Tír Na HiFi

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.

Sloop John B wrote: 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!

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

Sloop John B wrote: 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.

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.

Ooooh!

Diapason wrote:Ooooh!

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

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

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

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

I'll aim for tomorrow lunchtime or Saturday so.