The Best Christmas Pudding?
Unquestionably!
We first met Duncan, pictured above, at Borough Market in late November 2021. Having sampled the Mclaren Christmas Pudding at his stall, one was immediately purchased. This year two were acquired, and with the entire tribe home next year, it will certainly be three if not four.
Invented by Duncan's mother, Sandra, visit the web site for a detailed explanation of the magic behind this wonderful creation - click here.
Online orders for this pudding have closed, but still available from Borough Market until Christmas.
The question is what wines would sit happily alongside this rich and concentrated concoction?
Having tasted a few wines recently, two immediately spring to mind: one a Sauternes and one a Sherry.
Château Suduiraut 2006
Berrys - £22.50 - half-bottle.
Ranked as a Premier Cru in the Bordeaux 1855 Classification - Yquem was the only property classified with the designation of Premier Cru Supérieur - Suduiraut has consistently produced exquisite wines. 2006 was over-shadowed by the superb 2005 vintage, and has remained somewhat under the radar. Although this vintage's progression was not straightforward, Suduiraut has nevertheless created a stunning wine. Picking started on 11th September and concluded here on 17th October with a number of sweeps, or in French 'trie', taking place to select bunches when in optimal condition.
Deep golden colour. A nose that has volumes of complexity with aromas of honeyed melon, vanilla, and a luscious, deep, textured and vibrant palate compacted with concentrated orange, burnt marmalade, and honey that has a ridge of light saline acidity to freshen the balance. It's long. One glass is simply not enough.
Gonzalez Byass Matusalem Oloroso Dulce Muy Viejo Sherry
Waitrose - £21.99 - half-bottle.
Coming from a Solera that was created in 1847, with an average age of around 30-years, this is a deep and richly concentrated wine. A very dark brown colour, with dry figs, prunes, and hints of coffee dominating the nose and palate. It is very sweet, crystallised fruit territory, but as the perfect foil to match any Christmas Pudding, this weighs in with aplomb, class and great style. Excessively moreish. Serve very slightly chilled.
I'm very much looking forward to enjoying both towards the end of next week!
