Wine:                         

(St Hallett) Barossa Shiraz 2009 (14% abv)

Country of Origin:

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Our thoughts: 

Simply stunning well balanced and structured full bodied 100% Shiraz that is absolutely bursting with luscious ripe red and black fruit flavours.   Fresh and dry, this deliciously rich red wine has a long and smooth chocolate, spice and oak finish. 

Waitrose is in partnership with the renowned St Hallett winery who produced this excellent wine and is based in the Barossa Valley in South Australia.

Deservedly awarded Bronze Medals by IWC and Decanter magazine and truly great value, so why not splash out and enjoy!

Serve at room temperature (15 - 18°C) and enjoy on its own or along with slow-cooked rack of lamb or any other meaty dishes!

Price:

£9.49 inc vat for case of 6 at £113.88 (75cl bottle price)

Stockist:                        

Wine:                         

Domain Bernard Delagrange (13% abv)

Country of Origin:

Meursault a commune in Côte de Beaune in the southern section of the Côte d’Or, Burgundy, France

Our thoughts: 

This delicious white Burgundy is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. 

Burgundy, particularly the Côte d’Or, produces some world class red and white wines achieving phenomenal prices but the region can be a real challenge. Combine the classification system, which is geographically focused (Bordeaux is producer/Château orientated) and the French ‘equal’ Inheritance laws, a relic from the Napoleonic times, it has resulted in the vineyards being divided and sub-divided into small plots.  Each plot is often ‘farmed’ by a different grower who may make and bottle their own wine with different ideas and capabilities or sell the grapes to a négociant and there are négociants who have their own vineyard holdings and so it goes on.  

Result?  A premier cru or even grand cru wine will be more expensive but not necessarily be better!  What’s the key?  You need to get to know the better producers.

Price:

£225 per case (£28 per bottle) (70cl bottle price) although if you have the opportunity as we did you can buy this at Cave shop for €22.00!!

Stockist:                        

Fine and Rare Wine Merchants

Wine:                         

Jack Daniels (45% abv)

Country of Origin:

Tennessee, USA

Our thoughts: 

Jack Daniels is an American Whiskey made in Tennessee and been awarded 7 Gold Medals for quality and distinction

Although American Whiskey is made all around the USA it is mainly produced in Kentucky and Tennessee and generally marketed on: -

• heritage,
• lifestyle and
• customer loyalty

USA whiskey is aged for a minimum of 2 years in heavily charred oak barrels that are often matured in metal clad wooden frame 7-10 storey buildings where the temperature is controlled by opening the windows and doors!! 

Bourbon e.g. Jim Beam is:

• generally produced in Kentucky and
• must have min 51% maize (corn) – the less the amount of corn = fuller flavour and
• Any colouring or flavouring must relate to distillation and ageing only

Tennessee Whisky e.g. Jack Daniels is : -

• Produced in Tennessee region and
• Put through a Maplewood charcoal filter to refine and ‘mellow’ the rich flavour
• Typically tastes include:
  • Smokiness and sweetness

Why not try a Jack Daniels Manhattan Cocktail?

Ingredients: -

• 1-1/2 parts Jack Daniel’s® Tennessee Whiskey
• ½ part sweet vermouth
• Dash of bitters

Combine in a shaker with ice. Serve straight up and garnish with a cherry.

Price:

£21.47 inc vat (70cl bottle price)

Stockist:                        

Tescos

Wine: 

Jansz Premier Cuvee NV (12.5% abv)

Country of Origin:

Tasmania, Australia

Our thoughts: 

Rich yet delicate New World Sparkling Wine which is lovingly made from the harmonious blend of Chardonnay (51%) and Pinot Noir (49%) and aged in bottle for around 2 years.  It is  crisp, dry and pale gold in colour with fine persistent bubbles and a creamy mousse.  The nose follows through to the palate revealing supple and well balanced and refined delicate fruit; apple, stone fruit and strawberry, with citrus and floral notes with a lovely toasty slightly nougat and nutty long finish.

If you’re after something that is good quality and value with a bit more individuality, this is a great alternative to Champagne and the major brands.

Winner of Best Value Sparkling Wine of the Year IWC 2002 Trophy

Price:

Stockist:

Wine:                         

Château Bauduc Bordeaux Rosé 2010 (13% abv)

Country of Origin:

Bordeaux, France

Our thoughts:

Since 2000, the owners of Château Bauduc, the Quinneys who regularly supply Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein, have cut out the middlemen and sell direct to consumers through mail order and the internet.

James Lawther MW, Contributing Editor of Decanter magazine, loved it:

'Very pale pink. Fresh, red fruit aromas - raspberry and redcurrant nuance. Clean and dry on the palate but with an underlying ripeness of fruit. The freshness is what appeals. Delicious. Drink now.'

Price:

£8.95 per bottle in cases of 6 at £53.70 or 12 at £107.40 (75cl)

Stockist

Château Bauduc