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Cellaring for Christmas
By Joe Muller, Private Sales at Corney & Barrow
For me, Christmas time is one of those occasions that encapsulates the beauty of having a cellar. Family and friends getting together, festive cheer in the air and the smells of a roasting bird wafting through the house. I love the challenge and even more, I love the results of picking the wines to go with everyone’s favourite dinner of the year. There is nothing more pleasing than opening a bottle of something that you have invested time and patience in, and for it to repay you in abundance. The satisfaction and untold enjoyment of a fantastic bottle that has developed into its peak is only heightened when sharing with others.
We all associate the Christmas period with jovial family times, over hyped television, a cheeky kiss under the mistletoe, the turkey, Christmas puddings and of course plenty of good wine. As a big foodie I particularly look forward to Christmas dinner and of course selecting and matching with wine. If there is ever a time to push the boat out, I believe this is the occasion.
There are so many wines you can bring to the Christmas table, especially when you consider the array of centre stage dishes. Whether it’s the juicy tenderness of turkey, the deeper richness of goose, the succulence of honey glazed ham or a plethora of others, there will be a perfect wine to shine alongside. The classics of Bordeaux and Burgundy are always my preferred choice but there are plenty of other wines that will partner well. However, the underlining point of how these wines, especially the classics, can make such remarkable and memorable moments is by cellaring them to develop into their full glory. The greatest wines need time to evolve to a point where you have a harmony within the wine’s balance, giving a sense of elegance, depth and complexity.
It is with this in mind that I urge you to follow suit and plan a point of time in the future for all your wines, to fully appreciate and delight in their splendour. As Christmas provides the most wonderful of occasions it would be criminal to exclude this from any collections.
Future Christmas Gems at Corney & Barrow
For 2 Years’ Time
Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay 2008: An incredible estate born from the partnership between Aubert de Villaine and Larry Hyde. This Chardonnay is opulent, sensual and seductive, complemented by a fresh citrus lift and a refined minerality. This will be in full flow in 2 years’ time.
(£253 per case of 6 inc VAT)
Psi, Peter Sisseck 2009: Made by one of Spain’s most deservedly high profile winemakers – Peter Sisseck. This 100% Tempranillo wine is expansive, generous, richly textured and bursting with personality. A couple of years will put this in the ideal place.
(£280 per case of 12 b inc VAT)
5 Years Down the Line
Champagne Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2002: The sister house to the Legendary Salon this is a true insiders Champagne from a phenomenal vintage. It has a fine and creamy mousse with a touch of light brioche and a taut mineral focus. Very elegant and sensational value this will be delightfully developed in 5 years. Start Christmas Day morning with a touch of decadence by popping a bottle with some smoked salmon and scrambled eggs!
(£269 per case of 6 inc VAT)
Château Certan de May 2007: A classic Pomerol estate situated on the famed Plateau, between Vieux Château Certan and Petrus. Old vine Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon produce a smooth, stylish Pomerol that whilst drinking now, will age for a further 10 years.
(£658.29 per case of 12 inc VAT)
10 Year Sleepers
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, Domaine Bonneau du Martray 2009: An exceptional wine from a Domaine that producers only Grand Cru Burgundy. It is silkily concentrated, with super ripe, broad flavours, concentrated and full with rich mineral intensity to the finish. This will absolutely blow you away, no question!
(£1,016 per case of 12 inc VAT)
Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs, Domaine Marquis d’Angerville 2007: Volnay’s greatest vineyard gives a fairly powerful and concentrated wine for the region that gives it the structure to age perfectly. Leave this to lie and you will be severely rewarded with an elegant, perfumed, earthy mineral driven Pinot that sings finesse. A real wow wine that is a must for every Burgundy lover.
(£821 per case of 12 inc VAT)
Email: sales@corneyandbarrow.com
Tel: 020 7265 2430
www.corneyandbarrow.com
