PORTFOLIO NOTES 2016 GRAYSON DURHAM

PORTFOLIO NOTES
2016
GRAYSON DURHAM
0488 086 763
grayson@redletterwines.com.au
WINE NAME ANDRE CLOUET Grand Reserve Brut NV
REGION
Champagne, Bouzy and Ambonnay.
VINTAGE
NV
VARIETY
100% Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH Linguini with clams and fennel; Sashimi with asparagus
and avocado salad ; Duck prosciutto and goats cheese.
TASTING NOTE “This amazing cuvee offers up layers of mineralinfused red fruits on a silky, mid-weight frame, with gorgeous length and
a refined, subtle mousse. This impeccable, elegant wine shows terrific
overall balance as well as a magical complexity. I loved it. Andre Clouet is
based in Bouzy, a village where Pinot Noir speaks with great eloquence,
as is evident in these superb, pedigreed Champagnes” ~ Robert Parker
WINE NAME ANDRE CLOUET Rose NV
REGION
Champagne, Bouzy and Ambonnay.
VINTAGE
NV
VARIETY
100% Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH Fresh Crayfish glazed with champagne, sabayon and
caviar pearls on a leek puree ; Fresh oysters and pistachio-crusted
scallops, with a side of seasonal fresh vegetables ; Spiced pumpkin
pancakes.
TASTING NOTE Beautifully fragrant, round rosé with fine bead and ripe,
full fruit flavors of Pinot Noir interwoven with drier, toasty complexity;
excellent deep colour; richly scented of strawberry, raspberry and
almonds. Exceptional.
WINE NAME
LA CHETEAU Cremant de Loire
REGION
Loire Valley, France
VINTAGE
NV
VARIETY
Chenin Blanc
FOOD MATCH Duck prosciutto; Goat cheese, seasonal veggies and
crispy garlic.
TASTING NOTE
Subtle aromas of lemon, strawberry and sandwich
bread on the nose. In the mouth it has a light and airy texture, tiny soft
bubbles and a clean dry finish. Lemon and lime on the forefront,
maraschino cherry and a mandarin finish. Refreshing and almost too
easy to drink!
WINE NAME CHATEAU POITEVIN Cru de Bourgeois
REGION
Medoc, France
VINTAGE
2011
VARIETY
55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
(age of vines – 25 years)
FOOD MATCH Steamed mussels with garlic toast; Sautéed bass with
lemongrass;
Pot-roasted lamb shank with cannellini beans; Steak frites
TASTING NOTE “Forward, ripe and harmonious nose with chocolate,
meat, leather, plum and oak.. Richly fruited and cedary palate with nice
power, ripe tannins and balance. Finishes beautifully”. Drink 2012-2017,
17/20, Ranked 9 out of 137 wines. Four Stars. ~ Decanter
“Firm tannins frame straightforward flavours of plum, tar and herbs in
this chewy red. Floral and mineral notes add interest. Offers lively
acidity, with a clean, fresh finish. Drink now through 2016” ~ Wine
Spectator
WINE NAME Yann Chave
REGION
Crozes Hermitage Rhone, France
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
100% Organic Syrah
FOOD MATCH Roasted pork and apple slaw burgers; Lamb shawarma or
gyros, Porcini herb crusted lamb; Roasted pheasant with season veggies
TASTING NOTE
Selected from 50-year-old vines grown in ancient soil
covered in pebbles this wine is dark and brooding in the glass with a
bright ruby colour and a violet hue.,. Attractive and inviting aromas of
blackberries, spices, tobacco leaf and smoked meat.. and is followed
with a pallet that is rich and soft with flavors of olive tapenade liquorice,
cherries and blood plums. This wine is beautiful now, but will reward
cellaring. JEB DUNNUCK, Parker's Wine Advocate
WINE NAME ESTEZARGUES Rive Droite Rive Gauche (Right Bank, Left
Bank)
REGION
Cote du Rhone, France
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mouvedre & Cinsault
FOOD MATCH Porcini herb crusted lamb; Roasted pheasant with season
veggies
TASTING NOTE
Beautifully perfumed and inviting, the nose shows
red/black cherry, plum spice and
floral characters. Its succulent and rounded on the palate with silky
texture and a lingering smooth finish. This wine never fails to satisfy and
is effortless drinking.
