Back To Blighty

A holiday that had only been planned 3 weeks ago. A vist to see my Mum in North England.
Wednesday 6 February
Set off mid-morning...and it was grey...with snow and sleet hitting the motorway.
At midday...crossing the Dutch border it cleared and was a cold sunny afternoon.

I had popped a bottle of white in the cold boot...and on boarding the ship...the Pride of Rotterdam'....I was quickly down to the 'Brasserie' to book a table and to have the wine put in the fridge. The crew were from the Philippines and have no problem with any extra wishes. The first wish was a wine bucket not just with ice at the bottom. This is a common occurence and begs to ask what people think happens to the top part of any wine. Water was added and I ordered the smoked salmon...and the Fish and Chips...hence the reason for the white wine. The photo shows one portion of fish but in fact the other one had already been eaten when I remembered to take a photo.
Jurtschitsche Grüner Veltliner Lamm
Erste Lage Reserve 2011
Kamptal, Austria
Too young I know...quite full...baby fat...layers of what you hope for in a year or two..hidden spices...
Points 17.25

 
An early night and hopefully no drunken English girls running up and down the corridors.
No danger of that. The wind from the north was hitting the ship head on...and I slept 2 hours all night!

Thursday 7 Febuary
Arrived in Hull at 8am....first off the ship...I headed for Charlesworth where I was going to stay overnight at the home of my old school friend Kevin and his wife Erica. After lunch I managed to cat-nap for an hour.

Kevin had planned a retro-70's meal...which comprised of a Prawn Cocktail...some tender Beef...and a Tiramisu. I had bought along a bottle of Huber's white Malterer 2009...and the Hollerith Maximus 2009...both tried and tested before...and instant crowd-pleasers.

Kevin's cousin Noel was also there...another from the old school days.The evening was full of trips down memory lane.

A fairly good night's sleep and ready for the trip on to my mum's.

Friday 8 February
Arrived late morning...and mum looking good for her 88 years. We had a light lunch then a walk on the sea-front. The wind whistling through every hole...but it really prepared you well for a good evening meal.
Across the way from mum's apartment is a restaurant called 'Twelve'. On my visit to England in 2012 I had been there 6 times. Earlier that day I had taken over a bottle of white.

A 'Taster' from the Kitchen...then the Seafood Cocktail...with only a spoon to eat it. I suggested a small fork as well...and good to notice that on our next visit it had been taken on board.

Mrs. Fowden chose the Roast Rump of Lamb and I married the Turbot with the wine.

Johann Topf Chardonnay Hasel 2009
Kamptal, Austria
I have mentioned before...I do like the Chardonnays from Austria.
The growers there seem to balance the creamy fruit with rippling minerals..
This has a touch of exotic fruit...soft toast...glossy...banana....just a delight to drink. Must get some more....
Points 17.5

Saturday 9 February
A day to forget. Not the early part...where we drove to Lytham which is a nice upmarket area and we walked around the shops. It was later that the day 'worsened'. My soccer team, Manchester City, were playing ...so I went to the local pub to watch. 'We' were terrible...and lost 3-1...and it was just as well we stayed in that evening...as I was not exactly sociable.

Sunday 10 February
Another day of overcast weather---a light lunch at the ocal coffee shop in the square...and back in the evening to our 'local' eatery. I had decided this time there would be no 'risky restaurants'...the Twelve would be getting a few visits.

Mum likes here Pate and I chose the Mille-Feuille of Goat's Cheese.

Some Poached Salmon in a white wine sauce...

and for the red some Gressingham Duck Breast.

The red tonight was a a beauty. When last tried I told myself to try to keep it...but I rarely listen to bad advice.

Nelles Spätburgunder  B 52
Heimersheimer Burggarten 2009
Ahr, Germany
What a juice...all you can ask for...top vintage...the fruit semi-thick...rich...delicious length
Yes...it will keep...but this is just so dammed attractive!
Points 18
Monday 11 February
Weather improving...cold but clear.
I went saerching for a 'dongle' so that I had internet on my laptop...hat having to update the blog all at once when I return home.
The usual problem on a Monday...finding a restaurant that is open.
I had made a short list from TripAdvisor...and 'Mimmos' was nicely rated.
Called...and...hey Bingo....they were open that evening. No problem to bring a bottle...5 pounds corkage very reasonable. From the outside the restaurant looks small...but inside there is seating for around 40 at least.

