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Masters of Malt

Helen Brotherton — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:25:22 +0000

Just last week we were given a marvellous opportunity to taste 3 miniature samples of fabulous Malt Whiskies from a mail order company specialising in the “water of life” in all its various forms, www.masterofmalt.com and their new “Drinks by the Dram” concept. This is a way of tasting some of the myriad of spirits on the market, including some exclusive blends put together for the online whisky specialist, but in diddy little 3cl “drams” from their global selection. A chance to explore different styles before getting into serious investment with big bottles. Also a super opportunity to discover that there ain’t no such thing as “just a Malt Whisky”! If you’ve been a conservative sticker to the same old tried and tested favourite – a Macallan quaffer historically, for example, you might be enticed to try one of the many other similar (yet different) malts from the same region. And yes, I did check, they are more than happy to despatch to us outcasts here in the South of France. So here are the results of our little sampling session from the other night. Curiously, although only teensy 3cl – still enough for a “dram” each, my handwriting for the tasting notes seem to have become discernibly more scrawlly and illegible as we progressed…….

1. Masters of Malt 12 yr old Islay
http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/master-of-malt-12-year-old-islay-whisky/

Definitely a smokey one! Quite vegetal with a hint of boiled cabbage (now come on you dedicated wine tasting students of FWW – you know by now that we describe aromas and flavours in ways that jig your memory bank and so don’t actually “taste” of that, in the strictest sense!!). Also a bit “fishy” – like smoked mackerel (or an Arbroath Smokie for the real celts & Scotophiles out there). A nice medicinal, herby taste with quite a peppery kick and generally “sweeter on the palate than the nose led me to expect”. Probably my (Helen’s) favourite of the trio.

2. JW Dent Special Reserve Bourbon
http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/jw-dant-special-reserve-whisky/

For me this had aromas of honey and marmalade (almost Speyside like), a bit floral – maybe orange blossom? Then the bit that makes Bourbon taste like it does….caramel and butterscotch (from the new toasted oak used for maturation) and rather delicate. I also got something between a toasted muffin and a buttered crumpet – almost felt like I should be pouring the Dent Bourbon from a china teapot!! Not quite as much sweetness came through on the aftertaste and I had flavours of crystallised angelica and cinnamon and then, whoa “gunpowder” – like we finished cowboy style!

3. Smokehead
http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/smokehead-whisky/

The smoke here is of the sweet variety and not as pungent as you might expect (not like the real “ashtray” ones you can get). A nice hit of chestnut on the nose, plus a little iodine and seaweed, put fairly restrained. And this one does pretty much taste like it smells. Some minerality adds itself to the smoke on the palate which is followed hotly by a bit of burnt rubber. Probably my least favourite of the trio – but hey, how would I have discovered that without tasting them in little shots?

Helen Brotherton
25.05.11

Treasure Trove III Feb 2011

Helen Brotherton — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:12:15 +0000

Fine Wine Works Treasure Trove Issue III
Valid from 26th January 2011

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St Julien

Our Winefinder service procures wines absolutely to order from the best current sources in terms of Price and Provenance. We also take the opportunity to acquire small parcels of fine wines as we discover them throughout Europe – may we introduce our FWW Treasure Trove!

A selection of juicy and delicious tiny quantities of fine wines we have acquired recently:

All prices are HT (without tax). Call us or e-mail us if any of the wines are of interest to you.

WHITES

1. Flowers Estate, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2008
Sonoma Coast, California USA
61.00€
Showing balanced depth and complexity with a light straw colour. Aromas unfold with layers of lemon drop, pear, apricot and wet stone mineral. This vintage shows crispness and intense fruit on the palate – lush and balanced.

2. NEW Château Suduiraut Sauternes 2006 (Sweet)
Sauternes 1er Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France
52.00€

Sauternes is arguably the finest sweet wine in the world and here Château Suduiraut, a stone’s throw from the immortal Château d’Yquem, produces outstanding wines which are profound, intense and complex as any from the region. The flavours explode with lots of dried apricots, candied lemon and a big peachy finish.

This wine is medium gold in color, with a flamboyant, buttery, intensely intoxicating nose of smoked tropical fruits, especially pineapple, melted caramel, and honeyed orange. Unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish, it should have 30+ years of longevity Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 93 points

Dried citrus fruit and apple crumble aromas follow through to a full, thick and intense palate, with loads of lemon curd and apple skin character. Wine Spectator 92 points
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A honeyed concentrate, with notes of orange blossom and a beautiful purity. There is a lovely flavour of richness which caresses the palate displaying complexity, depth and a fine balance. An undoubted triumph here. Decanter rating **** 4 stars

REDS

Bordeaux

3. Château Pichon Baron Longueville 1996
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
2ème Cru Classé
155.00€

Pichon Baron, a leading Pauillac 2eme Cru Classé estate, is one of Bordeaux’s most illustrious “super seconds”. The best examples have layer upon layer of unctuous, vanilla scented and cassis fruit intermingled with cigar box and lead pencil shavings aromas – as they require cellaring for at least 10 years, this 1996 is drinking magnificently now!

