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.