Award Winning Wines Update - As featured in Decanter Magazine for Christmas

Alpha Zeta 'A' Amarone della Valpolicella 2006 @ £23.95 per bottle

Awarded 4 Stars ****
"Smooth with huge concentration but firm structure. It's well spiced, with lovely purple fruit depth and truffle notes. Perfect for Cheese".

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Gran Sasso, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2008 @ £6.95 per bottle

Awarded 4 Stars **** "Smooth, dark, rich and creamy, this smells and tastes like it costs more than it does: juicy brambly fruit, grippy tannins and a lovely fresh smell."

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Neil Ellis Sauvignon Blanc Groenekloof 2008 @ £8.95 per bottle

Awarded 4 Stars **** "Neil Ellis makes great red and Chardonnay but I think this Sauvignon is his best wine. Depth of Gooseberry and a hint of tropical fruit with taut minerality and impressive concentration."

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Latino Food & Wine Dinner at Salty Dog 10th December 2009

Last night we hosted Damon's Latino Food and Wine Dinner at the Salty Dog, our last dinner for 2009. 

There was certainly some Christmas spirit going round and it was lovely to also welcome a large group who had chosen a food and wine dinner as their Christmas staff party.  Such a great idea and perfect for whoever was paying as everything was included in the price, from the aperitif to the after dinner drink.  Very savvy!  It was also lovely to have Cristian Urra with us, a young Chilean winemaker (perfect timing for a Latino dinner) who has been with us for three days this week on work experience.  We hope he has enjoyed his stay with us and that we have given him a good insight into the wine business in Jersey.

Damon had again spent many hours researching the dishes for the evening and we had the challenging task of matching the wines.  Having chosen Cuba and Mexico as his main influences for the food, we knew that the wines would have to stand up to complex flavours and spice.

After the apertifs, a crisp and lively sparkling wine from Valentin Bianchi, Argentina and for the Lager lovers, Brahma from Brazil, we sat down to begin.

The starter of Crispy Pork Belly with Chipotle Chilli King Prawns with Cool Lime and Coriander Salsa, Picadillo Peppers stuffed with Crab and Chicken and Pecorino Cheese Jalapeno Peppers packed quite a punch but was nicely refreshed, particularly with the Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2008 from Chile with its exceptional purity of flavour and great acidity.  Lovely pear drop notes and hints of grass made this juicy, crisp wine a real winner against the heat.  The Catena Chardonnay 2007 from Argentina with its denser structure and creaminess was excellent with the Belly Pork.  A great start!

Next up was the first of two main courses, Ancho Marinated Sea Bass Oaxaca Style with crushed Pintos Beans and Baked Rice (Frijoles Barrachos).  This was served with the same two whites from the starter and how different they were with this dish.  The Amaral was still excellent, the acidity cutting through perfectly but the Catena Chardonnay really stood up well with the Seabass, bringing out its delicate and subtle flavours.  I have never eaten seabass as silky and flaky as this.  Amazingly well cooked and certainly had the WOW factor.

The second main course was Cuban Roast Pork with Filling of Crushed Crackling, Golden Raisins and Oloroso Marinated Apple Sauce and served with Cumin Roast Potatoes.  We served two reds with this course, the Luigi Bosca Malbec/Petit Verdot/Tannat 'Gala 1' 2006 from Argentina and Chocalán Syrah ‘Reserve’ 2005 from Chile.  The dish was really tasty and reminded us of a really posh roast dinner.  The raisins were amazing and complemented the dish very well indeed.  Both wines performed very well but it was difficult to choose which one was the best.  However, as the Chocalan is £8 cheaper per bottle, it won through for me.  No wonder it received a GOLD medal at the Concours Mondial Bruxelles awards 2009.  Its complex and distinctive nose of spices mixed with plum, strawberry and coffee and its elegant yet bold palate worked perfectly with this dish.  Think I'll add this wine to our next wine delivery for home!

