Saturday 1 December 2007
Fine Wines at O'Brien's - bait and switch?
I got an email on Thursday from O'Briens advertising a fine wine sale, including a Brunello di Montalcino reduced from 69 to 28 Euros. I went in this morning (Saturday) - sold out, quel surprise!
Saturday 13 October 2007
Dublin house prices - wisdom of idiots
In the "Who said what, when" stakes, Davy Stockbrokers look like Solomon with this message from last year (no doubt, they hoped the investors would switch to the ISEQ where they were bound to lose!)
Dublin house prices heading for 100 times rent earned: Davy Stockbrokers: "White says that a line frequently trotted out by estate agents is that “buy-to-let investors are not worried about rental yield; they are in it for the long haul of capital appreciation”. That is fundamentally unsound investment advice. In the long run, the value of any asset is dependent on the income it provides. In the property market, capital appreciation is theoretically a function of rental return. What is buying a house in any case? It is the opportunity cost of not renting. An owner-occupier/investor is buying a discounted stream of rents for as long as he/she wishes to hold on to the asset. And vice-versa: a renter pays a monthly sum to a landlord rather than interest to a bank. The opportunity cost of not owning a home is forsaking the potential for a return on that investment. But if rents are relatively static, not only is the potential for capital appreciation reduced, it is also more attractive in cash-flow terms to pay rent rather than interest."
Dublin house prices heading for 100 times rent earned: Davy Stockbrokers: "White says that a line frequently trotted out by estate agents is that “buy-to-let investors are not worried about rental yield; they are in it for the long haul of capital appreciation”. That is fundamentally unsound investment advice. In the long run, the value of any asset is dependent on the income it provides. In the property market, capital appreciation is theoretically a function of rental return. What is buying a house in any case? It is the opportunity cost of not renting. An owner-occupier/investor is buying a discounted stream of rents for as long as he/she wishes to hold on to the asset. And vice-versa: a renter pays a monthly sum to a landlord rather than interest to a bank. The opportunity cost of not owning a home is forsaking the potential for a return on that investment. But if rents are relatively static, not only is the potential for capital appreciation reduced, it is also more attractive in cash-flow terms to pay rent rather than interest."
Thursday 4 October 2007
Irish Times property market puffing
Only three houses sold at auction this week but IT claimed this showed a return of buyers to the market because this represents half the houses auctioned yesterday (i.e. they ignored the disastrous results earlier in the week).
Who do you trust?
Who do you trust?
Thursday 27 September 2007
Irish Times puff
Today's sales reports is a classic. Just two houses sold at auction, dozens were withdrawn without apparently any negotiations.
It makes depressing reading for anyone trying to sell their house and the IT is fooling no-one but themselves.
It makes depressing reading for anyone trying to sell their house and the IT is fooling no-one but themselves.
Sunday 9 September 2007
On The Likely Extent Of Falls In Irish House Prices
On The Likely Extent Of Falls In Irish House Prices:
The ESRI has an interesting report by Professor Morgan Kelly entitled:
"QEC Special Article: On The Likely Extent Of Falls In Irish House Prices"
In this paper Professor Morgan Kelly of University College Dublin looks at almost 40 house price booms and crashes that have occurred in OECD economies since 1970, and shows that the the larger the initial boom, the larger the subsequent bust. Were this pattern to hold in Ireland, Prof. Kelly would expect house prices adjusted for inflation to fall by fifty per cent, with somewhat larger falls at the top and bottom of the market. Unlike stock markets, house price collapses are typically slow: a likely scenario is for the selling price of houses to fall by around 5 per cent each year for the next decade. Prof. Kelly argues that reducing stamp duty will not alter this: so long as there is a large stock of unsold houses and falling prices buyers have an incentive to wait for further declines to occur. Prof. Kelly believes that the immediate reason to be apprehensive about falli"
The ESRI has an interesting report by Professor Morgan Kelly entitled:
"QEC Special Article: On The Likely Extent Of Falls In Irish House Prices"
In this paper Professor Morgan Kelly of University College Dublin looks at almost 40 house price booms and crashes that have occurred in OECD economies since 1970, and shows that the the larger the initial boom, the larger the subsequent bust. Were this pattern to hold in Ireland, Prof. Kelly would expect house prices adjusted for inflation to fall by fifty per cent, with somewhat larger falls at the top and bottom of the market. Unlike stock markets, house price collapses are typically slow: a likely scenario is for the selling price of houses to fall by around 5 per cent each year for the next decade. Prof. Kelly argues that reducing stamp duty will not alter this: so long as there is a large stock of unsold houses and falling prices buyers have an incentive to wait for further declines to occur. Prof. Kelly believes that the immediate reason to be apprehensive about falli"
An end to our Euro 2008 hopes
John O'Shea will be haunted by his failure to block the slovak equaliser. He clearly funked it and fell to the ground when he realised the shot had beaten Shay Given. If he did that for Man. U. , Sir Alex would have his guts for garters.
Could the Czechs throw away their chances next week? PaddyPower.com is quoting 1-6 for Ireland not to qualify ie. not to beat the Czechs.
Could the Czechs throw away their chances next week? PaddyPower.com is quoting 1-6 for Ireland not to qualify ie. not to beat the Czechs.
