Reviewed: 1 September 2012

A fantastic line up of wines, this was a superb tasting.

Reviewed

Domaine Vincent Bouzereau – Meursault – 1er Cru – Les Charmes – 2008 (18.6). If possible, even better than the Le Poruzot. Finer, better balanced and the acid is fresher. Youthful and racy, this is on its way to stardom. There is a steely edge to the fruit and the length is superb.

Domaine Faury – Shiraz/Viognier – Cote-Rotie – 2006 (18.4). Lovely sweet fruit with plum and spice. This has rich and ripe fruit with real power. Silky, big and powerful, the fruit and oak tannins are firm yet deliciously fine. A Fantastic wine, the floral highlights are courtesy of the 15% Viognier

Chateau Pouget – Margeaux – 4th Growth – 2002 (18.3). Licorice, spice, dark fruit and hints of red fruits over a touch of varnish. Gorgeous fruit on the palate, this is sublime. The wine evolves on the tongue and is textured, long and very fine. Lingers and builds. Pierre Gaillard – Banyuls – Domaine Madeloc – 2005 – Fruit cake and spice here, Sweet, rich, ripe, this does not taste overly alcoholic. Long and fine, the sweetness balances the fruit and structure.

Domaine Vincent Bouzereau – Meursault – 1er Cru – Le Poruzot – 2008 (18.3) Developing honeyed notes on the nose, this is textured, long and rich. The power and intensity of the fruit is apparent in the mouth. This is very long and intense, yet round and generous with a savoury minerality. Fantastic.

Christian Moreau– Chardonnay – Vaillons – 1er Cru – 2009 (18+). Rich, creamy, buttery, generous, viscous, long. Remarkably tight finish, with creamy oak holding the fruit back, but this is in no-way looking overdone. Lemony acid freshens the finish beautifully. Give it a few years.

Chateau Couhins-Lurton – Pessac Leognan – Graves – 2006 (18). Wow. Superb nose with hints of pineapple fruit, the power and intensity are the standouts. Fresh acidity really drives a finish that is creamy, textured, long and fine. The worked characters make this wine.

Domaine Jean Tardy – Pinot Noir – Vosne Romanee – 2004 (18). Richer and dense. More complex and almost a touch of funk. Excellent structure.Silky, yet slightly chewy. The firm finish suggests that food would complement this well. A remarkable effort.

Domaine Gardies – Blend – Cote du Roussillon – Les Falaises – 2009 (17.9). Intense fruit here. Cassis, ripe berries, blueberry and spice. Chewy and firm, this is very structured and tight. The high quality oak and refined tannins stop the fruit from expressing, but with air, you can sense the quality. Licorice, spice and cedar, with a hint of varnish. Good mouth-feel to boot.

Louis Michel & Fils – Chardonnay – Les Clos – Grand Cru – 2007 (17.8).Rich, textured, oily, nutty, long and dense. Apricot, honey on a palate that has superb length. Textured oak to close, this is a lovely wine.

Jean – Louis et Didier Amiot – Pinot Noir – Morey St Denis – 1er Cru – Aux Charmes – 2004 (17.5). Touch of pong, yet this is fragrant, elegant and refined. Feminine and deliciously textured and fine. Not the most complex or dense, but quite this is delicous.

Robert & Bernard Plageoles – Shiraz (Syrah) – 2010 (17.5). Another intense wine. Berry and plum, but with textural spice and firm oak. Chewy and textured plum and spice, the finish is long, dense and textured. Need years. From Gaillac

Tardieu–Laurent – Cote-Rotie – Les Seize Galets – 2008 (17).