Wine Review 2010

Geoff Hardy Wines Manuka Hill Chateau De Sours Lamblin Fils Sarl Bernard 

Churchill Graham Bodegas Concavins Cave Vinicole Hunawihr Paul Sapin S.A. 

ingut Hopler Azienda Agr. Villa Di Maser Agricole Rizzello Vinoma Chateau 

Mountain View X Winery Burgess Cellars Steltzner Vineyards Ironstone Vineyards 

Wine Review

The Wine Review as been designed as your guide for determining the best time to drink your Opimian wines. 

Wines that have yet to reach their peak are listed in chronological order, ending with the most recently offered. 

Numerical values, representing the Maturity and Drinkability, are given to each wine, starting with wines from sturdy 

regions (or big vintages) with an assessment of around 5. Smaller wines intended for early drinking invariably are 

offered under higher numbers, up to 10. One of the purposes of this review is to bring numbers upwards towards the 

point where it is felt that the wines have become entirely mature and/or perfectly drinkable. 

What is Maturity & Drinkability? 

Wine Review 2010 

The “M” represents the taster’s opinion of the wine when it is first tasted. It is solely intended to give an 

indication of the wine’s degree of maturity. 1 - 5 indicate a wine to lay down; 6 - 10 indicate the level of its 

maturity. 

The “D” represents the drinkability of the wine, the softness in the mouth, the balance of the components, 

the decline in the sharpness of acidity and tannin. 1 - 5 indicate a wine needs time; 6 - 10 indicate the wine’s 

progress towards the full maturity of the bouquet and flavours. 

As a general rule, wines with a M7 D7 are ready to start drinking. Wines with lesser M & D numbers may be opened 

for sampling or for tracking the wine’s development towards it best period for enjoyment. 

Remember – err on the side of youth. It is better to consume your wines too young than to find a wine has 

deteriorated after years of waiting. 

Wines that have reached their peak do not appear on this Wine Review. 

Members can access the M & D for all of their wines in their personal “Wine File” at www.opim.ca 

This review has been compiled for the past several years by Kenneth Christie, a Master of Wine based in Bristol, U.K. 

Kenneth has been the official consultant to Opimian since its inception. He feels that, after such a long period, he has 

acquired some knowledge of the Canadian palate, which has become increasingly demanding and knowledgeable 

over the years. 

Kenneth is unable to taste all wines shipped in past Cellar Offerings as no stock remains; however, where wines can 

be tasted from samples held for quality assurance purposes, they are tasted and their condition is applied, not only 

to that wine, but others from the same suppliers, regions or vintages. This review, started in early December, includes 

more than 500 bottles of wine, all tasted in the northern light of Ken’s kitchen. Therefore, the notes are largely 

contemporaneous and, we hope, useful to members for reference purposes. 

All opinions given in this review are Kenneth Christie’s; he does not suggest that all members will agree with 

everything written and, to further develop the accuracy of this review, welcomes comments from members.

Lot # Wine Year M D Comment 

Cellar Offering 116 

842 Churchill’s Vintage Port 1994 9 9 Continue to enjoy. It is fully ready, but it won’t be rolling over 

anytime soon. 

Special Offering 34 

CABERNET 1999 VINTAGE 

Any remaining will still be fine. They had tons of tannin that have never totally faded. However, the fruit is somewhat deficient. 

1713 Murphy Goode, Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 10 10 Wait no longer, or you risk it failing. 

1715 Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 10 10 Still delicious, but very different from when it was young. 

1716 Steltzner Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 10 10 Steltzner puts so much fruit and tannin into his wines that 

they last well and long. Still not a problem in sight here. 

1717 Steltzner Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 9 9 


2164 Trockenbeerenauslese 2000 10 10 A year ago, we wrote that this is a wine to last a lifetime – 

it truly will do what we said. 


1998 Château Lanessan 2000 10 10 Quite delicious, mature, vanilla, old leaves, but still very good. 

2294 La Source, Bordeaux [Wooden Case] 2000 9 10 One of the greatest examples of this wonderful special cuvée. 


2377 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon, 

Gran Reserva 

2002 10 10 Drink up soon. 

2380 Casa Nueva Carmenère 2002 10 10 Great winemaker, great wine. 

2391 Cabernet Sauvignon, Gran Reserva 2000 10 10 A great wine. Shows that Chile can be up with the 

world’s finest wines, producing quality with stamina. 

2406 Gewürztraminer, Muehlforst 2000 10 10 Lucky the man with a few bottles of this to enjoy. 

2416 Domaine des Cigalons, 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 

2001 10 10 Still showing remarkable life and longevity. 


2422 Grüner Veltliner Eiswein 2001 10 10 Sensational wine. Shows the versatility of Grüner Veltliner 

when allowed to super-ripeness. 

2468 Burgess Zinfandel 2000 10 10 Time to bring this story to a close. 

2469 Burgess Syrah 2000 10 10 Mellow and very fine. If well stored, it has lots of life left. 

Wine Review 2010



BORDEAUX 2000 VINTAGE 

1993 Château de Sours Rouge 2000 9 9 

1997 Château Arnauld 2000 9 9 

1998 Château Lanessan 2000 9 9 

2484 Château Vieux Coutelin 2000 8 9 

2485 Allées de Cantemerle 2000 9 9 

2497 Château Lafon 2000 9 9 

2499 Château Colombier Monpelou 2000 8 9 

2504 La Source, Bordeaux 2001 9 9 It is time to open and use. Don’t wait any longer. 

2489 Fleur d’Or Sauternes 2001 9 10 Bill Blatch owns this brand. It is a sign of his skill and he is 

justly proud of how he brings small lots together in one 

outstanding blend. 


2609 Quinta de Roriz, Reserva, Douro 2001 10 10 One of the first giants we recognized from the Douro, 

it remains stellar even though it is now perfectly ready. 

PORT 

Port wine is fortified by the addition of grape spirit (or brandy) during the early stage of primary fermentation. This process seals the 

components into a state of limbo, and thereafter the wine changes only slowly, either in wood or in bottle. Opimian’s wines will alter 

minimally over a period of many years but they are ready to enjoy when shipped. 

2614 “Methuen Plump”, Crusted Port, bottled 2000 9 9 This has reached that stage when it is turning from tannic to 

unctuous. Totally ready to be opened and enjoyed. 


2673 Chénas 2003 10 10 Drink now. 

2674 Morgon 2003 10 10 No problem, but use it this year 

2679 Pouilly Vinzelles 2003 10 10 This should have been opened and poured by now. 

If there are bottles left, they may well be “over the hill.” 

2688 Gewürztraminer, Reserve 2001 10 10 Tasted in December 2009. The wine was fine, but its acidity 

has almost gone and, with it, all signs of freshness and vigour. 


2692 Dom Vieux Manoir de Maransan, 2003 10 10 This has passed maturity and gone into limbo-land. 

Chusclan Still drinkable, but past its best. 

2693 Dom de l’Oiselet, Vacqueras 2000 10 10 Still a good drink. 

2695 Dom de la Roche, Costières de Nîmes 2003 10 10 By now, there should be none of this left. If there is, 

don’t wait any longer. 

2697 Domaine des Romarins, 

Côte du Rhône Village 

2002 10 10 Move on, drink what is left. 

2699 Domaine de la Ferme St Martin, 

Beaumes de Venise 

2002 10 10 No longer particularly good. Fruit almost gone. 

2701 Dom des Cigalons, 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 

2002 10 10 Still lovely. A tribute to terroir and vineyard management. 

2708 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese 2002 10 10 The initial aromas are now rather kerosene-ish, but that is 

what happens to old Rieslings. Carry on, and if you like these 

pensioners, use the bottles that remain sparingly. 

2734 Cornellana, Chardonnay Reserva 2003 10 10 Not particularly attractive any more. 


2000 was fantastic! Not only was it the year of the Millennium, 

which made the vintage collectable, but summer weather 

remained warm and dry right up to the September picking. 

These seven red Bordeaux wines must now be fully developed. 

They are in excellent condition – none have collapsed, 

although all are now mature. Start to enjoy, but keep them 

for special occasions.


2735 Cornellana, 2002 10 10 Rather a good bottle, but not all of the bottles are still good 

Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva – try by trial and error. 

2736 Cornellana, Merlot Reserva 2002 9 10 Nothing wrong with this. It is ready, but still balanced. 

2737 Cornellana Carmenère Reserva 2003 10 10 Great wine. Thankfully it has now softened all that brick wall 

of tannin and the fruit now provide the pleasure. 

2738 Cornellana, Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 10 10 Rich and full flavoured. Well balanced. Very rich. 

Gran Reserva 

2740 Los Riscos, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 10 10 A year ago I wrote “Beginning to fade.” It is still only 

beginning to fade – drink on. 

2741 Los Riscos Carmenère 2003 9 10 What a fine effort. Can be enjoyed and taken sparingly. 

It has two or three more years. 

2746 Casa Nueva, Carmenère 2003 10 10 This is the best of the ripe bunch of Carmenère from this 

offering. 

2747 Casa Nueva, Cabernet Sauvignon/ 2001 10 10 After watching closely for three years, we now suggest it is 

Merlot Reserva time to enjoy and use every bottle this year. 


2817 Château de Chambrun 2002 9 9 This was the first wine we offered from J-P Janoueix – it was 

the sheer brilliance that drove us back to this cellar every year 

since 2002. 

2845 Château de Sours Rouge 2002 10 10 A very fine wine from an intermediate vintage. Use now. 

2846 “La Source” 2002 8 8 A good wine with a fine and firm base. Can be retained for a 

couple more years. 

Special Future Offering 40 


2901 Château Haut Sociondo 2003 9 9 

2902 Château Chante Alouette 2003 9 9 

2903 Château Tour Saint Bonnet 2003 8 9 

2904 Château La Prade 2003 8 8 

2905 Château Boyd Cantenac 2003 8 8 

2906 Château Cadet Piola 2003 8 8 


The high quality of the harvest brought fireworks and 

celebration across the entire Bordeaux region. Summer had been 

made difficult by the heat – the temperatures were too high, 

fires raged across Spain and Portugal, and in Germany the Rhine 

was at its lowest level for decades. For the vines, there was a 

dire shortage of water in the ground and the fruit bunches were 

rather dehydrated. The first week of glorious September cooling 

breezes, followed by light but frequent showers that cooled the 

air, brought relief. Light rain replenished the water around the 

roots and the bunches swelled to perfect ripeness. The vintage 

turned on its heel and produced wines of outstanding quality. 

The wines of 2003 have developed magnificently, reinforcing 

our original decision to make a special “futures” offer of several 

wines. Full-bodied and rampant, with exuberant flavours, they still 

show youth, but the immediacy of the fruit has calmed somewhat. 

They are now showing balance, poise and structure.


SPANISH FUTURES 

Opimian discovered the restructured vineyards, wineries and the greatest wines of northern Spain and introduced them to this country 

long before such regions as Ribera del Duero, Cigalles and Toro (not to forget Rioja) were available elsewhere. How could the wine 

world have overlooked these fabulous wines of Iberia for so long? Where Opimian pioneered, others have followed and now northern 

Spain’s wines are better known, their class recognized far and wide. 

2909 Bodegas Faustino, Rioja Reserva 2002 10 10 A special bottling for customers regarded by Faustino as 

special. The wine is lovely. 

2911 Bodegas Penalba López, 

Torremilanos Reserva 

2002 9 10 Still full of dark fruit, but now ready to enjoy. 

2907 Bodega Beaumonte, Crianza 2003 9 9 All that time maturing in casks is now seen in the softness 

of the palate. Enjoy now. 

2908 Valdelosfrailes, “Prestigio” 2003 9 9 Huge structure. Big flavour. Long lasting tannins, 

but perfectly ready. 

2910 Bodegas y Viñedos Valduero, Crianza 2003 9 9 The harsh landscape can almost be tasted in the glass. Still 

tough, this child has had to work to harmonize. Very fine wine. 

2912 Bodegas Farina, “Torre 5” Crianza 2003 8 9 Giant wine from a gigantic producer. 

2913 Bodegas Farina, 2003 8 8 

“Torre 7” Gran Colegiata, Campus Crianza 


2915 Briar Ridge, Shiraz 2003 10 10 Soft, good fruit. No benefit in keeping longer. 

2916 Briar Ridge, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 10 10 Very rich, full bouquet, fine black fruit. 


2952 Chablis, Vieilles Vignes 2003 9 9 This is still OK, but it won’t get any better. 

Now very dry and a touch dull. 

2953 Chablis 1er Cru, Fourchaumes 2002 9 9 Now it only tastes of the terroir. The Chardonnay richness 

has gone. 

2954 Chablis, Grand Cru, Vaudésir 2002 8 9 Very fine. big structure. Full body, but would be far better 

with some more obvious fruit. 

2958 Volnay, Côte de Beaune 2003 10 10 A village wine and no more than that. Expect no great extra 

delight, it will only disappoint. 

2959 Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune 2002 10 10 Rather dry, rather hard and not very svelte. It might add softer 

nuances, but as of now, it is very tight. 

2960 Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits 2003 9 10 Giving pleasure through a nice balance of smooth tannin and 

fruit. Good length. 

2961 Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte de Nuits 2003 9 10 Standing up well. Colour has faded a lot, but the nose is lovely 

and it still presents the ripe fruit in the middle palate. 

2966 Pouilly Fuissé 2004 10 10 Carpe Diem – seize the moment before it is too late. 


3006 Monte Castrillo Roble, Ribera Del Duero 2003 9 9 This wine alone would be sufficient to convert a sceptic to a 

love of Spanish wine. In a word, it is “complete.” 

3030 Clos du Haute Combe, Juliénas 2004 8 10 Often as it is said, this is truly one of the finest estates in the 

whole of southern Burgundy and Beaujolais, producing quite 

superb wines. The vintage was good, but not exceptional, so 

perhaps it is reasonable to suggest that the wines reflect that 

assessment. 

3036 Gilles Flacher, Saint Joseph 2003 8 9 Fine year, fine wine, rather stalky and a tad tough, but largely 

it is all together. 




3049 - 3056 

ALSACE 2003 VINTAGE 

Being at the northern extremity of European winemaking, Alsace was cooler through the summer than more southerly vineyards. Even so, 

the temperatures were constantly high, leading to an inevitable loss of acidity, but a higher than average extract level. All of the 2003s are 

now ready; they are concentrated and fat. The smaller (less expensive) wines tend to be a touch dull as they are wanting more acidity, but 

the great grand Cru wines (Lots 3054 to 3056) are superb. Ready to drink, but quite happy to be laid down for even greater aging. 

3066 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Cornellana 2003 8 10 It takes a visit to the Valley where the Cornellana vineyards 

are planted to appreciate the perfection of the site and its 

sandy/gravely soil. A perfect environment to produce a wine 

with outstanding qualities… Ready now. 

3067 Carmenère Reserva, Cornellana 2004 8 10 That lovely Carmenère again. What did we do before 

John Sambrook took a shine to the grape and practically 

single-handedly introduced it to Canada? Every example 

we taste is delicious, starting life as a tough customer, but 

softening, swelling, and eventually, caressing the palate. 

3068 Cabernet Sauvignon/ 2004 10 10 Fine bright colours, showing only small touches of fading 

Syrah Reserva, Cornellana towards garnet, the precursors of ageing. It is now entirely 

ready to drink. 

3069 Merlot/Cabernet Gran Reserva, 2004 9 9 The winemaker has made a true classic South American 

Cornellana wine with noble flavour and weight. Entirely ready this year. 

3070 Merlot Gran Reserva, Cornellana 2004 8 10 It comes as a small surprise that such rich wines as this 

develop delicious and well balanced harmony. A top class 

example of the Chilean way with wine. 

3075 Cabernet Sauvignon/ 2003 9 9 Well developed. Clean and pure fruit. Drink now. 

Merlot Reserva, Casa Nueva 

3087 Merlot Reserva, Villard Estate 2003 10 10 Thierry Villard’s wines are beautifully made, with complex, fine 

aromas and always good balance. This has lovely pungency 

and well ripened fruit. 


3121 Ruppertsberger Hofstuck 2004 8 9 Now entirely mature. Wines such as this lovely Gewürz, 

Gewürztraminer Kabinett from the Pfalz Germany’s most southerly major production 

area, have rather more body and opulence than those from 

further north. This one is a ripe basket of warm, earthy 

smelling tropical fruit. 

3124 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese 2003 9 10 This wine comes from a vineyard donated to the German 

Red Cross, whose technical winemaking team have produced 

wines of the greatest quality over many years. Even though 

the sugars are quite nicely integrated with the lean fruit, it is 

still in perfect condition, but should now be enjoyed. 

3125 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2003 9 10 One of the best wines of the vintage from the Mosel. The 

vineyard is legendary, having consistently produced the finest 

wines over more than two centuries. Fresh, still dynamic, well 

balanced. 

3126 Ruppertsberger Weissburgunder 2001 8 9 Notably expensive, but deservedly so. This is a stunning 

Beerenauslese example of a great dessert wine – perhaps better used as 

a contemplative “sipping” wine served well chilled in a small 

pouring into a large glass. 


7




See note on page 5. 

3148 Château Maillard, Graves 2003 8 9 Still full of red and black fruit notes. Good stalky, spice edged 

tannins. It is already powerfully flavoursome, but will get even 

better yet. 

3151 Château Le Conseiller, 2003 8 9 One of the first wines we offered from the cellars of Janoueix, 

Bordeaux Supérieur who has developed a following of “cult” proportions since 

Opimian wrote his name on the international export market. 

3153 Château Guadet Saint Julien, 2003 8 9 A wine that is now showing great breed and distinction. 

Grand Cru, Saint-Émilion Soft and typically Saint-Émilion, with interest and elegance 

in the mouth. 


Few experts gave the vintage more than an even chance of producing classy wines. The summer was changeable, but with September, 

as so often in Bordeaux, came fine weather that continued until the harvest at the end of the month. Nowadays, they say there is no 

vintage so poor that it cannot be saved. With this one, it was not so much a question of saving the year, but making the most of it, 

leaving the final verdict to the buyers and now, eight years later, to the tasters. 

3152 Château Hortevie, Saint Julien 2002 9 10 Typical Saint Julien as it develops, its lovely subtle tobacco 

leaf nose and warm, well rounded leaf compost aromas. 

3159 Château Thébot, Bordeaux 2002 10 10 Good, ready. 

3169 Château de Sours Rouge, Bordeaux 2003 9 10 A reliable stand-by for special occasions. This property never 

lets you down. It is often described as being “on a par” with 

the great wines of the Classified Growths of Bordeaux, and as 

the exclusive outlet in Canada, who are we to argue. 

3170 La Source Rouge, Bordeaux 2003 9 9 Great. Ready, perfectly rich red. 


3181 - 3213 

VIN DE PAYS 

This offering was mainly a homage to the Vin de Pays, plus one or two other wines from highly rated properties of Southern France, 

the area largely lying between the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea. They were made for enjoyment within two or three years 

of the vintage. As all the wines of this offer have now reached their sixth year, they are not only ready, but some will have begun to 

fail. However, the reds, particularly from properties such as Château Vignelaure, Château Salitis or Château La Clotte Fontane, remain 

healthy and full-bodied, but they will hardly improve any further. So, break open the cellar, invite friends and hold a party. 


3276 Clos Gebrat Joven, Priorato 2004 8 9 The whole of the wine world has found its way to Priorat and 

bought land, and now make massive, pungent, tar flavoured 

monsters that should be cellared away for a decade before 

tasting. Still huge, only showing early sign of the softening of 

maturation, it is almost full enough to be chewed. 


3310 Cabernet Sauvignon, Briar Ridge 2004 9 9 Wonderfully ripe black berries, cassis, a grinding of fresh black 

pepper and finely tuned supple tannins. Very fine wine. Should 

be used this year or next. 

