Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and footie

The 2008, 2009 and 2010 of the Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay were tested during the Arsenal-Barcelona game last week.

The 2008 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc had a delicious tropical fragrance of fresh passionfruit and pineapples. The palate was long and succulent, combining exotic fruits with a natural acidity (maybe a bit "warm"). As it turned out the 2008 vintage was very warm with a perfect hot summer and harvest conditions. Barcelona 1-0.

The 2009 vintage was more crispy, zingy and zesty with more minerality. The palate juicy with taste of citrus/lime and a lively crispy acidity. Perfect example. 2009 was in fact quite a cool year in Marlborough with more rain than usual. Arsenal 1-1.

The 2010 was like a mix of the two but with a heavier texture. Apparantly slightly barrel fermentation was applied. Notes of passionfruit and more grapefruit with a creamy finish. Lovely stuff too. 2010 had a very warm start with some rain during the harvest. Arsenal 2-1.

We are looking forward to the 2011 and the return match! In the meantime I would drink the 2009...Bad summers in Marlborough are good news it seems....

Comments

Bordeaux- Le prelat du Ch. Pape Clement 2004

This is one of two second wines of the famous and expensive Ch. Pape Clement in Graves. Although young, 2004, this wine drinks really well already if you put it on carafe a couple of hours before consumption. Dark red colour, with a very attractive smell of blueberries and dark berries, its a full bodied wine with firm but nice tannins that goes best with some food. 2004 although not the best of vintages, keep surprising me with good drinkable wines at affordable prices, because from 2005 and onwards there is a big step up in prices.... Grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon 60% and Merlot 40% Price around 20€ P+

Wine # 2 Blindtasting Ganddal

Deep dark purple colour. Dark berries, cherries and mint chocolate. Full bodied with soft tannins. Reminds me of an Amarone.. A very nice wine indeed. Panel is way out as it is from the Rhone valley. Gigondas 2009 by Guigal Score 17.60 Ca 20€ or 220 NOK

Ogier Chateauneuf du Pape 2010

This is a quite reasonable Chateauneuf du Pape (ca 200 NOK or 15€). The colour is medium ruby color which was a bit surprising. Nose of ripe black cherries and liquerice with a medium + body and finish with firm tannins. The wine can be drunk now but has definitely the potential for ageing (5-10 years). Chateauneuf du Pape 2010, Ogier Bring out the steak!

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