Le Di Vin, Edinburgh

We moved to Edinburgh a couple of years ago during the height of the festival. On our walk home we would often pop in to La P'tite Folie for a last glass of wine, a delightful French restaurant upstairs and a haven amongst the madness downstairs. We moved across the city and I haven't had chance to drop in for some time. However last weekend my Aussie mate an I were in the area and so I suggested dropping in for a night cap.
I was expecting to arrive at the little bar but was some what surprised. The small bar is still there and has a 'restaurant' sign on the door. But to the left is the new wine bar Le Di-Vin. Housed in the Tudor building and next door the La P'tite Folie on Randolph Place.
I returned to Le Di Vin on the following Tuesday for a glass of wine after work, this time accompanied by Monsieur and Vin the Man.
It looks new and feels new but at the same time the large glass windows in the ceiling retain the history of this impressive building (formerly a chapel). The decor is tasteful and the bar impressive. There's a ground floor area and a mezzanine balcony from where you have an open view of the fantastic large bar area below. From the mezzanine you can glimpse the rotunda of one of the buildings that edge Charlotte Square.
Now to the wine-list. It's extensive with a good representation of wine from across the globe. There are a few familiar names along with numerous new ones to discover. The list is well presented and organised with lots of great wines available not only by the bottle but by the glass too.

First try:
Cooper's Creek, Marlborough NZ 2006 - I was feeling nostalgic, we spend 18 months leaving in Wellington, I'd received a text from a friend there the day before about how much he missed us. It's a light pinot, some black fruits but not intense, the savoury notes feel stronger on the nose and the palate. 2006 was the year we left and NZ and if my memory serves me right it wasn't a great summer, which probably explains this. It's not the best NZ pinot I've ever had but it holds it's own and takes me back to Wellington, a good start.

We order a mixed plate of cheese and dried meats. There's lots of choice, the salami is outstanding. There's a hard cheese (sorry don't know the name) which is just lovely. This came with a basket of bread too, all was fresh and well presented.

Round two:
Cote de Beaune, Domaine Jessiaume, 2006
I'm sticking to the pinot for a bit of comparison. This one is fruitier than the NZ and works perfectly with the cheeses on offer. The acidity was quite high but with the food that's no problem. I enjoy this little number.

The boys opt for something different:
Marques de Riscal - Rioja at £15.50 a bottle it's a really reasonable price for a great wine. The tempranillo grapes show their true character, it's earthy, mushroomy with dark fruits such a plums and blackberries. The tannins are smooth and balance is good, the flavours lingering on my tongue for some time.

Le Di-Vin is a great place and I'm looking forward to working my way through the fantastic wine list.

Top marks!

Only one suggestion from Monsieur Vin, a couple of comfy sofa's would be divine, although I don't think we would ever leave if this were the case...........