The pinnacle of the big stone?
A dinner party bring. Lovely Satiny tannins, slightly tart fruit.
A Merlot (85), Cabernet Franc (15) blend, blended and bottled by Maison Delor
Cabernet-franc
Man O’War Merlot Cabernet Franc Malbec 2008
Man O’War Merlot Cabernet Franc Malbec 2008 Waiheke Island New Zealand
Waiheke Island is an island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand which looks more like a Polynesian Hideaway than a working vineyard. This wine is the Man O’War vineyard’s bordeaux blend: 42% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 19% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Very nice it is too. Dark blackcurrant colour, sweet tang from the Merlot, followed by rich fruit, dry rich mouth, tar macadam after taste.
O’Briens exclusive / Irish Distributor. Slightly pricey.
Reserve Saint-Clair Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2010
Reserve Saint-Clair Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2010
Puisseguin (puis-gan) allegedly means “hill with the powerful wine” in folklore and is one of the strictest appellations in Bordeaux.
This estate is under the wing of the Yvon Mau company, itself part of the Freixenet Group
Mainly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc.
Slightly sm-oaky nose, fresh fruit, and solid dry structure.
A regular Tesco offer, buy it only when it’s on offer.
Chateau Lamoliere 2009 Fronsac Famille Patrick Leon
From the House of the Three Crosses, dating from 1712.
In the charge of Patrick Leon and his family since 1995.
85% Merlot, Cabernet Franc 15%.
Purple color. Very rich and intense nose of ripe fruit and raspberry.
Beautiful, full bodied with a long rewarding dry finish.
Lovely mouth feel.
A delight.
A dinner gift from Mr Collet.
Chateau La Pierrière Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2011
Chateau La Pierrière Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2011
Run by Christine & Olivier de Marcillac, the estate has been producing wine since 1607 so there’s lots of heritage and I think Pierrière means quarry which was probably what the original estate stood in or on.
Dark colour, dry, soft and fruity, with a pungent nose, and smooth mouthfeel.
60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc
Chateau Segonzac Héritage 2009 Bordeaux
One from the stable that Barry presented at Christmas. Really enjoyed this; big black cherry and a little oak to deliver a well-crafted wine. Nice refined blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet-franc. Good balance between the red and the black fruit.
McConkey Wine 