Fine Wine in an Irish Recession

To cheer us up, my husband and I, have cracked open a few gems in the last few weeks.
They say, "save in the good times, and spend in the tough times". This is what we have done with our wine collection. During the noughties, we loaded up the cellar under our stairs, too busy to drink, trying to cash in on the madness, now thankfully times have taken a turn, and some of our vintages are coming to fruition. God it was a crazy time!!!

Corton Grand Cru 2005 Chandon De Brialles

I was fortunate enough to visit this wonderful Domaine in the Spring of 2007.
It was a fresh, sunny day, the owners' grandchildren were playing in the small formal gardens behind the Chateau.

Chandon De Brialles farms using biodynamic methods. Interestingly enough, so do a lot wine producers in Burgundy. It is something that isn't discussed due to its slight wackiness, nevertheless, many vignerons assert the discipline. In this particular Domaine, they only use carthorses to plough the soil between the vines to minimise stress on the soil. This also encourages grass to grow well and freely, inviting insects and life into the vines. Planting, bottling, picking the grapes, placing manure and so on are carried out according to the different phases of the moon. Its how all wine viticulture should be carried out.

"Deep straw colour, slight orange tinge; cleam rim, moderate legs. closed on the nose, notes of caramel and hints of toast.
Rich and powerful on the palate, lots of ripe fruit giving a dense texture. well integrated acidity.
Pleasant finish with a slight alcoholic highlight"

Brunello di Montalcino
Il Marroneto 2001

afA few years ago, we made a spring visit, to Montalcino and Montepulciano in Southern Tuscany.
It was the middle of March, Sunday lunchtime,when we arrived in the hilltop town of Montalciono. It was chilly and there was a cold wine whistling through the narrow streets.
Dapper locals were drinking coffee and walking their dogs wrapped up in fur coats.
We sought solace in a small restaurant and proceeded to have a delectable but simple lunch. wild Boar ragu with parpardelle washed down with a half bottle of 2001 Il Marroneto.
We were so impressed by our wine choice, We promptly went to the local Enoteca and bought a few bottles for consumption on our return.

"Light ruby with a browning rim. Sediment, with moderate legs.
Intense brown nose of burnt amber, orange peel, licorice and hints of toffee and cinnamon.
Full bodied on the palate, powerful yet returns to silky and elegant mouthfeel. Very long length. Tannins are evident but integrated. Beautifully balanced. Superb wine, excellent with spring lamb."

Pesquera, Ribero Del Duero 2003

" Deep ruby clear rim, opaque. Smokey, strong hints of bramble and notes of spice.
Full bodied, prominent tannin and acidity. Good underlying fruit which is powerful.
long length and fruit dry finish. A most enjoyable wine, this vintage will benefit from a few more years in the cellar! Delicious with pheasant casserole.



1983 Hermitage
J Chave

An extremely generous wedding present from my brother!

"Light, browning rim. Bramble and spice, christmas cake and raisins. Notes of coffee and cherries. Quite supple, still lots of summer fruit, an extremely fresh wine depspite its age.
Dry, fading tannin with lots of oranage peel. What can we say, 27 years old and tasting fantastic. A memorable treat."