3311 Shiraz, Geoff Hardy 2004 8 9 No change. If one had to find one Shiraz in the cellar to 

represent all those of Australia, this might well be selected, 

as it does offer all the fun of the grape. Leather, chocolate, 

smoke, cedar, plums and liquorice. 




3339 Chablis Premier Crus, 2003 8 9 Fabulous example of refined, classic, terroir influenced 

“Les Fouchaumes” Chablis. There is never a huge level of “topicality” about the 

Chardonnay fruit used for these wines, but it has poise, clean 

mineral notes and length. 

3346 Gevrey-Chambertin, Côtes de Nuits 2004 8 9 Rather tough and acerbic, even austere. The difficulty lies in 

accessing the fruit, which appears to be hidden behind a layer 

of stringy tannin. It is too good to recommend for cooking, but 

proceed with caution. Use it with hot dishes, stews, casseroles 

and have a different bottle in reserve. 

3347 Nuits-Saint-Georges 2004 9 10 Time for this to hit the road. No real chance that it will 

improve, and when last tasted, it was beginning to show fruit 

deficiencies. It is still all right, but not great. 

3354 - 3361 

BEAUJOLAIS 2005 VINTAGE 

The vintage and the preceding months were uncommonly hot, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees for 36 consecutive days. This 

resulted in an early vintage with very big, unusually full-bodied wines from all the hillside villages among the “crus” of Beaujolais, wines 

such as Fleurie, Brouilly, Julienas and others. These “village” wines are still in fine condition, but with diminishing tannin levels. The 

depositing of sediment and loss of young vigour, it is time to drink them. 


3383 Emina Prestigio 2003 9 9 One of the finest wines of the northern Spanish vineyards, 

the spiritual home of the Tempranillo vine. The tannic grip 

remains, although there is plenty of red berry fruit to soften 

the harshness of any acidity. It is clearly a wine that will run 

on, developing, maturing, broadening for several years to 

come. 

3384 Colegiata “4 Messes Barrica” 2004 9 9 One more example of Manuel Farina’s ability to coax every 

nuance of complexity from his ripe Tempranillo grapes. This is 

now ready, but it is truly a very fine wine. 

3395 Via Aurelia Oak Aged Cabernet/Merlot 2003 9 9 This wine has matured well and harmoniously. It is now 

soft with fruit that mingle with supple oak tannins to give a 

structured edge to the palate, preventing it from losing 

varietal character. 

3406 – 3409 

PORT WINES FROM CHURCHILL, GRAHAM LDA. 

A general note can be found on page 4. However, their two deep rich and red Table wines (Lots 3406 and 3407), both from the 

2003 vintage, are now mature and will bring the delight of the Douro sun into the glass. 

3423 Gewürztraminer Réserve 2004 10 10 All the fruit from the greengrocer’s bench. Lychees, mangoes, 

even peaches and ripe apples and pears. Lovely now, it wants 

drinking within eighteen months. 

3424 Riesling Grand Cru Osterberg 2004 10 10 Grand Crus are relatively rare in Alsace; this is from one of 

the smaller, less famous sites. The Riesling of 2004 is 

wonderful. Sharp as a pine needle. Rich in extract, metallic, 

flinty and pure. A great wine. 

3425 Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Froehn 2003 8 8 A Gewürz needs time to establish its personality. This has 

been taking place quietly over several years and it is now 

perfectly mature. Grand Cru designation. 

3428 Bodegas Fariña, Coupage Especial 2004 8 8 Fariña, the father of the Toro appellations, only makes 

DO Toro, Founders’ Choice great wines. Although now ready, it has stamina, power 

and great depth. A wine of surpassing quality. 


10 



3429 Costières de Nîmes, 2005 8 9 Good winemaking and a fine exposure in the vineyards has 

Domaine de la Roche 

3430 – 3438 

RHÔNE 2004 VINTAGE 

made a far better wine here than might have been expected. 

This is a family estate, with two sisters making and marketing 

the wines under the ever watchful eye of their mother. 

It was during a visit to the Berthet-Rayne vineyards that the fine quality of the vintage made its character apparent. After a vintage 

(2003) of towering heat, when it is said that thousands of elderly people across Europe succumbed to the high temperatures, 

2004 was far cooler. The vines, fully ripened during the summer of 2003, were ready, willing and able to carry a full harvest of 

well formed flower rosettes and later, after a still flowering period, a full crop. Many suppliers to Opimian, knowing how carefully 

we seek out growers who are not over greedy and who restrict their crop by summer pruning, passed through their vines two or 

three times, cutting out any imperfectly formed bunches. The wines were all beautifully balanced, much less full-bodied than the 

preceding two years, but their harmony was close to perfect. The wines are now fully mature and can be enjoyed, indeed should 

be opened and enjoyed, before 2014. 

3435 Crozes Hermitage, Domaine de Murinais 2004 8 9 Tough as an old snake skin, but rather more attractive, it asks 

the question whether it will ever become supple. Try and test, 

bottle by bottle - some of those tasted have been perfectly 

delightful. 

3436 Saint Joseph, Domaine Gilles Flacher 2004 8 9 Weighty, refined. Could do with a little more fruit, but it is an 

honest and good sample of the region and vintage. 

3438 Condrieu, Domaine Stephane Montez 2004 10 10 Use within the coming year, it is getting oily-flavoured, yet rather thin. 

3452 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Cornellana, 2005 10 10 A wine with potential for longer aging. All the parts are in 

Founders’ Choice place to provide ripeness, fruit, tannic balance and nice fixed 

fruit acidity. Very long, fleshy palate. 

3455 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve, 2004 8 9 A nuclear attack of tannin and fruit mushrooming out of the 

Cornellana glass to fill the nose with firm, ripe, red berry and black plum 

aromas. Powerful in the mouth, and though it is now mature, it 

does not need to be opened yet. 

3456 Carmenère, Barrel Reserve, Cornellana 2005 8 8 Like many of the examples of this vine we have offered over 

many years, this, from the wine makers of Cornellana, is 

a beauty. Full-bodied, velvet flavours, no hard edges, well 

balanced and long in the palate. A perfect reason to look 

for this wine in future Cellar Offerings. 

3457 Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2005 8 9 Great wine, full-bodied, sturdy and still tannic with an oozing 

Barrel Reserve, Cornellana weight of fruit supporting the bold flavours. 

3467 Cabernet Sauvignon, Casa Nueva 2004 8 9 

These four wines all come from the family estate 

3468 

3469 

Carmenère, Casa Nueva 

Cabernet Sauvignon, 

Reserva, Casa Nueva 

2005 

2004 

8 

9 

9 

9 

vineyards of Roberto Echeverria. It is a “hands on” operation with 

each member of the family concentrating on their own area of 

expertise, from sales and marketing to vineyard development and 

winery operations. Nothing comes before quality, and this driving 

3470 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, 

Special Selection, Casa Nueva 

2005 10 10 philosophy can be recognized in the steady progress that all the 

Casa Nuevo wines make towards maturity. 

3473 Merlot Expresión Reserva, Villard Estate 2004 9 10 Well made example of French style winemaking, but proudly 

showing off the lustre, full colour and body of Chile’s fine 

growing conditions. Drink before 2014. 

3477 Carmenère, Terra Nova 2004 10 10 One cannot ignore the remarkable quality of this grape, the 

Carmenère. Overlooked and almost forgotten for a hundred 

years, it has emerged as one of the finest New World reds. 

Traverso’s wine is a little lighter than some, but nonetheless, 

it is a full and robust wine. 

3480 Reserva de la Familia, Roberto Echeverria, 2001 8 8 No hurry. Fine winemaking demonstrated by the orchestration 

Cabernet Sauvignon, Founders’ Choice of the ripe and full-bodied components. We hold this 

winemaker and all his wines in very high esteem. 




3514 Salice Salentino, Torrevento 2004 10 10 What started as a mass of sweet fruit, became a full-bodied 

and strongly flavoured red. Deep in colour and ripe. Drink this 

year. 

3521 Trockenbeerenauslese, Höpler 2001 9 9 Although taking on colour and obvious age, it is still close 

to perfection. Austrian Trockenbeerenauslesen are rather 

lighter than their German counterparts, but this is sufficiently 

full-bodied to withstand age and any test. 

3522 Eiswein, Höpler 2004 8 8 Höpler’s late picked wines do not perform to a strict 

timetable. This one has ebbed and flowed, but it has 

always been superbly integrated with the required high 

acidity to balance the grape sugars. 

3526 Eppelsheimer Felsen Gewürztraminer, 2005 9 9 This is a late harvested, but excellent, example of the fatness 

Spätlese and richness of the Pfalz regional Gewürz. Rubbery. Aromatic. 

Stone fruit flavoured. A great wine. 

3527 Gundersheimer Höllenbrand, 2003 7 8 One could write a book about this, or merely note that it is 

Kerner, Beerenauslese timeless. Will develop evenly and, over many years, darken, 

becoming more honey flavoured. 

3528 Ruppertsberger Nussbien, 2005 10 10 Very fine wine. Will take more age, but it is now riding a crest. 

Riesling Kabinett Indicates the finest quality of production in the perfection of 

its balance. 

3531 Rüdesheimer Riesling, 2005 9 10 Lovely wine, but the freshness of the Riesling has given 

Halbtrocken Kabinett ground to the typical kerosene aromas found in older Rieslings. 


3548 Château Hortevie, Saint-Julien 2003 9 9 Supple and soft, good structure and length. Getting better by 

the month, it can be hugely enjoyable now. 

3549 Château Monbrison, Margaux 2003 8 9 Highly praised in the wine press when it was first offered, it 

has lived up to all the hype and promise. Drinking perfectly 

now, but it will go on for several years. 

3550 Château La Confession Grand Cru, 2003 9 9 The first offering made from this property, where the wine 

Saint-Émilion is made by the masterly Jean-Philippe Janoueix. Superb, 

balanced, harmonious and showing all its parts as one. 

A really beautiful example of a very fine vintage. 

3552 Cuvée du Fondateur, AOC Bordeaux 2004 9 10 

Supérieur, Founders’ Choice 

3557 ‘S’ de Suduiraut, Bordeaux 2004 9 9 It retains the honeyed, rich nose that indicates that the wine 

is sweet. This is one of the rarities of Bordeaux - a perfectly 

delicious, but entirely dry Sauternes. 

3561 Château Haut Nadeau, 2003 9 9 Remains a stylish, but now mature, wine. Notes of chocolate 

Bordeaux Supérieur augment the red fruit and berry flavours. No rush needed. 

3570 Château de Sours Rouge, Bordeaux 2004 9 10 Easy. No longer showing the pungent attack of earlier 

tastings, but still a delightful glass of fine claret. 

3571 La Source Rouge, Bordeaux 2004 9 9 Still fine. Good colour, little sign of fading. While the red fruit 

level remains high, the wine will go on and on and on. 


11

12 



2904 Château La Prade 2003 8 8 

Bordeaux Cotes de Francs 

2906 Château Cadet Piola, 2003 8 8 

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 


3590 L’Esprit de Vignelaure Rouge 2003 9 9 Fabulous wine of a great, although very hot, year. Some of the 

low acidity was made up for by high tannins and some from 

the grapes; the rest from wood cask maturation. Enjoy it now, 

it is close to perfection. 

3591 Château Vignelaure 2002 9 10 It is slightly sad that this brilliant wine is now past its best, 

although it is only in the diminishing fruit that there is any loss. 

Enjoy this year. 

3605 Château Bellevue Gabelas Rouge 2005 8 9 This fine property produces top class wines year on year. 

Concentrated, complex and smoothly fruity. 

3608 Le Rouge de l’Azerolles, Minervois 2005 10 10 Rounded and easy. Mature notes, but good fruit remains. 

3623 Saint Romain “La Combe Bazin” 2005 9 9 This was lovely a year ago. It is lovely still, but there is little 

point in waiting for the next bus – it has arrived now. 

3626 Saint Romain “La Perrière” 2005 9 9 Fine Pinot Noir characters. It will never be a blockbuster, but 

this is what well made Pinot Noir should be like. 

3627 Beaune “Les Bons Feuvres” 2005 9 9 Balanced. Medium bodied. Good aromas of raspberry and 

mushrooms. Ready now. 

3633 Côteaux du Layon Dom de Pont Livier 2005 9 9 Lovely wine. Will go on forever, but it would be sad not to 

enjoy its freshness and flavour now. 

3639 Sancerre Rouge “Tradition” 2005 8 9 Very good example. Not big bodied and brassy, but subtle 

and flavoursome. Great vintage. Enjoy now. 



3643 Cabernet Sauvignon Burgess Cellars 2002 10 10 One of the finest producers of the Napa Valley, Tom Burgess’ 

wine has great authority and power. It still shows the pungent 

spice and pepper so typical of fine Cab and offers great length. 

Utterly ready, but there is no need to rush for a corkscrew. 

3664 Reserve Syrah Castoro Cellars 2004 9 9 Leather. Soap. Floral notes against a firm bone of acidity and 

tannin. 

3665 Reserve Pinot Noir Castoro Cellars 2004 9 9 Great. A big, bold wine. Hardly typical of Pinot Noir, but ripe 

and comely. Still showing cherries and plum fruit. 

3675 Clockspring Vineyard, Zinfandel, 2004 10 10 Carefully and individually selected by Kevin Shannon to show 

Amador County, Founders’ Choice the quality of the vineyard and the wines of Amador County. It 

is now showing bags of class, good balance, the softness of 

ripe tannins and good length. 

3689 Vega Lara Crianza 2003 8 9 This great wine from one of the prime producers of the region 

has reached a plateau of excellence. It is ready, but will hold 

for many years as it matures, softens and becomes riper. 

3691 Valdelosfriales Vendimia Seleccionada 2003 8 8 An absolutely stunning wine that has taken time to fully 

mature. Dark. Oaky. Notes of vanilla, cedar, black grapes 

and dark olives. Now time to enjoy. 




3698 Nulkaba Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 10 10 Concentrated, but not at all complex. Quite ready, open at will. 

3699 Riverwood Shiraz 2005 10 10 Medium deep, plum and stone fruit. Smoky notes with a dash 

of chocolate. 

3700 Briar Ridge Red Trio 2005 8 8 Deep coloured, it is still full of primary fruit, but mature notes 

of smoke and cellar floors are making their entrance. Enjoy 

within a couple of years. 

3701 Briar Ridge “Rockpile” Chardonnay 2005 10 10 This is so delicious that it seems unreasonable to drink it, but 

it wants to be opened to show off its peak of performance. 

3702 Briar Ridge Old Vines Shiraz 2005 9 9 Chocolatey, fine strands of mocha and lots of dark fruit in the 

forefront of the mouth. Touches of pungent liquorice. 

3703 Briar Ridge Cold Soaked 2005 9 9 The Hunter Valley magic of balance, intensity, fruit and structure 

Cabernet Sauvignon Lovely wine, perfectly ready to show the best of its qualities. 

3704 GMH Meritage, Limestone Coast/ 2004 9 10 Every innovative winemaker has dreams of perfectly blending 

Langhorne Creek, Vineyard Series the different components that make their Meritage selections. 

In this one, Geoff Hardy has had a great success. Rich, 

powerful and perfectly ready. 

3705 GMH Shiraz, Limestone Coast, 2005 10 10 Huge colour. Fine structure. Marvellous marriage of tannin 

Vineyard Series with black fruit. 

3706 Cabernet Sauvignon, K1 by Geoff Hardy, 2005 9 9 Bell-pepper, spice and many things nice to taste, like cassis, 

Kuitpo Vineyard plum and sweet kitchen spice too. 

3707 Shiraz, K1 by Geoff Hardy, 2005 9 9 One of Australia’s finest wine innovators, Geoff’s K1 wines 

Kuitpo Vineyard have been winning friends as well as prizes all over the 

country. Enjoy now, it is a lesson in fruit salad flavours in 

harmonious conjunction with leather. 

3708 Geoff Hardy, Cabernet-Tempranillo, 2004 8 8 

Founders’ Choice 

3711 Hastwell & Lightfoot Shiraz 2002 10 10 At eight years of age, it is fabulous. 

3712 Hastwell & Lightfoot Tempranillo 2004 8 9 This has to be the best Tempranillo made in Oz. Both Lightfoot 

and Hastwell are truly hands-on farmers and winemakers, 

both giving their last passionate effort and all of their energy 

to making their wines great. This is ready and lovely. 

3714 Milyaroo Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 9 9 

Southeast Australia 

3715 Milyaroo Merlot, Southeast Australia 2006 9 9 

3716 Milyaroo Shiraz, Southeast Australia 2006 9 9 


These three wines come from irrigated vineyards a fair 

distance from the New South Wales coastline. They are 

made to be enjoyed when young and full of life. Go for it! 

3718 Richland Shiraz 2006 9 9 Generous fruit. Deep colour, very attractive. Ready. 

3721 Chardonnay [un-oaked], 2006 9 9 Peaches, banana and zesty pineapple, with a copious squeeze 

Henderson, Manuka Hill of limey acidity. Very good. Ready now. 

3724 Tua Tua Bay, Premium Sauvignon Blanc, 2006 10 10 Widely popular, as it should be, it is a great example of the 

Marlborough, Manuka Hill variety, enhanced by clever, even sensitive, winemaking. 

3727 “Triangle”, Clovelly Vineyard 2006 9 9 Jacques Fourie’s best wine. It is perfumed by eucalyptus 

mixed with heather, black fruit and stalky leaves. Very good 

wine, indeed. 

3733 “Family Reserve” Viognier, Riverstone 2005 10 10 Although still delicious, there is no point in holding this any longer. 

3734 Riverstone Shiraz 2004 10 10 Made by a family who have farmed their vineyards for several 

generations. It must be said, they have learned a thing or two. 

This is a fine example of Cape Shiraz. Very generous. 

3737 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sergio Traverso 2005 10 10 Not made for a long life, but for mid-term pleasure. This 

continues to please; it has lots of vinosity and black fruit. 

1

1 


3740 “Blend 1314”, Sergio Traverso 2005 10 10 Sergio has done it again, producing a wine with enviable 

harmony, fine fruit integration and balanced structures. 

3744 Malbec, Fantasia, Valle de Uco 2006 9 9 Shrubby notes. Flowers. Grapey. Earthy and very fruity. 

Supple flavours. 

3745 Urban Uco, Tempranillo, Valle de Uco, 2003 10 10 Fully mature, but there seems no reason to hurry to open 

O. Fournier the bottle. It is full-bodied and shows fine structure. 

3746 Urban Uco, Malbec, Valle de Uco, 2004 10 10 Wonderful winemaking techniques have made this an 

O. Fournier international classic. Very fine, full and packed to the rim with flavour. 

3748 Syrah, Ópalo, Valle de Uco, Mendoza 2005 10 10 Full. A great example of the best of the region. 


3761 Chablis, Premier Cru, Montmains 2005 6 7 Brilliant vintage. Full of fragrance and aromas of the terroir. 

3762 Chablis, Grand Cru, Vaudesir 2005 7 7 It has a solid limestone core around which the fruit makes an 

elegant appearance. 

3767 Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2004 9 10 Simple wine of an average vintage. Still attractive, but time to 

drink up. 

3770 Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits 2005 9 9 The fruit has come up to scratch, but it is rather short and 

appears to be going nowhere further. 

3771 Nuits St Georges, Côte de Nuits 2005 9 9 Good vintage. Good quality level. Like many Côte d’Or wines, 

it leaves questions to be answered. 

3776 Domaine de Milhomme, Beaujolais 2006 10 10 Although just a simple village wine, the producer has a very 

good handle on producing wines that exceed the norm. 

3780 Domaine Desmures, Chiroubles 2006 10 10 Floral, fruity and spicy. A wine that has reached its best, 

but will continue to please for another year or two. 

3790 Le Coin Perdu, Château de Sours, 2005 8 8 



3806 Montblanc, “Masía Las Comes”, 2003 10 10 Wines of this arid region can be quite slow to mature. 

Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Reserva This one still has some way to go, but it is certainly a joy now. 