WINE NAME Les Vignerons Rose
REGION
Languedoc, France
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
Grenache & Merlot
FOOD MATCH
Smoked Salmon & Pasta with a side of broccoli;
Tuna Nicoise: Lobster Bisque: Roasted Pork Loins &
seasoned veggies.
TASTING NOTE This is pretty much my perfect bottle of rosé. It is a
delicate colour, pink but with an orange, onionskin hue. Strawberries,
southern French flowers & herbs such as thyme and a saltiness from
the near by sea, make for a glass that is dangerously easy to drink,
but will also hold your attention for the duration of the bottle.
WINE NAME Les Vignerons Vermentino
REGION
Languedoc, France
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
Colombard
FOOD MATCH Grilled Sardines with eggplant puree and tarragon
dressing; Thai chicken & a watermelon salad; Tuna Nicoise burgers.
TASTING NOTE The fresh, crisp, and floral nose and the palate with
the pleasant white flower and pear notes of Vermentino layered on
top of the fresh, Gascony-style Colombard fruit makes this wine very
easy-drinking.
WINE NAME DOMAINE DE BELLENE Savigny Les Beaune Blanc
REGION
Cote du Beaune
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
Chardonnay
FOOD MATCH Pasta with salmon caviar; Roasted turkey rolls; Lobster
and Udon noodles
TASTING NOTE
Medium lemon-gold in colour, that reveals zesty
white peach and biscuity lemon tart with a pink blossom lift. Satisfying
richness and a light leesey, creamy mouth feel is balanced with lipsmacking acidity.
WINE NAME DOMAINE DE BELLENE Saint Romain Blanc
REGION
Cote du Beaune
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Chardonnay
FOOD MATCH Herb marinated grilled sea bass & beans; Cauliflower &
crab ravioli, Roasted chicken and season veggies.
TASTING NOTE
A little smoky oak, then wonderfully intense aromas
of almonds, honey, ripe apples, acacia flowers and fresh peaches.
Mid yellow with a fresh, ripe, slightly banana nose. Lovely lemony
acidity behind, fresh and vibrant yet bouncing too, with enough flesh
on the bones. Fermented and matured in large barrels, with no lees
stirring to keep it crisp.
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer
WINE NAME DOMAINE DE BELLENE Cote de Nuits Village
REGION
Cote du Beaune
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH Roast duck with mulberry molasses; Grilled salmon with
teriyaki shiitake; Pasta with salmon caviar.
TASTING NOTE
“There is a marked floral element that ads a touch of
elegance to the red and dark berry aromas where there is enough earth
character to notice. The round medium-bodied flavours possess good
mid-palate concentration as well as solid length” ~ Burghound
“Good deep red. Black cherry and liquorice on the nose. Offers good
density for the appellation, and noteworthy cut and verve to the juicy
flavours of black fruits, liquorice
and spices.” ~ Stephen Tanzer
This wine needs time is the glass open up, or time in the cellar to show
its true beauty.
WINE NAME DOMAINE DE BELLENE Roche de Bellene Bourgogne
Rouge
REGION
Cote du Beaune
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH Roast duck with mulberry molasses; Grilled salmon with
teriyaki shiitake
TASTING NOTE The 2012 Bourgogne Rouge shows the concentrated
fruit of the vintage. Lively bright red cherry and raspberry notes,
brimming with energy, supported by some darker fruit to deliver a
complete range of flavours on the palate. The juicy fruit and fresh acidity
makes this a perfect partner for lamb, chicken or turkey dishes.
WINE NAME DOMAINE DE BELLENE Roche de Bellene Bourgogne
Blanc
REGION
Cote du Beaune
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
Chardonnay
FOOD MATCH Roast duck with mulberry molasses; Grilled salmon with
teriyaki shiitake
“There is a marked floral element that ads a touch of elegance to the red
and dark berry aromas where there is enough earth character to notice.
