i like wine.
i love it.
but i don’t know anything really, just that i’ll drink any old plonk (oh i like this one rioja my local always has).
so the other night i went w’ a load of wealthier, older, wiser people (swill the wine in the glass, looks like i had a clue…) to some upscale wine tasting where i had a flight of Spanish reds (and drooled over the cheese a companion ordered).
let’s see if my notes can be identified correctly, set against the notes the bar provided:
bin 29
2003 Bierzo, Bodegas Arturo Garcia, “Hacienda Elsa”
Generously aromatic…skillfully integrated…red licorice, spice and leather.
+ Smells like some sort of ale…woman looks like Ulrika Jonsson – ah! It seemed pretty fruity.
bin 30
2003 Ribera del Duero, Arzuaga, “La Planta”
On their website, this was next to a Rioja. random bouquet. taste all over the shop. veritable feast etc. ARDKORE.
+ plush texture…complex assortment of black cherry, currants.
bin 31
2002 “Ludovicus”, Vinos Pinol, Terra Alta (Tempranillo/Grenache/Syrah/Cabernet)
2,900 cases of this little gem were produced…black pepper and a lingering finish.
+ lovely taste explosion. Again smooth. q. a powerful aftertaste.
bin 32
2003 “Monastrell”, Bodegas Olivares, Altos de la Hoya, Jumilla (100% Mourvedre)
Smooth, doesn’t seem much tannin. could drink that all night.
+ rich with earthy dark fruit, dark chocolate.
CONCLUSION = Oz Clarke’s position is safe….for now.
next week, whisky lover me [er, Bells and, oh, um, CHIVAS REGAL COCKTAILS YI YI] goes on a Speyside walking tour with Michael Jackson.