Lavinia - Paris

 
I got told off when I took pictures in this massive wine shop in Paris. I don't know why. What were they afraid of? Could I reveal something dodgy? Could I make money from it? Well, who knows and who cares. It's a great shop and it's been a great wine week for me. It started with the last day at work before my Xmas break. Went to Waitrose to buy my lunch and just by coincidence saw a poster announcing that the big wine writer Oz Clarke was about to arrive to do a little wine tasting and to sign some of his books. Funnily I was about to order one of his books on Amazon the night before, but then decided not to, because we were about to go away to Paris for three days and I thought it would be rubbish if the book was lying in the hallway until our return. So I bought it off Oz Clarke himself instead. And what fun it was. So there to internet shopping. You wouldn't get this online. Had a nice brief chat with him about his recent programme with James from Top Gear as well as Rhone wines vs. Bordeaux (I was buying his new book on Bordeaux). Anyway, Monday we went to Paris. I went straight to Lavinia, the largest wine shop probably in Paris. Great choice. I was not so interested in the Rhones this time, but more in the Bordeaux. Bought two second wines of fourth growth St Juliens. If you know what I mean. First, the 2003 Connetable de Talbot of Chateau Talbot. The name reminds me of that old Renault, with the same name, or was it a Peugeot? The second one was the Amiral de Beychevelle 2000. Can't wait to try them. Good price at 25-26 Euros each. They compliment the 1997 Sagret de Gruaud-Larose (second wine of second growth St Julien) that I bought last Friday in London, also for around the same price. Haven't opened any of them, but hope to do so soon. Hope that the oncoming Christmas days will give me an opportunity to share one of these with my other half's parents who are coming over tonight!! Let the festive season begin!!!! 

Chateau Guiot - Costieres de Nimes

 
Fantastically refreshing rose from Nimes. Reminds me of the heat of the summer. Something you drink on a balcony or a terrace. But also great as an aperitif in the midst of winter. Why not. Fruity palate, but quite dry. Good rose. 

Diemersfontein - Pinotage 2006

 
This was my favourite of last season. It was in fact one of the wines that got me really interested in this whole wine business. It sold out fast last year and therefore I have been waiting for a long time for the 2006 to hit the shelves. The 2006 still has the fantastic mocha & chocolate flavours, but this time around I found it slightly too fruity and sweet. Maybe this is because I have been drinking mostly Rhone wines rather than new worlds? Maybe. Nevertheless, I still like it a lot and recommend it. It's available at Waitrose and Asda for 7.99.