Rhône Southern Rhône Domaines F - L

Rhône Southern Rhône Domaines F - L By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 12/23/2015 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Château Fargueirol... 5 Châteauneuf-du-Pape... 5 Domaine de Fenouillet... 5 Beaumes de Venise... 5 La Ferme Julien... 6 Côtes du Ventoux... 6 La Ferme du Mont... 6 Châteauneuf-du-Pape... 6 Domaine de Fondrèche... 7 Côtes du Ventoux... 7 Domaine Font de Michelle... 8 Châteauneuf du Pape... 8 Domaine Font Sane... 10 Gigondas... 10 Domaine la Garrigue... 10 Vacqueyras... 10 Domaine Giraud... 10 Châteauneuf-du-Pape... 10 Domaine Giuliani... 11 Bedarrides... 11 Domaine Gour de Chaule... 12 Gigondas... 12 Domaine Gramenon... 12 Montbrison-sur-Lez... 12 Domaine Les Grands Bois... 12 Sainte Cécile Les Vignes... 12 3 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Domaine du Grand Montmirail... 13 Gigondas... 13 Domaine du Grand Tinel... 13 Châteuneuf-du-Pape... 13 Domaine du Grapillon D Or... 14 Gigondas... 14 Domaine les Hautes Cances... 15 Cairanne... 15 Domaine de la Janasse... 17 Courthézon... 17 Domaine Alain Jaume... 17 Domaine Grand Veneur in Châteauneuf du Pape... 17 Clos du Sixte in Lirac... 17 Château St Jean... 20 Travaillon... 20 Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine... 20 Tavel... 20 Domaine Lamblin... 22 Maligny Chablis... 22 Comte de Lauze... 23 Châteauneuf du Pape... 23 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Rhône Valley Date & place of tasting shown in italics Growers / Wineries are in alphabetical order with area underneath Southern Rhône Domaines F - L Château Fargueirol Châteauneuf-du-Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 88 2014-19 Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2013 Tasted at the Carlton Club March 2013 The nose is quite light with more of a red fruit influence and the palate is light and fresh. Towards the back it is sweeter with more black fruits showing and enough rich flavours to fill out the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 87 2016-21 Tasted at the Carlton Club February 2015 There is a strong red fruit character light and fresh on the nose the start of the palate quite tight. The mid palate has a little more depth the tannins though are obvious firm the back palate fresh and lacking in depth. Domaine de Fenouillet Beaumes de Venise Sweet White Wines Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2007 92 2010-16 Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2011 Orange peel backed by honey give a lovely richness on the nose. The palate is sweet but nicely balanced by lemon freshness. There are lots of flavours on the mid palate with tropical fruits underpinned by orange peel and apricot. The grapefruit freshness is there at the back lifting the fruit. 5 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE La Ferme Julien Côtes du Ventoux La Ferme Julien 2011 91 2012-16 Syrah Grenache Carignan Cinsault Tasted in Lilley July 2012 The blend of Rhône grapes gives lots of complexity and the Perrin Family (of Beaucastel fame) have brought out the flavours one gets from the vineyards on the slopes of the Mont Ventoux. Syrah and Grenache give it a peppery spiciness whilst the brambly hedgerow character of Carignan and Cinsault are there. The mid sweetness is balanced by the red fruited freshness so it goes well with pork suits duck and is just right for the Wensleydale cheeses. La Ferme du Mont Châteauneuf-du-Pape Côtes du Rhône La Truffière 2010 89 2012-17 Tasted at Butlers Restaurant Holt July 2012 Bramble and blackcurrant dominate the nose and enrich the start of the palate. There are some fresher red fruits in the middle but it fills out towards the back lovely and rich with lots of black pepper spicing up the finish. Vacqueyras Le Rif 2009 90 2012-17 The nose has the fragrances of red fruits with red cherry underpinned by raspberry. The sweetness on the palate comes from ripe black fruits blackcurrant and black cherry. There is richness but it is not a heavy weight the fragrant fruit backed by hints of hazel nuts. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 91 2013-20 The fruit feels sweet and ripe giving flesh on the nose. Blackcurrants are backed by mulberry and fresher raspberry lots of flavours. The sweetness of the fruit enriches the back palate. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 92 2014-20 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 Redcurrant and red cherry give freshness on the nose and a bright start to the palate. Under the red fruits are richer sweet black a mix of cassis and bramble. The tannins are firm but ripe and the richness of the fruit fills out the back palate. