Williams Humbert ‘Drysack’ Fino Sherry, Jerez, £11.70 per bottle
We opened this evening’s tasting with Drysack Fino sherry. Cool, clear, complex and very dry, with great length, this makes a splendid aperitif, pairing particularly well with savoury nibbles such as olives.Once again, a modestly priced (£11.70) gem, far removed from the unfairly stereo-typed sickly sweet half-empty bottle gethering dust, forgotten and lurking in the dark in a cupboard under the stairs…
2010 Carqueixal Albarino Rias Baixes
We followed with the 2010 Carqueixal Albarino
Unoaked, this wine displayed really fresh citrus and grapefruit notes with hints of almonds and pears. A delicious alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, this would make a great aperitif.
A classy number at £12.55 per bottle
2011 Muga Barrel Fermented Rioja Blanco, Rioja, £10.50
Number theree on the evening’s list was a white Rioja – Muga Barrel Fermented 2011In contrast with the Carquexial Albarino, the presence of oak added rich toasty aromas, vaailla and a touch of spice. This well-balanced, well-made wine would work well with meatier fish dishes, or Paella. £10.50 per bottle.
Finca la Estacada 2009
2009 Finca La Estacada 6 Months Oak Aged. £6.75 per bottle
This was the first red wine of the evening; despite its relative youth, the oak aging had added a level of richness and fullness to the delightfullty fuity wine, revealing notes of damson, plum and liquorice.Guests found it hard to believe that we’re offering this at only £6.75 per bottle!
Remarkable value…
2011 Biberius Ribera del Duero £9.15 per bottle
Next up was the 2011 Biberius Ribera del Duero.
Another fine example of a relatively youthful wine, yet displaying a surprising level of maturity and complexity. On the palate, this 100% Tempanillo wine produces interlaying notes of liquorice, cassis, with some herbal smokiness. A great partner for robust meaty barbequed dishes.
Great value at £9.15 per bottle
2007 Bodegas Ruconia Rioja Vina Anzarena Reserva
£9.60 per bottle
Our last official wine of the evening was this stunning 2007 Bodegas Ruconia Rioja Vina Anzarena Reserva.
With more aging in barrels and bottles, (36 months), produced from old vines (over 30 years old) this is indeed a special Rioja. Good levels of acidity and tannin are well-balanced with a complex palate and lingering finish. Black cherry and dried fruit, together with leathery, spicey notes in a silky smooth mouthful. Another winner at just £9.60 per bottle.
Next tasting, 31st May at 7 pm
“It’ll be all white on the night”
Tickets £15.00, more details here: