Rhône Valley
895. Domaine de Marcoux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2011
Pretty good, and classically-styled Chateauneuf from a producer I’d not come across before. An exam wine. What was particularly noteworthy was that the alcohol …
838. Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2005
This wine is well-rated, but disappointed on opening the first of 12 of these, so opened another a few days later. Better, but still …
728. Les Cailloux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2005
Over dinner with Tracy, I gave her the choice of wine, and this was it. I was a little nervous this might be too …
698. Domaine de la Janasse, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2003
Wine of the night. Coming into maturity – of tannins and flavour intensity – yet still showing pure fruit at the core. And very …
697. Didier Morion, Condrieu Vent d’Anges, 2010
After Bollinger Grande Année 1999, this was a comedy / random first still white at dinner with Tim, Kristy, Matt, Ellie and Goof. And …
668. Cuvée du Vatican, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Sixtine, 2003
Served a little cold at Boxing Day lunch with Andy, Sarah, Janet and Steve. But once it warmed up, it hit its stride pretty …
666. François Villard, Condrieu DePoncins, 2010
This is superb – showing the finer side of 2010 Northern Rhône whites – especially Condrieu. More fruit-driven than the toastier Grand Vallon. But …
664. Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 1998
Really annoyingly, lost almost half a bottle, messing up decanting this from its heavy sediment. Anyway, perhaps not the greatest bottle of this wine, …
615. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, 2006
One of 3 reds I brought for Whippet’s leaving BBQ, as I figured it’d be at maturity, and good for meat – both of …
608. Cave de Rasteau, Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel Signature, 2006
Dessert was a superb, dense chocolate mousse, with caramel ice cream, and red fruit sauces. After an initial thought of tawny Port to match …