Au Revoir

It was a lovely homely dinner to send off The Little Aussie Battler as she went off on her way in the world of wine. She and the Drama Queen made a night of it with laughs galore and some significant wines on the way.

An introductory 2007 Hiedler Gruner Veltliner 'Spiegel' gave that soft peppery herb and spice note that makes the variety such a good starter. The Little Aussie Battler might have a hand in making wine from this variety later this year!

Then on to her love Pinot Noir and Burgundy. It was a three-way comparison: a fantastically rich, plump but structured 2008 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir. Simply outstanding indeed, and a wine that whilst easy the slurp down now, will keep a decade. In comparison a 2007 Cristom 'Mt Jefferson' Pinot Noir was harder, drier, less rich and more forward. Not a bad effort really, but sort of 'piggy in the middle'. SWMBO found it over-oaked Because the 2006 J-F Mugnier Nuits-St-Georges 'Clos des Fourches' was exceptionally pure and sleek, only a little shy at present. This will go a decade and a half we all reckoned.

A respite from red in the form of a German Riesling, something we all love. A 2001 von Kesselstatt Piesporter Goldtrofchen Auslese was perfection. Decadent, but restrained. Complex yet so accessible. Toasty, creamy nuances with fresh acidity. Drinking well now, but will keep to 2020 maybe!

With the Battler's dessert came a Gonzalez Byass PX 'Nectar' Dulce sherry. Soft raisins and seamless sultana essence. Just wonderful sticky, but not overly sticky stuff. With a finish, or should I say, "Au Revoir" to end the night, because there will be a catch-up with people, wine food and occasion!