora of grape varieties. These are all small boutique wineries producing limited amounts of high quality wine from Spain's lowest volume region for wine accounting for just over 1.1% of Spain's production.

Out of the 5 quality districts within Galicia we only recognise with familiarity Rias Baixas in the UK and it's powerhouse grape variety, Albarino. Indeed Albarino is highly-regarded here - we love it, so what of the rest? What about the other local grape varieties and quality wine districts?

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Districts:

Rias Baixas - the region around Santiago awarded DO (quality) status in 1988 experiences the cooling winds of the Atlantic. 99% white production with 90% of made from the trendy Albarino grape variety. Usually unoaked, it make flavoursome wines with floral hints and a racy acidity.

Ribeiro - further inland near Orense this region has been DO since 1957 but always falling off the radar. There is a modernisation in the district as wines found here are distinctly different to the rest of Galicia producing wines similar to the Vinho Verdes within Portugal just below; these are acidic green-apple refreshing wines made from the classic Treixadura grape variety.

Ribeira Sacra (pictured) - the region that must be a competitor for 'most spectacular scenery' within Spain. The vineyards hug the steep slopes of the rivers Mino and Sil as the meander through Galicia. These steep lands must be hand-harvested and only produce very small yields in turn producing complex wines across the spectrum. Godello and Albarino rule the white production whilst Mencia is the key black variety made in both lighter unoaked styles and more complex barrel-aged styles. These are all small volumes and very hard to find in the export market, but the wines are often outstanding.

Monterrei - the smallest quality district on the border of Portugal meaning 'King's Mountain' in Castillian. A mainly white wine zone from Treixadura and Godello and local light whites from the Dona Branca variety. The small production of reds (often blended) are made from Mencia, Bastardo and Arauxa, a local mutation of the national Tempranillo variety.

Valdeorras - this district is a pocket of Eastern Galicia shaped by the river Sil that experiences a range of climatic conditions including long and hot summers, near 1000mm of rainfall per year and bitterly cold winters. Local wine is in abundance here but Godello is making textured and flavoursome whites whilst Mencia is proving interesting.

The following wines were tasted at a dinner with Olga, Quentin Sadler, Cherie Agnew and Matt Wicksteed at Manson in Fulham.

The Wine Tasting

Alberte, Ribeiro, 2010 (80% Treixadura, 20% Albarino) £13

Very light colour with some evident CO2. Very fresh and clean, with green apple, lemon and mineral notes on the nose. The palate is zesty and spritzy and gives way to a very long and malic finish. Impeccably made and dangerously drinkable. 16.5/20 points

Awards: Commended Decanter 2011 World Wine Awards, LONDON. 2011 Finalist of the New Wave Spanish Wine Awards, LONDON

Ruchel Godello, Valdeorras, 2010 (100% Godello) £13

A clean-cut style of Godello expressing a touch of what this grape variety can achieve. Some apple-skin and white peach notes with a creamy edge on the nose. Medium bodied, just needs a touch more acid to liven the show up, good stone fruit and a creamy finish. 16 points

Marques de Fonseca Primicia Albarino, Rias Baixas, 2010 (100% Albarino) £15.10

The blue bottle has an air of the Mosel - but the most interesting fact here lies in the 'elaborado por criomaceracion pelicular,' the cryo-maceration technique that uses dry-ice to promote the growth of ice-crystals in the skins to aid in releasing the aromas. In addition the dry-ice prevents oxidation and bacterial growth. A charming nose of ripe peach, grapefruit and floral aromas with a delicious mouthwatering palate of sweet apple, peach and a long persistent finish. 17 points

Gran Vinum Albarino, Rias Baixas, 2010 (100% Albarino) £14.95

The 6 months ageing on the lees adds a greater depth and intensity to this Albarino. Gran Vinum is the highest level for this winery. Floral, with peach and orange notes on the nose - you expect it to be a fat wine, and it is to start with creamy notes, mixed with apple and peach but finished with a racy acidity that adds a wonderful refreshing length. 17 points

Abadia da Cova Albarino, Ribeira Sacra, 2010 (85% Albarino, 15% Godello) £17.20

Possibly one of the best Galician whites I have had the pleasure of tasting. 85% Albarino provides the mouthwatering acidity whilst the unusual 15% Godello provides the body and creamy texture. White peach and sweet floral acacia notes on the nose - it smells powerful. But the juicy acidity creates an elegant palate, that lingers with a plethora of fruit and mineral length. Very good indeed. (Our Wine of the Month November) 17.5 points

Ladairo, Monterrei, 2010 (Mencia, Bastardo, Arauxa) £11.68

From the smallest DO comes a wine with a big personality. Very opulent on the nose reminiscent of Northern Rhone spicy Syrah, with spiced red plum, cherry, cloves and white pepper. The acidity pushes through an amazingly long fruit-driven wine from start to finish with red plum, cherry, wildberries and a slight mineral pepper touch. Refreshingly juciy. 18 points

Ladairo Barrica, Monterrei, 2009 (40% Arauxa, 40% Bastardo, 20% Mencia) £18.04

A wonderful glass of wine. Deeper, with sweet red cherry, sweet spice and oak on the nose. The rich Morello cherry fruit here starts, middles and ends - it's wonderfully persistent. Layered sweet vanilla oak, spices and very smooth gentle tannins all intermingle to create an absolutely stonking wine. My notes were getting slightly jaded here - but the conclusion was 'absolutely lovely.' 18.5 points

Abadia da Cova Barrica, Ribeira Sacra, 2009 (Mencia oaked) £18.73

So much complexity for 13% alcohol - a masterclass in elegance. Rich cherry, spiced plummy notes with a gamey and smoky bouquet. Once again I find myself repeating this, but the fruit is distinctive and it's persistent. Ripe red berries, spices, chocolate-texture with a smoky touch but the fruit juiciness is dominant. Parker 90 points. 19 points

Autor, Ribeira Sacra, 2009 (Mencia oaked) £26.51

What a charming label! Made from 40 year old vines this is the flagship. Dark and heady, with a balsamic and black olive touch, with black fruits. Cassis, liquorice, with spices and a smoke touch due to the 9 months of maturation. Parker 91 points. 18.5 points

These wines are all available to taste on our Taste of Galicia Wine Tasting in February 2012

Domaine Huet Vouvray Masterclass with Richard Kelley MW

2011-11-01T09:25:00.006Z

Setting this masterclass up was a an absolute pleasure for many reasons. Firstly Richard Kelley MW who is a passionate Loire Valley ambassador was the ideal candidate to host the tasting with fantastic knowledge and experience of the famous Vouvray domaine. Secondly it showcases one of my favourite grape varieties, Chenin Blanc.

Chenin Blanc is the most talented of all white grape varieties producing a range of styles. Within the Loire Valley alone we find sec (dry),demi-sec (medium-dry), moelleux (sweet) and mousseaux (sparkling) styles. In addition it is one of only a handful of white varieties that have excellent ability to age due to the exceedingly high amounts of natural malic acid in the grape (indeed the highest per any grape variety). Therefore it is a variety that everyone will be able to enjoy by finding their preferred style in the diverse range (our wines on tasting pictured).

Domaine Huet - Possibly the world's best Chenin Blanc

Now farm a total of 35 hectares of vines split among the three single vineyards; Le Haut Lieu, Le Clos du Bourgand Le Mont. The estate is 100% Chenin Blanc with 50% of the vineyard classed as old-vines. Few would argue that the reputation of Vouvray as an appellation producing great wines lies with the influence of a single individual: the original owner Gaston Huet. Not only was Gaston a legend within the region, but his tireless work sitting on various national committees helped shape the future of French wine culture. His quest for the highest quality Chenin Blanc has been passed on to the Pinguets running the estate on biodynamic principles. Today the estate is owned by Anthony Hwang who also has interests in the regal Tokaj in Hungary. A Sweet Wine fanatic of which Domaine Huet fits in nicely.

Richard Kelley MW - The Host

Richard is a bit like me – born near Leicester to teetotal parents. How we both got to be educators in the world of wine is a long story involving opening lots of wine! For Richard it started in the summer of 1981 by tasting a 1969 Gaston Huet Vouvray. The next fourteen years saw Richard on a tour of vinous self discovery, finally gaining the Master of Wine title in 1995. With several years gaining experience in South Africa Richard joined Richards Walford in 2002 who is the UK agent for Domaine Huet. The love-affair was cemented.

Richard explained that the one wine he would have on the proverbial desert island would be a bottle of Vouvray; a ‘Le Mont’ Demi-Sec from Domaine Huet. It would need to be the exceptional 1988 vintage (which we were lucky enough to taste on this tasting), on the basis that supplies of the 1961, 1962 and 1971 might already be exhausted. Although, thankfully, this could then be followed, in about twenty year’s time, by the 2002, 2005 and 2008! The answer, as ever, had many ifs and buts. I find it a challenge to answer it in half an hour!

Today Richard lives in an 18th Century alehouse (complete with cellar) in rural Leicestershire’s Vale of Belvoir with his wife Rebekah (who he met in South Africa).

The wines are all hand-selected from Richard's personal cellar. (Pictured - Richard Kelley is full swing)

Wines on Tasting (all 100% Chenin Blanc):

Vouvray Petillant Brut 2000

Petillant is not a fully-sparkling style but one that has around 2-3 atmospheres of pressure. The sparkling category is very important to Vouvray accounting for 50% of the total production. But only a small percentage is this good. Mid gold in colour with apple-skin, peach and quince nose, biscuit and brioche with distinct savoury-nut notes. The palate is wonderfully poised with a creamy texture, apple and still a lovely racy acidity. This was a wine destined to be a Sec but I'm glad it didn't turn out that way! As good as a £50 bottle of vintage Champagne, easy. 18/20

Le Mont Sec 2009

The 2009 was a classic sec-vintage but is quite complex it needs a little more time. Le Mont was the last acquisition to the trio of vineyards in the Huet range and is where the fine dry (sec) and medium-dry (demi-sec) styles are found. Pale gold with green edges. The nose has the classic peach and quince but with more floral tones of acacia and some minerality comes through. Dry with a masculine body but a cleansing acidity races through on the finish. 3 more years to wait. 17+

Vin de Glace 1980

Vin de Glace (ice-wine) but not as we know it. The grapes for the 1980 were picked on 11th November whilst frozen and pressed whilst frozen hence why this is legally classed as an ice-wine. This is an unusual ice-wine, which is normally sweet, as it is bone-dry. It is also not everyones cup of tea - indeed Noel Pinguet (winemaker) classes this as 'the worst wine I ever produced.' But Richard loves it - alot. Deep gold with honeysuckle, bruised apple and hazlenut - a wonderful nose. The palate is extremely acidic and then even more acidic on top. Apple-dominant with a slight nutted edge. It is not for the faint-hearted. 16.5

Le Mont Demi-Sec 2008

Demi-sec is 'the true expression of Vouvray' as Richard explains and the 2008 is a great example of true expression. Mid gold with floral acacia and honey blossom - youthful, with obvious sugar showing at this early stage. A very drinkable palate with sugar-based flavours, honey and blossom. Needs time for the Chenin Blanc characters to develop. Around 25 g/l sugar.17

Le Mont Demi-Sec 1988

And if you give it time this is what can be achieved! Richard's desert-island style with lower initial sugar (18 g/l) that has been balanced by the flavour-development and acidity. Deep gold with a complexity that layered. Sweet and sour apple with distinct mineral edges, a petrol-whiff near to an aged Riesling. Apple (sour) and quince (sweet) battle on the palate but the elegant acidity races through and lingers on a length with fruit, mineral and finally savoury notes. Very together. 18.5

Le Clos du Bourg Moelleux 2003

2003 was the earliest vintage in France since 1893 is made from grapes that were half botryitised (noble-rot) and half passillerage (natural-shrivelling). Mid Amber in colour with a more closed nose than the demi-secs but showing tangerine, burnt orange and marmalade and nut. Great texture with balanced sweetness and acid. Quite full, with upfront character and a mid-palate but a little less on the finish. 17

Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux 1997

The 1997 was a vintage of passillerage, where the grapes went through natural-shrivelling building up the sugar content. As there is a lack of noble-rot there is less colour change and botrytis-like flavours (e.g. marmalade). A mid-gold colour still looking youthful. Wonderful spring-flower nose, with sweet apple and a lovely freshness - is this really 14 years old?! Tart green apple dominates with a sweet finish of honeysuckle. Very well balanced and textured - dangerously drinkable! 18.5

Cuvee Constance 1993

Constance was the name of Gaston's mother and it the style of dessert wine of highest quality only produced in certain years. The criterion for release is that the wine is made from botrytis affected berries and since the maiden vintage in 1989 it has been released in 1993 (which was subsequently withdrawn and re-released as Le Haut Lieu Moëlleux 1ere Trie), 1995, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2009. Michael Broadbent has admitted that Cuvee Constance is his greatest-ever Loire Valley dessert wine. Deep amber in colour. A wonderful orange-peel nose with sweet spices of cloves, ginger and cinnamon and a caramel sweetness. A similar complex palate follows with a wonderful long finish. 18.5

Click here to visit our Fine Wine tasting page to attend tastings such as this!

Visit Richard Kelley's excellent Loire Valley website here

Domaine Huet

L’Echansonne

11/13 rue de la Croix Buisée

T: + 33 2 47 52 78 87

F: + 33 2 47 52 66 74

contact@huet-echansonne.com

www.huet-echansonne.com

A CVNE Masterclass with Quentin Sadler

2011-10-26T14:21:00.012+01:00

One area of West London Wine School which has developed exponentially over the past year is our Fine Wine Premium Tastings. These are specialist tastings often with guest speakers or winemakers from across the globe. But sometimes we use our own experts with West London Wine School founder Jimmy Smith leading many events and recently the raconteur Quentin Sadler, a tutor at the school.