3810 Bodegas Ramón Bilbao Single 2005 8 8 Very fine. Typical of estate, grape and vintage. 

Vineyard, DO Rioja Softened up beautifully. 

3811 Tilenus Joven, DO Bierzo, 2006 9 9 One of the crown jewels that keep on appearing out of 

Bodegas Estefanía the Iberian “campo.” 

3812 Monte Castrillo Roble, DO Ribera 2005 8 8 Still tough. Not yet rich. It will get softer and rounder yet. 

del Duero, Bodegas Peñalba Lopez 

3816 Rioja Reserva, 2001 10 10 Purest vanilla and chocolate, with just a hint of pungent 

DO Rioja, Bodegas Ramón Bilbao spice and warm Tempranillo fruit. 

3817 Torremilanos Crianza, 2003 8 10 Can be kept, but probably as good as it gets now. 

DO Ribera del Duero 

3818 Vendimia Seleccionada, 2004 8 8 An unusual DOC, but there is nothing unusual in the high 

DO Cigales, Bodegas Valdelosfrialles quality of the wine. Now nearly ready and attractively fruity. 

3819 Valduero Crianza, 2004 8 9 Now quite soft and supple. 

DO Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Valduero 

3820 Gran Colegiata, Campus, 2004 8 8 This is a wonderful wine. Not many come better than this. 

DO Toro, Bodegas Fariña It has life aplenty. 

3828 Pisa a Pé, Quinta de San João Batista, 2004 8 9 Very full. Very powerful structure. A great, now mature red. 

DO Ribatejo 

3830 Churchill Estates Douro Tinto, 2004 9 9 Wonderful, full-bodied, ripe and rich, it has enough fruit to last, 

DO Douro, Churchill Graham Lda. grow, mature and develop for several more years. A wine of 

typically high Churchill, Graham quality. 



PORT WINES FROM CHURCHILL, GRAHAM 

None of Churchill’s wines lack weight, authority or balanced fruit. They come, increasingly year by year 

from properties that have been purchased by John Graham as the company has flourished. The result 

is that the wines are better than those shipped in the early 1980 decade from this House. If the trend 

to sourcing from vineyards owned by the House continues, they will eventually become the equivalent of 

“domaine bottled.” In the meantime, they are solid and good valued, each wine exhibiting a wonderful 

nose and palate often described, and much loved by Port aficionados, as “Douro Palate.” 

3831 Opimian’s Finest Reserve Port, 

Churchill Graham Lda 

N.V. n/a n/a 

3832 Opimian Dry White Port, 


N.V. n/a n/a 

3833 Opimian Late Bottled Vintage Port, 


2001 n/a n/a 

3834 Opimian Tawny Port, 10 Years Old, 


N.V. n/a n/a 

3835 Opimian Crusted Port, Bottled, 


2002 n/a n/a 

3836 Alto, DO Douro, Portugal, N.V. 9 9 One of the earliest Founder’s Choice wines. 

Founders’ Choice A good choice, as it is now showing fine red fruity style. 

3837 Edelzwicker, Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr 2005 10 10 Totally mature. Will not much improve, as the flavours are 

already drying out. 

3838 Pinot Blanc Klevner, Reserve, 

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr 

2005 10 10 Drink soon. 

3839 Riesling d’Alsace, Reserve, 2005 8 9 Steely, needle sharp notes of white cherry, flowers and 

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr minerals. Great wine. Very fresh. Early signs of maturity, but 

very pleasing harmony. 

3843 Pinot Gris, Grand Cru, “Rosacker”, 2004 9 10 A wonderful example of the clean notes and refined harmony 

“Schoenenbourg”, 

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr 

of a fine Alsace wine. 

3844 Gewürztraminer, Grand Cru, 2004 9 10 A wonderful wine. Very fine flavour profiles that highlight, 

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr not only the residual developed fruit, but the balancing acidity 

that enhances the length in the mouth. 

3849 Mâcon Supérieur Rouge, 

Cuvée Prestige, Paul Sapin 

2006 9 10 Not going anywhere. Drink up. 

3850 Mâcon Lugny, Cuvée Prestige, 2006 10 10 In good shape. Perfectly mature now and showing the best 

Paul Sapin of its characters. 

3851 Pouilly Fuissé, Vieilles Vignes, 

Paul Sapin 

2006 9 10 Developed. Very fine. Still beautifully balanced. 


3859 Domaine de la Ferme Saint Martin, 

AOC Beaumes de Venise 

2005 9 9 Very fine bouquet. Jam, damsons and chocolate notes. 

3860 Domaine Berthet-Rayne “Tradition”, 2005 9 9 As fine and full now as when first bottled, except that all 

AOC Cairanne the harshness has been replaced by full notes of red fruit. 

3861 Domaine Gilles Flacher, 2005 9 9 Fat, soft and well fleshed out, with dark berries and 

AOC Saint Joseph succulent fruit flavour. 

3862 Domaine du Murinais, 2005 8 9 This cuvée, made from the oldest vines on the estate, 

AOC Crozes Hermitage has matured very well and now shows very similar characters 

to good Hermitage and even Côte Rôtie. 

3864 Domaine des Cigalons, 2005 9 9 Perfect now. No rush needed, it will hang on for several 

AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape more years. 

3878 Côte Rôtie, du Peloux Eleveur, 

AOC Côte Rôtie 

2004 10 10 Now slightly disappointing. Should be used this year. 


1

1 


3883 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 9 9 

Barrel Reserve, Cornellana Estate 

3884 Carmenère, Barrel Reserve, 2005 8 9 

Cornellana Estate 

3885 Shiraz, Barrel Reserve, 2005 9 9 

Cornellana Estate 

3889 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 9 10 Perfectly acceptable. No problems with maturity, but it won’t 

Casa Nueva grow any more in the bottle. 

3890 Carmenère, Casa Nueva 2006 9 9 Big mouth of red fruit. Still boldly flavoured. In fact, it is only 

now showing soft ripeness emerging out of the tannins. 

3892 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, 2005 9 10 Classic example of a wine made from optimally ripe fruit. It is 

Casa Nueva both luscious and soft, yet leaves plenty of fruit on the palate. 

3893 Syrah Reserva, Casa Nueva 2005 9 9 Vanilla and chocolate mingle with blackberry fruit and sweet 

Bing cherries. 

3894 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Reserva, 2005 9 10 Lovely, soft red fruit. Smokey. Good grip. 

Casa Nueva 

3895 Syrah/Carmenère Reserva, 2005 10 10 It is very hard to find fault with Echeverria’s wines. 

Casa Nueva This is no exception. It is perfectly ready. 

3898 Merlot, Expresion Reserve 2005 10 10 Has come on quickly since a year ago, 

but it is still drinking well. 

3899 Chardonnay, Esencia Grand Reserve 2003 9 10 Beautiful, but only if it has been stored in a cool environment. 

Very big flavour. Developed nose. Long in the mouth. 

3900 Grand Reserve Assemblage, 2000 10 10 Supple. Still fruity. Very soft mouth-feel. Notes of cigar 

Maipo Valley box and coffee. 

3901 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Equis, 2004 10 10 Villard’s best wine, it is a great example of middle to top 

Gran Vino Tinto quality from Chile. Its balance shows the clever blending 

of the two varieties. 

3903 Merlot, Terra Nova 2006 9 9 Still a good bottle. 

3904 Cabernet Sauvignon, Terra Nova 2006 9 9 It has now come together, with both the fruit and once rough 

tannins now smoothly together. 

3905 Carmenère, Terra Nova 2005 10 10 No point in holding on any longer, it is fully mature. 

Still well balanced with good structure. 

3908 Sergio Traverso Memorable, N.V. 8 9 Drinking well and showing little advance towards maturity. 

Founders’ Choice Typically elegant Traverso style. 


3912 Cabernet/Merlot “Jaras”, 2002 10 10 Right at the edge of its maturity. The colour is still good, 

DOC Alto Adige but much of the early vigour and life has declined. 

3914 Chardonnay “Cardellino”, 2005 10 10 A wine that gives a fine indication of the winemaker’s talents. 

DOC Alto Adige, E Walch It is pure, clean and what is expected of a maturing 

Chardonnay. 

3918 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, 2003 8 9 Notes of figs, dates, prunes – all the dried fruits. Still huge, 

Delibori but softness has superceded the tannic edges. 

3919 Sangiovese Toscano Rosso, IGT 2006 9 10 Still an attractive companion. Drink now. There is no profit in waiting. 

3920 Chianti, DOCG, Fratelli Corsi 2006 9 9 Good vinosity. Mature. Grainy fruit with leafy, warm aromas. 

3921 Montecarlo Rosso, DOC, 2005 8 8 A delicious, “gluggable” mouthfiller. Soft and opulently fruity. 

Fattoria del Teso Quite a rustic and charming red. 

3923 Chianti Colli Senesi, DOCG, 2006 9 9 Soft, rounded, easy flavours. Some oak notes. To be 

Casa della Terra enjoyed this year. 


The Cornellana wines of the 2005 vintage were close to 

being ready to drink shortly after bottling, when their fruit 

was oozing out of the fruit laden aromas. So maturity can 

only be measured in the time that they have remained 

delicious. These, from the 2005 vintage, remain in this 

review because they have shown their ability to develop, 

soften and build their characters in a steady progress.


3924 Morellino di Scansano 2006 9 9 Excellent. A wine that Tuscans really appreciate. 

“La Preselle”, DOC It is a fine example from an increasingly popular denomination. 

3925 Chianti Classico “Fagnano”, DOCG, 2005 9 9 Fine. Harmonious. Well integrated. Still lots of fine fruit. 

Gallo Nero 

3926 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2004 8 8 Very tannic. Damp soil, mushrooms, leafy and grip of 

DOCG, Cerraia black cherry. Very full flavours. 

3927 Brunello di Montalcino, 2002 9 9 So much nicer now than a couple of years back. It is robustly 

DOCG, Castello Tricerchi and proudly Italian, showing all of the mature, mellow notes of 

the Sangiovese grape. 

3932 Barbera d’Alba, DOC, Terrenostre 2005 9 9 Stylish wine. Good leathery notes. Some smoke. Good depth 

of flavour. 

3935 Barbaresco, DOCG, Terrenostre 2003 9 9 Still perfect. Good wine of a good vintage. 

3936 Barolo, DOCG, Cantina Bel Colle 2003 9 9 Has matured well. It is not very big and might be a touch 

clumsy, but enjoyable. 

3938 Salice Salentino 2005 9 9 This is still a monster of a wine. Big fruit. Not much by way of 

acidity. Tannin on the decline, but still a good sturdy drink. 

3940 Pinot Noir, DOC, Alto Walch, 2004 10 10 Nice smoky notes. Good balance. Drink this year. 


3049 Chardonnay, Höpler 2006 9 9 Very stylish example of the grape. It has lovely, 

if rather discrete, characters. Nice nose, not at all 

overpowering. Peachy finish. 

3950 Riesling, Höpler 2006 9 9 Never rush with Hopler’s wines. They stand the time 

test and this, like others, remains fine. 

3951 Pinot Noir, Höpler 2003 9 10 This has never appeared to have caught up with itself and, 

consequently, it still tastes in several parts. Nice, but a little 

manqué. 

3952 Trockenbeerenauslese, Höpler 2002 10 10 Quite ready, but that does not indicate any need to drink, as 

it will live nobly onwards into great age. Put it away for your 

dotage. 

3953 Eiswein, Höpler 2004 9 9 A great wine. Super honeyed sweetness. This is a much 

sought after classic within Austria. 

3954 Pinot Noir, Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt 2005 9 9 Bold flavours. Acidity has declined. Well developed. 

3955 Ruppertsberger Nussbien Kabinett 2006 8 9 No change in the last year. It is an elegant and really beautiful 

wine. Softer now. Easy to enjoy. No problems here. 

3956 Ruppertsberger Hofstuck 2006 8 9 Lovely tropical noted. Spicy aromas. Well packed with stone 

Gewürztraminer Kabinett fruit flavours. Very good wine. 


17

1 


3957 Ruppertsberger Linsenbusch 2006 9 9 Still shows lively balance. Very well made. 

Grauer Burgunder Kabinett 

3958 Rudesheimer Riesling Kabinett 2006 9 9 Just meandering slowly. It will continue to show well for some 

time. 

3959 Bernkasteler Badstube 2006 10 10 No need to hurry, but it is at its best 

Riesling Hochgewachs 

3960 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2006 8 8 Lovely wine, with great balance and finesse. 


2904 Château La Prade, 2003 8 8 Fabulous wine. See note on page 5. 

AOC Bordeaux Côtes de Francs 

Bordeaux 2005 vintage 


3967 Château Maillard, AOC Graves 2005 8 8 Typical 2005. Very fine, easy now. 

3968 Château Martinon Rouge, 2005 10 10 This is not a keeper and should be drunk. 

AOC Bordeaux Supérieur 

3969 Château Chante-Alouette, 2005 9 9 A regular on many Opimian Cellar Offerings because it 

AOC Fronsac always offers great value. 

3970 Château Moulin des Laurets, 2005 8 8 Deliciously ready. 

AOC Puisseguin Saint-Émilion 

3971 Château Vieux Clos Saint-Émilion, 2004 9 9 A château Opimian has followed in many vintages since 

AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 1975. It is still a super producer. 

3972 Château Le Conseiller, 2004 8 9 One of the extraordinary wines from the cellar of Janoueix. 

AOC Bordeaux Supérieur Like all of his wines, it is both complex and concentrated. 

3973 Château Hortevie, 2004 8 8 Another long term favourite, Hortevie has now built a large 

AOC Saint Julien, Cru Bourgeois and international following. Very fine balance and harmony. 

3974 Château l’Enclos, AOC Pomerol 2003 9 9 Sheer delight. Rich, powerful and filled with soft fruit notes. 

3975 Château Haut Batailley, AOC Pauillac 2004 8 8 One of the great classified growths of Bordeaux. Owned and 

produced by Xavier Borie, the wine has great elegance, weight 

and supple complexity. Keep a bottle or two for a special day. 

3976 Château Berliquet, AOC Saint-Émilion 2003 9 9 Very big. Soft, attractive and drinkable. 

Grand Cru 

3977 Château Gloria, AOC Saint Julien 2004 9 9 This supple wine personifies the flexibility and class of the 

wines from the village Saint Julien. Now that the flavours are 

softening, it is time to open the bottles. 

3978 Château Poujeaux, 2003 8 9 Firm, strong and quite stalky. Blackcurrants with spinachy 

AOC Moulis-en-Médoc green leaves, smoke and earthy mushrooms. 

3979 Château Ferriere, AOC Margaux, 2004 8 8 A lesser known classified château from Margaux. Initially very 

Cru Classe fruity and soft, then there is the intrusive dryness of tannin. 

3983 Château Moulin de l’Esperance, 2005 9 10 Lovely, small wine. Neat, well structured. All of the fruit tastes 

AOC Premières Côtes Blaye together with the easy ripe tannin. 

3984 Château Roustaing, AOC Bordeaux 2005 8 8 Very typically Cabernet. Slow to mature, it still shows some 

roughness. There is real substance and volume of fruit. 

3985 Château de Fontenille, AOC Bordeaux 2005 10 10 Fresh, yet ready. The weight of the cherry flavours indicates 

that this is a fine example of the influence of Cabernet Franc 

on the palate. 

3986 Château Haut Nadeau, 2004 9 9 Very fine vineyard and winery have produced a fine flavour 

AOC Bordeaux Supérieur with a charming bell-pepper and cassis emphasis. 

3987 Château Carsin, 2005 9 9 In the many years since Mandy Jones made her first vintage 

AOC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux here, the property has never made a poor wine. This is huge, 

one of the best, and now it is perfect for drinking. 



3988 Château Plaisance, 2005 8 9 Although the vintage produced very ripe fruit, this has a 

AOC Bordeaux Supérieur solid wedge of tannin holding it back. 

3989 Château Tour de Gilet, 2005 8 8 How typical of the Petit Verdot grape. It has produced tons 

AOC Bordeaux Supérieur of black fruit, but the tannins are slow to release their hard 

and firm grip. Will improve further. 

3990 Château Maurac, AOC Haut Médoc, 2005 8 9 Old vine Merlot produced a big tannic wine in the early stages 

Cru Bourgeois of development, but the fruit softness has come through. Now 

it is deliciously comely. 

3991 La Fleur d’Or, AOC Sauternes 2002 8 9 Bill Blatch buys and blends small lots of cuvées and this is 

the result. Fine honey. Ripeness. Flowers, peaches and many 

spoons of sugar. A fine, golden coloured, sweet dessert wine. 

3992 Château de Malle, AOC Sauternes, 2003 8 8 One of Sauternes’ great properties. Totally sweet. 

Deuxième Cru Classé Balanced. A symphony of sugar with a high level of zesty acidity. 

3993 Bordeaux, Clos Sainte Anne, Vintex, 2005 8 9 Tasted and selected over a lunch of fresh lampreys in the 

Founders’ Choice farm kitchen. It was superb in the cask, but with the onset of 

supple maturity, the Merlot is making the quality clear. Very 

fine wine. Can be enjoyed now. 

3997 Château Richemont Rouge, 2005 10 10 The second wine of the property. Not very intense, 

AOC Bordeaux but it is pleasant and wholesome. 

3998 Château de Sours Rouge, 2005 8 8 Very good structure managing to tie the components 

AOC Bordeaux neatly together, especially the ripe cassis flavoured Merlot fruit. 

3999 La Source Rouge, AOC Bordeaux 2005 7 8 Concentrated. Fat. Although the palate is still very firm, the 

fruit is all there. Readily available, but well supported by the 

stringent tannins. 

4003 Château Fongaban, 2004 10 10 Drink this year. 

AOC Côtes de Castillon 

4004 Château Lafon, AOC Listrac-Médoc, 2003 10 10 Very enjoyable and fruity. Nice harmony of flavours. 

Cru Bourgeois 

4005 Château Haut Cabut, 2004 9 9 Coffee, chocolate and dried fruit. Time to use and enjoy, 

AOC Côtes de Blaye it is fully mature. 

4006 Château Labadie, AOC Médoc, 2004 10 10 Very enjoyable dose of dry fruit. The tannins are just a 

Cru Bourgeois touch dusty, but that is a normal function of aging. There 

should be no concerns. 

4008 Château de Cauze, 2004 7 7 Seems to be locked in a “no progress” mode. The tannin is still 

AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru tight, the fruit hidden; it may always remain rather dry on the 

palate. 

4009 Château les Bois Noirs, Liquoreux, 2006 9 10 This was an unusal wine for Michel Baucé to produce. 

Sainte Foy de Bordeaux He is normally a red wine man, but this rarity is very 

successful and full-bodied. It is ready to enjoy. 

CHÂTEAU PIqUE-SÈGUE 

The property was originally purchased to allow Philip Mallard to indulge in his pastime of breeding pedigree Limousin cattle. But the 

planting of vines above the meadows started the Opimian relationship when Marianne Mallard introduced her juicy rosé. Since then we 

have come to appreciate all of the wines and different appellations that can, and are, produced on this large estate, which is one of the 

pre-eminent producers of the Bergerac region. 

4011 Château Pique-Sègue Blanc Moelleux, 2006 

AOC Côtes Montravel 

9 9 Rich and sweet. A very fine dessert wine. 

4013 Château Pique-Sègue Rouge, 2005 9 9 Little changed over the past year. It is soft, supple and 

AOC Bergerac enjoyable now. 

4014 Château Dauzan La Vergne, 2004 8 8 A very fine, stylish wine. Perfect spicy nuances. Roses, 

AOC Côtes de Bergerac coffee and a touch of liquorice. 

4015 Terre de Pique-Sègue, Anima Vitis, 2003 9 9 Lovely. Supple. Entirely ready, what grip remains is needed 

AOC Montravel to balance the lush fruit. 


