Protos Reserva 2009

Protos Reserva 2009

Ribera Del Duero

A gift from a friend who lives in Spain. He has always preferred it to the ubiquitous Rioja and brought me some to try. Very kindly he did not bring the €8 one he drinks but the €22 Reserva (he only told me this afterwards when I had said just how good the wine was).
This wine was lovely, rich and fruity and with a very distinct vanilla aroma but without the harsher tones of many Riojas. A great wine that was such a joy to drink and I will look out for the Ribera del Duero, if I can find it here in the UK retailers.

Dark cherry colour. Complex aromas of black fruits. Velvety and fleshy mouth, full-body, with fine and elegant tannins that build good structure. The perfect match of wood and wine leads to a strong marriage. It delivers a very long aftertaste inviting you to drink again a delightful soft palate found in Protos' great wines.

This wine may contain sediment and has not been treated in any physical or chemical. Be decanted.
Contiene sulfitos.
Ribero del Duero Reserva
Embotellado por protos bodega.
14.5% vol

Chateau Moulin Delille

Chateau Moulin Delille

Saint-Estephe  2007

Appellation Saint-Estephe Controlee

Grand Vin De Bordeaux.
Mis en bouteille au Chateaux (Gironde)
13% vol

From Lidl (£9.99?). A very enjoyable wine, a pleasure to drink with a meal and then savour during the evening.

Montefalco Sagrantino 2009

Montefalco ("meditation wine")

Sagrantino 2009

Torrito Del Falco

A wonderfully aromatic and enjoyable wine, with deep aromas and colour. A wine to be sniffed and slowly savoured. My beloved and I enjoyed a glass of this wine in the warmth of the garden (for the first time this year). It is dry on the mouth (described on the label as 'austere' on the palate) but a really good wine.

From the label:
The Montefalco Sagrantino "Torrito del Falco" wine is produced in the Montefalco city territory. Aged 36 months, 12 of which in French oak barrels, it is an extremely intense red ruby in colour with violet highlights. Its scent has a hint of blackberry, prune jam, liquorish, which fade into notes of vanilla left due to its ageing in the French oak barriques. To the palate it is austere and robust, with noticeable tannins which are full flavoured. The Montefalco Sagrantino "Torrito del Falco" accompanies important dishes of red meats and fowl, wild boar, mixed grilled meats and matured cheeses, but it may also be tasted as a meditation wine. It is recommended to decant the wine an hour before serving.

Chateau de Saye - Bordeaux Superior

Chateau de Saye

Bordeaux Superior 2010

Purchased from Marks & Spencer, this Bordeaux Superior was an good complex wine yet it lacked that real excitement that I enjoy in a good wine. It was £9.99 (minus 25% for bulk purchased) and I think I could have bought a much more interesting wine for the same money.

From the label:
About this wine... Winemaker Alain Laubie had made this wine from carefully selected, hand-picked grapes from 30 year old vines near St Ciers d'Abzac, 15km north of Libourne on the Bordeaux right bank. 90% merlot provides fleshy fruit and velvet texture while 10% Cabernet Franc gives a fresh aromatic lift.
At its best .... This kind of full-bodied and structured red works very well with robust red meat dishes, cheeses or even full-flavoured vegetarian dishes.
Marks & Spencer £9.99 (-25%)
Produced and bottled by Maison Sichel, AF 3360, Cenac France.

Roc de Lussac

Roc de Lussac

Lussac Saint-Enilion 2011

Appellation Lussac Saint Emillion ControleeAn elegant and structured wine, good fruit and controlled tannins. Good to drink, an easy wine for a Saturday evening meal. I purchased this wine of £7.99 from Sainsburys, (in theory it had a previous price of £11.99) but I thought it was worth the money.

From the label;
Over-looking the Dordogne river on the famous Roc de Lussac in Bordeaux, the Lussac Saint-Emillion vineyards are well-known for producing wines of great colour and structure. The 2011 vintage is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet France and Cabernet Sauvignon and has been carefully selected by the winemaker for its concentration of black fruit flavours and supple tannins. Rich and full bodied, this wine makes the perfect accompaniment to rare roast beef, hearty stews or full flavoured cheeses. Ready to enjoy now or will last for up to 3 years from vintage date if carefully stored.