Sunday 26 August 2007
High school musical
What would a 21st. century "Grease" look and sound like? Grease was a gritty play and a light-weight film but it was nostalgia even when it was first written. Would a modern musical go back to the 1970's. What about Ireland of that era?
Hollywood Dads
Fathers feature extensively in recent films but normally as dysfunctional or absent fathers.
RomCom
New Yorker has an interesting piece on the "slacker romance" e.g. "Knocked Up" . I can't think of a recent film where there was a good balance between the male and female leads. Of course, the days of "romance" are over - only period pieces like "Sense and Sensibility" can rely on romance to carry the plot. Who cares whether contemporary characters have sex or get married? Perhap soap operas carry this off because the audience builds sufficient rapport with the characters.
Monday 20 August 2007
The DAFT.IE Rent report makes interesting reading. Are FTBs postponing their house purchases and pushing up rents?
"With high rates of home ownership and a booming economy, it is understandable that much of the focus in the past few years, when it came to the property market, was on house prices. The last six months have seen a shift, though, and the spotlight is well and truly on the rental sector. And while soaring house prices had been grabbing all the headlines, the rental market was also entering uncharted territory. Rents have risen in both absolute and year-on-year terms each quarter since late 2004. Recently, the pace at which rents have been rising reached record speed. As shown in the last Daft Rental report, the first quarter of 2007 saw rent increases of 10.8% compared to the same period in 2006. In the second quarter this figure increased to 12.4%
Meanwhile, all commentators agree that, when looked at in month-on-month or year-on-year terms, the house price boom is over, something fans of the Daft report have known since mid-2006, when asking price inflation started to slow dramatically. With house prices now static, all eyes are on the rental market to see what next for Ireland’s property market. A healthy rental sector that absorbed a shift in supply from sales to letting would reassure people of the fundamentals and steady the nerves. A faltering rental sector, though, with rapidly rising inventories and tumbling rents, would not augur well for house prices over the next two to three years."
Sunday 12 August 2007
Saturday 11 August 2007
Sub-prime roast
This may be the month when the Irish property bubble officially burst, even though the signs have been obvious for almost a year.
Various property surveys are all showing small declines in average prices. These figures are only the tip of the iceberg but the speculators have fled the market and nothing will sell without a substantial price cut.
The Irish Times is hilariously schizophrenic: the main headline yesterday "Turmoil in financial markets could halt rate rises" - finding a silver lining in speculation by some stockbroker's economist that the ECB may backtrack on signalled interest rate increases. The business section was more realistic and carried a number of articles on property speculation, particularly one by Paul Tansey using CSO statistics on empty housing.
Various property surveys are all showing small declines in average prices. These figures are only the tip of the iceberg but the speculators have fled the market and nothing will sell without a substantial price cut.
The Irish Times is hilariously schizophrenic: the main headline yesterday "Turmoil in financial markets could halt rate rises" - finding a silver lining in speculation by some stockbroker's economist that the ECB may backtrack on signalled interest rate increases. The business section was more realistic and carried a number of articles on property speculation, particularly one by Paul Tansey using CSO statistics on empty housing.
Friday 29 June 2007
Wines - Google Notebook
Tolva Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc
Located only 80km from the Pacific, the vineyards receive a cold ocean breeze, helping grapes achieve a perfect balance of sugar and acidity.
Tasting Notes : A gorgeous range of flavours from crisp apple and pineapple to ripe banana and peach. Light-bodied with vivacious finishing acidity.
Producer : Carta Vieja
Method of Production : Grapes were harvested in the first weeks of March and fermented in stainless steel tanks for seven to eight days using specially selected yeasts. Post-fermentation the wines were matured in stainless steel tanks for four months, blended and laid to rest for six months in bottle before release.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Perfect with a range of dishes from fresh leaf salads to grilled chicken and fish.
Grape Mix : 60% Chardonnay 40% Sauvignon Blanc
Region : Maule Valley
Percentage Alcohol : 12.5"
Located only 80km from the Pacific, the vineyards receive a cold ocean breeze, helping grapes achieve a perfect balance of sugar and acidity.
Tasting Notes : A gorgeous range of flavours from crisp apple and pineapple to ripe banana and peach. Light-bodied with vivacious finishing acidity.
Producer : Carta Vieja
Method of Production : Grapes were harvested in the first weeks of March and fermented in stainless steel tanks for seven to eight days using specially selected yeasts. Post-fermentation the wines were matured in stainless steel tanks for four months, blended and laid to rest for six months in bottle before release.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Perfect with a range of dishes from fresh leaf salads to grilled chicken and fish.
Grape Mix : 60% Chardonnay 40% Sauvignon Blanc
Region : Maule Valley
Percentage Alcohol : 12.5"
Wines - Google Notebook
Prima Gusto Pinot Grigio Garganega
Bright, fresh, invigorating on the nose and palate, and quite unpretentious. A dash of Garganega helps to add additional floral notes.
Tasting Notes : Light straw in colour with a healthy hue, this is a lively, fresh and frisky wine, with a clean, crunchy green apple bouquet, dry smooth palate, and complementary bracing adicity. Great value.
