The three blind mice

The three blind mice, three blind mice, and the only one we got right was the Claret (but not the vintage!), and yes they were all very nice waines! (please don’t use this word again William)

Three blind mice. Three blind mice.
See how they run. See how they run.
They all ran after the farmer’s wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a sight in your life?
As three blind mice

Well, when the gang of three got together on a warmish Monday February night, in the poshest parilla in Palermo (barrio), with only our eyes, palates & wallets at the ready. And more or less in a good state, having just polished off a plate of excellently grilled fresh kidneys and a morcilla (blood sausage~). All taken care of with a bottle of pure, well chilled, El Zampal Malvasia 2017 (natural orangey style) from the Mendocian village of Tupungato. (1.200 bottles produced only)

The stage was sent for a relaxed ‘blind’ dinner. The three bottles, presented were decanted, of course, and at a temperature well suited to the evening. Once the sox (covers) were removed, this is what was revealed on the table in front of us.

2014 Pofadder, Sadie (Swartland)
Our old favorite and 100% Cinsault from Sadie genius. Whole cluster-fermented from the vineyard of the same name (and named for the snake like mountain range above it), the clusters are foot trodden for punchdown twice daily to slowly release the juice. After one month on their skins, the must is hand transferred to the basket press and pressed directly into old casks, where it rests for one year prior to bottling. Only!!! 450 cases produced. And that by the way dear reader these are cases of 6x75cls, and not cases of 12s! I do love this wine and still find it hard to be believe how accessible it is on the price. Bla blah.

2013 As Covas, Mendez y Perez (Galicia)
This little ‘blind’ gem took us from northern Italy to Burgundy, and then we gave up.

100% Pinot Noir grown at the Rodrigo Mendez Winery and with the collaboration of, the number 10, Raul Perez.

The juice comes from 2 plots on clay-calcareous soils. Fermented in open wooden tino and barrel aging for 11 months. The vineyard was planted 8 years ago (year 2010) in the municipality of Ribadum (or Rio Umi). Only!!!, what! 300 bottles, of this first vintage have seen the light of day having rested for a year on used French oak barrels. A little interventionist elaboration in the purest Burgundian style.

Without a doubt a masterful elaboration, that offers us all the aromatic class of the great Pinot of Burgundian style. Clear and very clear aromas of ash and low scrub spices that combine with tertiary notes such as smoked, game and leather. The palate shows its subtlety with a development full of brightness and light, a red to meditate on, but also to accompany a multitude of dishes with versatility, and on this evening a great, and shared, very rare beef.

1999 Ch.Duhart Milon, from famous jewish banking family (Pauillac)
The first and last blend of the evening. And the 55% Cabernet Sauvignon just leapt out of the glass supported by the 45% Merlot punch to it. An English-elbow. Classic Claret through and through from the Lafite stable. Rich black fruits on the nose and has a brooding depth to the start of the palate. Rich with a mix of sweet ripe cassis and black plum. Lighter in the middle with fresh fruit supported by fine tannins the freshness bringing out floral fragrances but it all fills out at the back. The finish is rich and sweet berried. My god it was a good bottle. I am looking forward to tasting all the ‘9s’ of Duhart Milon: 1979-1989-1999-2009 later in the year. I will keep you posted.

Finally, a small foot-note here for any customers & readers wishing to taste the fabulous 2015 Titolo, Elena Fucci (Basilicata), for the first time!
There will be an opportunity to taste this wine during the 2nd week of March 2018, at 67 Pall Mall.

Please log your interest here: william@worldwineconsultants.com