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Red Wine<br />
France - Rhone<br />
(S) Rasteau<br />
DOMAINE DE LA SOUMADE Cotes du Rhone 'Violettes' £21.95<br />
Andre Romero 2007 Bottle<br />
ROBERT PARKER 90-92 points 'Romero’s beautiful 2005 Cotes du Rhone Les Violettes (a cuvee<br />
that always displays a touch of exoticism because a small amount of white wine is<br />
co-fermented with the Grenache) offers up a stunning perfume of spring flowers, litchi nuts,<br />
black raspberries, and cherries. Slightly more structured, meaty, and tannic than either the<br />
2004 or 2003, the 2005 will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age. It should drink well for a<br />
decade. Readers take note – this is one of the great values from the Southern Rhone.<br />
Although the irrepressible Andre Romero hardly needed help from Bordeaux, he has brought<br />
in Stephane Derenoncourt, the well-known wine guru of St.-Emilion and Pomerol as a<br />
consultant. Romero has purchased some parcels in both Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape,<br />
but his glories remain his offerings from the ancient, sun-drenched/roasted, old Grenache<br />
vines of Rasteau. Romero is one of the region’s more modern winemakers, aging his top<br />
cuvees in small oak barrels. However, these wines easily absorb their wood component given<br />
their tremendous concentration and power.'<br />
DOMAINE DE LA SOUMADE Rasteau 'Fleur de Confiance' £42.95<br />
2006 Bottle<br />
ROBERT PARKER 93-95 points 'The top of the line cuvee, the 2006 Cotes du Rhone-Villages<br />
Rasteau Fleur de Confiance, represents Rasteau at its finest. It boasts an opaque purple color<br />
along with a fabulous perfume of blackberries, coffee, chocolate, and sweet cherries. A<br />
superb texture, huge, full-bodied mouthfeel, and remarkable depth and length characterize<br />
this outstanding effort. Anticipated maturity: now-2022.'<br />
(S) Rhone Villages<br />
LE CLOS DU CAILLOU Cotes du Rhone 'Bouquets de<br />
Garrigues' 2009 Bottle<br />
£13.45<br />
This Domaine produces a stunning range of top quality Côtes du Rhône and three outstanding<br />
Châteauneuf-du-Papes. Sylvie Vacheron-Pouizin continues the work of her late husband<br />
Jean-Denis Vacheron whose 2001 Reserve scored the magical 100 points from Parker. The style<br />
of wines is rich, suave and sophisticated with concentrated fruit balanced by mineral acidity<br />
and firm but silky tannins.<br />
(S) Vacqueyras<br />
DOMAINE COUROULU Vacqueyras 'Cuvee Classique' 2005/07 £15.95<br />
Bottle<br />
The Vacqueyras Cuvee Classique is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre.<br />
Dark ruby in colour, with a purple rim, the aromas here reveal ripe cherry fruit and notes of<br />
garrigue. There is a finely judged ripeness on the palate with notes of juicy, almost<br />
lip-smacking cherry and dusky raspberry fruits, with a peppery, spicy accent. With lovely lively,<br />
vivid fruit, this is harmonious and beautifully textured. The tannins are fine, silky and well<br />
expressed too – they barely hinder the enjoyment even at this young stage. With<br />
liquorice-laden fruit on the finish, the wine is positive and long. Cracking Vacqueyras with<br />
Syrah lending direction to the fleshier Grenache. Guy Ricard is the third generation winemaker<br />
working this old estate. Little has changed over the years: slightly smaller production and a<br />
new grape variety or two, but with a focus on traditional grapes.<br />
DOMAINE COUROULU Vacqueyras 'Vieilles Vignes' 2005/07 £16.95<br />
Bottle<br />
ROBERT PARKER 89-91 points 'Another reference point estate in Vacqueyras, for many years<br />
these wines have given me considerable pleasure. Representing what might be called the<br />
