Rhône Northern Rhône Domaines F - L

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1 Rhône Northern Rhône Domaines F - L By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 12/2/2017 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU.

2 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Domaine Guy Farge... 5 St-Jean-de-Muzols... 5 Domaine Fauterie... 5 Saint-Péray... 5 Domaine Ferraton... 5 Tain L Hermitage... 5 White Wines... 5 Gilles Flacher... 6 Charnas... 6 Pierre Gaillard... 7 Malleval... 7 Domaine Garon Ampuis Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Domaine du Grand Montmirail Gigondas Château Grillet Vérin E Guigal Ampuis Paul Jaboulet Ainé Tain L Hermitage Domaine Jamet Ampuis Patrick Jasmin Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Côte Rôtie Domaine Lionnet Cornas Domaine des Lises Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Lombard Côtes-du-Rhône Brézème Domaine François Merlin Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône Domaine De Monteillet Chavanay Domaine du Murinais Crozes-Hermitage Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Rhône Valley Date & place of tasting shown in italics Growers / Wineries are in alphabetical order with area underneath Northern Rhône Domaines F - L Domaine Guy Farge St-Jean-de-Muzols Saint-Joseph Gourmandises Tasted at the HH&C tasting May 2014 The nose is firm the start of the palate tight very fresh. Sweeter in the middle black cherry richness a good depth of flavour but the tannins at the back tend to close down and shorten the finish. Domaine Fauterie Saint-Péray Saint Joseph les Combaud Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 The red fruits on the nose give freshness and the palate lacks a bit of concentration. It fills out in the middle but finishes quite short with quite high acidity. Cornas Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 Black cherry packs the nose and gives richness on the start of the palate. The mid palate is has power with depth of flavour but towards the back the freshness of bilberry gives a lighter feel on the peppery finish. Domaine Ferraton Tain L Hermitage White Wines 5 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Hermitage Blanc Les Miaux Marsanne Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June 2014 Peachy ripe apricots and quince the nose is rich the palate has honeyed depth. Lush fleshy on the mid palate full of exotic flavours the mid sweetness well balanced by apple at the back. Layers of flavour give complexity the honeyed richness underpinned by apple and a touch of mineral giving a slightly lighter feel on the finish. Crozes Hermitage La Matinière Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2012 Peppery blackberry and blackcurrant give a lovely complex mix of flavours on the nose. The fruit feels ripe filling out the palate with sweet flavours. There is some red cherry coming through towards the back refreshing and bringing out the black and white pepper that spices up the finish. There is certainly enough character for beef try it with duck and it goes well with steak and kidney. Crozes Hermitage La Matinière Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2012 The nose is closed at the moment and the start of the palate tight. Under the firm tannins there is a mix of black fruits all quite sweet but towards the back the tannins become obvious closing down the finish. Patience is needed. Crozes-Hermitage La Source Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians January 2017 The nose has rich ripe fruit the start of the palate depth sweetness. Brighter and fresher in the middle the rich black fruits underpinned by fresher peppery red but it does fill out on the finish sweet and ripe. Gilles Flacher Charnas White Wines Condrieu les Rouelles Tasted at the IWC Taste of Gold Lords June 2012 Ripe apricot and peach are overlaid with a floral spiciness giving the nose richness yet fragrance. The fruit on the palate is rich and ripe the fleshy apricot and peach underpinned by lime freshness giving the finish a fragrant charm Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Pierre Gaillard Malleval White Wines Marsanne Collines Rhodaniennes Tasted in Lilley February 2014 The nose has an apricot richness depth with a whiff of walnuts. The palate has the same apricot richness but behind there is some tangerine a fresher feel layers of complexity. Although fresh at the back with a mix of citrus fruits and the finish has richness and depth of flavour. Viognier Les Gendrines Côtes du Rhône Tasted at the Lea & Sandeman tasting London March 2014 The nose has charm a fragrant mix and the palate has depth of flavour peaches and apricots fleshy and rich. At the back it seems lighter with hints of citrus a mix of fruits giving lots of interest on the finish. Saint Joseph Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 It is rich on the nose with a mix of peaches and greengage. The palate has good depth of fruit with a nutty green fruit end Condrieu Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 It is very complex; the sweet fruit has real depth with lots of peaches and