1

20 



SOUTHERN FRANCE 2006 VINTAGE 

In general, the 2006 vintage was highly successful across the whole of the southern half of France. Fine weather conditions, with timely 

showers that refreshed the grapes after periods of intense heat, saved the quality from over-ripeness with a corresponding loss of 

acidity. All of the wines made by Louis Mandeville-Peirière on the Mondeville property were initially very slow to show any development 

of their aroma and flavours and, for two years, they appeared to be thin and tight with flavours more reminiscent of crushed stone and 

mineral than generous fruit. 

During the past year, the early reluctance to show development has turned around and they now offer much fuller levels of generosity, fine 

fruit characters with modest tannins that have softened considerably. All of the Louis Mondeville wines and those of the family domaine, 

the Domaine Peiriere, are now very approachable with reasonably easy fruit, modestly firm structures and (if not long) a clean finish. 

They are not made for long keeping, so should be used during this year. If some are left, they can be equally enjoyed through the next 

two years. 

4018 & 

4021 

Louis Mondeville Merlot 2006 9 9 Now much softer than twelve months ago. 

4022 Louis Mondeville Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 9 10 Attractive. A little stalky, but there are no problems. 

4023 Louis Mondeville Syrah 2006 9 9 Sturdy. Warming. Good level of fruit with notes of malic and 

tannic acidity. 

4024 Chardonnay, Organic, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2006 10 10 This has had a new lease on life. It is tasting well and full-bodied. 

4029 Domaine Peirière Viognier, 2006 10 10 This property never gets much beef into its Viognier. 

Vin de Pays d’Oc Rather thin and stalky. Nuances of unripe apple acidity give it 

some length. 

4030 Domaine Peirière Merlot, 2006 9 9 Merlot spice. Some piquancy. Black berries and hints of shrub 

Vin de Pays d’Oc flowers. Deep down there’s a tough of liquorice. 

ALAIN GRIGNON, L.G.I. 

Notes describing the wines of Louis Mondeville are substantially appropriate for those from the individual cellars, whose wines are 

offered through the international négociant, Alain Grignon, one of the foremost experts in the wines of the Midi. 

4040 Domaine Mondie Syrah-Merlot, 

Vin de Pays d’Oc 

2006 9 9 Delicious. Just about at its best now. 

4041 Domaine Fontjun, AOC Saint Chinian 2006 9 9 Ripe, structured, long flavoured and rather good. This is a far 

better wine now that its initial rush of tannin has softened and 

combined generously with the red fruit flavour. 

4042 Château Salitis Cuvée Premium, 2005 8 8 This is a perennial favourite. The wines are beautifully made 

AOC Cabardes and balanced, never showing any extremes. They have plenty 

of interest and body. 

4043 Domaine Castan Les Terres Rouge, 2006 8 8 These wines come from vineyards planted on the soils from 

Côteaux Languedoc extinct volcanic activity. They all have a note of tobacco leaf in 

their aroma, with fine strands of mixed black fruit emphasizing 

black cherry and plums on the palate. 

4044 Le Rouge de l’Azerolle, Minervois 2006 8 9 Harmonious. Rounded. Soft with a flavour of spice and ripe 

hedgerow fruit. 

4045 Domaine Barroubio Muscat, 2006 8 8 No need to hurry, Muscat with this amount of weight on the 

St Jean de Minervois palate, well balanced by the grape acidity, will last many years. 



CHÂTEAU VIGNELAURE 

When these wines were offered, the château was in the ownership of David and Catherine O’Brien. Over a number of years, the wines improved out of 

all recognition as David became more familiar with his art whilst at the same time the old tired stocks of wine were disposed of to the local cafes. As a 

race horse trainer, David was ranked at the summit in Europe where his famous horse, the Canadian born Nijinsky, son of Northern Dancer, was one of 

the most successful racers ever. David has now retired, but not before making these wines and those of the succeeding year. 

4047 Esprit de Nijinsky Rouge, 2005 9 9 Not long. Very lively. Drink now. 

Vin de Pays Côteaux du Verdon 

4049 La Source de Vignelaure, 2003 9 9 Beautiful wine. Full-bodied, rich and complete. 

Côteaux Aix Provence 

4051 Château Vignelaure, 2003 7 8 One of the best wines made here. David captured its entire 

Côteaux Aix Provence spirit in a wealth of balanced nuances featuring spice, 

garrigue flowers and black cassis. 

4052 Château Vignelaure, Aix-en-Provence, 2004 8 8 Lovely, fat and rich. Very complex. Tons of fruit and lush 

Le Page de Vignelaure, mouth-feel. This was the first time that we were offered 

Founders’ Choice the specially designed “Le Page” label, drawn one morning 

by Yves Saint Laurent, who had stayed the previous night, 

as a thank you token. The label remains exclusive 

to Opimian. 

4055 Saint Romain, La Combe Bazin 2006 8 9 Nice, but modest white Burgundy. The Chardonnay is still 

rather subdued and it has not developed the gorgeous “cream 

and butter” flavours that many Côte d’Or whites display. 

4056 Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2006 9 9 Fine notes of Pinot Noir fruit. However, even though it is in 

perfect condition, it shows that this grape very rarely produces 

an exploding bomb of complexity. In fact, much more frequently, 

the activity is nearer to a damp squib. This is nice enough, 

typical, but not exciting. 

4057 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune 2006 9 10 A wonderful example of the Hautes Côtes, but it is quite a 

modest wine. 

4058 Saint Romain, La Perrière 2006 8 8 This is a lovely wine. Round, strongly perfumed, 

nice bottle-aged notes and long soft flavour. 

4059 Beaune, Les Bons Feuvres 2006 8 8 The best of the Burgundian bunch, but then it was their most 

expensive. Nicely made. Very clean, direct Pinot Noir nuances, 

cherry fruit, raspberry and lovely finish. It has smoke around the 

edges and moist earth, but that is what it is supposed to offer. 

4062 Côteaux du Layon, 2006 9 9 A long lived wine. Very good style. Nice soft fruit, all lifted 

Domaine du Pont de Livier by the fine notes of residual grape sugar. 

4066 Touraine Emotion, Domaine Gibault 2006 9 9 Most of the Gibault domaine wines are at their best within 

24 months of the vintage. This is an exception and is showing 

good fruit and balance now. 

4067 Chinon, Domaine Charles Pain 2006 9 10 A private domaine whose wines are made by the Gibault 

family. An easy wine to drink. The fruit is dominated by the 

lively acidity. Drinking well now. 

4068 Saumur-Champigny, 2005 9 10 Made by an Englishman who spends much of his time playing 

Château de Chaintres cricket… in France! The flavours are refined, but it is perfectly 

ready and will not improve any more. 

4070 Pouilly Fumé, Domaine Jean-Paul Mollet 2006 8 9 This is a great estate with very good skills on parade. The 

wine is showing the harmony of the terroir and variety in a 

smooth and simple display. 

4071 Sancerre Blanc, Domaine Florian Mollet 2006 8 9 Fine notes of the white limestone and chalky terroir. The 

vineyards of Sancerre occupy a saucer shaped bowl that 

concentrates the sunshine, resulting in wines with lovely 

ripe and opulent Sauvignon Blanc perfume and flavour. 

4072 Sancerre Rouge, 2006 9 9 Light. Easy. Juicy. Quite high acidity. Little tannin, but a wine 

Domaine Florian Mollet that is a real pleasure to sip quietly. It is drinking well now. 


21

22 



4074 Stone Valley Chardonnay 2006 9 9 Lovely wine. Showing fine development. 

4075 Stone Valley Merlot 2006 9 9 No problems yet, but now is the time to catch its best times. 

4076 Stone Valley Chardonnay 2006 8 8 See Lot 4074. 

4077 Stone Valley Merlot 2006 8 8 See Lot 4075. 

4080 Gravel Bed Zinfandel 2005 9 9 Still looks, smells and tastes good. No special reason to hurry 

to finish it. 

4088 Butterfly Ridge Merlot, Lake County 2005 9 9 All these Lake County varietals have done very well. This is 

lovely now. 

4089 Butterfly Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 9 10 No better than last year, but no worse either. Continue to 

Central Coast enjoy 

4091 Granada Creek Syrah 2005 9 10 Well aged, it will be as lovely as ever. Good fruit. Full bouquet. 

Fine flavours. 

4093 Riverview Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 9 9 This has been a slow maturing, but good, wine. It has good 

Nappa Valley structure and is still in good order. 

4094 Riverview Pinot Noir, Carneros 2006 8 8 Lots of fruit. Good structure. This is a good example of what 

the Carneros does best. 

4098 Castoro Cellars Zinfandel 2005 10 10 Fat, full and rich. Tastes like a pan of stewed blackberries with 

a tannic buzz. 

4099 Castoro Cellars Merlot 2005 9 9 Spice, crushed pepper, leaves and cassis. 

4100 Castoro Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 8 8 Very big flavour. Not really much like Cabernet at all, it’s too 

big, but if you like full-bodied wines, you will enjoy this one. 

4101 Castoro Cellars Reserve Viognier 2006 10 10 Still OK, but it has very little by way of subtlety. It still has a big 

profile of flavour. 

4102 Castoro Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir, 2005 9 9 Too much fruit, too little by way of balancing acidity. It is not 

Bien Nacido a typical Pinot Noir; by the same measure it is not a bad wine. 

4103 Castoro Cellars Reserve Syrah, 2005 8 9 Will this last for ever? Probably not, but it is perfectly good 

Paso Robles now. 

4104 Paso Robles, 2005 8 9 The winemaker got his components nicely together and gave 

Castoro Cellars Reserve Tempranillo, this huge wine some mouth-filling weight. A very rich and 

Founders’ Choice extra large wine. 

4105 Carneros Chardonnay 2005 10 10 Far bigger, more fruit, than any Chardonnay to come out of 

France. If it is full of flavour, it has an unbalance that shows up 

in low acidity. 

4106 Red “X” 2005 9 9 Easy and soft. Enjoy this year. 

4107 Syrahtica 2005 9 9 The painted bottle looks garish, but inside there is a package 

of very fine fruit. Well balanced. Long finish. 

4108 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 8 9 This has matured more rapidly than expected when last tasted. 

Lovely now, it shows green leaves, black fruit and piquant spice. 

4112 Steltzner Vineyards Merlot, Stags Leap 2004 9 9 What can one say about Dick Steltzner’s reds, except to heap 

praise on them. This is perfect now. 

4113 Steltzner Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 9 9 Soft. Supple. Good structure. All of the parts fit into one glass 

Stags Leap with great power and harmony. 

4114 Steltzner Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 9 8 Supple and poised. Nice, dark, even colour. Fine grapey nose 

Estate Reserve, Stags Leap and fine biting tannins that produce long flavours. 

4115 Burgess Cellars Syrah, Napa Valley 2004 8 9 A very fine wine from a master craftsman. 

4116 Burgess Cellars Merlot, Yountville 2004 8 8 Tom Burgess has the ability to make wines with great 

authority and longevity. This is a beauty and will keep going 

for awhile yet. 



4118 Burgess Cellars Library 1995 10 10 Aged and noble, the fruit is now just a touch powdery and 

Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena the colour is going towards garnet, but as an old wine, it is 

drinking perfectly. 

4119 Burgess Cellars Enveiere, Napa Valley 2000 10 10 Over the years this label has covered many great wines. 

In full maturity, this is spectacular, and yet, it is still showing 

surprising vigour. 

4126 Pelee Island Winery Vidal Icewine 2005 8 8 Succulent. Rich. Not especially showing honeyed features, but 

it is perfectly balanced with the acidity that is so necessary to 

retain its balance. 

4127 Pelee Island Winery, 2005 8 8 An amazing and rare experience. This will progress onwards 

Cabernet Franc Icewine for years to come. 

4129 Pardina, DO Carinena, Bodegas Victoria 2005 9 9 Made on the arid hillside vineyards underneath the Virgen de 

la Sierra monastery, it has nuances of pine that charm and 

augment the tannic fruit flavours. 

4132 Valpiculata, DO Toro, 2003 10 10 Beautiful wine. Now perfectly soft, the tannins rounded and 

Bodegas Valpiculata the fruit more of figs and prunes than berries, but delicious. 

4133 Perinet, DOCa, Priorato, 2005 9 9 Massive. Black. Dark, brooding and tough. Somewhere hidden 

Bodegas Mas Perinet away, there is a treasure trove of ripe fruit, but it is hard to find 

beneath all the life prolonging tannic acidity. 


SERGIO TRAVERSO 

There has never been any doubt that Sergio Traverso is a true master in the winery. His winemaking skills have been proven over 

two continents and three decades. Originally, Sergio made wine in his native Chile, but before reaching his zenith, the politics intervened 

and he was forced to move, rather precipitously, to California. There he worked with Wente, eventually developing the epic “Murrieta’s 

Well” brand. Close to ten years ago, with democratic politics being fully restored in Chile, he returned to his native territory, re-establishing 

close links with many vineyard owners and becoming the senior winemaker for the gigantic Spanish wine company, Freixenet, who 

owned substantial vineyard holdings both in Argentina and Chile. 

4134 Novi Sub Sole, 

Sergio Traverso 

2006 8 9 

4135 Torrontes, Sergio Traverso 2007 9 9 

4136 Cabernet Sauvignon, 


2006 8 9 

4137 Syrah, Sergio Traverso 2006 8 9 

4138 Malbec, Sergio Traverso 2006 9 9 

4139 Blend 1314, Sergio Traverso 2006 7 7 

4140 Dubois, Brut Nature N.V. 10 10 Very good quality. Bubbly. No need to wait 

4141 Vivace Spumante N.V. 10 10 Ready 


These wines have been made by Sergio to carry his own 

labels. They are substantial and full bodied, their structures 

leaning more towards balance and elegance than the weight 

that dominates many other Chilean wines. All Sergio’s 2006 

and 2007 wines are ready to be enjoyed – they have masses 

of fruit, but also feature the balanced easy tannins that provide 

them with good structure, but no great longevity. 

Enjoy all these examples of a craftsman’s artistry over the 

next two to three years. 

2

2 


ARGENTINA’S FINEST 

Since Opimian forged links with the top Argentinean wine club, Club del Vino, selections have progressed from careful and conservative 

to innovative and exciting. Producers like O. Fournier and Mauricio Lorca are solidly positioned in the top ranks in the country, 

although with high international acclaim and reputation they are inevitably more expensive than other producers. Fortunately, such is 

the strength of our partner; we have been able to assemble a group of supporting bodegas whose wines are showing great potential 

and outstanding quality. 

4143 Malma Clásico Merlot, 

Vinedos de la Patagonia 

2005 9 9 Superb, cool climate Merlot showing delightful spice and fruit. 

4144 Urban Uco Tempranillo, O. Fournier 2005 8 8 Shades of northern Spain, Manuel Gil Fournier has made a 

real classic with even greater richness than his archetypal 

Ribera del Duero. 

4145 Urban Uco Malbec, O. Fournier 2005 7 8 Maturing slowly, but steadily. A great wine. 

4146 A Crux Malbec, O. Fournier 2005 8 8 Fournier’s top gun – this is huge, but balanced, and very long 

flavoured. 

4147 Fantasia Chardonnay, Mauricio Lorca 2007 9 9 Perfect, harmonious and showing a fine fruit/acid balance. 

4148 Fantasia Malbec, Mauricio Lorca 2006 8 8 A wine that shows how well Malbec has acclimatized here. 

4149 Ópalo Malbec, Mauricio Lorca 2006 7 8 Even more distinguished. Still developing its full potential. 

4150 Poético Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 8 9 Ripe and full-bodied. Good tannins, still show plenty of 

Mauricio Lorca gruff edges. 

4151 Anubis Syrah/Bonarda, 2006 8 9 This is as good an example of this uniquely Argentinean 

Bodegas Dominio del Plata blend as we have seen. 

4152 Cerro Azul Syrah, Bodegas La Guarda 2006 8 9 Nicely developed. Does not say much about Syrah, but an 

awful lot about fruit and vinosity. 

4153 Cerro Azul Bonarda, 2006 8 8 Good now. Soft enough to be entirely enjoyable. It has a 

Bodegas La Guarda very sturdy structure. 

4154 Don David Cabernet Sauvignon, 

Bodegas El Esteco 

2006 8 9 Very attractive and typical. Soft and ready. 

4155 Don David Tannat, Bodegas El Esteco 2006 9 9 One of the local grapes, Tannat is very tough and tannic when 

young, but this is now softening and losing colour, so drink this year. 

4158 Milyaroo Chardonnay 2007 9 9 

4159 Milyaroo Semillon/Chardonnay 2007 9 9 Beautifully held together by the slower maturing Semillon 

4160 Milyaroo Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 8 8 Entirely ready and perfect now. 

4161 Milyaroo Merlot 2007 9 9 Lovely, supple red charmer. 

4162 Milyaroo Shiraz 2007 9 9 Fine nose. Rather supple, good fruit. Modest level of tannin. 

4163 Richland Chardonnay 2007 8 9 Mouthful of melon and pineapple. Lovely notes of lime and 

lemon acidity. 

4164 Richland Shiraz, 2007 9 9 Good fruit. Easy. Hardly any tannin to support the structure. 

Drink this year. 

4165 “96 Points” Shiraz/Viognier, 2005 8 9 Very fine blend. Plenty of tannin, but enhanced by the acidity 

of the Viognier. Continue to enjoy. 

4166 “96 Points” Durif, 2006 8 8 A very uncommon grape outside this part of Australia, it is 

very successful here. Red fruit and muscular tannins. 

4167 “3 Bridges” Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 9 9 Very drinkable. Don’t keep. 

4168 “3 Bridges” Reserve Shiraz 2005 8 8 Marching on to maturity. Not fully ready, but drinking really well. 

4169 Westend Estates, Shiraz, 2006 8 8 Fine leather. Vanilla ice cream. Preserved cherries and bitter 

Langhorne Creek, Founders’ Choice chocolate. 

4170 Nulkaba Shiraz/Merlot 2006 9 9 Drink anytime from now onwards. 

4171 Riverwood Chardonnay 2006 9 9 Banana, melon, canned pears and white orange blossom. 

Good nose. Lovely fresh palate. 



4172 Riverwood Pinot/Shiraz 2006 9 9 Holding up well. No sign of decline. Enjoy for several years. 

4173 Riverwood Shiraz 2006 8 8 This has grown fat and opulent. Nice black fruit, some 

cherries, but mainly blackberry and mulberry. 

4174 White “Trio”, Briar Ridge 2007 10 10 Hard to see this improving so drink soon. 

4175 Red “Trio”, Briar Ridge 2006 8 8 A normal three variety blend, but it has married well and tastes 

very well integrated. 

4176 Old Vines Shiraz, Briar Ridge 2006 8 8 Lovely wine. Shows how well this grape produces in the 

Hunter Valley. 

4177 Cold-Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 8 8 Gorgeous. Notes of elderberry and eucalyptus. Full of red fruit 

flavour. Should be fine for several years. 

4178 GMH “Meritage,” Limestone Coast/ 2005 8 8 Mature and lovely. Beautifully balanced. A blend made with 

Langhorne Creek great sensitivity. 

4179 GMH Shiraz, Langhorne Creek/ 2006 8 8 Another wine that shows that Geoff Hardy is a fine winemaker. 

McLaren Vale Leather. Stone fruit. Juicy, opulently ripe berries. 

4180 “K1” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 7 7 Still has a way to go before it reaches its prime. Very good drinking. 

4181 “K1” Shiraz 2006 7 7 Just about ready to try the first bottle. Great concentration. 

4182 Viognier, Hastwell & Lightfoot 2007 9 10 New World Viognier doesn’t seem to get any better than this. 

4183 Chardonnay, Hastwell & Lightfoot 2007 8 9 A perfectly lovely, rich, fat and balanced palate. Long and 

persistent ripe fruit flavours. 