The round medium-bodied
flavours possess good mid-palate concentration as well as solid length” ~
Burghound
WINE NAME Gerard Raphet Gevrey Chambertin
REGION
Cote du Nuit
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH Roast Chicken with garlic, glazed parsnips & carrots; Wild
Mushroom Risotto; Goats cheese & grilled asparagus.
TASTING NOTE A more complex and more deeply pitched nose of
both red and blue pinot fruit is trimmed in touches of earth and soft
wood. There is good verve to the round and very supple barely middle
weight flavors that possess good balance and fine grained tannins if
somewhat limited depth. BURGHOUND
WINE NAME DOMAINE DE LA POULTIERE Tuffo Vouvray Sec
REGION
Loire, France
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Chenin Blanc
FOOD MATCH Grilled Roquefort and caramelized onion sandwich; Asian
marinated skirt steak and green vegies; Smoked salmon pasta with
parsley and butter.
TASTING NOTE
“Sec is the dry variety due to its natural floral,
honeyed flavour profile.
Aromas of lemon pith, pear skin, quince and yellow flowers vie for
attention while a steady note of limestone minerality adds a really
interesting earthy backbeat. The cuvee name “Tuffo” is a direct
reference to the limestone base of the vineyard. On the palate the wine
is beautifully weighted presenting both good vibrancy as well as being
nicely textural showing flavours of nectarine and apricot nectar. Like all
the best Vouvray, the key here is balancing the acidity, sugar (7g/l) and
fruit and this wine ticks that box emphatically. Ahh Chenin Blanc... if only
it all could be this good.” ~ Michael M, PWS
WINE NAME
REGION
VINTAGE
VARIETY
Il Posto Prosecco
Veneto, Italy
NV
Glera
FOOD MATCH
Spiced pumpkin pancakes; Pea soup with Foie Gras.
TASTING NOTE Il Posto Prosecco is a sparkling wine made in the extra
dry style, with a long-lingering cascade of pinpoint bubbles that create a
rich, lively mousse in the glass. Rich, seductive bouquet followed by an
appealing velvety smooth and crisp palate, impeccably balanced and
tremendously satisfying. Astounding value and overflows with class and
finesse
WINE NAME MATTEO CORREGGIA Roero Arneis
REGION
Piedmonte, Italy
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
100% Arneis
FOOD MATCH Veal with tuna and anchovy mayo; Risotto with asparagus;
Garlic prawns
TASTING NOTE
A clear, almost straw coloured wine with expressive
aromas of fresh floral citrus and melon. This palate is bright and fresh,
with captivating texture and richness showing green apples, pears and
melons, all supported with tight acid. Fresh and clean, while at the same
time textured and rich makes this wine unique and capable of handling
difficult to match foods.
WINE NAME MATTEO CORREGGIA Roero Nebbiolo
REGION
Piedmonte, Italy
VINTAGE
2011
VARIETY
Nebbiolo
FOOD MATCH Butternut squash risotto; Osso buco; Salt-crusted prime
rib roast
TASTING NOTE
There is liquorice, prunes, forest fruit and truffles on
the palate lovingly supported by
beautifully integrated tannins and soft acidity. A great food wine. Will
reward decanting and medium to long term cellaring.
WINE NAME Querciabella Mongrana
REGION
Maremma Toscana IGT Panzano
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
(50%); Merlot (25%); Cabernet Sauvignon (25%)
FOOD MATCH Various salumi and preserved meats, stewed white
beans, mushrooms, and big hunks of blood-rare Chianina
TASTING NOTE Mongrana is a soft, silky red to drink now and over
the next few years. Bright red fruit, flowers and sweet spices flesh out
on the voluptuous, racy finish. ANTONIO GALLONI
A juicy, smooth-but-serious blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon”
Oz Clark
Pocket Wine Book 2014
WINE NAME Querciabella Chianti Classico
REGION
Chianti, from the communes of Greve, Gaiole, Radda and
Panzano
VINTAGE
2011
VARIETY
Sangiovese (95%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%).
