In this day and age we are spoilt for choice. We have the chance to taste some of the most amazing wines every day. So are there still wines coveted by sommeliers in Ireland? This week I spoke to some of Ireland’s best to see if there might just be an elusive bottle or two that they still dream about.
MORGAN VANDERKAMER OF STANLEYS RESTAURANT
Morgan Vanderkamer is the Wine Director and General Manager for Stanley’s Restaurant Dublin 2. She has been described as ‘a breath of fresh air’ by Martina in l’Ecrivain. Morgan has worked most of her life in hospitality and has been with Stanley’s since they opened in December 2014. She previously created and managed The Wine Workshop on Leeson Street and worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in London such as Corrigan’s and Joel Robuchon, where she had the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of wine. Morgan has a passion that keeps her list fresh and contemporary and she is certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers.
What are your favourite wines on the list right now?
“Tahbilk Marsanne 2010”. Having some of the oldest Marsanne vines in the world (they can dated theirs to 1927), it is also one of the rarest grape varieties in the world. Right now it is amazing, drinking so well. It is fresh, has great fruit and good acidity. It works so well with their scallop dish.
“I also love Domaine de Majas Vermintino”. A super wine and one of the wines from her skin contact tasting flights. One of the best wines she has tasted with great complexity from the skin contact and pairs well with their confit Quail and fermented carrot dish.
What has been the best / most memorable wine to date?
She did admit if she could only drink from one region for the rest of her life it would be Burgundy, but she also says to know your producers as there are so many small parcels that it is key to getting an outstanding bottle.
On the 19th of September 2011 a rare case of Romanee-Conti 1990 DRC sold for $297,400 in Hong Kong, “a price auction house Acker, Merrall & Condit said it set a world saleroom record for that vintage”. A similar 12-bottle case of Romanee-Conti 1990 DRC sold for £126,500 in London on September 8th the same year.
What is the one wine you dream of tasting?
On the 19th of September 2011 a rare case of Romanee-Conti 1990 DRC sold for $297,400 in Hong Kong, “a price auction house Acker, Merrall & Condit said it set a world saleroom record for that vintage”. A similar 12-bottle case of Romanee-Conti 1990 DRC sold for £126,500 in London on September 8th the same year.
LISA O’DOHERTY OF K CLUB RESORT
Lisa O’Doherty has been Chief Sommelier at the 5 Star K Club Resort in Kildare for the last twelve and a half years. Lisa was also sommelier of the No.27 Green restaurant in the Shelbourne hotel. Having also written a wine column for the Irish Independent and lectured in the Wine Board of Ireland for four years she is a force to be reckoned with.
What wine do you dream of someday tasting & why?
I’m really a Spanish girl at heart and I was dreaming of this wine as soon as I discovered it in my cellar when I started in ’03. It took a few years to sell, it was a magnum of the 1970 after all, but once it was ordered I got to taste it. I get to taste everything, a definite perk of the job, obviously to test and see if it’s ok… It was still fresh and vibrant, rich and full and it took the legs from under me”
What is your favourite wine on your list right now?
What has been the best or most memorable wine you have tasted to date?
MARTINA DELANEY OF l’ECRIVAIN RESTAURANT
Martina Delaney has been head Sommelier at l’Ecrivain, one of nine restaurants in Ireland which holds a Michelin star, since 1994. Her knowledge of wine is second to none. Having won numerous awards over the years Martina is also a member of the Champagne Academy, a dedicated professional to the last. She has also worked in Dobbins, The Old Dublin Restaurant and The Westbury.
What are your favourite wines on the list right now?
“Riesling Heerkretz Grosses Gewächs” 2010 – Wagner Stempel, Rheinhessen. Its clean, crisp purity and minerality make it a beautiful wine to sip and enjoy over a meal. The wine was rated by some to be ‘out of this world’ and a leap over the excellent 2009s.
What has been the best/most memorable wine to date?
What is the one wine you dream of tasting?
WRITTEN BY SUZANNE REDMOND
Suzi is passionate about wine, beer and whiskey too, not forgetting a love of food and travel. She has been a part of this industry for a little over 10 years. She has worked on level 4 in WSET during this time and regularly hosts tastings and staff training in these sectors. She has recently started a blog on all wine, beer and spirit related beverages. You can follow her blog at https://www.thetaste.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Febvre-Main-e1453804815474.pngsgrapecrush or follow Suzi on Twitter