4184 Tempranillo, Hastwell & Lightfoot 2005 8 8 A very significant wine. The best of Australia’s Tempranillo. 

4185 Cabernet, Hastwell & Lightfoot 2004 8 8 Deeply coloured. Sturdy. Powerful aroma of red fruit, raspberry, 

rose petals and rosemary. Now opening up to deliver its promise. 

4186 Semillon/Chardonnay, “On the Billabong” 2007 10 10 Still enjoyable, but it will not improve. 

4187 Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 10 9 Still has a few unfinished edges, but they will not go away and 

“On the Billabong” the wine will not get any better than now, so enjoy this year. 

4188 Chenin Blanc, Kloof en Berg 2007 10 10 Close to falling off the log. Drink it or lose it. 

4189 Ruby Cabernet, Kloof en Berg 2007 10 10 Sappy. Quite a jolly wine. Raucously expressed red fruit, as 

noisy as a night in Whitehorse. 

4190 Sauvignon Blanc, “Mount Vernon” 2007 10 10 Sensational wine and brilliant value for money, but this vintage 

needs drinking soon. 

4191 Chardonnay, [un-oaked], Hawke’s Bay 2007 9 9 Super. This is how Kiwi Chardonnay ought to be. Good acidity. 

Plenty of warm fruit – a mix of pineapple and melon with a 

dash of apple juice. 

4192 Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay 2007 10 10 Perhaps past its best, but it is still a deliciously balanced mix 

of white fruit notes. 

4193 Merlot, Gisborne 2004 9 9 A red wine to show how much improved the red wines of 

New Zealand have become. Finely honed structure. Good 

integration of the fruit notes with the harder tannins. 

4194 Sauvignon Blanc, Tua Tua Bay 2007 8 9 Fabulous and not a day too late. Very fine balanced flavours 

4195 Gewürztraminer, Tua Tua Bay 2007 8 8 Let it run rather longer yet. The big tropical fruits are pointing 

towards how far they can go 

4196 Chamonix Blanc, Vallée des Vignerons 2007 9 10 Open and enjoy now. 

4197 Chamonix Pinotage, 2005 8 8 Lovely. Hearty, rustic stuff. No sophistication, but plenty of 

Vallée des Vignerons flavour. 

4198 “Sebastiaan”, High Constantia Vineyards 2004 7 8 Fine. Very interesting and rather a different flavoured red. 

Coming together very well. 

4199 Chardonnay, Clovelly Vineyard 2006 7 8 This is lovely. Almost enough to make one want to travel to 

the Cape for another glass. Finely poised fruit in perfect 

counterpoint to the acidity. 


2

2 


4200 “Triangle”, Clovelly Vineyard 2007 9 9 Jacques Fourie made this for early enjoyment. Now is the 

time. 

4201 Cabernet Sauvignon, Clovelly Vineyard 2005 8 8 Balanced and rich, it has full-bodied, heady flavours and 

succulent ripe red berries. 

4202 Wild Fig, Clovelly Triangle Estate 2007 10 10 Utterly raring to go. Made to drink within eighteen months of 

the grape harvest. 

4203 The Berry, Clovelly Triangle Estate 2006 10 10 Like its white counterpart (Lot 4202) it is made to drink 

young. Go for it now. 

4204 Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay, Rozier Reef 2006 10 10 Break out the bottles, take the cork-screw and start pouring. It 

won’t improve further. 

4205 Shiraz/Pinotage, Rozier Reef 2005 8 9 This has settled down nicely in the bottle. 

4206 Sauvignon Blanc, Rozier Bay 2006 10 10 Now is time to use the bottles that are left. 

4207 Merlot, Rozier Bay 2003 9 9 Like all of the wines from this small corner of the Cape 

Vineyards, it has developed quickly. This is not going to get 

any better. 

4208 Pioneer Blend, Mount Rozier 2004 8 8 A juicy, robust and easy to like red blend. It clearly owes its 

inspiration to Bordeaux, but the fruit is ripe, the tannins lower 

and the structure less firm. 

4209 Sauvignon Blanc, Riverstone Vineyards 2007 10 10 Top class when it was really young, but it is now fading. 

4210 Chardonnay, Riverstone Vineyards 2007 10 10 The fruit comes from the van der Merve’s own estate along a 

dried up river bed. This has made the wines very complex and 

ripe. Very rich and fine now. 

4211 Viognier, Family Reserve, 2006 8 9 A fat, almost oily textured, rich wine. A great alternative 

Riverstone Vineyards to Chardonnay, but without so much topicality. 

4212 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 7 7 Lovely wine. Big colour and bold bouquet. The palate is 

Riverstone Vineyards loaded with ripe notes. 


4213 Sur le Dos des Caves, AOC Bordeaux 2006 7 8 A wine made by Sebastien Lamothe entirely and exclusively 

for Opimian. It is absolutely delicious. 

4214 Château de Sours Rosé, AOC Bordeaux 2007 10 10 

4215 Réserve de Sours, Sparkling Rosé, Brut N.V. 10 10 

CRÈMES 

There is an ancient tradition of manufacturing the rich crèmes and sirops made from hedgerow fruit in Dijon. They are amazingly 

concentrated, but when mixed with a white wine, particularly Bourgogne Aligoté, the result is noble. Cassis is well known as the 

foundation of the summer refresher, Kir, but other sirops can also be used to bring their own fine flavours to enhance the party. 

4218 Crème de Cassis de Dijon N.V. n/a n/a Blackcurrants 

4219 Crème de Mures N.V. n/a n/a Blackberries 

4220 Crème de Cerise N.V. n/a n/a Cherries 

4221 Petit Chablis, AC 2006 10 10 Should have been finished by now, but well stored bottles are 

still fine. 

4222 Chablis, AC, “Vieilles Vignes” 2006 8 8 Complex and full. The use of oak for maturation has added a 

further element to augment the chalky notes from the terroir. 

4223 Chablis Premier Cru, “Fourchaumes” 2006 7 8 Not yet ready. It is still very dry, little enhancement of the palate 

and very much flavoured by the chalky soil rather than the fruit. 

4224 Chablis Grand Cru, “Les Clos”, 2006 7 8 Typical of the best of Lamblin’s wines, this can be opened, 

Grand Cru Controlée but it can also last for many years. 

4225 Saint Bris “Sauvignon”, AC 2006 10 10 Somewhere between a sappy, green fruit Sancerre and a 

piece of chalk. Very attractive bouquet, good balance, a touch 

sharp and fruit deficient, but still drinks well. 



4226 Bourgogne Chardonnay, AC, 2006 9 9 Good for three or four more years. 

4227 Bourgogne Aligoté, AC, “Fruits d’Été” 2006 10 10 Plenty of vigour. Good, perhaps at its best now. 

4228 Bourgogne Passetoutgrain, 2006 10 10 Rather tired. All of the sappy fruit seems to have gone on 

AC, “Raisins de l’Automne” a walk-about. It is still OK, but don’t wait much longer. 

4229 Bourgogne Pinot Noir, 2006 8 8 In most Canadian environments and to our palates, this is 

AC, “Bouquet d’Hiver” now ready. It will last, but better to enjoy soon. 

4230 Côte-de-Beaune-Villages, AC 2006 8 8 Good rich flavours and good level of fruit. 

4231 Volnay, AC 2006 8 8 Should continue to mature. Drink anytime from 2010 to 2014. 

4232 Aloxe-Corton, AC 2006 8 8 Quite well rounded, all of the sharp edges have smoothed 

away. OK for three or four years. 

4233 Gevrey-Chambertin, AC 2006 7 8 Rather more austere than 4232, but it will continue to soften. 

4234 Nuits-Saint-Georges, AC 2006 7 7 Has developed early, but well. No problem, although it is rather 

thin and lacks body. 

4235 Le Blanc de Blancs de Monsieur Lamblin N.V. 10 10 This lot should have been drunk by now. 

4236 Le Rouge de Monsieur Lamblin N.V. 10 10 

4237 Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2006 10 10 

4238 Merlot/Cabernet, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2006 10 10 

4239 Domaine G. Thomas, AOC St. Veran 2006 8 9 Very fine. Good fruit. Showing fine creamy notes in the mouth. 

4240 Bernard Perrin, AOC Beaujolais Blanc 2007 9 9 Enjoy this year or risk losing its balance. 

4241 Domaine de Milhomme, AOC Beaujolais 2007 9 9 From one of the best estates of all south Beaujolais, but 

even from this lovely vineyard high in the hills, it needs to be 

opened young. 

4242 Domaine de Thulon, 2007 9 9 The Jambon family who make this wine never leave a stone 

AOC Beaujolais Villages unturned to make the best wine they can, but the wines do 

need to be drunk young. 

4243 Domaine de Thulon, AOC Regnié 2007 9 9 See Lot 4242 

4244 Domaine Dit Barron, AOC Brouilly 2007 8 9 Light and fragrant. 

4245 Domaine Desmures, AOC Chiroubles 2007 9 9 Amazingly good. No sign yet of loss of fruit or perfume. 

4246 Domaine Champagnon, AOC Chénas 2007 8 8 Stalky. Rich. Grapey. Still delicious. 

4247 Domaine Champagnon, 2007 7 8 Sturdy. Tannic. Gripping acidity. This is a song played at loud 

AOC Moulin à Vent volume. 

4248 Domaine du Vin des Poètes, 2007 8 8 Now as ready as it will ever be. 

AOC Morgon 

4249 Clos de Haute-Combe, AOC Julienas 2007 8 8 As always, the Audras family have produced a really fine wine. 

4250 Les Bataillons, AOC Fleurie 2007 8 8 Soft and accessible. Plenty of fruit. Good nose. The excitement 

of its youth is retreating as structure and length takes its place. 

4252 Gamay Noir, 2007 9 9 Very fine wine, but it is now ready and should be opened in 

Domaine le Carjot, Founders’ Choice 2010 or 2011. 


27

2 


4253 Vidal Icewine, VQA 2006 7 8 Surprisingly full, wholesome and very sweet, but still showing 

vigorous acidity. 

4254 Chardonnay 2006 10 10 Time to finish this off. 

4255 Cabernet Franc Reserve, 2006 10 10 Still a good glass, although the colour is turning browner and 

the fruit less obvious than before. Drink up now. 

4256 Pinot Noir, Prince Edward County 2006 9 9 Probably now at its best if not already in retreat. 


PORT 

4279 Opimian Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000 n/a n/a 

[Unfiltered] 

4280 Opimian White Port Dry Aperitif N.V. n/a n/a 

4282 Opimian Tawny Port, Ten Year Old N.V. n/a n/a 


[Filtered] 

4284 Opimian Crusted Port, Bottled 2003 n/a n/a 


[Unfiltered] 

WINES OF THE DOURO VALLEY 

4286 Vinha do Meio Queijo, DOC Douro 2005 8 9 

4287 Churchill Estates, DOC Douro 2006 7 8 Fabulous wine of huge depth. 

4288 Serra Vinho Verde, Private Selection, DOC N.V. 10 10 Should have been enjoyed long ago. 

4289 Terra de Lobos, Quinta do Casal Branco 2007 9 9 

4290 Serra Private Selection 2006 10 10 Should have been finished by now. 

4291 Quinta da Barreira Reserva, J Gaspar 2005 8 8 Now ready to open. 

4292 Quinta da Chinchorra, DOC Douro 2004 9 9 Has reached its potential. 

4293 Cardeal Reserva, DOC Dão 2004 9 9 Made from Portugal’s finest grape, the Touriga Nacional. 

4296 Dorna Velha Tinta Barroca, DOC Douro 2005 9 9 Was very tough when first shipped, but has now softened up 

completely. 

4297 Vega Lara Selección Especial, 2005 8 8 Still has some tough notes, but it is worth trying a sample 

DO Ribera del Duero bottle. 

4299 Cyclo, DO Ribera del Duero, 2004 7 9 Still fine, and will go no through 2013. 

Bodegas Peñalba López 

4300 Montecastrillo Roble, 2006 8 8 


See general note 

on page 4 

4301 Torremilanos Crianza, 2004 9 9 Perfect maturity. 


4302 Urban Oak Ribera Roble, DO Ribera 2005 8 8 A wonderful wine from the Fournier bodega. 

del Duero, Bodegas O. Fournier 

4303 6 de Luberri, DOCa. Rioja 2006 9 9 Drink this year, it is more ready than waiting. 

4304 Faustino Selección de Familia, 2005 9 9 Wines like these last forever, it is just that they don’t change 

DOCa Rioja very much. All oak, vanilla and old dark chocolate. 

4305 Primero de Fariña, DO Toro, 2007 10 10 Enjoy through 2010. 

Bodegas Fariña 

4306 Gran Colegiata Crianza, 2001 10 10 Totally ready, but still a very fine wine. 

DO Toro, Bodegas Fariña 

4307 Gran Colegiata Campus, DO Toro, 2005 6 6 Still climbing towards its optimum. Lovely, quality wine. 




4308 Convento San Bernardino Tempranillo 2006 8 9 

4309 Syrah de Jesús Díaz, 2006 7 7 Tough and tannic. Plenty of fruit to give a fine mouth-feel. 

DO Vinos de Madrid 

4310 Domino de Longaz, DO Carineña, 2005 8 8 Red wine of great quality. 

Bodegas Victoria 

4312 Opimian Viñas Viejas, Bodegas Luan 2006 9 9 Now ready. 

4313 Monasterio de Santa Ana Crianza, 2004 10 10 

DO Jumilla 

4314 Casa de las Especias Joven, DO Yecla 2006 8 8 Ready now. Beautifully ripe fruit flavours. 

4318 Montblanc 362 Cabernet/Merlot, 2005 6 7 Drinking well now. 

DO Conca de Barberà 

4320 Clos Montblanc Masia Les Comes, 2004 8 8 Fine wine from a very highly rated, high altitude vineyard. 

Cabernet/Merlot Reserva 

4321 Clos Mont-Blanc, Excelencia, 2004 9 9 Very tannic when offered, but that has now softened as 

Masia les comes, Founders’ Choice the wine aged. Now presents beautifully. 

4328 Mâcon-Lugny, AOC, Cuvée Prestige 2007 8 8 Strong notes of the chalky terroir. 

4329 Pouilly-Fuissé, AOC, Vieilles Vignes 2007 8 8 The vigour will go, but the palate has grown more attractively 

creamy. 

4330 Beaujolais, AOC, Cuvée Prestige, 2007 7 8 This was a specially chosen cuvée. It is perfect now and 

Les Genetières will not significantly improve, so enjoy this year. 

4331 Sylvaner Réserve, AC Alsace 2006 10 10 Ready. 

4332 Riesling Réserve, AC Alsace 2006 8 8 

4333 Pinot Gris Réserve, AC Alsace 2006 8 8 Very attractive now and will not improve. 

4334 Muscat Réserve, AC Alsace 2006 8 8 Really at its peak. It will go on a while yet, but for life and 

vitality, enjoy now. 

4335 Gewürztraminer Réserve, AC Alsace 2006 7 8 Developing fine character. Will continue to mature and 

increase in interest. 

4336 Pinot Blanc, AC Alsace, Médaille d’Or 2005 8 8 Full-bodied and rich. 

4337 Riesling, Grand Cru, “Schoenenbourg” 2005 7 7 Utterly sublime, the epitome of a great Riesling. 

4338 Pinot Gris, Grand Cru, “Rosacker” 2005 8 8 Perfect and probably will not improve. 

4339 Gewürztraminer, Grand Cru, 2005 7 7 If necessary this could be put away for another ten years. 

“Schoenenbourg” 

4340 Gewürztraminer, Vendages Tardives, 2005 6 6 Gloriously rich. Peaches. Apples. Fine acidity creating a 

AC Alsace perfect balance. 

4341 Crémant d’Alsace, Calixte Brut, N.V. 10 10 Enjoy at will, but do not keep. 

AC Crémant d’Alsace 


2

0 



4342 Casa Nueva Limited Edition, 2006 7 8 Lovely wine. A perfect moment to open a bottle. 

Cabernet/Syrah/Carmenère 

4343 Casa Nueva Viognier 2007 8 8 A big, fat wine. Plenty of extract, but the flavour is entirely dry. 

4344 Casa Nueva Family Reserva Chardonnay 2005 8 8 It was great a year ago, it is great now. No requirement to 

rush for a corkscrew. 

4345 Casa Nueva Late Harvest, 2005 6 7 Very unusual wine. Honey. Orange blooms. Notes of peaches, 

Sauvignon Blanc but the green fruit of the Sauvignon is still evident. 

4346 Casa Nueva Carmenère 2007 8 8 Before we had Carmenère, we had many other varietals, but 

this grape added something special to the list. This is a lovely 

example. Can be enjoyed for another five/six years. 

4347 Casa Nueva Syrah/Carmenère Reserva 2006 8 8 Holding up well, but the Carmenère is taking more time than 

the Syrah, so it is a little out of pace. 

4348 Cornellana Sparkling Brut, 2006 10 10 Ready a year ago, it is still ready, but no point in keeping it 

Cachapoal Valley any longer. 

4352 Cornellana Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 10 10 Too ripe to be entirely typical. Rather rich palate. Losing 

Cachapoal Valley its initial attack. 

4353 Cornellana Chardonnay, 2007 9 9 Ripe and ready. 

Cachapoal Valley 

4354 Cornellana Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, 2007 9 9 Too rich to be entirely elegant but this is a delicious wine, 

Cachapoal Valley full of aroma and taste. Drink between 2010 and 2013. 

4355 Cornellana Chardonnay Barrel Reserve, 2007 8 9 Ripe and rich, there’s plenty of character here, but it needs 

Cachapoal Valley drinking before the acidity leaves the party. Drink between 

2011 and 2013. 

4356 Cornellana Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 10 10 Enjoy now, it has nowhere to go that would produce 

Rosé any improvement. 

4357 Cornellana Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 9 10 Like the Merlot, the fruit level is so high that it lacks tannin, 

Cachapoal Valley but it is soft and easy. 

4358 Cornellana Merlot, Cachapoal Valley 2007 10 10 Spirited and spicy. A beautiful soft red with fruit oozing around 

every corner of the palate. 

4359 Cornellana Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, 2007 10 10 It has been a success throughout its short life, but that success, 

Cachapoal Valley based on vigour and fruit is going nowhere. Drink this year. 

4360 Cornellana Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 8 8 Good feeling of austere tannin. Fruit is perfect and fully ripe. 

Barrel Reserve It provides a full palate of sweet succulence. 

4361 Cornellana Carmenère Barrel Reserve 2006 7 7 Powerful and rich. It will get even better. 

4362 Cornellana Shiraz Barrel Reserve 2006 8 8 Very fine. The winemaker has produced a fine example of a 

classic grape. 

4363 Cornellana, Carmenère Gran 2006 7 7 Wonderful. A dark brooding colour introduces a dark heart 

Reserva, Founders’ Choice of ripe blackberry fruit. 

4364 Sergio Traverso Merlot, Curicó Valley 2007 8 8 We have been fans of Sergio since prior to his return to Chile. 

He makes wines as well there as he did in the Livermore 

Valley. This is a most delightful red of great charm and 

structure. 

4365 Sergio Traverso Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 9 9 Very ripe fruit, but it is a touch short in the middle palate. 

Curicó Valley 

4366 Sergio Traverso Carmenère, 2006 8 9 Normal service resumed – another great wine from the hands 

Alto Valle del Rio Claro of the master. Fine, stalky, tannic acidity makes a perfect 

partner for the black fruit. 

4367 Hacienda Maitenes Carmenère, 2005 8 8 From a high, upland vineyard producing plenty of tannin 

Alto Valle del Rio Claro that is holding up the maturation process. Try a sample this 

year. 



4368 Mare Nostrum by Sergio Traverso, 2006 8 8 Sergio explained that there was plenty of symbolism in 

Curicó Valley the naming of this wine. It is marvellous now and will keep 

going for two or three years. 

