8/21/2023 - lostgeographer wrote:

This wine is drinking so well. Getting near the end of my case. While the mandarin flavours have faded there is still a mouth filling juiciness. Also intriguing vegetal flavours have come to the fore and a pronounced dill note.

8/20/2023 - lostgeographer Likes this wine:

Dark blackberry fruit. Hints of Parma violets and some Mediterranean herbiness. Very NW but not in any unrestrained way.

7/19/2023 - lostgeographer wrote:

This is drinking great. Lovely fresh pineapple on the nose and green notes. Palate has some spice and wisps of smoke as reviewers suggest. Quite fresh - nice balance between tropical fruit with some deeper butterscotch notes (but not overly buttery or rich). I think this is exceptional wine for money.

10/30/2022 - lostgeographer wrote:

Nine years since my last note because I kept waiting for this wine to unwind. Which it finally has. Dark fruit, leathery with some light saltiness. Tannins still present and feels far off from fully matured.

10/30/2022 - lostgeographer wrote:

This is so good right now. Lovely honeyed red apples with some spice and a beeswaxy mouthfeel. Served with lemon tart but forgot the pud and just kept sipping.

10/30/2022 - lostgeographer Likes this wine:

Lovely complex fruit. Very mullable in their subtlety and restraint. Tannins still present. I might wait another year or two on next one.

12/2/2020 - lostgeographer Likes this wine:

Deep golden colour and candied fruit on the nose with some faint whiffs of petrol. Palate is dominated by juicy red apple flavours - still some spritz left. Finishes with candied lime and lingering dried pears. While the colour shows its age it smells and tastes youthful. I have 4 more and am in no rush.

10/19/2020 - lostgeographer wrote:

Seriously bummed. I bought a case of 24 halves way back and always been a bit disappointed with the wine. Too hot and too tannic. But now i am drinking my last half and it has evolved into very lovely drink. Tannins have softened considerably and the tertiary flavours of tobacco and cigar are melding nicely with the fading fruit. Yes still some alcohol there but this is my best bottle of the 24. Should have waited.

10/22/2018 - lostgeographer wrote:

Decanted half and poured the rest into a half bottle screw cap. First night was still pretty tight. I keep my wine fridge at 11 so maybe maturing too slow. The next night from the half bottle was much more open: liquorice fruit, wet stones with undercurrents of barnyard savoriness. Still some acid there. This wine does not seem 10 years old.

4/26/2016 - lostgeographer Likes this wine:

I have been drinking the first 6 since 2009 and was not enjoying as much as the first bottle. I decided to wait 3 years before embarking on the second half and it was a good decision. The entry is still a bit austere but the finish is long with dark cherry and leather echoes. I look forward to the final 5 and will wait till 2020 on the 04s.

9/3/2014 - lostgeographer Likes this wine:

This was better than I thought it would be. Which is good because i bought a case about 6 yrs ago on a whim. I am not sure to what extent it represents the costa brava but it is a well made wine. A Bordeaux blend with the addition of Shiraz which adds a rich smokiness. Would be good with steaks on the grill.

7/11/2013 - lostgeographer Likes this wine:

The nose was expressive and full but tannins kept flavours wrapped up tight. Wine nut below nails it - I am going to leave another year or two.

7/10/2012 - lostgeographer wrote:

This is a lovely characteristic southern French red that reminds you of Mediterranean warmth. In the background is the typical syrupy fruit of Cotes du Roussillon but fronted with nice spice and herbs. Not too big or alcoholic (as some of these wines can be) and would work well with Chicken Provencal (or any tomato, onion and pepper dish) as well as with lamb cutlets on the bbq. I really enjoy wines like this - particularly over the summer. Now we just need some summer.

4/6/2012 - lostgeographer wrote:

Apricot jam sweetness but very light and floral. Looking forward to drinking with summer fruits (if summer ever comes to the north of England)

2/27/2012 - lostgeographer wrote:

Opened 3 of these up for a party over the weekend - lovely and mature - drinking beautifully. I have enjoyed this case over the years but it is at its best now. Will eek out the last 3.

1/29/2012 - lostgeographer wrote:

I assumed my case of halves would be ready now looking at the notes but I found the tannins grainy and harsh. I decanted mainly to remove sediment (of which there was very little), and did not think of leaving too long. Perhaps more air. I will wait on the next bottles.