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Côtes Capelan 2009 93 2014-22 The fruit is lush lovely and ripe enriching the nose and fleshing out the palate. Black fruits intermingle with red layers of complex flavours. Towards the back there is an attractive peppery spiciness with red fruits giving freshness and a lighter feel that gives a lovely elegance on the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Côtes Capelan 2010 92 2015-24 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose a mix of flavours with the red fruits tending to dominate. Fresh fruits are there on the start of the palate and although not a heavyweight the mid palate has richness and sweetness with lots of pepper towards the back. Domaine de Fondrèche Côtes du Ventoux White Wines Côtes du Ventoux Persia 2005 88 2006-08 The nose is light flowery with fragrant greengage and lime. The palate has freshness yet some sweetness and there is fragrant lime greengage on the finish. Côtes du Ventoux Fayard 2005 88 2006-08 It is very light quite flowery with some fragrant raspberry. The mid palate is richer and there is a nice floral length. Côtes du Ventoux Nadal 2005 89 2006-09 The nose has depth of flavour redcurrants and raspberries. Flowery fruit is there on the palate quite light but there is a fuller feel to the finish. Côtes du Ventoux Persia 2005 89 2006-09 There is more structure on the nose yet some fragrance yet quite full. The palate starts with sweetness but then it firms up in the middle yet has a long quite elegant finish. 7 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Domaine Font de Michelle Châteauneuf du Pape Côtes du Rhône Font du Vent Les Promesses 2008 88 2011-15 Tasted at the Middle Temple March 2010 The predominance of red fruits gives some freshness but also a hardness on both nose and palate. Some sweeter black fruits battle for supremacy but the red tend to over dominate. Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues 2007 90 2013-18 Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2012 This villages only fairly recently was allowed to attached its name to Côtes du Rhône Villages but its position and soils are ideal for producing quality. Grenache does well on the stony soils producing depth of flavour and the Syrah gives its peppery spiciness. The ripeness of the fruit enriches the nose and fills out the start of the palate making it a great companion to meat dishes with more flavour an ideal partner to steak and kidney. Vacqueyras La Joséphine 2012 90 2014-19 Grenache 70% Syran 15% Mourvèdre 15% Gonnet Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 The nose has a floral mix with red and black fruits lovely spicy and peppery. The mid palate is fleshy and rich with sweet fruit and although towards the back there is red fruited freshness the finish has depth and richness. Gigondas l Olivier 2012 91 2015-20 Grenache 90% Syrah 10% Gonnet Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 The nose is fresh fragrant black fruited bilberry and bramble but the palate has the richness of ripe fruit sweet and lush. The ripeness of the fruit gives a fleshy richness at the back and the finish is power packed. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1995 93 1999-12 Tasted in London at Goedhuis November 2006 There are mature, nutty fruit flavours on the nose. The palate is complex with a mix of red and black fruits, sweet and ripe towards the back but fresh in the middle. It has lovely length with that nutty edge of maturity showing on the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2005 91 2009-16 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Ripeness is there on the nose, a mix of cherry and some bramble. The palate has rounded tannins giving a fleshy feel and depth on the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2008 91 2012-18 Tasted at the Middle Temple March 2010 The mix of black and red fruits feels ripe giving flesh on the nose and richness on the palate. Black fruits seem to dominate but towards the back fresher redcurrant pushes through giving the finish a racy feel. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 92 2015-22 Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 Strawberry and ripe candied plum enriches both nose and palate a lovely fleshy richness. Fine tannins support the fruit the mid palate supple with depth of flavour. Layers of fruit give complexity with the flavours lingering on the long finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Etienne Gonnet 2005 93 2009-16 There is real power of flavour on the nose. The mix of mulberry and bilberry has complexity and richness. The tannins are ripe, the palate supple and fleshy and there is excellent length. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Etienne Gonnet 2012 93 2016-24 Grenache 100% Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 Red fruits refresh and bring out the crushed flower fragrances. The start of the palate is light red fruited but towards the back it is richer with sweet fruit and supple tannins. A wine that is beautifully textured and balanced. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Elégance de Jeanne 2012 95 2016-24 Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 Crushed summer flowers, red fruits and kirsch all give character to the nose. The palate has density brooding black fruits with a touch of liquorice fleshy and supple with ripe tannins. The back palate is lighter more refined and the finish has streamlined length. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Bois Pointu 2012 92 2015-22 Grenache 95% Mourvèdre & Counoise 5% Blagden & Gonnet Tasted at the Clarion Wines tasting Middle Temple November 2013 The nose is bursting with fruit rich red fruited lots of strawberry and mulberry. The mid palate has layers of flavour Charles Blagden s Mourvèdre & Counoise adding to the complexity. The richness of the flavours fills out the back palate and the finish has harmony and style. 