Quentin is an expert of the CVNE (Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana) having visited many times and imparting his wealth of knowledge to the masses back in the UK and now to West London Wine Schoolers. C.V.N.E was established in 1879 to capture the flourishing trade in Rioja. The three wineries of CVNE are Cune, Vina Real and Contino with the clear philosophy of a constant quest for quality, the respect for tradition and the commitment to innovate. Indeed in 2006 CVNE initiated a bold experiment planting double the density of vines per hectare in order to reduce the yield and increase quality. The strong line-up below is what 25 eager tasters worked their way through under the expert leadership of Mr. Sadler on an autumnal October evening at West London Wine School:

Wines on Tasting:

Cune Barrel Fermented Blanco, 2009

100% Viura

Cune is what the Spanish call CVNE and is a simple misspelling that is now warmly adopted. This Rioja blanco is barrel-fermented with 4 months in new oak maturation. This is what sets it apart from the masses in Rioja of inexpensive simple white. It is like an Albarino/Chardonnay blend with sweet apple, peach and orange notes, cream and soft gentle vanilla oak. Quite delicate for an oak-affected white. Decent. 15.5/20 (£9.05 Slurp)

Vina Real Crianza, 2007

85% Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Mazuelo

Vina Real is situated in the Alavesa, an area famed for the most elegant Riojas from granite-based soils. This elegance is certainly captured in this style. Amidst the spiced plum and wildberries there is an aromatic exotic perfume, earth and mineral - very classy. Spiced plum on the palate with pepper and a smoky finish. A good terroir-tasting style. 16.5 (£10.95 Wine Direct, Slurp)

Cune Reserva, 2006

Tempranillo, Garnacha

From the main area of the Alta comes this easy-to-like style. With 90% French oak maturation it is not classic Rioja but it's good stuff. Darker fruit, with a more chocolate aroma, nuance of vanilla and an edge of leather. Soft palate with berry and plum, raisin and a vanilla length. 16.5 (£12.99 Waitrose, Majestic)

Imperial Gran Reserva, 1998

85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo

Called Imperial as it was bottled for UK in Imperial pints! Developed in 1928 this style is a premium Gran Reserva that have excellent ability to mature. A plethora of raisin, fig and prune with liquorice, coffee and chocolate, leather and game and herbal mint touches. A silky-smooth palate with dark berries, dried fruit and a long complex length packed full of vanilla, toffee, smoked meat and sweet spices. Stunning. 18.5 (£27.49 Smithfield Wine)

Contino Graciano, 2006

100% Graciano

Contino was the first single-estate Rioja to be made in 1973 and produced just south of Laguardia, the capital of the elegant Alavesa district. This is a unusual number as it is 100% Graciano which usually only makes a few per cent of a blend adding colour, acid, tannin and aromatics. Ruby-purple colour with spiced plum and cherry, black pepper, liquorice and sweet spice (like a Petit Verdot). Like an Xmas chocolate-liqueur. Young so therefore vibrant with a racy acid and firm tannin but packing bags of character too with black cherry and lots of exotic spice and black pepper. 18.5 (£44.99 Slurp) - Contender for Unusual Red of the Year 2012

Contino Reserva, 2005

85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 4% Mazuelo, 1% Garnacha

An award-winning wine recognised by the New Wave Spanish Wine Awards in 2009 as a trophy winner. Still a youthful ruby colour with a pure nose of bright red cherry, strawberry and raspberry, with spiced edges and minerality showing the Alavesa granite soils. Wonderful nose. Cherry and raspberry on the palate with a wonderful racy acidity and an excellent concentration - needs a little more time. 18.5 (£27.95 Berry Brothers & Rudd, Slurp, M&S) Contender for Iconic Red of the Year 2012

Pagos de Vina Real, 2002

100% Tempranillo

Unusual for Rioja but a single-variety and excellent with its' expression. 100% French oak fermentation and maturation so unusual again. Bags of dried fruit, bitter chocolate with coconut and vanilla - a sumptuous engaging nose. An ultra-smooth palate with very fine tannin, dark berry, dried fruit and a long developing length that shows gamey-mineral notes firstly moving into licorice, spice and smoked oak. Lovely. 19 (£49.99 Slurp, Coe, Harrods) Contender for Iconic Red of Year 2012

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Wines of the Year Awards 2011 - BEST SPARKLING & SWEETS

2011-10-19T10:18:00.007+01:00

Here we have the detailed notes on the Sparkling, Sweet & Fortified Wines of the Year 2011:

Best Value Sparkling

Winner: Domaine Carneros Brut, Carneros, California, 2006 £20 - 16.1 points (out of 20)

Runner-up: Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne, NV £19 - 15.5 points

This category recognises quality sparkling wines up to £20. A category populated by only one Champagne, two Cavas and the Californian Carneros by Taittinger. Quentin Sadler was championing the Blanc de Noirs 'exotic touch of pineapple, very fresh, clean, lively and attractive.' However it was the Domaine Carneros that impressed many showing that the New World, despite having issues in gaining high amounts of acidity, can really produce delicious wines. Jimmy Smith was excited by the 'baked apple, rich and savoury complexity with balanced acid' and Simon Woods agreeing 'big, juicy, honest with sweet flavours but fantastic pleasure.'

Best Sparkling Award

Winner: Domaine Carneros La Reve, Carneros, California, 2004 £35 - 17.2 points

Runner-up: Bollinger Brut, Champagne, NV £35 - 17.1 points

This category recognises quality sparkling wines from £20 to £60. Once again the headlines were populated by the domination of the excellent Domaine Carneros by Taittinger. However the Bollinger Brut NV was snapping at the heels with an impressive display - Quentin Sadler liked the 'complex aromas, marzipan and dried lemon' whilst Elaine Wood liked the 'depth and balance with a decent acidity.' However La Reve, 'the dream,' certainly impressed many including Quentin 'it delivers pleasure first class, great balance, peach fruit and flaky pastry with lovely acidity.'

Fortified Award

Winner: Cazes Ambre Rivesaltes, Roussillon, France, 1998 £15 - 17.4 points

Runner-up: Hidalgo Gitana Manzanilla, Sherry, NV £9 - 17.1 points

This category recognises quality fortified wines from around the world up to £20. Here was a myriad of styles and the biodynamic estate of Cazes impressed with their affordable Rivesaltes, Jimmy Smith stating 'orange peel, caramel and nutty savoury edges - lovely' and Quentin Sadler 'really fine, looks & smells sweet but delivers a drier palate with delicious rich orange notes.'

Sweet Award

Winner: Capezzana Vin Santo, Carmignano, Italy £35 - 18.9 points (highest scoring wine)

Runner-up: Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, South Africa £30 - 18.2 points

This category recognises naturally sweet wines/botrytis wines from around the world of all prices. This group was exceedingly well-praised with all wines scoring above 18 points each. The amazing KC Vin de Constance was in second place (!) with notes such as 'wonderful and complex orange, quince and floral edges' (Jimmy Smith), 'lemon and honey - really really good' (Justine Kelly) and 'orange blossom, honey a wine to smell and taste for hours!' (Emma Carter). But the Vin Santo was the overall winner by some margin and overall the highest scoring wine in the awards. Quentin Sadler enjoyed the 'really complex, concentrated honey and treacle characters' and Emma Carter impressed by the 'amazing flavour with honey, figs, sherry-nutty notes with a spectrum of even more character. Jimmy Smith: 'Brilliant - deep amber/copper colour with intensity and layers of interest; orange peel, dried fruit, sweet spices, Christmas and plenty more. MUST BUY!'

To taste all of these excellent wines & all our other winners click here to view our Wines of the Year Awards 2011 tastings

Click here to find out more about the Wines of the Years Awards and our judges

Wines of the Year Awards 2011 - UNUSUAL & ICONIC AWARDS

2011-10-19T09:01:00.009+01:00

Here are the results for the Unusual Awards (wines/grape varieties that are not well-known) and the Iconic Awards (well-known market-leading premium wines >£20)

Unusual Red Award

Winner: Bodega Porvenir, Laborum Tannat, Argentina, 2006 £21 - 17.9 points

Runner-up: Chapoutier 'La Bernadine' Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France, 2008 £25 - 17.5 points

A category that champions the weird and wonderful grape varieties of the world, many that are showing significant quality and we want you to know about! The runner-up here is a Chateauneuf-du-Pape, not an unusual wine, but certainly made in an unusual way being the only CdP to be made from 100% Grenache. Jimmy Smith was impressed by the 'bright juicy red fruit, wildberry and spice' whilst Simon Woods stated it should be a contender as 'it has lift and balance, brightness with excellent fruit.' The Tannat was the star here with Jimmy liking the 'port-like character, dried fruit, chocolate and smoothness' whilst Quentin Sadler agreeing with 'a port-like nose, leathery, oaky and old-fashioned... fascinating.' Emma Carter and Justine Kelly agreed on a 'beautiful nose of figs and dried fruit' and 'delicious dried fruit and chocolate.'

Unusual White Award

Winner: Antinori Vermintino, Bolgheri, Italy, 2010 £14 - 16.1 points

Runner-up: Domaine Wachau Terraces Gruner Veltliner, Wachau, Austria, 2010 £9 - 16 points

An award that didn't reach the hype of last year but still showcased an array of interesting flavours from India to Italy and everything in between! The Gru-V was a contender last year and tickled taste-buds again 'fresh and lively with a green, vegetal and mineral character' (Jimmy Smith). It was the Vermentino that judges praised for is simple more-ish character with Emma Carter liking the 'apple and pear' whilst Jimmy Smith impressed by the 'liveliness, creaminess and easy-drinking texture.'

Iconic Red Award

Winner: Scala Dei Cartoixa, Priorat, Spain, 2006 £30 - 18.4 points

Runner-up: Errazuriz Don Maximiamo, Chile, 2007 £45 - 18.3 points

The BIG award and a very tricky (in a godd way!) group to decide upon with some very close scores. The Iconic Award praises those that are well-respected names or styles e.g. Priorat, Amarone, Hermitage with names such as Errazuriz, Catena and Ridge all in the final seven. All wines are >£20. The Don Max was a splendid wine splitting the judges down the middle in the final taste-off. Quentin Sadler stated 'lovely cassis, great fruit, balanced oak and tannin with a cocoa/coffee length' whilst Cherie Agnew commented 'awesome - fruit gives way to vegetal then mocha, little smoke, soft chalky tannin then a refreshing acidity. Excellent.' But it was the 'Stairway to Heaven' (Scala Dei) Priorat that grabbed the headlines for two years in a row (2005 last years winner) with comments such as 'Intense, earthy, spicy with lovely balance of fruit and a long lingering length' (Jimmy Smith) and 'jammy fruit, raisin, elegant for such a big wine with all the hallmarks of a great Priorat' (Simon Woods).

Iconic White Award

Winner: Louis Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, Burgundy, France, 2008 £28 - 18.2 points

Runner-up: Leitz Berg Roseneck Riesling Spatlese, Rheingau, Germany, 2006 £25 - 18.1 points

Some wonderful wines populated the final 4 in this category with France accounting for 50%. Simon Woods commented that 'the Iconic Whites are far more consistent than the Iconic Reds' with many other judges adding agreement. The Leitz was an excellent medium-sweet Riesling that Cherie Agnew was lost in 'I chatted to another judge whilst enjoying this wine for several minutes & it still shone through after conversation - very enjoyable' whilst Quentin adding 'heaven; fruit, balance and depth - very well poised.' The Chassagne was an absolute delight just edging the Riesling after heavy debate. Cherie stated 'awesome & fab' (and much more but we'll keep it short!) whilst Stephen Worgan praised the length and Quentin enjoying the 'depth and minerality.' Jimmy Smith: "Vibrant, apple, melon with creamy spicy oak - wonderful nose. The palate is stunningly complex with refreshing fruit, minerality and a long well-integrated creamy oak finish. Stonkingly good."

To taste these amazing wines click here to view our December Wines of the Year Awards 2011 Tastings

Click here to find out more information on the judging process & the judges

Wines of the Year Awards 2011 - BEST NEW WORLD WINES

2011-10-19T08:45:00.000+01:00

Here is a detailed report on the Best of the New World in our Wines of the Year Awards 2011:

Best New World Red Under £12

Winner: Klein Constantia Cabernet Merlot, South Africa, 2009 £10 - 16.3 points (out of 20)

Runner-up: Ravenswood Zinfandel, Lodi, California, 2008 £9 - 16.2 points

An impressive group that outperformed the Europeans in this same category by an average of 1.1 points. Populated by 40% California with the remainder from Chile, Argentina and South Africa. A school favourite, the Ravenswood, impressed again with Cherie Agnew liking the 'lovely balanced character, great concentration and good length' and Jimmy Smith charmed by the 'dark berry, spiced plum and a gentle smooth character.' But it was the KC that edged into 1st with Emma Carter impressed by 'the lovely red fruit-driven nose and consistent palate' and Jimmy Smith digging the 'Bordeaux-like' character with 'plum-fruit, smoky herbal oak and spice.'

Best New World Red Over £12

Winner: Bodegas Septima Gran Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina, 2009 £13 - 17.3 points

Runner-up: Bodega Vinecol, Malbec Oak Reserve, 2009 £16 - 16.7 points

At the premium end the finalists in this New World group mirrored the European group showing that at the higher price point they can be just as good. 60% of the finalists were unsurprisingly from Argentina showing the excellent wines that exist here even above the £8 price-point (most wine consumers only believe in paying £5-8 for Argentine wine). The Vinecol impressed both Quentin Sadler and Cherie Agnew with comments such as 'excellent depth,' 'soft tannin' and 'gorgeous, supple and rich.' The Septima was an all-round favourite, a 'lovely wine' as stated by Justine Kelly and as Cherie states 'the layers make this wine a winner - vibrant red fruit with a deep, dark palate with earthy, mocha, tobacco, smoky, spicy tones - beautiful.'

