The Seemingly Ridiculous but Actually Pretty Sublime

For the next few weeks our tastings will focus on winemakers who may seem like April fools and have ignored convention but are actually producing wonderful wine with an irreverent sense of humour.

Bonny Doon - Randall Grahm is not the only 'Rhone Ranger' in California obsessed with southern French varieties, but may be the only one who has had a meteorite named after him and insists that UFO's are the only thing not allowed to plant themselves in Rhone vineyards; according to appellation controlee rules that is.

We will not be uncorking his Le Pousseur Syrah, his Clos de Gilroy Grenache or his Ancient Vine Carignane (because all his wines are proudly screwcapped), just cracking them open with ease; as well as some of the eclectic Big House white and red blends and also his Vin Gris de Cigare if the weather stays fine.

Frogs Leap produces a fine Sauvignon for Califonia but what were they thinking when they put together a blend of Riesling and Chardonnay in mock Germanic style? There's only one way to find out... Wild Boy is a tongue in cheek classically styled American Chardonnay that may have gone out of fashion but by having a Billy Connolly lookalike (winemaker Jim Clenenden) on the label it's always been a Harvey Nichols fave.

Andrew Quady was a pyrotechnician up until 30 years ago, but ever since his change of career the fireworks now just come by the glass. Andy started making fortified wines in California during the 1970's and eventually branched out on his own after making a fantastically aromatic orange muscat. He still makes Essensia, which goes pretty well with soft cheese or cheesecake for that
matter, and the even more exotic Elysium which is an ideal accompaniment to blue cheese or chocolate and smells like
roses but tastes of lychees.

Tastings are conducted in the Wine Shop on the first floor on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Wines from the Rainbow Nation

From mid April we will be leading a 'cape crusade' to bring you everything worth drinking from the rainbow nation.

Although wine has been made in South Africa for nearly 400 years it's only in the last 15 that it has come to be recognised as perhaps some of the best value money can buy.

The legendary sweet wine 'Vin de Constance' became so highly regarded in Europe during the 19th century that it was bought in preference by the exiled Napoleon and
Russian tsars, instead of Madeira, Tokaji, or even Sauternes. An early indication that the Cape could make wines of great quality, that promise is perhaps only just now being fulfilled.

As well as producing the uniquely smoky,
jammy and savoury Pinotage (a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault) the friendliest people on earth's sunny disposition is also evident in their herbaceous and fresh Sauvignon Blanc, tropical Chardonnay and rich, creamy Chenin Blanc.
 
So if Dublin's 'four seasons in one day' weather is getting you down, don't wait half an hour, call by and we will try and bring a little imported South African sunshine into your life.

Tastings are conducted in the Wine Shop on the first floor on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons.

The return of the Harvey Nichols Wine Club

'There are no great wines, only great bottles' - Andre Simon

Announcing the return of the Harvey Nichols Wine Club at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16th January in our First Floor Bar.

This informal event will attempt to expand your horizons through visits from local suppliers and guest winemakers, and tantalise your taste buds through blind tastings and asking you to decide if they're actually any good or not.  

In addition all the wines featured in the tastings will be subject to a ten percent discount off any six bottles or twenty percent off any twelve, purchased on the evening.

 So, even if your wine knowledge is best described as only knowing what you like, why not join us on the launch evening.

 The A, B and C of Wine for beginners and the D's, E's and F's for those who seek a little more from their glass.

Our resident wine enthusiast will attempt to deliver everything you ever wanted to know about wine but were afraid to ask, in less than 60 minutes.

Canapés will be served and a special one course dinner and a glass of wine is on offer for ?25.

For more information, please telephone 01 291 0488.