bottled essence of Provence, they are always filled with peppery herbs dominated by black<br />
cherry and cassis fruit with hints of raspberries and smoked meats in the background. There is<br />
generally little difference between the Cuvee Classique and the Vieilles Vignes, with the latter<br />
wine possessing an extra dimension of nuanced texture, body, and depth. That’s the case<br />
with the following wines. The 2005 and 2004 vintages are different. The 2005 requires 1-2<br />
years of bottle age. It should possess 10-12 years of longevity. This cuvee is a powerful, deep<br />
black/ruby/purple-colored offering with good acidity, high tannin, and impressive levels of<br />
concentration.'<br />
Cotes du Rhone AOC<br />
DOMAINE DE L'ESPIGOUETTE Cotes du Rhone 2009/10* £8.75<br />
Bottle<br />
This is a first class property making balanced, full flavoured, rich yet traditionally made Côtes<br />
du Rhône which represent a benchmark for price and quality in this fascinating region. From<br />
its 20 hectares of vineyards near Violes in the heart of the Southern Rhône Bernard Latour<br />
started working with his father Edmond in the 1980s and now runs the property on his own. A<br />
blend of 75% Grenache with the remaining 25% being a mix of Carignan, Syrah, Mourvedre and<br />
Cinsault.<br />
This is an excellent value, full flavoured Côtes du Rhône with bright red fruit, good weight and<br />
some spice and pepper.<br />
DOMAINE SANTA DUC Cotes du Rhone Rouge 'Quatres £9.95<br />
Terres' 2007(08) Bottle<br />
The 2005 Cotes du Rhone Les Quatres Terres is a fresh, lively, relatively heady wine with loads<br />
of cherry fruit and spice. Meant to be drunk in its first 1-2 years of life, it is elegant and<br />
superficial, but very pretty. This is arguably the best estate of Gigondas, although the<br />
exuberant proprietor Yves Gras has plenty of competition from his nearby neighbor Louis<br />
Barruol at St.-Cosme.<br />
Red Wine<br />
France - Rhone<br />
Cotes du Rhone AOC<br />
PAUL JABOULET AINE Cotes du Rhone Rouge 'Parallele 45' £8.95<br />
2009 Bottle<br />
This Côtes du Rhône takes its name from the 45th North parallel which runs two kilometres<br />
from their cellars. In the village of Pont de l'Isère, a monument symbolises this line with an<br />
inscription: "The South begins here". The wine has had this name since the beginning of the<br />
1950s. Grape Varieties: 60% Grenache ; 40% Syrah. Age of the vines: 25 years. Elegant and<br />
aromatic, with red fruits blended with spices. Well-structured on rounded tannins, with a final<br />
spicy note. Matching Food and Wine: Grilled/roasted meats, Pot au feu, Cheese "Perfect<br />
throughout the meal"<br />
France - South of<br />
Cabardes<br />
CHATEAU DE PENNAUTIER Cabernet-Merlot 2010 Bottle<br />
£6.25<br />
This wine has a deep garnet-red color with purple glints and a powerful and complex nose<br />
showing hints of blackcurrant and morello cherries, accentuated by pepper and clove spices.<br />
Also beautiful notes of vanilla and caramel due to the ageing in oak barrels. Powerful, ample<br />
and harmonious mouth feel with fine and dense tannins. The finish is long, lingering on notes<br />
of cocoa, vanilla, and cherry. The perfect accompaniment to roast meats, duck, and cheese.<br />
CHATEAU DE PENNAUTIER Rouge 'Classique' 2009 Bottle<br />
£7.45<br />
Produced from Cabernet Franc 20%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Merlot 20%, Cot 10%, Grenache<br />
20% and Syrah 10% this wine has an almost black colour. The nose is very pure and has an<br />
attractive, intense, ripe-fruit aroma. On the palate, the delightful fruit intensity is supported<br />
by good structure. It can be kept in cellar for 3 to 4 years and is the perfect accompaniment to<br />