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Domaine Font Sane Gigondas Gigondas 2009 92 2012-18 Strawberry dominated the red fruited nose is rich ripe and quite lush. Ripe tannins help the voluptuous fleshiness that is there on the palate and although there is a firmer structure in the middle the sweet fruit fleshes out the finish. Gigondas Terrasses des Dentelles 2009 93 2013-20 There is a fleshy richness about both nose and palate. Ripe strawberry is backed by some fleshy black plum the mid palate lushness helped by ripe and rounded tannins. Powerful flavours enrich the back palate and linger on the long finish. Domaine la Garrigue Vacqueyras Vacqueyras 2010 89 2012-16 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 There are some lovely red fruited fragrances on the nose and a fresh start to the palate. Although it is quite light there is sweetness towards the back Vacqueyras Cuvée de l Hostellerie 2010 92 2012-17 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The nose although it is very red fruit in character is rich and sweet. There is a lot of fruit on the palate mulberry and red cherry underpinned by black cherry the tannins although giving structure feel ripe allowing the ripe fruit to fill out the back palate. Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2009 91 2013-21 Grenache 60% Syrah 35% Mourvèdre 5% www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Tasted at the Carlton Club March 2013 The sweetness of the fruit fills out the nose and gives richness and power on the palate. Black fruits intermingle with red the black fruits tending to dominate. Layers of flavour give complexity the fruit spiced up by black pepper on the finish. Domaine Giuliani Bedarrides White Wines Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Flora 2008 91 2011-15 Grenache Blanc 50 % Clairette50% Tasted in Lilley March 2011 The nose has a mix of flavours citrus and greengage backed by hazel nuts. There is a lovely depth of fruit on the palate the richness fleshing out the middle. The power of the fruit is balanced by the freshness that shows towards the back giving a slightly racier feel on the finish. Tasted at Edward Parker Wines Norfolk August 2011 91 2011-15 Although the nose is quite light it has lots of floral fragrances. The palate starts fresh but towards the middle there are richer flavours more greengage and apple. The back palate has citrus freshness with a hint of hazel nut on the finish. Les Notes de Louis 2009 91 2011-16 Côtes du Rhône Tasted in Lilley March 2011 There is a lot of ripe fruit on the nose and this gives richness sweetness on the palate. Bramble and black cherry appear to dominate but behind is plum richness with towards the back wild strawberry. The sweetness of the fruit fills out the back palate. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006 85 2008-12 Tasted in Lilley April 2009 It is remarkably light with some sweet fruit showing on the palate but not enough depth of fruit on the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2008 91 2012-18 Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre Tasted in Lilley March 2011 There is a lot of fruit on the nose with a mix of black fruits and red fruits. Bramble and black cherry are underpinned by red cherry and bilberry all very complex. There is lots of fruit towards the back which although still slightly firm does not stop the peppery richness from showing on the finish. 11 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Domaine Gour de Chaule Gigondas Gigondas 2011 88 2015-20 Tasted at the Carlton Club February 2015 The nose is firm the start of the palate tight with fresh black fruits. The mid palate is lighter some red fruits with the back tending to lack fruit richness. Domaine Gramenon Montbrison-sur-Lez Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Pascal 2003 85 2011-12 Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2011 The nose has some nice sweet fruit and although this shows on the start of the palate the mid palate is light and attenuated. There are red fruits at the back giving some freshness but towards the back the fruit fades dries out leaving the finish short. Côtes du Rhône Sierra du Sud 2005 87 2007-10 It has a very hard nose with a hint of greenness. Sweetness of flavour does emerge at the start of the palate but the finish is firm and short. Côtes du Rhône La Sagesse 2005 87 2007-10 The nose is very light with hints of redcurrants. It is firm on the palate, a touch green with a lack of real length. Domaine Les Grands Bois Sainte Cécile Les Vignes Côtes du Rhône Les Trois Soeurs 2014 92 2016-21 Grenache 65% Syrah 15% Carignan 20% Tasted at the Vineyards Direct tasting Jesus Cambridge November 2015 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Sweet and ripe on the nose the palate has depth a mix of black fruits the tannins ripe the mid palate is fleshy and supple. There is an underlying freshness but the sweetness and richness of the fruit gives suppleness and flesh on the finish. Domaine du Grand Montmirail Gigondas Vacqueyras 2005 89 2008-12 Tasted