David Beauroy’s Tasting Notes – January 6th Vintages Release

David Beauroy’s Tasting Notes – January 6th Vintages Release



$10-15 RANGE



WHITES



Miguel Torres Viña Esmeralda 2005, Spain – DO Catalunya, $11.95, p.7

A lovely blend of Moscatel (85%) and Gewurtz (15%). Clean and fresh with floral, basil, rosewater and honeyed notes. Slightly off-dry, long length and a crisp finish. Enjoy this terrific value with Prosciutto Melon.



Montez Champalimaud Paço de Teixeiro, Vinho Branco 2005, Portugal – Vinho Regional Minho, +21469, $12.95, p.28

Lots of kiwi, grapefruit, tropical fruit and floral notes here. Dry with a juicy peach-flavoured burst on the palate, medium body and a refreshing finish. Outstanding value from Portugal!



La Chablisienne Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2005, France-Burgundy, +641753, $15.95, p.9

Pale straw with crisp note of grapefruit and hints of cactus/aloe. Medium body with a pleasant salty citrus taste and a fine finish. Have it with Oysters.



REDS



Reine Didon Pinot Noir Grand Cru 2003, Tunisia – AOC Mornag, +8946, $12.95, p.26

Impressive stuff! In a blind tasting it would be picked as a French Pinot. Beautiful notes of strawberry and raspberry on the nose and palate. Dry, rich and medium body. Fantastic value!



Quinta de Camarate 2004, Portugal – Terras do Sado, +357962, $14.95, p.5

Wonderful! Deep ruby with lush ripe cherry, plum, and blueberry layers. Full and round and delicious. Great value!



$15-25 RANGE



WHITES



Waimea Estates Chardonnay 2003, New Zealand – Nelson, South Island, +650242, $18.95, p.25

Bright gold with tempting notes of lime cordial, butterscotch and smoke. Smooth and with a slightly viscous texture, med-full body and long length.



REDS



Guenoc Petite Syrah 2004, USA – California, +19935, $16.95, p.21

Deep purple/black with an attractive mix of figs, prunes, blue and blackberries, and cocoa. Dry, full and finely balanced. Great value from California!



Kilikanoon Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Australia – Clare Valley SA, +5199, 16.95, p.24

Dense and inky! Fantastic with notes of cassis, prune and smoke, followed by spicy mince tart flavours on the palate. A wine that commands your attention!



$25+



Vicchiomaggio La Prima Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, Italy – DOCG Tuscany, +682062, $34.95, p.28

Superb! Truly in fine form for maximum pleasure now! Dry, full and elegant. Lots of classic Chianti scents of plum, cinnamon, berries and cherry! Hard to go wrong with this!



Sherry & Scotch



Gonzàlez Byass Nutty Solera Oloroso, Spain – DO Jerez, +355204, $11.95, p.7

Pretty amber colour with clear notes of candied fruit and zest, raisins, fresh dates, marmalade and roasted almonds. Medium dry and soft with brilliant aroma replays on the palate. Have it on its own or with some good blue cheese.



Ardbeg 10 Years Old The Ultimate Single Islay Malt, Scotland, +560474, $74.95, p.19

Extraordinary! If you are a fan of the smoky and peaty style of Islay, then this will be a treat! So complex and layered that it feels as though you are tasting 2 or 3 different Malts. Full of candied fruit, toffee, smoke, citrus, pear, spring blossoms and more smoke! And there does not seem to be a finish...!