Grand Cru Tasting Group – A Sparkling Soiree

[Waiters Friend]

G’day

The Grand Cru Tasting Group came out of lockdown in June with a highly appropriate Champagne tasting. This time, we decided to open it up to all sparkling wines – any vintage, from anywhere in the world. Seven wines were shown – five whites, one rose and a red. All were tasted blind.

Charles Heidsieck NV: Pale yellow in colour. Some tasters found the nose pongy or musty initially. It is certainly yeasty, with light lemon pith, brioche / toast and green apple. The palate is very slightly sweet, with modest acid, fresh but fine citrus and apple and a touch of strawberry. Medium to long finish. We found out (once the wine was unmasked) that it was a 2015 bottling, disgorged in 2019, and contains 40% of reserve wines. Well regarded by the group.

Jacquart NV: Pale yellow in colour. Less yeasty than the Heidsieck. Initially showing Granny Smith apples, tending towards red skinned apples. There’s also some tropical fruits – pineapple, dried mango. The palate is quite acidic and almost drying, and kiwi fruit dominates here. Medium to long finish.

Howard Park Blanc De Blanc NV: Pale yellow in colour. A fresh nose with modest yeast, white flowers, jasmine and light citrus notes. The palate has tart Granny Smith apples, Mayer lemon, and prominent acid. A slightly short finish.

Howard Park Jete NV: Pale yellow in colour. A shy nose initially. Some sherbet, Pink Lady apples and pink grapefruit. There’s prominent acid on the palate, and a fuller mouthfeel and weight than the Blanc de Blanc. One taster noted “lemon, lime & bitters” and the citrus element is definitely there. Long finish with very slight astringency and likely to be a good food wine. Well regarded by the group.

Andre Clouet Brut Nature: Medium yellow in colour. Obviously and heavily corked, although it was obvious there is some fabulous pinot fruit lurking beneath the wet cardboard. I was looking forward to this one given the zero dosage (hence “brut nature”).

Bird In Hand 2020: Light salmon-pink in colour. Very sweet and confectioned nose, with strawberries, rose petal and florals – it was commented that the nose was “bright”. The palate has prominent acid, and is a “dialled down” version of the nose. Short finish.

Rockford Black Shiraz NV: 2017 disgorgement. Deep purple / black in colour, and living up to its name. Leather, Christmas cake, black plums, and noticeable oak on the nose. The palate follows through with the rich ripe dark plums, some dark chocolate, and drying tannins. Full bodied and a long finish. Highly regarded by the group.

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The wine of the night was the Rockford Black Shiraz NV. Thanks to those who attended – it was a fun tasting.

Cheers
Allan