in Lilley April 2009 Lovely concentrated flavours give weight to both nose and palate. The mix of black fruits is sweet but brightened by some underlying red. Vacqueyras 2009 92 2013-20 Tasted in Lilley January 2011 The nose is packed with black cherry and blackberry rich and ripe fruited. There is a chocolate richness about the flavours on the palate with the black fruited mix very much dominating. There are some red fruits refreshing the middle but the black takes over enriching the finish. Gigondas Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2008 93 2012-20 Tasted in Lilley January 2011 Bramble and black cherry feature on the nose ripe and sweet. The palate has the richness of ripe fruit damson plum comes through under the blackberries and cherries. Although there is real depth of flavour with the sweetness of dark chocolate there is enough freshness to balance. The tannins are showing at the moment but they are ripe allowing the fruit to enrich the finish. Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteuneuf-du-Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 93 2014-22 Ripe fruit enriches the nose and gives fleshy richness to the palate. There is a lovely mix of fruit blackberry and black cherry intermingling with fleshy loganberry. The tannins are ripe and rounded adding to the fleshy richness but there is enough freshness towards the back to balance. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 93 2015-24 Tasted at the Carlton Club February 2015 13 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Rich on the nose the palate has the sweetness of ripe fruit. Black fruits tend to dominate the mid palate is supple and fleshy with under the powerful mix bramble giving a lighter fresher feel. The back palate has a brooding richness the finish sweet fruited. Although only 2010 it is ready and enjoyable now a wine that is not too heavy for poultry and suits lamb and pork. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 Cuvée Alexis Establet 93 2014-22 The sweetness of the fruit gives richness on the nose and flesh on the palate. There are lots of powerful flavours on the palate all very black fruited at first but then towards the back ripe strawberry shows. There are layers of flavour ripe tannins and a lovely richness on the finish. Domaine du Grapillon D Or Gigondas Merlot Caladoc 2006 88 2007-12 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 Black fruits dominate the nose with the black fruited richness giving weight on the start of the palate. Towards the back there are herbal undertones the freshness in the middle giving way to richer flavours on the finish. Merlot Caladoc 2011 88 2013-18 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 Both nose and palate have a mix of sweet and fresh fruit and layers of flavour are there on the palate. The mid palate is slightly hollow but there is a richer feel towards the back with hints of black plum. Merlot Caladoc 2012 89 2014-20 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2014 There is a mix of flavours sweet at first then fresh red fruited and herbal. The mid palate has some sweet fruit a nice depth of flavour with bramble and bilberry refreshing the back palate. Merlot Caladoc 2013 90 2016-21 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2015 Black plums the nose is rich and sweet the start of the palate fresher with bramble and bilberry herbal slightly spicy. The mid palate has depth of fruit richness and sweetness but at the back the fresher flavours dominate the finish quite light. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Vacqueyras 2011 90 2014-19 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 Black cherry with a touch of cassis gives richness and sweetness on the nose and this mix of flavours fills out the palate. There are more red fruits towards the back a fresher feel with the fruit mix lingering on the finish. Gigondas 2006 89 2008-13 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 Although it is mainly red fruited there is the feel of ripeness fleshy strawberries and mulberries. The freshness on the back palate gives a lighter feel and the finish has black and white pepper spice. Gigondas 2012 90 2015-21 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2014 The nose is light fresh with a mix of red and black fruits. There is mid sweetness a richer feel with weight of fruit at the back and although the finish is tight there is fruit to show. Gigondas 2013 89 2016-22 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2015 The fruit feels sweet the nose quite rich the palate has layers of fruit black fruits and slightly fresher red. Rich at the back but the finish is lighter with red fruited freshness. Domaine les Hautes Cances Cairanne Terre de Cheyenne 2007 87 2008-12 Vin de Pays de Principauté d Orange Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 The nose has a light red fruited fragrant charm and the start of the palate is very fresh. There are sweeter flavours towards the back and the finish is easy but light Côtes du Rhône 2007 87 2009-13 Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 The nose has sweetness with richer black fruits but the mid palate is very firm quite fresh with more of a red fruit character. The