Chateau Cissac 2000

I took a friend to Christopher's Restaurant in Central London a couple of nights ago.  Christopher's is one of those long lasting London restaurants that somehow has stood the test of time, despite having problems.  It is an Amercian restaurant (technically), specialising in steaks and seafood, and it has a Martini cocktail bar downstairs.  I have always thought it the place to go for lunch, to impress a potential client or toast a successful deal.  The prices are not cheap but the food is OK.  You can read the full review on The London Restaurant Review.

Anyway, point is that when I came to choose the wine, my friend told the sommelier that I too was a sommelier (wrong) so she immediately backed off and said that if I wanted help choosing then she was there but I probably wouldn't need it.  No pressure then!

Fortunately I spied a wine that I have tried before and knew to be good - Chateau Cissac.  I subtly referred to my copy of Pocket Vintages and confirmed that indeed, 2000 was an excellent year for Medoc.  At £48 it was about half way up the Christopher's price list.

Upon ordering, the sommelier agreed that this was an excellent choice so I breathed a sigh of relief and from then on we were the best of friends.

She decanted the wine although there was not a trace of sediment and after about 20 mins to breathe, we got stuck in.  It went perfectly with our filet steaks and was delightfully smooth with a rounded finish that left you wanting more more more.

I noticed that Surrey Fine Wines are currently selling the 2000 vintage for about £14 a bottle and since it is drinking well, I would suggest stocking up with a case now to see you through the autumn and winter nights.