FOOD MATCH Panuto or fettunta bruschetta; Frascatelli cabonara;
Florentine Steak
TASTING NOTE
This wine has a deep ruby red colour and an open
fruity bouquet layered with fragrances of cherries, wild berry and spices.
The palate has lush black- and blueberry flavours, mouth filling ripeness
and beautifully integrated oak. Velvet tannins give the wine complexity
and breath-taking length. Will reward decanting and medium to long
term cellaring.
WINE NAME BODEGAS MONTEABELLÓN Avaniel
REGION
Ribera Del Duero, Spain
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
Tempranillo - 100% unwooded
FOOD MATCH Veal casserole; Roasted vegetable pizza; Lamb and
rosemary risotto
TASTING NOTE - Avaniel comes from the younger vineyards of this
estate and is made with no oak and bottled early to capture the
freshness and intensity of Ribera del Duero’s red wine style. This is an
abundantly fruity, blackberry-driven wine, guaranteed to please.
WINE NAME COTO REDONDO Robalino
REGION
Rias Baixas, Spain
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Albarino
FOOD MATCH Roasted garlic, onion, potatoes and mushrooms;; sushi
and/or sashimi; Chinese egg rolls or crab linguini with fennel and basil.
TASTING NOTE
“Light bright gold, aromas of pear skin, melon and
chalky mineral. Dry and precise showing good lift to its juicy citrus and
orchid fruit flavors. Finishes dry and long, with good focus and persistent
mineral character.” Stephen Tanzer.
WINE NAME BODEGAS CANOPY ‘Castillo de Belarfonso’ Garnacha
REGION
D.O Mentride
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Garnacha
FOOD MATCH Roast venison, oxtail soup, grilled sardines or gazpacho.
TASTING NOTE
Deeply coloured and brooding, full of brambly fruit
such as blackberry and plums, along with notes of black pepper,
cinnamon and earth. Gutsy and great value.
WINE NAME FERNANDEZ y ARCAYA ‘Aga’ Rose Garnacha
REGION
Navarra, Spain
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Garnacha
FOOD MATCH Grilled whiting with lemon and oregano, seared
scallops, goat’s cheese, pork belly terrine, or fish curry.
TASTING NOTE Colours of crimson and ruby, aromas of strawberries,
raspberries, nutty cherries and herbs, On the pallet it’s textured,
juicy, and medium-bodied, yet fresh and lively with terrific acid,
which balances it all out beautifully. Flavors of cherries, nuts,
watermelon and herbs
WINE NAME Jane Eyre
REGION
Mornington Peninsular, Victoria
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH
Veal with sage and prosciutto, Polish black
pudding, partridge
TASTING NOTE - 900 bottles made. The fruit was sourced from
Merricks. The vines are on average 20 years old grown on a mix of
red and brown soils. The winemaking was very straightforward.
Handpicked and sorted, 100% destemmed followed by a gentle
fermentation. No new oak, fining or filtration. Bottled February 2015.
Plum and coco notes. Impressive floral aromas very silly with a long
finish
WINE NAME Jane Eyre
REGION
Gippsland Victoria
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH
Pheasant casserole, Polish Borsch
TASTING NOTE The vineyard is located in Berry's Creek Gippsland,
which was planted in 1998. The soils are red volcanic clay loam.
Handpicked and sorted. 100% destemmed. Very gently handled
pumped down or punched down once a day during fermentation. No
new oak. No fining or filtration. Bottled February 2015. JANE EYRE
WINE NAME THE CHARACTER SERIES The Opportunist
REGION
Limestone Coast, South Australia
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
Shiraz
FOOD MATCH Olive crusted lamb with a bean stew, grilled bison with
black rice and shiso-plum compote,
TASTING NOTE Medium red-purple..rounded mouth feel and a
supple, seductive array of red and black fruits, tannins and oak in subtle
support; balance and length are features.
WINE NAME THE CHARACTER SERIES The Exhibitionist
REGION
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
100% Merlot
FOOD MATCH Beef Bourguignon, Caesar salad with meatballs, Beef
Tenderloin with roasted shallots, Chilli tuna fettuccine.