Mis en bouteille a la propriete
13%
Grand Vin De Bordeaux

Soligamar Reserva

Soligamar Reserva

Rioja Reserva 2008

A good Rioja, but without the full richness and complexity of some better wines. I cannot remember how much I paid for this wine, but it does not compare with the standard of Campo Viejo Rioja, which I so enjoyed recently.

From the label;
Soligamar is a new, exclusive and distinguished wine but its origin can be traced back to 1896 when Don Quintin Ortega planted his first vines in the unique area close to the small village of Tudelilla in the Rioja Baja. In 1999 his grandson Carmelo Ortega started this new project.
Winemaker Carmelo Ortega was born in 1963. He has dedicated his entire professional life to Rioja wine. In 1988 he decided to re-open his Grandfather's property in order to take advantage of the uniqueness of La Pedriza and to create his own interpretation of Rioja wine. The utmost care it taken to ensure the sustainable development of the local environment.
14%

Domaine Du Rouge Gorge - Faugeres

Domaine Du Rouge Gorge

Reserve 2011
Faugeres - Appellation Faugeres Controlee

Another deep and intense wine from the South of France, this time from Faugeres. Full flavours of black, rich fruits but also with depth and complexity. A big but really enjoyable wine.

From the label;
This is a deeply coloured and intense red wine with flavours of black fruits, cedar and spice. From the Faugeres region of southern France where the renowned schist soils give low yields and wines with great intensity and character. Made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mouvedre, this lovely southern French red is well balanced and lengthy with soft round tannins. A delicious match with Boeuf Bourguignon or roast lamb with rosemary. Try it also with hard cheese such as Comte or mature Gruyere.
To preserve quality, this wine has been minimally treated and may throw a harmless sediment, which will not impair quality.

Mis en bouteille au domaine.
13.5%
Marks & Spencer £8.99 (-25% multiple buy)

Domaine De Fontseque - Corbieres 2011

Domaine De Fontseque

Corbieres 2011

From the heat of the South of France, from Corbieres, this was a big wine. A deep and rich colour, with smooth but powerful flavours. This was an intense and robust wine that accompanied a gentle pasta dish, but would have been better with a bigger flavoured dish. This was not a gentle wine to savour, rather this had power and aftertaste, leaving a tough dryness on the palate.

From the label:

Corbieres is one of the best-known wine regions of Southern France famous for its robust, intensely flavoured reds. Crafted by winemaker Gerard Bertrand using a fine blend of Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvedre and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. The wine is rich and aromatic with generous blackcurrant flavours and spicy, smokey hints on a lingering finish.

At its best...serve this wine with peppered steak, lamb or beef, casseroles, or full-flavoured cheeses.

Bottled at Saint Andre de Roquelongue.

14.5%

Marks & Spencer - £9.99 (- 25% offer for multiple buy)

Chinon - Les Granges 2010

Chinon - Les Granges 2010

Bernard Baudry

I was given this fine Chinon to try by our French Food & Beverage manager, who is passionate about wine and is always keen to encourage my love of French wine. The wine had already been sampled but I was more than happy to enjoy the rest of the bottle at my leisure. I have always enjoyed the red wines produced in the Loire Valley, but they are not always easy to get here in the UK. As a family, we would regularly bring back bottles of Chinon from trips to France.

This was a lovely wine to enjoy on a leisurely Friday evening. It had great colour and a complexity of aromas that was surprising. Mixed with the soft fruit there was an almost contrasting aroma, a counterpoint, something with strong backbone (my beloved described as almost a rubber tyre smell). A real puzzle of a wine - but lovely to savour. It also has a large amount of sediment in the bottle, not something that is allowed in any supermarket specification. An original French wine; and a wine like this is a real pleasure to be puzzled by.

Mis en bouteille a la propriete.
EARL Bernard Baudry.
12.5%
Cabernet Franc
Graviers Argilo Siliceux
Sols travailles sans utilisation des desherbants et d'engrais chimiques.
Vendange manuelle.

