Festive Drinking 2022

Anything to do with Port.
User avatar
nac
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1808
Joined: 14:21 Fri 16 Dec 2016
Location: Kent & London
Contact:

Festive Drinking 2022

Post by nac »

...and we're off.

Just sampling 3rd and 4th from the Quevedo calendar (and will report on those separately), but with dinner this evening one of my few remaining bottles of La Fleur-Petrus 1997. Beautifully soft, nicely mature, and will drink the remaining bottles over the next 2-3 years.

First "proper" festive event, with interesting wine, later this week.
User avatar
Alex Bridgeman
Graham’s 1948
Posts: 14880
Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
Location: Berkshire, UK

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by Alex Bridgeman »

My first festive bottle opened this evening was a deliciously mature bottle of Chateau Gloria 1988. The 1988 vintage is at one of those high points in its evolutionary cycle and just reminds me with every sip of why I love mature claret.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.

2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
User avatar
mosesbotbol
Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
Posts: 598
Joined: 19:54 Wed 18 Jul 2007
Location: Boston, USA

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by mosesbotbol »

Had '99 Musar and '88 D'Oliveira Terrantez. Just opened the madeira had a couple of glasses. Musar is still going strong.
F1 | Welsh Corgi | Did Someone Mention Port?
MigSU
Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
Posts: 634
Joined: 13:22 Wed 17 Feb 2021
Location: Douro Valley

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by MigSU »

Wow, 1988 Terrantez, would love to get my hands on that one.
Glenn E.
Graham’s 1977
Posts: 4174
Joined: 22:27 Wed 09 Jul 2008
Location: Seattle, WA, USA

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by Glenn E. »

MigSU wrote: 22:10 Thu 08 Dec 2022 Wow, 1988 Terrantez, would love to get my hands on that one.
Rare Wine Co has it in stock, though you probably wouldn't want to pay their prices and then have to ship it back to Portugal.

https://www.rarewineco.com/wine/1988-do ... -ml-12024/
Glenn Elliott
User avatar
Alex Bridgeman
Graham’s 1948
Posts: 14880
Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
Location: Berkshire, UK

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by Alex Bridgeman »

Or maybe pop over to Madeira and ask Luis if you can buy a bottle.

My latest festive bottle has been a bottle of Taylor Vargellas 1998 which I bought in a supermarket discount sale for £13 nearly 10 years ago. It’s fabulous! Lots of bramble fruit, plenty of grip and a black liquorice finish. I am absolutely loving it and very happy I have plenty more. 1998 SQVP seems to be in a brilliant spot in its evolution to drink this Christmas.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.

2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
MigSU
Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
Posts: 634
Joined: 13:22 Wed 17 Feb 2021
Location: Douro Valley

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by MigSU »

That's a bargain and a half!
User avatar
Alex Bridgeman
Graham’s 1948
Posts: 14880
Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
Location: Berkshire, UK

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by Alex Bridgeman »

Stupid pricing, totally undervaluing the quality of SQVP, but I’m not going to object.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.

2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
winesecretary
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1900
Joined: 15:35 Mon 13 May 2019

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by winesecretary »

I have had a very good vinous week.

1966 Chateau Latour - in the owner's passive cellar since 1970 - price tag said 11 dollars and 99 cents... Level base neck. Cork came out clean with Durand. Opened at 1730. Decanted and poured at 1930 and considered over next 45 minutes. The most heavenly nose - I stuck my snoot in and said, simply, 'Jesus Christ'. Mint and blackcurrant leaf present and correct - almost new world on the nose in its exuberance. Blackcurrant present on first attack on the palate but there's just so much going on - pu-erh tea, iodine, then more of that gorgeous sexy fruit. This is probably the most complex wine I have had this year. Also, it has the most excellent balance. 12.6 per cent alcohol - truly, they don't make wine like this any more.

1970 Corton Marechaudes, BBR bottling. Still dark as anything. Glossy. Nose of roses, tea, forest floor. Still some currants on the plate but it's mainly about texture and then the peacock's tail. BBR were great bottlers back then.

