David's Drink Diaries - Issue 19

The past few weeks have been incredibly busy, filled with a whirlwind of tastings, travels, and dinners. It's been a bit of a challenge to keep up with everything, but it's a good problem to have when you're surrounded by such exceptional wines and whiskies. From visiting renowned vineyards to experiencing rare bottles, I’ve been lucky to immerse myself in some truly unforgettable moments. As I catch my breath and start to write about my recent experiences, I wanted to share with you a few of the highlights that have stood out. 

From The Whisky Exchange

Daluanine 2011 “Seasons” 12-Year-Old 52.1%

This Daluanine, bottled as part of the "Seasons" series, is a delicate yet nuanced whisky. The nose is soft and inviting, offering classic cereal notes, gently sweetened with honey and a rich layer of fudge. The warmth of the whisky greets you on the palate, where the sweetness evolves into a comforting combination of Wurthers Originals and buttery hobnob biscuits. A gentle spice complements these flavours, adding depth without overpowering the smooth, creamy mouthfeel. This whisky offers a rich dessert-like experience with layers of comforting sweetness.

Daluanine 2011 “Whisky Show” 12-Year-Old 53.1%

Despite the minimal difference in ABV, this version offers a surprising evolution in character. On the nose, it leans more toward the floral and citrus spectrum, with hints of clementine and a touch of clove providing a spicier, brighter aroma. That extra 1% of alcohol elevates the flavors, bringing out a richer profile with a slightly heightened intensity of spice. While many of the core flavours, like butter and biscuit, remain similar to the “Seasons” bottling, this version has a more pronounced richness that appeals to those looking for a deeper and more complex sip.

Ben Nevis 2013 10-Year-Old “Whisky Show” 60.2%

This Ben Nevis expression offers a thrilling and funky nose that sets it apart. There's an earthy and almost meaty character to it. Alongside there are hints of maple syrup and dark chocolate, giving it a little sweetness. The palate is full-bodied, with the high alcohol content well-integrated, creating a smooth, rounded intensity. Walnut whip and sticky toffee pudding bring indulgent dessert-like flavours, while a touch of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess.

Ledaig 2006 “Seasons” 17-Year-Old 55.4%

From the Isle of Mull, this Ledaig bottling is a peaty yet richly complex whisky. The nose opens with a strong hint of peat, but it’s balanced beautifully by floral elements of wild heather and a sweetness akin to candied lemon peel. There’s a richness here that mingles sweet and smoky in perfect harmony, with barbecue embers and a savoury, roast shoulder of pork drizzled in honey and thyme glaze. On the palate, this whisky reveals its depth, with the smokiness balanced by a delicate oak influence, creating a layered, long-lasting finish.

Caol Ila 2008 “Whisky Show” 15-Year-Old 53.2%

This Caol Ila expression plays on nostalgia, evoking memories with its unique flavour profile. The nose has a whimsical sweetness, like candy love hearts, while the palate brings a delightful surprise, grandmother’s quince jam, paired with a subtle note of smoky bacon that enhances the whisky’s peaty nature. The combination of fruity sweetness and savoury smoke makes for an elegant balance, with the whisky delivering a comforting, memorable experience.

Caol Ila 2014 “Seasons” 9-Year-Old 60.3%

This younger Caol Ila expression is vibrant and bold, with a unique nose that immediately brings to mind a cobbler’s glue, an unusual yet oddly appealing smell. There’s a rich fruitiness underneath, with notes of smoky blackberry compote, prune juice, and raisins lending a deep, sweet character. On the palate, the whisky is dry yet balanced, with a range of spices, liquorice, and vanilla layered with a touch of maple syrup sweetness. 

The Whisky Exchange

Fielden

Fielden is the English whisky that’s transforming agriculture. But what does that have to do with whisky? By introducing heritage grains that flourished here centuries ago, Fielden’s farmers embrace natural methods, avoiding chemicals entirely. Their grain grows amidst clover, which acts as a natural fertilizer, keeping the soil rich and healthy. The result? Tall, robust crops thriving in vibrant, untamed fields.

Four cask types were selected for this Rye with the distillery explaining that they used two ex-American oak barrels to bring the fruitiness to the fore, along with a soft creamy character. A Sauternes barrique accentuates the stone fruit notes of the whisky, aiding its punchy rye spice and bringing harmony to the blend. And an old Vintage Port barrique, previously used for Champagne for many decades, emphasises jammy and fresh red notes packed with tannins, mirroring the darker sloes and damsons growing in the hedges.

Fielden Hedgerow Rye 46%

This has a vibrant and fruity nose. The prominent smell of tangerine introduces a refreshing citrus note, while the familiar grainy scent of cereal is interwoven with the subtle, spicy kick of rye. A delicate hint of rose adds an unexpected floral touch, giving the whisky a refined complexity. 

On the palate, this whisky is light and elegant, with a combination of mead infused with citrus and a refreshing note of cucumber. The lightness makes it an excellent choice for casual sipping, but it also has the versatility to serve as a fantastic base in cocktails. Its well-balanced sweetness and spice allow it to pair well with a variety of ingredients, making it ideal for those new to rye.

Only 1000 bottles of Hedgerow will be made available, each individually numbered, making this Fielden’s most exclusive whisky since its launch in April 2024. Bottled at 46.1%, it is priced at a RRP of £100 for 70cl and can be purchased via fielden.com, Berry Bros. & Rudd and specialist retailers. 