Best New World White Under £12

Winner: Catena 'Alamos' Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina, 2010 £8 - 16.3 points

Runner-up: Secano Estate Sauvignon Gris, Leyda, Chile, 2010 £8 - 15.9 points

An impressive group as the majority of wines were sub £10 and scoring higher than their European counterparts. And once again South America featured two wines (out of 5) in the final and won with both those wines. The Secano was a favourite of Jimmy Smith's with a 'premium Pouilly-Fume-like character' going further to say 'that it should be worth twice the price.' The Alamos Torrontes (one of two Torrontes to feature in the final 32) was a winner with its' aromatics and refreshing notes. Quentin Sadler loved the 'lovely clean tangerine fruit with fresh zesty acidity' whilst both Philippa Hall and Elaine Wood liked the 'lychee and grapefruit' and 'lovely lychee finish' respectively.

Best New World White Over £12

Winner: Henschke Julius Riesling, South Australia, Australia, 2009 £18 - 16.6 points

Runner-up: Bodega Corvus, ‘Ala Negra’ Torrontes, 2008 £16 - 16 points

A small group of finalists was representative of a disappointing year of premium New World whites at WLWS this year. Emma Carter was flying the flag for the Corvus liking the 'beautiful nose, very floral and honeyed, smooth on the palate with a long satisfying length. Simon Woods was in Henschke's corner mentioning a 'big fruity petrolly sytle, apple skin, citrus and very well-balanced.'

Come to our Wines of the Year Awards December Tastings to taste these excellent wines and all our other excellent winners

Click here to find out more about the Awards, behind-the-scenes and all about the judges

Wines of the Year Awards 2011 - BEST EUROPEAN WINES

2011-10-18T20:00:00.007+01:00

Here is a more detailed report on the best European wines from this years' awards:

Best European Red Under £12

Winner: Candido I Satiri Salice Salentino, Puglia, Italy, 2006 £8 - 15.1 points (out of 20)

Runner-up: Alpha Zeta ‘R’ Ripasso Valpolicello Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2008 £11 - 15 points

Not the highest scoring category but the wines showed consistency with Italy accounting for 75% of the final group really showcasing the value for money that can be achieved. Simon Woods commented that the Alpha Zeta Ripasso was 'very good, with sweet & vibrant fruit & floral.' The Salice gathered much praise with Emma Carter expressing that she found 'red fruits & lovely smoothness on the palate' and Jimmy Smith adding 'gamey, spicy, herby lavender with juicy red fruit & a long length.' Excellent praise for a wine at the £7-8 price point.

Best European Red Over £12

Winner: Bodegas Bilbianas La Vicalanda Reserva Rioja, Spain, 2006 £16 - 17.2 points

Runner-up: Planeta, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily, Italy, 2009 £15 - 16.7 points

A category of some big scores further backing up the notion of 'you get what you pay for.' Certainly this is true here as all the finalists RRPs were between £12-19 and all much higher scoring than the Under £12 category. Italy accounted for 50% of the finalists once again

impressing the judges.The Planeta excited many palates including Simon Woods's 'ripe, smoky with redcurrant and red berry - a real charming style.' The Vicalanda Rioja edged in the lead with comments such as 'sweet ripe fruit, lovely balance, great concentration, fine tannin and smoky oak' (Quentin Sadler) and 'intense dark concentrated fruit, smoky oak, vanilla & spicy herbs nuances' (Jimmy Smith).

Best European White Under £12

Winner: Maison de Testalune (Potel) Saint-Romain, Burgundy, France 2009 £11 - 15.6 points

Runner-up: Martin Codax Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain, 2010 £11 - 15.5 points

A good category populated by French (40%) and Spanish (60%) in the final ranging from £6 to £12. The Codax Albarino was praised for its depth of fruit at such a good price point with Quentin Sadler stating 'nice weight and balance with long cooked apple notes and light citrus finish.' The Saint-Romain made by Domaine Potel surprised many as it tasted like it should be in the higher above £12 category. Philippa Hall praised the minerality whilst Jimmy Smith commented 'sweet apple, melon and a creamy texture with a buttered toasty finish.'

Best European White Over £12

Winner: Louis Jadot Marsannay, Burgundy, France. 2008 £16 - 17.8 points

Runner-up: Pieropan Soave, Veneto, Italy, 2009 £13 - 17.7 points

A wonderful final group with some stunning £12-18 wines represented by the high scores achieved by the top two - indeed the Iconic White category whose wines span from £25 to £40 only achieved slightly higher results. The Pieropan was a gem but unfortunately was in classy company so just pipped at the post. Simon Woods liked the 'pear, peach and tropical minerality' whilst Cherie Agnew was excited by the 'opulent nose, with peach, orange blossom and some Turkish Delight and a palate with excellent minerality - a wine that works.' But Cherie liked the Marsannay a little more - 'creamy, perfumed with a palate of apple, butter, cream, cedar, passionfruit and an outstanding length' whilst Quentin Sadler loved the 'lovely palate with rich dry honey' and Jimmy Smith liking the 'juicy apple, melon and floral complexity = a dangerously drinkable wine.'

You can taste all of these wines on our December Wines of the Year Awards 2011 Tastings - click here to view the schedule & book your place for as little as £7.50!

Click here to find out more about the Wines of the Year Awards, the judging & the judges

Wines of the Year Awards 2011 - THE RESULTS

2011-10-17T18:21:00.012+01:00

The highly-anticipated results are in! Click on each of the headings to find out more about the winners and runners-up:

Best European Red Under £12

Winner: Candido I Satiri Salice Salentino, Puglia, Italy, 2006 £8

Runner-up: Alpha Zeta ‘R’ Ripasso Valpolicello Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2008 £11

Best European Red Over £12

Winner: Bodegas Bilbianas La Vicalanda Reserva Rioja, Spain, 2006 £16

Runner-up: Planeta, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily, Italy, 2009 £15

Best European White Under £12

Winner: Domaine de Testalune (Potel) Saint-Romain, Burgundy, France 2009 £11

Runner-up: Martin Codax Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain, 2010 £11

Best European White Over £12

Winner: Louis Jadot Marsannay, Burgundy, France. 2008 £16

Runner-up: Pieropan Soave, Veneto, Italy, 2009 £13

Best New World Red Under £12

Winner: Klein Constantia Cabernet Merlot, South Africa, 2009 £10

Runner-up: Ravenswood Zinfandel, Lodi, California, 2008 £9

Best New World Red Over £12

Winner: Bodegas Septima Gran Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina, 2009 £13

Runner-up: Bodega Vinecol, Malbec Oak Reserve, 2009 £16

Best New World White Under £12

Winner: Catena 'Alamos' Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina, 2010 £8

Runner-up: Secano Estate Sauvignon Gris, Leyda, Chile, 2010 £8

Best New World White Over £12

Winner: Henschke Julius Riesling, South Australia, Australia, 2009 £18

Runner-up: Bodega Corvus, ‘Ala Negra’ Torrontes, 2008 £16

Unusual Red Award

Winner: Bodega Porvenir, Laborum Tannat, Argentina, 2006 £21

Runner-up: Chapoutier 'La Bernadine' Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France, 2008 £25

Unusual White Award

Winner: Antinori Vermintino, Bolgheri, Italy, 2010 £14

Runner-up: Domaine Wachau Terraces Gruner Veltliner, Wachau, Austria, 2010 £9

Iconic Red Award

Winner: Scala Dei Cartoixa, Priorat, Spain, 2006 £30

Runner-up: Errazuriz Don Maximiamo, Chile, 2007 £44

Iconic White Award

Winner: Louis Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, Burgundy, France, 2008 £28

Runner-up: Leitz Berg Roseneck Riesling Spatlese, Rheingau, Germany, 2006 £25

Best Value Sparkling

Winner: Domaine Carneros Brut, Carneros, California, 2006 £19

Runner-up: Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne, NV £19

Best Sparkling Award

Winner: Domaine Carneros La Reve, Carneros, California, 2004 £38

Runner-up: Bollinger Brut, Champagne, NV £35

Fortified Award

Winner: Cazes Ambre Rivesaltes, Roussillon, France, 1998 £15

Runner-up: Hidalgo Gitana Manzanilla, Sherry, NV £9

Sweet Award

Winner: Capezzana Vin Santo, Carmignano, Italy £35

Runner-up: Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, South Africa £30

To taste all of these wines click here to view our Wines of the Year 2011 Tasting schedule

Wines of the Year Awards 2011

2011-10-17T17:56:00.007+01:00

Every year we host our Wines of the Year Awards tastings at West London Wine School. These are tastings on the best wines sampled at our school over the past year that we want you to know about! There have been over 1000 different wines tasted at the school this year from Introduction courses to specialist tastings to professional WSET courses. All the wines have been collated and rated. We have finally narrowed them down to a selection of outstanding wines that we class as our Wines of Year.

How it Works:

With well over 1000 wines tasted in since the 2010 Awards there are a lot of wines to trawl through. We have a collection of tasting notes from the judges below plus tasting notes submitted by West London Wine School regulars. The top 6-8 in each category (across 16 categories) weren submitted to a blind tasting day on October 11th at West London Wine School with all of the below judges. The highest scoring wine in each category is declared the winner after several taste-offs with close-contention wines.

Who Judges the Wines of the Year Awards:

From Left to Right: Philippa Hall, Justine Bearne, Stephen Worgan and Emma Carter (All WLWS regulars), Jimmy Smith (WLWS Founder), Cherie Agnew and Quentin Sadler (WLWS Tutors), Simon Woods (Special Guest Judge) & Elaine Wood (WSET Student)

STOP PRESS: The Results

The greatly-anticipated results will follow in the next post - click here to visit the results...

How to Taste all of these Delicious Wines:

We have two days of tastings on offer to taste these wonderful wines:

Walkaround Tasting - Wednesday 14th December - £10
Walkaround Tasting - Thursday 15th December - £10

We also have 2 for £15 tickets available too - so come taste the BEST wines of the year for as little as £7.50!

Grand Cru Burgundy Tasting - 22/06/11

2011-06-24T09:30:00.004+01:00

One of our recent fine wine tastings at West London Wine School was the discovery of the finest expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Burgundy - the Grand Crus.

The tasting comprised of 6 wines, 2 Chardonnays and 4 Pinots:

Domaine Depaquit-Long Chablis Grand Cru La Moutonne, 2001

Wonderful intense and exotic nose; ripe melon, tropical guava and grapefruit with a yeasty creamy edge and faint minerality. The palate is more secondary with a creamy softness, mineral and savoury notes with a sweet apple core and melon. This is the jewel in the crown of Depaquit-Long, classed as the unofficial 8th Grand Cru of Chablis and is legally labelled as Grand Cru. Harrisons of Ealing £49 (17.5/20)

Nicolas Potel Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, 2005

A really delightfully balanced wine with a nose dominated by a wonderful flinty-mineral touch with light dairy cream, Braeburn apples, peaches and gentle toasty oak. The palate is very refreshing with vibrant acidity that drives green apple, citrus with peach and a long mineral stony length. Long lasting, and due to live even longer. Excellent vintage. Exel Wines £120 (magnum) (18.5/20)

Louis Jadot Corton-Pougeots Grand Cru, 2000

A lesser Grand Cru and average vintage evident with the mature development of this wine. Dried cherry, raisin, leather, earth & a mushroomy mineral nose. Very smooth with little tannin left but a delicate acidity rescues the palate driving through red cherry, dried fruits and a long savoury-earth finish. Very good for the price - drink now. Bordeaux Index £45 (17/20)

Faiveley Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, 1999

Faiveley is a stunning negociant rated 2/3 by Clive Coates MW. The largest landowner is obsessed with quality-control and is a very consistent producer. This is important for Clos de Vougeot which can be very impressive but equally as unimpressive at times - often it is the "most abused" (Clive Coates MW). Fragrant red cherry, strawberry and an edge of floral on the nose - still too young? Well yes, on the palate this has some firm grippy tannins that give way to a plethora of red fruit; raspberry, redcurrant and a sour cherry edge pushed through by the acid. Lovely and still got 10+ years, best after 2015. Fine & Rare £98 (18+/20)

Drouhin-Laroze Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, 2004

An estate known for oak and it shows here. The nose is lovely and opulent with black cherry and dark plum with an impressive smoky toasty oak - very enticing. The palate is full and structured with black fruit, chocolatey texture and a long smoky meaty length. Drinking good now & will last 3-5 years. Fine & Rare £59 (17.5/20)

Domaine Trapet Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, 1989

The end of an era wine - the last vintage of the old Trapet (complete) family domaine before the split of 1990 (into Jean & Jean Louis Trapet and Roussignol-Trapet). The 3rd smallest Grand Cru in Gevrey-Chambertin is known for its' feminine style but with this much age (22 years!) has matured fully. Very rich raisin, fig with a breath of red cherry. Lots of mineral, mushroom, forest floor and a long meaty, gamey oak length - the tannin left is oak tannin with little acidity. Great and now fully-mature and for those who like secondary flavours. Approx £140 (17.5/20)

CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEXT GRAND CRU BURGUNDY TASTING

25% OFF at Waitrose

2011-06-23T08:57:00.002+01:00

Always aiming to bring you good tidings, we are delivering our promise. At West London Wine School we utilise wines from all readily-available sources therefore if you attend a tasting you can easily go forth and purchase. We select from a range including online suppliers such as Slurp, High Street independents such as Lea & Sandeman, wine retailers such as Majestic and of course supermarkets such as Waitrose. This gives everyone the opportunity to taste a range from all of the UK wine market.

One of our firm favourites is Waitrose with their excellent range, hand-selected by a superb wine-buying team including four Masters of Wine - more than any other retailer.

