At South Bank Tower on April 10^th, The Wine Tipster had the privilege of attending the international launch of Veuve Clicquot’s Extra Brut Extra Old. This new low-dosage double-aged Cuvée is blended exclusively from the Maison’s famed collection of reserve wines, and was unveiled in a spectacular evening of fine food and company.

The infamous Cellar Master, Dominique Demarville, has selected wines he deems to be most representative of the Veuve Clicquot style to create Extra Brut Extra Old – the first release being an assemblage of 47% Pinot Noir, 27% Chardonnay and 26% Meunier from the 1988, 1996, 2006, 2008 and 2010 vintages.

“Veuve Clicquot’s reserve wines selection has long been at the heart of the House’s identity,” comments President Jean-Marc Gallot. “Extra Brut Extra Old is an exploration of these, born from Demarville’s desire to isolate the very essence of Yellow Label.  By delving into Veuve Clicquot’s abundant heritage, and assembling six years of its finest reserve wines spanning over three decades, he has singled out the properties that make Yellow Label unique, and arrived at Extra Brut Extra Old: a wine unparalleled in purity of taste, intensity and silkiness.”

This exciting new Champagne was perfectly matched with a stunning menu curated by Lee Westcott, Executive Chef at Typing Room, and served to the banquet of 80 guests on Monday. Each course was expertly paired with the Extra Brut Extra Old, Vintage Rosé 2008 or Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec, giving guests a full Veuve Clicquot experience. The Wine Tipster was particularly intrigued with Demarville’s choice to decant the Demi-Sec – an interesting but enjoyable way to taste this wine. A surprising and original pairing was the Beetroot, Jerusalem Artichoke, Hazelnut and Blackcurrant with the Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old, which was also a beautiful match with Scallop, Fennel, Smoked Lardo and Apple.

Overall, the evening was a huge success, with informative and engaging talks from Demarville, who The Wine Tipster greatly admires and has the upmost respect for this wonderful Chef de Cave.

 

Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old NV is now available to the UK On and Off-Trades via Moët Hennessy UK, with an RRP of £69.00 – tel: 020 7808 4390.

The Wine Tipster was in action at the Ideal Home Christmas Show recently presenting the wines of Jackson Estate from Marlborough, New Zealand. He enjoyed taking to the stage again in the Food & Drink theatre.
The Jackson family arrived in New Zealand in 1842 and in 1855 Adam Jackson bought the first blocks of land in the heart of the Marlborough region, along what was to become known as Jacksons Road. John Stichbury is the fifth generation of the Jackson Family to farm the land. In 1987 John and Jo planted the first vines and the first wines were released in 1991 under the Jackson Estate label. Jackson Estate believes in a few very simple principles – the best modern winemaking techniques; a respect for vineyard sites; and unerring pursuit of varietal integrity; and through this a strong, identifiable and much admired style.

Four wines were tasted; Named after owner and Founder John Stichbury, Jackson Estate ‘Stich’ Sauvignon Blanc 2015 is distinctly aromatic and intensely flavoured finishing with refreshingly crisp acidity. It has won many awards and received critical acclaim. This would be a perfect accompaniment to fish and chips. It is also a special wine for The Wine Tipster as it was the first New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc he bought in Waitrose so he will always have a soft spot for it.
RRP £13.29 – available from Waitrose, Majestic, Ocado & Tesco.com. Many seasonal offers available.

The Grey Ghost is the giant gum tree planted in 1867 by John’s great grandmother, Alice and today graces all Jackson Estate wine labels. Jackson Estate ‘Grey Ghost’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013 shows fresh bright notes of elderflower blossom on the nose with white peach and citrus supported by a beautiful underlying rich farmhouse cheese character. This is an outstanding Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, which is wonderful blend of barrel fermented juice and stainless steel juice, with lees ageing to add further texture and complexity. A top wine for pairing with chicken in a creamy sauce or full flavoured fish dishes including mackerel, monkfish and trout.
RRP £18.00 – available from Majestic, TheDrinkShop.com & Tesco.com. Many seasonal offers available.

