1.      Jacobs Creek Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee South Australia
      (Tesco £8.00)

A popular “bottle fermented” sparkler that’s a real crowd-pleaser.  It has crisp grapefruit, with a breadcrumb finish.  An inexpensive alternative to champagne (CHP 16).

2.    The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Marlborough NZ
      (Majestic £8.00)

Classic NZ Sauvignon with lovely crunchy gooseberry and green capsicum fruit, with a crisp, dry finish.  Lovely aperitif (CHP 15+)

3.      Mission Hill “Five Vineyards” Pinot Blanc 2004 Okanagua Valley,
      British Columbia (Churchill Vintners £8)

Pungent and vegetally, with some crisp citrus fruit, but a bitter finish.  Again, an ideal aperitif or starter wine for the fish course, it should be better.
(CHP 14)

4.      Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2005 South Australia (Tesco £7)

Still young and fresh, this makes an ideal intro for spicy canapés and chicken dishes.  It also works well with crab.  A personal favourite, this had lovely spicy apricot flavours (CHP 16+)

5.      Kendall-Jackson “Vintners Reserve” Chardonnay 2003 (£8.99)

A big, rich oaked Chardonnay, to cope with a strongly smoked salmon, and carrying through to the turkey course.  Rich and full, the toast and oak overwhelms what’s left of the peach and pineapple fruit.  Not for me (CHP 14+)

6.      Blason de Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2003 AOC Bourgogne (Asda/Co-op
      £5.99)

Pinot Noir is a classic match with turkey, and this is a surprisingly accessible example at a very affordable price.  It had red fruit flavours, underlying lemon tea, with a rich chocolate finish.  Good value, with real Pinot character.  (CHP 16).

7.    La Chasse du Pape Reserve 2004 Cotes du Rhone (£4.99 widely
      Available)

Southern Rhone reds are another classic turkey match.  This had vibrant fresh raspberry jam fruit, seasoned with pepper.  An inexpensive choice (CHP 15)

8.      Torres Gran Sangre de Toro Reserva 2001 (£?)

A Rhone style blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah, with a bit of oak ageing, and the most serious red of the night.  There was lovely savoury smoke-infused raspberry fruit, with good balance and length (CHP 17).

9.      Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2004 (£7, stockist ?)

Theoretically an Aussie Shiraz should match turkey well, particularly when given a  “lift” with some Viognier.  This had some liquorice fruit, but was one-dimensional.  Perhaps it needs a touch more bottle age (CHP 14+)

10.      Martinez White Port (£7 50 cl bt, Connollys)

An off-dry aperitif made with white grapes.  It had baked toffee and hazelnut flavours, in a slightly oxidised style.  Interesting, but no great depth. 
(CHP 15)

11.      Croft Indulgence Ruby Port (£9 Tesco/Threshers)

There is no better way to accompany the pudding or Stilton cheese with a nice bottle of port, and this simple Ruby hit the spot.  There was lovely structured juicy cherries, plums and liquorice, seasoned with spice.  Delicious!  (CHP 17+)

12.      Cockburns LBV 2000 (£9.68 Tesco)

Full and more rounded, but less vibrant.  There was spicy cherry fruit, but with a bitter finish  (CHP 15).

It was a festive and fun evening, and special thanks must be extended to all our members who brought along some seasonal fare.

Seasonal Greetings to one and all for Christmas and the New Year!

Next Tasting:

Tuesday, 28th February 2006

All tastings take place at
St. Augustine’s Church Hall, Lyttleton Road, Edgbaston
Start time: 7.30 pm prompt
To avoid disappointment, book early with Tim White
tim@birminghamplus.com