From Wednesday 22nd June to Tuesday 28th June Waitrose are offering 25% off their entire range. This is an excellent chance to stock up on wines that rarely are placed on promotion such as English wines. We have composed a list of excellent wines that we recommend and use at the school:

Our Recommends (full retail price):

Joseph Drouhin 2007 Chorey-lès-Beaune, Burgundy, France - Bright red berries, raspberry & strawberry and edge of smoke £14.99

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Coonawarra, S Australia- cassis & very concentrated with minty eucalypt £14.99

Villa Antinori 2006 Tuscany, Italy - lovely balance of red fruit, cherry, meaty & smoky oak £14.99

Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2008/09 Sicily, Italy - bright crunchy red berries, spicy & peppery, very exotic spice £15.99

Baron de Ley 2006 Reserva, Rioja, Spain - this is a beautiful quintessential Rioja, silky smooth with juicy red fruit £11.29

Waitrose Vega Ariana 2008 Rioja, Spain - Oz Clarke loves this one, I do too, red-berried & soft, great value for money £5.99

Mas d'en Gil Coma Vella 2007 Priorat, Spain - deep, inky, complex but still fresh, wow £23.99

Bonterra Zinfandel 2009 Mendocino County, California - cooler climate of Mendocino = bright & juicy red, fresher & lively £9.99

Henry Fessy 2009 Brouilly, Beaujolais, Burgundy, France - wonderful juicy drinking, sweet red fruit & floral edges £9.99

La Châsse Syrah Rosé 2010 IGP Pays d’Oc, France - light bright red fruit & decent finish, very drinkable £6.99

Patricius Dry Furmint 2008 Tokaji, Hungary - apple skins, peach, with a waxy creaminess, delicious long length £9.99

Chapel Down Bacchus 2010 Kent, England - lime, gooseberry & passionfruit, lively & fresh, English Summer drinking £10.99

Malvirà Roero Arneis 2008 Piedmont, Italy - peaches, apricot & good body with a floral touch, complex - £10.99

Domaine Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner 2009 Niederösterreich, Austria - green & juicy, limey, mineral & fresh - £8.99

Louis Jadot 2008 Chassagne-Montrachet, Premier Cru, Burgundy, France - fresh & very complex, lovely stuff with soft creamy oak & vibrant mineral undertones £26.99

The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, New Zealand - excellent Kiwi Savvy, Gold Medal winner too - £9.99

Zalze Chenin Blanc 2009 Western Cape, South Africa - fresh, green apple, great easy Summer drinking - £5.69

Chateau Tour-Leognan, Pessac Leognan (White), Bordeaux - fresh, green with passionfruit and creamy edges, one of the best Sauvignon Blancs (with a dash of Semillon) out there £13.99

Anthemis Muscat of Samos, Greece, 2002 (sweet) - stunning, complex, with orange peel, dried fruits & nuts - £12.99

Waitrose Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne, France - lively, fresh with elegant creaminess - £22.99

Ridgeview Cuvée Merret Bloomsbury 2008 Sparkling, Sussex, England - amazing English vintage fizz - £21.99

Visit the Waitrose Sale here

Visit West London Wine School here

West London Wine School Blog is being re-jigged

2011-06-15T10:43:00.004+01:00

Howdy!

Due to the growth of the school it has been near impossible to keep a blog going - however good news is afoot, we will be re-launching our blog with a weekly round-up of wines tasted at the wine school with specialist tasting videos.

Watch this space!

To join in the fun at West London Wine School visit our website for a selection of wine & beer tastings and courses

Jimmy

Wine of the Week: Kunstler Dry Riesling '09 Germany

2011-03-11T09:30:00.002Z

Wine of the Week - 11/03/11

Wallet-UNFriendly

Tasted on our popular 8-week Introduction to Wine Course

Click here to Visit West London Wine School

Weingut Kunstler, Dry Riesling, Holle Hochheim, Rheingau, 2009

100% Riesling

From a warmer part of the vineyard, Holle, where the 15% of Kunstler's Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir) comes from. This warmth translates into the wine; riper fruit of pineapple and peach, bramley apple and mineral and honeyed edge on the nose. The palate is dry and spritzy with a good weight of fruit; orange and white peach and a very decent length. Lovely stuff. Jimmy 17.5/20 (Waitrose £14.99)

Wine of the Week: Domaine Wachau Wissenkirchen Gruner Veltliner

2011-03-10T14:25:00.001Z

Wine of the Week - 11/03/11

Wallet-friendly

Tasted on the popular 8-week Introduction to Wine Course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Domaine Wachau 'Wissenkirchen' Gruner Veltliner, Wachau, Austria, 2009

100% Gruner Veltliner

This is the grape that gives Austria a wine-identity and is the phoenix from the flames of scandal-rocked Austrian wine industry. Fresh and lively nose of green pepper, lime, kiwi and mineral -very elegant, very Sancerre-like. Slight spritz on the palate, very refreshing acidity driving a long palate of apple, pear, lime and an even longer length of vegetal mineraliness (is that a word? Who cares!) Jimmy 17/20 (Majestic £9.99 - £8.99 when you buy 2)

Other great Gruners:

Domaine Wachau 'Terraces' from Waitrose £8.49 on offer at £6.49 currently until 5th April. (Jimmy 17/20)
Domaine Gobelsberg from Waitrose £9.49 (Jimmy 17.5/20)

Tour de Rhone: Cote Rotie & Condrieu with Simon Woods

2011-02-28T10:00:00.000Z

Cote Rotie - The Roasted Slope

Nestled in the Northern tip of the Northern Rhone just south-west of Vienne lies the famous wine district of Cote-

Rotie. With perilously steep slopes facing South-East the name 'Roasted Slope' is given to this area due its' near-perfect grape-growing conditions. The aspect faces the equator gaining the maximum solar radiation and the steep slopes (close to 60 degree incline) help this further. What's more the granite-based soils are wonderfully well-draining resulting in the Syrah vines here digging extremely deep to quench their thirst. The result are hardy and well-developed vines producing very complex and concentrated fruit, and a distinct lack of bloating (low moisture in the grape). These are some of the finest and complex expressions of Shiraz or Syrah.

Another point of interest here is the appellation permits up to 20% Viognier into the blend though in reality it is sparingly used - usually up to 5% blended in. This adds further depth to the wine creating blueberry fruit, floral nuances and a softer-feel. This is the birthplace of the Shiraz-Viognier blend now uber-trendy across the world.

It could have been all so different however. 50 years ago, the whole region of the Northern Rhone was struggling with Cote Rotie only achieving approximately 70 hectares under vine and nearby Condrieu for Viognier only 7 hectares. The rewards for wine-production here were so little that it was at risk of extinction. However globalisation set Shiraz in motion with the Australians replacing their Grenache with Shiraz. The Rhone Valley too had a huge amount of interest. Today Cote Rotie holds around 253 hectares producing some 1.4 million bottles.

Condrieu - Viognier's Home

The non-commercial grape variety Viognier is one of small-production and ultimately rich concentration. Next door to Cote Rotie, to the west, lies the village and district of Condrieu.

This is another area that witnessed significant decline throughout the twentieth century and indeed there was only 12 hectares of Viognier under vine in 1971, close to extinction.

Today the area under vine has increased to 147ha producing around 700,000 bottles (half of Cote Rotie) but the grape still remains a tricky one to cultivate. Low yields, rich flavours equate to wonderful complexity but the low acidity in Viognier means this is not a 'refreshing' variety. And today the trend is for high-acid white wines.

However, with the rise of Syrah across the globe, Viognier has persevered, often blended into Syrah to create more complex styles. But it is the 100% Viogniers that are mesmerising; unctuous flavours, rich stone and tropical fruit, honey, blossom, floral. It's powerful and utterly lovely.

In this video; Simon Woods & Jimmy Smith taste Yves Cuilleron Condrieu & Cote Rotie

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Domaine Yves Cuilleron, Condrieu 'Les Challiets,' Rhone, 2008

100% Viognier

Rich & opulent. Very sniffable, lots of exotic flavours and floral, perfume, honey and jasmine. Lots of texture, layers of flavour. Full-bodied, dry, with apricot, peach, pineapple and of course floral edges. The length is very long and luscious kept refreshing with a wonderful mineral touch. Absolutely Lovely. Jimmy 19/20 (Everywine, Imbibros approx £60)

Domaine Yves Cuilleron, Cote Rotie 'Madiniere,' Rhone, 2008

100% Syrah

Very bright red berries with a distinct smoked bacon, black pepper and herbal nuances - very enticing. Red cherry, berries, pepper and cloves with a long smoky length makes for a classic tasty Rhone red. Excellent with smoked meats and smoked cheese. Jimmy 18/20 (Berry Brothers £43.90)

Tasting on one of our Fine Wine Tastings/Masterclasses - view here

Wine of the Week: Catena Alta Malbec 2007

2011-02-24T13:58:00.000Z

Wine of the Week - 25/02/11

Wallet-Unfriendly - Catena Alta Malbec 2007

Tasted on our 8-week Introduction to Wine Course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Catena Alta Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2007

The violet-purple wine yields a nose of vibrancy and indulgence. Black and blueberry, with violet edges, sweet spices and pepper. The palate is smooth with plum, blue & blackberry, cassis and a liquorice touch and a length that continues with the fruit and violet edges. It is a little tannic but this will subside within 2 years. Wonderful. Jimmy 18.5/20 (Slurp, Majestic £26 - £21 at Majestic if you buy 2 bottles)

To read my full review on Catena click here

Wine of the Week: Carême Vouvray Spring 2007

2011-02-18T09:30:00.000Z

Wine of the Week - 18/02/11

Wallet-Friendly

Careme Vouvray Spring 2007 - tasted on our 4-week France v New World Wine Course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Careme Vouvray 'Spring,' Loire Valley, France, 2007

100% Chenin Blanc

So much to talk about here; the nose is wonderfully intriguing with orange blossom and smoked honey, jasmine and cooked apples a slight savoury nutty edge. Off-dry, rich and textured on the palate with sweet apple, peach, honey and nut and a balanced acidity throughout adding an orange touch. Outstanding. Jimmy 18.5/20

Stockists; Lea & Sandeman was £13.75 now £9.75 (bin end - snap it up soon!)

Wine of the Week: Vesevo Taurasi 2003

2011-02-15T15:57:00.002Z

Wine of the Week - 18/02/11

Wallet-Unfriendly

Vesevo Taurasi - tasted on our 4-week Discover Italy course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Vesevo Taurasi DOCG, Campania, Italy, 2003

100% Aglianico

The ruby colour still shows youth, despite the 8 years age. Priorat-like intensity with raisin, smoke and tobacco, oregano herb and meaty/leather touch. The palate is intense but kept refreshing with a wonderful vibrant acidity classic to Aglianico. Good soft tannin structure shows ability to age with a barrage of red berries, redcurrant, fig and raisin and a long length of smoky oak, coconut, vanilla and herb. Big and brilliant. Jimmy 18/20

Stockists:

Wine Supply Company - £19.00

Nickolls & Perks - £20.45

Nick's Wines - £21.95

Wine of the Week: Secano Sauvignon Gris

2011-02-11T09:05:00.000Z

Wine of the Week - 11/02/11

Wallet-Friendly - Secano Estate Sauvignon Gris 2009

Tasted on our 8-week Introduction to Wine Course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Secano Estate Sauvignon Gris, Leyda Valley, San Antonio, Chile, 2009

100% Sauvignon Gris

Superbly elegant with a nose reminiscent of decent Pouilly-Fume; smoky mineral with a green edge and lime, kiwi and a touch of vibrant passionfruit. Zesty acidity that is well-integrated driving gooseberry, lime and a long stony mineral finish. Seriously punching above its' weight. Jimmy 17/20

Stockists:

Marks & Spencers - £7.99

Wine of the Week: Alpha Zeta Amarone 2007

2011-02-10T10:27:00.003Z

Wine of the Week - 11/02/11

Wallet-Unfriendly - Alpha Zeta Amarone

Tasted on our 4-week Discover Italy Wine Course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Alpha Zeta, Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, 2007

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

A very indulgent superstar of a wine with rum and raisin, dark fruit & chocolate with herbal nuances on the nose. A super-soft, smooth & silky style with a delicious chocolate-texture, black cherry, raisin and balsamic with a long vanilla finish. 15% alcohol, but you don't feel it at all... dangerous. Jimmy 18/20

Stockists:

Wine Society - £20.00

Slurp - £23.10

Rannoch Scott - £23.99

Aitken Wines - £24.49

The Sampler - £24.75

Wine Reserve - £26.99

Harper Wells - £27.16

The Smiling Grape - £29.99

Wine of the Week: Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2007

2011-02-04T09:15:00.000Z

Wine of the Week - 04/02/11

Wallet Un-Friendly

Tasted on our 4-week Discover Italy Course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2007

80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah

This is a Classico with attitude. Wonderful concentration with intense dark fruit and a whiff of basil and flower ending in a well-integrated new oak cedar and vanilla. A mixed berry fruit palate is kept vibrant by a racing acidity with a structured firm & tannic mid-full body and a pleasing lightly smoky oak finish. Well worth the price tag. Jimmy 17.5/20

Stockists:

The Wine Society £16.00

West Mount Wine £17.99

Slurp £18.35

Harper Wells £19.50

The Secret Cellar £19.99

Noel Young £19.99

Wine of the Week: Vesevo Falanghina

2011-02-03T09:57:00.003Z

Wine of the Week - 04/02/11

Wallet Friendly

Tasted on our 4-week Discover Italy Course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Vesevo Falanghina, Beneventano IGT, Campania, Italy, 2009

100% Falanghina

A wine that is both refreshing and complex. Wonderfully vibrant nose with pear and peach, honeysuckle, cream and a floral edge - all this without oak. Textured, complex but refreshing on the palate with abundant fruit and a long persistent creamy, waxy, mineral length. Excellent with seafood risotto. Jimmy 17.5/20

Stockists:

Rannoch Scott £10.09

Wine Reserve £10.49

Hawkshead £10.75

KWM £10.99

Roberson Wines £12.75

Wine of the Week: Gran Sasso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

2011-01-28T12:00:00.003Z

Wine of the Week - 28/01/11

Wallet Friendly

Tasted on our 4-week Discover Italy Course

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Gran Sasso, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Italy, 2009

100% Montepulciano

A great affordable juicy number. Red cherry & blackberry that lasts throughout the wine, with spice & herb and very smooth tannins. Easy & charming - part of the dangerously drinkable club. Jimmy 16.5/20

Stockists:

Rannoch Scott £7.45

Wine Reserve £7.99

Eton Vintners £8.07

Hawkshead £8.25

Slurp £8.85

Everywine £8.90

Wine of the Week: Potel Saint-Romain Blanc 2007

2011-01-28T10:43:00.004Z

Wine of the Week - 28/01/11

Wallet Unfriendly

Tasted on our 4-week France versus New World

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Domaine Potel, Saint-Romain Blanc Vielles Vignes, Burgundy, France, 2007

100% Chardonnay

Elegant, complex & very more-ish. Gentle oak enhances a sweet apple, peach and melon nose with a light creamy touch. The palate is balanced with a refreshing acidity producing apple flavours with the soft vanilla oak pushing a riper melon fruit and a long mineral finish. Very very good. Jimmy 18/20 (Berry Brothers & Rudd £17.95)

Fine Wine: Cos d'Estournel 2004

2011-01-27T10:41:00.004Z

Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a Deuxieme Cru Classe (2nd Growth) and is situated in the Northern Haut-Medoc in the commune of Saint-Estephe. The chateau is a beautiful oriental design complete with towering pagodas sitting prominently overlooking the Haut-Medoc. The vineyard is next to 1st Growth Lafite in Pauillac with around 70 hectares under vine in a 90 hectare estate of which 60% is Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and a very small amount of Cabernet Franc. There has been a significant move in the past 20 years toward the use of more Cabernet Sauvignon and less Merlot. Between 1994-2001 the average blend was 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot in comparison to 2002-2008 with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and only 22% Merlot. This moves Cos more into line with the traditional left-bank styles with fuller complexity and longevity.

