Thud was as good as his word, in regard to his wine stash, and found something appropriately festive in his cellar for me. The 2013 Hindleap, Bluebell Vineyard Estates Rosé sparkling wine, a Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier blend, was a bit of a red fruit bomb. Redolent with strawberry and Red delicious apple, the Hindleap was tasty and structured. But, unfortunately, if I had one criticism it would be that I thought the wine was a tiny bit oxidised.
However, the real problem with this bottle of sparkling wine was the packaging. No sooner had Thud removed the foil from the neck than the cork positively exploded from the bottle. Not good, and the first time that either of us had ever experienced that. The muselet had only been twisted, I'd estimate, barely a half-turn and was therefore totally ineffective at holding a cork in at high pressure. Gave poor old Thud a bit of a start. Still enjoyed the bubbles though.
Oh...and Happy Birthday John Toshack.
Vinogirl loves birthdays.
