10.11.11 Tasting

1. Moet & Chandon 2003 Vintage Reserve (RM300 -France, Champagne) -8 year old vintage champagne from ripe vintage -soft, lovely floral & citrus notes on nose that carries well into long & complex palate

2. Moet & Chandon Brut Imperiale (RM200 -France, Champagne) -worlds favourite bubbly. Fresh, lively and sometimes a bit grippy on palate given youth

3. 2009 Hugel Gewurtztraminer (RM69 -France, Alsace) -Perfumed rose & laichi nose followed by good palate with adequate acidity and complexity

4. 2009 E.Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc (RM80 -France, Rhone) -A blend of Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane, Clairette and Bourboulenc grapes. Appearance -Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Aromas of white flowers, apricot and peach. Lots of upfront rich, fruit flavors. This is a full-bodied, well-rounded wine with elegance, strength, and balance. Scored 89 points by Robert Parker

5. 2005 Sadie Family Columella (RM279 -S.Africa, Swartland) -A blend of 80% shiraz & 20% mourverde. Complex berry and savoury notes combine in perfect harmony on this rich, soft, balanced and long palate. A country record of 95 points from wine spectator. The bottle was opened >30mins before consumption, allowing it some time to breathe.

Note - I brought this one out as I thought this would be the last one. Had I known we were going through 4 more, I would have kept this for the last and built-up to it.

6. 2005 d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz (RM171@29.5.08 -Australia, South Australia, McLaren Vale) -Rich, smoky, layered notes of liquorice (sarsi) & plum. Tannins were a bit rough and acidity poked through, I think mainly as this wasn’t given enough time to breathe.

7. 2005 Saint Cosme [pronounced 'sun coume'] Cote Rotie (RM350@8.5.08 -France, Northern Rhone, Cote Rotie). Deep ruby/purple color. Slowly reveals a perfumed bouquet of black olives, cassis, cherries, and incense. The wine was medium to full-bodied but was rather restrained as it wasn't given a chance to breath. A classic display of Cote Rotie that will probably last till 2020. Scored 94 points by Robert Parker.

8. 2004 PK Morkel Pinotage (RM??-don’t remember, s.b. RM150-200 -S.Africa, Stellenbosch) -Pinotage is a grape that was developed in South Africa, A crossing of Pinot Noir & Cinsault, though displaying very different qualities when compared to its parents. This had a very aromatic notes of cassis (blackcurrant) and vanilla as well as a supple and flavourful palate making it a crowd pleaser.

9. 2006 de Trafford Shiraz (RM220 -S.Africa, Stellenbosch) -Made by Dave Trafford, South Africa's shiraz legend. This has rich layers of plum, smoke, vanilla in a focused yet restrained presentation. A powerful wine with a balanced and long palate. 5 years young.

10. 1995 Booplas Cape Vintage (Port) (RM??-don’t remember -S.Africa, Calitzdorp). Turning brown given 16 years from harvest and threw quite a lot of sediment - a good sign. Initially showing oxidised notes, this wafted over to show nice preserved cherry notes. Palate was pleasantly sweet but lacked richness and depth.