apricots. There are lovely concentrated flavours yet freshness that gives brightness on the finish. Condrieu Tasted at Lincoln s Inn November 2010 There is lovely depth of fruit on the nose peach and apricot with the fleshier apricot tending to dominate. The palate is rich and ripe with behind fresh grapefruit that balances and brings out the peachy fragrances on the finish. Condrieu Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose and sweetness of flavour on the start of the palate. Lime gives a fresher feel to the mid palate and although richer peach is there at the back it is lacking a bit of complexity. Condrieu L Octroi Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Tasted at Lincoln s Inn November 2011 The fruit on the nose is rich and deep lots of ripe apricot with some underlying yellow peach. The fruit on the mid palate is sweet with the richness filling it out but there is an underlying freshness coming from the hints of apple and tangerine and a racier feel on the finish from the mineral mix. Condrieu l Octroi Tasted in Lincoln s Inn November 2013 The mix of yellow peach and apricot is sweet a lovely richness on the nose and depth on the palate. There are fresh fruits in evidence a hint of lime a touch of greengage and this gives a lighter feel to the mid palate but back palate and finish are packed with the richness of sweet ripe apricot and fleshy peach. Tasted at Dyers Hall January The nose has depth the start palate rich with a mix of yellow peach and apricot ripe and sweet. Sweet and rich in the middle there is lime and greengage at the back refreshing and giving a slightly lighter feel. The finish is lush rich with lots of apricot and fleshy peach. Condrieu l Octroi Tasted in Lincoln s Inn December 2016 Concentrated fruit the nose has richness and depth the start of the palate peach and apricot. The mid palate is fleshy but there is balance underlying lime a touch of greengage but it fills out at the back richness depth the finish lush and packed with fruit. Saint Joseph Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 Fresh cherry flavours show on the nose with a sweeter feel to the palate lovely ripe feeling tannins. It is quite light towards the back. Saint Joseph Clos de Cuminaille Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 The rich mix of black and red fruits has sweetness but there is nice mid acidity giving the feeling of youth. It has good length. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October There is more of a red fruit influence than black on the nose and on start of the palate but underneath this the bramble and black cherry give richness filling out the back palate. The finish has sweetness a lovely mix of flavours with the spice of black pepper. Tasted in Lincoln s Inn July The nose has sweet fruit the palate a mix of red and black fruits mid fleshiness depth of flavour. Under the black cherry there is bramble and bilberry freshness slightly lighter at the back but the finish has depth a complex mix of flavours spicy and peppery. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Saint Joseph Clos de Cuminaille Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 The mix of raspberry and red cherry on the nose and start of the palate is lovely and fresh. There are richer fruits in the middle some cassis and black cherry but towards the back the freshness wins through bringing out the fragrances on the finish. Saint Joseph Clos de Cuminaille Tasted at H2Vin tasting Duke s Hotel St James s Place November 2017 The nose is fresh quite light the palate starts with a mix of red fruits and bramble. There is sweeter fruit in the middle richness with black fruits dominating peppery at the back with mix of bramble and bilberry on the finish. Saint Joseph Les Pierres Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 There is depth of flavour on the nose with concentrated meaty black fruit enriching the palate. There is good depth and complexity with lots of red and black fruits showing towards the end. Saint Joseph Les Pierres Tasted at H2Vin tasting Duke s Hotel St James s Place November 2017 The fruit on the nose is spicy the palate has black pepper and fresh black fruits. Sweeter in the middle there is a mix of black cherry and damsons depth at the back but it finishes lighter with spicy bramble. Cornas Tasted at H2Vin tasting Duke s Hotel St James s Place November 2017 Spicy bramble the nose appears quite light the start of the palate fresh but there is brooding richness in the middle more black cherry and plum. The fresh fruit at the back is spicy lots of black pepper. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 There is real fruit power on the nose and a good weight of fruit on the palate. The black fruits are rich and the tannins sweet yet there is good structure at the back. There is good length on the finish. Tasted in London May The nose has lots happening, bramble backed by sloe underpinned by fresher cherry. There is depth of fruit on the palate the richness tempered by some freshness. The tannins are firm but there is lots of rich fruit coming through towards the back. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October The fruit on the nose is rich powerful black fruited with a mix of black cherry and blackcurrant filling out the mid palate. There is freshness towards the back bramble and blueberry layers of flavour lots of complexity. The tannins although ripe are still firm with the sweet fruit at the back slightly hidden. 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Tasted in Mercers Hall October The nose has fruit power the palate rich with ripe fruit a strong black fruit character. In the middle there is the autumn leafiness of maturity layers of flavour lots of complexity the rich fruit lingering on the long finish. Côte Rôtie Tasted at the Carlton Club August 2014 Tasted in Bordeaux April 2015 Tasted in Dyers Hall July Rich black fruits the nose has power and the palate brooding depth. Black cherry some cassis are ripe the mid palate fleshy supple and seductive the rich ripe fruit backed by the freshness of bramble and bilberry a fragrant charm. Richness and depth the finish has lots of power and although the tannins are still quite obvious they feel ripe. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 The nose seems remarkably light but the palate has all the richness of ripe black fruits. The tannins although firm feel ripe and the sweet black fruited mix gives a fleshy richness towards the back. There is the feeling of more to show. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 There is a fragrant charm about the nose and the start of the palate quite light and fresh. Richer in the middle black cherry and sloe and although sweet and rich on the back palate the finish is lighter with bilberry and bramble the fresher black fruits. Côte Rôtie Tasted at H2Vin tasting Duke s Hotel St James s Place November 2017 The nose ha fragrance woodland violets the palate depth of fruit rich black fruits backed by firm but fine tannins. Bramble and bilberry balance the richness the back palate has hints of black pepper the finish has depth a rich mix of black cherry and plum. Côte-Rôtie Rose Pourpre Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 The depth of fruit on the nose has sweetness and a hint of maturity. Supple and fleshy on the palate, the tannins although ripe do give structure to the wine. It has a long flowing elegant end. Côte-Rôtie Rose Pourpre Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 The nose has attractive minty violets with mulberry, raspberry and some bramble underneath. The sweet ripe flavours enrich the mid palate. There is good depth and although rich and sweet the finish is quite elegant Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Côte-Rôtie Rose Pourpre Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 The nose is deep with a brooding richness and black fruits are very much to the fore on the palate. Black cherry and sloe give firmness with cassis giving sweetness but towards the back there is some bilberry and bramble giving a lighter fresher more elegant feel on the finish. Côte-Rôtie Rose Pourpre Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 Concentrated black fruits both nose and palate have a brooding richness. The black cherry and sloe firmness is backed by sweeter cassis rich and ripe in the middle and although slightly tight at the back there is lots of fruit to show. Côte-Rôtie Esprit de Blonde Tasted at H2Vin tasting Duke s Hotel St James s Place November 2017 The nose has hints of black pepper and a mix of fragrances woodland violets. The palate has brooding depth sweet fruit the mid palate rich black cherry and fresher bramble. Richness at the back but the finish is lighter with fragrance and peppery spice. Sweet White Wines Condrieu Fleurs d Automne Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 The nose is packed with peaches and apricots and the palate is rich, fleshy and supple. There is some mid acidity that lifts the flavours and then towards the finish it feels sweet the mix of sweetness and freshness giving complexity. Condrieu Jeanne Elise Vin de Paille Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 It is packed with complex flavours peaches, then apricots and greengage right at the back. There is a nice depth of fruit on the palate, the sweetness so well balanced by the freshness. It is a wine with great length Domaine Garon Ampuis Côte-Rôtie Les Triotes Tasted at the Middle Temple March 2010 Violets overlay the black fruit mix, charming fragrances. Ripe feeling bramble fills out the palate the full fruit depth slightly held back by red fruit freshness and tannic structure. The layers of fruit give complexity with the sweeter black fruits tending win through on the finish. 11 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Côte-Rôtie Les Triotes Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 The black fruit mix on the nose is deep and brooding with lots of rich black cherry and cassis on the palate. The tannins feel firm giving structure but not overpowering the fruit and there is sweetness at the back giving a fleshy richness to the finish. Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage White Wines Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Tasted at the Mansion House July 2011 It has all the freshness of citrus and apple with underneath richer more tropical fruit flavours. Layers of fruit give complexity with towards the back an appealing fragrance from the fresh lime and greengage. Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Tasted in London at the Yapp Brothers tasting September 2012 The fruit on the nose is rich greengage and white peach but the palate is fresher apple and grapefruit layers of flavours. The freshness on the finish has a slight herbal twist. Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Roussanne Marsanne Tasted in Lincoln s Inn February 2017 Fresh fruits the nose is bright the start of the palate has mineral undertones. Richer in the middle tropical fruits a touch of apricot the richness balanced by fresh fruits the finish is fine and long. Tasted in Lincoln s Inn October The nose is beginning to lose fruit and the palate is lacking in fruit richness. Herbal undertones the fruit has an earthy quality and is beginning to slide on the finish. Crozes Hermitage Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2010 Red fruit freshness tends to dominate the nose but towards the back there is some black fruit sweetness. Firm tannins close down the mid palate but there is potential from the ripe black cherry towards the back. Spice pepper enlivens the finish. Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Bright fresh the nose has a strong red fruit character and the palate is a mix of raspberries and wild strawberries. The mid sweetness gives way to freshness the finish peppery and spicy. Domaine du Grand Montmirail Gigondas Crozes-Hermitage Tasted in Lilley April 2009 It is very black fruited on the nose but brighter red underpin on the palate. The concentrated flavours are spiced up by black pepper. Château Grillet Vérin White Wines Pontcin Viognier Côtes du Rhône Tasted in Lincoln s Inn November 2013 Although there are some peachy flavours the nose lacks richness and the palate a bit of concentration. There is a little more depth at the back with yellow peach and apricot but there is citrus underneath that over dominates and gives a very firm rather hard finish. Pontcin Viognier Côtes du Rhône Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April 2015 White peach on the nose the palate is light and fresh. Slightly richer in the middle the fruit at the back fragrant but there is a lack of depth. Château Grillet Viognier Tasted in London at the Yapp Brothers tasting September 2012 The nose is quite fragrant but light with white peach showing through on the palate. It is very fresh quite citrus in character and although there are richer apricot and peach flavours coming through towards the back it lacks real depth. 13 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE E Guigal Ampuis White Wines Côtes du Rhône Blanc Tasted at the Distillers Lunch Trinity House February 2014 The nose has depth and the palate the richness of ripe pear and greengage. There is an underlying freshness but it is the sweeter fruit that gives richness to the finish. Côtes du Rhône Blanc Viognier 70% Roussanne 10% Clairette 8% Marsanne 9% Tasted at the Fells tasting January 2014 The nose has a yellow peach richness and the palate starts with sweet fruit. It feels lighter towards the back some citrus and mineral but the finish has the depth and the richness of ripe fruit. Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Tasted in Lincoln s Inn February 2017 The nose is lean and fresh the palate bright with a lime and lemon mix. Slightly fuller a hint of sweetness but the fruit at the back has apple and citrus freshness. Saint Joseph Blanc Marsanne 95% Roussanne 5% Tasted at the Fells tasting January 2014 Sweet fruit ripe fruit gives depth on the nose and a fleshy start on the palate. The greengage richness is underpinned by herbal freshness and although quite rich at the back the finish lacks a bit of depth. Saint Joseph Blanc Lieu-Dit St Joseph Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 Pineapple richness fleshes out the nose and give a sweet start to the palate. Under the fleshy richness the pineapple and apricot there are fresher fruits a touch of citrus it just lacks a bit of complexity. Saint Joseph Blanc Lieu Dit Blanc Marsanne 95% Roussanne 5% Tasted at the Fells tasting January 2014 There is a lot of oak on the nose and the palate is heavy sweet lacking a bit of freshness. Under the powerful flavours there is some citrus and apple giving a lighter feel at the back. Condrieu Tasted at the Fells tasting September Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Ripe peach and apricot gives a fleshy richness on the nose and a sweet start to the palate. The lush fleshiness is underpinned by fresher fruits some greengage and although lighter towards the back the finish has sweet fruited power. Condrieu Tasted at the Fells tasting January 2014 Peachy on the nose the palate has ripe apricot depth of fruit yet there is a fresher feel at the back helping to lighten and balance. The finish has more depth with apricot and yellow peach richness. Condrieu La Dorianne