iDealwine was delighted to exhibit at this year’s Fine Wine Encounter, hosted by Decanter magazine in the beautiful surrounds of London’s Landmark Hotel. We presented some hidden gems that can be found at auction and fixed prices on iDealwine.com and as we do at all of our events, we hosted a blind tasting competition!
iDealwine is a company that was founded by wine lovers for wine lovers, so it will be no surprise to our long-term clients to read that we managed to squeeze in a little wine tasting time in a busy day!
It was tough to choose, but here’s what made our shortlist of favourites this year (and our wishlist this Christmas!)
1. Vega Sicilia
Starting from the top, it was the Valbuena 5° 2018 that really stood out at the Vega Sicilia stand – it’s the younger sibling of the world-famous Unico and undergoes a slightly shorter cellaring (at five years) but is just as magnificent! Sophisticated, elegant, full of ripe fruit and spice – one of the most memorable tastings of the day!
2. Disnoko
Sometimes (and sometimes rightfully so) Sauternes hogs the spotlight at Christmas time, but this year, we’ve got our eye on Tokaji. One of the best-known producers of this splendid dessert wine, Disnoko was front and centre at the Decanter event. We tasted the Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2013 – it’s just coming into its drinking window, with a gorgeous, intense golden colour and aromas of dried exotic fruit and caramel.
3. Quinta do Noval
Port is having a moment, and we are having a moment for Quinta do Noval. An icon in port production, we were blown away by this incredible tasting of the 2019 vintage, which is only made in exceptional years. Perfect with flavoursome (read: stinky) cheeses or a rich chocolate dessert, you can’t do better than this, this Christmas.
4. Klein Constantia
From dessert wine to port, let’s get back again but this time to the gem of South Africa, to Klein Constantia. We tasted a range of wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling varieties, but it’s the sweet Vin de Constance that drew crowds. From its unique and understated 50cl bottle, again we tasted the 2019 vintage, and are still dreaming of this extraordinary wine – beautiful balanced, with initial aromas of candied citrus fruit then toffee and a long and complex finish.
5. Taitinger
The seasoned wine fair-goer knows to start early with champagne, and normally we’d agree! But while we were busy organising a blind tasting at our own iDealwine stand, Taittinger was serving seven top cuvées to wine lovers from around the world. We just managed to squeeze in a quick tasting of the 2015 vintage and were not disappointed. A blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this champagne boasts 70% grand cru grapes and 30% premier cru. A superb vintage champagne, only produced in the best harvests, it’s certainly one for cellaring.
At iDealwine, we’ve recently made our first foray into curated cases of champagne, and our mixed wooden case of vintage champagnes includes the 2015 Taittinger as well as a 2012 AR Lenoble and 2017 Drappier – you can check it out here.
London, until next year!
