I’m a bit late writing up the latest tapas tasting I attended at Lamont’s but it was as delicious and enjoyable as ever.

We started the evening off with a  sixth generation grower’s Champagne; Pierre Péters Cuvée de Réserve Grand Cru NV En Magnum (RRP $183.00, Lamont’s price $145.00). The roast capsicum, tomato soup, baguette, olives that accompanied it were delightful.

 

Then we had a crisp and refreshing Balland-Chapuis ‘Le Chatillet’ from 2011. This Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre had aromas of melon and peach on the nose followed by a perfumed palate coupled with high acidity. At a RRP of $29.95 (Lamont’s price $21.95) it offered great value for money. It was interesting to try this wine against a Chardonnay from Chablis, producer Christian Moreau. This 1er Cru ‘Vaillon’ 2011 (RRP $76.75, Lamont’s price $59.95) is almost at the same latitude (if not a bit lower) than the Sancerre but about 100 kilometres further east. There was a different dimension to this wine; as well as heightened acidity there was some complexity and creamy texture to it – but only slight with subtle fruit flavours. This came with the grilled eggplant, fetta, walnuts, pomegranate – delicious!

Then we moved onto red, Domaine Philippe Livera Fixin 2010 (RRP $54.00, Lamont’s price $49.30) and the Felton Road ‘Bannockburn’ Pinot Noir 2011 (RRP $74.95, Lamont’s price $63.70). We had this alongside the creamy polenta, field mushroom, venison chorizo and Cashel blue. I love tasting Burgundy Pinot Noirs against other Pinot Noirs. To me the home of Pinot Noir is Burgundy where there’s a history of winemaking dating back to the 4th century (see here my recent post about Pinot Noir on Global Travel Hunter). Having visited over 25 vineyards and met with numerous winemakers, not to mention taste their wines, I like what a Burgundy Pinot Noir offers in a glass – ranging from meaty, earthy and hints of red fruit but there’s always that earthiness to it that I like. Saying that there are some great producers worldwide producing exciting and intersting Pinot Noirs from Oregon, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and also New Zealand. This wine from Felton Road is sourced from Central Otago, a prime climate for producing Pinot Noir. A blend of  fruit intermingled with spices gives this an interesting and rich palate – an enjoyable match with the polenta.

I enjoyed tasting the differences between The Yard ‘Riversdale’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (RRP $36.65, Lamont’s price $31.15) and Pedestal ‘Elevation’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (RRP $56.75, Lamont’s price $48.25 ). The meal that was paired to the wines was braised pork loin, garlic, nutmeg, green beans. The Yard had notes of cigar, chocolate, rich and ripe berries on the nose with a savouryness and subtle mint with spice and a luscious finish on the palate. The Elevation is definitely a step up with an extra complexity and depth with softer tannins and notes of secondary fruit.

Then for dessert, we had the delicious Lamonts Muscat, NV (RRP $30.00, Lamont’s price $25.50) with Churros, cinnamon and chocolate. Marmalade, caramel, raisins mingled with sweetness in a glass to taste with chocolate and sugary Churros, well what a way to end a meal!