HOW TO TASTE WINE
We will try to break the mystique of wine and conduct an in depth tutored tasting explaining the intricacies of wine tasting, identifying grape varieties, assessing quality, what to look for when a wine waiter pours a sample for you to taste, and have the confidence to refuse it if it is out of condition.
We will taste a selection of red and white wines from various countries, regions and grape varieties.
This will be a fun and educational evening
The tasting will be accompanied by: A selection of cold meats, salad and French bread
Date: Monday 3rd March 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £28.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF WINES FROM TUSCANY
Continuing our successful tutored tastings of the classic regions of Italy, this time we are featuring the wines of Tuscany.
Mainly known for its Chianti, there are many other superb wines from this region, some of which you may not have tasted.
We have assembled a fine range from individual growers.
White
2005 Albizza Chardonnay
2005 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Red
2003 Campo ai Sassi
1999 Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Lucente
1986 Chianti Rufina Reserva
2000 Brunello di Montalcino
1999 Molin Vecchio
The tasting will be accompanied by: Smoked ham, salad and Italian bread
Date: Monday 10th March 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £30.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF TEN FINE AND RARE RED BORDEAUX WINES
FROM 1934 TO 1964
1964 Chateau Lafitte – Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux
1961 Chateau St Pierre – 4eme St Julien
1961 Domaine de L’lle Margaux – Bordeaux Superieur
1959 Chateau Fongaban – Puisseguin St Emilion
1959 Vieux Chateau Landon – Cru Bourgeois Medoc
1959 Chateau Gazin – Pomerol
1959 Chateau Gallais-Bellevue – Medoc
1952 St Julien
1949 St Julien
1934 Chateau St Andre Corbin – St Georges St Emilion
This will be a fascinating tasting covering some of the finest vintages over 30 years
The tasting will be accompanied by: Cold roast beef, salad and French bread
Date: Tuesday 1st April 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £45.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF RARE RIOJA WINES. 1986 TO 1972
Situated in northern Spain, the region of Rioja produces some of the finest Spanish wines, their reservas and gran reservas are world class.
We have collected a superb range of fine and mature examples.
1986 Marques de Murrieta Ygay Reserva
1985 Monticello Vina Monty Gran Reserva
1982 Conde de Los Andes Gran Reserva
1982 Herencia Reuniondo Gran Reserva
1982 Campo Viejo ‘Marques de Villamagna’ Gran Reserva
1980 Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva
1978 La Rioja Alta Crianza
1972 Marques de Riscal
The tasting will be accompanied by: Spanish delicacies
Date: Tuesday 29th April 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £32.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF FINE CALIFORNIA WINES FROM THE
PARDUCCI ESTATE
Parducci Estate is the oldest winery in Mendocino California.
Now under the leadership of Paul Dolan former president of Fetzer Vineyards they are one of the leading organic wine producers.
Bob Swain has been the winemaker since 1997 and is producing a stunning range of award winning wines.
2006 Parducci Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Parducci Chardonnay
2005 Parducci Pinot Noir
2005 Zig Zag Zinfandel
2004 True Grit Petite Sirah
2005 Paul Dolan Reserve Zinfandel
2005 Paul Dolan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Paul Dolan Deep Red (Bio Dynamic)
The tasting will be accompanied by: Ham, salad, and French bread
Date: Monday 12th May 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £30.00
FINE WINE DINNER AT THE HURLINGHAM CLUB
It has been a few years since we held a Fine Wine Dinner at this wonderful location and tonight we have put together some exceptional wines to complement the dinner itself.
The main Club House, which was built in the 1740s and owned by the Bishop of Fulham, is set in 42 acres of magical gardens and sporting facilities. There will be time before dinner for us to look around the gardens if the weather permits.
We shall meet in the Members’ Conservatory for some Perrier Jouet champagne, then move into the Members’ Dining Room (a wonderful Georgian room with floor to ceiling sash windows) overlooking the renowned croquet lawns.