Angels Nectar

Angel’s Nectar PX Sherry Cask Edition 46% - From Angels Nectar

This Angel’s Nectar, finished in PX Sherry casks, offers a nostalgic nose that immediately transports you to an 80s pick-and-mix shop, with an eclectic mix of almond, Bovril, and subtle notes of floral white wine. The combination is both intriguing and inviting, blending the sweet and savoury effortlessly. The honey and toffee nuttiness brings warmth and richness, setting the stage for the complex layers that follow.

On the palate, the whisky continues with its perfumed nature, offering spiced notes of cloves alongside sweet and nutty flavours. The PX Sherry influence adds a beautiful depth, balancing the sweetness with a touch of spiced warmth. This whisky is as comforting as it is complex, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate sherry-cask maturation. 

Wine

Rock Angel Rose 2022 - £26.99 from Waitrose

Provence, located in the south of France, is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest rosés. The region’s combination of sun-drenched vineyards, cooling sea breezes, and mineral-rich soils creates the perfect environment for crafting elegant, pale pink wines that are both refreshing and complex. Château d'Esclans, the producer behind Rock Angel, has become synonymous with luxury rosé, with wines like Whispering Angel and Garrus earning global acclaim. Rock Angel, sitting between these two in the portfolio, offers a more sophisticated take on rosé, appealing to those who seek more depth and nuance in their wine.

The 2022 is made from a blend of Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino) grapes, sourced from some of the finest vineyards in Provence. The vineyards are situated on chalky clay soils, which contribute to the wine’s minerality and freshness. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm days and cool nights, allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their acidity and developing a complex range of flavours. The grapes are harvested in the early morning to retain their freshness and are then gently pressed to extract the juice with minimal skin contact, resulting in the wine’s delicate pale pink colour. 

On the nose, there’s a beautiful bouquet of white peach, wild strawberry, and subtle hints of rose petals, which are underpinned by a delicate minerality. The floral notes are balanced by a bright citrus lift of grapefruit zest and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it has ripe red berries and nectarine with a light, saline minerality that gives the wine a crisp, clean finish. A hint of pink peppercorn and citrus zest add complexity, while the acidity is perfectly balanced, making it both refreshing and refined. 

Grey Sauvignon Blanc - £19 from Reserve Wines

Grey Sauvignon Blanc hails from the renowned vineyards of Chile’s Casablanca Valley, a region that has become synonymous with high-quality, cool-climate wines. The valley's unique microclimate, characterised by foggy mornings, cool ocean breezes, and warm afternoons, provides an ideal environment for Sauvignon to thrive. 

The Grey Sauvignon Blanc immediately impresses with its aromatic intensity. On the nose, there is a mix of tropical fruits such as passionfruit and guava, with notes of fresh herbs, green apple, and a hint of minerality. The palate is rich and layered, showcasing flavours of ripe citrus, gooseberry, and a touch of stone fruit, all carried by a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lively and refreshing.

Viña Ventisquero Grey Carmenère 2020 - £17.45 from ND John Wines

Originally from Bordeaux, this grape was thought to be lost to phylloxera in the 19th century. However, it was later found thriving in Chile’s vineyards, mistaken for Merlot for many years. Once correctly identified, Carmenère quickly became Chile’s flagship varietal, renowned for its deep colour, smooth tannins, and distinctive flavours that combine ripe fruit with herbal and spice notes.

The Viña Ventisquero Grey Carmenère 2020 comes from the Maipo Valley, where its warm days and cool nights, is ideal for growing Carmenère.

This wine is part of Viña Ventisquero’s "Grey" label range, which represents single vineyard wines. The grapes are sourced from a specific plot in the Maipo Valley, where the unique combination of soil and climate conditions contributes to the wine’s character.

In the glass, it displays a deep, inky purple colour. On the nose, the wine opens with a powerful bouquet of blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, with distinctive aromas of black pepper, sweet tobacco, and a touch of green bell pepper. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with a rich texture that envelops the mouth. The fruit flavours are ripe and intense, with blackcurrant and plum taking centre stage, supported by notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of smokiness from the oak. The tannins are smooth yet firm, providing structure and depth without overwhelming the fruit. 

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2022 - £16.99 from Waitrose

New Zealand has become a leading region for Pinot Noir, particularly in Marlborough and Central Otago. The cool climate, combined with long sunlight hours and diverse soils, creates perfect conditions for producing Pinot Noir that is vibrant, aromatic, and full of finesse. Villa Maria has been at the forefront of this movement, consistently delivering wines that are both expressive and approachable.

The grapes are sourced from selected vineyards in Marlborough, where the cool nights and warm days, along with the region's diverse soils, allow the grapes to ripen slowly, developing complex flavours while retaining the crisp acidity that is crucial for a well-balanced Pinot Noir.

The fruit flavours are bright and lively, with red cherry and raspberry taking centre stage. There is a pleasing depth to the wine, with layers of flavour that unfold as you sip, including nuances of wild strawberries, clove, and a hint of forest floor. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, providing structure without overpowering the fruit. The acidity is perfectly balanced, lending freshness and a clean, elegant finish that lingers with notes of cherry and spice.