NV Lilbert Grand Cru Cramant Perle - currently my favourite NV - this softer mousse allows you to really enjoy the quality of the fruit. Most consumed this evening with some admirable wild seabass and salsa verde but I am still lingering over the last glass.
User avatar
nac
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1808
Joined: 14:21 Fri 16 Dec 2016
Location: Kent & London
Contact:

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by nac »

First proper event - annual lunch with a number of ex work colleagues. For years, we did this at Tate Britain, but now that it's been permanently closed by the forces of wokedom, we've decamped to 67 Pall Mall.

A couple of bottles of the excellent (both in terms of quality and value) Squerryes Reserve 2018 to start, and then onto the main event - Alion 2007 in double-magnum. Given the format, unsurprisingly fresh at 15 years old and with structure to easily last another 15. A swift bottle of Rieussec 2010 with dessert, before Port - Delaforce 1970, OBV 1970 and Croft Roeda 1967. All excellent, but Roeda just preferred.
User avatar
mosesbotbol
Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
Posts: 598
Joined: 19:54 Wed 18 Jul 2007
Location: Boston, USA

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by mosesbotbol »

MigSU wrote: 22:10 Thu 08 Dec 2022Wow, 1988 Terrantez, would love to get my hands on that one.
My last bottle unfortunately :crying: Hiding it from the wife.
F1 | Welsh Corgi | Did Someone Mention Port?
winesecretary
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1900
Joined: 15:35 Mon 13 May 2019

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by winesecretary »

I find the phrase 'a swift bottle of Rieussec 2010' almost as delicious as I suspect the wine was...

Etna Rosso Pietradolce 2020 at team Christmas lunch today. Moderately pleasurable lightly pretty nerello mascalese, much more interesting than the flaming sambuca proffered later.

A celebratory dinner, following a life event for her, with an old friend this evening: a quite lovely Chambolle 1er Cru Feusselottes 2012 from the Felettigs. Proper Cotes De Nuits, properly aged.

Now home tidying up a Yves Cuilleron St Jo 2015 Les Serines. Utterly delicious for that last glass of ce soir. Sante!
User avatar
JacobH
Quinta do Vesuvio 1994
Posts: 3300
Joined: 16:37 Sat 03 May 2008
Location: London, UK
Contact:

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by JacobH »

nac wrote: 13:05 Tue 13 Dec 2022A couple of bottles of the excellent (both in terms of quality and value) Squerryes Reserve 2018 to start
I haven’t tried a bottle from them for ages. They are really close to us and we investigated having our wedding reception either at the house or the winery. Unfortunately, the owners had so many conditions that they didn’t really seem to us to be a very serious outfit. For example, they said you could hire the house for a reception but no-one is allowed inside :shock:; or you could hire the winery but you have to hire your own portaloos. This might be reasonable, save for the fact that the winery contains both a restaurant and a brewery tasting room which operates as a pretty large pub :shock: :shock:

The attitude rather put me off their wine, too!
Image
User avatar
Alex Bridgeman
Graham’s 1948
Posts: 14880
Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
Location: Berkshire, UK

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by Alex Bridgeman »

Back after a couple of days and nights spent at various (dry) events in London we opened a bottle of Chateau Talbot 1983 to accompany the final of Strictly Come Dancing.

The wine was corked, so we opened another bottle of the same wine - which is still so youthful and full of fresh fruit just a little rounded by bottle age.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.

2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
User avatar
nac
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1808
Joined: 14:21 Fri 16 Dec 2016
Location: Kent & London
Contact:

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by nac »

Dinner with some wine-loving (and extremely generous) friends.

Kicked off with Dom Ruinart 2002 - another excellent Champagne from this exceptional vintage. Not quite as good as the recently tasted Pol Roger SWC and Bollinger RD, but definitely fighting in the same weight category as the Dom Perignon.

My last bottle of Blanc de Lynch-Bages 2011 accompanied the prawn cocktail starter. Fully mature and showing some nice semillon characteristics. Don't think this is going to improve any further, but no rush to finish up.

Then, with Beef Wellington, my possibly last bottle of Sassicaia 2001, along with the donated Margaux 1982. Sassicaia maturing nicely, but with years still left. Margaux stunning - beautifully soft and not at all "brown". A rare treat.

With dessert, a 1999 Gundel 6 puttonyos Tokaji Aszu, purchased at the restaurant many years ago. Not the best Tokaji I've had, but pretty good with crisp acidity and very long.
User avatar
hadge
Niepoort LBV
Posts: 284
Joined: 20:08 Thu 17 May 2018
Location: London

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by hadge »

After a little bit of a slow start, had a very fun dinner and lunch

Champagne Borel-Lucas Grand Cru NV – Magnum
I drink very little champagne but I enjoyed this, I generally only drink vintage Pol if I am to drink champagne (I prefer G&T over most champagnes)
Domaine Ballot Millot, Meursault Charmes 2016 – Magnum
Balanced, very modern in style, reductive, long finish
Lynch Bages 1975 – Double Magnum
Just wonderful! Lovely fruit with great balance, tannins fully integrated, right at its peak now. Wish I had a couple more.
Fonseca 1970
Not the best bottle of F70 I have had. A little hot on the finish.
Fonseca 1977
Great bottle, lovely balance and long finish,

Domaine Jean Monnier &Fils, Meursault Genevrieres 2018
Ok for me this is more a village wine than the top terror of Meursault, but my guests loved it but I won’t be rushing to buy more.
Domaine Vincent et Denis Bertbaut, Fixin Les Crais 2010
What a star, really enjoyed this style, very elegant, amazing balance, what a finish, tannins completely integrated, surprised this was a Fixin.
Louis Jadot (Domaine Andre Gagey) Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Boudots 1996 – Magnum
This was a complete surprise, lovely fruit with great balance and a long finish,. Very enjoyable.
User avatar
nac
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1808
Joined: 14:21 Fri 16 Dec 2016
Location: Kent & London
Contact:

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by nac »

19/12/22 - four of us for lunch and then dinner at Hawksmoor, Air Street. A selection of wines that was possibly slightly indulgent...

Moet 1982 (disgorged 2003)
d'Yquem 1989, 1999 and 1937 (the 1937 in 1/2bt)
Vouvray Cuvee Constance Huet 1989
Paternina Gran Reserva 1964
Faustino I Gran Reserva 1970
Mouton 1978 (which was sadly very TCAed)
Margaux 1983
Haut-Brion 1989
Hermitage La Chapelle 1988
Noval 1931
Noval 1934
Fonseca 1934
Martinez 1934

Real shame about the Mouton, but everything else was singing. The Haut-Brion nowhere near ready and the N31 just ahead of the N34.

A quite enjoyable time was had.
User avatar
Doggett
Morgan 1991
Posts: 1188
Joined: 17:40 Sun 20 Sep 2015
Location: Weymouth
Contact:

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by Doggett »

nac wrote: 11:28 Tue 20 Dec 2022 19/12/22 - four of us for lunch and then dinner at Hawksmoor, Air Street. A selection of wines that was possibly slightly indulgent...

Moet 1982 (disgorged 2003)
d'Yquem 1989, 1999 and 1937 (the 1937 in 1/2bt)
Vouvray Cuvee Constance Huet 1989
Paternina Gran Reserva 1964
Faustino I Gran Reserva 1970
Mouton 1978 (which was sadly very TCAed)
Margaux 1983
Haut-Brion 1989
Hermitage La Chapelle 1988
Noval 1931
Noval 1934
Fonseca 1934
Martinez 1934

Real shame about the Mouton, but everything else was singing. The Haut-Brion nowhere near ready and the N31 just ahead of the N34.

