Meeting 314 -
Take One Grape - Shiraz
Speaker: Nigel Gibbes of Startford Wines, Cookham
Held at Waltham St Lawrence Friday 23rd May 2008
It was a select, but knowledgeable, group that gathered at the Neville Hall to experience wine
from around the world made from the Shiraz grape and selected by Nigel. The meeting started off
well with an aperitif of Cloudy Bay Pelorus NV sparkler. When the first cork was expelled, instant
aromas of fresh fruit infused the air round the pouring table. This very pleasant bouquet was matched
by a palate of balanced acid and fruit with some length. It drew many positive comments from members and,
although at £14.99 it is not cheap, it would beat many lower priced champagnes!
Unusually for our meetings, the main part of the evening was a blind tasting,
with wines poured in pairs, and one which prompted much discussion around the tables.
The selected wines were all 04, 05 or 06 so none had any great age but because a few wines
were of mixed cepage, some very different flavours were added to the powerful Shiraz base by
the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache or Malbec. These grape types proved quite hard to identify.
Pal Mas La Forge Estate Syrah 05 (France, Languedoc)
Hope Estate Shiraz Malbec 05 (Australia, Hunter Valley)
Tamburlaine's Wild Mountain Shiraz Grenache 06 (Australia, Hunter Valley)
Anakena Reserve Syrah 05 (Chile, Rapel Valley)
De Grendel Shiraz 04 (South Africa, Durbanville)
Langmeil The Freedom 1843 Shiraz 04 (Australia, Barossa Valley)
Pertaringa Undercover Shiraz 05 (Australia, McLaren Vale)
Wakefield PL Shiraz Cabernet (Australia, Clare Valley)
These proved all to be interesting and tasty wines many with earthy undertones and, of course, pepper flavours prominent. List prices of the majority ranged from £7.50 to £11.75, however the toast of the evening was Langmeils' The Freedom. At a list price of £45 a bottle, we were all very grateful to Nigel for the opportunity to taste it here!
Accompanying the excellent supper provided by Charlotte were Waterstone Bridge Shiraz 05 (Australia, King Valley, Victoria) and Makana Sauvignon Blanc 07 (South Africa, Western Cape). Both of these were worthy of consideration for everyday drinking.
Charlotte's Comments on the food she provided are here.