Rhône Northern Rhône Domaines A - E

Transcription

1 Rhône Northern Rhône Domaines A - E By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 12/18/2015 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 Aléofane... 5 Mercurol... 5 Domaine des Amphores... 5 Chavanay... 5 Franck Balthazar... 6 Cornas... 6 Gilles Barge... 7 Côte Rôtie... 7 Domaine Etienne Barret... 7 Crozes Hermitage... 7 Louis Bernard... 7 Cornas... 7 Domaine Patrick & Christophe Bonnefond... 8 Ampuis... 8 Maison Bouachon Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Jeannine Boutin Saint Peray Domaine Burgaud Ampuis Domaine Julien Cécillon Tournon-Sur-Rhône M Chapoutier Tain L Hermitage Jean-Louis Chave Mauves Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE White Wines Yann Chave Mercurol Domaine Clape Cornas Domaine Clusel Roch Ampuis Domaine du Colombier Mercurol Jean-Luc Columbo Cornas Domaine Laurent Combier Pont-de-l Isère Domaine Courbis Saint-Joseph Domaine Pierre et Jerome Coursodon Saint-Joseph Yves Cuilleron Chavanay Domaine Emmanuel Darnaud La Roche-de-Glun 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 Domaine A - E Domaine Aléofane Mercurol Crozes-Hermitage Tasted at the Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 Fresh on the nose the palate starts light with the freshness of red fruits and bramble. There is more depth in the middle but the fresh fruit comes through at the back and the finish is light with hints of black pepper. Saint-Joseph Tasted at the Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 Sweet on the nose the palate has depth some rich flavours with a mix of black and red fruits. The layers of fruit give complexity with the ripeness of the fruit giving fleshy richness at the back. Domaine des Amphores Chavanay White Wines Saint-Joseph Blanc Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2015 Citrus and crisp apple the nose is fresh the start of the palate light. There are some sweet fruits in the middle slightly more depth with at the back apple and lime giving a crunchy crispness on the finish. Syrah les Iris Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes 5 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose and the palate is lacking in depth. There is a little more weight towards the back but the finish is very light, fresh and red fruited. Saint Joseph Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 The red fruited mix on the nose is fresh quite peppery and spicy and the start of the palate is light and fresh fruited. Richer fruit gives more weight on the mid palate but the finish is light lacking a bit of concentration. St Joseph Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2010 The nose has an attractive herbal quality behind which is red fruit freshness. The mid palate is rather lacking in substance and towards the back the red fruit acidity tends to dominate and overpower the sweetness on the finish. Saint Joseph Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2013 There is lots of excitement on the nose from the eucalyptus and black pepper. The palate has lots of flavour ripe fruit with the black fruits enriching and giving depth. The layers of flavour add to the complexity with the sweetness of the year giving a lovely fleshiness at the back. The Syrah from the northern Rhône tends to suit the richer meats, steak and beef dishes. Franck Balthazar Cornas Cornas Casimir Balthazar Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 The nose is quite misleading all quite fragrant but behind is concentrated power. The red fruited mix on the palate is fresh with behind more of a black fruit influence enriching and giving some sweetness at the back. Cornas Cuvée Chaillot Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 The nose is quite tight black cherry dominating. There is a lovely rich mix of flavours on the palate all quite black fruited in character. The firm tannins give quite a chewy feel but the back palate is rich and full packed with fruit. Cornas Cuvée Chaillot Excellence Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 The richness of the fruit gives depth of flavour on the nose and the start of the palate. Black and red cherry vie for dominance both enriched by blackcurrant. Although quite structured the tannin feels ripe not holding back the fruit which packs out the back palate. Gilles Barge Côte Rôtie Côte-Rôtie Cuvee du Plessy Tasted in London May 2008 The nose has depth of fruit, rich black fruits underpinned by fresher reds giving lots of complexity. The mid palate is tight the tannins feel firm but they are ripe not overpowering the fruit. The richness on the finish is spiced up by touches of black pepper. Côte-Rôtie Le Combard Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 The black fruits on the nose are ripe the palate has depth and richness a mix of powerful flavours. The tannins are in evidence supporting but not aggressive with sweet fruit filling out the back palate and enriching the finish. Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 Light and fresh on the nose the palate has a bramble mix elegant fragrant. There is more depthl on the mid palate more of a brooding richness firmer at the back the finish slightly short at the moment. Domaine Etienne Barret Crozes Hermitage Crozes -Hermitage Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 It is light fresh, fragrant with sweet black fruit flavours. It is ripe on the mid palate yet has some freshness and complexity towards the back. It has fair length Louis Bernard Cornas 7 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Crozes Hermitage Le Hameau Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2010 The freshness of red fruits gives crispness on the nose with behind some sweeter fruit on the palate. The richness of black cherry intermingles with raspberry but towards the back the red fruit tends to overtake the sweetness and hold back the fruit on the finish. Domaine Patrick & Christophe Bonnefond Ampuis White Wines Condrieu Côte Chatillon Tasted at the Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 Although the nose is light the palate has more depth rich sweet fruit. Apricot and white peach are in evidence on the mid palate the fruit richness balanced by apple freshness at the back and on the finish there is a nice mix of flavours. Côte-Rôtie Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 The nose is very light and flowery with mainly black fruits showing. There is a lack of mid weight and the acidity shows strongly towards the back shortening the finish. Côte-Rôtie Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 The nose has a nice weight of sweet fruit. The palate is refreshed by the mid acidity. It feels a bit tight at the moment but has fruit showing towards the back. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 The nose is very concentrated with depth rich brooding black fruits and the start of the palate has richness of flavour. The tannins although obvious are well handled with the sweet fruit filling out the back palate. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at O W Loeb March 2010 It is very light with both acidity and tannins to the fore. The mid palate has a mix of red and black fruits just lacking in concentration. The finish is firm and slightly short. Côte-Rôtie Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The ripeness of the black fruits gives richness and depth on both nose and palate. There is mid structure but the tannins feel ripe allowing the sweetness of the fruit to come through. Black cherry is backed by cassis both underpinned by fresher bramble. Côte-Rôtie Côte Roziers Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 Fresh black fruits are in evidence on the nose. There is good weight of flavour on the mid palate and sweetness showing on the finish. Côte-Rôtie Côte Roziers Tasted at the O W Loeb Tasting September 2010 The black fruited mix on the nose is rich and ripe and this ripeness gives flesh on the palate. There are layers of flavour bramble and black cherry backed by a hint of cassis. The fruit lasts well on the finish. Côte-Rôtie Côte Roziers Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 The nose has a good mix of black fruits rich black cherry with fresher bramble and the palate tends to be the same power richness depth yet freshness. Although the finish is a bit tight there is lots of sweet fruit to show with time. Côte-Rôtie Côte Roziers Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The nose is deep and brooding full of black fruits. Black cherry and sloe pack out the palate the richness of the fruit supported by ripe tannins. The power richness and depth of flavour is balanced to some extent by bramble and bilberry that show through at the back. Côte-Rôtie Côte Roziers Tasted at the Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 Bramble and bilberry gives freshness on the nose and the start of the palate appears to be quite light but the mid palate has power brooding richness. Black fruits dominate the firm black cherry on the mid palate backed by sweeter richer black plum yet it is the firmer black fruits that give a lighter fresher feel on the finish. Côte-Rôtie Les Rochains Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 The nose has good weight of flavour and some complexity. There is sweetness on the mid palate but it closes down towards the back. Côte-Rôtie Les Rochains Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE The nose has depth and richness of flavour a mass of black fruits and the palate is power packed with black cherry and cassis. The powerful mix is balanced by freshness some bilberry and bramble yet the finish is deep powerful and peppery. Côte-Rôtie Les Rochains Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The nose is profound packed with rich black fruits and this weight and depth of flavour fills out the palate. Black cherry richness is balanced by some fresher bramble but it the richness of the cherry that fills out the back palate. Côte-Rôtie Les Rochains Tasted at the Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 Sweet fruit rich fruit the nose is packed with powerful flavours and the palate has brooding richness. Firm black cherry is underpinned by lighter fresher bramble and bilberry but the ripe fruit is there at the back enriching the finish. Côte-Rôtie Collines de Couzeau Tasted at the Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 Deep rich fruit the nose and palate have a brooding black fruited power yet under all the concentration the depth of fruit there is a freshness that lightens. Layers of fruit give complexity and although lighter on the back palate the finish has depth and richness. Maison Bouachon Crozes-Hermitage Cote-Rotie 2005 Prince de Monvert Tasted in Lilley December 2010 The nose has a attractive mix of bramble and fresh red cherry. The mix of fruits gives lots of complexity the bramble backed by a touch of black pepper that spices up the mid palate. Although towards the back it seems more raspberry in character the blacker fruited blackberry wins through. Domaine Jeannine Boutin Saint Peray St Joseph Parcelle de Jean Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 The nose is quite light with the freshness of raspberry backed by slightly sweeter strawberry. Although the palate is very red fruit dominated it starts quite sweet but behind are fresher flavours redcurrant and raspberry. Côte Rôtie Bonnevaux Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 There is a lovely depth of flavour on both nose and palate all very black fruit dominated. The fruit is ripe lush and sweet on the mid palate with the fleshiness emphasised by rounded tannins. Layers of flavour ensure complexity. Domaine Burgaud Ampuis Côte Rôtie Tasted at Dyers Hall November 2010 The nose is power packed full of rich black fruit. There is a mass of fruit on the palate with black fruits tending to dominate. Behind the black cherry and sloe there is freshness more of a red cherry and mulberry character all spiced up by nutmeg and black pepper, Tasted at Dyers Hall July Powerful black fruits enrich the nose the mix of flavours giving lots of complexity. Black and red currants vie for dominance and although the black appears to win towards the back there is freshness that lifts the flavours and gives an elegant twist to the finish. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2011 Bramble and red cherry give a racy freshness on the nose and the start of the palate. The mid palate is richer with some nice sweet fruit still quite red fruit in character but there is some underlying black and this comes through enriching the finish. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2011 The nose is quite rich with some attractive sweet prune and black cherry. Red fruits show through on the mid palate giving a lighter feel but the black powerhouse is there on the finish. Domaine Julien Cécillon Tournon-Sur-Rhône Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Les Marguerites Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November 2015 Bright on the nose the start of the palate is fresh with a mix of red fruits and bramble. Mid sweetness gives way to freshness the finish is lacking in a bit of concentration. M Chapoutier Tain L Hermitage White Wines Chante-Alouette Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The nose is rich with lots of greengage and lime, fragrant but slightly herbal. The richer pear on the palate is refreshed by lime the mix of flavours lasting well on the finish. La Ciboise Blanc Côtes du Luberon Tasted at the Mansion House July 2013 Ripe pears give richness on the nose and palate with the fruit sweet ripe and fleshy. Although there is some underlying freshness the overall feel is of fleshy fatness. Saint Péray Les Tanneurs Tasted at the Mansion House July 2013 Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 It is full on the nose with apricot richness backed by hints of hazel nuts. The palate has complexity rich fruit apricots and ripe melon with the freshness that shows towards the back bringing out hazel nut almond flavours on the finish. Saint Péray Lieu-Dit Hongrie Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 Ripe fruited yellow peach and apricots the nose is rich and the palate has depth of flavour. The sweet fruit on the mid palate the fleshy melon ripe greengage is underpinned by freshness but the finish has lots of powerful flavours and hints of hazel nuts. St Joseph Les Granits Blanc Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 Apricot richness fills out the nose and gives a fleshy feel on the start of the palate. Behind the richness there is some apple freshness but it is the apricot and pear that comes through filling out the back palate. Hermitage Blanc Chante Alouette Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose and a powerful mix of flavours on the palate. Pineapple and pear are underpinned by apple that balances and gives a lighter fresher feel towards the back. Ermitage L Ermite Blanc Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The fruit on the nose is rich and ripe the fleshy greengage backed by white peaches. There are layers of flavour giving lots of complexity with the more powerful rich fruit nicely balanced by the fresher citrus and apple. Ermitage de L Oree Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 There is a lot happening on the nose with the richness of pear balanced by apple. The palate mirrors the nose with lots of rich fruit fleshing out the mid palate but behind it there is a lovely freshness apple and grapefruit and this brings out the flavours on the finish. Ermitage Blanc Le Méal Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 Ripe pear gives richness on the nose and a fleshy start to the palate. The mix of fruits gives lots of complexity the pear backed by greengage and both underpinned by apple freshness. The back palate and finish have a slightly herbal leafy quality. Crozes-Hermitage La Petite Roche Tasted at the Mansion House July 2010 There is an attractive freshness about the red fruits on the nose and this mix of wild strawberry and cherry is there on the palate. Sweeter flavours give some flesh in the middle and towards the back the richer bramble is spiced up by black pepper. Crozes-Hermitage Les Varonniers Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The black fruits that show on the nose are quite firm giving a tight feel on both nose and palate. Sweeter richer flavours come through on the mid palate all still very black fruit in character. The finish has the spice pepper of the grape. Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 The nose has the sweetness of ripe fruit and the palate has depth of flavour with black fruits very much in evidence. The mid sweetness the fleshy suppleness is underpinned by fresher red fruits and the finish has black pepper spiciness. Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 Although the nose is light and very fresh the palate has more depth mid richness and sweetness. The red fruits at the back are fresh a summer fruits salad and although light at the back the finish has a richer feel. St Joseph Les Granits Rouge Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 Black cherry and bramble are very much in evidence on the nose quite sweet fruited but the palate is fresher lighter and the finish lacks a bit of concentration. The fruit though does last well on the finish. St Joseph Les Granits Rouge Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 Meaty and rich the nose has a strong black fruited influence and the palate has sweet fruit ripe black fruits. It is lighter and fresher at the back the freshness giving a more elegant feel to the finish. Cornas Les Arènes Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 The nose is light fresh with red fruited fragrances but there is sweetness on the palate rich fruit a mix of black and red fruits. The ripe flavours are balanced by the freshness that comes through at the back and lightens the finish. Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The mix of black and red fruits is ripe giving richness on both nose and palate. There is structure under the fruit sweetness some raspberry and cherry freshness but towards the back the black fruits take over and fill out the finish. Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 Rich deep brooding black fruits enrich the nose and fill out the palate. The black fruited mix is ripe the mid palate has power and depth the richness balanced by bramble freshness. At the back the sweetness comes through the finish fleshy and rich with lots of powerful flavours. Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 Although the nose has depth and concentrated power behind there is a red cherry freshness. The palate tends to mirror the nose real depth of fruit a powerful mix of black cherry and black plum the richness balanced by some bramble and red cherry. Ermitage Le Pavillon Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 The nose has a fragrant mix but is really quite light. The fruit on the palate lacks richness at the start although towards the back the black fruit mix is richer and sweeter. The finish is fresh quite light with more of a red fruit influence. Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September Nutty maturity on the nose the start of the palate is light with peppery red fruits. The mid palate is slightly richer but lacks real depth and the fruit at the back is beginning to slide Côte-Rôtie La Mondorée Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The nose is classic with rose petal and farmyards underpinned by rich black fruits. The layers of flavour black cherry, blackcurrant and bramble give complexity and the richness of the flavours packs out the back palate. Côte-Rôtie La Mondorée Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 There is a nice mix of flavours on the nose fresh red fruits showing at first and then richer black underpinning. The red fruit mix gives freshness on the palate but towards the back the black fruited power wins through enriching the finish. Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 The nose is rich with brooding black fruits and the palate has the same richness and depth of flavour. The powerful mix in the middle is supported by firm but ripe tannins and although structured at the back there is sweetness on the finish. Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2013 The nose has more of the freshness of bilberry and bramble but the palate is rich fruited with depth, power and concentration. There are layers of fruit first black fruits then some underlying red lots of complexity. The richness of the flavours fills out the back palate and gives power on the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The nose shows lots of maturity with a nutty character under the fruit. There is some sweet fruit in the middle but a slight lack of depth and not a lot of richness on the back palate. Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Rouge Grenache 100% Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February 2014 The fruit feels ripe the nose has lots of rich flavours and the palate is sweet ripe fruited and fleshy. Black fruits tend to dominate but under the rich fruit the suppleness there is a red fruited freshness that lightens and lifts the fruit on the finish. 15 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Sweet White Wines Ermitage Vin de Paille Tasted at the Mentzdorff tasting September 2011 The nose has a herbaceous mix of flavours quite rich at the start then fresher in the middle. It lacks a bit of substance and concentration and finishes rather short. Coufils de Paille de l Ardèche Tasted at Party Ingredients July 2015 Light and quite fresh on the nose the palate though is sweet slightly herbal with a tropical fruit mix. The back palate has hints of Noble Rot quite light but there is more depth on the finish. Jean-Louis Chave Mauves White Wines Saint-Joseph Circa J-L Chave Selection Roussanne Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April 2015 Light on the nose the palate is fresh citrusy with herbal undertones. There is a richer feel at the back greengage but the finish is light with citric freshness. Hermitage Blanc Blanche Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June 2014 Although the nose is rich with sweet fruit the start of the palate is lighter with a mix of fresh fruits. There is more depth in the middle green melon and pear with apple and citrus at the back very fresh and lively on the finish. Hermitage Marsanne Roussanne Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April 2015 Nutty and fresh there is a lot of interest on the nose the start of the palate is quite light. Richer in the middle with ripe pear the sweetness of the fruit gives depth on the finish. Hermitage Tasted at Crystal Palace Ground Farr Box February 2015 Hints of maturity the nose has a lovely complex mix of flavours the palate starts fresh with red fruits but fills out in the middle with powerful black. The tannins are fine supporting but not Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 over obvious. The rich fruit at the back is underpinned by bramble slightly lighter the finish has the nutty excitement of maturity. Hermitage Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April 2015 The nose has a powerful mix of black fruits and the start of the palate is sweet and rich. There is a fresher feel towards the back slightly lighter but the finish has power richness and black fruited depth. Hermitage Fauconnet Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2011 The nose is packed out with black fruits very rich and powerful. There are layers of flavour on