Although 2011 has still to run its course and there are no doubt more wines to try, the taste sensations so far are firmly imprinted on my mind and linger still on the palate.
The prize for most outstanding "moment in a glass" goes to French champagne, specifically Champagne Mumm Cuvee R. Lalou Vintage 1999.
I first tasted it in May and had the opportunity to try it again recently. My initial ravings were confirmed - possibly the most exquisite champagne I've ever encountered. The first vintage ever available in this country, it's a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir and is the super premium champagne of the House of Mumm, which is made only in exceptional vintages. A genuine taste sensation.
While our friends across the Tasman do not seem to be bombarding us with the usual volumes of mid-to-premium range wines, those that do find their way to our shores are, as usual, mighty fine. None more so than the 2007 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz. One-sixth the price of its flash Harry cousin, The Grange, it nevertheless screams the class, elegance and power that we've come to associate with South Australian shiraz. At $90 for a bottle of red wine, the price is up there - but so is the quality.
As for our own reds, it has been a great year. Dealing with non-pinot noir grapes first, special mention must go to the 2006 Gillman Matakana Bordeaux-style red. This is a tiny production and hard to track down but worth the effort especially for fans of cabernet franc.