A quite enjoyable time was had.
Now THAT is a lunch! What a collection of amazing bottles.amazing bottles from amazing vintages from some of the best regions. Hope the steaks were worthy!
User avatar
nac
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1808
Joined: 14:21 Fri 16 Dec 2016
Location: Kent & London
Contact:

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by nac »

Doggett wrote: 16:34 Tue 20 Dec 2022 Now THAT is a lunch! What a collection of amazing bottles.amazing bottles from amazing vintages from some of the best regions. Hope the steaks were worthy!
Happy to report that the steaks were excellent.
winesecretary
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1900
Joined: 15:35 Mon 13 May 2019

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by winesecretary »

While we can be certain that Neil, Alex, Harry, and Clifford's lunch is going to win the thread, I had some of my team round for dinner last night to meet a new hire. We consumed the following.

Champagne Nathalie Palmet Brut NV - pinot noir dominated quaffable fizz

Henri Giraud Coteaux Champenois Ay Grand Cru 2014 - daringly oaked but beautifully precise oyster shell tasting still champagne, a super pairing with smoked trout salad

Riverby Old Vines Reserve Chardonnay 2020 - characteristically New Zealand exotic fruit flavours but well in check due to excellent acidity

Volnay 1er Cru Les Gigottes 2009 Domaine Vincent Perrin - now perfectly mature, a classic volnay palate of cherries and earth. Lovely weight. An admirable pairing with roast rib of beef.

Angelo Papagni Alicante Bouschet 1975 - still dark, brimming with dark fruit flavour, perfect now but must have been tough going for the first couple of decades of its life. Super with Beaufort, Roquefort and Tomme De Chambrouze

Domaine De la Roulerie Coteaux De Layon 2013 - CdL goes so well with a raspberry and almond tart, anything more exotic seems silly.

All most happy-making. I am lucky to like my colleagues.
User avatar
mosesbotbol
Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
Posts: 598
Joined: 19:54 Wed 18 Jul 2007
Location: Boston, USA

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by mosesbotbol »

Wife came home with four bottles of Maynard's 10 year Tawny. She has half of Hanukah covered already!
F1 | Welsh Corgi | Did Someone Mention Port?
User avatar
flash_uk
Graham’s 1977
Posts: 4081
Joined: 20:02 Thu 13 Feb 2014
Location: London

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by flash_uk »

nac wrote: 11:28 Tue 20 Dec 2022 19/12/22 - four of us for lunch and then dinner at Hawksmoor, Air Street. A selection of wines that was possibly slightly indulgent...

Moet 1982 (disgorged 2003)
d'Yquem 1989, 1999 and 1937 (the 1937 in 1/2bt)
Vouvray Cuvee Constance Huet 1989
Paternina Gran Reserva 1964
Faustino I Gran Reserva 1970
Mouton 1978 (which was sadly very TCAed)
Margaux 1983
Haut-Brion 1989
Hermitage La Chapelle 1988
Noval 1931
Noval 1934
Fonseca 1934
Martinez 1934

Real shame about the Mouton, but everything else was singing. The Haut-Brion nowhere near ready and the N31 just ahead of the N34.

A quite enjoyable time was had.
PFL
winesecretary
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1900
Joined: 15:35 Mon 13 May 2019

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by winesecretary »

Late supper last night after a concert at the Wigmore Hall. Beajolais Villages 2016 from Maison en Belle Lies 2016. Delicious cool gamay fruit, little hint of natural funk, utterly quaffable with a sandwich of cold roast rib of beef.
winesecretary
Fonseca 1980
Posts: 1900
Joined: 15:35 Mon 13 May 2019

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by winesecretary »

Tonight, Michel Gonet Grand Cru Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc 2011 zero dosage en demi. Golden, nutty on the nose but still sprightly and chalky on the palate with only the more gentle mousse revealing the age.

To come Caronnne St Gemme 2016 with the beef soup and then Thymiopoulos Rose de Xinamavro 2013 with the pork curry. Sao Leonardo 40 year old tawny if required thereafter...
MigSU
Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
Posts: 634
Joined: 13:22 Wed 17 Feb 2021
Location: Douro Valley

Re: Festive Drinking 2022

Post by MigSU »

"If" required?!
Post Reply