SIMON HOGGART
The Vinny is a collection of isIff,' more than a dozen wine enthusiasts who have
clubbed together to get hold ., of wines which they particularly like. like. They then sell them to friends, neighbours. and just about anyone who
shares their love of a good bottle. — This is their third mini-bar offer. The first two were very successful indeed, and the biggest hit of all was the claret, Chateau Meaume Reserve 1999(5), which is made exclusively for them by Alan Johnson-Hill. If you've tried it you will already know what a lovely, deep, rich, cedary, fruity, classy wine it is, so it isn't in the sample case but is very heartily recommended at a reduced price of £8.75.
Now the whites, which are in the sample case. I think you will love the Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2002(1) which is made from 60-year-old vines and is just delicious — juicy, floral and full of ripe flavours. Now and again we need reminding of what a first-rate white Burgundy can taste like, and that it brings to the party something which you can't find in even the best Oz chardonnays. Down to £11.75.
The Blanquette de Limoux 2001 from Chateau Rives-Blanques(2) is also scrumptious. one of those sparklers which at £9.75
manages to be better than pretty • well any champagne in the same price range. We British wine writers aren't allowed to quote the American Robert Parker for fear of having our tastevins ceremonially torn 1 away, but I will anyway: 'Blanquette de Limoux is the best-made, least-known wine in France,' he says, and he might well be right.
Back to the reds. The Chateau Berlioz Adagio 2002(3) is from Corbieres. Ancestors of the present owner were friends of the composer, which doesn't make the wine any better but helps produce a very handsome label. But this is gorgeous to drink too, and terrific value at £6.50, being rich and spicy and heady and altogether a wonderful wine for winter roasts and casseroles.
Finally, a Cotes du Rhone Villages 2002(4) from Domaine Martin in Rasteau, which is currently the most fashionable of all Rhone locations. This is also perfectly gorgeous — peppery, velvety, succulent, everything a fine Rhone should be, plus just a bit of extra depth and flavour, all for a remarkably low price of £7.95.
Delivery as ever is free, and you can knock another £10 off the total if you buy
three cases or more. IMO MEI Mil,a.7174:1
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