John Wilson is the new Irish Times wine writer. Having read his first article, I’m putting John Wilson up there with Tomás Clancy (Sunday Business Post) as essential weekend wine reading.
Before going on to the wines he reviews, John has written something I wish I’d written myself,
“I have always seen wine as an integral part of eating and entertaining. A glass of simple wine drunk with family or friends over dinner is immeasurably better than a fine wine sipped alone. Wine is there to be shared. While I have no problem paying money for good quality wines, the bottles I have enjoyed most have been inexpensive wines that fitted in perfectly with a memorable occasion.”
The twelve wines reviewed by John Wilson are:
Cuvée Orelie, Vin de pays des Coteaux de l’Ardèche 2007 (€8.95-9.50).
“A blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon” and “a delightful light fruity wine”.
Tahbilk Marsanne 2006, Victoria, Australia (€12).
“Fresh, plump pear fruits, with a distinctive mineral streak, and a lively citrus acidity”, “a great all-rounder”.
Marsanne is usually seen in white Rhône blends, along with Viognier and Rousanne, though I’ve never had one on it’s own. It’s on the shopping list.
Pieropan Soave, 2006 (€17.95).
“Light, elegant but with no shortage of almond and pear fruits”
Tio Pepe Fino Sherry (€12.99).
“Fino sherry is one of the world’s greatest drinks, … with hints of almonds and lemon”.
I’m generally not a fan of sherry, but John Wilson has me convinced to give it another go.
Domdechant Werner Hocheimer Kirchenstück Riesling Spätlese Trocken 2004 (€24.50).
“If you continue to read this column, you will be subjected to regular eulogies.”
Riesling is so hot right now and John Wilson is clearly a fan.
Domaine de la Chauvinière Muscadet de Sèvre & Maine sur Lie 2006 (€8.99).
“The past five years has seen Muscadet make a real comeback”
I agree having recently tried a nice Muscadet on the second night of my WSET course
Crozes-Hermitage, Yann Chave 2006 (€19.99).
“impeccable balance, the subtle fruit, and dry finish will slowly win you over as you sip it alongside rare roast beef”.
Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 2006 Jean-Claude Lapalu (€16.50).
“Lapalu is one of a small group of really good producers who too often get overlooked amid the sea of mediocrity that is Beaujolais”.
Brouilly, along with Fleurie, Morgon and others, is one of the “Cru” or better areas in the Beaujolais, so it’s great to have this recommendation as so much from the Beau is average at best.
Laurent Miquel Nord-Sud Syrah 2006 (€10.49).
From down south, the Languedoc, but I’m not a fan of straight Syrah, so I don’t mind leaving this on the shelf.
La Vendemia Palacios Remondo 2006 (€12.99).
“A plump, smooth, silky wine with warming ripe plums and strawberries”
The range of Spanish wines in Ireland is getting better and better. So little time, so many to try
Tim Adams The Fergus, Clare Valley 2006 (€16.99).
“The Fergus, made from a blend of Grenache with other varieties, is a mega-mouthful of rich, ripe, strawberry and plum fruits, with a light sprinkling of spice.”
Sounds similar to a good red Rhône, probably using similar blending, and one I’d like to try.
Secano Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, Chile 2007 (€10.99).
“This Pinot offers delicious dark cherry fruits, with a refreshing acidity, and subtle, smoky aromas.”
I’m a big fan of some of Marks & Spencer’s wines, particularly the Chilean Secano Pinot Noir from Leyda Valley.
Read the full article on the Irish Times website, with more details on the wines and where to get them in Ireland.
