2010 Adams Rib The Red (Castagna, Beechworth)

2010 Adams Rib The Red (Castagna, Beechworth)

(Nebbiolo/Shiraz). Fennel seeds, licorice, tar, cumin and French tarragon. Smokey and savoury with a mesmerising swag of leather and saddle. Cardamom, sage, white pepper and honest biodynamic earth. Feint drying tannins evolve lavishly to caress the senses with dark cherries, orange peel and blue fruits. Violets, rose petals, salted caramel and glorious Turkish delight. This is better than vintage 09. 

Matched brilliantly with spinach and ricotta gnocchi, borlotti bean and tomato sauce. Finding it hard to leave some for tomorrow night. Think I'll pour another glass and see how it goes with a French Comte. As I suspected, sensational. 

Tasted 17th & 18th August 2013

14% Alc Vol

www.castagna.com.au

2011 Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Semillon

2011 Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Semillon 
Brilliant. Refined. Unwaveringly focussed. Crisp, clean and impeccably balanced. Lemon sherbet, sea salt, lime zest and an ever so delicate whisper of sugar. Self assured without being arrogant in it's ability to cellar for many years and develop those glorious and sophisticated characteristics of an aged Hunter Semillon. 
Although, I'm loving it right now with a roast chicken breast, lemon, pepper and crumbled feta. 

Tasted 7th August 2013 
11.5% Alc Vol
www.tyrrells.com.au

Champagne Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut

Champagne Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut
Remarkably creamy with a toasty brioche thrust. Fine bead with tantalising acidity. Secondary citrus peel, nashi pear and apple blossom. Improves immensely as it approaches room temperature where a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg can be found. 
Superb match with Tuscan slow braised rabbit, potato gnocchi, mushroom, spinach, white wine, parmesan & olives*.  
Happy 9th Anniversary my Bride.

Tasted 10th July 2013
12% Alc Vol
* Special thanks to Marc and Ruth at River Cottage Noosa for accommodating my many trips back and forth from the hotel to the restaurant to collect the meals throughout the night. Sometimes it's just too tricky to get out with the kiddies.