Last up was the incredibly light and tropical flavour-packed Mango and Lime Bavarois with Toasted Coconut Biscuits. Unfortunately, we did not have a dessert wine from South America to showcase against this dish and so chose a wine from the other side of the world!  We chose the multi-award winning Mount Horrocks Riesling 'Cordon Cut' 2008 from South Australia.  A unique wine.  ‘Cordon Cut’ refers to a unique, risky process that involves cutting the canes when the grapes are ripe, allowing the remaining fruit to concentrate and raisin naturally on the vine. The resulting flavour is intense and rich  with lively perfumes of citrus, flowers, spice and honey that flow through to the palate. Another Gold Medal winner and was totally scrummy with the dish.

Then the rum started flowing.  Pyrat X.O. Planters Reserve Rum from Anguilla.  Pyrat XO Reserve is a select blend of fine, 15 year old Caribbean rums. It's smooth taste and delicious flavour is complimented by its rich amber colour. It was served with ice and very much enjoyed by those who chose to have it.

It was a superb evening and there was a such a warm, lively atmosphere.  Huge thanks to Damon and his incredible team for faultless food and service once again.  Thanks also to Liz who did all the talking, giving Neil a night off from speaking between each course, you did a great job.   Finally, thank you to all those who came and enjoyed the evening, we hope to see you again soon.

We look forward to hosting many more food and wine dinners in 2010!

Middle Eastern Food and Wine Dinner at The Salty Dog 3rd December 2009

On Thursday 3rd December we hosted a Middle Eastern food and wine dinner at The Salty Dog featuring wines from Israel and Lebanon.  A much anticipated evening as last years event was a sell out and a great success. 

Damon put together an amazing menu for us and our task was to ensure that the wines matched perfectly.  Having only a small selection of wines from Lebanon (mainly from Tanail Winery) and nothing from any other area in the Middle East (apart from Chateau Musar 1983 at £49.95 a bottle!), did limit our offering so we decided that we would undertake some research in the form of acquiring new samples.  Not only would this expand our knowledge but also give us a chance to see if there were any exciting new wines that we could use for the dinner and then start selling in the shop. 

One of the most popular wines from the Middle East is Chateau Kefraya (Lebanon) so we obtained a number of samples from them as well from a Chateau called Chateau Ka and some from a winery called Carmel from Israel.  We were very unimpressed with the wines from Kefraya but the wines from Carmel and Ka were outstanding and we were delighted to import them just in time for the dinner.

After welcoming the guests in the bar area with a glass of Massaya Arak from Tanail Winery Lebanon, (an aniseed flavoured eau-de-vie which is a little sweeter than the likes of Pernod or Ricard) or a glass of Mercier Champagne (for those who did not want the Arak), we sat down to our mixed platter starter (Mezza Classic) together with two new wines from Carmel Winery, Israel.  The platter consisted of : Dolmas - Spicy Lamb Wrapped in Vine Leaves, Char Grilled Mackerel, Sweet Potato Pickle and Mint Yoghurt, Houmous with Crispy Shredded Duck and Marinated Harissa King Prawns with Mint and Cucumber.  These were accompanied with Lebanese Flat Bread. 

With this course we served Carmel Winery 'Carmel Ridge' White 2007, a wine made mainly from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, with a little Colombard and Semillon, from the Zichron Ya’acov vineyards. It was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromas of melon, pear and lime and was light-bodied, clean and refreshing with good balancing acidity.  A perfect match with all the food, particularly the Harissa Prawns.  We also served the Carmel Winery 'Carmel Ridge' Red 2007 made mainly from Carignan, with a little Shiraz, Petite Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon also grown in vineyards surrounding Zichron Ya’acov. This is a medium bodied wine with a fabulous aroma of cherries and plums and a little vanilla in the background.  It was soft with a satisfyingly long finish and also worked well with the food, particularly the stunning lamb wrapped in vine leaves.

