November 2012: Stephan's Restaurant

Meeting at Stephan’s Restaurant, Manakau

November 18, 2012

WineMaster – Stewart MacPherson

Apologies for lack of photographs of members this month.
It appears no-one took photographs. The blogmaster couldn't make it due to a prior commitment.

 A few notable Quotes,

" It is the wine that leads me on, the wild wine that sets the wisest man to sing
at the top of his lungs, laugh like a fool – it drives the man to dancing... it even
tempts him to blurt out stories better never told.” - Homer, The Odyssey

“Beer is made by men, wine by God” – Martin Luther

“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” – André Simon

“You haven't drunk too much wine if you can still lie on the floor without holding on.”-  Dean Martin

WINE 1 – on Arrival

Hewitson (Miss Harry) 10 Barossa Valley Grenache – 14% Alc/Vol

Blended from old Barossa Valley vines dating back to the 1800s, the 2010 Miss Harry was traditionally vinted and matured for twelve months in old French barriques. Deep and dark, with concentrated aromas of mulberry and cassis supported by earthy notes and understated oak. The rich, vivacious palate has oodles of ripe-tasting berryfruit flavours enhanced by hints of spice and a lengthy finish.

WINE 2 –with Entrée of grilled Weisswurst (white veal & pork sausage), with cucumber salad and shaved fennel on yoghurt dressing with pumpkin oil

Fairview Bored Doe 09 14% Alc/Vol

From Paarl in South Africa, it is a blend of Petit Verdot (49%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%), Merlot (18%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Deep ruby in colour with aromas of violets and cedar with subtle white pepper, the mouthfeel is full, with rounded tannins balanced by fruit acidity and classic blackcurrant flavours. Well structured with a long, full finish.

Fairview's Tasting Room

Fairview is also famous for it's Saanen goats and Goats Milk Cheese, and this unique Goat Tower

Fairview's Goat Shed Restaurant

Fairview Vineyards and Paarl Mountains beyond

WINE 3 – with Roasted Veal Fillet (Zurich style on a creamy mushroom & Kirsch sauce with Spatzli (pasta dumplings) and seasonal vegetables

Two Gates 07 Omahu – 14% Alc/Vol

Two Gates Omahu 2007 is a blend of Merlot (62%), Cabernet Franc (29%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (9%) with each variety contributing characteristic aromas, flavour and structure. This certified organic Gimblett Gravels wine displays a deep red colour, concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum, with a fragrant rose petal and allspice nose.  It should cellar for 10-15 years.

WINE 4 – with Roasted Veal Fillet (Zurich style on a creamy mushroom & Kirsch sauce with Spatzli (pasta dumplings) and seasonal vegetables

Himmelsfeld Moutere 06 Cabernet Sauvignon – 14% Alc/Vol

I am down to my last bottle of the 1998, which is brilliant, and according to Michael Cooper the 01 was “perhaps the best Cabernet Sauvignon to have ever come from the region.”

Beth, who is the Owner and Winemaker has not yet released this wine, but will make it available to members at ‘our cost price’ as an introduction to B&B Club Members. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes sourced solely from her vineyard, and is well worth cellaring. 

WINE 5 – with Vermicelle – a traditional Swiss dessert of Chestnut purée with meringue, whipped cream and Summer berries
Grower’s Mark 09 Bone Dry Riesling – 12.6% Alc/Vol

Made by Donna Anderson in Marlborough who practices sustainable wine growing, the rose symbol serves as an early warning system to protect the vines, and are planted along the edges of her vineyard. Intense citrus and honeyed notes complexed with a hint of aviation gasoline. On the palate, it is once again dominated with citrus, honey and ripe fruit. The wine finishes bone dry.

"I was in love with a beautiful blonde once. She drove me to drink; that's the one thing I'm indebted to her for." – W.C.Fields

"Wine rejoices the heart of man, and joy is the mother of all virtues."
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1771

“Wine to me is passion. It's family and friends. It's warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. Wine is art. It's culture. It's the essence of civilization and the art of living.” – Robert Mondavi in his autobiography, ‘Harvest Of Joy’