4. Château Pontet Canet 1996
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
5ème Cru Classé
103.00€

A super star, great value property which borders Mouton Rothschild, owner Alfred Tesseron is outperforming this property’s historic reputation by perhaps the greatest degree in the whole of Bordeaux. Shortly to be granted full eco Organic certification. The 1996 is just starting to come into its stride!

With coaxing, the wine offers aromas of black currant jam intertwined with minerals, sweet oak, and spice. A full-bodied wine, it possesses layered, concentrated, sweet fruit, with an elevated level of ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92 points

5. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1996
St Julien, Bordeaux, France
2ème Cru Classé
218.00€

A description of the land, the name literally means “beautiful pebble”: small stones and gravel permit good drainage of the soils and that’s exactly what Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on!

A thoroughly outstanding wine, sleek and racy with loads of character. Intense floral and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral. Full bodied, with super silky tannins and a long, long finish. Wine Spectator 92 points

6. Château Beau Séjour Bécot 2005
St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
1er Grand Cru Classé
105.00€

In the upper echelon, and rightfully so, of Bordeaux right bank producers, but still offering excellent value for money, even for this exquisite 2005 vintage, for its fruit dripping, well-made Merlot based wines.

Offers aromas of blackberry, coffee and tar, with a full body, silky tannins and a blackberry, mineral and light vanilla aftertaste. Balanced, refined and pretty. Wine Spectator 92 points

The bottled 2005 Beau Sejour Becot confirms that this is the finest effort from this estate in the thirty years I have been covering Bordeaux. A classic blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is an intense, full-bodied St.-Emilion revealing notes of espresso roast, chocolate, blackberries, licorice, and truffles. With sweet but noticeable tannins, good acidity, and a powerful, long finish, this textbook St.-Emilion cuts a swath between the modern school of winemaking and the traditionalists. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 94 points

7. Château Pavie Macquin 2003
St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
1er Grand Cru Classé
160.00€

Recently promoted in the 2006 St Emilion classification re-shuffle and is a property which has really hit form in the last 10 years, producing first-class wines. Since 1990 Nicholas Thienpoint of Vieux Château Certan has been in charge of the vineyards which he manages on organic lines.

One of the top St Emilion’s of the vintage. Deep, intense colour. Ripe, dark fruit and licquorice nose. Rich layered extract, velvety texture of fruit with a muscular tannic structure. Powerful but ripe and balanced with a long fresh finish. Decanter Rating ****

Burgundian, liqueur-like nose – very distinctive! Full-bodied, quite soft and a different structure from most. Fine tannins and some tarry flavours on the finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20

8. Château Bellevue 2000
St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
Grand Cru Classé
135.00€

St Emilion

With just over 6 hectares planted (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc), this estate cuddles up next to Ch Angelus and Beau Séjour Becot, this wine has been catching the eye of wine guru and critic Robert Parker in the US – he gives this vintage a staggering 95+ points!
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Impressive fruit in this wine, with crushed plums and spices. Full- to medium-bodied, with super silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A refined and beautiful wine. Best after 2008.
Wine Spectator 91 points

9. Château Kirwan 2000
Margaux, Bordeaux, France
3ème Cru Classé
104.00€

An illustrious property, currently passing through a bit of a golden age, Kirwan takes its name from its original Irish proprietor who was, rather unfortunately, guillotined in 1792! The wines from Kirwan continue to offer seriously good value for a 3ème Classed growth.

Lovely stylish nose, oak and cassis, finely perfumed. Rich and opulent, lush, big ripe tannins, formidable and built to last. Tight and powerful. Drink 2008-17.
Decanter Rating **** 4 stars

Dense, dark nose of black fruit leading to a full palate with sweet fruit and good structure – plenty of potential here. This is very good indeed!
The Wine Doctor 17.5 / 20

…shows attractive plum and berry character, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and very refined tannins. Lasts a long time on the finish. Very, very silky.
Wine Spectator 92 points

10. NEW Château Kirwan 1998
Margaux, Bordeaux, France
3ème Cru Classé
82.00€

New Barriques at Chateau Kirwan, Margaux

Extremely well-crafted, with interesting aromas of berry and black olive. Medium to full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a medium finish. Best after 2006. 8,330 cases made.
Wine Spectator 89 points

The opaque purple-colored 1998 boasts a smoky, licorice, cassis, and mineral-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, powerful, yet elegant, it successfully balances complexity with an unbridled richness and power. Very impressive, particularly in view of its exceptional concentration, it will handsomely repay cellaring of two decades or more. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 90 points

Very good earthy, wild violets, gamey Cabernet bouquet, complex. Very fine length and excellent ripeness, proper structure and superb tannins. Drink 2009-21. Decanter rating **** 4 stars

11. NEW Château d’Armailhac 1996
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
5ème Cru Classé
70.00€

No other vineyard in Bordeaux has undergone so many name changes but now as Château d’Armailhac it represents one of the shrewdest buys in Pauillac. With the work in both the vineyards and the cellar overseen by the team from next door neighbour, Mouton Rothschild, and the grapes from predominantly 50+ aged Cabernet Sauvignon vines, d’Armailhac is never a soft, lightweight option! But here, fully in its stride is a successful and seductive wine, brimful of mature & supple fruit.