A friendly welcome...and the whole evening was enjoyable with owner Mimmo very attentive.
'Sita anywhere...we hava da Homemade - a Pasta'...
We chose from the specials for starters...Warm Goats's Cheese and some Antipasti. Mum chose the Grilled Plaice for her main course...and as the menu offered ' Homemade' Lasagne...that was my choice.

The restaurant has the feel of the old days...when Mama was in the kitchen and here family all worked there. Mimmo has been there 13 years...Brindisi a long way from home. Mum left the choice for desserts to me...and as both my choices were again 'Homemade'...she was knocked out by the Creme Brulee and the Panna Cotta.

The wine had been.....
Tement Zieregg Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Sourth Styria, Austria
Chosen to compliment any Pasta dish...it coped quite well...but seemed slender compared to others of this property. A bit more fat would have been welcome....
Points 17

Tuesday 12 February
A trip to Blackpool...shops...mum wanted me to buy some brown shoes. I love black...but some clothes need the colour brown. The ones I liked were a size too large.

In the evening we were off to Twelve again...this time with my niece/Godchild Natalie.

Pan Seared Scallops and Pork Belly was a starter....and followed by Forest of Bowland Aged Beef Fillet with Foie Gras. Mum had her Salmon this time without the Mussels...and Nathalie opted for the Char-Grilled Three Cuts of Beef.
The red was again from the Ahr Valley

Adeneuer Ahrweiler Rosentahl
Spätburgunder 2007
Ahr, Germany
Still  a touch tight with grainy tannins with the top vintage ripe fruit bursting to get out. If you any...be patient for a year or two
Points 17.5
We even managed some Cheese and Dessert.

Wednesday 13 February

Snow!  now that was a surprise....but the previous day, after a phone call, I had found the shoes in my size...at a shop in Lytham. We set off...the main roads were clear. We left the car...and were hit by a gale wind with icy snow. Into the shoe shop...the shoes fitted...

and I was happy with my 'brown compromise'

Tonight we are going to a premises which now had its third owner in 3 years
Third change of name...Espanol gives you an idea of what was on offer.
Here the choices...

Sitting the in restaurant...I was thinking the best options would be to just eat Tapas...but Mum suddenly said 'Go on...order the Paella' Well...I almost fell off my chair. I do still preach to her to try new things...even at 88. I ordered the Valencia version with only meat...and to keep us occupied as it takes about 50 minutes to prepare...we ate 3 Tapas.

Tortiila Espanola, Patatas Bravos and Calamares a la Romana. She loved the aioli...and was only informed what Calamares were after she took a bite.

The Paella duly arrived...and was really good...Mum eating the rice. She had had this impression that it would be dried. In fact...so much did she like it...that we ordered a table for Saturday and requested the Sea Food version (guess who'll be eating the Mussels).
The wine was lovely...I had kept it cold in the taxi...and they popped it into a container.They had decent wine glasses as well.

Schloss Gobelsberg Lamm Grüner Veltliner 2009
Kamptal, Austria
Lovely mineral feel to this...fist GV I ever tried was from this property...
Points 17.25

Thursday 14 February
What a night....for some reason I did not sleep...so after a light lunch I disappeared and manage a 30 minute nap.
We are back to Mimmos tonight...with Natalie and her boyfried Adam.

We ordered...as starters...some 'Garlic Bread' with tomato and cheese...and I expected some Garlic Bread. What appeared was a Pizza...it seems that is what Garlic Bread is to this restaurant!. It was fine...just a starter for people who eat large portions. 

The Pepper Steak was delicious...but I was full. 

The red
Roda Reserva 2004
Rioja, Spain
this was, again, a disappointment. The last couple of bottles have shown little charm...seemed to be short on fruit...and very little Tempranillo character.
Points 15.5

Friday 15 February
A delightful day...so we drove around the countryside...the CD player getting a good workout. 

We landed in Lytham and sat out in the sunshine.
Back at Mum's home...the square bathed in the sunshine...the old Mill soon to be demolished.

The owner of Twelve, Caroline, was back...a bereavement in the family had kept her away. 

