Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Not as powerful as expected. Deep in color. But refreshing, bright, and lighter in body. This was unexpected and perhaps blame it to needing time to open and get round (and flabby).

Had this on Sunday with Roast Pork which was a great match. 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% other varieties. Plum, raspberry and garrigue. Prior notes indicated notes of Brett. This bottle might have a small influence but a long way off bandaid and down the sink. I think I was influenced by my fellow judges at the Toowoomba Wine Show judges dinner last year - some of whom delight in picking the smallest shred of Brett and declare the wine blacklisted. I would hate to be a Somm serving these chaps.

Color is a deep ruby a terrific cNP

The final wine from the Toowoomba Wine Show Judges dinner and my contribution. Sadly this wine had a case of Brett as well but not as bad as the Barolo. This had not reached the Bandaid, undrinkable, tip down the sink stage and at the end of the evening I noticed the bottle was empty. Some judges are what are known as “Brett Nazis” and can detect the slightest amount. Unfortunately this is the first of six of these 2012s from Pegau so will need to drink up as Brett only gets worse. At the moment it adds highly savoury earthy sweaty saddle interest but definitely a fault.

Blind Rhône’s from Saturday. Impressive showing for such a young CDP. Bright cherry, full long finish. Still wound up a tad but in a surprisingly nice drinking window.

I had this vintage in France in 2013 and it was brier-y and tannic. 6 years has smoothed, softened and deepened this wine. We drank it with vintner Richard Sanford and his wife and all agreed it was beautifully balanced.

See previous notes. This is the 6th bottle of 6 purchase. The first consumed at the Toowoomba Wine Show Judges dinner 14 months ago and roundly criticised by 2 of the “Brett Nazis” present. Dense Ruby with a tawny rim. Aromas of barnyard, dried plum - sure Brettanomyces is there in a small way, but not a dealbreaker for me. The palate has that same intensely savoury dried plum character with some medicinal notes on a medium weight palate. If you have these drink up before the bandaid sets in. In the early days in the Hunter Valley the Shiraz could often have this “sweaty saddle “ character which was typical at the time and most likely Brett.

Bought in the Chateau and drinking in Provence! Wonderful xxx

12' vintage

Tried some CdP with friends last night, this one was my favorite