The Wine Thread

[frankstero]

Any nice bottles recently chaps? Or is everyone (except Bimboman) drinking plonk everyday?

[EnergiseR]

https://www.drinksandco.com/ribera-del- ... vejas-2016
Bottle of that as a present. Was pretty good

[ASMO]

Had some of this the other day, suprisingly good for the price

[lemonhead]

Jam Shed and 19 Crimes on offer for weeks now at our local, goes down far too easily.

[frankstero]

Had some of this the other day, suprisingly good for the price

I'm doing an online tasting of Argentinian wines tomorrow morning, mainly middle of the road stuff though

[frankstero]

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a reliable, inexpensive red that's perfect with takeaway pizza in front of the TV.

However, some are a step up from this: Boutique Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

[Insane_Homer]

Costco UK have Chocolate Block (2018) for ~£18 a bottle. Usually £21-22 elsewhere :thumbsup

[Un Pilier]

For info - 25% off six at Waitrose this week.

[Biffer]

Had some of this the other day, suprisingly good for the price

I try to chuck a few bottles of inexpensive wine into a wine rack every year and leave them for two or three years, usually half a dozen red half a dozen white. Just drank my last bottle of 2016 Trivento Malbec Reserve (not the Private Reserve you have there) last week and it had aged rather nicely. Just got 8 bottles of the 2017 to look forward to now, but I'd rather leave that for another year or so, so I got bottles of Malbec and CabSav delivered from L'Art du Vin last week but haven't tried them yet.

I work on the theory that if I buy something now that's about £10 from 2018, then in three years time it'll be broadly the same as a £20 bottle. Just got to make sure you buy wines that will age nicely without some kind of climate controlled environment, and Malbec seems to do that. Got a few bottles of 2015 Chablis left as well that I'll have to sample soon too.

[SaintK]

For info - 25% off six at Waitrose this week.

Thanks.
Am in there tomorrow

[laurent]

I am trying to fit in my budgy smugglers...

Next week in Ardèche with plenty of Syrah rosé and assorted marselan reds

[frankstero]

For info - 25% off six at Waitrose this week.

Thanks.
Am in there tomorrow

Are you one of those senior citizen "greeters" at Waitrose?

[SaintK]

For info - 25% off six at Waitrose this week.

Thanks.
Am in there tomorrow

Are you one of those senior citizen "greeters" at Waitrose?

Cheeky bugger

[frankstero]

These are the Argies I tried on Thursday:

[ASMO]

These are the Argies I tried on Thursday:

Verdict?

[frankstero]

These are the Argies I tried on Thursday:

Verdict?

I will write up my notes in due course, but I'd say the most enjoyable was the Luigi Bosca Malbec.

However, it's made in a really rich style which might be too full on for many. I suspect it will be like winning the Pepsi Challenge - very nice for a taste or a glass but perhaps too OTT for a full bottle.

Other than that, the Cabernet Franc, Bonarda and Barbarians Malbec were very good

[Un Pilier]

I have never really taken to Malbec. In fact I actually dislike it which, given my eclectic and enthusiastic wine consumption over the past “insert shocking number” years, is quite remarkable. Does anyone have a recommendation that might change my mind?

[frankstero]

I have never really taken to Malbec. In fact I actually dislike it which, given my eclectic and enthusiastic wine consumption over the past “insert shocking number” years, is quite remarkable. Does anyone have a recommendation that might change my mind?

I used to dislike Malbec, and in fact I could taste it blind in blends. But then I found some single vineyard single varietal bottles that I liked at a consumer wine show (probably 2006) and have since liked it in general.

To answer your question it would be helpful to know (i) which Malbecs you have already tried and (ii) what wines do you normally like

[Un Pilier]

Thanks for replying. I can’t really recall which Malbec l have tried since I have never bought one iirc. They would have been sampled at parties / dinner parties and as like as not the usual supermarket brands.

My usual tastes are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon including New World Cab Savs.. I’m not a huge fan of Merlots unless they are good St Emillions. Always partial to a decent Rioja / Crianza or a Barola.

This sounds difficult I don’t mean it to be.

[frankstero]

Thanks for replying. I can’t really recall which Malbec l have tried since I have never bought one iirc. They would have been sampled at parties / dinner parties and as like as not the usual supermarket brands.

My usual tastes are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon including New World Cab Savs.. I’m not a huge fan of Merlots unless they are good St Emillions. Always partial to a decent Rioja / Crianza or a Barola.

