Krug Grand Cuvee (Magnum)
This was my little surprise to kick the night off with the group before arriving at the restaurant. It aint cheap, but it's fantastic. Reminded me a lot of the Bollinger NV style, masculine with yeasty characters initially, but far more complex and elegant. The finish didn't. A class Champagne from a classy looking bottle that everyone loved. Can't wait to try vintage Krug when I win lotto...
Veuve Clicquot 1995 Rose
Quite a contrast in style to the Krug, this was also delicious. A floral and very much feminine wine, I still prefer the Krug but an equally classy wine.
Amor Bendall Gisborne 2004 Sauvignon Blanc
We were given the preamble about this wine winning some trophy at a recent Show and all the big name patrons turning their backs on this small, little known winery. Quite easily, the best Sauvignon Blanc I have had. This was nothing like Marlborough rain water thrown in with freshly mowed grass, but still retained subtle varietal characters. Fruit was super refined, super elegant, and the malo and/or oak treatment is really what made the wine (besides the superb fruit). Unfortunately this is an extremely limited wine, which will mean I'll have to put in some effort trying to source some.
Leeuwin Estate Art Series 2000 Chardonnay (Magnum)
Half the table raved about this and whilst it was a lovely, typically Leeuwin Art Chardonnay I didn't think it was in the same league as the '01 which I tried six months ago. I thought it was a little out of sync on the nose with oak poking its head through conspicuously. I also thought the fruit, both on the nose and palate, was far fresher and riper from the '01. Nice, long finish though.
Sacred Hill Riflemans Hawkes Bay 2002 Chardonnay
I can't remember much about this Chardonnay but I do recollect myself enjoying it just as much as the Leeuwin at what is probably a fraction of the price tag. Was definitely BF and almost French in style (to my inexperienced French white wine palate). A lovely wine. We must be doing alright if a magnum of 2000 Art Series Chardonnay is least impressive thus far!
Felton Road 2003 Pinot Noir
I was at the cellar door a month ago and the wine tasted the same as it did then - bloody sensational. This is one of my top two Pinots and I took my time with this glass. So elegant and Burgundian, it's a pleasure to drink and certainly sets the standard for other NZ Pinot Noir labels.
Peregrine 2002 Pinot Noir
Perhaps an unfair challenge to the Felton Rd, this '02 Peregrine didn't do too badly. I had a glass of each wine in front of me (Peregrine and Felton Rd) and whilst the Peregrine isn't as refined or smooth (with some rough edges), it's a good value drop that I think will improve with several years in the cellar. Quite big.
Penfolds 1985 Grange Hermitage
Penfolds 1989 Grange Hermitage
Both of these wines were opened and poured at the same time. Neither was really given enough air or decant time, which is the only unforunate comment to be made about the whole night. Nevertheless, I was in a very small minority who preferred the nose of the '85 Grange. I was actually a little put off by the '89 and even with vigorous swirling, don't think it improved markedly. Having said all this, I'm not a Grange fanatic and probably don't appreciate it as much as others. The '89 did have nice, mellow fruit and well integrated secondary characters, whereas the '85 had certainly lost some of that primary fruit and perhaps wasn't faring as well. I still preferred the '85 though, even 24 hours later when the last glass from each bottle was passed around for everyone to sniff and sip.
Henschke 1990 Hill of Grace
I found out, after my first sniff, that this needed Oxygen pumped through it for a couple hours at least. It had only been opened about 45 min prior and decanted, then poured back into the bottle. A shame really. I won't go on about it though. This certainly wasn't the same '90 HoG that I tasted 18 months ago but extremely unfair to comment given the air time it was deprived of. I actually sat on my glass and didn't taste it for two hours, by which time we were leaving the restaurant! So I had five minutes to quickly savour a HoG that was only just starting to poke its head out from beneath the covers. Ah well.
Wynns John Riddoch 1988 Cabernet Sauvignon (Magnum)
At least this was more forward than the HoG. Still needed a lot more air time. Dark berry and chocolate nose with a hint of greenery - nothing bad though. A mellow, smooth and supple palate with an equally enjoyable finish. This was tasting (and smelling) even better the following night.
Kilikanoon Parable 2001 Shiraz
Not tasted by me on the night but I have had it before. I love it. The nose is brilliant and the mouthfeel is bewitching. Will try the second bottle that wasn't opened in the next couple of days.
Chateau Rieussec 1979 Sauterne
Went beautifully with my fruit sorbets. This was treacle.
Yalumba Special Reserve 1955 Tawny Port
There was genuine surprise from many at the table that this birth year port from Yalumba had actually survived, let alone impressed! What a great port to experience. No tasting notes unfortunately but a fine old wine to finish the night with.
The dinner was held at a restaurant called "50 On Park" which is a part of the George Hotel here in Christchurch. Cannot speak highly enough of the food, service or atmosphere. A sensational job by the team there.
Cheers for now,
Wrinklies 