We had been trying hard to catch up with The Barbed One and Astute Andy, and we finally managed it after weeks of being on different planets. They had prepared a pretty sharp Spanish themed dinner and had a couple of Spanish wines to go with it.
The 2008 Valminor Rias Baixas Albarino was more golden than expected and all thought of oxidation appeared. But on tasting, it was not the case. While it did not have the tight and minerally crispness expected, it did have body, breadth and weight. Something these wines strive to achieve a little of. Maybe a bit of botrytis took that sharp edge away?
The Lustau 'Almacenista' Manzanilla Amontillado 'Jurado' 1/21was a sensational, complex wine. Mahogany colour, masses of nutty, aldehyde flavour with the mandatory saltiness, and an incredibly complex rancio finish. Truly great, overwhelming even the chorizo sausage rolls.
Paella was on the menu next, and it was gloriously filling and seafoody, with prawns featuring. We had an oldie, not necessarily to match the food. 1988 Wynns 'John Riddoch' Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. Amazingly youthful, with purple red colour and a clear-cut varietal blackcurrant nose and flavour. Only hints of secondaries appearing, the wine still firm, tannic, fresh and sharp from the acidity. This would go another 15-20 years. But it was a great vintage.
Our summer fruits and custard flan came out the same time as the 2009 Spade Oak Noble Viognier. Unctuous apricots, citrus fruits, honey and again, something ultra decadent to behold.
Such sharp food and wine, right to the finish.
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