The sticks were given a Truffle butter...followed by the Rilette of Pork Belly...and a main course of Panka Crumbed Chicken Breast which was very good.

The red....the last from my cellar...
Maximus Pinot Noir 2008
Pfalz, Germany
I have had a few bottles of the 2009 recently...but I prefer this at the moment.
Nose of grainy fruit...the wine shows more terroir in this vintage...vibrant raspberry...lingering length.
Points 17.75
We even shared a Sweet Toffee Pudding!

Saturday 16 February

A repeat visit to Espanol....but they have 2 sittings on a Saturday...so we were in the Restaurant at 6 pm. My mum would shake her head at some food suggestions...so I don't always tell her...and she likes it.

We finally got our Garlic bread(pan con tomate) and the Tapa was Revelto Espanol (chorizo, scrambled egg and potato). She liked the chorizo.

We had the mixed Paella this time...which meant I had the prawns and mussels...and mum had the chicken and rabbit.
I took along a bottle of Spanish red...yes...I know this is a Spanish restaurant...and they have a selection...but no vintages on a wine-list does annoy me. Anyway...corkage was reasonable.
Marques de Risqual Gran Reserva 2001
Rioja, Spain
Classic old style nose...tasty tannins...vibrant acidity...an ideal match for any Spanish food. Leather and spice...nice.
Points 17

We could not resist the dessert board...Crema Catalana and Franbuesa de Besos.

It can't be a coincidence...but I had another less than good sleep...am I allergic to Saffron?...or just too full?

Sunday 17 February
The weather is holding...so had a brisk walk...a read of the morning paper...and then over to the local pub...not for beer...but to watch Manchester City in the FA cup. We beat Leeds 4-0 so I was happy after the previoss weekend's display.

Over the sqaure to our 'local' The starter was a Black Pudding with hash Brown...which was delightful.
Main course...in the afternoon...thinking...Halibut tonight...I took the Tiglat along to Twelve.
No Halibut...sold out...so chose the Monkfish with Parma Ham...the whole was a touch dry...needed more sauce.

Velich ChardonnayTiglat 2008
Burgenland, Austria
This seems to be taking on age...and I had purchased this bottle after being impressed by the 2009. I think I like the raw youth of the wine...but it's down to tastes I guess...
Points 16.75
Mum still looks radiant after all these meals...

Monday 18 February
Drove to Lytham...bought 2 more pairs of shoes...I am going mad...I will be the next Paris Hilton at this rate. My wife won't understand me when I get back home. The weather is still sunny so a drive back to the apartment was again beautiful with the countryside playing sideshow to the CD player...Roy Orbison, Bobby Bland and Dusty Springfield.
We never made it to the Thai Restaurant 'Mews' this time...so had ordered the night before and stayed in this evening.

Tuesday 19 February
According to the forecast this is the last day before the weather changes.
Fleetwood in the sunshine...

It is the last evening before I return home...so you can guess where we ended up for a meal.

Mum went for her Soup and Salmon.

New on the list was Fried Black Pudding...which i love...and I repeated the Gressingham Duck which looked particularly good tonight (just for me?). Owner Caroline thanked us for our visits. I had spoken to her earlier and arranged a lunch for two (Mum and Natalie) for the 10th March (Mother's Day in the UK)...so Mum will hopefully like her surprise. A nice touch from Caroline...after 6 visits...my meal was on the house.

Nelles Spätburgunder  B 48 2009
Ahr, Germany
Had the B52 earlier in the holiday and this is about as good. Super nose of
really ripe strawberry fruit...very soft for it's age...but there is a firm tannin fist that will take this along it's merry way over the years. This kicks in as the bottle empties...so open and drink and this stage.
Points 18

Home...and a very good night's sleep

Wednesday 20 February
The weather is a little dull...but no high winds...which is what is of interest to me with the ship journey ahead.

Set off early and popped in to see school friend Kevin for lunch...then set off over the 'Snake Road'...which is over the Pennines between Glossop and Sheffield. It had been my plan to ride the high road when I came over...but snow meant it had been closed.

Arrived at the Port of Hull just before 5pm...and as usual...was asked by the customs to open the boot and the bonnet. It's the car I always say...but wouldn't a smuggler use a rusty old wreck of a car?