Only fruit from vines over 20 years old will go into the Grand Vin, the Cos d'Estournel. The younger vines will make the second wine, Les Pagodes des Clos, named after the architecture of the famous building. There is also a white, Bordeaux's most Northern white grapes, called Cos d'Estournel Blanc.

All fruit is hand-picked with each specially trained worker housing responsibility for 45,000 vines. Maturation is in a majority of new oak barrels with 80% new oak the norm from 2001-2008.

Today owned by Michel Reybier with Jean-Guillaume Prats continuing on as the president.

In this video; Cos d'Estournel 2004

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Chateau Cos d'Estournel, 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, 2004

74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Very young when tasted in December 2010 but still excellent potential. A deep core of blackcurrant on the nose with oaky nuances of tobacco, graphite mineral, herb & cinnamon. The palate is very concentrated with black fruit, but still heavily determined by the gum-tannin & oak tannin - quite gritty. The length is pushing through however with a smoky meat edge & vanilla. Needs time 2015-2020. Jimmy 17.5+ (Fine & Rare £76.43)

Tasted on our Fine Wine Tasting - visit here to view all of our Fine Wine Events

Fine Wine: Gaja Barbaresco 1999

2011-01-24T08:30:00.001Z

Another Fine Wine Tasting at West London Wine School included a true Iconic Italian red wine - Gaja Barbaresco 1999. Currently retailing at approximately £160 this was the creme de la creme of the tasting.

Barolo, a village and DOCG wine made from Nebbiolo in Piedmont, has always been at the forefront of Italian fine wine. This Piedmont regal favourite and age-worthy red has over-shadowed it's sister village of Barbaresco, also a village and DOCG wine, that is until the Gaja family had their say. Giovanni Gaja was the first to swim against the tide of tradition in this classic region by placing the big brand name of GAJA on the label - still there today. But it was Angelo Gaja, Decanter Wine Magazine's Winemaker of the Year 2010, who was the most instrumental in changing the tide for Barbaresco and bringing it into line with the sister village Barolo.

Key modern changes adopted by Angelo Gaja:

Producing much lower yields via vigorous selection and green harvesting thus producing greater concentration
Introducing malolactic fermentation to the region
Instrumental in introducing French oak barriques in addition to the traditional botte, the large Slovenian oak casks - now widely adopted across Piedmont
Creating Cru vineyards similar to that of their French neighbours e.g. Sori Tilden in 1970
Bringing in consultant winemakers similar to the practice of Michel Rolland
Utilising modern winemaking equipment such as thermo-controlled fermenters
Declassifying many of his labels to Langhe DOC from Barbaresco DOCG to allow the use of the Barbera grape variety e.g. the Sori Tilden is a Langhe Nebbiolo DOC as it is 95% Nebbiolo and 5% Barbera

Above all he is known for introducing the world to Gaja thus creating a true Italian Icon.

Classic Angelo Gaja Quote when comparing the Bordeaux classic king-grape Cabernet Sauvignon to Nebbiolo:

“Cabernet is to John Wayne, as Nebbiolo is to Marcello Mastroianni. Cabernet has a strong personality, open, easily understood and dominating. If Cabernet were a man, he would do his duty every night in the bedroom, but always in the same way. Nebbiolo, on the other hand, would be the brooding, quiet man in the corner, harder to understand but infinitely more complex.”

In this video; Gaja Barbaresco 1999

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Gaja, Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy, 1999

100% Nebbiolo

The flagship Gaja. The Big Boy. A haunting and truly memorable wine still clinging onto some redcurrant but edging out plenty of raisin, tar, leather, mushroom, truffle and cinnamon. Amidst the earthy graphite mineral is a fresh floral whiff - it's still got it. Of course it's dry, still grippingly tannic which denotes that this icon has time to go. Textured and complex with ripe redcurrant, dried fruit and a long savoury, gamey mushroom and earthy length. Magic. Jimmy 19.5/20 (£155 Fine & Rare)

Click here to view all the West London Wine School Fine Wine tastings

Fine Wine: Chateau Angelus 2008

2011-01-22T19:35:00.000Z

Chateau Angelus is one of the more recent movers in the Saint-Emilion classification system. In 1996 it was elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classe B from Grand Cru Classe. Once called L'Angelus it is now simply called and known as Angelus. There are two wines; the Grand Vin called Chateau Angelus (approx 10,000 cases) and a second wine called Carillon d'Angelus (approx 1,000).

Just over 23 hectares holds 51% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and just 2% Cabernet Sauvignon with average yields around 35hl/ha producing deeply concentrated wines.

In this video; Angelus 2008

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Chateau Angelus, 1er Grand Cru Classe B Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, 2008

58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc

This is an inky deep colour and an intense blockbuster-concetrated nose with black cherry and smoked meat and a heady perfumed touch. Less elegant than the Cheval Blanc 2008 but still a true star. The palate has firm tannins that convey an ability to age in addition to liqueur-type fruit, liqourice and a smoked length. Big, rich, but soft with excellent potential for extensive ageing. Jimmy 19/20 (Fine & Rare - £780 case of 6 in bond - £970 cheaper than Cheval Blanc 2008)

Visit here to view our list of Fine Wine tastings & Masterclasses

Fine Wine: Cheval Blanc 2008

2011-01-05T09:39:00.004Z

Château Cheval Blanc is a unique and great wine. Indeed it is Saint-Emilion's greatest wine and its' real unique-selling-point is that is the only great wine in the world made principally from Cabernet Franc. In terms of classification it shares the elite 'A-class' Premier Grand

Cru Classe with Chateau Ausone for Saint-Emilion.

When I first visited Cheval Blanc in 2008 almost everything impressed me. Finding the chateau can be a challenge but adds to the anticipation. When you eventually spot the majestic medieval slate towers on top of the marvellous white limestone building this is your best means of direction as signposts become a rarity on the border of Pomerol, and even more so into the neighbouring district. The Château (pictured) is fine presentation of architecture with grounds kept immaculate. Inside the château the décor is splendid with the rooms furnished and untouched like a museum.

History of the Château

Once a part of the great Figeac estate, the origins of Cheval Blanc (meaning 'White Horse') were cemented when the Ducasse family acquired the land in two stages in the 1830s. Through the marriage of Henriette Ducasse and Jean Laussac Fourcard the Fourcard-Ducasse family was established and set to reign over the estate until 1988 when the present owners, LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet & Hennessy) bought the estate.

It was in the 1860s that the estate won recognition at the international London and Paris exhibitions shown on the current label with the two medals (see picture) and throughout the late nineteenth century harnessed praise. Step-by-step the Chateau climbed the elite table starting the twentieth century on par with Ausone and Belair and by the 1960s it was in the same league as the Medoc first growths.

The Vineyard

Cheval is found on gravelly soil here, unique and different to the rest of Saint-Emilion and one of the factors that creates this leading wine. There are around 36 hectares under vine composing of about 59% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Malbec. The average age of vines is above 30 years with average yields at about 35 hectolitres per hectare. In cases; around 6000 of the the Grand Vin, Cheval Blanc and around 2,500 cases of the second wine Le Petit Cheval (generally younger vines and less oak maturation).

The wine tends to be wonderfully concentrated, without the least suspicion of over-extraction, complex, full-bodied with high levels of oak integration (100% new oak for 18 months for the Grand Vin).

In this video; Cheval Blanc 2008

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A, Bordeaux, 2008

50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot

Very concentrated on the nose but still not too open. Black cherry fruit with a herbaceous and spiced perfumed edge. There's also a weighty smoky meaty character. On the palate the tannins are not exceedingly intense as one would expect, and this eventually give way to black plum and cherry fruit with a smoky meat and cedar oak length. Very good, and the acidity keeps the wine elegant - it's not too weighted. Needs time and will be truly great 2015-25. Jimmy 18.5+/20 (Bibendum £1,750 case of 6 in bond)

Other wine notes:

From the Wine Doctor:

"Deep, meaty, smoky, intense and complex. Brilliantly perfumed and aromatic, fabulous purity and fine, lifted aromas. The palate comes on in the same vein; huge substance, a smoky-meaty depth of fruit, bright, linear and defined structure. Broad, rich and dense, with a profound backbone of fine tannins. This has amazing style and is one of my favourites of the vintage without doubt. This will be a truly great wine. 18.5-19.5+/20" (April 2009)

Outstanding Argentina 2 - Catena Alta

2010-11-26T15:06:00.002Z

After starting with the wonderful affordable Alamos range, the specialist tasting 'The Best of Argentina' hosted by Mariela Molinari from Bodegas Catena Zapata moved onto the Catena range before finally ending on the premium Altas. We were being treated to the 2007 Alta Malbec and the 2006 Alta Cabernet Sauvignon (see video)

The Alta Range

This premium range is selected from higher-altitude plots where the fruit ripens gradually at lower temperatures. The Malbec is sourced from the Adrianna vineyard at 1,480 metres, the Nicasia at 1,180m, La Piramide at 940m and the Angelica vineyards at 850m. The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from La Piramide and Domingo at 1,180m.

Wines from lower altitudes where many of the grape varieties are to be found ripen fully and obtain the vibrant fruit famous in Argentinian wine, but at these higher altitudes the fruit ripeness is balanced with higher acidity levels. This produces an overall elegance in these wines, with greater complexity and length.

In this video; Alta Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Catena Alta Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2007

Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina, 2006

This deep inky wine has an intense and concentrated nose that is almost Priorat-like in its' depth. Cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate and an edge of sweet spices produce an abundant nose. The palate has good texture with black fruit and chocolate with a vanilla finish - needs time to open out a bit more. Great stuff however. Jimmy 17.5/20 (Slurp £23.95)

Forthcoming Specialist Tasting - Rhone Masterclass with Simon Woods

Outstanding Argentina 1 - Catena Alamos

2010-11-25T14:12:00.005Z

We hosted another fantastic affordable Specialist Wine Tasting at West London Wine School this November when Mariela Molinari conducted the Best of Argentina tasting presenting the innovative wines of Bodegas Catena Zapata. It was an excellent tasting displaying the consistent quality that is produced within this country.

Bodegas Catena Zapata

The history of Catena stretches back over 100 years but it has been the past 30 years that has been the pivotal era in time for both bodega and country for wine production. At the helm of this instrumental winery is Decanter Winemaker of the Year 2009, Nicolas Catena, who identified in the 1980s that it was possible to produce quality wine to approach rivalling the best in the world. Through planting Malbec at an altitude where no one thought it would ripen, studying climate and soil to the smallest detail and developing the first ever clonal selection of Argentine Malbec the foundations were made to create Argentine Fine Wine. The development of these sites has led to Catena releasing premium wines such as the Alta range (UK £23-30) and their top of the range Zapata (UK £45-50).

There has been glowing praise for Catena. Steven Spurrier, Decanter Consultant Editor, explained "the Catena wines were beacons for quality in Argentina from the very start and, due to the passion, foresight and cultural dedication of Nicolás Catena, they remain so today." Even Baron Eric de Rothschild of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) sings high praise - "Nicolás Catena is a man of vision, of high intellect, always curious about others and about how the world is developing. He has been instrumental in changing the Argentinean wine scene more than anybody else, pushing it towards high quality."

The Alamos Range

This is the affordable varietal range in Catena's portfolio cementing Argentina as an affordable quality wine producing country. Alamos is named after the Poplar tree that grows across Mendoza and the grapes sourced for the range are from vineyards between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. This preserves freshness in the wine with acidity and gently-ripened fruit character.

