Voge & Friends

Great find from Richard. Lovely team, food very good indeed. The table worked well with 6 (8 around the same table might have been snug) although the glasses were on the small side.

• 2010 Louis Roederer Champagne Blanc de Blancs

  France, Champagne

  Very classy drop. Fresh, racy and balanced. Sesame cracker and a little lemon pith. Broad and rich on the palate. Very enjoyable.

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• 2005 Domaine Durand Cornas Empreintes Flawed

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

  A little baked. Others found this more offensive than I did. Clearly not what it should have been.

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• 2009 Alain Voge Cornas Les Chailles

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

  Really like this. Very well put together. Red fruits, some smoke and very moreish on the palate. No jagged edges. Très bien.

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• 2006 Domaine Courbis Cornas Champelrose Flawed

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

  Another opinion splitter around the table. Whilst not as good as those that surrounded it and a little more evolved. I'm not sure it's entirely knackered. There are some bright red fruits and a savouriness and balance to the palate. Air doesn't help it however. Would be interested to compare with a pristine bottle.

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• 2004 Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

  Dark fruits, some olive brine and a little twist of green pepper. Palate in a good place but in some ways feels younger and less resolved that the 2009 that preceded it.

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• 2001 Domaine Courbis Cornas La Sabarotte

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

  More classical blood and iron here with some damp autumn glade too. Not being contrarian I prefer the youth and vigour of the 2010 this is served with.

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• 2010 Domaine Courbis Cornas La Sabarotte

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

  This is darker fruited affair and the nose really charms me. There is a certain dulche de leche fudginess around the plum fruits on the nose. Palate has real energy and although the tannins need a little time they are not jagged in any way. Yum

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• 2007 Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

  Really good stuff. This is rich, long and has plenty in the tank for the years ahead. Smoky, peppery with a twist of hoisin umami. Chapeau.

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• 1967 Viuva José Gomes da Silva & Filhos Colares Reserva Tinto

  Portugal, Lisboa, Colares

  A real slice of history here. This wine was older than two thirds of the participants and what a joy; a real unicorn wine. It's intriguing on the nose with a savouriness that charms but in a different register to the majority of reds I drink. With some air I was getting hints of making the Bread Sauce on Christmas morning; white bread with cloves, bay and pepper. Palate is compact but balancing lovely acidity with some forest floor. Great that we all chipped in and sipped some history.

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Top night thanks to all. Am sure we'll be back.