In anticipation of Hogmanay 2025

Colonial Court, Ngaio, Wellington, New Zealand
Tasted Sunday, November 23, 2025 by Marc with 51 views

Introduction

With Lottie, Chris, John, !arc, Justine and Liz

Flight 1 (6 Notes)

  • 2005 Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben-Thanisch) Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Auslese 95 Points

    Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

    Beautifully mature Riesling. Warm golden colour, caramelised apple notes, wet slate, gorgeous varietal integrity. On the palate, voluptuous fruit, medium plus sweetness, supple texture, long, mipodilates finish, bright acids which add definition. This frankly sweet wine is a particularly good place at the moment.

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  • 2014 Domaine Henri Boillot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère 94 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru

    Impeccable Puligny Montrachet - opulent, gorgeous oak elevage. A richer iteration of this wine, but there is still a fine balance achieved. Mineral and mealy complexity, all intertwined by a modern style of Burgundian wine making. True to its terroir. Very fine.

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  • 1999 Louis Jadot Chambertin-Clos de Bèze 93 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru

    Deep colour, very involving nose of almost candied black cherry, mineral, earth, and lifted bramble. Very sturdy in the mouth - tannic and focused with huge intensity. The wine lacks transparency, although one couldn’t call it opaque. It is a fabulous bottle of red wine that speaks of Pinot, but I wonder if the wine itself speaks more of the winemaker than its terroir. At 26, this is mature, but there is plenty of time left with this one.93+

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  • 1999 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 94 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

    A revelation to me. At 26, this outstanding wine is fully mature, but displays uncommon complexity of aroma and flavour. Very forest floor, leather and a distinct oaky influence. In the mouth, this is resolved, although there are some distinct tannins still farming the structure. Long and complete. Modern winemaking style, but there wine has transformed with age. Should hold, but it is absolutely ready.

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  • 1999 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 100 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

    Drunk directly after a fully mature bottle of the 1999 Guigal Cote Roripte Blonde et Brune, this was unsurprisingly apron a totally different level of refinement, maturity, and class. The nose is closed compared to the regular cuvée, but the purity of the blackberry fruit on the nose is quite extraordinary. And unlike the regular cuvée, there is no sense of dominant oak on the nose - everything is still refined, balanced with the fruit being the main quality that drives the nose. The palate is perfect - the blackberry fruit is enhanced by a herbaceous note. The tannins are fully subsumed into the gorgeous fruit, although there is clearly a lot of structure in this wine. While it is mature, it still retains a fabulous primary feel. Multifaceted, total refinement. Modern winemaking that somehow comes across as classic. This is plush, yet clear, inviting, yet complex.

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  • 2013 Château Suduiraut 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    Drunk out of a half bottle and served with Tarte Tatin and vanilla ice cream - a stunning match, as the wine’s vintage style emphasises opulence and sugar and the intensity of expression fully matched the dessert. A classic example of Sauternes - before the tart was served, the aroma and palate were already suggesting caramelised apples and vanilla. Very rich and round in the mouth with badly sugar and generous botrytis notes. Lovely.

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Closing

Lettuce cups:

Smoked mussel tartare
tuna crudo with mango

Pea soup with prawn

John Dory with tarragon beurre blanc

Asparagus and edamame with horopito pesto

Duck breast with eggplant tahini

Beef cheek with creamy polenta

Tart tatin with vanilla ice cream

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