In this video; Alamos Torrontes, Bonarda & Malbec

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Catena Alamos, Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina, 2009

This is the up-and-coming grape variety creating a real buzz amongst wine critics. It's a part of the aromatic family, standing side-by-side with Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Viognier. This example is pale gold with a nose of rose petal, lychee, honey and an edge of spice. An intense palate of tropical pineapple, lychee and melon with some acidity that is often lacking in such fragrant perfumed wines. This is not an example of complexity but a fresh and lively style. Jimmy 16.5/20 (Slurp £7.25)

Catena Alamos, Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina, 2009

One on Mariela's favourite grape varieties, Bonarda is a variety making a come back. In style this is somewhere between old-vine Carignan and Italian Barbera with soft rich fruit nose with smoky edges and sweet spices of cinnamon. Plum, black cherry and a soft body that makes this wine a easy wine to appreciate. The reason why this is decent - small yields - the way forward with Bonarda just like Carignan. Jimmy 16.5/20 (Slurp £7.25)

Catena Alamos, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2009

What a lively little number! Deep inky purple with a nose of blackberry, liquorice, black pepper and sweet spice. Soft on tannin but full on fruit with black berry and cherry, chocolate and liquorice with a oak dryness of the finish. Very pleasing. Jimmy 17/20 (Slurp £7.25)

All wines available at Slurp.co.uk with some available in retail outlets such as Majestic

All wines were tasted on a West London Wine School Specialist Wine Tasting - click here to view a list of forthcoming specialist tastings including our Rhone Masterclass with Simon Woods

Fruit Bursting Beaujolais

2010-11-24T09:15:00.001Z

The 2009 vintage of Beaujolais is being lauded as the best in decades with wine guru Jancis Robinson admitting that this is the year that will change people's negativity toward the appellation. I must admit, Beaujolais is often very disappointing for me all the way to the "Cru" villages such as Morgon, Brouilly, Regnie and so on. But the recent 2009s I tried threw me into a classic double-take. I like them.

Beaujolais is a district that has clung onto the wealth of Burgundy both geographically and in status. A large area planted with some 19,100 hectares (2009 figures - CIVB 2010) churning out high volumes of the Gamay grape variety. Beaujolais can conjure up a variety of differing opinions amongst wine consumers. From the uber-young Beaujolais Nouveau where large volumes of inexpensive glugging wine is consumed and a BIG hit in Japan (see picture) to the classy Cru villages often compared to the rivalling north neighbour, Pinot Noir.

Levels of Beaujolais:

Beaujolais Nouveau - released on the third Thursday of November (this year on 18th November) straight after harvest, is low in alcohol and often very like grape juice with alcohol. Tasting 2010 assessment - one of the best I have ever tasted.
Beaujolais - the area lying in the flatter South on soils of productive granitic sand, producing early consumption styles (within a year) usually released in the March after harvest. Minimum 9% alcohol and maximum yields over 55hl/ha.
Beaujolais-Villages - better zone in the North on more undulating terrain with outcrops of granitic schist. More vibrant wines still for early consumption (within 2 years). Maximum yield 50hl/ha
Beaujolais Cru - area in the North-East of the region with ten sub-zones surrounding a group of 7 villages; (from North to South) Julienas, Saint-Amour, Chenas, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Regnie, Cotes du Brouilly and Brouilly. Wines have more intensity and are the best examples of the region. Can age better too. Maximum yield 48hl/ha.

There is also less than 1% of white Beaujolais and rose.

Why is Beaujolais light & fruity? - Carbonic Maceration

The normal process for producing wine is traditional fermentation where grapes are harvested, crushed and pressed, yeast added to start alcoholic fermentation, extracting acidity and tannin (and perhaps colour) to give the wine structure. Carbonic Maceration is the process where the black grapes are not crushed but placed into a vat whole. The closed vat is injected with carbon dioxide which creates a pressure and forces the grapes, through a lack of oxygen, to go through a maceration by intracelluar transformation. The bottom layer of the vat enters a fermentation via crushing (due to the sheer weight of the other grapes), the middle foregoes osmosis producing some alcohol and the most important top layer will go through an anaerobic process producing some alcohol but reducing the malic acids thus increasing the softness of the wine.

The remaining grapes will be pressed to extract some colour and tannin (though low) through a normal fermentation. It is this finalisation of the process why some refer to this as semi-carbonic maceration.

The result is a low acidity style (due to the lack of malic acids), soft, with low levels of tannin. The wine will take a red-fruit character of the Gamay variety, with a kirsch-led flavour and soft banana edges (due to lack of malic acids).

In this video; Brouilly 2009

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Henry Fessy, Brouilly, Beaujolais Cru, France, 2009

Gamay

Bags of character burst out the nose with vibrant red fruits, strawberries, kirsch, violets, rose petals, spices. Palate is full of crunchy red cherries, strawberries, raspberries that keep lasting throughout the palate - more than most of Beaujolais. One of the best I have ever tasted. Jimmy 17.5/20 (£9.99 Waitrose)

Tasted on our 8-week Introduction to the World of Wine and

on our WSET Intermediate Level 2 Courses

d'Arenberg Specialist Tasting

2010-11-23T09:00:00.011Z

At the start of November we all got rather excited at West London Wine School. We hosted a wonderful specialist tasting that was sold out well in advance. The reason for the anticipation -d'Arenberg. The tasting - d'Arenberg. A fantastic line-up was penned in with the presentation by a'Arry's own Claire Scott who worked at the vineyard for 4 years.

From the coat arms displaying 'wine is life' to the plethora of intriguing names to adorn each label this

winery from the McLaren Vale means wine business. This is

a business that will be 100 years old in 2012 and is certainly in it's golden age under the direction of larger-than-life Hawaiian-shirt enthusiast Chester Osborn. It is one of the most well-recognised labels too with the famous red-stripe dissecting the label.

So the history is there and the recognition but what about the juice? This is a winery that has never rested on its' laurels. With now 37 different labels from vineyards owned in the McLaren Vale and fruit selected from over 100 growers in the Adelaide Hills d'Arenberg breathes diversity and innovation. With Australian classic grape varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Mourvedre to the rising stars such as Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne and Tempranillo there is a range to be discovered. Chester works with individual parcels of fruit that display different flavour profiles that are influenced by the unique soil characteristics and meso climates of the vineyards. Each parcel is picked and vinified separately to highlight the individual characters that contribute complexity to

the final blend. At d'Arenberg all the wines are hand-crafted and pressed in wooden baskets using the very gentle, traditional ‘Coq’ and ‘Bromley & Tregoning’ presses (dating from 1860), for both reds and whites. Chester meticulously tastes all the parcels to create the "loudest, most flowery fragrant and most fruit-flavoured wines that have great palate texture and are free of excess oak" (Chester Osborn).

This is echoed by leading Australian wine statesman James Halliday:

"Nothing succeeds like success. Few operations in Australia fit this dictum better than d’Arenberg, which has kept its near-100-year-old heritage while moving into the 21st century with flair and élan. There is no question that its past, present and future revolve around its considerable portfolio of richly robed red wines, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and Grenache being the cornerstones, but with 24 varietal labels spanning the gulf between Roussanne and M

ourvèdre. The quality of the wines is unimpeachable, the prices logical and fair. It has a profile in both the UK and and the US which far larger companies would love to have." James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion- 2009 Edition.

Our tasting at West London Wine School echoed this quality with the range of 9 wines on the evening scoring highly across the board.

Wines on Tasting - 4/11/10

The Hermit Crab, McLaren Vale, 2008

Viognier, Marsanne

Pale gold with a vibrant nose of peach with floral notes of acacia and ginger spice. It is a very unctuous wine with good body and texture a mixed result of the viognier and 3 months in oak. Stone fruited, spicy and very more-ish. Excellent with thai and aromatic foods. Jimmy 18/20 (NDJohn, Wine Direct, Waitrose £8.95-10.99)

The Money Spider, McLaren Vale. 2008

Roussanne

Mid gold with an alluring nose of white peach, cream, a waxiness and chamomile tea. The waxy texture makes a fuller wine with green melon, stone fruit and a toasty finish leading to a

wine that is upfront and intense. Good stuff. Jimmy 17/20 (Oddbins, NDJohn, approx £12.95)

The d'Arry's Original, McLaren Vale, 2007

Shiraz, Grenache

This 50-50 blend was the original wine, previously called d'Arry's Red Burgundy before France got angry. In 2007 Australia struggled with the droughts causing many excessive alcohol levels across their wines. It affected McLaren Vale less due to ocean breeze and some of the Grenache underwent carbonic maceration to liven the wine up. It is deep in intensity with mocha chocolate, pepper and leather on an alcohol-led nose. Bramble fruits, spice with a liquorice edge on the palate. A decent wine but needs food to combat the alcohol - try with game, venison, stews and BBQs. Jimmy 16/20 (Wine Society, Co-op, Oddbins £11.95-£14.49)

The Laughing Magpie, McLaren Vale, 2007

Shiraz, Viognier

This imitation of the famous Rhone-style Cote Rotie is named after the black colour of the Shiraz (90%) and white of the Viognier (10%), hence black and white like a magpie. The grapes when crushed are a "deep-psychedelic-purple" according to Claire Scott. A big nose with black and blueberry, pepper, and aniseed liquorice with a medicinal edge - the alcohol is much more in balance here. Good tannin structure, blackberry with fennel-mint, cinnamon and a long mentholated length. Jimmy 17/20 (Wine Direct, Co-op, Slurp, Majestic, Harrods £13.95-£17.95

The Iron Stone Pressings, McLaren Vale, 2007

Grenache, Shiraz, Mouvedre

From 60 year-old vines this wine is a 70%-25%-5% blend with the Grenache from the best dry-grown sites. The nose is in early stages of a Chateauneuf-du-Pape development with dried fruit and a meaty, earthy and herbal edge but still quite closed (even after 3 hours decanting). Very big on the palate, intense with a mix of red berry and raisin and some spice/herb. Needs time. Jimmy 16.5+ (Waitrose £26.99)

The Coppermine Road, McLaren Vale, 2007

Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep ruby with a vibrant medicinal-eucalypt nose that is full of opulent cassis intensity, liquorice, herb and a whiff of violets. Black cherry and currant on the palate with a full soft texture and a long menthol spice length. A match with roasted meats. Jimmy 18/20 (Slurp, Majestic, Wine Direct, £23.50-24.95)

The Dead Arm, McLaren Vale, 2007

Shiraz

The flagship and iconic label. Very young but showing elements of a Priorat-like intensity. Tight concentrated blackberry, chocolate, vanilla and an edge of coconut (just edging in). A chewy and structured wine with blackberry, bramble and dried fruit, with coconut and a spice on the length. Needs at least 3 hours decanting to enjoy now but best kept for a mimimum 3+ years. Jimmy 18+/20 (Wine Direct, Slurp £24.95-£25.25)

The Dead Arm, McLaren Vale, 2003

Shiraz

If you have the patience you will be rewarded. This Dead Arm has developed over several years to display its complexity throughout. Dark and dried fruit on the exceptional nose with leather, herb, spice and chocolatey-liquorice opulence. Very concentrated and complex with layers of fruit and flavour. Textured chocolate, spices of cinnamon and clove and a vanilla length make an exceptional wine. Jimmy 19/20 (Cellar Link £43.36)

The Nostalgia Rare, McLaren Vale, NV

Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre, White Muscat

This uber-small production of their tawny-style Port is an absolute beaut of a wine. Very Oloroso-Dulce-like (Sherry) with dried fruit, raisin, sultana, orange peel and caramel with a hint of ginger and cinnamon. This follows through to the palate with an exceptional long Christmas-cake length. Delicious. Jimmy 18.5/20 (Slurp £13.75)

We run many specialist tastings with winemakers and wine

celebrities - click here to view forthcoming tastings including our Rhone Masterclass with Simon Woods

Spanish Season: Tale of Two Tempranillos - Ribera & Toro

2010-11-16T08:00:00.005Z

A wonderful discovery about Spain is that the major black variety, Tempranillo, is very diverse and complex. Once you've tasted a Tempranillo you certainly haven't tasted them all. From Tempranillo in Rioja, to Tinto Fino in Ribera del Duero, plus Tinta de Toro in Toro plus Tinta Roriz in Portugal there are many mutated variations of this grape varieties. The variety has evolved to integrate into the complex nuances of the Iberian peninsula. From the hotter plains of Toro where the style is generally bigger and alcoholic to the mountainous areas of Ribera where a wonderful vein of

acidity is evident there is so much to discover, both lying on the Duero River.

Click here to discover Tempranillo in Rioja from our previous blog "Regal Rioja"

Ribera del Duero - Key Facts

This region is a forefront of quality from Spain in addition to premium pricing. The current most expensive wine from Spain comes from this region. The region was propelled into the international limelight by one bodega, Vega Sicilia, which demands those elevated prices. Vega Sicilia has always been a key player here establishing possible premium quality throughout the 20th century. Other bodegas followed suit in the 1970s and with the region gaining DO

status as late as 1982 the wines were no longer labelled as simple table-wine and became widely accepted in the world of wine.

The region is at high altitude, most at 800 metres, but up to 1000 metres in some places. This altitude promotes cooler night time temperatures, as low as 12°c in the autumn. This is the pivotal factor that promotes the higher acidity levels and fresher characters in this area. Ribera del Duero’s vineyards are situated to the north and south of the River Duero which runs from east to west though its middle. The focal point of wine activity is the town of Aranda de Duero where most of the vineyards are located.

The region has grown from the early 1980s from 24 bodegas to 266 in 2008.

DO: Established 1982

Area under vine: 20,042 hectares

Altitude: 750-850 metres

Principal red grapes: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino or Tinta del País). Others: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Garnacha Tinta

Climate: Maximum summer temperature 40˚C, minimum winter temperature -20˚C, average annual rainfall 400-600mm

Number of wineries: 266

Toro - Key Facts

The region of Toro is found on the westerly end of the River Duero within Spain. This area lies at around 700 metres and experiences an extreme-continental climate. The local grape variety is Tinta de Toro, a local evolution of Tempranillo, which generally ripens earlier than most Tempranillo with thicker skins. The wines therefore are deeper in colour and much fuller with higher degrees of alcohol. But with significant investment in modernisation of the industry and understanding the higher-altitude-acidic characters the wines can be moulded into some wonderfully interesting styles.