Don’t forget about Chardonnay! The Jackson Estate ‘Shelter Belt’ Chardonnay 2013 shows fresh citrus and honeysuckle flavours which follow through to the palate and are enriched with hints of warm biscuity lees. An unctuous texture and fine acidity lead to a long lingering finish. ‘Shelter Belt’ has some barrel and stainless steel fermentation, with nine months ageing in oak and is a lovely of intense Chardonnay fruit and subtle oak. This wine would lend itself well to white meat dishes and lovely fish like turbot.
RRP £17.00 – available from Ocado & TheDrinkShop.com. Many seasonal offers available

If you’re looking for a perfect pairing for your Christmas turkey, then Jackson Estate ‘Vintage Widow’ Pinot Noir 2013 would be ideal. It is named in recognition of the partners and families of those who are overlooked during vintage. This wine will benefit from a couple of hours in a Decanter and is a wonderfully versatile wine for food pairing as game, roasted turkey, lamb, mushroom risotto and vegetarian tarts like stilton and celery all work.
RRP £19.49 – available from Majestic Wine & Ocado. Many seasonal offers available

Or you could splash out on their stunning Jackson Estate Gum Emperor Pinot Noir 2011, a single vineyard Pinot Noir named after the Gum Emperor Moth Opodiphthera Eucalypti that makes it home on the edge of the vineyards. Dark brooding aromatics are lifted by higher notes of violets, blackcurrants and spice. Flavours of black plums, licorice and earthy forest floor tones combine to form a truly complex wine. Big full-flavoured dishes like game, beef and a mushroom tart are all fab pairings
RRP £26.99 The Drink Shop.com, Rollings Wine Merchants (Harpenden), Christopher Piper Wines & Cheers Wine Merchants.

The winery continues to combine its advanced winemaking techniques with an old world approach. A new Pinot Noir winery is being built at the moment and is due to open next year. They are rightly proud of their winery, as such, welcome visitors by appointment to their home in Marlborough – Jackson Estate .

It was also a pleasure to catch up with charismatic winemaker, Matt Patterson-Green who has been creating these stunning wines for over a decade and to present them to the enthusiastic audience.

With Christmas round the corner, it’s time to buy your bubbly, wines, sherries, spirits and ports. Here’s my time-saving list of recommendations that will work perfectly with every Christmas occasion.

Bubbly and sparkling wines play an important role in any festivities. If you want to create a stylish way to share and enjoy bubbly at your party, then opt for a magnum. They also make great presents! For a really special occasion, buy a vintage champagne. The 10 out of 10 vintage is 2002 and I’d definitely recommend Pommery Cuvée Louise 2002, from Ocado (£109.99). Look out for their Pommery Grand Cru Vintage 2004 too, which is stunning, Ocado (£51.99),  Another lovely vintage to enjoy now is the 2006 Jacquart Blanc de Blancs which is excellent and available at Tesco (£40) . For a signature celebration champagne, go for Laurent-Perrier Brut NV, available on offer at Waitrose (£24.99) and also at Sainsbury’s. Serve with a dash of sloe gin.

Alternatively, a magnum of Prosecco, will also add a fun, celebratory feel to any yuletide party. Try the fresh, creamy style of premium Prosecco Magnum NV Masottina  from M&S (£19.99). This is also one to carry through and continue to serve with a smoked salmon starter on Christmas Day. Alternatively open a bottle of dry sherry such as Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fino (£9.99) available in all major retailers. Serve this delicious, refreshing sherry chilled. Once opened, you’ll need to drink this within a couple of days. Otherwise, a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, such as a good Sancerre, will also work well here like Sancerre Blanc 2013 Domaine Vacheron, at Majestic (£17.99).