the palate blackberry, black cherry with some fresher red underpinning. The mid palate is chunky but the freshness towards the back balances and lightens the power giving a lovely elegant feel to the finish. Hermitage Fauconnet Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2011 There is a lean quality to the palate and a red fruited freshness on the nose. Richer more fleshy black fruits come through on the mid palate and although the back palate has an attractive weight of sweet fruit the finish is lighter finer just lacking a bit of depth. Yann Chave Mercurol Crozes Hermitage Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 The nose has depth of flavour lots of powerful black fruits and the start of the palate is deep rich fruited profound. There is an underlying freshness but the overall feel is of fleshy ripe fruit. Crozes Hermitage Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2010 The nose has a lovely mix of black fruits, black cherry appears to dominate but there is bramble and blackcurrant lurking underneath. Spicy pepper lifts the flavours on the back palate and adds to the complexity. There is an attractive richness filling out the finish, a style that compliments game and with steak and kidney it s a marriage made in heaven. Crozes Hermitage Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Red cherry is to the fore with behind it a mix of black fruits. As the tannins feel ripe the sweetness of the fruit is not overpowered or held back. The mix of red and black fruits towards the back gives a lovely complexity. Crozes Hermitage Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2012 Tasted at Charles Taylor September 2013 The fruit on the nose is sweet a mix of ripe bramble and black cherry. There is mid freshness that brings out the peppery spiciness and the fruit richness fills out the back palate and finish. Crozes Hermitage Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 The mix of black cherry and bramble feels ripe and the start of the palate has a nice depth of sweet fruit. The mid palate is firm the tannins giving structure not aggressive allowing the sweetness of the fruit to come through on the back palate. Crozes Hermitage Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2015 Fragrant bramble and red fruits there is a lot happening on the nose. The fruit feels ripe the palate sweet quite rich at the back but the finish is lighter quite fresh with a mix of bramble and redcurrant. Crozes Hermitage Le Rouvre Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 The nose is rich fruited and the palate has power and depth of flavour. Black fruits dominate their ripeness giving fleshy richness yet towards the back there is some bramble a touch of bilberry that gives a lighter fresher feel to the finish. Crozes Hermitage Le Rouvre Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 There is lovely concentrated fruit on the nose first red fruits then black. The fruit is ripe all lovely and sweet further enriched by the ripeness of the tannins. The back palate has lots of fleshy flavours. Crozes Hermitage Le Rouvre Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 Ripe black fruits give richness on the nose and depth on the palate. Juicy blackberry is underpinned by firmer black cherry layers of flavour with the richness of the fruit mix filling out the back palate. Crozes Hermitage Le Rouvre Tasted at Charles Taylor March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 The nose has the sweetness of ripe fruits a mix of black fruits and there is depth of flavour richness and suppleness on the mid palate. Towards the back it feels fresher some bilberry some bramble but the finish has ripe fruited power. Crozes Hermitage Le Rouvre Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2015 Concentrated black fruits the nose has depth of flavour and the start of the palate is rich with ripe fruit. Supple and fleshy in the middle a mix of ripe black fruits and although lighter and fresher at the back the finish has the richness of sweet fruit. Crozes Hermitage Les Saviaux Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2014 Bright on the nose the palate starts with red fruited freshness. There is more depth on the mid palate sweeter fruit and richer flavours but the red fruits the freshness is there at the back giving a lighter feel to the finish. Hermitage Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October 2012 The nose has charm fragrance with a mix of black fruits a hedgerow mix. The fruit feels ripe giving sweetness in the middle but the freshness lots of bilberry is there towards the back bringing out the fragrances and giving a lighter feel on the finish. Hermitage Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2011 The nose is packed with sweet fruit and the richness of flavour fills out the palate. There is some freshness lighter more fragrant red fruits but it is the black fruited power that packs out the finish. Hermitage Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 The nose is packed with flavours lots of black cherry and blackcurrant. Fresh bilberry and raspberry give brightness on the palate yet towards the back the ripeness of the fruit comes to the fore with black cherry and mulberry packing out the back palate. Hermitage Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 The nose is deep rich fruited with brooding black fruits. The start of the palate is sweet fruited with ripe flavours but towards the middle bilberry freshness gives a slightly lighter feel. Layers of fruit give complexity and although the back palate is tight at the moment there is lots more fruit to show. Hermitage Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2014 There is a powerful mix of flavours on the nose a rich mix of black fruits and the palate starts with richness brooding and black fruited. There is an underlying freshness some bilberry and bramble and although this gives a lighter feel on