4369 Sergio Traverso Notable Blend, 2005 8 8 As much as the title “Notable Blend” jars the perception of 

Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère the blend, it is still easy, soft and ready, and holding its quality 

well. 

4370 Duetto de Chile 1993 10 10 Both of these vintages were among the finest that Sergio ever 

(3 bottles each vintage) 2003 10 10 produced after his return to Chile. Both are more than ready 

to be enjoyed, perhaps the oldest is now past its best. 

4371 Expresión Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 10 10 Lovely. From a man who knows how to put a capital “F” 

Casablanca Valley into Flavour. 

4372 Expresión Reserve Chardonnay, 2006 10 10 The cool Casablanca Valley really does produce fine white 

Casablanca Valley grapes. This is most beautifully balanced. It needs drinking now. 

4373 Expresión Reserve Merlot, 2006 8 8 Softly delicious, yet it has good backbone and tannin 

Casablanca Valley to enhance the flavour platform. 

4374 Expresión Reserve Pinot Noir, 2007 8 9 There was a touch of doubt as to whether Thierry Villard could 

Casablanca Valley pull off a truly fine Pinot Noir. He did and it is found in this 

bottle. Ready to drink. 

4375 Expresión Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 9 9 Very soft and delightfully supple. 

Maipo Valley 

4376 Equis Gran Tinto, 2005 8 9 Wines from two regions blending together seamlessly to 

Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot produce a wine with power and personality in a maelstrom of 

dark berry flavours. 

4377 Tanagra Syrah, Casablanca Valley 2006 7 7 Thierry Villard was determined to make people sit up and 

register the high quality of this wine. This is entirely Syrah and 

has many of the qualities of the finest wines of that grape 

from the Northern Rhône Valley. 

4378 Domaine Villabea, AOC Condrieu 2006 8 8 Mighty white wine with a tremendous complexity. It is so 

concentrated that it finds difficulty in achieving balance. It will 

last well, but frankly there is little point of holding on any longer. 

4379 Domaine Stéphane Montez, 2007 8 8 Another very big white. The Viognier from these northern 

AOC Condrieu vineyards is cropped at such a low level that the wine is 

difficult to balance with any degree of freshness remaining. 

4380 Domaine Berthet-Rayne, 2007 9 9 Lovely black wine now made by a father and son team. 

Cuvée Préstige, AOC Cairanne The wine is better for their joint effort. 

4381 Château de Manissy Rosé, 2007 8 9 Not absolutely necessary to drink this rosé when it is utterly 

AOC Tavel, Cuvée Fruitée young, but there is no point in hanging on to this any longer. 

4382 Domaine Villabea, AOC Côte Rôtie 2005 7 7 From a tiny estate, perched high on an arid outcrop, that 

produces wines of huge complexity and fullness of body. 

4383 Domaine Gilles Flacher, 2006 7 7 A year ago this needed time to harmonize. Now ready, it is 

AOC Saint Joseph delightfully easy, with fruit that tastes sweet on the palate. 

4384 Domaine du Murinais, 2006 9 9 Does not appear to be improving and the fruit level is 

AOC Crozes Hermitage only modest. Drink this year. 

4385 Domaine des Romarins, 2006 8 8 Without argument, this is one of the finest of all the wines 

AOC Côtes du Rhône of this appellation. 

4386 Domaine Vincent Rochette, 2006 8 8 Still good for a couple of years. 

AOC Côtes du Rhône 

4387 Domaine des Romarins, « Signargues » 2006 7 8 This comes from another great Opimian father and son 

team. The Fabres are widely recognized for the outstanding 

quality of their wines, all made under the watchful eye of 

great-grandfather Fabre. 

4388 Domaine du Val des Rois, Valréas 2006 8 8 Now offering lovely, soft, jammy perfume and black cherry fruit 

flavours. 


1

2 


4389 Domaine Vincent Rochette, AOC Visan 2006 7 7 The producer is a live Jack-in-a-box, but his wines are much 

more approachable and will last for several more years. 

4390 Domaine des Côteaux des Travers, 2006 9 9 Winemaker Robert Charavin was known for the outstanding 

Réserve Rasteau quality of his wines more than thirty years ago. He still enjoys 

the same reputation for balanced fruit, tannin and harmony. 

4391 Domaine Berthet-Rayne, « Tradition », 2006 8 8 Lovely nose, rather like a whiff of the pepper mill mingling 

AOC Cairann with the perfumes of black fruits in the jam pot. 

4392 Château de Montmirail, Le Graminier, 2006 8 8 Produced by an extended family team, this is the finest estate 

AOC Gigondas wine of a fine village. Young. Succulent. A partnership of ripe 

fruits. 

4393 Domaine Maître Curnier, 2006 8 9 Ripe, round and ready. 

AOC Vacqueyras 

4394 Domaine Ferme Saint-Martin, 2006 7 8 One of the slowest wines to develop of all the many vineyards 

AOC Beaumes de Venise and villages of the southern Rhône. 

4395 Domaine des Cigalons, 2006 7 7 Having reached early adulthood, this deserves to be allowed 

AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape to slumber on, gaining authority as its aggression fades. 

4396 Château de Manissy, AOC Lirac 2006 8 8 Fine wine of a much neglected region. 

4397 Domaine Ferme Saint-Martin, 2006 8 9 Lovely. Soft. Round and delightfully fruity. 

« La Gérine », AOC Côtes du Ventoux 

4398 Domaine de la Roche, 2007 10 10 Drink during 2010. 

AOC Costières de Nîmes 

4400 Les Chanterelles, Grenache-Sauvignon, 2007 10 10 


4401 Domaine Mas de Beaulieu, Viognier, 2007 10 10 Perfectly ready 


4402 Les Chanterelles, Syrah–Grenache, 2007 10 10 Remains an attractive red. 


4403 Domaine Mas de Beaulieu, Syrah, 2007 9 9 Good wine with attractive balance and light structure. 


4404 Côte Rôtie “Du Peloux”, AOC Côte Rôtie 2006 7 7 Softening. The fruit is becoming more forceful, while the 

tannins are softer and more approachable. 

4405 Les Truffières, AOC Côteaux du Tricastin 2007 10 10 Still an attractive drink for less formal occasions. 

4406 Cornas, AOC Cornas 2002 9 9 We were lucky to prize this lot from the museum stocks. It is 

deliciously mature and soft. 

4407 Les Boisières, Terroirs de Talents, 2007 9 9 Ready now. 

AOC Côtes du Rhône, Selection Fruitée 



4408 Les Boisières, Terroirs de Talents, 2007 9 9 Drink now. 

AOC Côtes du Rhône, Selection Corsée 

4409 Domaine de Montbayon, 2007 6 7 Forward and easy in the mouth. No problem to keep for 

AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages another year or two. 

4410 Vacqueyras, AOC Vacqueyras, 2005 8 9 Now it is soft, easy and attractively ready. 

Jérôme Seguin 

4411 Les Lavandines, AOC Côtes du Ventoux 2007 9 9 Still drinking well, although it should be finished before the 

end of the year. 

4412 La Haute Brulière, 2007 9 9 Ready. Easy and not likely to get any better than now. 

AOC Côtes du Luberon 


4413 “K7” Cuvée, Qualitätswein, Burgenland 2006 8 8 An amazingly good red wine blend. Good structure. 

Fine harmony. Plenty of fruit. A really good surprise. 

4414 Grüner Veltliner, Qualitätswein, 2007 8 9 What an enigma – it is either a wine to be drunk within 

Neusiedlersee months of bottling or it can be put aside. On balance, it would 

be best to finish this during 2010. 

4415 Pinot Blanc, Qualitätswein, Burgenland 2007 10 10 Hopefully there is very little of this left. It has already passed 

“Go”. 

4416 Riesling, Qualitätswein, Burgenland 2007 8 8 Fresh. Clean. Not very much flavour, but it is pure and 

practically dry. 

4417 Trockenbeerenauslese, Neusiedlersee 2006 5 8 At a rough estimate, this has about 48 years to go. 

4418 Rosé Cèléste, Qualitätswein, Burgenland 2007 10 10 Hope there is none of this left. It should have been opened 

last year. 

4419 Pinot Noir, Qualitätswein, Burgenland 2004 10 10 Matured quite quickly once the freshness declined. Enjoy now. 

4420 Ruppertsberger Hofstück, 2007 6 7 Like many Gewürztraminer wines, it is taking a long time to 

Gewürztraminer Kabinett develop. However, it is lovely and can well be opened during 

the coming year. 

4421 Ruppertsberger Nussbien, 2007 9 9 Perfect for today and for two or three more years. 

Riesling Kabinett 

4422 Gimmeldinger Meerspinne, 2007 8 8 Has not yet reached maturity, but will be at its most 

Riesling Spätlese vigorous this year. 

4423 Ruppertsberger Nussbien, 2007 8 8 Still shows youthful colour and little sign of ageing. 

Riesling Kabinett Very good now 

4424 Rüdesheimer Riesling Kabinett, 2007 8 8 Better to be enjoyed during 2010/ 2011. 

Blue Label 

4425 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling, 2007 8 8 It is only through an annual review that one notes how slowly 

Hochgewächs these fine German wines progress. This is superb now. 

4426 Bernkasteler Badstube, 2007 7 8 Simply lovely, elegant and mild. Charming balance. 

Riesling Auslese, Estate Bottled 

4427 Ruppertsberger Linsenbusch, 2001 7 9 Fabulous, quite exceptional. 

Weissburgunder Beerenauslese 

4428 Semeli White, Attika TO 2007 10 10 

4429 Thyoni, Mantineia OPAP 2007 10 10 Ready now. 

4430 Orinos Helios, Nemea 2005 8 8 Good wine. The bouquet has grown steadily and in the palate 

it is sumptuously rich. Ready now. 

4431 Moscofilero White, 2007 10 10 As a fledgling, this was one of the most exciting wines of 

Vin de Pays du Peloponnese the year. Still good, but the vivid freshness has dimmed. Drink 

this year. 

4432 Saint George Nemea, AOC Nemea 2006 7 7 Approachable now, but will develop with time. 



4433 Prosecco Brut, N.V. 10 10 Ready on the day it was labelled. In fact, these wines are only 

DOC Montello e Colli Asolani fun to drink when they are full of youth. 

4434 Chardonnay, 2006 10 10 Has progressed quickly, to the point where it is at its peak. 

DOC Montello e Colli Asolani 

4435 Manzoni Bianco, IGT Colli Trevigiani 2004 10 10 Very mature. Should be opened this year. 

4436 Verduzzo, IGT Colli Trevigiani 2006 9 10 Wants drinking within the next year. 

4437 Cabernet, DOC Montello e Colli Asolani 2005 8 8 Well married, all the partners have come together well. 

4438 Merlot, DOC Montello e Colli Asolani 2005 8 9 To be enjoyed over the next eighteen months 

AGRICOLE RIzzELLO, S.P.A., CELLINO SAN MARCO 

Wines designated by the Lot Numbers 4439 – 4444 all come from a producer in the deepest south-eastern corner of Italy, from an 

area referred to as the “Heel of Italy”. The terroir is moderately rich, with soil made up of degraded volcanic outflows. Over the millennia, 

that has become mixed with sand and limestone, providing a perfect terroir for the unique local grape varieties. All of the wines, both 

white and red, have wonderfully elevated concentration and flavours. The red wines often offer a touch of residual sugar and have huge 

colour, while the early maturing whites are full of flavour and full-bodied structure. 

4439 Malvasia Bianca Salento, IGT 2007 10 10 Drink while fresh. 

4440 Negroamaro Salento, IGT 2006 10 10 Quite ready. 

4441 Primitivo Salento, IGT 2006 9 9 A monster in sheep’s clothing. Very easy. 

4442 Primitivo di Manduria, DOC 2006 8 9 Simple but huge. Rich, opulent grape flavours. 

4443 Salice Salentino Riserva, DOC 2005 8 9 Marvellous. Very fine balance. 

4444 Cirò Classico, DOC 2006 7 7 Hardly changed in two years. Still rich and full, yet it does 

need more time. 

4445 Pinot Grigio, DOC Alto Adige, 2007 10 10 The essence of Pinot Grigio lies in its fresh fruit and zesty 

E. Von Keller acidity. To capture these qualities, it must be enjoyed when 

young. Drink remaining bottles soon. 

4446 Pinot Bianco, DOC Alto Adige 2006 10 10 One of the best examples of this relatively rare vine. Close to 

losing its grip. 

4447 Soave Classico, DOC 2007 10 10 Very light. Tastes a little like an oriental pear. If the colour is 

still light, enjoy it now. 

4448 Valpolicella Classico, DOC 2007 10 10 Should have been opened by now. 

4449 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, 2004 7 7 Thick, sweet tasting fruit, but dry in the mouth. Powerful 

DOC prune and plum nose. Long life. 

4450 Bardolino, DOC 2007 10 10 Very small and thin. Has lost a lot of its early energy. 

4451 Merlot delle Venezie, IGT 2007 10 10 Open this year, no benefit in holding on. 

4452 Valpolicella Classico 2005 8 8 Luscious notes of figs and prunes. Lovely, full flavoured 

Superiore “Ripasso”, DOC and soft as velvet. 

4453 Orvieto Classico, DOC 2007 10 10 Use now before it begins to oxidize. 

4454 Sangiovese Toscano Rosso, IGT 2007 8 8 Ready to drink now, more for its fruit than its weight. 

4455 Chianti, DOCG 2007 8 8 Soft and supple tannin. Good fruit. Ready. 

4456 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, DOC 2007 7 8 Rough and tannic. Very earthy and agricultural. Great wine 

with a rustic country stew. 

4457 Vernaccia di San Gimignano, DOCG 2007 10 10 When old, this is a horrible wine. So don’t delay, enjoy it now! 

4458 Chianti Colli Senesi, DOCG 2007 7 7 Still needs more time. 

4459 Morellino di Scansano, DOC, 2007 7 7 A recently popular area with top growers. Everyone seems 

Tenuta Le Preselle to be buying land here, and interest in the palate shows why. 

Fine balance. The Sangiovese characters are nicely lifted. 

4460 Chianti Classico, DOCG, Fagnano 2006 7 8 Lovely, ready now. 

4461 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, DOCG, 2005 7 7 This is still heading for maturity, but taking its time. Don’t worry, 

Cerraia it will arrive and all of the tannins will become much easier. 



4462 Brunello di Montalcino, DOCG 2003 8 8 A beautifully made wine, this shows why Brunello has such 

wide appeal. Will last for years. 

4463 Cajo, IGT Umbria 2005 7 7 Still shut in. Tough, roughly tannic. 

4466 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, 2007 10 10 Drink up, it is not going to get any better. 

DOC 

4467 Rosso Piceno, DOC 2007 8 9 Rather acidic, even too acidic, but that is typical of wine from 

this region. Made with two grapes, one soft and supple, the 

other as hard as nails. Taking time to find harmony between 

the two. 

4468 Barbera d’Alba, DOC 2006 8 8 Still not entirely mature, but it is open and balanced. 

4469 Dolcetto d’Alba, DOC 2007 8 9 Almost sweet, but the attraction lies in the up-front fruit level. 

4470 Barbaresco, DOCG 2004 7 7 Moving slowly towards maturity. Very fine example. 

4471 Nebbiolo d’Alba Bricco Reala, DOC 2005 7 8 Very dark. Showing smoky notes of red berries. Nose shows 

leather and tobacco leaves 

4472 Barolo, DOCG 2004 8 8 Huge, dark wine with deep, hidden complexities that need 

careful tasting to join the party. Lovely subtle wine. 

4473 Castello delle Femmine, IGT 2006 7 8 Very big wine from the fairytale landscape of Campania, 

not far from Mont Vesuvius, close to Capri and the 

beautiful Amalfi coastline. Very full-bodied, soft wine with 

plenty of black fruit. 

4474 Ischia Rosso, “I Mari”, DOC 2007 7 8 Good fruit. Quite soft. Attractive fruity bouquet. 

4475 Aglianico, “Le Fantasie”, IGT 2007 7 7 Comes from the top winery of Ischia. The quality of the wine 

reflects the position of the winery. 

4476 Venas Rosso, “Terra degli Osci”, IGT 2007 9 10 One of Italy’s island wines. Big and still needing time. 

4477 Insolia Sicilia, “Carinda”, IGT 2007 9 9 Fine white. Ready now. 

4478 Syrah Sicilia, “Ruggiero” 2006 8 8 Very fine. Interested flavours. Still developing. 

4479 Castello Del Terriccio, Capannino, 2006 7 7 Lovely wine. Finding really memorable Chianti Classico is 

Toscana IGT, Founders’ Choice a labour of love, but this wine ticked all the boxes. 




the “Stellar” vintage of Bordeaux, 2005 By Kenneth Christie, M.W. 

A large number of the wines in this offering came from the wonderful vintage of 2005. As I have a home in southern Europe, I was able 

to visit Bordeaux on many occasions throughout the whole of the early growing season, the flowering, the development of the fruit and the 

period of the eventual harvest. Day after day, and week after week, the weather was close to perfect for the vines and grapes. Sometimes 

temperatures reached high levels that tended to over-ripen and partially dehydrate the fruit. This was balanced by some welcome showers in 

September that allowed the fruit to recover and for all of its components – sugar, acidity, solids and tannins – to reach perfect maturity at the 

same moment. 

One morning in late September, I stood overlooking the grape crusher at Château Léoville Barton in Saint Julien, Médoc. The team members 

designated to take out any rotten or imperfectly ripened bunches stood idly by, as practically all of the fruit was perfect and needed none of 

their attention. 

Four and a half years after that warm early Autumnal moment when the wines were born, (they have now been in bottle for more than two 

years) their components have settled down and joined in harmony and they have emerged from the post bottling period of “bottle sickness”, 

a time when aroma and flavour retreats and the wines appear dumb. Now we can see how good they are. 

First, they are not truly typical of Bordeaux from an average vintage. The tangible, testable extracted fruit characters are higher than normal 

and they have plenty of ripe berry notes that seem closer to Sonoma than Saint-Émilion. Tannins are ripe, the balance is assured, and these 

are wines that quite clearly come from a very “senior” vintage. 

As is normal with such wines, from the most expensive to the more modestly priced, they are very easy to enjoy as their fruit is so accessible. 

They are also wines with plenty of weight and concentration that will allow them to be put away, lying on their sides, if possible within their 

original cases or cartons as the packaging provides good insulation against rapid temperature changes. They can then be stored until you 

decide they are perfect for you. That is, of course, the moment when you will decide that you should have purchased more of this delicious vintage. 

4483 Château Saint-Christoly, Cru Bourgeois, 2005 7 7 Drink through to 2015. 

AC Médoc 

4484 Château Haut Bergeron, AC Sauternes 2005 6 8 Great pleasure, will last forever. 

4485 Château Les Dames de la Renardière, 2006 8 9 Good wine, well made. 

AC Entre-Deux-Mers 

4486 Château les Bois Noirs, AC Bordeaux 2007 8 9 Progressing towards softness. Not very intense. 

4487 Château Les Dames de la Renardière 2005 7 7 Leave awhile for it to develop and broaden its flavours. 

4488 Château le Pré de la Lande, Cuvée Diane 2005 7 7 Very nice, small wine. Perfectly harmonious. 

4489 Château Lavergne, AC Côtes de Castillon 2005 8 8 

4490 Château Le Breuil, AC Côtes de Bourg 2005 7 7 Good wine. Well balanced. 

4491 Château Viramon, 2006 6 7 Showing well and will continue for a good number of years. 

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 

4492 Château Ferrand, AC Pomerol 2006 6 7 Will last well into the late teens of this decade. 

4493 Château du Vallier, AC Premières Côtes 2005 8 8 Very fine wine. Good extract. Balanced and harmonious. 

de Bordeaux, Founders’ Choice 

4494 Château Pique-Sègue Blanc, 2007 9 10 Ready now. 

AC Montravel 

4495 Château Pique-Sègue Blanc 2007 7 7 

4496 Château Pique-Sègue Rosé, AC Bergerac 2007 10 10 Drink very soon. 

4497 Château Pique-Sègue Rouge, 2006 7 8 Very good. One of the best wines from one of Bergerac’s 

AC Bergerac finest properties. 