Around 68% of us will be eating turkey on Christmas Day, according to a 2014 Gallup survey in Prospect magazine. So what’s the best wine to serve with it? Many opt for a Bordeaux to complement all the rich flavours of the accompanying dishes. If you’re looking for good value, choose a Bordeaux with a Cru Bourgeois label – a mark of quality. Bordeaux wines from 2009 are considered the ‘once in a lifetime’ vintage for Bordeauxs, but the 2010 Bordeaux are also considered exceptional. Bordeaux wines do need to breathe properly, so decant 2-3 hours before serving. Within this style of wine, some of the best value Cru Bourgeois wines are available at Berry Brothers & Rudd, Fine & Rare, Lea & Sandeman and The Wine Society.

Alternatively, a Rioja works well with turkey and game, including venison. Try Campo de Viejo Gran Reserva 2007 at Sainsbury’s (£15.99) or a Louis Jadot CÔte du Beaune-Villages 2012 (£16.99 – buy 2 save 15%) at Majestic, the Jackson Estate Vintage Widow Pinot Noir 2012 at Ocado (£19.49 to £16.49).

On Boxing Day, serve cold turkey with a fabulous Beaujolais such as the ripe and fruity, Château des Labourons Fleurie 2011, produced by Henry Fessy, and available through winedirect.com (£16.99). Or, equally good, the Brouilly Henry Fessy 2012 at Waitrose (£11.99) would also be very good here.

Now the cheeseboard. Pair a classic stilton or Alex James’ Blue Monday with Sandeman Late Bottled Vintage Port 2009 at Waitrose (£15.99 to £12.99) or Sandeman 20-year-old Tawny Port, also from Waitrose, (£32.49). Other wines that will complement cheese include a red such as such a Bordeaux with a good cheddar, while Roquefort is a good match for Sauternes.

 

Tawny port is also a good accompaniment to mince pies, Christmas pud and as an aperitif, served chilled. Other rich, fruity wines that complement intense fruit flavours include; the Gonzalez Byass Matusalem Oloroso Dulce Muy Viejo VORS – a rich, dark Oloroso sherry, available at Waitrose (£19.99 half bottle), or try Blandys 15-year old Malmsey Madeira from The Oxford Wine Company (£26.99). Alternatively, opt for the rich, luscious flavours of the perfect Christmas tipple, Californian Elysium Rutherglen Black Muscat 2012, (£11.99) available at The Oxford Wine Company.

Good all-round easy drinkers I’m very happy to offer anytime over the festive break include South Africa’s Zalze Sangiovese 2013 (£6.99), available at Co-Op. Peter Yealands’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013 from Co-op (£9.99) and Sainsbury’s (on offer £7.50) and  Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, Macon Villages 2013 (£8.99). For a Rose, try Les Dauphins Rosé 2013 at Asda, (£6.99).

Have a wonderful Christmas and make sure you watch the William Hill King George VI on Boxing Day at Kempton. Also, don’t miss the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on Saturday 27th December.

The Wine Tipster presented a Champagne Masterclass at the Aston Wine Club for the first time last night and we all had a marvellous evening.

Our Champagne journey included Bruno Paillard’s high class Premiere Cuvée NV, £49.99, Selfridges; Pommery’s Brut Royal NV, which was delicious and creamy £39.95, Harrods, www.vrankenpommery.co.uk and the delicate, Canard-Duchéne Cuvée Léonie Rosé NV, £32.00, The Wine Library, Richard Granger Fine Wines.

In terms of vintage, Autréau’s impressive, well-priced, full flavoured Autréau Cuvée Prestige Les Perles de la Dhuy Grand Cru Millésime 2005, £35.99, www.simplywinesdirect.com is why you need to have vintage champagne on your Christmas list.

Of course you should have a prestige cuvée available too and Perrier-Jouët’s Belle Epoque 2004, £120.00-£130.00, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, is a stunning champagne from a beautiful vintage.

