Saturday, February 11, 2012

Duckling

A surprise visit by Pippa and her new canine pal led to a lively afternoon of chatter and catch up, with an accompanying glass of vino which led to a night out at our friendly Asian eatery. The spontaneity of the occasion was such that first bottles of the rack were taken, and these might normally have not been first-choice if given some more time to pick. They turned out to be duckling wines. Some ducklings are indeed ugly, abut turn into swans, and it’s a miracle when that happens. More often than not, they’re just ducklings that turn into ducks. And that’s good too, as ducks can be delicious!

These two were ducklings. First was the 2009 Framingham ‘Classic’ Riesling 2009. I already like this wine, but another few weeks down the track, in the glass, breathing, opening up and with reasonably mild Cantonese food, it was better. Softly luscious with a beautiful counterpoise of lime and honeysuckle and the barest hints of toast, but the highlight the subtle unctuous texture next to slippery acidity. Perfect to sip on its own, but worked with all we ate.

The 2008 Terrace Edge Waipara Pinot Noir is no longer available, but SWMBO had a spare bottle. Always a little charry-oaky, this flavour combined with the sweet fruit a touch on the awkward side for me, but still very interesting and a good drink. Nowadays, the fruit has gained more secondary forest, mushroom and spice notes, and it has become a tad drier. The oak component stands out a little more. This has grown to have a more forceful personality, knowing where it is heading.

Two wines grown up a little more, from duckling stage to duck. And guess what we ordered from the menu? Roast duck of course.

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