This sounds difficult I don’t mean it to be.

Given your stated tastes - which are mainly oaked medium to full bodied reds - I think there are several good Argentinian Malbecs you could try:

- Alta Vista Premium Malbec
- Luigi Bosca Malbec
- Catena Zapata Alta Malbec
- Trapiche Terroir Series Ambrosia Single Vineyard Malbec
- Terrazas de los Andes Malbec
- Bodega Achaval Ferrer Malbec Mendoza

[Sandstorm]

I bought a Rustenburg Malbec 2017 in Waitrose and eventually paid £10 (part of a buy 6, get 25% off selection) on Friday. Drunk it on Saturday and was disappointed. Rather flat and boring, especially compared with a Cab Sav of theirs I enjoyed recently.

[frankstero]

The latest in The Frankly Wines & Friends Wine & Music Series: #10 –Cara Rutherford

[Un Pilier]

Thanks for replying. I can’t really recall which Malbec l have tried since I have never bought one iirc. They would have been sampled at parties / dinner parties and as like as not the usual supermarket brands.

My usual tastes are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon including New World Cab Savs.. I’m not a huge fan of Merlots unless they are good St Emillions. Always partial to a decent Rioja / Crianza or a Barola.

This sounds difficult I don’t mean it to be.

Given your stated tastes - which are mainly oaked medium to full bodied reds - I think there are several good Argentinian Malbecs you could try:

- Alta Vista Premium Malbec
- Luigi Bosca Malbec
- Catena Zapata Alta Malbec
- Trapiche Terroir Series Ambrosia Single Vineyard Malbec
- Terrazas de los Andes Malbec
- Bodega Achaval Ferrer Malbec Mendoza

Thanks for that, Frankie, I’ll seek one out and give it a go

[frankstero]

I bought a Rustenburg Malbec 2017 in Waitrose and eventually paid £10 (part of a buy 6, get 25% off selection) on Friday. Drunk it on Saturday and was disappointed. Rather flat and boring, especially compared with a Cab Sav of theirs I enjoyed recently.

I didn't even know Rustenberg made a Malbec! Their Chardonnay is pretty damn good

[frankstero]

Thanks for replying. I can’t really recall which Malbec l have tried since I have never bought one iirc. They would have been sampled at parties / dinner parties and as like as not the usual supermarket brands.

My usual tastes are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon including New World Cab Savs.. I’m not a huge fan of Merlots unless they are good St Emillions. Always partial to a decent Rioja / Crianza or a Barola.

This sounds difficult I don’t mean it to be.

Given your stated tastes - which are mainly oaked medium to full bodied reds - I think there are several good Argentinian Malbecs you could try:

- Alta Vista Premium Malbec
- Luigi Bosca Malbec
- Catena Zapata Alta Malbec
- Trapiche Terroir Series Ambrosia Single Vineyard Malbec
- Terrazas de los Andes Malbec
- Bodega Achaval Ferrer Malbec Mendoza

Thanks for that, Frankie, I’ll seek one out and give it a go

I'm interested to see what you think

[frankstero]

New post just up: Sherwood Forrester

[frankstero]

Dubliners may know The Wine Pair which opened on Clanbrassil Street at the end of last year.

Here's a music and wine matching guest post from one of the owners

[frankstero]

Classic and Classy: Fritz Haag Riesling

[Marylandolorian]

For the travelers

https://www.worldsbestvineyards.com/top-50/

[OomStruisbaai]

Good rugby players are good winemakers.

Hempies du Toit, Springbok TH fatty

Wine Maker of the Month – Hempies Du Toit
Jul 24, 2014

“Nature gives us the raw materials. I only add my thumbprint to the wine.”

Hempies du Toit, owner and winemaker at Annandale, has a passion for his craft that shines through in every bottle bearing the Annandale logo.

Hempies brings with him generations of winemaking experience, and is proud to be part of a heritage of winemakers, as he learnt the craft at his father’s knee. His father Piet was winemaker at Alto starting in 1959, and the young Hempies grew up in the cellar and vineyards, absorbing the detail of winemaking as part of his daily routine.

By 1976, he was helping Du Toit Snr with the winemaking duties and when his father retired in 1983, he became manager and winemaker at a farm that is famed for its Cabernet Sauvignon and a red blend simply called Rouge.

In 1996 Hempies set out on his own and bought the historic Annandale property. Planting only red varietals, Hempies has stayed true to his heritage and passion in making robust, old school wines that are a reflection of their terroir.