Very pleased to see members of the Thame Players Theatre last night and looking forward to our gig on March 21st 2014.

Big thanks to Aston Wine Club and look forward to seeing you on 21st November 2014!

 

 

A big thank you to Jean Adams and Richard Cocks for their Taste of France 2009/10/11 tasting evening and dinner. Jean and Richard had generously invited 20 good people to taste 13 wines covering the 2009, 2010 and 2011 vintages, with some fine, relaxed dining to follow.
Francophile Richard was on top form as he guided us through some lovely Burgundian whites including a delicious, creamy and elegant Santenay Olivier Leflaive 2011, Haynes Hanson & Clark which will continue to improve and develop for some years ahead. In contrast, Domaine Borgeot’s Bourgogne Aligote 2010, (2011 FromVineyardsDirect) which kicked off proceedings, is impressive drinking now.
Before headings to the reds, Cotes de Provence Rose 2011, Mas de Cadenet (2012 FromVineyardsDirect) reminded us all of summer with elegant, soft, raspberry and strawberry fruits. The easy drinking theme continued with the chilled Chitry Pinot Noir 2010 from Domaine Michel Colbois, before moving on to the silky, high class Nuits – Saint- Georges Jaffelin 2010.
The Wine Tipster enjoyed the full flavoured Chiroubles Cuvee Nature 2010, Eric Morin, which has

spice, blackcurrants and brambley character with more development to come, whilst the Chiroubles La Precieuse 2009 Emile Cheysson shown at Richard’s last tasting was equally enjoyable once again. This really is a great time to drink Beaujolais.
Thank you Jean and Richard as Louise, my Mum Jo, my father-in-law Alan Hill and The Wine Tipster all had a wonderful time and we look forward to being there in 2014!

Thank you to all the lovely people who attended the Tickler Cheese and Wine Masterclasses at Taste of Christmas. Richard Newell, cheese maker from Tickler and The Wine Tipster had a great time over the three days presenting 21 Masterclasses with fabulous cheeses and wines. Richard Newell has over 20 years’ experience in the cheese industry and he is a man who knows his cheese. Each day, we presented two cheddar masterclasses including Tickler Cheddar, from their award winning Taw Valley creamery in Devon. Tickler is matured for up to 18 months, and is tangy, sweet, full of flavour and available from all major retailers.

For the other sessions, we were joined by an array of guests. On Saturday, The Wine Tipster presented with the lovely Alex James (pictured right), whose Goddess, Little Wallop and Farleigh Wallop are all rightly proving to be very popular cheeses. In other masterclasses, we were joined by Philip Stansfield, who presented his award winning Cornish Blue and moreish pate, whilst Cathal Murphy continued the blue theme with the delicious Cashel Blue and Crozier Blue. From Dorset, George Streatfeilds from Denhay Farm, waxed lyrically about their Dorset Drum. The Wine Tipster should also extend a big thank you to George for my daily breakfast, which consisted of a Denhay unsmoked streaky bacon sandwich. Yum!

With such an exciting range of cheeses we needed the ports and wines to match and a big thanks to Lorenzo Bakewell – Stone from Taylor’s Port, who included their First Estate Reserve, Late Bottled Vintage 2007, 10 Year Old Tawny (always great when you are getting people to taste Tawny Port for the first time) and the high class Quinta de Vargellas 2001.