finish is tight firm and quite acidic. Côtes du Rhône 2012 89 2015-20 Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 15 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE There is a good depth of flavour on the nose with black fruited richness on the start of the palate. Although lighter and fresher in the middle the finish has black fruited depth. Cairanne Cuvée Tradition 2007 85 2009-12 Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 The nose is a bit mousy and the palate herbal and leafy. Sweeter fruit comes through towards the back with more depth on the finish. Cairanne Cuvée Tradition 2008 87 2011-14 Tasted at O W Loeb March 2010 The mix of redcurrant and cherry is held back by the firmness of the tannins. The mid palate has more sweetness some black cherry and bramble and this fruit ripeness gives more weight on the finish. Cairanne Cuvée Tradition 2012 88 2015-20 Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 Bright red fruits both nose and palate is fresh and quite light. There is more depth in the middle black fruits under the red and although quite sweet on the back palate the finish is still tight. Cairanne Cuvée Col du Débat 2007 86 2009-12 Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 The nose is herbal slightly musty and the palate has a mousiness which tends to dominate the fruit. The back palate is a little richer but the finish is herbal and dusty. Cairanne Cuvée Col du Débat 2012 90 2015-21 Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 The mix of red and black fruits gives lots of complexity with the ripeness of the fruit giving fleshy richness in the middle. It feels fresher at the back more of a bramble character but the finish has power, richness depth. Cairanne Vieilles Vignes 2007 85 2009-12 Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting March 2009 There is a mousy herbal quality on both nose and palate. The mid palate is light and although it is richer and less mousy at the back it is not fully clean. Cairanne Vieilles Vignes 2012 90 2015-21 Tasted at the O W Loeb tasting Caledonian Club London February 2014 The nose has depth the palate concentrated flavours. Black fruits dominate rich quite ripe the sweetness giving fleshy richness at the back. Although the back palate has structure the finish is sweet fruited. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Domaine de la Janasse Courthézon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013 90 2016-23 Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 Light and fresh on the nose the start of the palate is bright with a strong red fruit character. The mid palate is richer fleshy strawberry but at the back the fresh fruits dominate the finish light and fragrant. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2013 92 2017-25 Tasted at the Berry Bros tasting One Great George Street February 2015 Although the nose is light the fruit fresh the palate has a sweeter feel rich in the middle. Very red fruit in character ripe fruit gives richness at the back and the finish is sweet and ripe fruited. Domaine Alain Jaume Domaine Grand Veneur in Châteauneuf du Pape Clos du Sixte in Lirac White Wines Côtes du Rhône Blanc Référence 2008 87 2010-12 Tasted at O W Loeb March 2010 The nose is very fresh but the hardness of apple is at the back and tends to hide the sweeter greengage on the palate. Côtes du Rhône Blanc Hautes de Brun 2009 91 2011-13 Viognier 50% Roussanne 50% Tasted at the Carlton Club Janaury 2011 The freshness on the nose is very lime and lemon but behind is the peachy richness of Viognier. Behind the sweet fruit on the palate is a backbone of citric freshness but it is the peach and apricot that fleshes out the back palate. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009 91 2012-17 There are lots of attractive fragrances on the nose the greengage back by fresh lime and lemon. Layers of flavour give complexity on the palate the mid palate richness balanced by the mineral and citrus towards the back. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée La Fontaine 2005 91 2007-12 17 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE The nose is mineral fresh underpinned by herbal lime and greengage. There is depth of fruit on the mid palate supple yet fresh and the flavours last on the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée La Fontaine 2009 92 2012-18 Ripe peach gives a fleshy richness on the nose with behind it a mix of lime and greengage. The palate has the same mix of sweetness and richness so well balanced by fresher fruits and the minerals that lie beneath. On the back palate fruit sweetness and richness win through. Côtes du Rhône Les Champauvins 2009 89 2012-17 It is fresh but light with more of a red fruit influence. Although the fruit on the mid palate feels ripe giving more sweetness the freshness of raspberry and bilberry come through leaving the finish quite light. Côtes du Rhône Villages 2005 89 2007-10 The nose feels ripe and the fruit on the palate is full and fleshy. It has a lighter feel in the middle but then shows more weight on the finish. Côtes du Rhône Villages Vinsobres Altitude 420 2007 87 2010-12 Tasted at O W Loeb March 2010 It is quite sweet with the fleshiness of black cherry