Next up was Syrian Slow Braised Lamb with Saffron Cinnamon Rice and Roast Aubergine and Artichoke Salad with Green Beans and Tomato Fenugreek Sauce.  This was served with Chateau Ka (Cabernet /Grenache/Mourvedre) 'Source de Rouge' 2005 (Lebanon) and Tanaïl Winery Silver Selection Red 'Massaya' 2005 (Lebanon).  This course was delicious and beautifully cooked.  I particularly loved the Aubergine and Artichoke salad.  Both reds were great but undoubtedly the star was the Chateau Ka and everyone agreed.  Quite Bordelaise in style, this wine was succulent, juicy, smooth and very moreish.  It went down a treat!  We are so pleased to be stocking this wine and will, we are sure, be a great seller for us.

Finally, the dessert of Baked Quince Tart with Tahini and Rose Water Honey was served and we couldn't wait to get stuck in.  More of a sponge than a tart but it was simply stunning.  With this we served the equally stunning Carmel Winery 'Sha'al Vineyard' Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2006 from Israel. This wine has a fruit and flower aromas with a lively flavour of citrus fruits. Moderately sweet, with rose petal and orange peel overtones and honeyed pear, apricot and litchi fruits;  it was almost like a dessert in itself. Succulent, with a long-lingering finish and a perfect match with the dish.  Many commented that the wine actually 'made' the dessert!

Oh how I wish Damon would also set up a Middle Eastern restaurant because he really is a damn fine chef who clearly spent a lot of time researching the food and perfecting the flavours and authenticity of the dishes.  I personally have not experienced the food first hand from these countries but Kasia, one of our Sales Advisors has and she said the food was actually better than when she visited!  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the new wines were very well received.

Huge thanks to Damon and his team, a very memorable evening!  We will be there again on Thursday 10th December for the Latino dinner and again on Saturday 12th for our Christmas Staff do!  We just love The Salty Dog!  See their website http://www.saltydogbistro.com/ for details.

Burgundy Dinner Friday 13th November with Dunell's and Berry Bros.

After our Burgundy Tasting upstairs and apertif of Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque 2002, it was downstairs to the private room in Bohemia for the Burgundy Dinner.  Shaun Rankin devised a menu especially for the evening and after the welcoming introduction from Adrian Burns there was much anticipation for the food and wine combinations ahead. 

First up was Grilled local mullet and roast scallops, cauliflower puree, blood orange, white chocolate and fourme d’Ambert.  This was served with Les Heretiers du Comte Lafon Macon-Milly ‘Clos du Four’ 2007 and Bret Bros Pouilly-Vinzelles ‘Les Quarts’ 2007.  When we were told what Shaun had planned for our starter, we must admitt that we were a little daunted as to what wine to choose (especially with the use of white chocolate) but we came up trumps with the two choices but in particular the Comte Lafon Macon-Milly with its creamy minerality, richness and length.  What a stunning wine, not to mention the dish.  A flavour explosion and every mouthful was different, delicate yet textured.  The wine really brought out the flavours of the mullet and scallop which against all the other flavours on the plate was quite remarkable.  The room was almost silent as no one wanted the dish to end!  The second wine was also great, much crisper than the Macon-Milly but equally powerful.

Next up was Slow cooked fillet of Scottish beef Rossini, woodland mushrooms , “pomme galette” and Summer truffle served with Patrice Rion Nuits-St-Georges Vieilles-Vignes 2006 and Frederic Mugnier Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Clos de la Marechale’ 2006.  Stunningly presented, this dish was perfect with both wines and it was hard to choose which was the best.  The wine from Patrice was plummy and made in the classic Nuits-St-Georges style, full of fruit and finesse and the wine from Frederic was harmonious, classy, plummy and superbly structured to age.  The room was very divided on opinion.  It is great when that happens and reinforces the choice to serve two wines. 

The cheese course of Brie des meaux and Perigord Truffles was delicious.  Always a great combination, Neil loved loved loved this dish.  This was served with Arnaud Ente Meursault ‘Clos des Ambres’ 2005.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to photograph this dish as it was devoured rather quickly. Sorry.  It was easy to see why Domaine Arnaud Ente is one of the hottest wine properties in Mersault today and is arguably Burgundy's brightest rising star.

