Welcoming Asher into the World

Second Kitchen
Tasted Monday, September 17, 2012 by Paul S with 311 views

Introduction

The gang gathered for an impromptu dinner with newly minted dad Alex H at a little restaurant across the road from TMC (we we had popped in to see the baby before). Ming popped a couple of casual but very pleasant wines. I particularly liked the Condrieu.

Flight 1 (2 Notes)

  • 2008 Michel & Stéphane Ogier Condrieu 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu

    This was such an enjoyable Condrieu, and every bit as drinkable in its relative youth as one could possibly hope for. it had a nice sweet nose, with fragrant fruit tones from brighter pineapple and lemon to more stone-fruited accents of peaches and nectarines, all this surrounded by a light halo of very Viognier scents of honey and flowers. The palate was just as lovely. While not the most complex of wines at this age, it showed tons of juicy peach and nectarine flavours on the attack and midpalate, and then a long tail replete with spice and honey notes at the finish. Delicious. There was certainly a nice depth here, but the high acidity of the vintage gave the wine a lighter, more approachable feel than one would normally expect from a Condrieu, making this a perfect summer wine.

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  • 2008 Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir Martinborough Terrace 90 Points

    New Zealand, North Island, Wairarapa, Martinborough

    This was a well a crafted Kiwi Pinot. Bottled under screw-cap, there was a bit of reduction on the nose when first poured. It took a bit of time and air before it blossomed into a rather attractive bouquet of sweet dark cherries and blueberry aromas patted down with a nice amount of earth and mushrooms, which gave the nose a nice savoury edge. The palate was a bit sweet for my tastes, with its rather primary flavours of dark cherries and berries having a touch of candy on them. However, it was clear that the wine was well-knitted together - it was very nicely balanced with juicy acidity and well-structured with fine tannins that made their presence felt in the decent finish. All in all, nothing to shout about, but this was a pretty nice Pinot and a good example of accomplished wine-making. I have no doubt it will continue to improve in the bottle over the next few years, hopefully taking on some character and complexity.

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