tim@timsyradwines.com
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Christmas Extravaganzas round off the year

by | Dec 12, 2022 | Richmond Wine Society, Teddington Wine Society

As ever, the Christmas Extravaganza tastings at the Richmond and Teddington Wine Societies were sold out as we spoilt ourselves, and tasted a broad and eclectic range of wines.

We kicked off our tastings in typical celebratory style with champagne.

A single vineyard Albariño from the Lagar de Pintos estate in Rías Baixaswas next up and this was rather delicious. The 3000 Cepas blend comes from a single vineyard of 60 year old vines and is barrel aged for 12 months.

It delivered a more textured rich style of Albarino than we usually experience.

A couple of classic aged Australian wines from legendary estates followed. I managed to secure a small parcel of 2004 Julius Riesling from Henschke that showed the longevity of the grape, the quality of Henschke and delivered an incredibly fresh, lime and lemon nose and palate with the characteristic oiliness blending in beautifully. This was followed by the Diana Madeline – the classic Bordeaux blend from Cullen vineyard in Margaret River. This was showing good evolution with an elegant Bordeauxesque feel to the palate. Two rare wines that symbolise a Xmas Extravaganza event.

Top class 2éme Cru Classe Bordeaux followed – Ch Durfort Vivens 2009 from Margaux. 2009 was a classic year in Bordeaux and the wine provided an old world comparison to the Diana Madeline. On balance, the vote between the two reds was for the Bordeaux.

A wonderful 10 Year old Tawny Port rounded off the evening. As those of us who had been on tour in September experienced, Quinta Seara d’Ordens occupies a high point in the Douro Valley overlooking the river and produces utterly delicious, intense Ports that are full of sweet, raisiney fruit with fabulous length. A great end to our tasting year.

Full details are on the Wines we have tasted page.

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“Throughout the 17 years I have attended Tim’s wine tasting events, he has continued to deliver his extensive knowledge of wine and wine-making with great charm, and lots of humour, making the evenings not only informative, but also great fun. In the course of an average year, the tastings cover a kaleidoscope of different wine themes – interesting and entertaining for all, novices and experts alike. And the wines taste pretty good too!”

“We have been going to Teddington Wine Society events for a number of years. Tim runs the evenings with bonhomie and humour and wears his considerable knowledge lightly. The evenings are great fun, the wines are always a little bit different and help to expand knowledge and tasting horizons.”

“I have attended the Richmond Wine society for over ten years and always enjoyed Tim’s self-effacing style and gentle humour. His knowledge is globally eclectic and presented in a clear, interesting and always stimulating way. Every guest I have taken there has enjoyed the evening immensely. Tim also offers a wide range of wines to buy and my red cellar has provided great pleasure to my own dinner guests.”

“I’ve been enjoying Tim’s tastings for over 20 years – he is a great teacher, raconteur and wine expert. He is seriously passionate about his wine, but there is nothing serious about his tastings, which are always informal and relaxed. A lovely way to spend an evening and enjoy some fantastic wines.”

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