1/22/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

Still drinking very well. Savoury and rich with surprising amount of fruit - oddly more than a bottle I drank last year.

12/29/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

I was hoping to not add to the negative chorus here but this wine was very underwhelming. Lightweight and reticent, it just did not present itself to the nose or to the palate.

12/13/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

This is one of my favourite everyday drinking reds. Pairs great with a lot of food without forsaking its distinctiveness. I buy a case every vintage. Finlero below is on the money.

12/3/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

Ch. Villa bel-air used to hit at this price point but rp hype has pushed the price up. This wine is not as restrained as vba and certainly has a bit of new world feel to it because of the ripeness of the fruit. That said it is a balanced and concentrated wine, melding fruit, wood and a certain herbiness very nicely. I should say that my notes are from tasting on the second day. The first day I found the drink slightly too acidic - but the next day the acidicity died off and the background depth came to the fore. There is much more concentration here than one would expect at this price. Great value Bordeaux.

11/11/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

If you like rustic french vin de pays then you will like this. Dark muted fruit backed up by a lovely deep earthiness and broad texture. It goes great with winter British (sausages and mash, shepards pie, lamb stews) and French country (chicken provencal) fare. This is not what you might call an expressive wine but a drink that perfectly matches a weekday supper. Cotes du Roussillion is an under-rated drink and if you are interested in sampling you can't go wrong with this example.

11/11/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

I bought a case of this last may for a birthday celebration (to match with cake) and I happily only went through about 6 bottles which has left me a half case to take care of on my own. This is a thoroughly enjoyable wine - exotic and fresh it is hugely quaffable. The price is a bit steep but I have had a lot of fun drinking it.

11/11/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

A nice wine that would complement fish on the bbq. It has some weight with nice pear and citrus on the palate. It is definitely a food wine that shines in terms of balance and weight but does not provide complex, effervescent or exotic flavours. I don't know why it is called a poor man's albarino? This certainly skewed my expectations - but if you can get away from the idea that this wine is anything like an albarino you should find it very enjoyable - especially for the price. I should say it is not a wine to keep. I have had 6 in my cellar and they are already loosing their zest.

10/23/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

I sold most of my case to a local wineshop but kept 1 to see if my estimation improved over time. I probably should have waited longer but I can report that while I see why people do like this wine, it is just not for me. The fruit and alcohol are big and while there is some lovely complexity here (smoky wood and long blueberry flavours on the finish), it just didn't feel very Spanish. I drank it with an Aussie friend and no surprise he loved it.

10/26/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

I bought this last time I was in spain and paid about 35 euros for the 1 bottle (I am not quite sure how the community average is so high). Anyway, I tasted this next to the Alion 2002 and while the Alion was no doubt more refined this bottle held up very well. The tannins are still a bit tight (still a bit young) but it was a wonderful expression of the subdued earthy fruit that always makes me think of Duero. I bought the Alion for about 48 euros in 2006 - perhaps it was worth the extra dosh but next time I will probably go for the Pedrosa.

10/23/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

Agree with note below. Showed some lovely balance but I think it would develop more complexity with a couple more years in the cellar. That said it went lovely with our meal and is drinking well now.

10/16/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

I was very surprised by the density and complexity of this bottle. Had with pheasant and it complemented very nicely. Deep shiraz fruit but more subdued then I was expecting. Drank very nicely.

9/6/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

The floral notes have become better integrated since my last opening and it has become a truly delightful wine. Poised, balanced and very tasty. Its perfect for pre-dinner nibbles.

9/6/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

This wine seems to deepen everytime I open. The fruit is dark and rich but not powerful. Indeed, the wine is nicely balanced and drinking great with the right food. Last night I served with an aromatic Daube Provencal (cooked with orange peel, cloves, honey, etc). The wine did its job (but my Daube was a bit dry).

8/31/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

Paul Avril suggests that we should wait at least a decade to enjoy his wine but after the lyrical notes here I decided to open a bottle. In my mind this was a bit of a mistake. Upon opening the nose was extremely rich with fruit and earth but on the palate the elements didn't marry and the tannins were tight. My cellar is cold (an old coal cellar in frosty south Yorkshire) so that might explain why I am behind the curve. The high score represents the profound sense of promise. But I am definately going to wait until I tap the next bottle.

