Reading Offline #1 - Alino's Thames Lido Dinner - Mixed Whites and Reds

The Thames Lido, Reading
Tasted Tuesday, April 30, 2024 by Vinumming & Ahhing with 21 views

Introduction

Very successful first visit to the Thames Lido a short walk from Reading station. Many thanks to all for some lovely wines.

Flight 1 - Roast Devon scallops on the half shell, white wine, sweet herbs & garlic butter (3 Notes)

  • 2018 Dirty and Rowdy California "Familiar" Blanc 88 Points

    USA, California

    Slightly honied nose some roasted almonds. Faint hints of crystallised ginger. Palate is a little subdued, texture is pleasingly oily and has a limey character.

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  • 2011 Tissot (Bénédicte et Stéphane / André et Mireille) Savagnin Arbois 89 Points

    France, Jura, Arbois

    We're properly into tapas in a Seville square territory on the nose here; way more smoky almonds than before. Some deep linseed oil and lifted pistachio shell notes. On the nose definitely in Fino territory. As ever with these the palate has us back in the Jura; saline and savoury but most definitely not sherried there are some brown toast notes. Just what you want from one of these wines.

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  • 2005 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 93 Points

    France, Alsace

    OMG. This is right up my street; colour so pale and youthful. If served blind you'd guess 2019. Nose has precision and focus but in a confident understated way; lime cordial with hints of papaya. Some classic hints of kerosene and some dill. Palate is fresh and long with a lime oil core with some toasted sesame seed flecks around the edges.

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Flight 2 - Rare Sirloin of Beef, Anna potatoes, watercress, mushroom & Oloroso sauce (3 Notes)

  • 2001 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial 93 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Fabulous wine here. Nose has layer upon layer of blueberry coulis, classy vanilla oak and some tobacco leaf too. With air some sandalwood and them some nutmeg emerges there is almost a Pastel de nata, creaminess and the charred top of the custard too. Palate is cool dark fruited and rich. Some spicy plum and more nutmeg as well.

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  • 2010 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 92 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Very classy vanilla oak, hints of Madeira cake too. Rich, long and dark fruited with some chopped date and, with air, some hints of mint leaf. Nose has hints of quince paste, some Cassia bark and a little smokiness. Lovely spicy finish.

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  • 2009 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea 90 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    The most youthful of our reds tonight, this has brooding almost young Nebbiolo like aniseed on the nose on pouring. Hints of bitumen and and a spot of something balsamic My small glass really not helping here. Palate is initially very tight and reticent. With half an hour in the glass it starts to show a little more. Great potential here and have no concerns for its future.

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Flight 3 - Rare Sirloin of Beef, Anna potatoes, watercress, mushroom & Oloroso sauce - Continued (1 Note)

  • 2018 Comando G Rozas 1er Cru 88 Points

    Spain, Madrid, Vinos de Madrid

    Served blind. Nose a little funky on pouring, some stink / brettiness veering into the fecal / mousy. Some air mercifully nudges this in the right direction. There is some strawberry fruit and some hints of fudgey sweetness. Palate is correct and cool fruited. The grenache character really comes to the fore with air. I guessed Spain because it reminded me of the Envinate but not Commando G although think I have tried a few of their wines in the dim and distant past.

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Flight 4 - Local Cheese for Local People Part 1 - Spenwood and Wigmore (3 Notes)

Flight 5 - Local Cheese for Local People Part 2 - Barkham Blue (1 Note)

  • 1989 Château Doisy-Daëne 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Barsac

    Passionfruit coulis, some spearmint and just a hint of tarragon here. Palate rich and long with more of the above and some apricot jam. Great end to the evening and lovely match for some Barkham Blue.

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Closing

A good location; the food was just the job and decent value at £60 per head all in. Decanters available as were wine coolers. Glassware just about serviceable would probably bring my own next time.

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