DiscoverVin Newsletter - November 2011

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Okay, okay, okay - I know it's nearing Christmas and it's getting to that stage where you are wondering how you will find enough hours in the day to do all the things you need to do before Christmas.    To make matters worse, I come along wanting you to read our most recent wonderful wine reviews!  But, I hasten to add, if you do read them then you might just find that you have:
- a few gift ideas up your sleeve
- some special wine for the Christmas table
- a box of wine to put into the boot to take on your summer holiday
                    
          ..... and all without having moved from your seat!

So my friends, read on, get the low down on our great wines and maybe even get yourself sorted!  And have a Very Merry Christmas!

DiscoverVin presents festive ideas for the Party Season

Bordeaux Arrives on the Border

The DiscoverVin team are excited about the arrival of our shipment of Bordeaux wines at the end of November.  The wines were sourced during our exciting visit to Vinexpo in Bordeaux in June, where we tasted copious amounts of wonderful Bordeaux reds and whites.  From these we have selected unique, well-made wines that provide value for money.

Some producers are classed as Grand Cru, others are next door to famous and expensive estates and some are the second label from famous Châteaux.  They are from a range of appellations including Saint Émilion, Pomerol, Margaux, Pauillac and Haut Médoc.  Descriptions of the wines and the appellations are now on our website.

Gift Ideas

For those wanting to buy a great, aged Bordeaux, as a present or to drink at Christmas we have a few suggestions:

If you want a classic claret ready to drink now we recommend you try the Chateau Lanessan, 2004, $53.00

If you want to discover the famous “silkiness” of Margaux then go for the Chateau Vivens, $55.00

For Merlot, as it is meant to be try the Chateau Fontblanche, 2009, $22.00, or the Fleur de Clinet, 2008, $72.00 - this is the second label of the famous Pomerol producer Château Clinet.  All prices and descriptions are on the website.

Take Zette to the beach – Special Summer offer $96.00

Perfect for any summer occasion.  Six bottles of ZETTE and comes with a stylish Chateau Lagrezette carry bag (We know it’s stylish because the owner of Château Lagrezette, also was the managing director at Cartier).
The pack includes 2 bottles of white, 2 bottles of rosé and 2 bottles of red. Throw them in the car as you head to the holiday house or favorite camping spot.  You will be prepared for any holiday occasion!  Or stay at home and drink them anyway!
You can't go wrong with these 3 value for money, easy drinking, modern French wines from master producer Domaine Lagrezette.
They won't break the bank but will definitely impress.

Christmas Day in a Box - Three Wine Selections to help take the Stress out of your Christmas preparations.

Christmas lunches and dinners are a great time to drink new wines with favorite recipes.   What will you serve? Ham, turkey, pork seafood, prawns? Roasts or cold platters? Traditional Christmas pudding, fruit jelly, or a raspberry torte?
While you arrange the menu, DiscoverVin present three versatile wine options, thoughtfully considered, to complement your meal.
Three terrific selections, at three price points to match your food and your budget.  Each selection includes a Rosé, White and Red wines and Dessert wine, designed to enhance your Christmas table:
Christmas Day in a Box – Value Pack - $119 - click for link
Christmas Day in a Box – Premium Pack - $275 - click for link
Christmas Day in a Box – Prestige Pack - $385 - click for link
 
Go to the Mixed Packs section of our website for more details.  Or phone (02) 6020 6016 for more assistance.

DiscoverVin Wine Reviews

Domaine de l'Ancienne Cure - Bergerac Rouge, L'Abbaye Range, 2008 $20 - Bergerac is an annexe of the famous French district of Bordeaux and in his Pocket Wine Book, European expert Hugh Johnson rated this producer among the area's best.  Different from an Aussie red, with savoury, leathery characters in lieu of ripe rich fruit.  Best Weekend Daily Telegraph, 29th October 2011.  Wine review by Jeff Collerson.

Moulin des Dames, Bergerac Sec, 2009 $40
This wine, a semillon sauvignon blanc blend from the Bergerac Sec appellation (situated to the east of Bordeaux), is really quite serious in intent.  Golden in colour, it opens to a rich aroma of honey, herbs, minerals, stones and peach.  On the palate, a viscous texture opens to reveal rich flavours of stone fruit kernels and spice, and a touch more than medium acidity.  The length is really very good.  Although it is a blend of 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% semillon, the semillon portion seems higher.  A very good wine that deserves to be taken seriously.  89 points. Grape Observer, Sean Mitchell, 6th October 2011

Château La Rayre Rosé, 2009  $18
It's hard to go past rosé in summer.  ....... I enjoyed drinking this rosé from Bergerac situated to the east of Bordeau, a blen of two thirds cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon and one third merlot.  A deeper hue of salmon pink in colour, the aroma is of crisp and cruchy peaches.  The palate reveals spices, nectar and a savoury balance.  Good drinking and well priced.  85 points. Grape Observer, Sean Mitchell, 11th October 2011