York Cabin again...and as we lose an hour this eevening...I was down early to the restaurant. The Pride of Hull staff are Portugiese...and down in the 'Brasserie' restaurant I gave Pedro the half bottle and reserved the usual table. 
A glass of Champagne to get the evening going...

A started of Salade Nicoise was inoffensive but compared to the main course...positively superb. The main course...ah...what a memory. Tagiatella Bolognaise!. I left almost all of it. The waitress asked how it was..and I said not good...and she...thinking it was just this individual plate...asked if I wanted another. 

I told her that the person who had opened the tin...should be shot! I satified myself with a bread roll and butter...and the half bottle
Dr Heger Mimus 2009
Baden, Germany
This has traces of what it will become...but even in the half-bottle....there is still a tightness...and surprisingly firm tannins.
Points 16.5

Thursday 21 February
Slept about 4 hours...and was awoken by the LOUD tannoy at 6.30 am.
I decided a good hearty breakfast was needed for the 500 Kilometer journey ahead. A bowl of Porridge and the full English Breakfast.
With a couple of short stops I was home at 2pm.

A lovely 2 weeks....but I must think of a solution to the start and finish....

G.L.O.R.I.A.

A selection of wines from the last few weeks...
Some others I did not make notes on...alone in the business at the moment...and planning a trip to England...so all a bit hectic.
I leave on the 6th February...so will be blogging again two weeks later.

First up...those of a certain age will remember a song by Van Morrison
who 'spelled 'out his love for a lady. Maybe he was clairvoyant...but my Gloria is a different lady.  I am very careful when it comes to Chardonnay...having 'licked' my lips with too many oak-ridden examples many years ago. The Austrians are coming up with the right mix...and Kollwentz is top of my list at the moment.

Kollwentz Chardonnay Gloria 2010
Neusiedlersee-Hügelland, Austria
Tropical fruits...Grapefruit...delicate acidity...and this just bounces over the palate with rippling minerals. Great stuff....
Points 17.5

Kollwentz Chardonnay Taschler 2010
Neusiedlersee-Hügelland, Austria
Whereas the Gloria is a lively young lass...her big sister is more into classic than a dance at the local disco. Leave me alone for a while she says...the vanilla is a touch sweeter...and thicker...some brioche...and a little tight.
Points 17

Off to a local eatery on my own-some...read and write and enjoy good food and a bottle from my cellar.
Pfleger Curator Pinot Noir R **** 2009
Pfalz, Germany
Elegant but complex aromas...earthy style...salty minerals...the wine is made from small berry clones that one fins in Burgundy. Jakob Pfleger's style shows where his first love lies. Softened in the glass...and there was a touch of liquorice on the tip of the tongue.
Points 17

As I sat and ate my first course...a couple arrived at the next table...ordered their meal...and were gone before I had finished my main course of deer cutlets (sorry Bambi lovers). As I complimented the lady owner on the meat...she told me that she had just received a call from those guests...telling her they thought I was a restaurant tester and she should take care. We had to laugh.
The story continues...I left the Bistro...tapped the owner on the shoulder...she was conversing with guests...and said goodbye. It was only when I arrived home that I realized I had forgotten to pay. I called her immediately...and when she answered I opened with 'Here is The Restaurant Tester...do I still have to pay?' 

A Trio of B48

 
I hate winter...and although to photo looks lovely...Vitamin D is missing from my system.
Another way to help is to think of warm summer vineyards...how about the property of Nelles in the Ahr Valley?

I had been knocked out by the B 48 2009...and the property was offering a three-pack over the holiday period. Vintage...2010, 2006 & 2007.
Nelles Heimersheimer Landskrone
B48 Spätburgunder
Ahr, Germany
To be honest...the 2010 was not on my buying agenda...so I was nicely surprised by it's young...slightly rough fruit...and good balance. Leave it a year of two if you buy it.
Points 16.5

The 2006 has no longer any puppy fruit...fully developed nose...mushrooms sprang to mind...Drink this now.
Points 17

The final one of the trio...the best you leave to last...as any egg eater will know. Marzipan fruit...perfection at the moment...lingering on the palate...super soft sweet fruit...drink or leave a few years. Either way...you will be rewarded.
Points 17.5

World Class Sauvignon Blanc

Who would have thought all those years ago...when the words 'Austrian Whites' made people wide-eyed. What a sea of beauty it has become. Here three TOP properties in Styria...miss them if you dare!

