Christmas came early this year. November, yes. Snow, no. But hey, look at the bright side – there are plenty of holiday spirits (pun intended) to choose from and a ton of great wine.
Where? At Suntec City East Atrium – 1855 Wine & Whiskey Week. Why? Well, primarily for the jolly atmosphere and then, of course, the prices, which are discounted up to 70%. As the end is only a few days away, ( must close Sunday 11 we bring you the ten best bottles that we managed to sniff out and which we doubtlessly recommend not missing out on for the upcoming festivities.
Planeta Etna Bianco 2015
Looking for an intriguing white that doesn’t fall into the “classic” category? Head down to Sicily and discover the glory of Carricante, a grape that tends to give fuller-bodied whites with a prominent splash of minerality (believed to come from Etna’s volcanic soils). Great purity of fruit and lean acidity makes it a perfect partner for grilled white fish or snapper ceviche.
Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2014
This 100-pointer (by James Suckling) tasted at the Coravin stand might me lesser known than the el grande Almaviva or the powerhouses of Bordeaux, but it definitely stands out as brilliant value for money. It’s expressive of the New World style. It’s complex, ripe and precise. Drinking wonderfully now, but will be best in the mid 2020s.
Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Elevated vineyards, hand-picking, lower yields, careful site selection. These guys do it right. Very pale in the glass, but displaying exciting aromas of gooseberry, nettle, freshly snipped tomato leaf and ripe grapefruit. Fuller in body that most SBs with a juicy vibrancy that just knocks you off your feet.
Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor 2015
Don Melchor represents Chile's first ever “iconic” red wine. This trademark Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's Maipo Valley demonstrates the country’s ability to produce exquisite fermented grape juice. Rich purple color in the glass with aromas displaying rich tobacco, pepper, scorched earth, on top of tangy blackcurrant and dark plums. Impressive balance for a wine this young, but will only get better in the next decade or two.
Henriot Brut Millesime 2003
Not a lot of people know that outstanding Champagne exists outside of the Moet/Veuve Cliquot realm. If there is one absurdly under-priced wine at this festival, it’s the 2003 Henriot. Rich and bready nose. Harmonious and deep with lovely balance on the palate. If you like your Champs full and rich with crunchy acidity, this is your animal.
Benjamin Leroux Savigny Les Beaune 2015
Benjamin is a master at delivering purity of fruit alongside a seamless texture in his wines which have only the subtlest influence of oak. Going into Pinot Noir territory, this was a stunning find. Fresh berries and Middle-Eastern spice on the nose. Approachable, fruity and fresh, while still bringing seriousness to the table.
Highland Park Viking Pride 18 Years Old
Named ‘Best Spirit of the World’ by Spirit Journal, this piece of art offers luxuriance, complexity and supreme deliciousness. The nose is dominated by bright floral tones with hints of honey and espresso. Spicy creaminess on the palate, followed by a well-rounded herbal aftertaste. Perfect for a cheap view and an expensive cigar.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Years Old
Going to the mellow side of whisky, this has been matured for 14 years in traditional oak casks before being transferred to Caribbean rum casks to impart some extra flavour. Abundant tropical fruit on the nose (passionfruit, ripe pineapple, mango) that slides smoothly to the palate as well. Soft and mouth-coating with a superb balance. Vanilla-scented finish.
Nihonsakari Yuzu Liquer
This is not an example of an elegant, lush beverage that will change your view on sake, but rather something to purchase if you’re going solely for tastiness. Sublime tastiness. The yuzu here is so pronounced that it’s dangerous. Sweetness on the palate is cloying, but attractively balanced with the acidity, so you can’t get bored of drinking a bottle in one go. Drunk yes, bored – not likely.
Laphroaig Lore
Created by Distillery Manager John Campbell, Laphroaig Lore is said to be the richest ever Laphroaig! Named after the skills passed down over the generations, this permanent addition to the range is matured in a combination of casks including first fill Sherry butts and quarter casks. Rich nose, oily palate, with a beautiful note of citrus that brightens up the whole structure. Long spice-peaty finish.
Written by Aleksandar Draganić.
I’m a WSET certified grape juice drinker, and yes, I’m that 1% of people that love their job. I drink wine, write about it, preach about it, even take pictures of it. Find me at @grapenomad
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