TASTING NOTE
Lifted red fruits aromas, easy tannins and great
structure for this price. Earthy flavors like tobacco and tar with a lovely
soft finish.
WINE NAME THE CHARACTER SERIES The Courtesan
REGION
Clare Valley South Australia
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
Riesling
FOOD MATCH Braised Rabbit with mustard and summer savoy, olive
oil-poached salmon and fresh horseradish, fish tacos with crispy picked
Jalapenos
TASTING NOTE Extravagantly perfumed and fragrant aromas of lemon
and lime zest followed by zippy flavors of kaffir lime leaf, citrus and
layers of crisp acid and minerality. A fine, long and beautifully balanced
finish.
WINE NAME THE CHARACTER SERIES The Pugilist
REGION
Langhorne Creek, South Australia
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
FOOD MATCH Beef Stir-Fry with fresh pickled ginger, Roasted chicken
with port and figs, Red mullet bouillabaisse
TASTING NOTE
Subtle blueberry and blackcurrant aromas. On the
palate, this wine is succulent, well balanced with flavours of cedar hints
of cardamom, tobacco and liquorice spice.
WINE NAME Thistledown The Cunning Plan
REGION
Langhorne Creek
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Shiraz
FOOD MATCH Ox Check stew with chillies and seasoned vegetable;
Carpaccio of venison with Foie Gras, parsnip and date mousse; Lamb
Shawarma with cloves, mint and grilled eggplant.
TASTING NOTE 10 months maturing in 300 litre French barrels prior
to bottling… the resulting wine has aromas of blueberries and spice,
followed by a succulent pallet, which is bursting with fruit, has great
depth and wonderful purity and that characteristic Langhorne Creek
plush, lush black fruits and earthy quality. Delicious
WINE NAME Thistledown The Great Escape
REGION
Adelaide Hills
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Chardonnay
FOOD MATCH
Marinated Whiting with braised baby fennel; WineBaked Chicken Legs with Marjoram; Roasted chicken Caesar wrap
with Parmesan, lemon juice and mustard dressing.
TASTING NOTE Beautiful aromas of orange blossom, lemon peel, and
nectarine are followed by flavours that are rich and juicy, but with a
very fine structure and clean, fresh acidity. The real stand out here is
the texture, complexity and mouth-feel, which create so much
pleasure. Such an impressive wine, and with the potential to evolve
in the bottle for a few years as well.
WINE NAME Thistledown The Thorny Devil
REGION
McLaren Vale
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Grenache
FOOD MATCH Roasted squab, black olives, garlic and feta cheese and
a side of green beans; Grilled sardines and vegetable chips; Trout
risotto with mascarpone cheese, lemon and chives.
TASTING NOTE This wine is single Vineyard, old Vine and dry Grown,
which is astounding, considering its price.. Highlights include the
almost endless perfumed aromas that seem to change throughout the
glass. The pallet has fruit purity and finesse that are reminiscent of
pinot noir…. tremendously satisfying and incredible value.
WINE NAME Thistledown Vagabond
REGION
McLaren Vale
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Grenache
FOOD MATCH Lamb Cutlets with roast season veggies; Grilled
sausage & onion Panini; Stuffed mushrooms with pancetta, shallots
and sage.
TASTING NOTE Aromas give impressions is of lightness, lift and
purity with hints of dried citrus, spice and cherry. The palate is plush
and opens with bright pure fresh fruit and spices, with a lovely long
finish. Will please any Grenache lover, and will reward patience, but
so good now.. can it last?
WINE NAME Thistledown The Basket Case
REGION
Barossa Valley
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
Shiraz
FOOD MATCH Barbequed veal and mushroom pie; Braised lamb
shanks; Szechwan Chilli chicken.
TASTING NOTE 60-year-old bush vines, strikingly brilliant colour,
herbaceous and peppery nose, this is a wine that is multi-layered,
textural with subtle dark crunchy fruit. Structured without being
monolithic, great concentration, tight, perfumed, and effortlessly
drinkable.