We shall be dining on Celeriac with crayfish, avocado and radish salad which will be accompanied by
1995 Condrieu – Guigal
Followed by Roast Leg of Lamb and seasonal vegetables
1986 Cote Rotie Les Jumelles – Jaboulet
1977 Firestone, California Cabernet
For pudding we shall be having home-made Orange Bread and Butter Pudding with cream
c.1900 Malaga Blanc
Date: Thursday, May 15th 2008
At: 7.30pm for 8pm dinner
Venue: Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, SW6
Dress: Lounge Suit
Price: £78 per person
A TUTORED TASTING OF CHARDONNAY FROM AROUND THE WORLD
White wine produced from the chardonnay grape is one the most popular and can be the most expensive in the world and is planted in virtually every wine growing region.
But does a chardonnay from Australia taste the same as a chardonnay from France – NO – why is there a difference, is it the climate, soil etc?.
Tonight we will find out by tasting fine examples.
2002 Chateau de Chassagne Montrachet – France
2005 Langhe – Italy
2004 Enate Barrel Fermented – Spain
2006 Penny’s Hill – Australia
2006 Goldwater Roseland – New Zealand
2006 Hamilton Russell – South Africa
2005 Rutherford Hill – California
2005 Echeveria Family Reserve – Chile
2006 Don David Reserve – Argentina
The tasting will be accompanied by: Chicken, salad and French bread
Date: Monday 9th June 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £28.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF FINE AND UNUSUAL WHITE BORDEAUX
BACK TO 1920’S INCLUDING CHATEAU Y’QUEM
This region 40km south of Bordeaux produces some of the finest white wines in the world ranging from dry to rich and luscious.
For those who have always said they do not like sweet wines, try these and then make your final decision.
Dry
1996 Chateau Les Tuileries du Deroc
1976 Chateau Bel-Air
1959 Chateau Martinon
Sweet
1973 Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey
Circa 1950’s Graves Superieur
Circa 1950’s Loupiac
Circa 1920’s Abbaye du Roi Haut Sauternes
1999 Chateau Y’quem
The tasting will be accompanied by: A selection of suitable cheeses, salad and French bread
Date: Tuesday 24th June 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £40.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF PORTUGUESE WINES
Portuguese wines until recently were mainly known for their fortified Port, but now a number of growers have started to produce excellent red and white wine and rightly winning world-class accolades.
Tonight we have selected a range from Isidro de Pegoes situated in the Setubal peninsular
2006 Vinho Verde Alvarinho Reguengo de Melgaco
2006 Stella Blanco Muscat
2006 Fontanario de Pegoes White
2006 Adega Pageos Select Harvest
2006 Stella Rosado
2005 Adega de Pegoes Red
2005 Stella Rosso
2004 Fontanario de Pegoes Red 2004 Adega Pegoes Red Selected Harvest
The tasting will be accompanied by: Smoked Ham, Salad and French Bread
Date: Tuesday 1st July 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £24.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF FINE AND MATURE CHAMPAGNE
Often copied but never matched.
Champagne is unique and quite delicious
Circa 1920’s Champagne
NV Canard Duchene – 1 year bottle age
NV Laurent Perrier – 2 years bottle age
NV Taittinger – 2 years bottle age
2000 Jacquart
1998 Nicolas Feuillatte
1995 Moet et Chandon
1990 Pol Roger
The tasting will be accompanied by: Smoked Fish, Salad and French Bread
Date: Monday 4th August 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £28.00
A VERTICAL TUTORED TASTING OF THE 1983 VINTAGE
This was a superb vintage following the great 1982, producing wines of fine character.
We have a brilliant selection from around the globe.
Chateau L’Etoile – Jura, France Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru, ‘Les Folatieres’ – Burgundy, France
Gewurztraminer, Cuvee des Comtes d’ Eguisheim – Alsace, France
Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru, ‘La Vigne Au Puits’ – Burgundy, France
Parallel 45, Paul Jaboulet – Rhone, France (In Magnum)
Lan, Gran Reserva – Rioja, Spain Chateau Villemaurine – Grand Cru Classe St Emilion,
Bordeaux, France
Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon – Australia
Niersteiner Holle, Eiswein - Germany
The tasting will be accompanied by: Cold Meat, Cheese, Salad and French Bread
Date: Tuesday September 2nd 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £35.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF RARE ITALIAN WINES
It has taken us quite a time to collect this selection of extremely fine and rare wines.