DO: Established 1987
Area under vine: 5,625 hectares
Altitude: 650-825 metres
Principal red grapes: Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo). Others: Garnacha Tinta
Principal white grapes: Malvasía and Verdejo
Climate: Maximum summer temperature 40˚C, minimum winter temperature -10˚C, average annual rainfall 300-400 mm
Number of wineries: 41

In this video; Ribera del Duero 2005, Toro 2006

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Bohorquez, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2005

Difficult to pronounce but not to appreciate. Rich and ripe red fruit, edge of blackberry with spice and smoky oak on the nose. The palate is rich with good red berry fruit, liquorice and clove but still needs time with the structured tannin. Good wine. Jimmy 17+/20 (Majestic £25.00)

Legaris Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2004 (not in video)

This is exactly what I expect of Ribera. Super concentrated nose with ripe forest fruit all wrapped up in spice, vanilla and coconut with leathery/gamey edges. The palate is ultra concentrated with a wonderful silky texture full of red berries, meatiness and a spice and savoury length tailed off in smoky oak. Exceptional. Jimmy 18.5+/20 (Everywine £22.94, Oddbins £20.99 (2005 vintage))

M.O de Olivara, Toro, Spain, 2006

Almost 15% alcohol in this blockbuster - but the complexity counters the heady character. Black cherry, liqueur-type fruit with a medicinal and menthol edge. The palate is big, rich and tannic with black fruit and a lightly-emerging length of menthol, liquorice and oak. Needs a little more time (2 years) but opening up. Jimmy 17/20 (Berry Brothers £10.20)

These wines were all tasted on our 4-week Discover Spain course -

click here to view our next course

25% OFF at Marks & Spencers Online

2010-11-13T16:11:00.005Z

With Waitrose offering their 25% the entire range and Morrisons with their 5-day half price Champagne deal lets have a look at Marks and Spencers. M&S have offered this online for a while now with no foreseeable end in sight. Below is my pick of great value wines:

5 Recommends from M&S:

Secano Estate Sauvignon Gris, Leyda, Chile, 2009

100% Sauvignon Gris

Very fumé on the palate with a flinty mineral aroma, grassy notes and green fruit - very elegant. The palate is refreshing with lime, apple and melon and a long lingering mineral finish reminiscent of a premium Pouilly-Fumé. Excellent. Jimmy 17.5/20 (M&S £7.99 - £5.98 on offer)

Campo Aldea Graciano Reserva Rioja, Spain, 2005

100% Graciano

Great vibrant nose, of a Northern-Rhone character but black fruited. Bramble and black cherry with a fantastic array of pepper, cloves and liquorice. Soft on the palate due to the 5 years age with black fruit, black olive, chocolate and a balanced spice, pepper and oak finish. Great. Jimmy 17/20 (M&S £11.99 - £8.98 on offer)

Domaine Collonge, Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhone, France, 2007

100% Syrah

Wonderfully fragrant with bags of black pepper, sweet spices, cinnamon with bright red berry and cherry fruit and an edge of leather. The palate continues as much as the nose with sweet spices of cloves, cinnamon, bags of pungent pepper and a smoky oak finish. This is a purists' Syrah, and its purely delicious. Jimmy 17.5/20 (M&S £11.99 – on offer £8.98)

Marks & Spencers Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, 2007

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinari

There are 3 types of Valpolicella; normal light easy-drinking Valpolicella at one end (usually around £5-7), at the other end the high-octane-alcohol and full-bodied Amarone (min £15) and in the middle is this wine's style - medium to full bodied with Amarone-like characters but with a softness and alot cheaper than Amarone (Usually £8-12). It has elements of Amarone character, the rum and raison touches, as the ripasso method uses the ex-skins of an Amarone production by passing (hence ripasso) normal Valpolicella through those ex-skins. This picks up body, colour, tannin and flavour from those dried skins and this wine is no exception; big and full with dried fruit, raisin, black cherry and chocolate. Amazing value and a great expression of the Corvina grape variety. Jimmy 17/20 (M&S £8.49 – on offer £6.46)

Chapel Down English Bacchus, Kent, England, 2009

100% Bacchus

Bags of aromatic exuberance with elderflower, blossom, lime and passion-fruit with a distinct vegetal nettle-like edge. Lemon and lime zestiness with an edge of tropical with a mouth-watering acidity - something that Bacchus struggles to get on the continent. Bravo Chapel Down & England! More expensive than the same wine available at Waitrose (£9.49) however on the deal this wine is great value. Jimmy 17/20 (M&S £10.99 – on offer £8.23)

Minimum order is 12 bottles online with all wines available in multiples (cases) of 6 or 12.

All wines are tasted at West London Wine School - click here to discover all of the tastings and courses on offer

English Season: Isle of Wight Vineyards

2010-11-11T12:05:00.007Z

As our English season continues we head south from Hampshire to the Isle of Wight via a ferry. To make this even more of an experience we toured this leg of our English Season in a couple of VW Camper Vans, called Primrose and Milo, on hire from Isle of Wight Campers (see intro to video).

Isle of Wight Viticulture

There are two commercial vineyards, Adgestone and Rosemary, in operation on the Isle of Wight who bottle their own production, with a third, Rossiter in the west, that has ceased the production of their own wines and sell most of the grape harvest to Wickham Vineyards that I previously blogged about.

Adgestone is a vineyard run by part-time singer Alan and accordian-playing Jill and is one of the oldest vineyard sites in Britain dating back to the Roman era. The quaint winery is well-equipped with modern stainless steel vats, fermentation vats and pneumatic presses. The range of wine available is good with consistent quality throughout.

Great Viticulture - Adgestone Vineyard

The video below discovers why this specific plot of land at Adgestone is prime for viticulture. Jimmy Smith talks through the three viticultural benefits, the terroir, including aspect, drainage and soil type:

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Key Advantages at Adgestone:

Aspect - the main plot of land at Adgestone faces south at a decent gradient. This means the vines end up facing the sun when it is at its' most prolific, gaining more exposure and ultimately better ripening. This is a crucial factor in the UK due to the lower annual sunshine hours available. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight experience around the minimum for acceptable viticulture, 1500 hours, so we tend to find the riper and more structured wines here if made well.
Drainage - as the land is on a slope it will not get clogged down with water when rainfall occurs. This means the vines do not take up much water which is a major benefit - if a vine takes up too much water this gets into the grape, diluting the sugars, creating a bland wine overall.
Soil Type - the soil here enables the well-draining element as it is chalk on limestone and loam. The chalk also adds a minerality to some wines, adding complexity.

I tasted a selection of the Adgestone range which we feature in the next blog.

Isle of Wight Campers

I am an avid fan of VW camper vans. I've toured Scotland's whisky distilleries in one before (pictured in front of Loch Ness) and they are just a great way to experience any local area at a leisurely pace.

We used Isle of Wight Campers, run by Sarah and Paul, who were great at accommodating our vineyard tour of the Island. The charming VW campers are all immaculate and maintained with varying personalities. We had the proud oldie, the pastel-yellow Primrose (pictured at the top), and the feisty modern pastel-green Milo. You receive a welcome hamper too full of goodies to see you on your way including a delicious home-made Victoria sponge cake.

All vans are equipped with everything you need during your holiday including cooker, fridge, sink, double bed and two pop top bunks suitable for children. All fresh linen and towels are included. Prices start from £325 per hire including insurance, breakdown cover and all the bits and bobs previously mentioned. Bravo for Isle of Wight Campers!

Great fun!

Our next English Wine Tasting is on Wednesday 8th December

and will feature an Adgestone Wine

Previous English Season Blogs:

Spanish Season: Sweet Moscatel & Monastrell

2010-11-09T08:00:00.001Z

In our next instalment of the Spanish Season we discover some delightful sweet wines from East Coast Spain. Spanish sweet wine isn't just about Sherry - there are a host of wonderful fresh Moscatels to be discovered plus pioneering work on late-harvest Monastrell in the region of Yecla.

Yecla & Monastrell Key Facts:

DO: Established 1975

Area under vine: 6,500 hectares

Altitude: 400-800 metres

Principal red grapes: Monastrell.

Others: Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorerea, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cab Sauv & Syrah

Principal white grapes: Airén, Merseguera, Macabeo (Viura), Malvasía, Chardonnay

Climate: Max Summer 40˚C, min winter -5˚C, average annual rainfall 300mm

Number of producers: 11

Bodegas Castano are the pioneers of Yecla who realised the wealth of potential this small-producing region (only 6,500ha) could deliver if they moved away from bulk production. Through modernisation and careful vineyard management their aim was to get the arid region of Yecla noticed domestically and internationally for consistent quality. Their aim has succeeded with the region being held in high regard across the globe. This is where the mighty Monastrell is at its' most diverse and complex. This is the land of Monastrell.

In this Video; Torres Moscatel Oro & Castano Monastrell Dulce

Click here to visit West London Wine School

Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro, Penedes, Spain, NV

Bright amber in colour with a vibrant nose of orange peel and blossom, grape and light apricot marmalade. Sugared texture and low acidity make this a fairly hedonistic style with orange, apricot and tropical fruit. Wonderful with spiced mangoes (see here for the recipe on our Sauternes blog). Jimmy 17/20 (£8.59-£9.99 Waitrose, Majestic) - 25% off at Waitrose until 10th November

Bodegas Castano Monastrell Dulce, Yecla, Spain, 2006

This wonderful number in made by the kings of Monastrell - the pioneering Castano. A late harvest style that is somewhere between Port and PX (Pedro Ximenez - ultra sweet Sherry) in style but without the heady alcohol (this is a mere 16%). Baked stewed fruit with raisin and figs, chocolate and liquorice. A Christmas-cake-palate, with bitter chocolate and sweet spices on the length. The amazing thing is the softness of this wine, easy and approachable - a description that is rare for a sweet wine at 16% alcohol. Excellently made and perfect with Christmas pudding. Jimmy 18/20 (£12.95 Slurp)

"Attractive ruby. Rich, raisined, summer pudding. Sweet primary layer of fruit and fresh side of acidity. Delicious." (International Wine Challenge 2010 - Silver)

For other Spanish Season blogs click on a link below:

North Spain Whites - Reuda, Rioja, Godello & Albarino
North Spain Regal Rioja - 3 Riojas
Priorat & Montsant - Capcanes Mas Collet & Scala Dei

Half Price Champagne at Morrisons

2010-11-08T18:13:00.005Z

You know when the festive season is nearing when supermarkets begin to slash the price of their bubbles in time for Christmas and New Year. Cue Morrisons. Just as the Waitrose 25% off all wine offer is coming to a close Morrisons have a short-burst offer on leading Champagne brands such as Taittinger, Piper and Lanson.

The deal is only live for a few more days until Friday 12th November - so hurry!

Taittinger Brut NV, Champagne - Decanter Gold Medal 2010

"Toasty and rich brioche nose with some almond notes; mature, complex, quite refined and rich on the palate, with a lovely balance and a long, lingering finish" (Decanter October 2010) - was £33.82 - now £16.91 - West London Wine School recommends.

Lanson Black Label NV, Champagne - Decanter Commended 2010

was £29.49 - now £14.74

Lanson Rose NV, Champagne - Decanter Bronze Medal 2010

"Delicate strawberry nose; elegant, fresh and vibrantly fizzy with crisp fruit" (Decanter October 2010) - was £33.49 - now £16.74

Piper Heidsieck NV, Champagne - Decanter Bronze Medal 2010

"Bruised apple, honey and apricot. Real depth and length and lovely mousse" (Decanter October 2010) - was £26.29 - now £13.14

Maximum of 3 bottles of each Champagne per person.

West London Wine School runs many Sparkling & Champagne tastings -

visit here to find out more

Decanter Award-Winning Wine Tasting at The Sampler

2010-11-07T16:15:00.007Z

The Decanter World Wine Award winners will be available to taste and purchase in one of London's leading wine stores, The Sampler. Both excellent branches, the original in Islington and the newly-opened Kensington outfit, will offer the same format for punters as mentioned in our previous blog on the Decanter World Wine Awards Trophy Tasting at Selfridges.

To taste and purchase wines fit for a King this Christmas have a mosey down to either store to discover an excellent range. To find out exactly how good the wines are visit here for part one of our round-up of Decanter Award Winners and here for part two.

Wines will be available to taste from 1st to 24th December.

The Sampler Islington

266 Upper Street

London, N1 2UQ

020 7226 9500

Nearest tube: Highbury & Islington

The Sampler South Kensington

35 Thurloe Place

London, SW7 2HJ

020 7225 5091

Nearest tube: South Kensington

Happy tasting!

The Importance of Wine Education

2010-11-05T08:00:00.005Z

In Early November West London Wine School teamed up with Venus Wines, owners of high street retailer Wine Rack, to offer their staff an education programme into the World of Wine.

The structured and exciting programme takes a Wine Rack staff member through the world of wine from the Wine Rack Wine School to the WSET Intermediate Level 2 Certificate and finally onto the WSET Advanced Level 3 Certificate.

Through partnerships with wine suppliers Hatch Mansfield we created the exciting Wine Rack Wine School designed specifically for the staff of their retail outlets. The partnership includes utilising the Hatch Mansfield portfolio of wine including Louis Jadot, Taittinger, Errazuriz and Villa Maria from everyday to premium examples totalling ten wines to taste - vital in developing the student's palate. In addition each student gets a wonderful branded course manual (left in picture above), branded tasting mat, tasting notes and a professional certificate upon completion of the course (call it a graduation!). The range of quality wines, professional materials on hand and energetic tuition are designed to engage the staff into discovering the wonderful world of wine. This raises their enthusiasm for their work, increasing their work ethic and creating more of a wine environment instore as they engage customers about wine from their new-found experience.

The Importance of Wine Education

Having previously worked as the Head of Education for First Quench Retailing I was in charge of all types of wine education and first-hand experienced the importance of the subject for a successful wine retailer. Having researched this topic I discovered that companies such as Majestic were successful due to the wine education structure in place and the quality of training. Indeed when joining the highly successful retailer there is a clear path of development laid out for you with store managers able to work up to the WSET Diploma. I implemented a similar system with First Quench, which was tremendously successful and integrated into the Graduate Programme that was also created.

So hats off to Venus Wines, who remember are new to this and only a year into trading as the new Wine Rack, but have already begun a wine education programme with West London Wine School.

