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