Erwin Sabathi Sauvignon Blanc
Pössnitzberg Limited 111 2008
South Styria, Austria
What an aroma...cassis and top class gooseberries with a touch of lychees...then banana...this is a desert island without all the sand.
The palate is just so silky...quite full...but with a dash of sea air minerals...tropical with a touch of citrus... a hedonistic juice.
Points 18

Walter Skoff
Sauvignon Blanc Royal 2009
South Styria, Austria
Exotic aromas...lychees...tobacco and vanilla...sweet biscuits...it defies the 14.5% alcohol...sparkling diamonds....roast nuts...minerals.
Very good indeed.
Points 17.5

Polz Sauvignon Blanc
Hochgrassnitzberg Reserve
Große STK Lage 2007
South Styria, Austria
Another beauty...an aroma full of spiky grapefruit....extreme peaches...lovely balance...spicy oak...smooth as silk....
Points 17.5

Nobody's Perfect

Someone asked recently if I ever drank a bad wine in recent years.
The answer was 'not if I could help it'
With all the years of experience...I should never have to drink a 'bad 'un'.
Blanc de Roc d'Anglade 2005
Remy Pedrano,
Anglade, France

However...I was caught out recently...with a wine I had tried a few times over 4 years ago...it had impressed...and my notes had been to maybe lay the last bottle down and see how it improved. For red wines 4-5 years will not harm...but the years have flown by...and the white I chose to share with buddy Volker at our local Bistro was not keeping it's age well. It had a slightly oxidised smell...and so I was on my bicycle for the short ride home to get a substitute.

Velich Tiglat Chardonnay 2009
Neusiedlersee, Austria
Honey...caramel...the nose is intriguing...a glass grower...excellent balance of acidity and fruit...long in the mouth...
the bicycle ride had been worth it and Volker gave it
Points 18

The red wine chosen was down to a quick phone call to the property. Herr Becker advised it was perfect to drink now
Friedrich Becker
Steinwingert Spätburgunder 2007
Pfalz, Germany
My tip...when drinking Becker wines...do not compare them with another red alongside. My experience is...with the soft style...a comparison with
a more 'sturdy' style would leave the Becker wine showing TOO much cream and vanilla. Alone...they are a delight...with the nose here so enticing...a soft creamy layer on the palate...and a gentle ripple of tannins. Herr Becker was right...for drinking now.
Points 17.25

Christmas Scrooge

Wine coincidences...and it was only after I prepared a post for the blog....that I noticed a Vintage coincidental to all three whites drunk over the Christmas period.
You remember how Christmas used to be...?  if you are of a certain age....then you will!
Now the supermarkets are decorated in the middle of November...and I receive a Christmas card on the 28th of that month and grimace.
This has turned me into a Christmas Scrooge...but over the THREE Christmas days I was willing to open a few bottles.
As a starter...a photo of a decorated corner of our living room.

Louis Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 2008
Burgundy, France.
My guess is that younger wine lovers probably never even think to buy or try white Burgundy. The worldwide choice is so large that many other 'Chardonnays' are purchased.....after all...it says Chardonnay on the label.
If you are a touch older...I am a club member...then your 'wine youth' meant that the only decent 'Chards' were from France. You learned the best properties by heart...you knew that a Chassagne-Montrachet could be topped by a Puligny-Montrachet...and the height of ecstacy was a Montrachet!
Classic wines...elegant...sexual...
Louis Jadot was around back then...producing a complete range of all that is Burgundian...operating both it's own vineyards and also having a Négociant business.
They are still with us today...and a tip from a wine magazine tempted me to buy a couple of bottles. Good Burgundy was and is...never cheap.
This is not for your oaked Chardonnay lovers...this is delicate...and fine Burgundy is sometimes indescribable...it is just IT. Citrus with a nutty touch. The gentle creamy feel spread over the palate...and the back-end...is where you just know it must be Burgundy.
Points 17.25

Christmas day and my wife had prepared three Fondue varieties. One Cheese...one normal Broth with four sorts of meat...and an Asian Broth for the Prawns.
The variety asked for a white that could cope with all of the above...plus the assorted sauces.

