Orrery
Address:
55 Marylebone High Street London W1U 5RB
Phone:
020 7616 8000
Website:
Rating:
Good For:
Mature vintages, Champagne, Old World, New World
List Summary
Since the departure of WineChap's own Robert Giorgione, the list has returned to its more traditional layout. Organisation by varietal is clearly laid out, easy to wade through, given time. A well-balanced list with a personality - all bases are covered in sensible depth with some unusual, quirky choices that will please connoisseurs. Strengths: Champagne, in particular - Maison Jacquesson; Riesling and other aromatic European whites; Pinot Noir (Burgundy and New World); interesting selection of rare sherries and some good older Ports too.
List Review Wine Key:
Sparkling
White
Rose
Red
Sweet
Fortified
| By The Glass { Most interesting available by the glass } |
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| Albarino O Rosal 2008, Terras Gauda, Rias Baixas, Spain | £9.95 |
| Malbec 2006, Remolinos Vineyards, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina | £9.95 |
| Juracon Moelleux, Uroulat, Charles Hours 2007, SW France | £9.50 (100ml) |
| By The Half { Most interesting available by the half bottle } |
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| Sancerre 2008, La Vigne Blanche Henri Bourgeois, Loire | £20 |
| Spätburgunder “Cuvée Max”2005, August Kesseler, Rheingau, Germany | £54 |
| Value Option { Best under £35/$50/bottom 20% of list PLUS any particularly rare bargains at ANY price point } |
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| Raats Orgininal, Chenin Blanc 2009, South Africa | £26 |
| Mulderbosch, Cabernet Sauvignon rose 2008, Stellenbosch, S.Africa | £28 |
| Sangiovese, Di Majo Norante 2008, Molise, Italy | £26 |
| 1st Date { Impressive but not too showy: circa £50 – but a wine that shows one’s connoisseurship rather than just size of wallet/expense account } |
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| Pernand-Vergelesses 2004, Domaine Delarche, Cote de Beaune, Burgundy | £49 |
| Whilst we may often salivate over its more pricey neighbour, Corton Charlemagne, this Pernand-Vergelesses offers great value for money if you’re seeking to impress, but don’t have cash to burn. |
| Cabernet Franc 2007, Raats, Stellenbosch | £50 |
| This is a super elegant New World Cabernet Franc; there are hefty notes of tobacco and leather, but nicely fleshed out with luscious blackberry, plum and black cherry fruit flavours with a dusting of dark chocolate. Not one for the faint hearted or for unaccompanied quaffing. |
| Off the Beaten Track |
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| Pierre Gimonnet Fleuron, Blanc de Blancs 2004 | £74 |
| A superlative smaller producer, this blanc de blancs may be a little young still, but the wines are often made in such limited quantities (compared to the huge production figures for the large maisons of Reims and Epernay) it’s worth grabbing when you get the chance. |
| Heinrich Red 2008, Burgenland, Austria | £26 |
| A blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Zweigelt, 20% Blaufränkisch this is an intriguing red which also offers surprisingly good value for money. Red berry, plum and espresso flavours come to the fore, with unusual meaty and earthy characters. |
| Charles de Batz 2006, Berthomieu, Madiran, France | £42 |
| Old School Classic { Classic (usually French or Italian – depending on dominant cuisine), from the middle of the list – a good wine, with age to stick on expenses and impress crusty wine bores/board members } |
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| Clos des Goisses 1991 Philipponat, Champagne | £155 |
| Giaconda Aeolia, Roussanne 2006, Victoria, Australia | £107 |
| From arguably the finest Aussie winemaker, Rick Kinzbrunner, “Giaconda” has taken iconic status and rightfully so. The Aeolia also proves that there is life beyond Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and dare we say it, even Riesling, |
| Latour-Giraud, Les Genevrieres 1er Cru 2007, Meursault, Burgundy | £115 |
| This may seem like infanticide, but while this wine can probably keep over the next decade, it is already offering a rich and creamy texture albeit with a fresh citric kick. |
| Condrieu, Yves et Mathilde Gangloff 2006, N. Rhone | £105 |
| Domaine Perrot-Minot, En la Rue de Vergy 2005, Morey-St-Denis, Burgundy | £110 |
| Treat Yourself { Remember when you used to get a bonus? not necessarily most expensive – but a real treat, rare, particularly good vintage etc } |
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| Henriot 'Cuvee des Enchantleurs' 1988, Champagne | £246 |
| Rich toffee, brioche and toasted almonds on a delicately creamy frame. Lovely. |
| Krug Vintage 1985, Champagne | £310 |
| Hermitage, Jean-Louis Chave 1999, Rhone Valley | £205 |
| Caymus, Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 1999, Napa Valley, California, USA | £325 |
| Château Petrus 1971, Pomerol, Bordeaux | £2048 |
| Chateau de Fargues 1990, Sauternes, Bordeaux | £215 |
| Over the Hill { Old Dogs (knackered, well past their prime) } |
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| Hermitage 'La Chapelle' 1983, Jaboulet, Rhone Valley | £145 |
| Crowd pleaser { Well known, trusted producer, region or varietal. No surprises, no disappointments } |
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| Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Vineyard, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2009, W.Australia | £38 |
| Chianti Classico 2007, Fontodi, Tuscany | £47 |
| House Wine Index
{ Number of House wines available by the glass & the mean price } |
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| N/A |
| Bollinger Index
{ Price of a bottle Bollinger } |
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| Bollinger Special Cuvee NV £91 |