and damson. Red fruits add some freshness but as the tannins feel ripe there is lots of flesh on the finish. Côtes du Rhône Villages Vinsobres Référence 2007 87 2011-13 Tasted at O W Loeb March 2010 The nose has more of a red fruit feel quite firm red cherry whilst on the palate there are hints of black fruits, still quite fresh leaning towards bilberry. Acidity cuts in shortening the finish. Lirac Clos du Sixte 2005 90 2007-11 There is a nice mix of fruit flavours on both nose and palate. The fruit is ripe giving both richness and depth on the palate and flesh on the finish. Lirac Clos du Sixte 2009 92 2012-18 The mix of red cherry, strawberry and blackcurrant give lots of interest. The ripeness of the fruit enriches the mid palate with the layers of fruit giving interest. The back palate is fleshy and rich. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Lirac Clos Sixte 2010 90 2013-18 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The mix of black and red fruits is spiced up by black pepper with some lovely fragrances. The ripeness of the fruit gives sweetness on the mid palate but towards the back red fruited freshness takes over. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2005 91 2009-16 The nose has lovely ripe fruit flavours. On the palate there is depth and complexity with redcurrant and plum mixed in with bilberry. The back palate has a supple feel and fair complexity. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 91 2013-22 Although the fruit on the nose is ripe it is quite light and fragrant. The palate has more fleshy ripe fruit and rounded tannins enriching the middle and giving lots of sweetness towards the back. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 91 2014-22 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The nose lacks a bit of concentration but has some attractive fragrances. Red fruits dominate the palate giving a fresh start but as the fruit feels ripe there is a richer feel on the mid palate. Red cherry richness fills out the back palate and finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2009 91 2013-22 There is a lovely complex mix of flavours on the nose first black fruits then fresher reds showing. The fruit is ripe the tannins rounded fleshing out the mid palate and giving a lovely richness to the back palate. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2010 91 2013-22 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône Tasting November 2011 The nose is rich full of ripe fruit with the black fruits tending to dominate the red. Sweet fruit enriches the mid palate the fleshiness helped by ripe tannins. There are layers of flavours lots of complexity with black pepper spicing up the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines 2005 92 2009-16 There is real power of fruit on the nose. The mulberry is rich and sweet yet there is a mineral complexity that freshens. The finish has power all rounded, an fleshy. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines 2009 92 2014-24 19 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Rich and powerful flavours pack out the nose and give a sweet start to the palate. Ripe strawberry is backed by cassis both refreshed by some raspberry and bramble. There are layers of flavour giving complexity with the generosity of the ripe fruit enriching the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines 2010 92 2015-25 Tasted at the Bibendum Rhône tasting London November 2011 The nose is fragrant full of red and black fruits lots of ripe strawberry and cassis. The ripeness of the tannins gives a fleshy suppleness in the middle and enriches the back palate. The mix of flavours gives complexity and the black pepper spiciness. Château St Jean Travaillon Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu 2009 90 2012-18 It is light but has lovely mainly red fruited fragrances. The palate has more weight some fleshy red and black fruit with richness and depth of flavour on the finish. Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine Tavel White Wines Lirac Blanc 2007 87 2008-12 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 Crisp apple refreshes the nose and gives a bright start to the palate. There are richer flavours in the middle with citrus freshness coming through at the back. Lirac Blanc 2012 87 2013-16 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 The nose is quite rich herbal with lots of pineapple on the start of the palate. There is more citrus and apple on the mid palate and finish but both tend to lack depth. Lirac Blanc 2014 88 2015-18 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2015 Light on the nose herbal floral with citrus freshness the palate though is richer greengage giving mid depth but at the back lime refreshes the finish very light. Rosé Wines www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Tavel Rosé 2007 87 2008-10 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 Wild strawberry is backed by red cherry a lovely mix of flavours. There is mid freshness light on the back palate with attractive fragrances on the finish. Lirac Rouge 2006 88 2008-13 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 The nose is fresh with a mix of red fruits lots of peppery spice. There