Pouilly-Fume 2012

Pouilly-Fume 2012

Domaine Thibault

We enjoyed this fresh bottle of Pouilly Fume when we ate out on our final night in Amsterdam. We chose to visit the Restaurant Vlaming on Prisengracht, which was outstanding. I ate a trio of fish to start, followed by sea bass in a Noilly Prat sauce. My beloved did not choose the sea bass and I think she regretted it (she chose a vegetarian tart) - the sea bass was wonderfully cooked. The food and the service at Restaurant Vlaming was excellent and the Pouilly Fume was very pleasant. A lovely evening.

Feiler-Artinger - Blaufrankisch 2011

Feiler-Artinger

Blaufrankisch 2011
Rust am see, Burgenland

We enjoyed this wonderfully welcoming and familiar wine (from our previous visit to Austria) on the first night of our recent city break, staying at the Die Port Van Cleve in Amsterdam. The quality and freshness of these Austrian wines are recognised across Europe but unfortunately not here in the UK. For those fortunate enough to drink them, they are just so refreshingly easy to drink, yet have good fruit and freshness.

Wine Club - wine tasting evening (12-02-2014)

Wine Club

Wine Tasting Evening

Here are the wines from our last "Wine Club Tasting Evening";

It was a good evening with a nice journey through first four wine wines and then four red wines, finishing with a powerful Californian old vine Zinfandel. Here are the wines in the order of the journey, with the tasting notes that were provided;

Lenz Moser

Gruner Veltliner 2012 (Austria)

A dry white wine. The grape is believed to date back to Roman times. Bright yellow-green; racy with spicy-peppery notes combined with spicy fruits and youthful acidity. Full-bodied and living wine for many opportunities!

Dona Dominga

Sauvignon Blanc Viognier 2011 (Chile)

Floral, citric and gooseberry notes with a long refreshing finish. The climatic conditions in the vineyard are exceptional with hot days but cold nights... perfect for the concentration of fresh fruit aromas.

Furmint 2011

Royal Tokaji (Hungary)

A dry white wine from an intriguing grape. The word furmint derives from the Hungarian word for the wheaten colour of its wines. This dry white produces a fresh aromatic wine with honey and stone fruit noses with a crispness and bite of grape flowers and lime aromas. Ideal with creamy cheeses or rich poultry dishes.

Yalumba

Viognier 2012 (Australia)

This thoroughly alluring wine from Australia's oldest family owned winery situated in the Barossa Valley is full-bodied. It has a rich perfumed floral scent with ripe peach and apricot fruit and a silky palate. Enjoy with pasta or fish.

Ulmen

Carmenere 2012 (Chile)

A bright violet colour with fresh red fruits and plums and a hint of spice. The Carmenere grape is the iconic variety of Chile. This particular wine comes from the central valley area.

Louis Latour Bourgogne 2011

Gamay (France)

Approx. 15% pinot noir is added to the Gamay grape and vinified with oak contact. Gamay grapes in this wine are from Beaujolais Cru villages of Fleurie, Chenas and Regnie. Raspberry, redcurrant and red cherry characters form the backbone of this wine, while hints of pepper and graphite add a touch of savoury complexity. Ideal with robust slow cooked meats.

Castillo La Paz

Tempranillo Syrah 2011 (Spain)

A bronze medal winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2012. These old vines are grown in the clean and dry atmosphere of Don Quixote's homeland. It has deep colour with concentrated berry flavours.

Brazin

Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2010

This old vine wine has bountiful big, bold aromas of spice and mocha, while intense flavours of plum and chocolate, rich tannins and vanilla mocha notes rock your palate. Packing enough flavour to blow the unsuspecting tasters head off, this really isn't a wine for the faint hearted!

Campo Viejo Rioja

Campo Viejo Rioja

Reserva 2008

A lovely rioja, brought back by a friend from Spain. Something that is a gently but fulfilling pleasure, either summer or winter.

From the label:

Embotellado por bodegas Campo Viejo
Varidades: Tempranillo, Graciano y Mazuelo
13.5%

Sangiovese Puglia

Sangiovese Puglia 2012

Indicazione Geografica Tipica

A leisurely and easy drinking wine from Puglia. This would have gone well with a wide variety of meals but it was very pleasant with our pasta.

From the label:

This example comes from the south-eastern region of Puglia, often known as "the heel" of Italy. Here winemaker Egidio Finazzer has made this delicious moreish wine, which he has left un-oaked to allow the fresh fruity flavours to shine.