Vines are carefully selected and wines are allowed to age in barrel before release, ensuring that only the best make it to bottle.

“Wines need time to become great. These things can’t be rushed.”

History of the Farm

Annandale is said to be the oldest farm in the Helderberg Valley. The Dutch East India Company’s Governor, Simon van der Stel, granted the title to Jan Wismaar, the property’s first owner, in 1688. The farm was known as Brakelsdal, until in the early 1800s, when the then owner fell in love with a girl from the Annan River Valley in Scotland, and changed the name of the property accordingly.

The buildings are charmingly ramshackle but that’s not surprising as they include a cellar which predates 1700 and a manor house built in the middle of the 1700s. A river runs through the property flanked by trees planted in the late 1600s as a result of Governor Van der Stel having mandated that any tree cut for homestead purposes needed to be replanted.

In 1954 Annandale was bought by the Van Reenen family, at which time it became a riding school and a shelter for abandoned horses. In 1996 Hempies purchased the property and restored it to its winemaking roots, although the horse image on the Annandale logo still reflect this part of the farm’s heritage.

Winemaking

The Annandale philosophy is one of simplicity and honesty. With as little intervention as possible, wines are guided from the vineyard into the bottle, and allowed to express the best of what nature has to offer.

The property is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. All Annandale wines are made from grapes grown on the property, and wines are allowed to age in French oak for up to 8 years before release.

Annandale Cavalier 2004

Annandale Cavalier is a tribute to the estate’s rich equestrian history. It is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 8 years before being released. The wine exhibits a dark ruby colour and an exquisite nose of rich, ripe black fruits combined with oaky, vanilla aromas with a touch of earthiness. The Cavalier is rounded off by its well-integrated tannin structure and rich mouth feel.

Annandale Shiraz 2005

This vintage is the third release since the first Annandale Shiraz was introduced in 1996. It is a wine worthy of 100% new French oak maturation for 8 years producing a dense, concentrated wine of typical Shiraz aromas with spices, pepper nuances and dark fruit evident. This wine is exciting and demanding – almost dangerous. Definitely Annandale’s flagship wine and a great addition to any home cellar.

Annandale Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Carefully selected from three individual vineyard blocks, this wine exhibits full flavour and concentration. Barrelled in French oak for 8 years, this is a sensational Cabernet unique to this country. This classic wine is made in an Old World style. The wine exhibits dark fruit, with plums and mocha on the palate, supported by typical Annandale tannins. This wine is ready to drink but will age well in bottle for years to come.

Annandale CVP Port 2004

A smooth blend of Shiraz fortified with matured Brandy, this port is a perennial favourite. It shows a dark ruby colour with a garnet edge, deep stewed fruit aromas combined with hints of ripe plums and blackberries. The port has a smooth aftertaste showing neither too much tannin nor heat, or sticky sweetness, but rather, a velvety fruit finish that lingers in your mouth. Made in small quantities, this rich, fruity port is perfect for winter and a wonderful addition to the Annandale stable.

The tasting room is open every weekday and Saturday from 09h00 to 17h00. Wines are shipped free of charge to all major centres in South Africa, should you order two or more boxes.

[frankstero]

Another one for you folks: The Frankly Wines & Friends Wine & Music Series #12 – Tim Milford

[frankstero]

Good rugby players are good winemakers.

Hempies du Toit, Springbok TH fatty

Spoiler

Show

Wine Maker of the Month – Hempies Du Toit
Jul 24, 2014

“Nature gives us the raw materials. I only add my thumbprint to the wine.”

Hempies du Toit, owner and winemaker at Annandale, has a passion for his craft that shines through in every bottle bearing the Annandale logo.

Hempies brings with him generations of winemaking experience, and is proud to be part of a heritage of winemakers, as he learnt the craft at his father’s knee. His father Piet was winemaker at Alto starting in 1959, and the young Hempies grew up in the cellar and vineyards, absorbing the detail of winemaking as part of his daily routine.

By 1976, he was helping Du Toit Snr with the winemaking duties and when his father retired in 1983, he became manager and winemaker at a farm that is famed for its Cabernet Sauvignon and a red blend simply called Rouge.

In 1996 Hempies set out on his own and bought the historic Annandale property. Planting only red varietals, Hempies has stayed true to his heritage and passion in making robust, old school wines that are a reflection of their terroir.

Vines are carefully selected and wines are allowed to age in barrel before release, ensuring that only the best make it to bottle.

