Just Another Tuesday Night

Last night, Alanna, John and I hosted a little birthday tasting for a good friend of the Cellar. About 15 men gathered around cheese, pate and an assortment of sushi to chat while Alanna lead them through 5 whites. Most of these gentlemen are red wine or scotch drinkers so we thought it would be interesting to introduce their palates to something new.

We started with the Quail's Gate Chenin Blanc out of the Okanagan in British Columbia. This Chenin was surprising fresh with delicate acidity. It does have about 10% Sauvignon Blanc which leads me to believe the the dry style of this wine was intentional.

The next selection was the Spy Valley Pinot Gris from New Zealand. The Pinot Gris is made in the Alsatian style and was quite a bit fruitier than the first. The concentrated ripe grapes that go into this give it intense aromas and a rich, minerally, persistent palate.

We then moved onto Tyrell's Hunter Valley Semillon which was left over from the Rare and Fine event (not on WineOnline, but I think there are a few left in the store). Semillon is one of the few whites that have the complexity to cellar. Although it is is delicious at the moment with its tightly structured citrus fruit it could definitely benefit from some bottle age.

The final two were a real treat and interesting to try side by side. They were both Chardonnays, one a Premiere Cru from Burgundy and the other, a bio dynamic Chard made in "Methode Ancienne" from Robertson, South Africa.

The Bouchard Meursault Genevrieres 2005 Premiere Cru was absolutely fabulous, a complex, rich wine with many layers. As the layers change so do the flavours, there is very ripe peach, pear and apricot aromas as well as hints of citrus. Both Alanna and I agreed that this was a great addition to the evening and it was unanimously the crowd favorite. On a side note, John (Managing Partner), Wayne (Managing Partner) and Matt (Director of Operations)are all heading to France and Italy in a couple of weeks to source some new products. Along the way they will be visiting many wineries including Bouchard, so keep checking back to hear all their stories.

The final wine was a staff favorite, Springfield Estates Methode Ancienne Chardonnay. Although I've had this many times before it always surprises my tongue! Its rich and golden in colour and that apricot flavour comes through on the palate. There is undertones of almonds and honey with a touch of well balanced oak. I loved it of course, but this is best served with some smoked salmon eggs benny on a Sunday morning!

Ohhh what a hard night in the wine store!

- Hannah