F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Smaragd 'M' 2008
Wachau, Austria
One of my favourite whites is the M from Pichler. My decision to open this was down to the fact that I have two more...so try one to see it's developement.
Ripe aromas of tropical fruit...I served this in large glasses...hidden acidity...which emerged when it had gasped at air...as did the minerality which these top Smaragd wines need.
They initial 'sweetness' is only part of a delicious package. Layers of fruit...and surprisingly ese wines can age up to 10 years or more.
Perfect with the food...great length...super.
Points 17.75

Christmas means eating the rest of the food over the next few days...so on Boxing day...my wife conjured up a 'Thai-Style' curry from the Asian Broth and it was served with some more Prawns.

Into the cellar and my only bottle of Condrieu...2008...
Guigal Condrieu 2008
Rhone, France
Condrieu hardly ever ages...a couple of properties I have tried have been fine...Yves Cuilleron's Les Chaillets and Guigal's La Doriane...but these are exceptions. Unlike other White Rhone...they need to be drunk fairly young.
This is Guigal's basic Condrieu...and the nose was a touch flat...then a hidden smell of almonds emerged...there is not much acidity...which there never is...but the wine is still very palatable.
Points 16.5
This had me comparing the Viognier of the Rhone with Grüner Veltliner from Austria...with the latter usually offering a more mineral flinty touch...I never thought I would be untrue to an old love!!!

Schlossgut Diel Pinot Noir Cuvee Caroline 2008
Nahe, Germany
Opened before Christmas...but fits in nicely with the Vintage theme.
Pale ruby...freshness on the nose...cherries...and a dry spice...elegant and pleasing if a shade disappointing when I compare it to previous years. A second bottle will be given sleeping time.
Points 17

So those were my Christmas drinks...
Oh...and before I forget...HAPPY EASTER!

Austrian Trio

Three from Austria...spanning three top areas...

Bernard Ott Grüner Veltliner Fass 4 2011
Wagram, Austria
Bought a mixed case of Ott's wines...and the info on this one was that the grapes are taken from different parcels of the Rosenberg vineyard.
This had a fresh style...more green apple than honeyed melons wines suggest they need longer than most
Points 16.5

Tement Sauvignon Blanc Zieregg 2008
South Styria, Austria
I suggest regularly that the top SB wines improve with age...I think this has flattened out. The intensity of lychees and grapefruit has lessened...something I found appealing a year ago.
Still good though...
Points 17

Prager Riesling Wachstum Bodenstein Smaragd 2008
Wachau, Austria
This had impressed a year ago..and is still at that level. Lovely feel to is...flowery...white peaches...traces of petroleum(yummy)...lemon tones.
Dreamy palate...very good.
Points 17.5

Gault & Millau 1 v Eichelmamm 0

A question...this Weingut is mentioned regularly in one of the 2 German Wine Guides. Gault & Millau give it 3 Bunches of Grapes. The other one...Eichelmann does not give it a mention.  Surely not 'politics' or some misunderstanding!?
Whatever...it is Eichelmann's loss...
There are plans for a new cellar at the property.  Thomas Nelles is slowly passing the reins over to his son Philip
1479 was the birth year of the property. His top Spätburgunder is the B52..2009 was a re-order recently..this B48 being the next one down...but only just...
Nelles Heimersheimer Landskrone
B48 Spätburgunder 2009
Ahr, Germany
I really like the Nelles style...the fruit just leaps at you from the glass...OK...there is oak...but not overdone. It spends time is small Barriques and has a rounded tannin feel...vanilla and winter spices...AND...something that happens seldom....I almost finished the bottle in one sitting...it slips down beautifully...and the small glass next day was still delicious. Re-ordered...Tie my hands behind my back...or they won't be around too long!
Points 17.5

I Love Tuesdays!

I was never one to plan good food and wine on a 'special' day...or only on a Saturday. Why not drink fine wines on a Tuesday.? Friend Volker decided to cook...and I said I would supply the wines. Wine Merchant Robert was also there...and well as Volker's wife Steffi...