Tasted at Guigal June 2010 Rich succulent fruit gives richness to the nose with lots of apricot to the fore. The peach that comes through on the palate tends to lighten the apricot but despite underlying freshness the fleshy fruit enriches the finish. Condrieu La Dorianne Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 Peaches and apricots fill out the nose and give a rich start to the palate. There are some lighter fresher flavours on the mid palate but towards the back there is the fleshy richness of apricot and yellow peach. Condrieu La Dorianne Tasted at the Fells tasting January 2014 The nose is packed with fruit ripe flavours giving richness and depth. There is a lot of ripeness on the start of the palate but enough freshness in the middle to balance and lighten although it does fill out at the back with some richer flavours. Condrieu La Dorianne Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 Both nose and the start of the palate are firm and closed. Fresh fruits dominate but it fills out in the middle with apricot richness the fruit fleshy and ripe. There is more of a tangerine character at the back yet it finishes with a sweet mix of peach and apricot. Hermitage Blanc Tasted at Guigal June 2010 Hazel nuts are very much in evidence with greengage fruit behind. It feels rich, complex with layers of flavour. There is a nutty maturity on the back palate the fruit having a leathery herbal character. Hermitage Blanc Tasted in Lincoln s Inn February Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE The nose is rich but has a whiff of maturity the palate a mix of apricot and greengage. Full of fruit at the back the finish is lighter fresh and tends to lack length. Rosé Wines Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé Grenache 60% Cinsault 30% Syrah 7% Mourvèdre 3% Tasted at the Fells tasting January 2014 Light on the nose the palate has raspberry freshness. There is a sweeter feel in the middle but the back palate and finish are fresh and light lacking in fruit depth. Côtes du Rhône Tasted in Champagne July 2011 There is an attractive sweetness on the nose with some rich black fruit flavours on the palate. The fleshy richness is balanced by red fruit freshness with just a hint of pepper showing on the finish. Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Guigal Tasted at Guigal June 2010 The nose is packed full of ripe fruit. The palate is deep and rich with a mass of black fruits black cherry and damson. There is freshness towards the back that lightens the richness and gives an elegant twist on the finish. Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Guigal Syrah 96% Viognier 4% Tasted at the Fells tasting September 2013 Black fruits dominate lush sweet fleshy damson and the palate has lots of rich fruit power and depth of flavour. There are some fresher fruits towards the back but the overall feel is one of richness and brooding depth. Côte-Rôtie Château d Ampuis Syrah 93% Viognier 7% Tasted at the Fells tasting September 2013 The nose has depth richness brooding black fruits and the start of the palate is black fruited intense with a mix of flavours. Towards the back bramble adds some freshness a slightly lighter feel bringing out a peppery spiciness. The finish has all the richness depth and power of the nose. Hermitage Rouge Tasted in London May Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 The richness of the year is apparent on both nose and palate. The black fruits are layered with some red giving a lovely complexity. The ripeness of the fruit comes through towards the finish which is lush and supple, the bilberry and mulberry spiced up with black pepper. Ermitage Rouge Ex Voto Tasted at Guigal June 2010 Rich concentrated black fruits are there on both nose and palate. There is depth, richness fleshy black fruits, bramble and black cherry backed by some fresher bilberry. The tannins show but feel ripe giving structure but allowing the fruit to show. Paul Jaboulet Ainé Tain L Hermitage White Wines Hermitage Blanc Le Chevalier de Stérimberg Tasted in London May 2008 From one of the best sites on the great hill of Hermitage. The blend of Marsanne and Roussane give richness and complexity. The nose is very rich full of melon and apricot. The power on the palate and the depth of fruit makes it a really big mouthful. It lacks a bit of mid acidity which leaves the finish full, fat and fleshy. Hermitage Chevalier de Sterimbourg Marsanne 65% Roussane 35% Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June 2014 The fruit on the nose is fresh quite light and the palate has a mineral excitement. It does fill out in the middle a more honeyed feel some exotic flavours yellow peach. There are layers of flavour the richer fruit underpinned by citrus and the finish has a flinty mineral quality. Côtes du Rhône Paralle Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2012 Rich sweet black and red fruits fill out the nose and give a fleshy richness on the start of the palate. The mid palate is lighter with more of a red fruit influence but there are richer flavours that come through towards the back the back all spiced up by black pepper. Crozes-Hermitage Tasted in Lilley February 2013 There is a good depth of flavour on the nose red and black cherry backed by hints of hazel nuts. The mid palate has depth of fruit with the sweetness of ripe fruit and this gives richness on the 17 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE back palate. Under all of the sweet fruit there are red fruits giving elegance and charm on the finish. Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Thalabert Tasted in Kimpton November 2015 Depth of fruit on the nose there are more black fruits than red and the start of the palate is sweet and ripe. The mid fleshiness is backed by bilberry freshness lots of vibrancy with the mix of black fruits giving fleshy richness at the back and on the finish. Domaine de Saint Pierre Cornas Tasted in London May 2008 Cornas tend to be an overlooked region in the northern Rhône, wrongly as there are some stunning reds made there. The grape is 100% Syrah. It is packed with rich, ripe black fruits that lend weight to both the nose and palate. The layers of flavour give complexity, some lighter red fruits show under the more powerful black. The finish is voluptuous and deep, the fruit overlaid with black pepper. Hermitage La Chapelle Tasted at Mercers Hall January 2013 There is an attractive mix of fragrant fruit on the nose some redcurrant, some bilberry lovely and fresh. Sweet fruit fills out the mid palate more black fruit in character with towards the back lots of hedgerow flavours and an attractive hint of maturity. Hermitage La Chapelle Tasted in the Garrick Club July 2017 The nose has brooding black fruited richness the start of the palate a powerful mix of black cherry and cassis. There is balance slightly lighter in the middle a complex mix of flavours. Depth and richness at the back but there is underlying freshness the finish has length of fruit. Hermitage Rouge La Petite Chapelle Tasted in London May 2008 The wine is named after the chapel that was given to Gaspard de Stérimberg by the Queen of Castille when he returned wounded and worn out from the Crusades in The hill took the name Hermitage because it was here that he sought refuge. As well as a small amount of white (see the Chevalier note) the slopes are ideal for the development of the Syrah grape. There is a lot happening on the nose with black fruits, bramble and blackcurrant very much to the fore. The fruit is sweet, fleshed out by the ripeness of the tannins but underpinning this is a backbone of freshness giving excellent structure. The fruit richness shows well on the finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October The nose is a bit misleading as it seems very fresh and quite light but the palate is richer with more black fruits filling it out. There is a peppery spiciness about the fruit all very tight on the back palate and the tannins are tending to close down the finish. Tasted at the Dyers July Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 The nose has depth of fruit some rich black fruits with fresher red at the back. Sweet flavours fill out the mid palate the richness supported by firm but fine tannins and the back palate has richness depth yet enough freshness to lighten the finish and bring out a black pepper spiciness. Sweet White Wines Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Le Chant des Girolles Paul Jaboulet Ainé Tasted at Château La Lagune December 2015 Orange blossom spice the nose has a mix of fragrances the palate is spicy oriental complex. Quite light at the start it fills out in the middle lush and fleshy but there is acidity freshness at the back the finish fragrant and long. Domaine Jamet Ampuis Côte Rôtie Tasted at the Carlton Club Janaury 2011 The nose has the fragrance of roses with the richness of black fruits and tar. The fruit is sweet feeling ripe backed by some fresher red that gives a lighter feel in the middle. Autumn leaves add to the complexity and show hints of maturity on the long elegant finish. Côte Rôtie Tasted in Bordeaux April 2011 There is a mass of black fruit on the nose powerful flavours rich and brooding. The palate has the same power with the richness of black cherry and blackberry but there are fresher flavours in the middle red fruit in character giving a more youthful feel. The fruit towards the back is spiced up by a hint of black pepper. Côte Rôtie Tasted at the Carlton Club Janaury 2011 There is brooding black fruited power on the nose and the richness packs out the palate. Black cherry is supported by structured tannins but they feel ripe allowing the fruit to show on the back palate. The finish has the mix of white and black pepper so typical of the grape. Côte Rôtie Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 The nose is a bit tight with a mix of firm black fruits backed by fresh red. Although the tannins are still very firm towards the back sweetness wins through and gives a richer feel to the finish. 19 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Patrick Jasmin Côte Rôtie Côte Rôtie Tasted in London at the Yapp Brothers tasting September 2012 The nose is deep black fruited rich and brooding. Black cherry gives depth on the start on the palate and although the mid palate has richness and power there is a fresher feel some bilberry towards the back that gives a slightly lighter feel to the finish. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April 2015 Both nose and palate have depth of fruit a powerful mix of black cherry and sloe. Ripe tannins add to the mid suppleness the fleshy richness and although there is some freshness at the back the finish has depth and black fruited power. Domaine Lionnet Cornas Cornas Terre Brulée Tasted at the O W Loeb Tasting September 2010 The nose has a mix of flavours much more black fruited than red. There is a good depth of fruit quite rich and fleshy at the start but the tannins tend to take over holding back the fruit on the finish. Cornas Terre Brûlée Tasted at the O W Loeb Tasting March 2009 The black fruits feel ripe giving richness on the nose and depth on the palate. The fleshy richness is underpinned by fresher flavours bramble and red cherry but the finish is power packed with sweet fruit. Cornas Terre Brulée Tasted at O W Loeb March 2010 The lovely bramble that is there on the nose is held back by rather high acidity. The mid palate has nice sweet fruit with red fruits tending to dominate the black. Although the tannins are still quite firm there is some rich fruit behind that will emerge with time. Cornas Terre Brûlée Tasted at the Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 The nose is ripe fruited and the start of the palate sweet but the mid palate is fresher still black fruited but more bramble and bilberry in character. The back palate is firm slightly hard with the tannins tending to dry the finish. Domaine des Lises Crozes-Hermitage Crozes-Hermitage Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 The fruit on the nose is fresh some black fruits some red fruits. The tannins are still firm the start of the palate tight slightly sweeter in the middle with red fruited freshness giving a lighter feel on the finish. Domaine Lombard Livron-Sur-Drôme Côtes-du-Rhône Brézème Vin de Pays de la Drome La Cote Syrah Viognier Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April 2015 The nose is fresh and fruity the start of the palate quite light but is fills out in the middle with sweet black fruits. Lighter at the back the finish is bright, fresh and peppery. Domaine François Merlin Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône White Wines Condrieu Les Terroirs Viognier 100% Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April 2015 The nose had a peach apricot richness and the start of the palate is sweet. Slightly fresher in the middle but it fills out at the back with a nice depth of rich fruit. 21 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Domaine De Monteillet Chavanay White Wines Condrieu Les Grandes Chaillées Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 There are lots of peaches and apricots, sweet and ripe yet backed by crisper flavours on the mid palate. The mineral character in underpinned by ripe flavours that give complexity on the finish. Saint Joseph Cuvée Papy Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 There is a fresh feel to the nose with sweetness and ripeness coming through on the palate. Although it feels ripe it has an underlying freshness. Saint-Joseph Stéphane Montez Tasted at the Carlton Club July was a year that produced wines with depth of flavour richness and sweetness of fruit. The palate has more of a black fruit influence bramble and black cherry but behind the powerful mix there are red fruits that refresh and bring out the peppery character of Syrah. It is certainly a wine for the stronger flavoured dishes wonderful with beef and duck and not overpowered by curry. Côte-Rôtie Rose Fortis Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 The fruit has richness yet freshness giving complexity. The palate has lots of sweet fruit, depth and richness of flavour with lots of black fruits fleshing out the finish. Côte-Rôtie Fortis Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 The nose is packed with ripe fruit a mix of bramble and bilberry. The palate has weight of flavour, supple tannins balanced by freshness. Domaine du Murinais Beaumont-Monteaux Crozes-Hermitage Crozes-Hermitage Les Amandiers Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Tasted at the O W Loeb Tasting September 2010 There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose and the palate is rather the same light red fruited and lacking depth sweetness of fruit. Tasted at the Carlton Club November The nose is a bit misleading as it appears to have lots of powerful fruit but red fruited freshness comes through and tends to hold back full fruit expression. There is spice and pepper towards the back but the finish is dry and slightly dusty. Crozes-Hermitage «Caprice de Valentin» Tasted at the O W Loeb Tasting September 2010 The nose has a mix of flavours quite sweet black underpinned by fresher red. The mid palate lacks depth of fruit and the finish is light quite fresh but lacking weight. Derek Smedley MW 23 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley