2015 March: Adrienne & James's Tasting in Brighton

"A European Fine Wine Selection"

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. 8.

1. Van Zellers (2011), Duoro, Portugal; Viosinho, Rabigato, Codega, Gouveio, 13.0% £22.00, Laithwaites

James's tasting notes: "This is a vibrant and immensely fresh wine, with an intense golden straw colour and a great concentration of fruit aromas. It is elegant and well balanced with a long fruity finish and nice subtle acidity".

2. Bruno Broglia (2012), Gavi, Italy; Cortese, 12.5% £17.00 Laithwaites

James's tasting notes: "Cortese grapes from low-yielding vines, full of honey and wildflower flavours".

3. Dom. Giboulot (2008), Savigny lès Beaune, Côte d'Or, France; Pinot Noir, 13.0% £22.00, Laithwaites

James's tasting notes: "A small crop with plenty of acidity. This is a classic food wine: cherry and beetroot flavours".

4. Paillère et Pied-Gû (2010), Gigondas, France; Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre 14.0 £19.00, Laithwaites

James's tasting notes: "It starts fresh and juicy before its ripe density opens on your palate. This is a southern Rhône on a higher plane".

5. Altos R Pigeage (2009), Rioja, Spain; Tempranillo, Graciano, 14.0% £23.00, Laithwaites

James's tasting notes: "Made in Burgundian style, it is a much deeper red than the old style, scented with soft fruit, strawberries and blackberries more than oak".

6. Ch. Bourgneuf (2006), Pomerol, France; Merlot, Cabernet Franc, 13.5% £35.00, Laithwaites

James's tasting notes: "It has flavours of dark chocolate and olives, prunes, port, toast, fruitcake and leather with a hint of truffle".

7. Ch. Meyney (2009), Saint-Estèphe, France; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, 13.0% £23.00, Laithwaites

James's tasting notes: "It still smells of fresh oak, leading into dense super-ripe, almost creamy and emphatically Cabernet flavours".

8. Castello di Bossi, Corbaia (2009), Barolo, Italy; Nebbiolo, 14.0% £40.00, Laithwaites

James's tasting notes: "The wine is intense with complexity and length. Its nose has sage and sweet spices, with a subtle addition of sweet vanilla".

Adrienne presented a splendid menu for the food following the Tasting:

A main Course of Boeuf à la Provençale with Mashed Potatoes, Carrots and Peas

With Desserts: Apple Tart (baked by James) and Tiramisu

Followed by a splendid cheese selection of Manchego, Dolcelatte and Brie and after, Tea/Coffee

The Raffle Wines:

1. Villebois (2011), Val de Loire, France; Sauvignon Blanc, 12.5% (won by Naomi)

James's tasting notes: "This is rich and complex with ripe fruit flavours"

2. Seigneurs Degrézette (2005), Cahors, France; Malbec, 13.5% (won by Irvine and Joan)

James's tasting notes: "Its beautiful dark garnet colour preludes a complex aroma of blackberry, morello cherry and blackcurrant".