A friend of this blog, Prince Wine Store is again generously supporting Menu for Hope with a voucher for $100 worth of wine.

Let me tell you what I really like about this store. I can't ever remember getting a bottle of wine from here that I didn't really like; the selection on offer is really well chosen by people who live and breathe wine.

If you'd like to get an idea, pop on down to the store tomorrow and get a free taste of wines that are difficult to find anywhere else. The Andre Clouet was served at a line up of wine loving friends last Christmas morning to much acclaim, a brilliant Champagne for the money.

A great lineup of imports including Provence Rose, Sancerre, Burgundy, Cornas and more and all 15% off for one week only!



Chateau du Rouet Cuvée Réservée Côtes de Provence 2007

(Grenache 60%, Syrah 40%)

Pale coral. Strawberry and raspberry aromas are complicated by wilted rose, tarragon and orange peel. Zesty, sharply focused red berry and cherry pit flavors pick up dried citrus and mineral qualities with aeration. Finishes with good grip and gentle lift, with the tarragon quality repeating. This is rich enough to serve with grilled birds or strong cheeses.

TANZER’S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR


NV André Clouet Silver Brut (Champagne)

Persistent, fine mousse; a fascinating wine, from its evocative 19th century label through to its chiselled, crystalline, confronting palate, the lack of dosage accentuated by its 100% pinot noir base wine. Dry and fractionally bitter, it is only to be consumed with food – great with Indian or Asian. 91 points, drink to 2012
JAMES HALLIDAY, www.winecompanion.com.au


2007 Jean Reverdy La Reine Blanche Sancerre (Loire Valley)

Pale straw-green; gooseberry, asparagus and herb aromas; fresh, lively and perfectly balanced palate; lingering, clean finish; great aftertaste; classy wine. 94 points, drink to 2010.

JAMES HALLIDAY, www.winecompanion.com.au


2006 Gerard Raphet Chambolle Musigny (Burgundy)

Bright, clear colour; scented fruit aromas, predominantly red; vibrantly fresh palate with spicy red fruits; the slightly tight finish needs to loosen up, and once it does over the next five or so years, the wine will merit higher points. 92 points, drink to 2016.

JAMES HALLIDAY, www.winecompanion.com.au


2006 Yann Chave Crozes Hermitage (Rhone Valley)

Full crimson-purple; attractive medium-bodied wine, with plum, blackberry and spice on both bouquet and palate; tannin and overall extract well handled. Synthetic normacorc suggests that early consumption is wise. 91 points, drink to 2010.

JAMES HALLIDAY, www.winecompanion.com.au



2006 Domaine Coursodon St Joseph Silice (Rhone Valley)


Encouraging purple hue; brisk and lively, with multi-spice overtones on a vibrant palate with excellent length; minimal oak appropriate. 92 points, drink to 2012.

JAMES HALLIDAY, www.winecompanion.com.au



2005 Alain Voge Cornas Vieilles Vignes (Rhone Valley)

Powerful, intense and very precise in structure, flavour and length, the spiced black fruit flavours coursing through the piercing palate. Has a great future, cork permitting. 95 points, drink to 2018.

JAMES HALLIDAY, www.winecompanion.com.au


Free tasting tomorrow, 12.00 till 2.00pm, Prince Wine Store, 177 Bank Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Phone: 03 9686 3033 Fax: 03 9686 3068

Oh, if you want a shot at the voucher, it's prize code AP17, nick on over to Firstgiving to make your bid.