Books and Bottles
Martin Field
A gift of books and bottles
It's that time of year again, a time for drinking, feasting, giving, and, hopefully, receiving. But for most of us the wines for Christmas and New Year's Eve parties are as yet unbought and the gift list for friends and relatives is still as bare as a newly dagged sheep's arse.
Happily the holiday season at least offers an excuse for lashing out on a few luxuries, so let's prepare a generous list of presents for the winelover, and what could be better than a top wine books and beaut bottles.
For starters there's the second edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine, edited by Jancis Robinson. In a substantial update the second edition has over 500 new entries and more than 2000 revisions. Part dictionary, part illustrated encyclopedia, the Companion contains scholarly contributions from experts on just about every conceivable wine topic. Among its 4000 odd entries are items on wine history, grape varieties, world wine regions, winemaking techniques, viticultural science, and much more.
The first edition of this wonderful book is simply the single most useful reference in my wine library - in fact it is the quintessential wine library in one volume. The new edition promises no less and I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in wine. Oxford University Press, RRP $120.
And now two choice tastings for celebration or just plain enjoyment.
Jansz 1995
A chardonnay and pinot noir blend from north-eastern Tasmania. Chardonnay fruit and faint yeast on the nose lead to a lively, medium-dry palate. Delicate flavours are balanced by fresh acid at the back. Handy as an aperitif. Rating: 86/100. Cellar: unnecessary. Price: about $25.
Champagne Henriot Souverain Brut
Delicious upfront style made from 60 per cent pinot noir and 40 per cent chardonnay. Bakers yeast and fruitiness on the bouquet lead to a complex and generous palate of apples and almonds, finishes with refreshing tanginess. Rating: 89/100. Cellar: not necessary. Price: just over $50.
Martin Field
|