WINE NAME Mr Smith Shiraz
REGION
McLaren Vale, South Australia
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
100% Shiraz
FOOD MATCH Chargrilled kangaroo steak; Asian spare ribs; Spicy penne
marinara;
TASTING NOTE
Colours of violet red and deep purple suggest variety
and region. The nose of ripe berries, peppercorns and dark chocolates
confirm. The palate presents a comforting mouth feel that is floral and
rich with bright blackberry blood plums, and black peppers.
WINE NAME Little Black Stone Pinot Noir
REGION
Marlborough, New Zealand
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH
Italian mushroom risotto, Roasted quail with foie gras
sauce, guinea fowl sprinkled with black truffle.
TASTING NOTE
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of
cranberry and cherry fruit. In the mouth earthy cherry and black
raspberry fruit builds into more complex black tea, earth and forest floor
notes as supple powdery tannins wrap around the edges of the mouth.
Phenomenal acidity and incredible purity through a very, very long
finish.
WINE NAME
REGION
Waihopai
Marlborough, NZ
VINTAGE
2014
VARIETY
Pinot Grigio
FOOD MATCH
Oven baked salmon and olives; Cucumber,
grapefruit and crab salad; Grilled squid and Ligurian pesto.
TASTING NOTE Lovely lifted aromas of almonds and honey. To
taste, its wonderful dry and refreshing, with brilliant acidity, a bitter
almond note and lime, green apples, and lemons. Wow.
WINE NAME Ant Moore Pinot Gris
REGION
Marlborough, New Zealand
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
100% Pinot Gris
FOOD MATCH Baked pork with chilli; Zucchini pasta with feta; Mussels in
pinot gris sauce
TASTING NOTE
The colour is pale straw with bright rose hues, floral
aromas of pear and stone fruit, nectarine and peach. The palate is
layered with fruit salad characters and a fresh clean dry finish. Its charm
lies in that it is soft and refreshing at the same time.
WINE NAME Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc
REGIONLUC Marlborough, New Zealand
VINTAGE
2013
VARIETY
100% Sauvignon Blanc
FOOD MATCH Prawn and rocket pasta; Vegetable frittata; Rockmelon
and prosciutto
TASTING NOTE
Colours of pale gold with bright green are so inviting.
Intense aromas jump out of the glass showing an array of fruits including
citrus and passionfruit. The palate delivers flavours of melon, guava,
lemon, peach and passionfruit with breath-taking freshness, tight acid
and a long clean finish. This wine is remarkably complex due to expert
handling.
WINE NAME Ant Moore Pinot Noir
REGION
Central Otago, New Zealand
VINTAGE
2012
VARIETY
100% Pinot Noir
FOOD MATCH Ricotta and veal stuffed tomatoes; Spiced lamb with
rosemary
TASTING NOTE
Colour of cherry ripe red. The nose shows raspberries
and blackberries at first, then some earthy tones and forest floor. The
palate is made up of raspberries, cherries and some game flavour with
smooth tannins. Finishing with a hint of integrated oak. “ a world class
ballerina with a stiff left hook”
NAME
Barrel.
Glendalough Irish Whiskey Single Grain Double
REGION
Glendalough (The Glen of Two Lakes)
MATURING
American Bourbon and Sherry casks.
VARIETY
Made from 100% malted Irish barley
AROMA
Is slight but undoubtedly rich with dark fruit; cherry,
raisin, fig (with Christmas pudding notes on the nose for those lucky
enough to know what that is) along with floral lemongrass and a
touch of nutmeg.
TASTE Is sweet and creamy on the palate, with butterscotch,
honey and peppercorn bringing along sweet Bourbon Cask notes
with dried fruit returning through notes of maraschino cherries and a
pinch of brown sugar.
FINISH Has lingering notes of ginger spices with a faint
glimmer of almond to end a complex Irish Whiskey from start to
finish.
FURTHER INFORMATION - This single grain will blast the cobwebs
off the Irish whiskey category. A new and unique style of light and
floral whiskey distilled in a Coffey still (like whiskey, another great
Irish invention!) from a mash bill of Irish malted barley and corn. It
spends three and a half years in American oak first-fill Bourbon
barrels before being finished for six months in Spanish Oloroso
sherry casks. The Bourbon barrels impart deep, robust chocolate and
caramel notes, while the Oloroso casks lighten the palate with fruitier
notes and touches of nutty tones. With both barrels being oak, you
get that beautiful vanilla thread you’d expect to run through an Irish
whiskey. Both barrels are porous too, allowing Ireland’s temperate,
maritime air through to make its impression.
NAME
years.
Glendalough Irish Whiskey Single Malt Aged 7
REGION
Glendalough (The Glen of Two Lakes)
MATURING
7 years in first fill American Bourbon casks.
VARIETY
Made from 100% malted Irish barley
AROMA
Is rich and sweet, a premium single malt Irish
whiskey with a touch of cinnamon and more than a hint of citrus
fruits - orange zest, lemon infused with vanilla ice cream. Touches of
fresh floral notes like meadow flowers.
TASTE A silky velvety smooth palate with the returning
orange zest tones to the fore, with rich crème brulee and dark
chocolate notes and just enough cinnamon and white pepper spice to
keep it interesting, followed by the beautiful robust malt and oak
influenced flavours, almost butterscotch, which mix wonderfully as
the warmth expands through.
FINISH Is luxurious and lingering, the spicy, sweet notes
elegantly marry on the finish and stay an eternity. Everything you’d
expect from the perfect sipping whiskey.
FURTHER INFORMATION - The 7 seas bridge 7 continents that
some say were made in 7 days. Even the light we see them in splits
into 7. It’s the world’s favorite number and some say, a lucky one. But
that’s not why we’ve released the first of our single malts as a 7 year
old. Here at the Glendalough Distillery, we’re not superstitious; we
find it brings bad luck.
As ever it’s all about the man on our bottle, St Kevin. Before he built
his “City of 7 Churches” at Glendalough, Kevin spent 7 savage years in
the wilderness. You see the number 7 has always been associated
with the seekers, the thinkers and the searchers of truth. St Kevin
was all of these and more.
He lived off the land around the upper lake, completely at one with
nature, he was the kind of outdoorsman that’d put some of today’s
action-men to shame. Tested through 7 sharp winters and inspired
by the blush of 7 summers, it shaped him to be the man we revere.
This whiskey was made in the traditional style its character shaped
by 7 years.
Have a look on our bottle; you’ll see 7 silver crosses. These will lead
you to each of the 7 churches, should you ever be stirred into going to
Glendalough.
NAME
years
Glendalough Irish Whiskey Single Malt Aged 13
REGION
Glendalough (The Glen of Two Lakes)
MATURING
13 years in first fill American Bourbon casks.
VARIETY
Made from 100% malted Irish barley
AROMA
Is deep butterscotch, honeycomb and rich lemon
meringue balanced with citrus fruits and just a hint of a clove spice.
TASTE Jumps to the front with an intense vanilla fudge
luxurious sweetness and almost rock candy mixed with touches of
fruit - lemon citrus, peach and dried apricot.
This is followed by deep spices; red peppercorn and light cloves. A
truly velvety mouth feel that just hovers on the palate.
FINISH The spice is left lingering with under-layers of robust
malt characteristics and deep oak notes. And again vanilla fudge
reoccurs with a finish that lasts an eternity.
FURTHER INFORMATION - While we’re talking numbers and lucky
numbers... Did you know 13 is Ireland’s luckiest number? For us it
means a glimpse at Ireland’s heroic age, a new golden age and a
perfect age for an Irish single malt whiskey. This very special
whiskey herald’s a second coming of Irish single malt that’s been a
long time coming. After almost a century of blends defining Irish
whisky, Glendalough brings you a 13-year-old single malt that has
put in the hard yards. The style of whiskey that first made Irish
whiskey great. The style of whiskey your great granddad drank… and
a stylish whiskey whose time to be great is once again. It comes to
you with hints of spice, creamy vanilla, biscuity malts, and that
unmistakable clout of dedication that embodies the outstanding
spirit of Ireland.
