The Wine Club - Essential Mixed Case

Essential Mixed Case - July 2009

2 bottles of each of the following wines:

2005 Chablis, Didier & Pascal Picq , Burgundy, France (White)
Chardonnay, 13% alc.
The Picq brothers, Pascal in the vineyard and Didier in the cellar, make some of the Chablis region’s most enjoyable and reliable wine from their base in the hamlet of Chichée. We select a special blend from the Paradis and Sémons vineyards, offering a full rich mouthful without losing Chablis’ classic mineral character.
(Jasper Morris MW - BBR Burgundy Buyer)

2007 Nebbiolo, 'Campi Raudii', VdT, Antonio Vallana, Piedmont, Italy (Red)
Nebbiolo, 12% alc.
Named after a nearby Roman battlefield, this (unofficial) 2007 vintage 100% Nebbiolo delivers a really pure perfume of cherries, earthy, and herbal fruit, while the light/medium body brings a delicious texture, a freshness, a notably suave palate of red berries and Piedmont! Drinking now till 2011, with any antipasti you care to serve.
(David Berry Green, BBR Buyer)

2006 Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago, New Zealand (White)
Sauvignon Blanc, 13% alc.
Striking a pose between new & old world styles, this barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc shows a rich, if restrained flinty nose, with elderflower & complex gooseberry aromas. The palate is gorgeously full, mouthfilling with exquisite texture & tropical lime-flower charm. Keeping the whole experience ticking over is some fresh Sauvignon acidity, while the oak influence imparts leesy creaminess. Perfect with langoustines
David Berry Green (BBR Buyer)

2006 Qupé Viognier/Chardonnay Bien Nacido Cuvée, Santa Maria Valley, California (White)
Viognier, Chardonnay 13.5% alc.
A thoroughly original, Californian blend of 50% Viognier, 50% Chardonnay, fermented & aged in non-new French barrels for 5 months, so providing subtle structure & complexity while retaining the grapes' pure expression. Excellent with a fine chook.
(David Berry Green-BBR Buyer)

2006 Vacqueyras 'Les Clos' Domaine Montirius, Rhone (Red)
Grenache, Syrah 14% alc.
From 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, the wine has a charming nose of blackberries and truffle. Its texture is expansive and velvety, with all the charm of the vintage generously thrilling the palate.
(Simon Field MW, Rhône Buyer)

2006 Piedra Azul, Estancia Piedra, Toro, Spain (Red)
Tempranillo/Tinto Fino, 14.7% alc.
Tinto de Toro is the local synonym for Rioja's famous Tempranillo grape. Thegrape's trademark generosity of fruit and elegance of tannins are clearlyevidenced, together with a complexity and power rare in a wine of this level.The fruits are from the darker end of the spectrum with morello cherry andblackcurrant to the fore, underwritten by hints of liquorice and darkchocolate. Lovely with casseroles or roasts. Toro has long shown potential, butfor too long produced wines where alcohol has masked all else. The tide isturning; this is a super wine; great value to boot.
(Simon-Field MW, BBR Buyer)