A starter of cold octopus salad...followed by warm octopus in a tomato sauce (and a good dose of garlic)

F.X.Pichler Grüner Veltliner M 2004

Wachau, Austria

Opened 3 hours in advance...nose was instantly glossy...had this maybe lost it's zip?. Quite full-bodied...honey notes...and then the lift of minerals...lovely balance...not for the long haul...just about right now...and maybe paired better with the second course.
Points 17.25

                           

 

As usually happens...Robert brought along a bottle covered up. He said it was 2011. We tried it...and he asked me for a tip. I thought...and something made me think...Nahe. So...here goes...'Nahe...Dönnhoff'...and followed that with a vineyard 'Hermannshöhle'. The answer was ...'you are half correct...and half false!. Now...although the feeling was...it must be a Riesling...I never mentioned that grape in my 'guess'. Laugh...we had to laugh...because as the label was revealed...I saw 'Dönnhoff!'....of course...I had not got 6 in the Lottery...maybe only 4...because it turned out to be a mineraly 'Weißburgunder'. Robert was adamant I had said Riesling...which I had 'indirectly' in naming a Riesling vineyard. I then jokingly claimed they had maybe planted a few Weißburgunder vines in that vineyard...laugh...it was just so funny.
This paired well with the cold octopus salad.

The main course was a leg of lamb...

My 'theme' for the evening's red wines...was to remain vintage 2004.

Both reds were served blind...

Markus Molitor Brauneberger Klostergarten
Spätburgunder ** 2004
Mosel, Germany
This is a fairly' heavy' bottle...which would add to the mystery with the Au Bon Climat bottle weighing 3 times a Bordeaux bottle! You can't give your wine-drinking friends too much help!
This was an instant delight for all...still lively...delicate gentle vanilla aroma...and a palate that showed a soft earthiness...which started the guys thinking Pfalz. They then tried for New Zealand...then Baden...I won't list the rest...but we were by 14 before they gave in. To be fair...the Mosel is not the hotbed of red wine...but the quality of this begs to ask why not. It will, it must come...with the changes in temperature. A wine for wine-lovers...not one that would impress young 'punch you on the nose' drinkers.
Points 17.5

Au Bon Climat Isabelle Morgan
Pinot Noir 2004
California, U.S.A.
Still fairly chunky...will develope over the next five years...the oak receded with airing...although it had now been opened 4 hours. Dried herbs...earth...blueberries...but the Mosel headed this at the post.
Points 17.25

Warre Vintage Port 1966
Douro, Portugal
Traditionally...it was always Port at Christmas...but I needed no excuse to open one of my old bottles.
1963 and 1966 were the top vintages...and this was at it's peak. My bottle's label had suffered over the 30 years in the cellar...so you get an extra photo of how it maybe looked in it's youth.
I had decanted 12 hours in advance...and as it had been stood up for 3 days...all the sediment remained where it should have. No way you can use a cork-screw on these wines...the trusty waiter's friend does the job perfectly.
No sign of browning...black cherry and liquorice...gorgeous fruit...smooth and elegant...and although one thinks 'heavy' with Port...this had a beautiful lightness in weight. Perfect Vintage Port
Points 19

I love Tuesdays!!!

Pumpkin, Panko and Pearls

My wife has  spoiled me for over 35 years with her cooking talents. Nowadays...we try to cut down her time in the kitchen...and leave it to her 'wanting to' compared to 'having to'.

I love Pumpkin...so the starter of Prawns in a light Pumpkin sauce had me heading for a good Sauvignon Blanc.

 

Sattlerhof Kranachberg Große STK Lage
Sauvignon Blanc 2010
South Styria, Austria
Aroma of mandarin orange...some smokey tones...zippy grapefruit...yellow fruits...dry tangy...needs time.
Points 17

The fish stall at our local Market had 'Kingklip' on offer...a new one to me...and done in Panko Thai Lobo Bread Crumbs...called for a great Grüner Veltliner...well...maybe that is overdoing it...but that is the first bottle that my eyes set on when entering the cellar.

F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner
Smaragd Loibner Berg 2002
Wachau, Austria
Colour...pale gold... nose...gorgeous...yellow stone fruits, citrus, apricots...some petrol....no sign of age...vanilla, good dose of white pepper, thrilling minerals...as perfect as a GV can be...
Points 18