Producer : Casa Girelli
Method of Production : Destemmed grapes were softly pressed and fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 20 C. A softening malolactic fermentation took place before the wine was cold filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Refreshing on its own, but try with soft cheese or a chicken salad with tarragon and grapes.
Grape Mix : A blend of Pinot Grigio and Garganega
Region : Veneto
Percentage Alcohol : 12"
Bright, fresh, invigorating on the nose and palate, and quite unpretentious. A dash of Garganega helps to add additional floral notes.
Tasting Notes : Light straw in colour with a healthy hue, this is a lively, fresh and frisky wine, with a clean, crunchy green apple bouquet, dry smooth palate, and complementary bracing adicity. Great value.
Producer : Casa Girelli
Method of Production : Destemmed grapes were softly pressed and fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 20 C. A softening malolactic fermentation took place before the wine was cold filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Refreshing on its own, but try with soft cheese or a chicken salad with tarragon and grapes.
Grape Mix : A blend of Pinot Grigio and Garganega
Region : Veneto
Percentage Alcohol : 12"
Wines - Google Notebook
Trivento Merlot Malbec
Unoaked and fruity this is a good quality interesting blend
Tasting Notes : Aromas of red fruits with an herbal touch; on the palate there's more berry fruit, soft tannins and long finish.
Producer : Trivento
Method of Production : The grapes were destemmed and, before being crushed, were flash heated for a moment, then cooled back to cellar temperature. This process increases the extraction of colour and taste and avoids the usual necessity for adding sulphur to the must. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats for ten days with malolactic conversion encouraged too. The wine was left to mature in tank for two months before being fined with egg white, filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : A simple bring a bottle party wine, or good for take away pizza in front of the latest DVD.
Grape Mix : 50% Merlot 50% Malbec
Region : Mendoza
Percentage Alcohol : 13.5"
Unoaked and fruity this is a good quality interesting blend
Tasting Notes : Aromas of red fruits with an herbal touch; on the palate there's more berry fruit, soft tannins and long finish.
Producer : Trivento
Method of Production : The grapes were destemmed and, before being crushed, were flash heated for a moment, then cooled back to cellar temperature. This process increases the extraction of colour and taste and avoids the usual necessity for adding sulphur to the must. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats for ten days with malolactic conversion encouraged too. The wine was left to mature in tank for two months before being fined with egg white, filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : A simple bring a bottle party wine, or good for take away pizza in front of the latest DVD.
Grape Mix : 50% Merlot 50% Malbec
Region : Mendoza
Percentage Alcohol : 13.5"
Wines - Google Notebook
Malesan
With an ability to source fruit from a huge number of growers they are able to bottle a year in year out, consistent Merlot Cabernet blend.
Tasting Notes : A straightforward easy drinking claret with plenty of fleshy plum fruit on the nose, and clean red fruits plus more plum on the palate, all finished off with hints of cedary, cinnamon barrel ageing.
Producer : Malesan
Method of Production : Fruit was sourced from a wide range of growers across the Bordeaux appellation region. The grapes were destemmed, crushed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with daily pumping over. Total contact time with the skins was 15 to 21 days before the wine was pressed into a combination of new and old French oak barrels for a minimum of six months. Once the final cuv�e was assembled, it was fined with egg white, filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2005
Food Choice : Grilled dishes or meat served in a sauce, roasts, poultry, and cheese.
Grape Mix : 60% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
With an ability to source fruit from a huge number of growers they are able to bottle a year in year out, consistent Merlot Cabernet blend.
Tasting Notes : A straightforward easy drinking claret with plenty of fleshy plum fruit on the nose, and clean red fruits plus more plum on the palate, all finished off with hints of cedary, cinnamon barrel ageing.
Producer : Malesan
Method of Production : Fruit was sourced from a wide range of growers across the Bordeaux appellation region. The grapes were destemmed, crushed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with daily pumping over. Total contact time with the skins was 15 to 21 days before the wine was pressed into a combination of new and old French oak barrels for a minimum of six months. Once the final cuv�e was assembled, it was fined with egg white, filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2005
Food Choice : Grilled dishes or meat served in a sauce, roasts, poultry, and cheese.
Grape Mix : 60% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Peter Lehmann Wildcard Shiraz
Peter Lehmann Wildcard Shiraz
Peter Lehmann get the best and most consistent grapes for their marvellously approachable wines. There has been a couple of splashes of Cabernet and Merlot added to the majority Shiraz to give a bit more body and gloss.
Tasting Notes : Rich, fleshy-berry fruit with untamed spice and alluring chocolate notes on the mid-palate. Deliciously upfront and rounded, with a long soft finish.
Producer : Peter Lehmann
Method of Production : Fruit from premium South Australian vineyards was harvested in mid-March after a hot, dry ripening period. Machine picked grapes were destemmed, crushed and fermented immediately in stainless steel at 25�C for seven days. Post-fermentation the wine was matured in oak for six months (where malolactic fermentation completed), clarified using a centrifuge to remove insoluble materials (lees), filtered with earth, then bottled.
Vintage : 2004
Food Choice : A superb partner to a mixed grill, beef casserole or aged cheddar.
Grape Mix : 89% Shiraz, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Region : South Australia
Percentage Alcohol : 14"
Peter Lehmann get the best and most consistent grapes for their marvellously approachable wines. There has been a couple of splashes of Cabernet and Merlot added to the majority Shiraz to give a bit more body and gloss.
