COMMENT: A Wine Man For All Seasons

On November 23, George Hadjikyriacos, founder and director of Spectus Wine shops celebrates the tenth anniversary of opening his first store (I remember it well). He is doing this in some style, so get out your long frock and your DJs and book up. But George does a lot more than celebrate. He is passionately devoted to spreading the word about wine – all wine, and especially good wine.

Not just wine either – Spectus is the Cyprus agent for one of the finest Cognacs, Delamain and a couple of weeks back Monsieur Patrick Peyrelongue-Delamain gave tutored tastings in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos of five of the company’s Grande Champagne Cognacs, Premier Cru. With their retail price per 70 cl bottle, they were: Delamain “XO” (Aged 25 – 28 yrs., £49.00); Delamain ‘Vesper’ (30 – 40 yrs., £72.00); Delamain ‘Extra’ (40 yrs., £125.00); Delamain ‘Tres Venerable’ (45 – 55 yrs., £145.00), and Delamain ‘Reserve de la Famille’ (55 – 60 yrs., £190.00). During the period of the tastings Spectus offered substantial discounts to purchasers.

On Tuesday 20^th November at Spectus, Lemesos and Thursday 22^nd. November at Spectus Lefkosia, George is organizing a remarkable tasting of nine wines from one of the greatest producers of Bordeaux, Chateau Margaux.

A bottle of each of these wines would cost you £1,740 (or around £5,100 if you bought them in a restaurant), so it is not surprising that the cost of attendance is £80.00 per person for members of Spectus Wine academy and £100.00 for non-members. This tasting starts with two white wines, Pavillon Blanc de Chateau Margaux 2005 and 2000, continues with three reds (Pavillon Rouge 2004, 2002 and 1996) and then goes on to four truly ‘greats’: 1er Grand Cru Classé 2001, 1999, 1997 and 1996). Tasting these wines requires some skill and great concentration in order to assess their individual characteristics and I look forward to George’s dissertation upon them.

 

— Patrick Skinner (from the weekly page, “Business of Wine and Food”)