4498 Château Dauzan la Vergne, 2005 6 7 Much better than it appears at earlier tastings. Drink between 

AC Côtes de Bergerac 2012 and 2016. 

4499 Terre de Pique-Sègue, « Anima Vitis », 2004 7 8 Now very fine and ready. 

AC Montravel 

4500 Château Dauzan la Vergne 1996 10 10 

(2 bottles each vintage) 1999 9 10 Mixed case. All three vintages are mature. 

2000 8 9 

4501 Château Richemont Blanc, AC Bordeaux 2006 8 8 Drink through 2010 and 2011. 

4502 Château de Sours Blanc, AC Bordeaux 2006 8 8 



4503 La Source Blanc, AC Bordeaux 2006 7 7 Highly concentrated flavours. Big wine. Very attractive 

complexity. 

4504 Château Richemont Rouge, AC Bordeaux 2006 7 8 Classy, but quite small. 

4505 Château de Sours Rouge, AC Bordeaux 2006 7 8 One of the best of the Appellation. Drink through to 2014. 

4506 La Source Rouge, AC Bordeaux 2006 5 7 Huge wine. Made to last. Enjoy when a sample suggests it is 

ready. 

4507 Château Martinon Blanc, 2007 10 10 Open now or lose it. Great wine from a small place. 

AC Entre-Deux-Mers 

4508 Prince Pirate Rouge, N.V. 10 10 Bottled for our 35 th Anniversary, and that has long gone. 

« Cuvée Le 35ième » 

4509 The Opimian Society’s Claret, N.V. 8 9 Still very good, but it needs drinking. Enjoy within the year. 

AC Bordeaux 

4510 Château Malbiche, 2005 7 7 

AC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux 

4511 Château Haut-Sociondo, 2006 8 9 No profit if delaying. Open and enjoy this year. 

AC Premières Côtes de Blaye 

4512 Château de la Dauphine, AC Fronsac 2005 6 7 

4513 Château Martinon Rouge, 2006 7 8 Brilliant wine from an estate known to us for more than 

AC Bordeaux Supérieur 35 years. 

4514 “20 Mille” de J-P Janoueix, 2005 5 7 A crazy wine for lovers of the outstanding. 

AC Bordeaux Supérieur 

4515 Château La Croix Mouton, 2004 7 8 


4516 Château Moulin des Laurets, 2006 7 8 Young, but it is now just about perfect. 

AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion 

4517 Château Citran, AC Haut-Médoc 2005 7 7 

AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion 

4518 Château Sainte-Colombe, 2005 7 7 

AC Côtes de Castillon 

4519 Château Vieux Clos Saint-Émilion, 2006 6 7 This château provided our first ever en primeur offer. It is 

AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru as good now as then, and it will last for several years. 

4520 Château La Confession, 2004 7 7 Unready. Immature, but still drinking beautifully. 

AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 

4521 Château Labegorce, AC Margaux 2005 7 7 

4522 Château Les Cruzelles, 2005 7 8 

AC Lalande-de-Pomerol 

4523 Marquis de Calon, AC Sainte-Estèphe 2005 7 7 

4524 Château Lynch-Moussas, AC Pauillac 2005 6 7 Drink from 2010 to 2018. 


7


4525 Château Brown, Pessac-Léognan, 2005 6 6 

AC Graves 

4527 Château de Marsan, AC Bordeaux 2007 9 9 Perfect now. Showing some age already. 

4528 Château Roquefort Blanc, AC Bordeaux 2007 9 9 No point in holding on. 

4529 Château Guirauton, AC Graves 2007 8 8 This has progressed rapidly. Ready soon. 

4530 La Fleur d’Or, AC Sauternes 2005 6 8 Delectable, delicious, sweet and sticky. Perfect with strawberries. 

4531 Château Puynard, AC Côtes de Blaye 2005 7 8 Ready. 

4532 Château Lescalle, 2005 8 8 


4533 Château Vieux Dominique, 2005 7 8 


4534 Château Roquefort Rouge, AC Bordeaux 2005 7 7 A small wine from vineyards between the copses and woods 

of Entre-Deux-Mers. This is a beauty. 

4535 Château Bel-Air La Chapelle, 2005 6 7 Very drinkable. 

AC Côtes de Castillon 

4536 Château Léonie, AC Graves 2005 7 8 Lovely fresh fruit, ripe and complex. 

4537 Château de Côme, AC Saint-Estèphe 2005 6 6 Lots of time left. Don’t hurry this one along. Be patient. 


PROVENCE 

All the wines from Château Vignelaure were made for us by David O’Brien, the super talented, self-taught winemaker who left his first 

calling as one of Europe’s most successful racehorse trainers to become a winemaker, in the process returning Vignelaure to its former 

position as one of the two leading wines of Provence. Sadly, David sold the property to live in Australia, the home of his wife Catherine. 

These wines are the last that David made for us. 

4538 La Grande Pièce de Vignelaure 2006 8 8 Fine harmonious “Bordeaux blend.” 

4539 Esprit de Nijinsky Rosé 2007 9 9 A very fine pink wine, but it should not be held any longer. 

4540 La Source de Vignelaure Rosé 2007 10 10 Fresh and lively. Modest nose, but appetizing fruit acidity. Drink now. 

4541 La Source de Vignelaure Rouge 2006 9 9 Never intended as a long keeper, it has good acidity, but very 

low tannin. Open and enjoy. 

4542 Esprit de Nijinsky Rouge 2006 8 8 A big, jam flavoured palate shows that the tannins have 

receded and it is now ready. 

4543 Château Vignelaure, 2004 8 8 Has developed quickly. In fine condition and it will hold well, 

AOC Côteaux d’Aix en Provence but it is now showing its weight and structure. 

4544 Bourgogne Aligoté, AOC 2007 10 10 Should have all gone by now. The palate is now dull and rather 

coarse. 

4545 Bourgogne 2007 8 8 The best wine to be found of this appellation. Coming 

Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune Blanc, AOC around nicely to show the fragrance and softness of 

the fruit. 

4546 Saint-Aubin, 1er Cru, AOC, 2007 8 8 This is the perfect moment to open and enjoy this delicious 

“Vigne Moingeon” white. 

4547 Bourgogne 2007 7 7 Far better than its appellation, Billard really concentrates 

Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune Rouge, AOC on making this lesser appellation fine. 

4548 Auxey-Duresses, AOC, “Les Jonchères” 2007 7 7 Medium weight. Nice, warm, ripe fruit with a good structure 

that provides length in the mouth. Good. 

4549 Beaune, AOC, “Les Bons Feuvres” 2007 7 7 Outside of the Côte d’Or, the Pinot Noir is known to be a very 

difficult grape to work with. Here, it is done with ease. This is 

a deliciously complete example that will please for three or 

four more years. 

4550 Côte de Beaune Villages, AOC, 2007 8 8 Youthful, showing attractive aromas of forest leaves and 

Domaine Billard, Founders’ Choice bright red berry fruit. Supple and easy in the mouth. 



4551 Crémant de Loire, AOC, N.V. 10 10 Quite delicious. Fine, chalky nuances from the terroir. 

Domaine du Pont de Livier Good persistent mousse of fine bubbles. 

4552 Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, 2007 10 10 Delightful. A ballad of light notes and harmonious extract. 

mise sur lie, AOC Fruity, dry, neat touch of dissolved CO 2. 

4553 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, AOC 2007 10 10 Best of the Sauvignon estates on the south bank of the Loire. 

Penetrating, green fruit. Zesty, fresh acidity. Don’t spoil it by 

keeping it. 

4554 Côteaux du Layon, AOC, 2007 8 8 Flore and Emmanuel Rialland make simply delicious wines. 

Domaine du Pont de Livier, This one can be kept, but it is stunning and easy now. 

4555 Caracter de l’Ansée, 2006 10 10 Very attractive blend, the interest of Chardonnay with the 

Sauvignon-Chardonnay attack of the Sauvignon acidity. 

4556 Pouilly-Fumé, AOC, 2007 8 9 This has developed well, but as far as it should, within 

Domaine Mollet-Maudry the bottle. It is now time to release it into a glass. Drink in 

2010. 

4557 Sancerre Blanc, Domaine Mollet-Maudry 2007 8 9 Still delightful, but it is not going any further. Enjoy its youthful 

energy. 

4558 Rosé d’Anjou, AOC, 2007 10 10 Another lovely wine from the Riallands, but like others, 

Domaine du Pont de Livier it is best enjoyed when young. 

4559 Touraine Friandise, Gamay, AOC 2007 9 10 Perfect. Take all of the fresh tasting fruit and grab it while you 

can. 

4560 Touraine Emotion, Cabernet-Côt, AOC 2007 8 8 Ready now. No need to hurry, but finish it before 2012. 

4561 Sancerre Rouge, 2006 8 8 It takes a while to develop, and will never be other than subtle 

Domaine Mollet-Maudry and well rounded. 

4564 Cuvée Lagarde, 2007 10 10 Terrific value. Intended to be opened within 24 months of 

Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan the vintage. 

4565 Les Argelières, Chardonnay, 2007 10 10 Easy. Everything is in place and ready. 


4566 Cuvée Lagarde, Vin de Pays de l’Hérault, 2007 9 10 Utterly ready and will diminish in performance during this year. 

4567 Le Rouge de l’Azerolle, AOC Minervois 2007 8 9 An appellation that produces much better wines than expected 

from the price. Grainy, rather stringy tannins, but plenty of 

easy ripe fruit. 

4568 La Campagne, Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2007 10 10 Don’t wait, it is fine now. 

4569 La Campagne, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 10 10 Green and stalky. Not much fruit. Clean enough, but little 

Vin de Pays d’Oc of interest. 

4570 Domaine Mondié, Merlot-Syrah, 2007 10 10 Enjoyable. Easy, soft, fine spiced notes at the entry to the 

Vin de Pays d’Oc palate. 

4571 Château la Selette, AOC Minervois 2007 8 8 Big. Sturdy. Good structure. 

4572 Les Argelières, Syrah, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2007 8 9 Perfect for enjoyment this year and through 2011. 

4573 Domaine Castan, Les Terres Rouges 2007 8 8 Surprisingly reticent. Good fruit, but still rather shut in the 

unfinished tannins. 

4574 Château Salitis, Cuvée Premium, 2006 7 8 This property is capable of producing great wine. This 

AOC Cabardès wine continues the tradition. It is quite soft and approachable 

with chewy tannins. 

4575 Château La Clotte-Fontane, 2007 7 7 Slowly softening, maturity is still a while away. 

Cuvée Mathiérou 


0 


4576 Tortoise Creek, Chardonnay, 2007 9 9 


4577 Tortoise Creek, Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 10 10 

Vin de Pays d’Oc, 

4578 Tortoise Creek, Viognier, 2007 10 10 


4579 Tortoise Creek, Grenache Rosé 2007 10 10 


4580 Tortoise Creek, Merlot-Cabernet, 2007 8 9 


4581 Tortoise Creek, Shiraz, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2007 8 8 

4583 Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 9 9 Very simple. Attractive. 

Vigne Sauvage 

4584 Syrah Rosé, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 10 10 A light rosé that, like almost all modern rosés, is made for 

immediate gratification. 

4585 Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 9 9 

Louis Mondeville 

4586 Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 10 10 


4587 Viognier, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 9 9 


4588 Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 8 8 


4589 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 8 9 


4590 Syrah, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 8 8 


The originators of Tortoise Creek, Melvyn and Janie Master, 

set out to create a range of classic varietals that could be 

bought and enjoyed immediately. Current winemaker, Xavier 

Roger, continues the philosophy with a fistful of easy, soft, 

fruity wines with supple characters that can charm the birds 

out of the trees. These are the perfect wines for people with 

limited space for storage. None of these wines have hard or 

excessive tannins and the whites are all ripe and opulent. Like 

the Californian wines of the same name, they are made for 

today and should not be ordered to be laid down or cellared 

for longer than a year after shipment. 

Louis Mandeville-Peirière works closely with Thierry Coulon, 

owner of the remarkable Paul Sapin winery, who bottles these 

wines. The intention of the partners is to provide a full range 

of southern and classic varietals, all capable of modest ageing 

and development in the bottle. As young wines, immediately 

after shipping, they are invariably rather dumb and show little 

expanded flavour. With a year in bottle, they begin to ripen and 

fill out. However, they cannot provide the substance found in 

the wines of single vineyard estates, but they are invariably 

clean, wholesome and surprisingly elegant. 

4591 Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 8 8 Still has potential to ripen and broaden its flavours. 

Domaine Peirière 

4592 Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 10 10 Lovely wine. Clean, sharp, vitally youthful and full flavours. 


4593 Viognier, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 9 10 Delicious. One of the earlier plantings of a Viognier vineyard, 

Domaine Peirière the wine has full flavour and body. 

4594 Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 8 8 Medium weight. Stringy tannins. Cherries and plums. 


4595 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 8 9 Rather lean, still shows little weight of fruit. It will never be full 

Domaine Peirière bodied. 

4596 Syrah, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 8 8 Very fine classical notes. Touch of chocolate, fig, rose 

Domaine Peirière blossom and cassis. 

4597 Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2007 7 8 The market says plant Pinot Noir and growers follow that 

Domaine Peirière advice. It does not really do well here. This is attractive, but will 

never develop any great personality. 




4598 Morningsun Vineyards Cabernet 2003 10 10 Fully mature, soft and pliable. Still good fruit. 

Sauvignon, Lake Country 

4599 Opimian California White N.V. 10 10 No longer much fun, as much of the freshness has gone. 

4600 Butterfly Ridge Chardonnay, 2007 9 9 Should have been opened by now, even so it is still a 

Central Coast good glass of vino. 

4601 Granada Creek Vermentino, Carneros 2006 8 8 Recently tasted. It was delicious, but has completed its 

pathway to maturity. 

4602 Butterfly Ridge Zinfandel Rosé 2007 10 10 Much of the vigour has gone and, unless it has been kept 

cool, it will be dull and lack-lustre. 

4603 Opimian California Red N.V. 10 10 Jolly good a year ago, it is still OK, but should be used quickly. 

4604 Granada Creek Syrah 2007 8 9 Drinking nicely. Good fruit. Warm and soft. 

4605 Butterfly Ridge Merlot, Lake County 2006 8 8 Good spice. Balanced, nice wine. 

4606 Butterfly Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 8 8 Well structured, soft, easy and absolutely ready. 

Central Coast 

4607 Butterfly Ridge Zinfandel, 2006 8 9 Still a delicious wine. It reflects well upon the vineyard. 

Clockspring Vineyard 

4608 Riverview Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 7 7 Lovely wine. Luscious fruit with a fine buzz of tannin to add 

to mouth-feel and interest. 

4610 “Pure” Chardonnay, Monterey 2007 9 9 Categorized as “Pure” by the winemaker – it is exactly that. 

Fine varietal flavours. 

4611 “Pure” Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County 2007 8 8 You get what it says on the tin: Pure and Cabernet; lovely, 

but still improving. 

4612 “Pure” Merlot, Lake County 2007 8 8 Fine bouquet. Quite spicy. Liquorice and fruit. Nuances of 

bell-pepper. 

4613 “Red X”, California 2006 8 8 This is a “cracking” blend. It is enjoyable now, while continuing 

to develop in the bottle. 

4614 Nova Vineyard, Zinfandel, Lake County 2006 8 9 Still very drinkable, but needs no more time. 

4615 X Winery, Merlot, Napa Valley 2005 8 8 In spite of its years, it is still youthful, full of lively fruit and 

lovely floral notes. 

4616 “X3” Cabernet Sauvignon, Tri-County 2006 6 7 Great structure. Like the Christmas turkey, it is full of fruit stuffing. 

4617 X Amicus Reserve, Napa Valley, 2006 8 9 Fine. A wine that shows the calibre of the fruit and the artistic 

Founder’s Choice hands behind the winemaking. 

4618 Merlot, Napa Valley 2005 7 8 Very fine. Ready, but it still has the puff to keep it alive for 

several more years. 

4619 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2004 7 7 This is typical Burgess wine – full of ripe fruit, still looks 

young, still acts like an adolescent, but it is destined to be a 

fine adult. 

4620 Enveiere, Napa Valley 2001 7 8 Wonderful wine. All together, big sunny fruit, packed with 

concentrated flavour. 

4621 Allison, Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County 2007 10 10 Don’t wait any longer. 

4622 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, 2005 8 8 A typical Stelzner wine, full of fruit juice. Strongly aromatic 

Napa Valley with a mass of convivial smooth tannins. 

4623 Cabernet Franc, Stags Leap, Napa Valley 2005 8 8 Although not a typical Cab. Franc, it is a typical Steltzner 

block-buster. Big, full-bodied and delicious. 

4624 Estate RMS Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 6 7 At last, it is now showing some softening and the onset 

Reserve Barrel Select of maturity. A great wine of outstanding weight. 

4627 Stone Valley Chardonnay 2007 10 10 Perfect. Balanced with clean fruit. 


1

2 


4628 Stone Valley White Zinfandel 2007 9 9 Ready. 

4629 Stone Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 9 9 Well structured and supple. Very enjoyable now. 

4630 Stone Valley Merlot 2006 8 8 A big wine, full of lively flavours. Big plums, cherries and spicy. 

4631 Cinnamon Grove Chardonnay, Lodi 2007 8 9 Very soft, accessible Central Valley fruit. Drink this year. 

4632 Hidden Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 7 8 Still rather tough, tannic, acidic, needs more time. Drink 

between 2012 and 2015. 

4633 Murphys Ridge Red Blend, N.V. 7 8 Fantastic wine of great power and penetration. Long in the 

Calaveras County mouth, powerful in the nose. Good to drink now with red meat. 

Better still to put it away for a couple of years. 

4634 Nth Degree Chardonnay, Livermore 2005 8 8 So big, so powerful, so concentrated and so filled with oak 

that it has to be approached with caution. This is California 

at its most memorable. Enormous power will keep it together 

even though it is lovely now. 

4635 Nth Degree Syrah, Livermore 2005 8 8 Colossal wine, so big that one needs a body building class 

before pouring a glass. With this it is not a question of mature, 

but softer. 

4636 Nth Degree Merlot, Livermore 2005 8 8 Has softened enormously and now shows lovely blackberry 

and cherry characters. 

4637 Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 7 8 This will stand up for at least ten years. Huge wine, very 

Livermore concentrated, but not complex. Just pure Cabernet fruit and 

oak notes. 

4638 Fumé Blanc, Paso Robles 2007 8 8 Full-bodied. More extract than fruit. 

4639 Chardonnay, Central Coast 2007 9 9 Lovely. Full-bodied, big flavoured, fine white. Peach, mango 

and tinned pears notes. 

4640 Reserve Viognier, Central Coast 2007 8 8 Big fat flavour. Dry palate, but the finish is fat and coats the 

palate with fruity extract. 

4641 Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2006 8 8 Very rich nose. Smoked meat, fine dense fruit and 

sirop de cassis. Perfectly ready. 

4642 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2006 8 8 Progressing in a huge profile, like a stately ocean liner sailing 

on towards maturity. 

4643 Reserve Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard 2006 7 8 Still a touch away from ready, but the palate is already soft 

and the fruit readily available in generous volume. 

4644 Vidal Icewine 2006 6 8 Amazingly fine, beautiful wine. Sufficient to make one believe that 

Vidal should be a Canadian classic. No need to rush this one. 

4645 Pinot Grigio 2007 10 10 Drink soon, it won’t get any better. 

4646 Sauvignon Blanc 2007 10 10 Less acerbic than a year ago. Fruit is losing its acidic attack. 

4647 Chardonnay Barrique 2005 8 8 Drink at will. It is delicious and shows the winemaker’s talent 

for white wines. 