Tasting Notes : Rich, fleshy-berry fruit with untamed spice and alluring chocolate notes on the mid-palate. Deliciously upfront and rounded, with a long soft finish.
Producer : Peter Lehmann
Method of Production : Fruit from premium South Australian vineyards was harvested in mid-March after a hot, dry ripening period. Machine picked grapes were destemmed, crushed and fermented immediately in stainless steel at 25�C for seven days. Post-fermentation the wine was matured in oak for six months (where malolactic fermentation completed), clarified using a centrifuge to remove insoluble materials (lees), filtered with earth, then bottled.
Vintage : 2004
Food Choice : A superb partner to a mixed grill, beef casserole or aged cheddar.
Grape Mix : 89% Shiraz, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Region : South Australia
Percentage Alcohol : 14"
Saturday 23 June 2007
Tesco Wines
Is Tesco now officially the worst major wine seller in Ireland? I was there today and could hardly find anything that wasn't overpriced and no-one could accuse them of creativity in their selection.
Irish Ways
The Catholic Church in Ireland consoles itself with the thought that its demise is part of a larger trend in which modernising forces have undermined traditional sources of authority.
The recent election results contradicts this thesis - rarely have the two traditional parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, been more dominant.
Similarly, the GAA has thrived during the Celtic Tiger era.
It is not easy to identify the reasons for the varied fortunes of these traditional pillars of our society but the Catholic Church will have to analyse its own failures more clearly before it can hope for a revival.
The recent election results contradicts this thesis - rarely have the two traditional parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, been more dominant.
Similarly, the GAA has thrived during the Celtic Tiger era.
It is not easy to identify the reasons for the varied fortunes of these traditional pillars of our society but the Catholic Church will have to analyse its own failures more clearly before it can hope for a revival.
Thursday 21 June 2007
Oh those Juniors!
Coverage of Bertie's 20 has been entirely focussed on personalities. No-one seems to care what tasks these Junior Ministers have received.
Here's a test - find a commitment in any election manifesto to creating these additional posts.
The Indo's coverage is typical:
"Plum jobs for the boys in Ahern shake-up
Fianna Failers get 19 out of 20 €147,284 junior ministry posts
By Senan Molony and Michael Brennan
Thursday June 21 2007
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night moved to placate his backbenchers by announcing a raft of new junior minister positions - each carrying a €147,284 salary.
Mr Ahern gave 19 plum jobs to Fianna Failers - with only one going to his Coalition partners. Just two go to women TDs.
Former Green Party leader Trevor Sargent becomes minister for food, but there is nothing for PD TD Noel Grealish.
Former junior ministers Noel Treacy and Frank Fahey were sacked.
Both are from Galway constituencies and held the posts of minister for Europe and junior justice minister respectively. But some regional balance is restored by the elevation of Micheal Kitt (Galway East), from the same constituency as Mr Treacy.
Mr Fahey, who has been embroiled in controversy over overseas investments and a lost trawler compensation scheme, represents Galway West. Both Mr Treacy and Mr Fahey said they were disappointed at their dismissal."
Here's a test - find a commitment in any election manifesto to creating these additional posts.
The Indo's coverage is typical:
"Plum jobs for the boys in Ahern shake-up
Fianna Failers get 19 out of 20 €147,284 junior ministry posts
By Senan Molony and Michael Brennan
Thursday June 21 2007
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night moved to placate his backbenchers by announcing a raft of new junior minister positions - each carrying a €147,284 salary.
Mr Ahern gave 19 plum jobs to Fianna Failers - with only one going to his Coalition partners. Just two go to women TDs.
Former Green Party leader Trevor Sargent becomes minister for food, but there is nothing for PD TD Noel Grealish.
Former junior ministers Noel Treacy and Frank Fahey were sacked.
Both are from Galway constituencies and held the posts of minister for Europe and junior justice minister respectively. But some regional balance is restored by the elevation of Micheal Kitt (Galway East), from the same constituency as Mr Treacy.
Mr Fahey, who has been embroiled in controversy over overseas investments and a lost trawler compensation scheme, represents Galway West. Both Mr Treacy and Mr Fahey said they were disappointed at their dismissal."
Saturday 16 June 2007
O'Briens - White Wines - Argentina - Callia 'Alta' Viognier
Callia 'Alta' Viognier:
This unoaked viognier from Argentina has delicious notes of peaches
Was €7.99 Now €6.40 at O'Briens
This unoaked viognier from Argentina has delicious notes of peaches
Was €7.99 Now €6.40 at O'Briens
O'Briens - Red Wines - Argentina - Punta Negra Shiraz Malbec
Punta Negra Shiraz Malbec:
Made by Bodegas Callia in the San Juan, a winery which is owned by Bodegas Salentin; one of Argentina's top 5 premium wineries. This spicy, fruity red delivers lots of flavour and pleasure for a wine at this price point!
Was €6.49 Now €5.20 at O'Briens
Made by Bodegas Callia in the San Juan, a winery which is owned by Bodegas Salentin; one of Argentina's top 5 premium wineries. This spicy, fruity red delivers lots of flavour and pleasure for a wine at this price point!