At its best ... Perfect as an aperitif, party wine or drink to accompany salami, soft cheese or grilled lamb chops. Can be served at room temperature or lightly chilled.

Expertly blended by Marks & Spencer.
11.5%
Bottled for Marks & Spencer by Cantina del Coppiere Ora, Italy

Vin D'Alsace Gewurtztraminer

Vin D'Alsace Gewurtztraminer

Cuvee Prestige 2012
Kuhlmann-Platz

From the Alsace in France. We enjoyed this smooth but very fruity Gewurtztraminer. It had a delicate flowery noise, yet its palate was very full - powerful notes that could be described as 'lychee'.

From the label:

This wine has a distinctive rich, floral nose followed by a palate that has lovely lychee, rose and slightly spicy characters. Fresh and well balanced acidity mean this concentrated and bold Gewurtztraminer remains fresh and really elegant.

Bottled: Viticulteurs reunis de Hunawihr, France
13.5%

La Patrie Cahors

La Patrie Cahors 2012

Appelation d'Origine Protegee

This beautifully deep wine is such a pleasant, smooth and easy drinking pleasure that it is so easy to understand the new popularity of the Malbec grape, especially those from Argentina. This is French, and proudly so, from that sun baked land of Cahors. Drinking this on a dark February night it really lifts the spirits and was the perfect accompaniment for some reassuring cheeses.

From the label:

La Patrie is sourced from the famous medieval, sun drenched region of Cahors - famous for its inky, deep coloured wines made predominantly from Malbec grapes which have historically been grown throughout this stunningly scenic appellation located in the south west of France.

This is a structure, full bodied yet elegant red made using super-ripe Malbec grapes which have been enriched with a hint of oak. This wine is bursting with blackberry and blackcurrant fruit and would make a perfect partner to all types of roasted meats including beef or lamb.

Produced and bottled by Vinalie - Cotes d'Olt Parnac, France.

Saint-Emilion 2011

Saint-Emilion 2011

Appellation Saint-Emilion Controlee

Purchased from Sainsbury's at £9.99, this was a 'sensibly priced' wine. A wine that was enjoyed leisurely over a few evenings with food (plus the lingering afterwards). The wines of Saint Emillion are becoming a new area of interest for me, not wines that I have drunk that much in the past, but they seem to offer a better entry into Bordeaux.

From the label:
Rich and concentrated, this classic St-Emilion has delicious complex aromas of red berries and cedar notes with ripe, silky tannins.

Award-winning producers Dourthe have created this rich wine from some of the finest grapes grown in the famous region of St Emilion on the right bank of the River Dordogne in Bordeaux. The wine is partly ages in oak barrels to produce a truly elegant, fine wine.
A lovely, full-bodied wine that pairs well with red meat and cheese.

Grape: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Bottled for Sainsbury's by Dourthe at Parempuyre, Gironde, France.

Chateau Le Vivier 2008

Chateau Le Vivier 2008

Medoc - Appellation Medoc Controlee

A gently fruity wine that I enjoyed over a long evening, drinking first with food, and only then on its own. I decanted the wine for a good period then managed to not sip the wine until I had eaten some food. Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape I struggle with and waiting to enjoy the wine with the food helps to soften it on my palate.
This wine was bottled for Majestic and was sensible value for an excellent Medoc wine.

From the label:

Our Merlot (50%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) vines gently slope down towards the Gironde river from the highest plateau in the Medoc, producing award-winning, elegant, fruit forward wines.

Chateau Le Vivier is aged in our magnificent underground cathedral, and we are delighted to release this perfectly matured 2008 vintage exclusively to Majestic's passionate wine lovers.

When you open a bottle, we suggest that you let it breathe for a little while, and serve at 16-18C.

We hope that you enjoy every drop, most probably during a long lunch or a delicious dinner with close friends.

Mis en bouteille au chateau.

Unico Brindisi Riserva 2010

Unico Brindisi Riserva 

2010 Denominazione Di Origine Controllata

A bright, brisk and easy drinking red wine at a very good value. It is one of those wines that is repeatedly discounted at the supermarket (£7.99 but always on offer at £4.99 or 2 for £9.00). So realistically it is a £5 bottle and good value at that. A lovely deep colour, gentle aromas and pleasant smoothness. An easy wine that is great to drink with a range of foods.

From the label:

Intense ruby red colour, the wine acquires orange hints as it ages. Ethereal and rich bouquet with notes of vanilla and ripe red fruits. Dry, delicate, fresh, tangy finish.

Cepa Lebrel Rioja Reserva 2009

Cepa Lebrel 

Rioja Reserva 2009

Denominacion De Origen Calificada

Although this was a cheaper Rioja (£5.99 from Lidl), I was still disappointed. It seemed to be lacking any sparkle, perhaps I was expecting too much. I do have another bottle, perhaps I will decant that one (as per suggestion on the bottle) and leave it around for a good while before drinking.

From the label:

Cepa Lebrel wines are the result of years of experience and dedication. Full of character, structure and body, this Reserva has been aged for 36 months, 18 of which took place in oak barrels. We recommend decanting the wine before serving. Once opened, consume within 3 days.

Carta Roja crianza 2009

Carta Roja crianza 2009

Monstrell Syrah
Jumilla Denominacion de Origen Protegida

A very pleasant, easy drinking wine that accompanied a hearty bean casserole. Deep and comforting food and drink for a dark and wet winter night in the UK.

From the label;

Carta Roja is made traditionally from Monastreli and Syrah grapes which produce rich and intense wines. It is full-bodied with red fruit aromas and intense flavours of ripe plum and vanilla. Aged in American oak barrels, this wine has soft, smooth tannins. It makes a fantastic partner for game and lamb dishes and also hard cheeses.

Barbera D'Asti

Barbera D'Asti

Denominazione di Origine
Controlla e Garantita 2011

A Barbera D'Asti from Sainsbury's. It was good, a very pleasant and gentle wine but it fell far short of the one I recently had from Lidl; that bottle was a Superiore (and £8.99) and yes so much superior

From the label;

This fruity red has a lovely soft texture and balances ripe blackberry and morello cherry flavours with silky tannins and a spice of acidity.
Barbera d'Asti comes from the Piedmont region of northwest Italy and dynamic winemaker Scipione Giuliani has carefully produced this wine to reflect the region's terroir and diversity.
Perfect with roast duck or spicy Italian-style sausages.

Valpolicella Superiore 2011

Valpolicella Superiore 2011

D.D.O.P

I have so often found Valpolicella disappointing and this was also true of this one. Very easy to drink and yes, with that very distinct flavour and aroma of cherries, but it was weak, almost as if it was a glass of wine prepared for a child, the glass largely water. Perhaps I am looking for something in a glass of Valpolicella that is not there.

From the label;

This Valpolicella Superiore has intense notes of fruits of the forest and cherries. With good structure and harmonious balance. It is an ideal accompaniment to red meat, game and cheese. Once opened consume within 3 days.

Aglianico del Vulture 2009

Aglianico del Vulture 2009

We drank this thoroughly enjoyable Italian wine on a dark winter evening with a very rustic (my cooking) tomato pasta dish. Deep and smooth, its rich and intense colours brightened the evening.

from the label;

Grapes: Agalianico

Style: Bold & spicy

Taste: Ripe plum, cherry & blackberry notes

With: Robust meat dishes or aged cheeses

Deep ruby red in colour, this elegant wine is powerful with a complex bouquet, intense notes of ripe plum, cherry and blackberry, all elevated by a hint of warming spice.

Expertly produced by native winemaker Paolo Montrone, Aglianico del Vulture is one of the most traditional DOC wines in Southern Italy. Aglianico grapes are hand-picked from vineyards situated on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vulture. The late-ripening Aglianco variety thrives in the fertile soil which contains mineral rich deposits from ancient lava flows. This wine is traditionally vinified and aged in oak barriques to add structure and depth.

A great pairing for robust meat dishes or aged cheeses.

Purchased from Sainsbury's

Albert Bichot 2011

Albert Bichot 2011

Bourgogne Hautes- Cotes de Beaune

Another wonderful wine from Burgundy that we enjoyed at our family celebration for the New Year. A real pleasure to pour and enjoy this classic French wine, its colour soft and sophisticated rather than gaudy and bright.

from the label:

A fresh, medium bodied Burgundy that delivers initial crisp aromas of fresh redcurrants before the palate softens to ripe redcurrant jammy flavours and subtle hints of roasted cocoa and coffee beans.

