Meeting 24th March 2009

Well several “firsts” during this meeting – the first time a wine has been given the full 10 marks, the first time someone correctly identified the area from where the wine came and the most expensive wine we have tasted to date. Mike had chosen two bottles of wine from what is considered to be the most “user friendly” region in France, the Southern Rhone. One from what is probably the most famous and best known appellation - Chateauneuf–du-Pape and the other from the Cote–du-Ventoux appellation some 36 Kilometres to the east. The first wine to be tasted was the 2006 Chat–en-Oeuf (with a very attractive “Cat on an Egg” label). The colour was noted as rich red and strong, a lovely fruity bouquet and tasted medium dry with summer fruits and was long lasting. For whatever reason, this wine was more appealing to the ladies in the group than the men, in particular Mollie, who not only correctly identified the region but also awarded our first 10/10. The overall score for the wine was 7.2. The second wine was a 2007 Clos Saint Michel Chateauneuf–du–Pape. The colour was a beautiful, deep dark red, not quite such a defined bouquet as the first wine, but was a very, very smooth wine, mellow and a lingering and long lasting taste. The overall score for the wine was 7.7. Chateauneuf–du-Pape has a reputation for being one of the most reliable appellations in France and both these wines seemed to reflect that. Both wines are available from Waitrose at £4.99 and £14.99 respectively.

Next meeting is at Ray and June’s 2pm on April 21st

Meeting February 24th 2009

We met at Dave and Mollies and as usual were treated to a very interesting choice of wine and some rather excellent cheese. The first wine was quite different wine to what we have had so far – a 2006 Island Vines from Cyprus, available from the Co-Op at £3.99. The wine presented a clear and attractive rich red colour, however the bouquet was not pronounced at all. Comments received were “slightly earthy” and from Brian “inside of a broom cupboard”- certainly had people thinking. The taste again was not pronounced and comments were “no particular flavour”, “slightly metallic” and smooth though not too bad. Overall impressions were not particularly high although one person rather liked it - again just demonstrating the difference of opinion that exists over the taste of one wine. Marks given were an average of 6.4.
The second wine - a 2006 Blossom Hill, South African Shiraz - £5.37 from Asda, was very well received. Colour - beautiful, rich, warm, strong. Lots of fruit in the flavour were mentioned from plums to raspberries and general summer fruits. Taste again was well balanced, smooth and with fruit again. Overall there was a long lasting flavour and the wine received a high average score of 7.9

Next meeting is at Mike and Pam’s 2pm on March 24th