is more depth in the middle richer red cherry but back palate and finish have a lighter fragrant freshness. Lirac Rouge 2010 88 2013-17 Tasted at Charles Taylor September 2013 Red and black fruits give interest on the nose the fruit spiced up by black pepper. The mid palate has a sweet feel some rich flavours but towards the back it is lighter fresher and it finishes slightly dry. Lirac Rouge 2011 89 2013-18 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 Red fruits dominate their freshness bringing out a pine needle character. The mid palate has the richness of ripe fruit fleshy strawberry and mulberry but towards the back it is lighter and fresher. Lirac Rouge 2012 89 2014-19 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2014 Fresh and fragrant the nose has a strong red fruit character and the start of the palate is bright and fresh. There is a richer feel in the middle sweet ripe feeling fruit but the back is lighter with black pepper spice. Lirac La Ferme Romaine 2006 89 2008-14 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 The nose has the sweetness of ripe fruit and there is a good weight and richness of flavour on the palate. It is fresher towards the back mulberry and red cherry with lots of black pepper on the finish. Côtes du Rhône 2007 87 2008-12 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 It is upfront juicy red fruited with sweetness on the mid palate. Towards the back there is more acidity a youthful freshness just a slight lack of depth on the finish. Côtes du Rhône 2011 89 2013-18 21 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 23, 2012 RHÔNE Tasted at Charles Taylor September 2013 The nose is firm quite light with a mix of red fruits and although the start of the palate has red fruited freshness it is sweeter towards the back with layers of ripe fruit. The finish has depth with more of a black fruited influence. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2004 90 2008-13 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 The nose is rich with ripe flavours lots of ripe bramble and black cherry the mix enriching the start of the palate. The mid palate is lighter still quite black fruited but the sweetness of the fruit the ripeness is there at the back giving richness on the finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006 90 2009-16 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2008 There is a lot happening on the nose with a mix of black and red fruits. The fruit is ripe the tannins fine lots of rich flavours in the middle but towards the back the tannins are more obvious tending to close down the finish at the moment. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 88 2014-19 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2013 Minty black fruits are backed by fresh redcurrant a nice mix of flavours. The palate starts quite sweet with some rich fruit but the acidity shows through towards the back leaving the finish lacking in real generosity. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 89 2016-23 Tasted at Charles Taylor March 2014 The nose has a minty red fruited freshness and the start of the palate is light and fresh fruited. There is greater depth in the middle layers of black fruits with the richness giving way to a lighter fresher feel on the finish. Domaine Lamblin Maligny Chablis Côtes du Rhône 2008 85 2012-14 Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2012 There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose and the palate feels hollow with rather dry slightly green tannins. The black fruits that show towards the back lack real sweetness and have a green herbal edge. Côtes du Rhône 2009 87 2012-16 Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2012 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

RHÔNE August 23, 2012 Although the nose is fresh the black fruits tend to overpower the red. There is some sweetness in the middle slightly richer flavours but towards the back the freshness comes through the fruit spiced up by black pepper. Côtes du Rhône 2010 85 2012-15 Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2012 Both nose and palate lack depth of fruit with red fruits showing at first yet behind are some slightly sweeter black. The acidity is high and there is a lack of any richness or depth of fruit. Comte de Lauze Châteauneuf du Pape Côtes du Rhône 2008 84 2010-13 Tasted in Lilley April 2009 The nose is rather closed and the firm tannins tend to hold back fruit expression. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2001 88 2005-11 Tasted in Lilley April 2009 It is quite light, red fruit influenced. The palate has the peppery nuttiness of maturity. It is lovely now but not great lasting potential. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006 86 2010-16 Tasted in Lilley April 2009 The nose is fragrant, bilberry and cherry refreshed by raspberry. The tannins are quite firm and hold back the fruit at this stage. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 86 2011-17 Tasted in Lilley April 2009 The mix of fruits has a slightly herbal edge and the tannins are holding back full fruit expression. There is more to show at the back. Derek Smedley MW 23 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley