Liquors & Lace  Musings on fine wine & spirits.  Little notes on beautiful things.  Stylish picks and high-fashion loves.

Wine & Spirit Notes:  Tastings Galore

Shiny Riedel glasses.  Open bottles lined up, labels stained with violet to burgundy streaks.  A low murmur of thoughtful chatter.

Over the past few months I have migrated from Leeds to London, taking up an Assistant Sommelier position and immersing myself fully within the wine industry.  One thing that Leeds always seemed to lack but London is certainly not short of, is wine tastings.  They have been frequent since I moved here, ranging in quality and excitement.  The Natural Wine Fair had even the most seasoned industry professionals intrigued while there were such gems to be found at the Big Fortified Tasting, once again proving that sherry needn’t be slapped with the “old ladies drink” label.

Seeing as Liquors & Lace has been somewhat neglected in my transition period, I will be digging out my tasting notes from the various events I’ve attended, posting the pick of the bunch on here.

And so, one to get the ball rolling…

Chateau Cambon, Beaujolais 2009:  Fresh redcurrant nose overlaid with some pungent, dried berry notes, slightly smoky, charred and gamey.  Raspberries and cranberries on the palate carry through freshness from the nose, with tart acidity adding to its charm.  Light and juicy with lovely, subtle flavours on the length.  Biodynamic and using wild yeasts, it’s not a commercial style of Beaujolais, with much more rusticity than you’d expect, but a thrilling little drop if you look beyond appellation typicity.

From a Beaujolais Masterclass, hosted by Master Sommelier, Gearoid Devaney, for Imbibe.

(Photo taken with iPhone & instagram)