Christmas drinking

Hong Kong
Tasted Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - Sunday, December 28, 2008 by Wrighty with 821 views

Introduction

A mix of wines over Christmas

Flight 1 - Christmas Day and Boxing Day (2 Notes)

Had a glass of Champagne for breakfast but the cold killed it. Had an Oyster Bay SB, Yarra Ridge PN and D'Arenberg Late Harvest Riesling with lunch. All good and I could taste but no notes of vintage except the D'Ary was near US$20 for half a glass!

Finished off the Champagne during the day on Boxing Day and then managed to sink the d'Arenberg in the evening.

  • 2002 Oudinot Champagne Brut Millésimé 91 Points

    France, Champagne

    (12/26/2008)

    Opened on Christmas day and was a little 'flat' and dull but put this down to a cold. Second day was better and it opened up throughout the day. Minerally with lemon and some lime notes. Bready yeast came to the nose later. Last glass was the best so think, as per the Decanter and WFW Champagne reviews said, it needs a little bit of time.

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  • 1998 d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings 89 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

    (12/26/2008)

    This still had a lot of primary blackcurrant, almost Ribena. Alcohol came through later. Tannins have gone and there is an old world acidity but I was hoping, actually expecting, secondary notes after 10 years. OK but was hoping for more.

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Flight 2 - 27th Dec - Dinner up the wine cellars (6 Notes)

Dinner with Mark & Keiko, Mark & Ali, Graham and his father and Charmaine and myself. Pretty casual and bring a bottle. Had a glass of the Port when I got home.

  • 2002 Oudinot Champagne Tradition Brut 89 Points

    France, Champagne

    (12/27/2008)

    This was much more approachable than the Chardonnay. Less mineral and more (obviously) blended. This was drinking OK but fairly unmemorable, would prefer to wait for the Chardonnay.

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  • 2006 Montes Alpha Merlot 87 Points

    Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley

    (12/27/2008)

    Smokey and lacking a little fruit. The. toast on the oak masked the fruit

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  • 2005 Heathcote Estate Shiraz 88 Points

    Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Heathcote

    (12/27/2008)

    Quite lean and balanced. Not outstanding but a nice balance for a Aussie Shiraz.

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  • 2005 Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot Ode to Lorraine 91 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa

    (12/27/2008)

    This was pretty good and worth seeking out. Didn't take notes or remember much but quite moorish

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  • 1996 Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz E & E Black Pepper 92 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    (12/27/2008)

    Is this starting to hit its end game? Soft, balanced and mellow. Secondary notes, some hints of leather and fruit had faded. Mellow is probably the best description. Two left - was planning on saving until 2016 but doubt it will last. Maybe next one in 2 to 3 years and see from there.

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  • 2000 Warre Porto Vintage 92 Points

    Portugal, Douro, Porto

    (12/27/2008)

    Opened on Christmas day but no notes taken. Was approachable and got a hit of Christmas cake. Still getting dried fruits, soaked in brandy. Palate is surprisingly soft, no heat or alcohol. Some tight berries and a good finish, with some spice and just a hint of heat. Lovely, but be careful, drinks easily.

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Flight 3 - Bernie and Chas's annual food fest (14 Notes)

The usual Christmas dinner but this year, as there's a recession we had to try and bring each course and the wine in under HK$200 a course/bottle. We were all allowed one bottle 'from the cellar' to break the bank and had to provide a sparkler, red and sweet wine.

The dom was served blind and was picked by a lot as the favourite wine.
The Glen Carlou and Barbera where served in black glasses but everyone guessed the colour and we had a couple of correct guesses for grape or location.
The reds and sweet wines were consumed a little more casually.

Notes are think as I didn't make any formal at the time so more from memory. It was a good night but next time think a little more order would be good.

Food - Chestnut and fennel soup; scallops, prawns and ousters, roasted salted salmon, 30 hour slow roasted shoulder of pork; warm centred chocolate cake; berry pavlova

Closing

Started with a cold and a fairly low key holiday meant no great wine nights but a few old bottles.

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