the back palate the finish has black cherry richness. Hermitage Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2015 The nose has richness and depth a mix of ripe black fruits. There is a brooding power on the mid palate concentration and depth black cherry and black plum. There is enough freshness to balance the back palate lighter but the finish has depth and sweet black fruited richness. Domaine Clape Cornas Cornas Tasted at the Yapp tasting Hardy s Restaurant April 2015 Bright on the nose the palate starts with sweet fruit a mix of black fruits. Behind the sweetness bramble gives freshness but the finish is rich deep with black cherry power. Domaine Clusel Roch Ampuis White Wines Condrieu Tasted at Dyers Hall January 2015 Light fresh fragrant the nose has charm the start of the palate has tangerine slightly richer. There is mid depth yellow peach the fruit quite sweet but it tends to lack real concentration on the back palate and richness on the finish. Condrieu Verchery Tasted at Lincoln s Inn November 2010 There is a lack of freshness on the nose which is heavy and lacking any fragrant peach. More fruit comes through on the palate with apricot to the fore but behind is freshness a bit hard with the acidity very much in evidence. Condrieu Vercherey Tasted at Lincoln s Inn November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 The peaches that feature large on the nose are lovely and perfumed. The palate starts with richness a lovely weight of fruit but under the fruit power there is lots of freshness. The back palate has real complexity the white peach richness balanced by oranges and apple freshness. The fruit flavour last well on the finish. Côte-Rôtie Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 The nose has depth of flavour and power of fruit. The palate is big and powerful with ripe tannins and a complex mix of flavours. Freshness at the back balances the sweetness and lengthens the flavours. Côte-Rôtie Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2011 The nose has charm light but fragrant with a nice mix of red and black cherry. The palate has a mix of flavours layers of fruit lots of autumn hedgerow fruits. There is a sweet feel to the back palate and it finishes quite rich. Côte-Rôtie Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 It is lush packed with sweet black fruits. There is a ripe feel to the palate. Although it has quite good depth it lacks a bit of complexity. Côte-Rôtie Petite Feuille Tasted in the Carlton Club September 2014 Peppery spicy there is a lot happening on the nose and although the start of the palate seems quite light more red fruited it fills out in the middle with a lovely mix of black fruits. The tannins are firm structured but behind is depth and richness sweet fruit waiting to show. Domaine du Colombier Mercurol White Wines Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Cuvée Gaby Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 There is a sweet feel to the greengage that fleshes out the nose. The fruit on the palate is ripe enriching the mid palate and although the tannin shows towards the back the richness of the fruit fleshes out the finish. Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Cuvée Gaby Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The nose is full of rich fruit and the ripeness fills out the palate. There are layers of flavour lots of complexity and although mid richness there is enough freshness to give a lighter feel towards the back and bring out the fragrances. Hermitage Blanc Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June 2014 Although the nose is full of rich flavours it has a white flowered fragrant charm. The palate has depth and richness with fleshy ripe fruit honeyed dried fruits and apricot the rich mix underpinned by freshness. The finish has the balance of richness yet freshness with flavours that linger. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn November The nose has depth of fruit rich greengage backed by herbal freshness. There is mid depth fleshy and rich honey and dried fruits but lighter at the back and the finish is beginning to show a hazel nut hint of maturity. Hermitage Blanc Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 The nose is packed with rich ripe fruit powerful and deep. Fruit sweetness enriches the mid palate lush and fleshy the rich greengage backed by apple and fresh lime. The flavours linger long on the back palate. Crozes -Hermitage Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 Ripe raspberry fruit shows on the nose quite light but fragrant. There is mid sweetness with both fruit and tannins feeling ripe. Crozes -Hermitage Tasted at the Middle Temple March 2010 The sweetness of the bramble and black cherry mix give richness on the nose and some depth on the palate. Behind the sweet fruit is fresher bilberry that helps to bring out the fragrances. Tasted at the Carlton Club November There is some lovely sweet fruit on the nose and this fleshiness enriches the palate. Minty black cherry is underpinned by spicy blackberry lovely layers of flavour giving some complexity with richer fruit giving more weight the back palate. Crozes-Hermitage Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians January 2012 The bramble on the nose has freshness whilst the black cherry behind is richer. There is a good depth of flavour on the mid palate the richness balanced by freshness towards the back. The finish has the spiciness of black pepper. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Crozes-Hermitage Tasted at the HH&C tasting May 2014 Sweet black fruits give richness and depth to the nose the ripe fruited black fruits filling out the mid palate. Under the rich fruit there is bramble freshness lighter at the back spicy peppery yet the finish has depth and richness. Crozes-Hermitage Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November 2015 Sweet and ripe on the nose the palate has depth of fruit the black fruits tending to dominate. The tannins are firm but ripe the back palate has sweet fruit and depth. Crozes -Hermitage Cuvée Gaby Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 Fragrant flowery violets come out on the nose. Fresh fruit is there on the palate quite racy, some mid sweetness. It is still quite firm although lots of ripe flavours come through on the finish. Crozes -Hermitage Cuvée Gaby Tasted at the Middle Temple March 2010 The nose has an attractive mix of blueberries and black cherry. The fruit feels sweet giving richness on the mid palate and some flesh towards the back. Red fruits are in evidence refreshing the back palate. Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Gaby Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 Although the nose is full of rich flavours it is very red fruit dominated. Red cherry and strawberry feature on the palate enriched by some black fruits. The tannins are still quite firm but as they feel ripe they allow the fruit ripeness to enrich the back palate. Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Gaby Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 The nose is rich deep black fruited with lots of black cherry. There is a ripe feel to the fruit on the palate concentrated flavours the richness gives way to fresher black fruits which give a lighter feel to the finish. Hermitage Rouge Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 There is a bright feel to the nose with a complex mix of flavours. The mid palate feels ripe but lacks some depth and there is a lack of real complexity towards the finish. Hermitage Rouge Tasted in London May Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

24 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE The nose is very black fruited and this richness of fruit is there on the palate fleshing out the middle. Towards the back the structure is more in evidence giving a firmer feel and slightly closing down the finish. There is though the feeling of more fruit to show. Tasted at the Carlton Club September It is rich dark fruited serious profound. The palate has a lot of powerful fruit all very black fruit in character with the ripeness giving a fleshy richness on the palate. Black cherry, blackberry and sloe all vie for dominance the mix of flavours giving a lovely complexity. The finish is a powerhouse of flavour. Hermitage Rouge Tasted at the Genesis Tasting November 2006 The nose has power a fragrant mix of redcurrant and bilberry. The tannins are supple and rounded. The sweet fruit fleshy but there is excellent structure and great length. Hermitage Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2011 The nose is rich and full of sweet mainly black fruits but the palate is lighter with more of a red fruit influence. Although the fruit is ripe quite sweet the underlying raspberry acidity gives a lighter feel on the back palate and to the finish. Hermitage Rouge Tasted at the Middle Temple March 2010 The fruit feels ripe giving richness on the nose and flesh on the palate. There are fragrances violets and cassis but the ripeness of the fruit gives fleshy richness and depth of flavour. The tannins feel supple with the mulberry and ripe blackberry helping to enrich the finish. Hermitage Rouge Tasted at the Bibendum Tasting November 2010 The nose is enriched by the mass of black fruits lots of blackcurrant and bramble. The sweetness is balanced by red cherry giving a lighter fresher feel to the mid palate but the concentrated black fruits wine through packing out the back palate. Hermitage Rouge Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The nose is full of fruit mainly black fruits yet intermingling are some fresher red. The fruit is ripe and the tannins rounded giving a supple fleshiness on the mid palate. The concentrated black fruited power is balanced by the fresher red fruits that show towards the back. Hermitage Rouge Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 Rich fruit gives depth to the nose and concentrated power on the palate. Black cherry and sloe are backed by sweeter black plum ripe tannins adding to the fleshy suppleness. It is lighter at the back with some red fruits but the finish has black fruited power. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

25 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Hermitage Rouge Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November 2015 Fresh and fragrant the nose is light the start of the palate lacks a bit of concentration There is a sweeter feel in the middle some rich fruit with sweet black fruits giving more depth on the finish. Jean-Luc Columbo Cornas White Wines La Redonne Viognier 70% Roussanne 30% Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2011 As well as being based in Cornas his influence spreads through the Côtes-du-Rhône via his negociant business. The nose is very light quite floral but rather lacking depth. Some peachy flavours give richness at the start but the acidity tends to take over leaving the finish quite hard and a touch metallic. Côtes du Rhône Villages Seguret Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2012 The nose although fragrant is quite light with more of a red than black fruit influence. Sweeter black fruits are there in the middle but the tannins are very firm closing down the finish. Côtes du Rhône Les Forots Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2012 The mix of black cherry and bramble is sweet filling out the nose and giving a rich start to the palate. The layers of flavours give complexity the rounded tannins help the suppleness and the black pepper at the back spices up the finish. Cornas Les Ruchets Tasted in London January 2012 Mulberry tends to dominate both nose and palate but behind it there is richer Damson. The fruit ripeness fills out the mid palate all quite sweet and soft. It feels firmer towards the back a touch earthy lots of black pepper giving it a rustic quality. Cornas Les Ruchets Tasted at the Hatch Mansfield tasting BAFTA London January Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

