Wines included in this case are:
‘JCB No. 21’ Crémant de Bourgogne Brut
Burgundy, France (40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 20% Gamay, 5% Aligoté)
On the nose: Pale and vibrant in colour, boasting aromas of citrus fruits, almonds and white flowers
On the palate: Refreshing and lifted acidity, coupled with a lovely, rich texture from the lees ageing
Enjoy with: Smoked Salmon, Canapés or as an aperitif
Devaux, Cuvée D, Aged 5 years NV
Côte des Bar, Champagne, France (55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay)
On the nose: The Cuvée D is rich and intense, with lively acidity bringing balance, freshness and minerality
On the palate: Fresh fruits, balance and freshness provided by a surge of citrussy acidity on the finish. The Pinot Noir gives body and length to the wine, while the Chardonnay adds elegance and finesse
Enjoy with: Croissants, Christmas morning pastries; Oysters, Salmon and other seafood, Canapés or as an aperitif
Pieropan, Soave Classico
Soave, Veneto, Italy (85% Garganega, 15% Trebbiano)
On the nose: Brilliant straw yellow in colour, with greenish hints. Aromas of white flowers, almond blossoms, marzipan and a touch of citrus
On the palate: Rounded with flavours of ripe fruit perfectly balanced by a fresh, clean acidity. Long and fragrant, it has a note of fine, almond pastry on the finish
Enjoy with: Seafood, Turkey and other white meats. Aged hard cheeses
Domaine Laroche, Chablis ‘St Martin’
Chablis, Burgundy, France (100% Chardonnay)
On the nose: Pale gold in colour with intense freshness typical of the area, with ripe white fruit and white blossom aromas
On the palate: Its’ minerality gives a lingering finish and a wonderfully distinct character
Enjoy with: Oysters & other seafood, Turkey & other white meats. Comte cheese
Domaine La Soufrandise, Pouilly-Fuissé ‘Clos Marie’
Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy, France (100% Chardonnay)
On the nose: Concentrated aromas of tropical fruits and white flowers, with more subtle nuances of honeysuckle
On the palate: Finesse and freshness with flavours of crisp apple and stone fruit complemented by a vibrant acidity on the finish
Enjoy with: Turkey & other white meat. Dishes with a cream sauce
Bodegas LAN, Rioja Reserva
Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain (95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo)
On the nose: Intense garnet in colour with aromas of juicy strawberries, cherries and blackberries married with notes of vanilla and spices from oak ageing and earthy hints from bottle age
On the palate: Exceptionally well-structured, with velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity which carries the complex flavours onto the lingering finish
Enjoy with: Turkey and other white meat. Game. Red meat. Soft and hard cheeses
Alpha Zeta, ‘A’ Amarone della Valpolicella
Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy (85% Corvina, 15% Rondinella/Corvinone)
On the nose: This Amarone is deep and intense on the nose with aromas of dried cherries, plums, spiced autumn fruit compote and chocolate
On the palate: Powerful with a lovely balance of ripe, silky tannins and a spiced, concentrated savoury cherry fruit character. A touch of woodsmoke completes the long finish. Delicious!
Enjoy with: Turkey. Game. Red Meat. Dishes with rich sauces. Soft and hard cheeses. Chocolate
Château de Vaudieu, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France (88% Grenache, 12% Syrah)
On the nose: Deep ruby red in colour with concentrated aromas of red cherry and cocoa bean, with hints of white pepper, wild herbs and graphite
On the palate: Full bodied and intense with ripe, but structured tannins and a long, lingering finish
Enjoy with: Turkey. Game. Red meat. Gammon. Soft and hard cheeses
Jean-Claude Boisset, Bourgogne Pinot Noir ‘Les Ursulines’
Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France (100% Pinot Noir)
On the nose: This wine has a beautiful, bright, clear ruby colour and a very elegant bouquet with intense aromas of fresh red fruits, a light woodiness and hints of blackcurrant buds
On the palate: A great acidity with very silky tannins and a long, luxurious finish
Enjoy with: Turkey and other white meat. Gammon. Game. Smoked dishes. Rich soft cheeses
Franz Haas, Pinot Nero
Alto-Adige, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy (100% Pinot Noir)
On the nose: Ruby red in colour with notes of black cherries, raspberries, marzipan, plum jam, cloves and cinnamon, ending finally with some light earthy aromas
On the palate: this wine is fresh and lively with elegant tannins
Enjoy with: Turkey and other white meat. Gammon. Game. Smoked dishes. Rich soft cheeses
Château Laville, Sauternes
Sauternes, Bordeaux, France (90% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc)
On the nose: A bright, golden wine that opens with intense aromas of fresh citrus notes and hints of candied fruits
On the palate: Rich and layered, it is expressive with orange blossom, dried figs and sweet spices. The finish is remarkably fresh and long
Enjoy with: Pate. Terrines. Blue cheese. Soft cheeses. Fruit based desserts
Sandeman, 10-Year-Old Tawny Port
Douro, Portugal (Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional)
On the nose: Reddish tawny in colour. Aromas of mellow red fruits combine with notes of raisins, roasted nuts, caramel and vanilla
On the palate: the sweetness is well balanced by a refreshing acidity which carries the complex flavours onto the lingering finish
Enjoy with: Christmas pudding. Mince pies. Christmas cake. Chocolate. All cheeses. Nuts
