To those following our 2019 consumer campaign, we would like to share the Top Tasters for November. We have really enjoyed reading these this month. The contributors have really given some thought to their reviews on the wines they were sent and the decision was tough for the Bon Coeur team. However the winner was chosen for the very entertaining Christmas themed poem written by James Read. James receives £100 to spend in Cellar 21.
Winner
James Read
Campbells Rutherglen Muscat NV
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The glasses were set on the table with care,
In hopes that Bon Coeur soon would be there;
The guests had eaten the fine festive spread
Now visions of digestifs danced in their heads;
The cheese bell was replete, we'd readied dessert,
But yet sprung upon us a mighty, great thirst.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the table to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to bottles below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should I catch,
A UPS truck: my Bon Coeur dispatch!
With a Rutherglen muscat, burnt umber in hue,
I knew in a moment just what to do.
Four glasses we poured, and then to my nose,
A most heavenly scent that moment arose.
Now TOBACCO! Now VANILLA! Now NUTMEG and CHERRY!
Now FRUITCAKE! Now RAISIN! Now ROSES and BERRIES!
Such a rich nose! Such a fine bouquet!
Now on to tasting, what can I say?
Its mouthfeel -- it twinkles! The mid-palate is merry!
Its richness is balanced, 'tis no oversweet sherry,
It's complex and opulent - a glass full of cheer,
It's the perfect tipple for the end of the year.
Bottom of the glass, such sorrowful sight;
We recharged once more to round off the night.
It slid down our throats, and then warmed up the belly,
As someone remarked, "It's like redcurrant jelly".
It's so chubby and plump, all full of Aussie class,
And if I had been alone, I'd have licked the glass.
The Campbells have grown a jolly good vine
It's a marvellous muscat, a wonderful wine.
It's perfect at Christmas, Hannukah, New Year,
Share with friends, family, loved ones and those you hold dear.
Thanks again to Bon Couer, they do wines just right,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
Domaine Fougeray de Beauclair Bourgogne Rouge 2016
A bright, fresh, dry glass - a classic burgundy. A little chewy in the mouth, with a light finish. Seasonal cranberries can be found, and a little oakiness, even some cloves. As you'd expect, it's a light wine, and has a lot of versatility - it would go as well with a ratatouille as steak-frites. We got through the bottle thinking we were only halfway through!
The following two Panellists were equally good and we commend them for their reviews:
Keeley Watts
In most wine posts I write, I always mention my love of white wine. My palate is changing the more I try other wines, but white will always be my go-to and my choice over any other. Whilst I still always choose a white, I have learned to try different ones and have been enjoying some more complex white wines recently. When I went out for an early Christmas meal last week I selected a particularly good Viognier, which really sparked my tastebuds, so I was extra pleased to see my 2 wines from Bon Coeur Fine Wines were white this month.
Origen Reserva Chardonnay
My first bottle was the Origen Reserva Chardonnay by Luis Phillipe Edwards and, when I saw it was from Chile, I knew it would be good. I am a particular fan of New World wines and in my experience, all whites from Chile are perfectly passable. At £8.50, this one is also a bargain.
A 2019 wine, so very young with exotic fruits on the nose and a light sweetness. On the palate it is rich and complex, as I expected, with spice and vanilla mixed with pineapple and a touch of citrus. It lingers on the palate for quite a while and it would work really well with a creamy sauce. I actually ate some pineapple before a sip of the wine to see how that affected the pineapple dominance on the aroma and taste. It brought out the rich vanilla and even a touch of pepper, showing just how complex it is.
Bibi Graetz Casamatta Toscana
My second bottle was the Bibi Graetz Casamatta Toscana, which has a beautiful watercolour art on the label. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this one you can. A beautiful Italian white which reminded me of sunny days spent in Venice sipping on ice cold white wine and watching the world go by. On the nose it is sweet citrus with a little vanilla. On the palate it is a seriously easy drinker with lots of floral and a crisp finish. It doesn’t linger for long but that is what makes it so easy to sip. It leaves crisp apple flavours in the mouth which begs me to drink more.
This month’s wines have been my favourite yet and I have thoroughly enjoyed trying two different expressions of the same colour wine, from different countries and two different styles. I have before obviously, but not together in this way and it really helps to identify the differences yet beautiful flavours.
Thanks so much, they are beautiful.
Andrew Skinner
Henriques & Henriques 5 YO Madeira
A gorgeous deep golden colour with hints of orange fading to a watery rim in glass A beutiful nose of crushed hazelnuts and walnuts with a hint of black treacle. A superb warming mouthfilling melange of flavours, starting with an almost Palo Cortado similarity yielding toasted nuts, hints of apricot and bitter Oxford Marmalade, almost too complex to describe and a finish that just keeps on going and going. an absolute pleasure of a wine. Served with Parma ham wrapped melon and a honeyed raspberry sauce.
C. Greffe Sparkling Vouvry
A somewhat neutral but slightly grapey nose. A burst of tight bubbles on the palate giving way to light wine with tht unmistakable freshness of Chenin Blanc. No ocerpowering flavours, just good honest fizz at a fair price. A lovely alterntive to the ubiquitous prosecco!
A very big THANK YOU to our panellists - we wish a very Merry Christmas. Your next two wines are already on their way.
Best Wishes from the Taste Like A Wine Pro team,
Carrie and Sarah