Wonderful aromas of ripe fruit, spices, licorice and fresh herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Balanced and delicious. Wine Spectator 88 points

Quite deep. Lots of bold black fruit. Fine, firm structure and poise. Decanter rating **** 4 stars

12. NEW Château Prieure – Lichine 2000
Margaux, Bordeaux, France
5ème Cru Classé
78.00€

Thanks to its rather subdued presence in the market place, this property offers the richness of Margaux terroir at an almost alarmingly good price. The estate came to notice when, then a mere 11 hectares, it was bought by the famous French wine writer, Alexis Lichine, and still carries his name.

A solid red, with big, velvety tannins and lots of ripe fruit, tobacco and chocolate character. Long, fresh finish. One of the best Prieuré-Lichine in a long, long time. Wine Spectator 91 points

Undeniably the finest Prieure-Lichine in 30-40 years, this textured, rich, medium to full-bodied 2000 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a knock-out nose of black cherries, cassis, tobacco leaf, cocoa, and toasty oak in the background. The wine is sweet on the attack, full- bodied, and well-textured, with oodles of fruit and glycerin. This is sexy stuff that can be drunk early, but will age gracefully for 15-16 years. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2026. Bravo! Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 90 points

Very good full colour, smoky, Cabernet/blackcurrant, quite concentrated nose, finely extracted and very good ripe fruit, very ripe Merlot rounds and softens it, a very attractive, supple Margaux with beautiful balance for the medium term. Ready 2006-2015. Decanter rating **** 4 stars

13. NEW Château Leoville Barton 1996
St Julien, Bordeaux, France
2ème Cru Classé
146.00€

Anthony Barton

The wines of Anthony Barton, and most specifically those of Chateau Léoville-Barton, exist in a unique place; there are few wines held in such high regard by the press, the trade and consumer alike, whilst also maintaining a reputation for good value. Add in an amiable proprietor, of Irish descent, who has been outspoken on the matter of Bordeaux as a wine for giving pleasure – for drinking no less – rather than as a vehicle for investment, and you perhaps have something close to the perfect Bordeaux chateau.

This impressive wine is a classic. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to abundant black currant fruit intertwined with spicy oak and truffle-like scents. The wine is brilliantly made, full-bodied, and tightly-structured with plenty of muscle and outstanding concentration and purity Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92 points

Wild berries on the nose, with an exotic flower undertone. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. Gorgeous red. Give it time. Wine Spectator 91 points

14. NEW Château Lanessan 1994
Haut – Médoc, Bordeaux, France
Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
42.00€

Château Lanessan describes itself as Grand Cru Hors Classé and this refers to the fact that one of the previous owners felt it unnecessary to submit samples for the 1855 Classification and consequently its traditional ranking as a 4ème Cru Classé was never ratified. Lanessan is now owned by G.F.A des Domaines Bouteiller and has a reputation for producing Cru Classé standard wines at Cru Bourgeois prices. Lanessan is located just to the south of Gruaud- Larose and the blend is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon based and is aged in oak barrels for 18 months.

15. NEW Château Gracia 1999
St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
140.00€

This is a garage wine that has many Medoc aristocrats unsettled as well as jealous of the prices these small gems are fetching, Gracia is produced from a 4.4-acre vineyard with microscopic yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare and the massively dense wines are often compared favourably to the lushness of nearby Château Ausone.

The 1999 Gracia is made from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 100% new oak and is bottled without fining or filtration. There are just 425 cases produced. The dense, gorgeously perfumed 1999 boasts notes of jammy cherries infused with licorice, smoke, and minerals. It possesses layers of concentration, low acidity, and tremendous purity as well as length. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91 points

16. NEW Château Batailley 2000
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
5ème Cru Classé
79.00€

The name Batailley is said to derive from a “bataille” fought 600 years ago between the French and the English on the same spot as the present property. Château Batailley is owned by Emile Casteja of the famous negociants, Borie-Manoux, and produces classically styled Pauillac wines with intense cassis and smoky character and is considered one of the best value wines in the commune.

