Wine

[ikileo]

what was your weekend tipple?

i had none

I had a 2009 (or was it 2010) Vina Carmen Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Merlot for about $30+

IMO, not that great. there are other $30+ wines that tastes better. even if it was a mass production single vineyard, it must not be a very good single vineyard.

overly soft fruit, non-integrated structure. after the tannins softened, there was not much depth to the fruit and even had a slight unripe edge to it. Like an average looking girl wearing average makeup.

i haven't had a mind blowing wine in a while.

 

[ikileo]

technical (but interesting) read:
Wine fault - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Kiat81]

Hi Stayhappy21,
Not really in luck... already sold out. haha...

Appreciate your info too.=D

 

[Kiat81]

Then join us for our monthly wine gathering!

Hi Reign,

Thanks for the invitation.

 

[Kiat81]

Branson Coach House Block Shiraz 2005

Anyone know where to buy " Branson Coach House Block Shiraz 2005 " (Black Label) ?

 

[Baggio10]

technical (but interesting) read:
Wine fault - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

what will be the distinct taste if the wine is subjected to heat or warm storage environment?

 

[ikileo]

Faulty Wine: wine advice from The Winedoctor

take a look at the section under 'cooked' wine.
it also helped to have experience with the wine prior to the tasting. muted, overly soft, stewed flavours etc...

 

[ikileo]

tried the 07 Ashbrook Cab Merlot from FP Finest. Nose was nice and bdx blend-like but the palate was average at best. lack of structure and depth of flavours (even for a $42 wine that's on price promo).

 

[stayhappy21]

I tend to agree with starhappy's idea of $30 wines anywhere.. reason being I think supermarket wine selection is rather limited and there are chains like Straits Wine, Wine Connection etc that are very accessible and easily found, compared to stores like Carrefour or M&S. And though there are decent supermarket wines, they tend to be too safe and generic sometimes. But I understand ikileo's point of targeting the supermarket customer first, maybe we can do the $30 wine anywhere thing for the next round. Yes, only common varietals should be considered, since we're talking about the mass market consumer. This will be pretty tough man, to find a decent $30 wine at standard price, when I only buy during promotion!

So.. When are we drinking?

 

[ikileo]

prob month end.

 

[ikileo]

going to celebrate my mum's b-day tomorrow @ Capricci.

Southern Italian food. Gonna bring my Castello di Ama "Il Chiuso" that I bought when i visited the estate last year. 50% Sangiovese, 50% Pinot Noir (planted in 1984). liked it alot when i tasted it there. had a lightness and refinement of a burg with the earthiness and a touch more fruit that is reminiscent of tuscany.

 

[reign]

tried the 07 Ashbrook Cab Merlot from FP Finest. Nose was nice and bdx blend-like but the palate was average at best. lack of structure and depth of flavours (even for a $42 wine that's on price promo).

I also bought that after reading looi's post. Didn't like it as the acl too high for my liking. Taste very light not as full bodied.

 

[Baggio10]

Faulty Wine: wine advice from The Winedoctor

take a look at the section under 'cooked' wine.
it also helped to have experience with the wine prior to the tasting. muted, overly soft, stewed flavours etc...

thanks! good info

 

[Baggio10]

tried the 07 Ashbrook Cab Merlot from FP Finest. Nose was nice and bdx blend-like but the palate was average at best. lack of structure and depth of flavours (even for a $42 wine that's on price promo).

tried the 07 Shiraz..also feel it is not worth the price..

 

[hkm520240]

Anyone know where to buy " Branson Coach House Block Shiraz 2005 " (Black Label) ?

You must be referring to Branson Coach House Shiraz "Rare" Single Vineyard Coach House Block.

2005 was imported by Straits Wine many years back but it was sold out long ago too. It has been absorbed by Two Hands (from 06 or 07) under its single vineyard series labelled as Coach House Block Shiraz.

I don't think it is available in the market right now. The last time I saw on offer was by Wine Exchange Asia. You may keep an eye on WEA's offering and maybe you are lucky to see they release some investor's stock for sale.

 

[looiwte]

Heh, sorry you all didn't like the Ashbrook. I'm not a fan of the Shiraz but like the Cab Merlot. Enjoyable though rather simple. Maybe I've not tried much good Aussie stuff. I still find it more interesting than WB Yellow Label, Wyndham Estate etc. entry level wines.

Capricci, nice! I was there for Restaurant Week and they are nice and hospitable. Corkage is 30 bucks. There's this waiter from Puglia that knows a bit about Italian wines so it was nice to talk to him. He was the one who recommended the Cervaro della Salla by Antinori, a Chardonnay with token amounts of Grechetto, around Orvieto. I liked their homemade paccheri with Italian sausage, porcini mushrooms and parmesan cheese sauce when I tried it at the Wine Restaurant Experience last year.

 

[looiwte]

Sorry abit OT, but I found this nice beer shop in a quiet corner of Clementi. Same row as the shop where they sell supplies for you to make your own beer. They've a good selection of unique, small brewery beers and tasting sessions on Saturdays - like wine!

 

[momo38]

Need some kind advice here.

I've got a dinner coming up but have no idea what wines to get.
Hoping to go through 2 (maybe 3?) wines through the whole meal.
- Doesn't have to be too fruit driven as more palettes are "seasoned"
-Was thinking or starting with a Burg, moving on to a cabernet for the mains.

Budget of <100 per bottle. Wouldn't mind if price is lower though

Thanks in advance!


Menu
1) Ceviche of fresh lobster with French caviar and champagne emulsion
2) Capellini pasta , seared hokkaido scallop ,truffle oil and Parmesan cheese .
3) Pan seared foie gras , slow cooked egg with morel sauce
4) Seared sea bass with baby abalones and periguex sauce
Or
Roasted beef tenderloin Angus with spiced beef cheek parmentier
5) White chocolate panna cotta with cherries and berries

 

[ikileo]

This is how i segmented your courses:
1) Ceviche of fresh lobster with French caviar and champagne emulsion
2) Capellini pasta , seared hokkaido scallop ,truffle oil and Parmesan cheese .
- sparkling wine or a muscadet wine with good acid.


4) Seared sea bass with baby abalones and periguex sauce
3) Pan seared foie gras , slow cooked egg with morel sauce
Options: Pinot noir (burgs or lighter NZ ones)


Roasted beef tenderloin Angus with spiced beef cheek parmentier
Options: an aged bdx blend or an aged spanish tempranillo

5) White chocolate panna cotta with cherries and berries
- no need for a wine, unless you want a digestif like a limoncello

that's my suggestion. if u are ok with that i can try to find out specific labels.
or which restaurant are u going? i can take a look at their wine list and recommend from there.

 

[momo38]

I'm getting Moet or VC already so Muscadet sounds good.
Do recommend which Muscadet, Burg and Bordeaux is nice.
Really appreciate your input. Do hope to join your wine dinners soon.