Updated: 24th October 2001

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PANEL TASTING - OCTOBER 2001

A Panel of: 7 Wine Professionals & 3 serious Consumers

Host Venue: Jus de Vie, 2nd level, Wheelock Place

The Theme: New Arrivals

General Comments: SIX new arrivals were presented to the Panel. FOUR are recommended.

The Wines

1. Chateau Haut Breton Larigaudere, Cru Bourgeois, Margaux AOC, 1999. - $27 retail
The wine was deep ruby, with a touch of purple/violet tints. The nose showed cassis, hints of spicy dried red chillies. On the palate, good fruit flavours that was overtaken by very pronounced tannins, showing a wine that is a touch young. Recommended with Steak/Veal with a heavy sauce.

2.  Aroldia Reserve 1999, Gericot, Bordeaux AOC - $40 retail
The colour was very deep ruby. Sweet fruit of cherries & hints of strawberries emanated from the glass. These flavours followed through on the palate with a dollop of blackcurrants finely balanced with the acids & soft tannins. The back palate revealed hints of dark chocolate. Recommended with Steak/Veal with Pepper or Mushroom sauce.

3.  Donnelly River Shiraz 1997, Pemberton, WA - $25 retail
Young ruby/garnet in the glass, this wine expressed sweet fruit of berry jam with hints of roses intermingling. A decidedly sweet entry of ripe berries, good balance with acids, soft
tannins with a medium finish. Recommended with vintage Cheddar, Pasta with Arabiatta sauce, Parma Ham.

4. Conde de Valdemar Crianza 1998, Martinez Bujanda, La Rioja-Spain - $30 retail
A deep red colour in the glass. On the nose, typical aroma of just ripe cherries & hints of vanillin. On the palate, the wine was soft, well rounded & easy to drink. Tannins are subdued. This was not a complex wine which would be suited for a hot afternoon with an assortment of savoury snacks. A good 'premium' pouring in a Spanish Tapas Bar.

All these wines, except samples, are available via e-mail, till 10th November 2001

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