M&S winemaker Sue Daniels worked with Alain Serveau on this wine that hails from grapes grown in the higher altitude Hautes Cotes de Beaune, helping the slower-ripening Pinot Noir retain freshness and vivacity with a silky soft palate. Alain insists on ageing part of the wine for 10 months in oak to add structure and texture. His gentle handling of the wine, to enhance flavour, may result in a small harmless sediment in the bottle.

This wine is ready to drink now or will keep for up to 3 years. Serve at room temperature and pair with stews, dishes from tomato-based sauces or mildly spiced North African cuisine.

Purchased from Marks & Spencer

Antonin Rodet 2009

Antonin Rodet 2009

Grand Vin De Bourgogne - Givry
Appellation Givry Controlee

A real pleasure to enjoy this elegant wine at a recent family celebration. Such a joy to drink this sophisticated and gently elegant wine at table.

From the label;

With the utmost respect for terroir and tradition, the House of Antonin Rodet has carefully aged and produced quality wines since 1875.

Mis en bouteille a Nuits-Saint-Georges par Antonin Rodet, Mercurey - France.

Graffigna Centenario

Graffigna Centenario

Malbec Reserve 2011

Enjoyed this deep rich Malbec Reserve on a winter Sunday evening. Deep colour and smooth lush flavours.

from the label:

Graffigna (grah FEE nyah) Centenario is a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the winery founded by Santiago Graffigna in 1870. His commitment and passionate dedication created the foundation on which the winery was built. Graffigna has become a true Argentinian icon, delivering premium, world class wines for over 135 years.

Aged 12 months in oak barrels and 6 months in bottle. Deep red colour with shaded of violet. On the nose, great complexity with ripe blackberry aromas, hints of pepper and spices. Well balanced with smooth ripe tannins, complex and persistent.

Leitz Weingut

Leitz Weingut

2012 Rudesheimer Rosengarten Kabinett - Riesling

My Beloved bought this Riesling from Waitrose. Not something I would have bought myself, but tasting this wine in a stunning Austrian wine glass was a wonderful experience. For me, it has a freshness, a gentle melon sweetness and no sign of acidity - perfectly balanced.

From the label:

The original walled Rosengarten vineyard in the town of Rudesheim on the banks of the Rhine is exclusively owned by Leitz. This delicious off dry Riesling has white peach and apricot flavours and will perfectly accompany Asian and spicy cuisine, fish and salad.... or simply enjoy as an aperitif.

Tulga Crianza 2009

Tulga Crianza 2009

Toro

An easy drinking red wine with plenty of pleasant oak and good fruit. I enjoyed this wine with a range of tasty Christmas savoury bites. Good and uncomplicated wine for a pleasant winter evening from the massive Toro wine producing area of Spain.

From the label:

Cherry red colour with garnet tones. On the nose, it displays aromas of red fruits, cream and vanilla, having been aged in new American and French oak barrels. Fleshy on the palate, with polished tannins. It is a perfect partner for all kinds of meats, roasts, stews and cured cheeses. Serve between 16 and 18C.

Anciano Gran Reserva 2005 Tempranillo

Anciano Gran Reserva 2005 Tempranillo

Valdepenas

Aged 7 years, oak matured. The wine is mellow with ripe fruit and nicely oaked. This is a very pleasant deep wine, which I really enjoyed with one of my Beloved's stunning Feta and Spinach Omelettes.

From the label;

In the timeless Spanish winemaking tradition, Anciano is matured for at least seven years in our cellars to guarantee the perfect balance between ripe fruit and mellow oak character.

Drinking well now. Enjoy with roast lamb, chicken, and other grilled meats, hearty casseroles and mature cheeses.

Dolcetto D'Alba

Dolcetto D'Alba
Nirane

Podere Di Rivalta Di La Morrra - Verduno 2012

A wine from Piedmont, produced from the Dolcetto grape, probably the third grape of Piedmont (after Nebbiolo and Barbera). This was a soft and easy drinking red wine with a smooth bouquet but also noticeably 'dry' to the mouth.

Wine purchased from Carluccio's (given to me as a gift).