A tasting not to be missed
1996 Gavi di Gavi, Castello di Tassarolo – Marchese Spinola
1991 Nova Serra Greco di Tufo Bianco - Mastroberandino
1987 Il Benefizio, Teuta di Pomino Bianco
1988 Barolo – Fontafredda
1971 Barbaresco Riserva – Ceretto
1964 Spanna del Piemonte – Luigi Nervi e Figlio
1962 Gattinara – Luigi Nervi e Figlio
1947 Monbrione – Vigna Jole Casteggio
1996 Picolit, Ronco della Betuille – Ivana Adami
The tasting will be accompanied by: Italian Delicacies and Cibatta Bread
Date: Monday 29th September 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £38.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF RED WINES FROM THE COTES DE BEAUNE
COVERING 86 YEARS
Situated in the southern half of the Cote d’Or, Cotes de Beaune has a diverse soil (unlike its northern the Cotes de Nuits) enabling it to produce the finest white Burgundies and stunning reds from 100% Pinot Noir.
2003 Pommard Vignots – Domaine Rene Monnier
2005 Volnay 1er Cru ‘Clos des Chenes’ – Domaine Rene Monnier
2003 Beaune 1er Cru ‘Toussaints’ – Domaine Albert Morot
2003 Beaune 1er Cru ‘Teurons’ – Domaine Albert Morot
2005 Beaune 1er Cru ‘Bressandes – Domaine Albert Morot
1983 Volnay – Domaine Tollot-Beaut
1982 Beaune 1er Cru ‘Clos de Renard’ – Domaine Phillip Bouchard
1964 Pommard 1er Cru
1919 Volnay - Sichel
The tasting will be accompanied by: Wiltshire Ham, Salad and French Bread
Date: Monday 6th October 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £40.00
THE COMMUNE OF MARGAUX
This will prove to be a great educational evening with superb wines from the commune of Margaux, the first classified Medoc area driving north from the city of Bordeaux.
Its wines are delicate with great finesse and character, unlike the other communes of the Medoc
2000 Chateau Canuet
2001 Chateau Cantenac Brown
1975 Chateau Siran
1985 Chateau d’Angludet
1983 Chateau d’Angludet
1986 Chateau Palmer
1985 Chateau Palmer
1983 Chateau Palmer
The tasting will be accompanied by: A selection of cold meats, salad and French Bread.
Date: Monday 13th October 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £40.00
A TUTORED TASTING OF FINE CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
Under the guidance of Baron Pierre Leroy, Chateauneuf du Pape was the first appellation in 1938 to have a set of wine-making regulations, the basis of modern Appellation Controlle laws.
Situated in the southern end of the Rhone Valley, the wines are full bodied, robust and long lived.
We have chosen a wonderful selection from top domains.
2006 Chateau Fortia White
2003 Chateau Fortia Red, Cuvee Baron
2001 Domaine de Haute des Terres Blanches
2005 Domaine La Solitude
2001 Clos du Mont Olivet
2000 Domaine de La Solitude ‘Cuvee Barbarini’
2003 Domaine Andre Brunel ‘Cuvee Centenaire’
1989 Domaine Barbe Rac – Chapoutier
The tasting will be accompanied by: Roast Beef, Salad and French Bread
Date: Tuesday 21st October 2008 @ 6.45pm
Venue: 9th floor suite
Hesperia Hotel
2, Bridge Place
Victoria SW1
Price per ticket: £34.00
GUESTS WELCOME AT ALL TASTINGS
To book tickets: Please telephone first to confirm availability and then send a cheque payable to Benson Fine Wines 96 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QZ stating which event you would like to attend. Bookings for more than one event can be made by telephone or email then payment can be made by Mastercard or Visa
Telephone: (020 8673 4439).
email: bensonwines@connectingbusiness.com