The Christmas Long Lunch Case (2023)
The most talked about wine case in Highams Park (probably) has snuck back for Christmas 2023!
This is the "Long Lunch Case", loosely based around the Christmas Day meal, where we match wines to each part of the day. Pierre Mignon Grande Reserve 2015 is a recent Vinoraica discovery, a rich, toasty style of vintage Champagne that was really popular at our recent tasting. Another new entry to the case, yet an old favourite, it's the steely, apply, bright Vouvray "Cuvée Silex", to match with the starters. From the Loire the next natural step is to Burgundy, with the Macon Verzé from Nicolas Maillet, an expressive yet saline style of Chardonnay for a fuller style of white to go with richer dishes.
For the first time ever, there won't be a Pinot Noir in the case, but sometimes there's a wine that impresses us (and our customers) so much that it just has to be included in the case. The Domaine de l'Iris Moulin à Vent is an intense, perfumed style of Beaujolais, which is an amazing alternative to Burgundy for the tradition Christas meal. To balance this out, we've included the heavy-hitting Vacqueyras, from Domaine de la Charbonniere, which is Chateaneuf-du-Pape in all but name. A succulent, spicy, smooth Southern Rhône red, from a superb producers.
Finally, for the sweet wine we've gone back to Port this year. We pour the Barros 10 Year Old Tawny at the bar - its savoury, complex, yet smooth style make it a fantastic all-rounder, expecially with the cheese board. The photo actually shows the Maury, the sweet red from the South of France, which you are also welcome to swap into the case!
6 wines for £140:
Pierre Mignon Grande Reserve 2015, Champagne, France
Vigneau Chevreau, Vouvray Cuvée Silex, Loire, France
Macon Verzé, Nicolas Maillet, Burgundy, France
Domaine de l'Iris Moulin à Vent, Beaujolais, France
Domaine de la Charbonniere Vacqueyras, Rhône, France
Barros 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Porto, Portugal
6 wines for £140 (15% discount, retails at £165 when bought individually)