This level of commitment means that all staff that join the Wine Rack story will go through the informal but informative Wine Rack Wine School at West London Wine School with the opportunity to progress further to the WSET Levels 2 and 3. They will develop the ability to taste and appreciate wine to a greater degree becoming a much more integral part of the theatre of wine in the shop environment.

For consumers this means that every time you enter a Wine Rack you can be assured that all the staff members who work there have had some experience in wine education and will be able to converse with you regarding your purchase. This is what makes a wine shop a wine shop and definitely puts the Wine in Wine Rack. Bravo!

For your nearest Wine Rack store please visit here

To browse the ever expanding Wine Rack range visit here

If you are a retailer interested in creating your own Wine School tailored to your company, with branded course materials and utilising your own suppliers please contact Jimmy Smith by emailing info@westlondonwineschool.com

25% OFF at Waitrose - stock up fast!

2010-11-04T15:27:00.007Z

Until midnight 10th November

Waitrose wine are currently offering 25% off their entire wine range until 10th November, when you buy 6 bottles or more in-store or 12 bottles or more online. It's time to stock up from one of the strongest wine suppliers in the UK.

Here are my top 5 recommends:

La Grille 'Barrel Fermented' Chenin Blanc, Anjou, Loire, France, 2008

100% Chenin Blanc

Wonderful integrated oak into this zesty and refreshing Chenin Blanc. It is fresh with apple, peach and honeysuckle, with a wonderful creamy texture. Very refreshing. Jimmy 17/20 - down to £6.74

Domaine Wachau 'Terraces' Gruner Veltliner, Wachau, Austria, 2009

100% Gruner Veltliner

Very enticing nose - full of green pepper, lime, kiwi and an edge of peach. Refreshing with green fruit, citrus and complex and long lasting. Jimmy 17/20 - down to £5.99

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Sparkling, Sussex, England, 2005

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

If you haven't tasted this proud English fizzer then you must! At the forefront of exceptional quality stand Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, rich and toasty with peach and citrus character and complex creamy palate that lingers deliciously. Jimmy 18.5/20 - down to £20.24

Henry Fessy Brouilly, Beaujolais, France, 2009

100% Gamay

Just lovely! The 2009 vintage of Beaujolais is the best in a long long time. Wonderful vibrant juicy red fruit, sweet spice, herb that doesn't disappear like most Beaujolais does. Length is the mark of quality and this has a bright fruity finish. Jimmy 17.5/20 - down to £7.49

Southern Right Pinotage, Walker Bay, South Africa, 2008

100% Pinotage

Hamilton Russell Vineyards make this delectable number, and their philosophy surrounding Pinotage is all about growing it in a cooler climate such as Walker Bay (the most exciting South African region currently). You avoid the jammy fruit, cooked and charred touches often associated with the grape variety. This has a great complexity of forest fruit, red berries, earthy touches, coffee, and a long smoked meaty length. Its a wonderful expression of Pinotage, possibly one of the best I've ever tasted. Jimmy 18.5/20 - down to £9.36

Decanter December Edition - 4 stars (17/20) - "Red fruit and spice on the nose and palate. Medium bodied but intensely flavoured. Persistent savoury finish. Drink now-2012."

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All wines featured here are tasted at West London Wine School - visit our website to browse our extensive list of tastings

English Season: Wickham Vineyard Tasting

2010-11-04T08:15:00.000Z

Wine & the City's Lucy Shaw joins me in the heart of the Wickham Vineyard tasting two charming examples of what they have to offer.

In this video; Special Release Fume Dry, Row Ash Red

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Wickham Special Release Fume Dry, Hampshire, England, 2006

Bacchus, Reichensteiner

Vibrant and fragrant on the nose with good complexity of fruit. Passion fruit, banana, melon and green lime are all lifted due to the light 2 months of oak maturation, which is not itself detectable on the nose. Balanced acidity (not searingly high that many English wines can be) with lime, kiwi and tropical fruit and a great length. Bring back the picnics! Jimmy 17/20 (£9.45-11.95, Great Western Wine, Berry Brothers & Rudd)

Wickham Row Ash Red, Table Wine, Hampshire, England, 2008

Triomphe d'Alsace, Rondo

The deeply coloured Triomphe adds alot to this wine through colour, structure and fruit. A big gentle softie with red plum, black olive, balsamic and a savoury edge leads to a soft and easy-to-get-along-with style on the palate. Promising. Jimmy 16/20 (£9.85 Great Western Wine)

Forthcoming Specialist Tastings at West London Wine School:

English Season: Grape Varieties at Wickham Vineyard

2010-11-03T08:00:00.000Z

The range of grape varieties that are grown in the UK are those that are adaptable to the cooler climate but can ripen enough. Therefore many varieties we find across England and Wales are Germanic in origin or those that are grown in Northern France for sparkling wine production. The largest growth lies in English sparkling wine production with the Champagne trio; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier (altogether 41% in 2009)but also in Bacchus, possibly the most exciting still variety in England now accounting for 10% of the total area under vine.

Top 8 Grape Varieties (2009) - from English Wine Producers

Hectares %

Pinot Noir 218.0 18%

Chardonnay 201.7 17%

Bacchus 118.7 10%

Seyval Blanc 88.9 7.3%

Reichensteiner 84.4 6.9%

Muller Thurgau 61.5 5.1%

Pinot Meunier 48.7 4%

M. Angevine 46.8 3.9%

The video below investigates an unusual variety found in Southern England.

In this video; Triomphe d'Alsace

The Unusual Triomphe d'Alsace

As shown in the video above this is an unusual variety as it is one of only a few in the world that has a pigmented flesh (the inside of the grape) as well as a pigmented skin. Others include Alicate Bouschet in Spain and Dornfelder in Germany. When these grapes are pressed the juice will always be coloured to some degree, therefore you can only produce red and pink wines from this variety. In Germany in the Pfalz region the wine is often macerated altogther for extensive periods of time to gain real inky-deep opaque wines.

Due to its' ability to ripen in most cool climates this grape was initially a favourite in the UK but has lost popularity as other crossings and hybrids are being experimented with. I like the style for Wickham - it's not a complex example but a decent soft red wine. Well done Wickham!

Spanish Season: Priorat & Montsant

2010-11-02T08:15:00.003Z

D.O.C Priorat

This small backwater region is situated in the Tarragona province to the north-east of Spain. Established in the 12th century by monks of the Scala Dei (Stairway to Heaven) monastery, winemaking has continued on a small scale for nine centuries thus preserving tradition but offering inspiring wines. Set within two mountain ranges, Priorat is a rugged hand-harvest-only region with vineyards planted on steep hillside terraces or deep within valleys. Due to its' volcanic origin, the region has unique licorella soil made up of slate and mica which reflects the sun that conserves heat and retains water. The unique soil composition causes the vines to search deep within the bedrock for nutrients and water. The vines become stronger and produce better fruit whilst also being firmly anchored in the ground to protect against storms and heavy winds.

One remarkable fact is that the average yields in the regions are around a tiny 5 hl/ha - creating intensely concentrated and complex wines. However with such low yields inevitably the prices can be high.

DO: established 1954, upgraded to DOQ (Catalan for DOCa) in 2000 - only officially granted in 2009

Area under vine: 1,663 hectares

Altitude: 100-700 metres

Principal red grapes (90%): Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir

Principal white grapes (10%): Garnacha Blanca, Picapoll, Xarello and Macabeo

Climate: Maximum summer temperature 35˚C, minimum winter temperature 0˚C, average annual rainfall 600mm

Number of wineries: 70

D.O Montsant

Montsant is the region that surrounds Priorat historically just a part of the D.O Tarragona but recognised for high quality in 2001 and elevated to its' own D.O status. A region in the ascendancy but shadowed by the exceptional high quality to be found in Priorat this helps lower the prices. Montsant wines are often of very high quality and much cheaper than Priorat. Because of the proximity winemakers often make both wines or consult in making both. Although the soil is not of the high quality licorella that is found in Priorat the concentration of dynamic and innovative producers indicate that this is a region to follow closely as quality increases significantly.

DO: Established 2001

Area under vine: 1,826 hectares

Altitude: 200-700 metres

Principal red grapes: Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena, Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Merlot

Principal white grapes: Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo

Climate: Maximum summer temperature 30˚C, minimum winter temperature 7˚C, average annual rainfall 500-600mm

Number of producers: 48

In this video; Montsant & Priorat

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Capcanes 'Mas Collet' Montsant, Spain, 2007

Garnacha

Appealing nose with the Garnacha showing crunchy ripe red fruits in a barrage of character accompanied by light hints of pepper, spice and oak. A structured wine with big initial tannins that subside into bright sweet red fruit and a length of cloves, ginger and vanilla oak. With a few years further ageing this will be outstanding. Jimmy 17+/20 (£7.99 Everywine)

Scala Dei 'Cartoixa' Priorat, Spain, 2005

Garnacha, Syrah, Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon

A deep and inky wine with a stunning concentrated and indulgent nose of sweet berry fruit. The 12-14 months maturation in new French and American oak add a lovely smoky vanilla oak with an array of spices and tobacco. This wine is 15% alcohol but is so complex and chocolate-textured you don't feel the alcoholic burn at all. Red plum, berry with a long meaty and vanilla length with an edge of oak, smoke and herbal nuances. Outstanding wine. Jimmy 19/20 (£27.99-£30 Gondola, Taylors Fine Wines, Oddbins, Tesco)

Tasted on our 4-week Discover Spain Course - to view all of our 4-week wine courses click here

Spanish Season: North Spain Regal Rioja

2010-10-29T08:00:00.004+01:00

To continue our Spanish season we are staying in the North and focusing on the flagship region in North Spain - Rioja.

Rioja - Definitive Spain

Rioja is only a short distance from the Basque country and is best known for red wines and the indigenous Tempranillo grape. The versatile nature of Tempranillo means that Rioja's red wines cover a variety of styles from young easy-drinking joven wines through to more sophisticated styles such as Reserva and Gran Reservas capable of many years of cellaring. With the addition of Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano there is a wide spectrum of diversity to be found including whites made from Viura and Malvasia.

Rioja - Ageing

Joven - no required ageing, wines bottled in the spring after harvest
Crianza - one year ageing in tank/oak, one additional year in bottle (2 years total)
Reserva - one year ageing in oak, two additional years in bottle (3 years total)
Gran Reserva - two years ageing in oak, three years in bottle (5 years total)

If you like you styles with less oak then select your styles from the joven or crianza categories and if you prefer more oak select the latter two categories. The most balanced between fruit and oak is the reserva category.

Rioja - Facts

DO: established 1926 as DOC, upgraded to DOCa in 1991

Area under vine: 63,370 hectares

Sub-zones: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja

Altitude: 350-650 metres

Principal red grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Mazuelo

Principal white grapes: Viura, Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca

Climate: Maximum summer temperature 40˚C, minimum winter temperature -4˚C, average annual rainfall 450mm

Number of wineries: 1,300+

Courtesy of Wines of Spain UK

In this Video; Rioja Reservas & Gran Reserva

CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja, Spain, 1998

Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano

Colour is ruby centred with a tawny rim showing age. Very mature nose expressing dried fruit; raisin and fig with leather and gamey notes. The oak shows through too with smoke, vanilla and an edge of liquorice. A complex palate that is low in tannin and acidity due to age with dried fruits, redcurrant, balsamic and a long soft smoky oak finish. Easily drinkable. Jimmy 17/20 (£19.99 Majestic - 2001 vintage)

Bilbainas La Vicalanda Reserva Rioja, Spain, 2003

100% Tempranillo

A deeper colour with a big rich nose full of ripe red fruits, oak smoke, vanilla and hints of leather. Good structure and tannin points this wine to event further ageing but as the palate delivers a chocolate texture, with red berries and a vanilla and coconut length it is clear that this is easy to be enjoyed now! Great stuff. Jimmy 17.5/20 (£18.35 Everywine)

Campo Aldea Graciano Reserva Rioja, Spain, 2005

100% Graciano

Tasted on our 4-week Discover Spain Course - click here to view our 4-week courses

English Season: 2010 Harvest at Wickham Vineyard

2010-10-28T08:30:00.000+01:00

Our English Season continues by looking at viticulture at Wickham Vineyard in Hampshire, England. I visited this award-winning winery in October to give a hand bringing in the grapes and took some time to investigate the vineyard and how, even in very cool climates such as the UK, grapes can be grown to produce quality wine.

Viticulture in England

Every opportunity to maximise the sun's energy must be taken in a climate that is on the verge of grape growing. Hampshire has one of the highest annual amounts of sunshine, reaching just over 1500 hours per year - this is just enough to produce quality grapes. So vine training is important. Throughout many English vineyards the Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) is adopted. This method was developed in the 1960's by Professor Nelson Shaulis, of Pennsylvania, who developed it whilst working at the Geneva Agricultural Experiment Station in New York.

Advantages of GDC

The vine is trained high, 1-1.5 metres away from the ground to avoid ground frost (which of course is very prevalent in the UK)
The foliage hangs down (looking like curtains) from this height developing from two permanent cordons maximising the amount of energy absorbed from the sun. This maximises the concentration of sugars in the grape thus increasing quality.
This in turn increases yields
The vines must be hand-harvested - therefore selection of the grapes is at a maximum, and pickers can eliminate unripe/overripe berries (see video)

Disadvantges of GDC

Due to the shaded positioning of the fruit under the high canopy it is near enough impossible to machine harvest, therefore vines must be hand-harvested
This process is slower, can only work during daylight hours & of course much more expensive

As vineyards are still relatively small in the UK hand-harvesting is still not as expensive as it would be elsewhere. Indeed, people such as yours truly, are game to pick the grapes for free!

We picked 2 tonnes of Triomphe d'Alsace on our day at Wickham Vineyards - enough to make 5,000 bottles of wine. We discover this grape in our blog next week & taste a couple of examples.

Click here to view our forthcoming English Wine Specialist Tasting