Quite chocolatey and sweet that some commented this was more like a new-world while I initially thought that this was Grenache. After some time it developed savoury black fruit so I guessed an international Côte-Rôtie like Chapoutier or Ogier. Also got the vintage right because of the warmth. Not impressed, the Barge later was more my style of northern Rhone.
Still obviously young and primary but had pure, precise red fruit unlike the overworked Bonserine earlier. Became more candied with air, so this should probably be cellared for a few more years. A very elegant Côte-Rôtie.
France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur-Champigny
My contribution. Opened a few hours ahead of dinner based on previous notes and this definitely became more expressive with air. Dark fruit with some pyrazines and unresolved tannins, a very correct Loire CF that lacked emotion (as usual with this producer for me).
Brought for a friend. Similar to previous impressions, the warm vintage stuck out with syrupy dark fruit; not as elegant as other vintages from this producer.
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
I really detested this so wasn't surprised when the producer was revealed. Guessed 2020 CDP from a maker that I disliked, very distracting liquorice note on the nose and palate was blocky and imprecise because of the high alcohol (15.5%!) and extraction.
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Clearly another CDP but despite the warmth of the vintage this showed much more restraint compared to the Janasse that came previously. Layered and textural, very nice depth to the dark red fruit.
2021 Emmanuel Giboulot Côte de Beaune Les Pierres Blanches Blanc 86 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
Tropical fruit of melon and peaches, but with the greenness of 2021. Not a typical Burgundy white, seemed more like a poorly made Chenin.
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2018 Domaine de Bonserine Côte-Rôtie La Garde 88 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie
Quite chocolatey and sweet that some commented this was more like a new-world while I initially thought that this was Grenache. After some time it developed savoury black fruit so I guessed an international Côte-Rôtie like Chapoutier or Ogier. Also got the vintage right because of the warmth. Not impressed, the Barge later was more my style of northern Rhone.
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2022 Paul Granier Languedoc Les Lignières 92 Points
France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc
Glou-glou and airy in style but not too natty or lacking in structure. Pretty, restrained red fruit despite the warm vintage. Very impressed by this.
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2020 Domaine Barge Côte-Rôtie Coeur de Combard 92 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie
Still obviously young and primary but had pure, precise red fruit unlike the overworked Bonserine earlier. Became more candied with air, so this should probably be cellared for a few more years. A very elegant Côte-Rôtie.
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2017 Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny Les Mémoires 90 Points
France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur-Champigny
My contribution. Opened a few hours ahead of dinner based on previous notes and this definitely became more expressive with air. Dark fruit with some pyrazines and unresolved tannins, a very correct Loire CF that lacked emotion (as usual with this producer for me).
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2018 Aurélien Chatagnier Saint-Joseph La Sybarite 89 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Saint-Joseph
Brought for a friend. Similar to previous impressions, the warm vintage stuck out with syrupy dark fruit; not as elegant as other vintages from this producer.
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2019 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape 80 Points
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
I really detested this so wasn't surprised when the producer was revealed. Guessed 2020 CDP from a maker that I disliked, very distracting liquorice note on the nose and palate was blocky and imprecise because of the high alcohol (15.5%!) and extraction.
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2018 Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Marie Beurrier 92 Points
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Clearly another CDP but despite the warmth of the vintage this showed much more restraint compared to the Janasse that came previously. Layered and textural, very nice depth to the dark red fruit.
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