grilled meat, Daube Provençale and hard crusted cheeses.<br />
CHATEAU DE PENNAUTIER Rouge 'L'Esprit de Pennauiter' £15.95<br />
2005 Bottle<br />
Made from old Syrah and Cabernet vines the proportions vary each vintage in order to<br />
produce the very best wine from the conditions available. A complex, powerful nose of black<br />
fruits, truffles, coriander and a hint of pepper. Very full in the mouth with very fine tannins<br />
and a beautiful harmony with subtle oak ageing. This is a wine for the serious connoisseur<br />
who has a little patience. Recommended drinking in 8-10 years time but will drink within 3-4<br />
years if decanted prior to serving.<br />
Corbieres<br />
CHATEAU OLLIEUX ROMANIS Classique Rouge 2009 Bottle<br />
£8.95<br />
Corbieres is the largest of the appellations of the Languedoc and provides a diversity of<br />
terroirs and climates where the Carignan grape is king. Chateau Ollieux Romanis is owned by<br />
the Bories family and is based at Monseret in the heart of the Boutenac region and the vines<br />
are grown semi-organically. 'Cuvee Classique' is made by Jacqueline Bories and is a<br />
combination of Carignan and Grenache Noir and is a soft, ripe red; perfect for the BBQ! A<br />
delightful ruby red in colour. Notes of cassis, blueberries and spice on the nose. Complex<br />
peppery flavours of blackberries, vanilla and wild herbs. Very balanced finish. Try with roast<br />
beef, duck liver pate or artichoke hearts in a mornay sauce.<br />
Coteaux de Languedoc<br />
DOMAINE CABRIALS Pinot Noir 2010 Bottle<br />
Lovely ripe cherries, a delicious smooth and silky mouthful. It has that elusive balance of<br />
elegance and lightness so sought after in Pinot Noir, with the character and drinkability to<br />
make it a great match with food.<br />
DOMAINE DE NIZAS 'Le Mas' Red 2008 Bottle<br />
£6.95<br />
£7.95<br />
Le Mas, meaning small farm, is a range of approachable, food-friendly Estate wines, blending<br />
Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. This range offers great aromatic intensity, a supple<br />
and rounded palate for an immediate pleasure. A perfect introduction to the Domaine de<br />
Nizas wines, to accompany both gourmet and every day meals. Tasting Notes: An incredible<br />
viscous black colour. So much going on with chocolate, coffee mocha and tar surrounded by<br />
big grippy tannins. Juicy blackcurrant on the midpalate is bold and clean . Excellent southern<br />
French red. Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah.<br />
DOMAINE LEON BARRAL Faugeres 'Jadis' 2008 Bottle<br />
£20.95<br />
THE WINE ADVOCATE (2011) 91 points - 'Barral's 2008 Faugeres Jadis - which, as usual, features<br />
Carignan and south-facing Syrah and gets two full years in barrel - smells fascinatingly of<br />
grenadine, rose hip, and smoked meat. Bright blackberry and tart cherry fruit suffused with<br />
chewy tannin and an impression of crushed stone lead into a finish of mouthwatering salinity,<br />
invigorating brightness, and complex interaction of fruit and mineral. This is another instance<br />
of relative leanness conditioned by the vintage but by no means any deficiency in extract, and<br />
a sizeable bonus in vivacity. I would plan on drinking it over the next 3-4 years.'<br />
Cotes du Roussillon<br />
CHIMERES Coteaux de Languedoc Rouge 2008/09**<br />
£10.95<br />
Bottle/NC<br />
A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, this wonderfully rich and concentrated wine, has<br />
aromas redolent of black and red berries The palate is juicy yet full-bodied, with a silky<br />
concentration filled with spiced strawberry fruit and touches of vanilla, empowered by ripe<br />
tannins and firm acidity.<br />
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