Was €6.49 Now €5.20 at O'Briens
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Virginie Marsanne
Virginie Marsanne
Euro 7.99
with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
Tasting Notes : Aromas of rosewater, juicy apricots and white flowers move on to a rich, fleshy palate with flavours of citrus fruits and a touch of vanilla / toast on the finish.
Producer : Domaines Virginie
Method of Production : The grapes were destemmed, pressed, cold-settled then the majority of the juice transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for fermentation; 20% was set aside to undergo fermentation in oak barrels. After 15 days, the wine was removed from the heavy fermentation deposits and racked back in to tanks and barrels with the fine lees for 4 months' ageing. The wine was then blended, gently fined, filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2005
Food Choice : Drink chilled as an aperitif, or pair with grilled fish such as pike or perch.
Grape Mix : 100% Marsanne
Region : South of France
Percentage Alcohol : 12.5
Euro 7.99
with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
Tasting Notes : Aromas of rosewater, juicy apricots and white flowers move on to a rich, fleshy palate with flavours of citrus fruits and a touch of vanilla / toast on the finish.
Producer : Domaines Virginie
Method of Production : The grapes were destemmed, pressed, cold-settled then the majority of the juice transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for fermentation; 20% was set aside to undergo fermentation in oak barrels. After 15 days, the wine was removed from the heavy fermentation deposits and racked back in to tanks and barrels with the fine lees for 4 months' ageing. The wine was then blended, gently fined, filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2005
Food Choice : Drink chilled as an aperitif, or pair with grilled fish such as pike or perch.
Grape Mix : 100% Marsanne
Region : South of France
Percentage Alcohol : 12.5
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Obikwa Shiraz
Obikwa Shiraz
Euro. 7.19
Tasting Notes : Plush with ripe plum and cherry fruits, the soft palate has an earthy edge with a spicy, savoury twang.
Producer : Obikwa
Method of Production : A combination of young and old vines grafted on to Phylloxera resistant rootstock were harvested in February. Mostly handpicked grapes were destemmed, pressed, then fermented at 25°C for 13 days in stainless steel. Filtered and fined with egg whites and gelatine, the wine matured in tanks and oak for six months before being bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Enjoy with red meat and pasta dishes; try a full and chunky spag bol, with or without the meat.
Grape Mix : 100% Shiraz
Region : Western Cape
Percentage Alcohol : 13"
Euro. 7.19
Tasting Notes : Plush with ripe plum and cherry fruits, the soft palate has an earthy edge with a spicy, savoury twang.
Producer : Obikwa
Method of Production : A combination of young and old vines grafted on to Phylloxera resistant rootstock were harvested in February. Mostly handpicked grapes were destemmed, pressed, then fermented at 25°C for 13 days in stainless steel. Filtered and fined with egg whites and gelatine, the wine matured in tanks and oak for six months before being bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Enjoy with red meat and pasta dishes; try a full and chunky spag bol, with or without the meat.
Grape Mix : 100% Shiraz
Region : Western Cape
Percentage Alcohol : 13"
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Doña Dominga Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère
Doña Dominga Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère
Euro 8.69
(20% discount for 12 mixed bottles)
Ripe Carmenère in evidence here, and it's absolutely critical to the success of the blend. The wine has a real freshness about it; juicy and quite full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant flavours plus roasted coffee and a slightly herbaceous note coming through on the finish. Again Mario Geiss gets good complexity and weight into the wine.
Tasting Notes : Bright ruby colour with good intensity. Very clean aromas of red fruits, blackberries and black pepper. On the palate it is rich and smooth with the fruit flavours coming through again.
Producer : Casa Silva
Method of Production : Handpicked estate-grown grapes (some from vines dating back to 1912) were destemmed, crushed and cold macerated for six to ten days. Fermentation occurred over 16 days in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, after which the wine was allowed to remain in contact with the skins for a further two days. The wine was then racked to tank where it went through malolactic conversion and a period of maturation. The wine was fined, filtered then bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Try with beignets d'aubergine (a kind of lightly battered fritter) with a tomato salsa for dipping.
Grape Mix : 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30%"
Euro 8.69
(20% discount for 12 mixed bottles)
Ripe Carmenère in evidence here, and it's absolutely critical to the success of the blend. The wine has a real freshness about it; juicy and quite full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant flavours plus roasted coffee and a slightly herbaceous note coming through on the finish. Again Mario Geiss gets good complexity and weight into the wine.
Tasting Notes : Bright ruby colour with good intensity. Very clean aromas of red fruits, blackberries and black pepper. On the palate it is rich and smooth with the fruit flavours coming through again.
Producer : Casa Silva
Method of Production : Handpicked estate-grown grapes (some from vines dating back to 1912) were destemmed, crushed and cold macerated for six to ten days. Fermentation occurred over 16 days in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, after which the wine was allowed to remain in contact with the skins for a further two days. The wine was then racked to tank where it went through malolactic conversion and a period of maturation. The wine was fined, filtered then bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Try with beignets d'aubergine (a kind of lightly battered fritter) with a tomato salsa for dipping.
Grape Mix : 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30%"
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet
Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet
Euro 10.69
(20% discount for 12 mixed bottles)
Tasting Notes : Eucalyptus and olives combine with ripe plum and peppers. The palate is rich with silky tannins and a finish dominated by cloves and spice.
