Reviewed: 16 July 2012

Here are my highlights from a recent tasting put on by Paul Stephenson at the Shenton Park store.

Reviewed

Pierre Gimmonet – Crus 1er Cru – NV (17.3). Lovely nose that has complex, yeast and autolysis nose. The palate is quite drying, but there is a degree of richness that is very attractive. Not as dense as some, this is a good aperitif style.

Henry Pelle – Sancerre – La Croix Au Garde – 2010 (17.5). This is quite fresh, with lifted fruit. Quite linear, but builds richness and complexity on the palate. Hints of lanolin, apricot, lots of minerals and hints of spice. This really opens up with air. A great alternative to New Zealand sauvignon blanc.

Saint Cosme – Shiraz – Cotes du Rhone – 2009 (17). Surprisingly rich and complex for a Cote du Rhone. Pretty, perfumed fruit with plenty of pepper. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with spicy fruit and slightly grippy tannins. Quite good length, with enough acid to carry the palate. No oak to speak of, it is unusual for a Cotes du Rhone to be 100% shiraz.

Saint Cosme – Grenache – Gigondas – 2009 (17.5). Lovely sweet fruit over sweet vanillin oak. The palate is grippy and the tannins are quite assertive. The tannins are quite fine though, so they should balance out with the fruit with a few years in the bottle. As it opens, the fruit becomes more floral on the nose and expressive on the palate, whilst the tannins come in to balance. Give it at least a few years to show its best. 100% Grenache.