Laurent Perrier Rose NV - 100% pinot, exceptionally clear and bright, colour of light rasperry with golden highlights. Aromas of red fruits - strawberries, gooseberries. I prefer the flavours here over Billecart Rose, but the Billecart is probably more ‘refined’. Matched wonderfully with smoked salmon, creme fraiche, chervil and salmon roe. Very good.
2002 Kumeu River Chardonnay (near Auckland, NZ) - Golden colour (I was worried at first). For about $40 this chardonnay comes closer to a Puligny-Montrachet than anything I’ve tasted at this price point. White peaches and nutty butter. Well structured with a good finish. Won’t last more than another year or two. I’m looking forward to trying the single vinyard “Mate’s”. Try it with grilled marron. Excellent.
1999 Irvine Grand Merlot (Eden Valley, SA) - Decanted for four hours. Black cherries, plum, a hint of truffle, tobacco and spice. Silky tannins and a long, smooth finish. Try it with slow roasted lamb and braised witlof. Excellent.
Seppelt Rare Tokay (Rutherglen, Vic) - toffee, raisins, honey. Rich and luscious. This stuff is so good. Hedonistic and exceptionally dangerous. It was a surprising success with aged goats cheese and rocket salad. Excellent.
2001 Chateau Guiraud (Sauternes, Fr) - Flavours of citrus, and summer fruits. Amazing intensity of flavour to match the aroma - creamy, fruity. Exceptionally long and refreshing finish. Perfect sweetness and balance. Try it with rum savarins with strawberries and creme chantilly. Exceptional.
Ratings: below par, acceptable, good, very good, excellent, exceptional. Ratings generally increase as the day goes on for no particular reason