Producer : Wakefield
Method of Production : The grapes were sourced from vineyards across the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. The must received 24 hours skin contact before it was inoculated with a Rhone yeast strain and fermented in rotary and static tanks for up to 10 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in a mixture of American and French oak hogsheads (1 - 4 years old) where the wine matured for 6 months prior to blending and bottling.
Vintage : 2003
Food Choice : Match with roast Aberdeen Angus beef, garlic butter potatoes and pan-fried baby corn.
Grape Mix : 52% Shiraz & 48% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region : South Australia
Percentage Alcohol : 13.5"
Euro 10.69
(20% discount for 12 mixed bottles)
Tasting Notes : Eucalyptus and olives combine with ripe plum and peppers. The palate is rich with silky tannins and a finish dominated by cloves and spice.
Producer : Wakefield
Method of Production : The grapes were sourced from vineyards across the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. The must received 24 hours skin contact before it was inoculated with a Rhone yeast strain and fermented in rotary and static tanks for up to 10 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in a mixture of American and French oak hogsheads (1 - 4 years old) where the wine matured for 6 months prior to blending and bottling.
Vintage : 2003
Food Choice : Match with roast Aberdeen Angus beef, garlic butter potatoes and pan-fried baby corn.
Grape Mix : 52% Shiraz & 48% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region : South Australia
Percentage Alcohol : 13.5"
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Carta Vieja Cabernet Sauvignon
Carta Vieja Cabernet Sauvignon
euro 7.59
(20% discount for 12 mixed bottles)
Good value with vanilla tinge to the palate that sets it apart from many competitors in this price range.
Tasting Notes : Mature cassis and vanilla aromas with a medium-bodied palate that is enhanced by fine, smooth tannins.
Producer : Carta Vieja
Method of Production : After picking by hand, the grapes were destemmed and crushed. The must (mixture of juice and skins) was fermented in a mixture of temperature controlled stainless-steel and epoxy-lined cement tanks over 8 days. The wine was then pressed off its skins and went through malolactic fermentation to soften acidity and add further complexity. The wine was kept on its yeast lees for a short period before maturing in tanks for 4 months prior to bottling.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Pair with Catalan dishes, barbecued beef or herbed rack of lamb.
Grape Mix : 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region : Maule Valley
Percentage Alcohol : 13"
euro 7.59
(20% discount for 12 mixed bottles)
Good value with vanilla tinge to the palate that sets it apart from many competitors in this price range.
Tasting Notes : Mature cassis and vanilla aromas with a medium-bodied palate that is enhanced by fine, smooth tannins.
Producer : Carta Vieja
Method of Production : After picking by hand, the grapes were destemmed and crushed. The must (mixture of juice and skins) was fermented in a mixture of temperature controlled stainless-steel and epoxy-lined cement tanks over 8 days. The wine was then pressed off its skins and went through malolactic fermentation to soften acidity and add further complexity. The wine was kept on its yeast lees for a short period before maturing in tanks for 4 months prior to bottling.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Pair with Catalan dishes, barbecued beef or herbed rack of lamb.
Grape Mix : 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region : Maule Valley
Percentage Alcohol : 13"
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Tolva Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc
Tolva Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc
Euro 7.19 with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
Located only 80km from the Pacific, the vineyards receive a cold ocean breeze, helping grapes achieve a perfect balance of sugar and acidity.
Tasting Notes : A gorgeous range of flavours from crisp apple and pineapple to ripe banana and peach. Light-bodied with vivacious finishing acidity.
Producer : Carta Vieja
Method of Production : Grapes were harvested in the first weeks of March and fermented in stainless steel tanks for seven to eight days using specially selected yeasts. Post-fermentation the wines were matured in stainless steel tanks for four months, blended and laid to rest for six months in bottle before release.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Perfect with a range of dishes from fresh leaf salads to grilled chicken and fish.
Grape Mix : 60% Chardonnay 40% Sauvignon Blanc
Region : Maule Valley
Percentage Alcohol : 12.5"
Euro 7.19 with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
Located only 80km from the Pacific, the vineyards receive a cold ocean breeze, helping grapes achieve a perfect balance of sugar and acidity.
Tasting Notes : A gorgeous range of flavours from crisp apple and pineapple to ripe banana and peach. Light-bodied with vivacious finishing acidity.
Producer : Carta Vieja
Method of Production : Grapes were harvested in the first weeks of March and fermented in stainless steel tanks for seven to eight days using specially selected yeasts. Post-fermentation the wines were matured in stainless steel tanks for four months, blended and laid to rest for six months in bottle before release.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : Perfect with a range of dishes from fresh leaf salads to grilled chicken and fish.
Grape Mix : 60% Chardonnay 40% Sauvignon Blanc
Region : Maule Valley
Percentage Alcohol : 12.5"
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Labeye Guilhem Syrah
Labeye Guilhem Syrah E. 8.69 with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
Tasting Notes : Medium to full-bodied and smooth, possessing plenty of rich, rounded red-fruit with notes of meat and white pepper.