Aromas of blackberry and cherry follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a caressing finish. Layered, beautiful and just starting to come around. Wine Spectator 90 points

Huge colour, deep tobacco-y fruit, fat and fleshy and good oak, very ripe, spicy fruit, robust and good concentration. Decanter rating **** 4 stars

Black currant, licorice, damp earth, moss, and fresh porcini mushroom characteristics emerge from this dark plum/ruby-colored Pauillac. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 88 points

Rhône Valley

17. Côte Rôtie “La Mordorée” M. Chapoutier 1997
Rhône, France
118.00€
The Côte – Rôtie vineyard is certainly one of the oldest in existence and Vienne wines were already highly reputed by Rome as far back as one century BC. Since Michel Chapoutier took control of this long-established firm in 1988, quality has soared.
All the vineyards are now run on biodynamic principles and all his wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.
“Filtering a wine is like making love with a condom,” says Michel Chapoutier and crucial to his philosophy is the production of “téte de cuvées”, which include La Mordorée made from 60 year old vines on the Côte Blonde.

The 1997 Cote Rotie La Mordoree is an extremely expressive, open-knit, aromatic, and seductive example. Chapoutier believes it is the finest he has ever made. It is soft, accessible, and easy to understand. The saturated ruby/purple color is accompanied by tell-tale aromas of black raspberries, roasted herbs, smoke, and meat. The wine is medium to full-bodied and moderately tannic, with low acidity, superb concentration, and an intense black cherry, camphor-like, olive component. This wine should be drinkable upon release, and last for two decades. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92-94 points

A class act. Succulent yet ripe, showing wonderfully defined aromas and flavors, kicking with lively acidity but also delivering plenty of ripe fruit, smoke, grilled meat and leather notes. Supple, subtle, sweet tannin structure. This Rhône red is enjoyable on release, but has the stuffing to age. Wine Spectator 93 points

Italy

18. “Cepparello” Isole e Olena 2004
Tuscany, Italy
78.00€

A barrique – aged 100% Sangiovese classified as an IGT – at the time of its creation in the 1980’s, a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not be labelled as Chianti!!

19. “Ornellaia” Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia 2005
Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
198.00€
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is without question one of Italy’s blue-chip properties. The gorgeous, sprawling estate is located in Bolgheri in Tuscany’s Maremma. Ornellaia is a Bordeaux inspired blend consisting principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Displays beautiful aromas of ripe fruit, with currant, plum and blackberry. This complex and full- bodied Tuscan red has soft, polished tannins and a long, long finish. Shows a deft hand in the winemaking. Wine Spectator 95 points
20. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 1998
Tuscany, Italy
265.00€

“Unquestionably one of the most compelling and dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon’s I have ever tasted, it continues to go from strength to strength” Robert Parker
Sassicaia is one of the original show-stopping Super Tuscans and is now a “must have” on any noteworthy cellar list.

Shows its class. Loaded with fruit. Rich yet balanced, with lots of jammy and plummy character. Full-bodied, with round tannins and a silky finish. Exotic. Sass made excellent wine again in a less than easy year. Wine Spectator 93 points

Fairly subdued on the nose (but in fairness the sample had only just been opened – I’d love to look at this after decanting), just an allusion to prune and leather. But absolutely stunning on the palate. The spice is softly embroidered into shimmering fruit. Very very firm, sleek tannins. Terribly elegant, softly spoken and precise. Detailed and fine lined. Unending silky-spiced length. Jancis Robinson 18 /20

21. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 2000
Tuscany, Italy
265.00€
Hickory, black cherry, spice rack, cedarwood and a mushroomy earthy tone to the nose. Likewise on the palate, a funky expressive nose, like fresh compost and over-ripe fruit. The structure is eminently accessible whilst grippy enough to keep, and is showing development that will surely expand with age. Very good Jancis Robinson 17.5++/20

22. Barbaresco “Asili”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
Piemonte, Italy
125.00€
Single vineyard traditional style Barbaresco, it shows remarkable balance and harmony in an incredibly pure, graceful style. The tannins are so finessed and elegant it is actually hard to perceive them on the palate. Here too, the wine shows awesome inner balance and poise.

Sweet raspberries, flowers, roses and spices are just some of the nuances that emerge from this incredibly delicious, promising Barbaresco. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

23. Barbaresco “Rabaja”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
Piemonte, Italy
105.00€
A different single vineyard – just as joyously exquisite!

Wonderful perfume in this Barbaresco with flowers and ripe berries, including strawberry. Full bodied, chewy and long. Massive on the finish. A superb wine. 95 points Wine Spectator

24. NEW Barolo “Le Vigne”, Sandrone 2004
Piemonte, Italy
130.00€

Multi – award winning wines from this highly regarded modernist Barolo producer in the Langhe hills – and a star studded vintage – the best of the decade – a winning combination! Luciano Sandrone has built up a top quality wine estate from its small- scale beginnings in 1978. His Barolo is made in the modern style: elegant, attractive and easy to appreciate right from its first years in the bottle, but with no less power and structure than traditional Barolos. Luciano is a Burgundy fanatic (he sports a map of the Cote de Nuits & Beaune on his wall of his office) and his wines in their silky elegance are certainly reminiscent of the Cote d’Or’s finest.