8/21/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

When I opened a bottle of this in December 08 it was austere and sharp but the fruit has really blossomed. It is very easy drinking and you find yourself just sipping away. At present it is all fruit with little earthiness but not without personality and depth. Very enjoyable now and I am curious to see how it will evolve.

6/16/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

Inaugural bottle of a case I bought in 05. Was worried because of the vintage and reviews here but was very pleased. Deep plum fruit backed up by smoky vegetal flavours (roasted green peppers) and seamless oak. Well balanced, integrated and rich. The merlot is clearly doing the work here and the wine proves the adage to buy from good chateaus in lesser years (and lesser chateaus in good years).

3/29/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

Just realised that the case I have is the 02 rather than the 03, which explains why the notes were not matching. The 03 notes suggest this is a 'big' wine but I don't find that at all. It is very poised with nice dark cherry fruit, subtle oak and nice tannins. Drank for Pesach in the Lake District. The note below (serial monkey) is right on with their timing - this is well integrated and drinking beautifullly.

2/5/2010 - lostgeographer Likes this wine:

Spot on with mandarin orange. This was a lovely Aperitif and am very happy to have 11 more bottles.

3/11/2010 - lostgeographer wrote:

I drink this bottle with a Salmon Thai curry and it goes perfectly. Perfumed floral palate with nice balance and finishes with candied lime

10/25/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

The nose was perfumed citrus but reticent compared to the palate which was very floral - almost like a wildflower honey floral. Not as austere as other chablis i have tried - very soft in the mouth and could happily be drunk on its own.

6/28/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

When I need a bottle to grab from the cellar to take to a party where it will be lost among all the other wines people bring, I take this. Enough said.

7/28/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

So far this is my favorite wine in the cellar. Deep dark cherry fruit with lovely base of cigar box earth. Good concentration now - but i will wait a year before I pop the next bottle.

7/26/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

Lovely cassis fruit and full creamy texture. Feels young and new worldy - particularly with the dominant vanilla oak. Second day more integrated and less fruit forward. The wine still has a sweet creaminess but a depth and structure that keeps it palatable and food friendly.

5/21/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

This is a great value new-world Chardonnay. Nice apple fruit and lovely smooth oak. Like California used to be. Not easy to match with food but great on its own.

5/21/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

All the elements are there but it waits to be seen how they will integrate. Lemongrass, necterine and a real lightness of touch but the spirit is still presenting itself. I knew it was a little early but wanted to give it a try.

5/6/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

Great Rioja, plummy up front but finishes long and soft with strong flavours of cherry, tobacco and bark. Wish I had more.

4/12/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

An odd single bottle that I opened over easter and really enjoyed. Nice blackberry fruit with deep smokey wood and a redolent saltiness that reminded me of peanuts. Traditional in the sense of balance and fruit but modern in its expressiveness. Definately punches above its price - buying a case of the 05.

1/15/2009 - lostgeographer wrote:

Raspberry on the nose and soft cherry fruit on palate. Some spice and typical Italian earthiness grounding it. Bought at Berry Brothers for 5.75₤ - fantastic value.

12/19/2008 - lostgeographer wrote:

Slightly peachy, lovely weight and texture.

11/1/2008 - lostgeographer wrote:

A lot of strong dark fruit with some earthy shroomy nuttiness and a very long finish that vascillates between vanilla, herbs, fruit and oak. It went great with an herby Greek lamb stew. Even though it is not my thing (I am with bevetroppo below) it was a wine of quality.

10/16/2008 - lostgeographer wrote:

Lovely lemon lime flavours. Not as sweet as the Lietz Auslese from the same year and not as sprightly. But more haunting and grown-up. Looking forward to it maturing

10/8/2008 - lostgeographer wrote:

Less sweet than the Lietz. More lemon and lime flavours with some peach and apricot in the middle. Long finish. Interested to see how it will develop.

10/8/2008 - lostgeographer wrote:

Refreshing reisling with great red apple fruit. Perfect for sunny afternoon (which the UK has precious few of) or as apperitife. Wish I bought a full case. Great value.

10/8/2008 - lostgeographer wrote:

Nice cabernet merlot blend made interesting by some rich shiraz fruit in the mid-palate