The were some excellent wines on show at the Bar and Restaurant show this week, the Portuguese and French stands had a broad range and impressive quality, whilst the New Zealand stand tried to show that there is more to the country than sauvignon blanc. There were some attractive wines from Lebanon.
France
Alsace Grand Cru Kirchberg Ribeauville, Riesling Domaine Henry Fuchs 2007 (£17)
Rich and honeyed this is steely and dry with a marvellous flinty finish. Still plenty structure and will develop in the next couple of years but a refreshing drink right now.
Alsace, Pinot Gris Grand Cru Kitterle, Domaines Schlumberger 2007 (£25)
Big honeyed nose with and off-dry finish, toffee apples, lemon and pineapple this wine is rich and crisp. Truly fantastic.
Chablis Premier Cru, Montee de Tonnerre, Damien et Romain Bouchard 2010 (£30)
A very modern, new world style from the sons of one of Chablis’ best families. It has a rich toasty nose with concentrate fruit, lemon and orange rind, with chalky minerality. Very classy
Chablis Grand Cru, Blanchot, Domaine Vocoret et Fils 2009 (£46)
Full and rich, a massive wine with the noble character you would expect from this tradition style Chablis – chardonnay at it best. Plenty of clean citrus fruit and crisp, well balanced acidity.
St Joseph, Guigal Blanc 2009, (£15)
Full, rich and elegant with plenty of peachy fruit and lemony acidity from the marsanne grape, excellent value at this price.
Cote Rotie, Guigal 2005, (£32)
Full with jammy brambly sweet fruit, delicate with subtle tannins, drinking very well now, a very classy and a very fine example of Cote Rotie, Syrah at its supbulent best.