The 2004 Barolo Le Vigne is a phenomenal effort. Sweet, long and pure, it reveals an expansive core of perfumed ripe red fruit, flowers and spices. Despite its notable concentration it is made in a restrained style, showing remarkable elegance as well as harmony, with superb length and finessed tannins on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2019. Wine Advocate 96 points

Aromas of dried rose, with plum and violet. Full-bodied, with fine yet big tannins and a long, caressing finish. Dense and structured. A serious young red. Strong. Wine Spectator 94 points
Spain

25. Dominio de Pingus 2001
Ribero del Duero, Spain
727.00€

A candidate for perfection in the world of wine – truly one of the most profound wines ever made in Spain. Miniscule production (less than 500 cases per year) in the hands of intrepid Danish winemaker, Peter Sisseck – one of the world’s most highly regarded and sought after wines. Peter’s aim is to produce “an unmistakeably Spanish wine” from 100% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo).

It offers great fruit on the attack along with huge body, and notes of grilled meats intermixed with Provencal herbs, pepper, spice box, cigar smoke, and copious quantities of barbecue smoke-infused blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2028. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points
Power and restraint join forces in this muscular red. Alluring spicy aromas give way to a thick palate with flavors of plum, coffee, tobacco and mineral, backed by firm tannins. It remains balanced and fresh on the long finish. Best after 2006. 500 cases made. 95 points Wine Spectator

USA

26. Flowers, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008
Sonoma Coast, California, USA
61.00€ SOLD OUT
Walt and Joan Flowers purchased 321 acres in the northern Sonoma Coast, high above the Pacific Ocean in 1989 with the intention of producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a place they believed to be uniquely suited to growing them. Fresh fruit aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum are followed by hints of violet, spice and pepper. Tannins are supple with a lingering finish showing cola, smoke and strawberry.

27. L’Ecole 41, Seven Hills Vineyard “Perigee” 2005
Washington State, USA
61.00€
Perigee exemplifies elegance: the essence of the Estate’s Seven Hills Vineyard – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot and Cab Franc, it shows smooth, silky red cherry and blackberry fruit, with rich, floral and spicy aromas of cinnamon and mocha on a vivid, mineral, earthy finish.
Perigee 2005 – 92 points (Wine Advocate)

Black cherry, ripe firm tannin with a leather and liquorice finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20

28. Opus One 1990
Napa Valley, California, USA
245.00€

Probably California’s single most famous exported wine – the co-production between the Rothschilds of Bordeaux and Robert Mondavi in California. Capturing the best of both worlds in a truly sublime representation of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

Dramatic, with its ripe, rich, plush core of exotic currant, anise, cedar, vanilla and berry notes that are enormously complex on the finish. Delicious. Wine Spectator 96 points

Treasure Trove II Nov 2010

Helen Brotherton — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:02:27 +0000

Fine Wine Works Treasure Trove Issue II
Valid from 1st November 2010

A selection of juicy and delicious tiny quantities of fine wines we have acquired recently:

All prices are HT (without tax). Call us or e-mail us if any of the wines are of interest to you.

Whites

1. WillaKenzie Estates Pinot Gris 2007
Willamette Valley, Oregon USA
27.00€ SOLD OUT
This Pinot Gris is made in a rich and complex Alsatian style, fermented in stainless steel, with generous aromatics and a pleasingly rich mouthfeel dominated by ripe ear, peach and a touch of grapefruit. This wine sees no wood and has flavours and aromas of stone fruit, orange blossom and honeysuckle with a light minerality and a crisp finish.

2. Flowers Estate, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2008
Sonoma Coast, California USA
61.00€
Showing balanced depth and complexity with a light straw colour. Aromas unfold with layers of lemon drop, pear, apricot and wet stone mineral. This vintage shows crispness and intense fruit on the palate – lush and balanced.

Reds
Bordeaux

3. Château Pichon Baron Longueville 1996
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
2ème Cru Classé
155.00€
Pichon Baron, a leading Pauillac 2eme Cru Classé estate, is one of Bordeaux’s most illustrious “super seconds”. The best examples have layer upon layer of unctuous, vanilla scented and cassis fruit intermingled with cigar box and lead pencil shavings aromas – as they require cellaring for at least 10 years, this 1996 is drinking magnificently now!

Pichon Longueville Baron’s 1996 has turned out to be even better than I thought from cask. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (about 80%) resulted in a wine that has put on weight in the bottle. An opaque purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of tobacco, new saddle leather, roasted coffee, and cassis. This well-endowed, classic Pauillac should be at its finest between 2006-2022. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91 points
4. Château Pontet Canet 1996
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
5ème Cru Classé
103.00€
A super star, great value property which borders Mouton Rothschild, owner Alfred Tesseron is outperforming this property’s historic reputation by perhaps the greatest degree in the whole of Bordeaux. Shortly to be granted full eco Organic certification. The 1996 is just starting to come into its stride!

5. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1996
St Julien, Bordeaux, France
2ème Cru Classé
218.00€
A description of the land, the name literally means “beautiful pebble”: small stones and gravel permit good drainage of the soils and that’s exactly what Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on!

6. Château Beau Séjour Bécot 2005
St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
1er Grand Cru Classé
105.00€
In the upper echelon, and rightfully so, of Bordeaux right bank producers, but still offering excellent value for money, even for this exquisite 2005 vintage, for its fruit dripping, well-made Merlot based wines.

Offers aromas of blackberry, coffee and tar, with a full body, silky tannins and a blackberry, mineral and light vanilla aftertaste. Balanced, refined and pretty. Wine Spectator 92 points

7. Château Pavie Macquin 2003
St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
1er Grand Cru Classé
160.00€
Recently promoted in the 2006 St Emilion classification re-shuffle and is a property which has really hit form in the last 10 years, producing first-class wines. Since 1990 Nicholas Thienpoint of Vieux Château Certan has been in charge of the vineyards which he manages on organic lines.

Burgundian, liqueur-like nose – very distinctive! Full-bodied, quite soft and a different structure from most. Fine tannins and some tarry flavours on the finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20
8. Château Bellevue 2000
St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
Grand Cru Classé
135.00€
With just over 6 hectares planted (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc), this estate cuddles up next to Ch Angelus and Beau Séjour Becot, this wine has been catching the eye of wine guru and critic Robert Parker in the US – he gives this vintage a staggering 95+ points!
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Impressive fruit in this wine, with crushed plums and spices. Full- to medium-bodied, with super silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A refined and beautiful wine. Best after 2008.
Wine Spectator 91 points

9. Château Kirwan 1996
Margaux, Bordeaux, France
3ème Cru Classé
90.00€ SOLD OUT
An illustrious property, currently passing through a bit of a golden age under the deft winemaking expertise of Michel Rolland. Kirwan takes its name from its original Irish proprietor who was, rather unfortunately, guillotined in 1792

Pretty plum and blackberry character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh finish.
Wine Spectator 90 points

Fantastic tanginess, so rich and deep. Brooding and opulent. A stonker. 10 years+.
Decanter Rating ****
10. Château Kirwan 2000
Margaux, Bordeaux, France
3ème Cru Classé
104.00€
Lovely stylish nose, oak and cassis, finely perfumed. Rich and opulent, lush, big ripe tannins, formidable and built to last. Tight and powerful. Drink 2008-17.
Decanter Rating ****

Dense, dark nose of black fruit leading to a full palate with sweet fruit and good structure – plenty of potential here. This is very good indeed!
The Wine Doctor 17.5 / 20

Rhône Valley

11. Côte Rôtie “La Mordorée” M. Chapoutier 1997
Rhône, France
118.00€
The Côte – Rôtie vineyard is certainly one of the oldest in existence and Vienne wines were already highly reputed by Rome as far back as one century BC. Since Michel Chapoutier took control of this long-established firm in 1988, quality has soared.
All the vineyards are now run on biodynamic principles and all his wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.
“Filtering a wine is like making love with a condom,” says Michel Chapoutier and
Crucial to Michel Chapoutier’s philosophy is the production of “téte de cuvées”, which include La Mordorée made from 60 year old vines on the Côte Blonde.

Italy

12. “Cepparello” Isole e Olena 2004
Tuscany, Italy
78.00€
A barrique – aged 100% Sangiovese classified as an IGT – at the time of its creation in the 1980’s, a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not be labelled as Chianti!!

It boasts layers of vibrant fruit intermingled with subtle mineral and licorice notes, showing outstanding length on the palate and fine, noble tannins. A wine of extraordinary elegance, it has been stunning on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. That said, readers who want to experience this wine’s full array of tertiary notes will have to give this wine time to mature in the bottle. It is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022. Robert Parker (Wine
Advocate) 95 points

13. “Ornellaia” Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia 2005
Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
198.00€
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is without question one of Italy’s blue-chip properties. The gorgeous, sprawling estate is located in Bolgheri in Tuscany’s Maremma. Ornellaia is a Bordeaux inspired blend consisting principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

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14. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 1998
Tuscany, Italy
265.00€
“Unquestionably one of the most compelling and dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon’s I have ever tasted, it continues to go from strength to strength” Robert Parker
Sassicaia is one of the original show-stopping Super Tuscans and is now a “must have” on any noteworthy cellar list.

15. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 2000
Tuscany, Italy
265.00€
Hickory, black cherry, spice rack, cedarwood and a mushroomy earthy tone to the nose. Likewise on the palate, a funky expressive nose, like fresh compost and over-ripe fruit. The structure is eminently accessible whilst grippy enough to keep, and is showing development that will surely expand with age. Very good Jancis Robinson 17.5++/20

16. Barbaresco “Asili”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
Piemonte, Italy
125.00€
Single vineyard traditional style Barbaresco, it shows remarkable balance and harmony in an incredibly pure, graceful style. The tannins are so finessed and elegant it is actually hard to perceive them on the palate. Here too, the wine shows awesome inner balance and poise.

Sweet raspberries, flowers, roses and spices are just some of the nuances that emerge from this incredibly delicious, promising Barbaresco. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

17. Barbaresco “Rabaja”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
Piemonte, Italy
105.00€
A different single vineyard – just as joyously exquisite!

Wonderful perfume in this Barbaresco with flowers and ripe berries, including strawberry. Full bodied, chewy and long. Massive on the finish. A superb wine. 95 points Wine Spectator
Spain
18. Dominio de Pingus 2001 LAST BOTTLE!
Ribero del Duero, Spain
727.00€
A candidate for perfection in the world of wine – truly one of the most profound wines ever made in Spain. Miniscule production (less than 500 cases per year) in the hands of intrepid Danish winemaker, Peter Sisseck – one of the world’s most highly regarded and sought after wines. Peter’s aim is to produce “an unmistakeably Spanish wine” from 100% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo).
It offers great fruit on the attack along with huge body, and notes of grilled meats intermixed with Provencal herbs, pepper, spice box, cigar smoke, and copious quantities of barbecue smoke-infused blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2028. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points
Power and restraint join forces in this muscular red. Alluring spicy aromas give way to a thick palate with flavors of plum, coffee, tobacco and mineral, backed by firm tannins. It remains balanced and fresh on the long finish. Best after 2006. 500 cases made. 95 points Wine Spectator
USA
19. Flowers, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008
Sonoma Coast, California, USA
61.00€ SOLD OUT
Walt and Joan Flowers purchased 321 acres in the northern Sonoma Coast, high above the Pacific Ocean in 1989 with the intention of producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a place they believed to be uniquely suited to growing them. Fresh fruit aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum are followed by hints of violet, spice and pepper. Tannins are supple with a lingering finish showing cola, smoke and strawberry.

20. WillaKenzie Estate, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007
SOLD OUT
Oregon, USA
33.00€
Named after the soil that defines it, WillaKenzie Estate is a small family-owned winery dedicated to the highest expression of terroir. They make wonderful wines exclusively from the Pinot family of grapes. This Pinot Noir offers complex aromas of red and black fruits with attractive floral tones and a touch of spice. The finish is long with hints of candied fruit and spice and beautifully combines elegance and concentration, finely balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins.

21. Howell Mountain Red, Duckhorn 2004 SOLD OUT
Napa Valley, California, USA
87.00€
From one of North America’s premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines comes this blend (57% Cab Sauv, 32% Merlot, plus Cab Franc and Petit Verdot) from two Howell Mountain vineyard sites. A wine of exceptional structure and extracted aromatics of peppermint, chocolate, bramble, soy and ginger spice. On the palate it is ush and mouthfilling with Howell Mountain’s signature wild berry and currant flavours, alongside notes of taoasted marshmallow, espresso, earth, sage and sandalwood. Extraordinary!
22. L’Ecole 41, Seven Hills Vineyard “Perigee” 2005
Washington State, USA
61.00€
Perigee exemplifies elegance: the essence of the Estate’s Seven Hills Vineyard – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot and Cab Franc, it shows smooth, silky red cherry and blackberry fruit, with rich, floral and spicy aromas of cinnamon and mocha on a vivid, mineral, earthy finish.
Perigee 2005 – 92 points (Wine Advocate)
Black cherry, ripe firm tannin with a leather and liquorice finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20

23. Opus One 1990
Napa Valley, California, USA
225.00€
Probably California’s single most famous exported wine – the co-production between the Rothschilds of Bordeaux and Robert Mondavi in California. Capturing the best of both worlds in a truly sublime representation of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
Dramatic, with its ripe, rich, plush core of exotic currant, anise, cedar, vanilla and berry notes that are enormously complex on the finish. Delicious. Wine Spectator 96 points

Cheers to a New Year – and RESULTS!

Helen Brotherton — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:21:54 +0000

Bonne Année to everyone from us, the dynamic duo that is Fine Wine Works! Firstly, a warning! Don’t take all this abstemious alcohol-free detoxing too seriously! I find if one is too strict about the dietary and non-drinking regime as one’s New Year’s Resolution then it’s all too easy to stumble. My advice (from a hardened “stumbler”) is to moderate one’s drinking habits after the endless feasting season and to drink less but BETTER stuff.

