Recommended Beverages.

[mcq]

Tonight, to round off my birthday weekend, I opened a bottle of Bollinger's vintage Champagne, La Grande Annee (1999 vintage). Bollinger's standard non-vintage is the best and most consistent (and I say that without having tasted - yet - Krug's Grande Cuvee) of them all and I was very curious to see what twice the money would buy me. The Bollinger vintage is an extraordinary wine and a truly life-enhancing experience. If the non-vintage has all the mischievous impetuousity of youth, this is a more mature, more measured experience. There are none of the foaming bubbles of the younger wine. Although bubbles are present, they are subdued, resulting in a silkier texture, contributing to the overall finesse and elegance of the tasting experience. It is a delicate and light wine, but in no way insubstantial. It is a wine to sip in small quantities and savour over time. Truly, there is nothing as sad as the last glass of a truly great bottle of wine and the 1999 Bollinger Grande Annee is one of the very greatest I have ever had the privilege to taste.

[Ivor]

I'm enjoying this Vacqueyras, would probably be nicer in a year or 2 but...............

As mentioned in another thread just a few minutes ago I'm have a vacqueyras too. A 2006. They do need a few years on them to soften the pepper finish but the young one are good too!

[Sloop John B]

A friend with little wine knowledge said they got this wine recommended for me.

I see the box says wine buff and she lives in Rathmines so it's probably your good self Ivor.

it's opening up nicely although I usually prefer a little more spice, going down well after a long hard day..........

SJB

[Ivor]

I see the box says wine buff and she lives in Rathmines so it's probably your good self Ivor.

it's opening up nicely although I usually prefer a little more spice, going down well after a long hard day..........

SJB

It certainly is one of mine. Like most of our reds it really needs to be decanted and given a good hour to breath. If you like spice head for the Cotes du Rhone or even one or two of the Spanish guys we have. Enjoy.

[Ivor]

Just to let the romantics of Tír na HiFi know I have 20% off all Champagne, Cava & Vignadoro Prosecco. It's actually 10% but I know you guys have other expenses so it's a special deal just for you!

If we haven't met introduce yourself in the shop and 20% will magically disappear off the bubbly bill.

[Diapason]

Ooooh!

[Ivor]

Ooooh!

Would sir like a blanc de blanc from grower Herve Mathelin for a mere €32?

[Diapason]

I'll take a bottle off your hands, Ivor!

[Ivor]

The fridge would better. That will involve a visit to Ranelagh you know! Here until 8:30 tonight, 10pm tomorrow or 9pm Saturday.

[Diapason]

You don't make house calls? Slacker...

I'll aim for tomorrow lunchtime or Saturday so.