Producer : Cave de Rieux (Edouard Labeye)
Method of Production : Syrah is renowned for producing big, firm, spicy wines - but, in this case careful use of a form of carbonic maceration has created a supple, fruity concoction. The grapes were hand-picked to allow the fruit to be placed in the fermenting vats as whole bunches, where a form of fermentation took place inside the berries, to extract spicy notes, soft tannins and a deep colour. When the carbonic maceration was complete, fermentation continued as normal.
Vintage : 2003
Food Choice : Drink with pasta dishes, pizza and a variety of grilled meats.
Grape Mix : 100% Syrah
Region : South of France
Percentage Alcohol : 13
£5.99
20% off 12 bottles"
Tasting Notes : Medium to full-bodied and smooth, possessing plenty of rich, rounded red-fruit with notes of meat and white pepper.
Producer : Cave de Rieux (Edouard Labeye)
Method of Production : Syrah is renowned for producing big, firm, spicy wines - but, in this case careful use of a form of carbonic maceration has created a supple, fruity concoction. The grapes were hand-picked to allow the fruit to be placed in the fermenting vats as whole bunches, where a form of fermentation took place inside the berries, to extract spicy notes, soft tannins and a deep colour. When the carbonic maceration was complete, fermentation continued as normal.
Vintage : 2003
Food Choice : Drink with pasta dishes, pizza and a variety of grilled meats.
Grape Mix : 100% Syrah
Region : South of France
Percentage Alcohol : 13
£5.99
20% off 12 bottles"
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Trivento Chardonnay Torrontes
Trivento Chardonnay Torrontes
E. 6.99 with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
This unoaked white blend is a 50-50 mix of Chardonnay that gives a soft, yet fresh tropical flavours, and Argentina's Torrontes, that supplies an aromatic zippiness.
The nose is fresh and fruity with citrus and honey notes plus nuances of roses and violets. The palate again is fruity with soft tropical flavours and a clean lively finish.
Producer : Trivento
Method of Production : The grapes were destemmed, crushed and cold soaked for a short period before the juice was pressed from the skins. Fermentation occurred in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks between 13 and 16°C for three weeks. The wine was aged on its lees for two months before being fined, filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : A good aperitif wine, though would work well with an apricot tart
Grape Mix : 50% Chardonnay 50% Torrontes
Region : Mendoza
Percentage Alcohol : 13.5
£4.39
E. 6.99 with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
This unoaked white blend is a 50-50 mix of Chardonnay that gives a soft, yet fresh tropical flavours, and Argentina's Torrontes, that supplies an aromatic zippiness.
The nose is fresh and fruity with citrus and honey notes plus nuances of roses and violets. The palate again is fruity with soft tropical flavours and a clean lively finish.
Producer : Trivento
Method of Production : The grapes were destemmed, crushed and cold soaked for a short period before the juice was pressed from the skins. Fermentation occurred in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks between 13 and 16°C for three weeks. The wine was aged on its lees for two months before being fined, filtered and bottled.
Vintage : 2006
Food Choice : A good aperitif wine, though would work well with an apricot tart
Grape Mix : 50% Chardonnay 50% Torrontes
Region : Mendoza
Percentage Alcohol : 13.5
£4.39
Thursday 14 June 2007
And it came to pass
Bertie saw the Greens from a long way off but they were right to go for seats at the table ahead of programme commitments.
Programme commitments can become hostages to fortune but now the Greens are in the driving seat on issues that matter to them. The spin yesterday was impressive - on the outside, FF grassroots thought nothing had been given away but the Green party faithful at the conference knew they had the best deal available. 86% !
Bertie makes the minimum number of moves but the moves he makes are very shrewd. Brian Lenihan may be the best of the younger generation and J. O'Donoghue had lost the plot. As Ceann Comhairle, he'll get up the Opposition's noses and he won't make trouble inside the party.
Who could imagine Fianna Fail looking so united? There even looks like being a smooth transition to a new leader, something few parties can manage, least of all FF.
Programme commitments can become hostages to fortune but now the Greens are in the driving seat on issues that matter to them. The spin yesterday was impressive - on the outside, FF grassroots thought nothing had been given away but the Green party faithful at the conference knew they had the best deal available. 86% !
Bertie makes the minimum number of moves but the moves he makes are very shrewd. Brian Lenihan may be the best of the younger generation and J. O'Donoghue had lost the plot. As Ceann Comhairle, he'll get up the Opposition's noses and he won't make trouble inside the party.
Who could imagine Fianna Fail looking so united? There even looks like being a smooth transition to a new leader, something few parties can manage, least of all FF.
Oddbins Wine Merchant - Snake Creek Premium Chardonnay
Snake Creek Premium Chardonnay:
€8.49 with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
More subtle than an average Aussie Chardonnay. Interesting fruit flavours. e. 7.79 with 20% reduction for mixed cases of 12.
Tasting Notes : Zesty lemon and lime aromas precede a fresh, delicate and complex palate, with well integrated flavours of citrus, cashew nut and stone fruits.
Producer : Snake Creek
Method of Production : Premium parcels of fruit were carefully selected, destemmed, crushed and cold-stabilised. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with a small amount of oak influence. Partial malolactic fermentation (20%) and lees contact (10%) were permitted before filtering and fining. The final wine was matured in steel for one year.
Vintage : 2005
Food Choice : A good match for chicken and pasta - try a creamy chicken and broccoli lasagne.