Forget all those tempting discounted abrasive & acidic champagnes that the supermarkets tempted us with in November and December, and stick with a glass of elegant and supremely superior Vilmart, for example. Yes, I know that’s a plug for our fabulous Champagne house, but one shouldn’t forget Madame Lily Bollinger’s earnest self analysis of her drinking habits regarding champagne:

“I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad.
Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone.
When I have company I consider it obligatory.
I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and I drink it when I am.
Otherwise I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.”

So this is a gentle sneak preview of the fact that I shall be revamping our small, but perfectly formed Wine List in the next couple of weeks. Some of the tried and tested favourites, which represent cracking value in the sub 8€ price point will stay. But I also want to introduce some more unusual and superior premium wines up to 20€ (and just over). These should appeal to those discerning palates who have perhaps had the good fortune to attend one of our Wine Tasting Dinners or Fun Wine Events during 2009 and have had their horizons broadened to include some exciting non-French wines. Not least the revamp and upgrade of the Wine List may attract graduates of our WSET® Wine Courses who have had the opportunity to taste a myriad of delicious and unconventional International wines. Watch this space (and look out for our Winter 2010 Newsletter to be published shortly) for details on some of the new wines we have selected (through rigorous and demanding tasting sessions, hee hee!) and which will soon be available through Fine Wine Works.

On a final note, I just want to congratulate the students who tackled the (my first) Level 3 WSET® Advanced Course in Wines and Spirits last November and whose results have just been sent through to me! Hurrah – a 100% Pass Rate with half of the students (including my swotty husband, Nigel) achieving Pass with Distinction, the ultimate accolade and award for this exam which is the equivalent of a UK “A” Level. We have a full programme of Wine Courses covering all 3 Levels this Winter / Spring and all dates and details can be found on our website under “Training”. If you want to chat through which option might be best for you, please do not hesitate to pick up the phone to us on 06 42 15 51 21.

Cheers
Helen Brotherton
13.01.10

FWW Wine List – Order Cycle Dates

Helen Brotherton — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:15:02 +0000

Check out our funky, vibrant International Wine List by clicking on Wine List page. So as to keep our costs at an absolute minimum and therefore make the price to you, dear Customer, as sexy and attractive as possible, we don’t hold stock and so “buy to order” -also by paying up front to our suppliers we can squeeze them for the best price possible and so pass it on to you. We can do this ONLY by accepting pre-paid orders from you and by working to an order cycle pattern that optimizes our flexibility.

So, the next Order Cycle is:

Place orders by Friday 5th June
Send your cheque (or bank transfer) so we recieve it by Wednesday 10th June
We’ll start our delivery schedule from Monday 15th June

Simple, hey?

If you are unsure as to how to proceed, want some further guidance on your Wine Choices, or any other wine related advice – just call us on 06 42 15 51 21 or e-mail us at info@finewineworks.com

Helen Brotherton

New Wine Courses & Events Dates

Helen Brotherton — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:00:08 +0000

You can find all the details for the following Wine Courses and Forthcoming Events under the relevant sections on this site but as we have such a jam packed Summer & early Autumn ahead I wanted to have the opportunity to shout about it – LOUDLY!

Firstly, our accredited Wine Courses with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Aimed particularly at Yacht Crew here on the Riviera but open to everyone with a lust and thirst for Wine.
As well as hosting these courses here at our villa, we have also linked up with Cosmo Crew to run some courses at their offices in the Marina Baie des Anges in Villeneuve Loubet. We can also run these on board, when required. Call us to discuss your particular requirements.

WSET Foundation Course (Level 1) – 1 Day
Thursday 11th June – venue tbc
Wednesday 1st July – venue tbc
See Training page for all details as to cost, course content etc.

WSET Intermediate Course (Level 2) – 3 Days
25th – 27th June – Vence 06
7th – 9th September – Vence 06
We are also planning to run this as a 9 session Evening Class for Working Wine Lovers who perhaps cannot devote a full 3 Days to the course. From mid-September – see Training Pages for details

WSET Advanced Course (Level 3) – 5 Days
We will be splitting this course over a short period to give students time to absorb the facts and cover all the ground with home study.
Mon 5th – Tue 6th Oct (2 Days)
PLUS
Mon 12th, Tue 13th & Wed 14th Oct (3 Days)
All details on the Training page of this site.

Forthcoming events:
(Details of all these can be found on the Events page under Forthcoming Dates)

Sat 6th June – “Fun Wine 4 Women”, Vence 06
Weds 17th June – “Vin-dezvous” at the Kookaburra, Nice 06
Fri 17th July – Masterclass – Food & Wine Matching, Vence 06
Sat 1st Aug – “Fun Wine 4 Women”, Vence 06
Fri 14th Aug – Masterclass – Food & Wine Matching, Vence 06

Coming soon – details of our big Autumn event to be held in conjunction with Riviera Times plus our Vilmart Champagne Winemaker Dinner – e-mail us at info@finewineworks.com to go on our Mailing List and receive regular FWW Newsletters plus special offers on our Wine List

Helen Brotherton