26 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE The nose is very firm and the start of the palate quite tight. Bramble tends to dominate backed by herbal earthiness. The back palate is fresh fruited with underlying minerals and the finish is closed and tight. Cornas Terres Brulées Tasted in London January 2012 The nose has a lot of spice from the mix of white and black pepper. The fruit on the palate has power giving it a supple richness a mix of damson and black cherry backed by coffee beans. The finish is concentrated packed with flavour. Cornas Terres Brulées Tasted at the Hatch Mansfield tasting BAFTA London January 2013 The scents on the nose are fragrant and pure with a lovely peppery spice character. The palate has a mix of flavours black fruits and red fruits spicy with lots of red peppers and although the tannins are firm there is sweet fruit showing at the back. Cornas Vallon De L Aigle Tasted in London January 2012 The nose is rich and deep fruited yet there is a lovely bouquet of violets and Mediterranean herbs. Fruit ripeness and richness fills out the mid palate the black fruits deep and brooding. The tannic structure is firm but behind is a mass of Damson plum and black cherry. Cornas La Louvée Tasted in London January 2012 The fruit on the nose is a massive lots of concentrated black fruits spiced up by white and black pepper. The palate has depth brooding black fruits a touch of coffee beans with real depth and richness packing out the finish. Cornas La Louvée Tasted at the Hatch Mansfield tasting BAFTA London January 2013 There is a deep brooding power about the nose and a richness of flavour on the palate. The mix of flavours gives lots of complexity with the sweetness of the fruit rather over powered by tannic firmness. Towards the back there is a silkier feel a sweetness of flavour and this shows the future potential. Cornas Les Méjeans Syrah 100% Tasted in Le Train Bleu Paris June 2013 Sweet black fruits cassis and black cherry enrich both nose and palate. Ripe tannins give suppleness with an added richness coming from dark chocolate behind the fruit. Towards the back bilberry and red fruits give some freshness and a lighter feel to the finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 26

27 RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Domaine Laurent Combier Pont-de-l Isère Crozes-Hermitage Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 Light with red fruits the start of the palate is fresh a mix of mulberry and bramble. The mid palate has more depth and richness more black fruits the sweetness balanced by freshness at the back. Domaine Courbis Saint-Joseph White Wines Saint Joseph Blanc Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November 2015 Depth on the nose the palate has a rich mix of fruits sweet in the middle ripe greengage and pear. Citrus and apple at the back refresh the finish bright and fruity. Saint Joseph Blanc Les Royes Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November 2015 Rich on the nose with fleshy greengage on the palate under the mid richness the ripe fruit grapefruit and lime refresh the back plate lighter but the finish has depth. Saint Joseph Tasted at the Middle Temple March 2006 The nose has a powerful mix of black cherry and blackberry all feeling quite sweet. The tannins give structure but as they feel ripe they do not hold back fruit expression. Saint Joseph Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 The fruit is fresh firm and the nose a bit tight with a strong black fruited influence. It is more open on the palate with some rich fruit in the middle but firms up towards the back with the tannins in evidence on the finish. Saint Joseph Les Royes Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

28 August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Light fresh red fruits very much to the fore. The mid palate is light fresh at the first with sweetness at the back the finish though light lacking fruit richness. Cornas Champelrose Tasted at the Middle Temple March 2006 The ripeness of the fruit gives a lush feel to the nose and a fleshy sweetness on the palate. Black cherry intermingles with damson adding to the richness. There are enough red fruits towards the back to refresh and balance. Cornas Champelrose Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 Red fruits backed by bilberry give freshness on the nose and a bright start to the palate. There is more depth and richness in the middle and although the tannins are firm the finish has depth and richness. Cornas Champelrose Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November 2015 Sweet on the nose the palate is juicy and with ripe fruit the mid palate has depth. There is underlying freshness firm tannins holding back the fruit but there is more depth richer sweeter fruit on the finish. Cornas Les Eygats Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 The nose is deep rich fruited with brooding black fruits and the palate has concentrated power. The mid palate is fleshy and supple with depth and richness but towards the back underlying red fruits lighten and refresh. Cornas Les Eygats Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November 2015 The nose is tight the palate firm with obvious mid tannins. Sweeter at the back a mix of black fruits but it tends to close down on the finish and lacks richness and sweetness. Cornas La Sabarotte Tasted at the Clarion tasting Middle Temple November 2015 Inky black the nose has depth the palate starts with rich black fruits. There is mid freshness a bramble bilberry mix but at the back the sweetness of the fruit comes through the finish has depth and power. Domaine Pierre et Jerome Coursodon Saint-Joseph White Wines Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 28