Finding the perfect size bottle for the coming festivities
Odd sized bottles tend to have their moment in the spotlight at this time of year. Of course, we’re big fans of them all year round but, the festive gatherings tend to call for something different. Whether that be a half bottle of Champagne as a gift, a double magnum to quench the thirst of the many, or a small bottle of top class Sauternes to finish on.
We have put together a list of our favourites but there are plenty more on the website should none of the below take your fancy.
NV Philipponat Royale Reserve Brut £20 per bottle
Philipponat are consistent in quality and always well priced. A classic tasting Champagne with good acidity and balance. Each NV Reserve is blended with a percentage of reserve wine from a Solera system of ageing to add depth and complexity.
2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri £175 per hall bottle
A small but perfectly formed bottle of Sassicaia from a good vintage. 2008 is relaxed and elegant with a lovely hint of spice on the nose and a smooth finish.
1998 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes Premier Cru Supérieur £195 per bottle
Whilst many enjoy a glass of something sweet with pudding, Yquem is so satisfyingly complex and interesting that a small glass is the perfect amount.
2013 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco £74 per bottle
A well-made crowd pleaser, this is a great value magnum from a great producer that has a good amount of age behind it. Bright, mid-weight with good acidity and still plenty of fresh cherry fruit in action.
2017 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape £135 per magnum
Classic Chateauneuf du Pape from the regions most well-known producer. Despite their fame the wines are consistent in quality and still offer good value. 2017 is one of the great vintages of the last decade but may be a little young. However, decanting early should do the trick.
2006 Chateau Lynch Bages Pauillac Cinquième Cru £250 per magnum
2006 wasn’t the greatest year for Lynch Bages but the wine has aged far more gracefully in magnum. Soft, supple with a fresh, almost racy edge that gives way to rich, dark berry fruit. A little dry on the finish this is a claret that likes to be paired with food.
2016 Donna Olimpia 1898 Millepassi Bolgheri £260 per double magnum
Donna Olimpia have done a wonderful job with the 2016 Millepassi. It is big and punchy to start with, lots of fruit and tannins, but then begins to settle and evolve with more nuanced, aromatic layers emerging. Lots of claret like tobacco and leather notes but a layer of fruit that hints at its Italian origins.
2016 Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barolo Cannubi £365 per double magnum
A single vineyard Barolo from a highly regarded and consistent producer. The 2016 offers intensity and power without losing a sense of elegance and clarity. A little young still this would benefit from decanting early to allow some breathing time.