Finally, the dessert of Slow cooked caramelised pineapple chop, coconut sorbet and sesame seed brittle adorned the table and was served with Domaine Cauhapé Jurancon Vendange Tardive ‘Symphonie de Novembre’ This was a WOW dish and I could have happily eaten two plates! Incredible flavour and the coconut sorbet was to die for.  Unfortunately, the dessert wine wasn't from Burgundy as Burgundy is not really known for its dessert wines so we chose a Jurancon and it delivered! A very intense nose, combining citrus fruit and exotic perfume (pineapple & quince) with hints of fine oak, resin, spice and toasty notes.  Another dish and flavour combination that no one wanted to end.

We finished the evening with coffee, some gorgeous petit fours (we even asked for more) and a glass (or two, or three) of Chateau de Montifaud 'Reserve de la Famille' 30 Year Old XO.  Remarkable aromas of dried fruits and, in particular, grilled almonds. Great freshness and not too tannic.  A perfect end.

All in all a fabulous evening and wonderful company.  Huge thanks to Adrian and Damien for their wisdom, to all the satff and chefs at Bohemia for an incredible meal and to all the guests who made it a evening to remember!

Jane

Our Burgundy Wine Tasting with Berry Bros. & Rudd 13th November 2009

Sorry for being so far behind in writing a little about our Burgundy Wine Tasting last month, it has been crazy here and whilst we were preparing for our huge ONE DAY SALE on 28th November, there was not a moment to sit down and reminisce on what was a superb event.

It was hosted by ourselves, together with Adrian Burns and Damien Carrington from Berry Brothers, London.  It was a delight to welcome them both to Jersey although we were experiencing some dreadful weather at the time with heavy rain and gale force winds!

Held in the aptly named Burgundy Room at the The Club Hotel & Spa, Green Street, we welcomed over 60 guests to sample 19 great wines (£11.40 to £73.75 per bottle) from the likes of Patrice & Michel Rion, Dujac Fils & Pere, Jean-Frederic Mugnier, Arnaud Ente, Francois D'Allaines etc.  What was great to see was not only the eagerness from the guests to learn and appreciate such great wines, but also the vast age range attending.  It was clearly evident and noted by many guests that Dunell's is now not just attracting the more mature client but we are also attracting those brand new to wine, from 18 years of age and upwards.  We have been working really hard to diminish the more traditional barriers that Dunell's used to represent and open ourselves up to all those who love wine, no matter what age (over 18 of course) or budget.

The venue was perfect and as guests worked their way through the wines, Adrian, Damien, Liz and Neil had the chance to mingle and talk to everyone about the wines.  However, the main purpose of the afternoon was all about enjoying the wines, relaxing and enjoying the company of friends and colleagues.

Of course, the most popular wines were the two most expensive, the PATRICE & MICHEL RION Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2005 (£67.50) and the PATRICK JAVILLIER Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2006 (£73.75).  Both were beautiful.  The Charmes-Chambertin displayed red berried fruit and subtle earthy tones.  It was delicious with great long with finesse and although you would not describe it as a powerful red it was certainly elegant.   The Corton-Charlemagne was rich and deep with well integrated toasty oak.  Creamy, concentrated and full but with enough zestiness to give a fresh finish.  Really excellent.

Another wine stood out for many people was the COMTE LAFON Macon-Milly 'Clos Du Four' 2007 at £16.95 per bottle.  It was the first wine of the tasting and it was the perfect wine to awaken the taste buds. This macon offered intense aromas of citrus, quince and honey, developing in the mouth with good acidity.  Lovely creamy texture and elegant.  This is a wine that will continue drinking well over the next five years.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable event and we would like to thank everyone who attended.  We hope to see you all again at future events.  Thanks to Adrian and Damien for choosing a great selection of wines to showcase and thanks also to our wonderful staff members who helped to make everything run so smoothly.

Jane