“Wines need time to become great. These things can’t be rushed.”

History of the Farm

Annandale is said to be the oldest farm in the Helderberg Valley. The Dutch East India Company’s Governor, Simon van der Stel, granted the title to Jan Wismaar, the property’s first owner, in 1688. The farm was known as Brakelsdal, until in the early 1800s, when the then owner fell in love with a girl from the Annan River Valley in Scotland, and changed the name of the property accordingly.

The buildings are charmingly ramshackle but that’s not surprising as they include a cellar which predates 1700 and a manor house built in the middle of the 1700s. A river runs through the property flanked by trees planted in the late 1600s as a result of Governor Van der Stel having mandated that any tree cut for homestead purposes needed to be replanted.

In 1954 Annandale was bought by the Van Reenen family, at which time it became a riding school and a shelter for abandoned horses. In 1996 Hempies purchased the property and restored it to its winemaking roots, although the horse image on the Annandale logo still reflect this part of the farm’s heritage.

Winemaking

The Annandale philosophy is one of simplicity and honesty. With as little intervention as possible, wines are guided from the vineyard into the bottle, and allowed to express the best of what nature has to offer.

The property is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. All Annandale wines are made from grapes grown on the property, and wines are allowed to age in French oak for up to 8 years before release.

Annandale Cavalier 2004

Annandale Cavalier is a tribute to the estate’s rich equestrian history. It is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 8 years before being released. The wine exhibits a dark ruby colour and an exquisite nose of rich, ripe black fruits combined with oaky, vanilla aromas with a touch of earthiness. The Cavalier is rounded off by its well-integrated tannin structure and rich mouth feel.

Annandale Shiraz 2005

This vintage is the third release since the first Annandale Shiraz was introduced in 1996. It is a wine worthy of 100% new French oak maturation for 8 years producing a dense, concentrated wine of typical Shiraz aromas with spices, pepper nuances and dark fruit evident. This wine is exciting and demanding – almost dangerous. Definitely Annandale’s flagship wine and a great addition to any home cellar.

Annandale Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Carefully selected from three individual vineyard blocks, this wine exhibits full flavour and concentration. Barrelled in French oak for 8 years, this is a sensational Cabernet unique to this country. This classic wine is made in an Old World style. The wine exhibits dark fruit, with plums and mocha on the palate, supported by typical Annandale tannins. This wine is ready to drink but will age well in bottle for years to come.

Annandale CVP Port 2004

A smooth blend of Shiraz fortified with matured Brandy, this port is a perennial favourite. It shows a dark ruby colour with a garnet edge, deep stewed fruit aromas combined with hints of ripe plums and blackberries. The port has a smooth aftertaste showing neither too much tannin nor heat, or sticky sweetness, but rather, a velvety fruit finish that lingers in your mouth. Made in small quantities, this rich, fruity port is perfect for winter and a wonderful addition to the Annandale stable.

The tasting room is open every weekday and Saturday from 09h00 to 17h00. Wines are shipped free of charge to all major centres in South Africa, should you order two or more boxes.

Gérard Bertrand played for Narbonne and Stade Francais and is now a well respected winemaker

[frankstero]

Anyone tried Tuscan white? Mazzei Vermentino

[frankstero]

Another recent one: Puglia in Your Pocket

[boere wors]

Just had a NZ Framingham Sauvignon Blanc... dry but strong flavors of apricot and passion fruit. Delicious!

[Big Nipper]

Have any of you seen the documentary "Sour Grapes" on Netflix?

[frankstero]

Just had a NZ Framingham Sauvignon Blanc... dry but strong flavors of apricot and passion fruit. Delicious!

Fantastic producer! Their Rieslings are amazing, and their Pinot Noir is a cut above the Marlborough norm

[SaintK]

Anyone tried Tuscan white? Mazzei Vermentino

Thanks Frankie
Have been drinking this Pecorino Abruzzo Contesa from TWS quite regularly. A bloody good "food" white and a snip at £9 95

[Blake]

If any of you are able, please buy/experiment with South African wines.

Part of our government's Covid Response has been complete prohibition, so the South African Winemaking Industry is on the brink of collapse.
International is the only market they have access to until the alcohol sales ban is lifted.

It's getting pretty dire for a large number of vineyards

[Insane_Homer]

Happened upon - Meerlust Estate Rubicon 2016 @ Costco for ~£14. (~30 elsewhere)



Wonderful! cleared 2 bottle on Saturday night