Grape Mix : 100% Chardonnay
Region : South Eastern Australia
Percentage Alcohol : 13.4
€8.49 with 20% discount for 12 mixed bottles
More subtle than an average Aussie Chardonnay. Interesting fruit flavours. e. 7.79 with 20% reduction for mixed cases of 12.
Tasting Notes : Zesty lemon and lime aromas precede a fresh, delicate and complex palate, with well integrated flavours of citrus, cashew nut and stone fruits.
Producer : Snake Creek
Method of Production : Premium parcels of fruit were carefully selected, destemmed, crushed and cold-stabilised. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with a small amount of oak influence. Partial malolactic fermentation (20%) and lees contact (10%) were permitted before filtering and fining. The final wine was matured in steel for one year.
Vintage : 2005
Food Choice : A good match for chicken and pasta - try a creamy chicken and broccoli lasagne.
Grape Mix : 100% Chardonnay
Region : South Eastern Australia
Percentage Alcohol : 13.4
Tuesday 29 May 2007
Post-election manovers
There seems to be a deficit of arithmetical skills among political commentators.
Even with the independents and PDs, FF would only have a bare majority. Even if they make an opposition TD Ceann Comhairle, there can be no "stability".
Presumably, Bertie is softening up the Greens. He remembers that Labour were able to write the programme for government in 1992. In a couple of weeks time, the Greens will get some offer from FF but Bertie won't let the Greens dictate the terms.
Even more bizarre is Enda Kenny's claim to be trying to form a government. That can only mean that FG will do a deal with SF!
Even with the independents and PDs, FF would only have a bare majority. Even if they make an opposition TD Ceann Comhairle, there can be no "stability".
Presumably, Bertie is softening up the Greens. He remembers that Labour were able to write the programme for government in 1992. In a couple of weeks time, the Greens will get some offer from FF but Bertie won't let the Greens dictate the terms.
Even more bizarre is Enda Kenny's claim to be trying to form a government. That can only mean that FG will do a deal with SF!
Wednesday 23 May 2007
Left-wing Government?
Vincent Browne put a PD candidate on the spot this Monday with a simple question. The PDs are warning that left-wing parties would destroy our economy: in that case, VB asked, how come the economy grew at an unprecedented rate under the Rainbow Coalition?
The PD'er, Ben Doyle from Dublin S. Central, had simply no answer. I think VB supplied his own answer by accusing all parties of abandoning left-wing policies.
The PD'er, Ben Doyle from Dublin S. Central, had simply no answer. I think VB supplied his own answer by accusing all parties of abandoning left-wing policies.
Sunday 20 May 2007
No Change. What's new?
The media could not cover the election if they didn't have opinion polls. Much easier than trying to discern policy differences between the parties. Today, Fianna Fail got a boost with their best poll figures since the last election. The risk for Bertie is that people will start talking about single party government. FF had an effective majority without the PDs in the last Dail - 81 seats and a handful of Independents who were FF'ers without the nomination. Bertie was shrewd not to go that road in 2002 and he won't want any bold talk about that option in the next few days.
By the time the count is over, we'll feel we've had at least four elections in the space of three weeks with every conceivable combination of governing parties.
By the time the count is over, we'll feel we've had at least four elections in the space of three weeks with every conceivable combination of governing parties.
Friday 18 May 2007
No consequences 2
The Eurovision fiasco was a spectacular humiliation. No one dares say we lost because we had the worst entry. The choice of Dervish to perform was the root problem and the choice of songs on the Late Late compounded the problem. There'll be red faces in Montrose but nothing of consequence will happen.
No consequences
Ireland is a land of no consequences where only the innocent are punished. Time and again, the "State" is held liable but the only consequence is that the taxpayer foots the bill. Look at yesterday's judgement on the autistic child - 60K for the child whose education was seriously impared. Will anyone in the Department of Education or elsewhere pay any price? Of course, the real bill is the 5M. in legal fees. They taxpayer, who had no part in the debacle, will bear the brunt.
How much "pro bono" work do Irish lawyers do? They have no hesitation is fleecing the taxpayer in these cases. Even if they lose, moral blackmail is used to get the State to pay for the privilege of being sued.
How much "pro bono" work do Irish lawyers do? They have no hesitation is fleecing the taxpayer in these cases. Even if they lose, moral blackmail is used to get the State to pay for the privilege of being sued.
Welcome
As election day approaches, it's time to put my views out there with all the other messages flooding the Irish "bog-osphere". The traditional media in Ireland have set an agenda which does not permit the kind of debate we need if we are to make the right choices in the years ahead.
The "leaders' debate" tonight was a clear example: two look-alikes who were arguing about competence and performance, not policies. In the end, they both were willing to make promises based on rosy assumptions. The real test for any government is when the tough times come. Successive Irish governments failed that test miserably after the 1979 oil crisis and the consequences were extremely painful for a whole generation of young Irish people.
The "leaders' debate" tonight was a clear example: two look-alikes who were arguing about competence and performance, not policies. In the end, they both were willing to make promises based on rosy assumptions. The real test for any government is when the tough times come. Successive Irish governments failed that test miserably after the 1979 oil crisis and the consequences were extremely painful for a whole generation of young Irish people.
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