Glendalough Poitin – The original Irish Spirit.
Glendalough White Label
Glendalough Sherry cask
Glendalough Mountain Strength
Before there was whiskey, there was poitín. Poitín was the origin of
the species, the original “water of life”. It’s Ireland’s gift to the world,
one of the first spirits ever to be distilled.
Earliest records from 584AD show that Irish monastic settlements,
like Glendalough, were the birthplace of distilling in Ireland. Poitín
was first made with expertise and reverence by Irish monks, like St.
Kevin. They were the master distillers of their time, and the only
distillers of their time. The knowledge just didn’t exist outside of the
monasteries.
Over fourteen centuries ago, Ireland was a wild and primitive place
and distilling was alchemy. Kings from across Europe would write to
Irish monks asking for a batch of the good stuff.
Eventually knowledge spread throughout the land about how to
make this mysterious “uisce beatha”. Every area had their renowned
makers and it thrived for a thousand years or so.
Traditionally made from malted barley, sugar beet and
potatoes. Distilled with expertise, reverence and craft, distiller’s
reputations were made or broken on the quality of their spirit, using
various styles and methods.
In 1661 it was outlawed by King Charles. This forced poitín into the
wilderness, where it enjoyed an illicit romanticism. Remote glens
where the winds swept through, broke up the smoke from the peat
fires, and kept prying eyes, and the law, away.
Over the next few hundred years it lived in whispered infamy
between chancers, bowsies and devils. Amongst winks, nods and
backhanders. Until now. Glendalough heralds a renaissance in poitín
distilling and brings it back towards its rightful place as an expertly
crafted spirit with a long shadow and a unique history.
THE NOSE
Slight in nature and might fool you. If you didn’t know better you
might sense a faint Riesling fragrance, no less. Oak, berried fruit,
gooseberries and blackcurrants are in there. Our Mountain Strength
holds true with that extra headiness of the high alcohol. Where as a
slight zest of orange and blueberry sweetness comes through in the
Sherry Cask Finish.
THE TASTE
Creamy and mellow in the mouth and hangs on the tongue with a
trace of lychees. There are hints of black, cracked pepper, especially
so in the Mountain Strength. Some dried fruits show up in all three
poitíns, with dried apricots featuring in the Sherry Cask Finish.
Touches of vanilla and toasty oak throughout also. A very full
flavored poitín that goes down nicely.
THE FINISH
A good length of finish, it’s lingering and warming and sweet, if
slightly salty. Wait for a comforting, spicy tail, even spicier in the
Mountain Strength, along with dried fruit and berry notes throughout
the range, but even more so with the Sherry Cask Finish that also
holds more vanilla from the extra time with the oak.
Glendalough is rich with history and taste. It’s a smooth but complex
poitín, matured in virgin, Irish oak with tastes of malted barley.
It’s grand with a mixer, cut it with soda water and a wedge of lime.
Neat is best, if you’ve got the bottle. Also a traditional rub for aches
and pains. Here are a few other suggestions.
Sip it
For us, we like it with just a bit of ice. Smooth from virgin oak aging
and with a robust flavour profile, Glendalough is a good sipping
poitín, which is a very rare thing. Pour it over ice, kick back and it’ll
sure cure what ails you.
Shoot it
Traditionally the “rare oul stuff” was drunk neat, out of any kind of
jar. Normally amongst good friends who were up to no good. Great as
a shot, with just the right kick.
Mix it
If you’ve a bit of a thirst on you, Glendalough goes well with most
mixers – making the type of long drinks that’d put out a war, or cross
a continent. We like it with soda, lemonade, cola {“pot&coke”} or
ginger, all with a squeeze of a lime wedge – you need your vitamins.
Cocktails
Don’t be afraid to shake things up. Flavours like apple, ginger, and
cinnamon, even butterscotch really bring out the sweet, oaky tones.
The oldest drink in the world is back in the mix.