Our wine travels took us to India, with the exciting Vallone Vineyards Anokhee Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Namaste Wines, then we were on to Croatia and Franc Arman’s really meaty, full bodied Merlot 2008 and the creamy, classy white Kabola Malvazija Istarska 2011 Vrhunsko, which are both available from Croatian Fine Wines. From southern Italy, the Filadoro Fiano di Avellino 2010 is a creamy, peachy white from Campania and the red Taurasi 2008 made from Aglianico is full bodied and smooth, with both of these wines available from Ager Taurasinus. Staying in Europe, Château Vrai Gaillou 2009 Bordeaux Superieur from Bordeaux Undiscovered is another reason why punters should buy reds from this outstanding vintage at all levels. If you are looking for consistent good value at £6 a bottle then the Chat-en-Oeuf  (pictured left) selection from southern France, featuring a white, rosé and red will certainly impress your guests. Away from Europe. the southern hemisphere was on top form with the Two Rivers Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2012 – a great Sauvignon Blanc vintage – and the Limited Edition Reserve Pinot Noir, Louis Vavasour 2008, Awatere, Marlborough, New Zealand, which is a wonderful example of how classy and refined quality Pinot Noir from Marlborough can be given the chance to have some bottle age. These two wines are available from the smart Antipodean Sommelier.

Look forward to seeing you at Taste of Christmas 2013. Cheers!

Last night The Wine Tipster was at The Alderley Edge Hotel for The Champagne Academy Northern Dinner. As The Champagne Ambassador for G.H. Mumm I was there to present the G.H. Mumm Vintage 2004, with the Wild Mushroom and Chicken Bon Bon, Foie Gras Purée and Girolles starter (pictured left). This was one of the best matches I have tasted with the G.H. Mumm Vintage 2004, with this blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay having the right intensity and depth to work perfectly with this delicious starter, whilst expressing all the character of this excellent wine.
Later in the evening, the Aerated “Cheese Fondue”, Beetroot Textures, Sour Dough Tuille was beautifully balanced and the light Yoghurt “Panna Cotta” with Marinated Blackberries, Hibiscus and Crumble Biscuit and Hazelnut Powder was delicate and delicious. (pictured below)
The Alderley Edge Hotel did a brilliant job last night and I’m looking forward to being back there for The Alderley Edge Hotel/Cheshire Life Champagne Oscars Award Dinner on December 6th.

Just back from a rockin’ weekend of presenting workshops in Bristol at The Tesco Wine Fair. Tesco Wine by the Case  have some fantastic offers on until midnight 25^th September. All the prices quoted below are promotional prices and are per case 6 x 75cl.

The Wine Tipster’s workshops started with Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest Range (the grapes are harvested at night time) and their Moscato wines, with Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest Vermentino 2011, £25.62 a case,  and the Moscato Rosé, £33.66 per case popular choices. Next up were Brindisa’s Gordal Olives, Almonds and Manchego to get people in the mood for Journey to Rioja with Campo Viejo and as ever their Tempranillo 2010, £22.50 per case, Reserva 2007, £31.44 per case and Gran Reserva 2004, £60.00 per case were all vote winners.  From Spain we then travelled to Marlborough to taste Brancott Estate’s high quality Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs. The Brancott Estate “B” Sauvignon Blanc 2010 is high class, well priced at £12.99 for premium  Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc and is on offer at £44.94 per case, whilst Brancott Estate’s Pinot Noir “T” 2010 £69.66 per case, is enjoyable now, however will  continue to develop for 5-7 years.

Other wines on the The Wine Tipster’s radar included, from Chile, the Kiwi style grassy, gooseberry Montes Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2012, £47.94 per case and the intense, smooth Montes Selection Cabernet Carmenère 2011, £47.94 per case. From Portugal, Tesco’s Finest Vinho Verde 2011, £22.50 per case, is crisp, fresh and zingy and Tesco’s Finest Touriga Nacional 2010, £35.94 per case, from the beautiful  Alentejo region in southern Portugal is packed with flavours of damsons and plums.
Away from The Tesco Wine Fair, The Wine Tipster recommends the contemporary Hilton Garden Inn for an overnight stay, with good wines by the glass including the Riff Pinot Grigio delle Venezie Terra Alpina 2011.

See you in Brighton next weekend.

The Wine Tipster picture by Jim Winslet, t.+44 7802 448 309 www.jimwinslet.com

 

Read more

See The Wine Tipster Live

View dates and locations >