Duval Leroy Champange Vintage 1996, Hugh Hamilton The Rascal 2005

Yesterday, I organised a thank you dinner for my mentor together with 2 of my colleagues. We met up at Black Sheep Cafe at Mayo Street. As usual, I brought some wine - Duval Leroy Champagne Vintage 1996, Hugh Hamilton The Rascal 2005 and white Burgundy from Montagny.

We ordered the usual stuff - baked brie cheese, the duck confit/lamb shank and desserts - flourless chocolate cake and souffle. The Montagny was the 1st wine for the night. Has citrus aroma, buttery in the mouth. It has a aftertaste with hint of hazel nut. My colleagues enjoyed it.

The 2nd wine was the Hugh Hamilton The Rascal 2005, a Shiraz from McLaren Vale. Smell of black fruits and tasted of cassis, dark berries with rich plum aftertaste. The wine improves after airing for about 10 minutes - much smoother.

We opened the champagne for the desserts. The Duval Leroy was golden in colour, smell of honey suckle with fresh taste of citrus and green apple. "Very very good", that was the comment from my mentor. He enjoyed the evening, commenting the wine was good and the food excellent.