I would deffo try it first MM, a six year old Crianza from a lesser Producer would be on its way down by now.

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Yep, Im still here.

GK,

Will try this weekend hopefully. Can always make a nice sauce though !!

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He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

No idea if the wiine is good or not but the Co-Op have a Yalumba Pinot Noir in a really stunning looking black bottle reduced to £9. They have a Champagne reduced to the same.

I resisted the St Hallet riesling at £4. Twas just too light. Cannot see it ageing like a Clare Valley or Great Southern.

Goose,

I picked up the last three bottles this morning for er indoors !!

Charles Orban Carte Noire NV Champagne - £9

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He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

http://www.yalumba.com/vintage.asp?p=15 ... 229&v=1733

Tis not a Pinot but a grenache blend. I would have bought a few as gifts if only I knew if the wines were good.

Bottle looks very dark and moody....just lke Ba when Bristol City are at home.

Goose,

Many thanks !! I should explore the internet more.
Info on the Shiraz-V 2006 below.

A combination of small (8 tonne) and large (30 tonne) fermenters have been used with a fermentation cycle of 8 to 12 days. Select parcels were fermented with a percentage of Viognier grapes, whilst other parcels were fermented with Viognier juice. This has produced a soft and stylish wine showing subtle Viognier aromatics combined with the medium weight and structure of Shiraz.

This wine is deep purpley red in colour, displaying an aroma of sweet fragrant plums and bright red-berried fruits along with a fine cedar tone and just the subtle floral notes of Viognier. A medium to full bodied wine, showing red fruits, fine spices, cloves and peppers. The 2006 is rich, but not an overpowering Shiraz with the subtle sweet textures of Viognier.

Great now, but will also reward 5-7 years in the cellar. Match with butterfly pork chops with creamy mash potatoes.

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He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

Finally...proper food, well, butter my parsnips as well.

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.

Cheddar & leek mash for me.

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Yep, Im still here.