4648 Chambourcin, Barrel Aged 2007 8 9 Should be enjoyed this year. No well defined characters. It has 

good fruit and balance, but short. 

4649 Gamay Noir 2007 9 9 Still showing well. Will hold up for a couple of years. 

4650 Cabernet/Petit Verdot 2007 8 8 Fruit and smoke in very attractive balance. Will drink for three 

to four years. 

4651 Agnus dei Albariño, DO Rias Baixas 2006 9 9 Terrific wine. Fine balance. The grape, Albariño, makes one of 

the finest dry whites in the world. 

4652 Dehesa del Carrizal MV Azúl, 2006 7 8 Very fine sunny red fruit, good weight mingles with 

DO Dehesa del Carrizal charming balance. 

4653 Fructuoso Tempranillo, 2003 8 8 Very fine, a red wine with enviable harmony and great length. 

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla 



4654 El Molinet, DO Valencia, 2006 8 8 One of the finest Valencia wines we have ever tasted. 

La Viña, La Font de la Figuera Spicy shrubs and wild berry fruit. 

4655 Solar de Sael, DO Bierzo 2006 8 9 Typical red Spanish grape: deep colour, raucous tannins that 

threaten to rip out tooth fillings, but it a mass of succulent fruit 

that gives appeal. 

4656 Ellinze, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla 2006 8 8 This is a real rough and tumble affair. Bright red fruit in colour 

and flavour. Acidic, showing full notes of mulberry and bilberry. 

4657 Comenge, DO Ribera del Duero 2005 7 8 Very tough. The tannins appear to be drawn as tight as a bow 

string with a mass of fruit waiting to get out and soften the 

palate. Put it away for at least another year until 2011 and 

beyond. 

4658 Arbucala, DO Toro, Bodegas Valduero 2005 7 8 Although the Bodega is from a different region, the 

winemaking is the same - assured, skillful and seamless. 

Ready but it can be cellared for several years. 

4659 Fornas Friulano, DOC Friuli Grave 2007 10 10 Lasting well beyond original assessment, it really does need to 

be drunk now. 

4660 Sartiano, IGT Umbria, Bigi SCARL, 2005 9 9 A blend, but it seems to have no focus on harmony as all 

Orvieto of the component grapes still appear separate. 

4661 Il Sodero, IGT Maremma Toscana, 2006 8 8 Lovely, big red beauty. Massed ranks of fruit line up to please. 

Tenuta di Moraia 

4662 La Sala, DOCG Chianti Classico 2006 8 9 From the best territory in Tuscany, the region of Chianti 

Azienda Agricola La Sala Classico. The Sangiovese has fine smoke and leather notes, 

superimposed on supple red fruit flavours. Delicious wine. 


4663 Wild Fig, Clovelly Triangle Estate, 2008 9 10 Perfect, a shot in the arm. Lively flavours. 

Devon Vale 

4664 The Berry, Clovelly Triangle Estate, 2007 10 10 Jacques Fourie put this together for early enjoyment, 

Devon Vale so please do enjoy it now. 

4665 Chardonnay, Rozier Bay, Mount Rozier 2007 8 9 Produced from fruit grown water stressed vines on Adam 

Mauerberger’s steeply sloping vineyard, this is beautifully 

concentrated. 

4666 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 8 10 Pungent, though soft. A song of red berries, blossom and 

Rozier Bay, Mount Rozier hints of eucalyptus. A wine to delight soon. Drink this year. 

4667 Pinotage, Rozier Bay, Mount Rozier 2006 8 8 As rich and ripe as this grape can be. Good acidity, it is really 

good drinking now. 

4668 Zidela Rosé, Zidela Wines 2008 10 10 Lovely. A wine to lighten the spirits. Quaff at will from a large glass. 

4669 Zidela Merlot, Zidela Wines 2007 9 9 Balanced and poised. Shows the effect of the terroir and skill 

of the winemaker. Very good wine and good now. 

4670 Zidela Cabernet Sauvignon/ 2007 9 9 Tightly drawn, the tannins are still rough and the acidity high. 

Merlot/Petit Verdot, Zidela Wines Wait a bit for it all to soften up. 

4671 Revelation, Mellasat, 2005 9 9 Initially this had a very high level of fruit acid. That has gone 

Dekker’s Valley Range and it is very easy, supple and rich. 

4672 Pinotage, Deza Collection 2007 8 8 Not bland, but it is at the lesser end of Cape complexity. Easy, 

enjoyable now, but it will not leave a memory. 

4673 Boschetto Rosso, Stellekaya Winery 2005 8 8 Big red scrapper. Fills the mouth with powerful fruit and leaves 

it with an endless grip of tannin. 

4674 Cape Cross, Stellekaya Winery 2005 7 8 A clever, well made and easy to like blend of red fruit flavours 

with leathery tannic notes. Good now, will last. 

4675 Hercules, Stellekaya Winery 2006 7 9 Named after a southern constellation, it shows the power of 

well selected ripe fruit when carefully matched with oak tannins. 



4676 Clovelly Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon/ 2007 7 8 This comes from the small triangular vineyard high on the hill 

Shiraz, Special Cuvée, Founders’ Choice above Devon Vale. Once surrounded by gum trees their resin 

can still be found as an interest in the mature palate. 

4677 Chenin Blanc, Kloof-en-Berg, 2008 10 10 Open and drink before the freshness goes. 

Western Cape Province, South Africa 

4678 Pinotage Rosé, Kloof-en-Berg, 2008 10 10 Only good when young, so open up any remaining 

Western Cape Province, South Africa bottles soon. 

4679 Ruby Cabernet, Kloof-en-Berg, 2008 10 10 Big palate of fruit, with acidity rather than tannin, it is perfectly 

Western Cape Province, South Africa ready. 

4680 Shiraz, Kloof-en-Berg, 2008 9 9 Saddle leather, chocolate and licorice. Delicious at the 

Western Cape Province, South Africa moment, it will last another year. 

4681 Sauvignon Blanc, Mount Vernon, 2008 9 10 A real bargain for everyday, but don’t keep it too long. 

New Zealand 

4682 Semillon/Chardonnay 2008 10 10 Well balanced as a young wine, but it loses freshness quickly 

“On the Billabong”, Riverina, Australia and becomes dull, so drink up. 

4683 Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 9 9 A big spongy, fruit laden, soft wine. Because it lacks tannin, 

“On the Billabong”, Riverina, Australia it has no longevity. 

4684 Chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay 2008 7 8 This North Island white has grace, charm and balance. 

It will develop even more interest in a medium time frame. 

4685 Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay 2008 8 9 Not as distinguished as the same vareity from Marlborough, 

but even so, this has to be a wine to count among the best of 

its type. 

4686 Tua Tua Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 8 8 Utter delight. Full of green fruit and fragrant floral notes. 

Marlborough Fine acidity, good mouth-feel and long finish. 

4687 Tua Tua Bay Gewürztraminer, Gisborne 2008 8 8 Mangoes and orange blossoms. Lies fat on the palate. 

Opulent entry, but it fades rapidly. 

4688 Tua Tua Bay Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2008 7 7 Deliciously fresh and fruity. Raspberries and white cherries. 

Balanced, needs time. 

AUSTRALIA 

Over the years of drought, all of the wines from South Australia have become deeper, fuller bodied, intense and tangibly powerful, so 

expect all the wines to show those characteristics. 

4689 Chardonnay, McLaren Vale 2008 8 9 A massive white wine, full of aroma and flavours, 

but beautfiuuly balanced. Ready. 

4690 Viognier, McLaren Vale 2008 8 8 Perhaps this is as rich as the grape can be. Delectable notes. 

Somewhat oily texture. Long in the mouth. A real joy. 

4691 Tempranillo, McLaren Vale 2006 7 8 Rich and very fine. Perfectly ripe now. 

4692 Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale 2005 7 7 So big that it still needs more time for the tannin to catch the 

maturing fruit. Very full-bodied. 

4693 Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2006 8 8 Typically offers a bouquet of soap, vanilla, chocolate and 

sweaty saddle leather. 

4694 Fat ’n Skinny, “Picker’s Choice”, 2006 10 10 The name hasn’t got it quite right: this is closer to fat than 

McLaren Vale skinny, a function of the drought and strict crop reduction, to 

lessen the crop during the water shortage. 



NEW SOUTH WALES 

The three man team of John Duval, famous for the epic “Grange” - Australia’s most famous wine - David Fatches, the Hunter Valley 

entrepreneur and Martin Krajewski, owner of Château de Sours, have produced a small set of Australian wines of the highest possible 

quality. None are easy on the pocket, but all provide huge quality. 

4695 Bylines Chardonnay, Hunter Valley 2007 8 8 Gloriously ripe and full. An epic production. 

4696 Bylines Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2005 7 7 Big tough wine, as much of an Australian classic as 

“The Thornbirds”. 

4697 Leylines Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2006 8 8 Tannic, but backed up with a huge tub full of fruit. All ripe and 

juicy with a classic black pepper spiciness. 

4698 Songlines Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2005 6 7 Clearly one of the finest Australian wines. Its price reflects its 

quality and long term potential. 

HUNTER VALLEY 

Our original close partner from down-under. Opimian has offered Australian wines before, but had never established an annual offer 

from the same vineyard. This arrangement has helped Opimian to establish other links in far away Australian regions. 

4699 Botrytis Semillon, Hunter Valley 2008 7 8 Wonderful dessert wine, it can only get even better. 

4700 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 8 8 Semillon, definitely the most successful variety grown in 

Hunter Valley/Adelaide Hills the Hunter. This is blended in a perfect match. 

4701 Viognier, Hunter Valley 2008 7 8 Fat and creamy. A beautiful dry wine with plenty of body. 

4702 Verdelho, Central Ranges 2008 8 8 Austere acidity, but no lack of aroma or flavour. Ready now. 

4703 Chardonnay, Hunter Valley 2008 8 8 Delicious. Everything you expect from a good wine. 

4704 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Ranges 2007 7 7 Although it is no longer tough, there is still a weight of grainy 

tannin to soften down. Drink between 2011 and 2014. 

4705 White Trio 2008 7 8 Big and weighty. Delicious marriage of three grapes. 

4706 Rock Pile Chardonnay, Hunter Valley 2007 7 7 Concentrated. Powerful. Excellent balance. Ready. 

4707 Red Trio, Hunter Valley 2007 7 7 Massed range of complex easy to enjoy fruit. Good supporting 

tannin provides a firm structure. 

4708 Old Vines Shiraz, Hunter Valley 2007 6 7 Warm and ripe flavours of dried fruit, dates, figs and prunes 

with a good wedge of leather and chocolate. 

4709 Cold-Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 7 8 Powerful wine. One of the most harmoniously complete 

Hunter Valley Cabs we have tasted this year. 

4710 “Big Bully”, Members Reserve 2006 5 6 This is the landmark red from Briar Ridge, although it is 

Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon produced from grapes grown on Briar Ridge’s other vineyard. 

Very lovely red, good length, with a powerful finish. 

ADELAIDE HILLS 

Year by year, Geoff becomes the epitome of the great Australian wine dream. His vineyards are now fully mature, planted with the finest 

root and scion stock from his own vine nurseries. Fine winemaking harnessed to great fruit, it is no surprise that Geoff is weighed down 

with recent prizes. 

4711 K1 by Geoff Hardy, Chardonnay, 

Adelaide Hills 

2007 6 8 Lime, lemon, apple and oriental pears. Memorable and ready. 

4712 K1 by Geoff Hardy, Shiraz, Adelaide Hills 2007 6 6 A big, rich, strongly flavoured and highly perfumed red. A great 

success. Drink late 2010 – 2013. 

4713 K1 by Geoff Hardy, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 7 7 All of the components are falling nicely into place. Enjoy 

Adelaide Hills this year and onwards. 

4714 K1 by Geoff Hardy, Merlot, Adelaide Hills 2006 7 8 Just what one would expect from Merlot grown in this warm 

weather region. Spicy, very ripe, red berry flavours; persistent 

flavour and finely grained tannins through the long finish. 

4715 K1 by Geoff Hardy, Shiraz Viognier, 2006 8 9 Perfect now. It seems strange to ally the white Viognier with 

Adelaide Australia’s winning Shiraz, but the blend works perfectly and 

the result is easy, refined and approachable. Drink between 

2010 and 2012. 



4716 K1 by Geoff Hardy, Museum Release, 2001 9 10 Lovely, ripe and soft. A great wine for sipping in contemplation. 

Cabernet Sauvignon, Adelaide Hills 

4717 GMH Meritage, Limestone Coast/ 2006 7 8 Hard to tell this is a blend, as all of the varieties merge 

Langhorne Creek/Adelaide Hills, seamlessly together. 

Vineyard Series 

4718 GMH Shiraz, Limestone Coast/ 2007 7 7 Rich bouquet, dark fruit and black cherries. Full-bodied. 

Langhorne Creek, Vineyard Series 

4719 GMH Petit Verdot, Limestone Coast, 2007 8 8 Developing its potential. It is good already and will continue 

Vineyard Series to improve as it softens. 

4722 Milyaroo Chardonnay, 2008 8 9 Delicious. No benefit to be had from delaying its use. 


4723 Milyaroo Semillon/Chardonnay, 2008 8 9 Less intensely tropical than 4722, but just as easy and 

Southeast Australia attractively flavoursome. 

4724 Milyaroo Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 7 8 Surprisingly easy and forward for a 2008 wine. 


4725 Milyaroo Merlot, Southeast Australia 2008 8 8 Easy. The tannins are ripe and supple. Open during this year. 

4726 Milyaroo Shiraz, Southeast Australia 2008 8 8 Ripe and full. Notes of prunes, dark plums and vanilla. Light 

cedar smoke aromas. 

4727 Richland Chardonnay, Southeast Australia 2008 9 9 Attractive notes of fruit acidity mingle comfortably with light 

white fruit flavours. 

4728 Richland Shiraz, Southeast Australia 2008 9 9 Supple. Dominated by fruit to the exclusion of tannin and 

mass. Quite short, but ready. 

4729 96 Points Shiraz/Viognier, Riverina 2007 7 8 Very successful blend, as elsewhere in Australia, the white 

Viognier only brings attractive elements to this otherwise 

spongey red. Open this year. 

4730 96 Points Durif, Riverina 2007 6 7 Very full-bodied. Quite tough, still very tannic and the fruit 

needs time to develop. 

4731 Westend Estate “Three Bridges” 2008 7 8 Very successfully blended ripe fruit making this very enjoyable 

Cabernet/Shiraz, King Valley now. Drink between 2010 and 2012. 

4732 Westend Estate “Three Bridges” 2006 8 8 Rather stalky. Needs time for the fruit to open up in a 

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Riverina softer balanced context. 

4733 Westend Estate “Three Bridges” 2006 7 8 Lovely. The ripe fruit from the much irrigated Riverina 

Reserve Shiraz, Riverina vineyards has become more concentrated through reduction 

of water during the first of the dry years. 


4735 Spumante Amabile N.V. 10 10 

4736 Regalia, Brut Nature N.V. 10 10 Frankly this is as good as many of the wines from Champagne. 

4737 Torrontés, Sergio Traverso 2008 8 9 

4738 Syrah, Sergio Traverso 2007 7 9 

4739 Tempranillo, Sergio Traverso 2007 7 9 Great level of black fruit giving a jammy impression. 

4740 Blend 1314, Sergio Traverso 2007 7 7 The best of the Traverso bunch. Rich and ripe. 

4741 Compass Rose Malbec, 2007 7 9 

Cafayate, Sergio Traverso 


Tupungato, Sergio Traverso 

4743 Compass Rose Malbec, Patagonia, 2007 7 9 



“Tres Terruños” Collection 



4745 Anubis Chardonnay, Bodegas Dominio 2008 7 8 Very good green fruit. Lime accented. Fresh and vigorous. 

del Plata, Central Valley, Mendoza 

4746 Anubis Syrah/Bonarda, Bodegas Dominio 2007 8 8 Amazingly full-bodied. A real sluice of fruit that fire hoses 

del Plata, Central Valley, Mendoza the blackberry characters across the palate, giving good 

weight. Firm tannins that need more time. Drink between 

2011 and 2014. 

4747 Anubis Malbec, Bodegas Dominio 2008 7 8 The Malbec, originally a vine from Bordeaux, lost favour there 

del Plata, Central Valley, Mendoza as its skin was susceptible to mildew. But in the dry desert 

climate of Mendoza, it produces a green and stalky beauty. 

This needs another year at least. 

4748 Premium Torrontés, AVE, 2008 9 10 Torrontes is to Argentina what Zinfandel is to California, 

Valle del Cafayate, Mendoza the defining variety of the region. Dry yet perfectly balanced, 

it has acidity like a fresh apple, notes of orange peel and 

marmalade. Good structure, use in its youth or lose it. 

Drink in 2010. 

4749 Premium Malbec, AVE, 2007 7 7 Much more supple than a year ago, it has come round 

Valle del Cafayate, Mendoza beautifully, securing good harmony of fruit and tannin. 

4750 Cerro Azul Syrah, Bodegas La Guarda, 2008 8 9 A big, rich red. Utterly different from the saddle leather 

Tulúm Valley, San Juan aromas of Australian Syrah, this has a cleanly defined level of 

red fruit aromas and flavour. The structure is medium weight, 

as though the tannin is there solely to support the availability 

of the fruit. 

4751 Cerro Azul Bonarda, Bodegas La Guarda, 2008 7 8 A lovely, big red wine, full of strong fruit flavours. The structure 

Tulúm Valley, San Juan is solid with tar notes that increases the piquancy of the wine 

in the mouth. Great stuff. 

4752 Urban Uco Tempranillo, O. Fournier, 2007 6 8 Señor Fournier, with vineyards in Spain, Chile and Argentina, 

Valle de Uco, Mendoza is a modern day “Flying Winemaker”, but he appears to have 

plenty of time to create great wines here as well as in Spain. 

This is very similar to his wonderful Ribero del Duero, 2005. 

4753 Urban Uco Malbec, O. Fournier, 2007 7 8 No Malbec tasted during and since 2008 has surpassed this. 

Valle de Uco, Mendoza It has been equalled, but this is a wine of fine quality. 

4754 Alfa Crux, O. Fournier, 2003 7 8 This is as stellar as the constellation it is named to honour. 

Valle de Uco, Mendoza Gil Fournier has put this blend together with sensitivity and a 

wish to create a huge character. 

4755 Poetico Viognier, Mauricio Lorca, 2008 7 7 

Valle de Uco, Mendoza 

4756 Fantasía Malbec, Mauricio Lorca, 2008 7 7 


4757 Ópalo Malbec, Mauricio Lorca, 2007 7 7 


4758 Ópalo Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 6 6 

Mauricio Lorca, Valle de Uco, Mendoza 

4759 Gran Lorca Poético Blend, 2007 5 6 

Mauricio Lorca, Valle de Uco, Mendoza 


7


4761 Reserve de Sours, Sparkling Rosé, N.V. 10 10 The late Sebastien Lamothe took the estate rosé and turned 

Brut, Vin Mousseux, Méthode Traditionelle it into a bright, gay and lively sparkler. Drink soon. 

4762 Château de Sours Rosé, AOC Bordeaux 2008 10 10 Although very young, its youth is the attraction. Enjoy this year. 

4763 Cuvée du 7 Juin, M & N, 2007 5 6 Martin and Nicolette Krajewski were determined to celebrate 

AOC Bordeaux Wedding their wedding with a very fine cuvée. This is one of the best 

Celebration Cuvée wines of the ’07 vintage. Balanced, full-bodied with a great structure 

and masses of tannin that will take time to soften its grip. 

4766 Vin de Pays des Gaules Rosé, 2008 8 10 Splash and pour – great wine at a picnic. As inconsequential 

Bernard Perrin as it is attractive. 

4767 Vin de Pays des Gaules Rouge, 2008 8 10 Soft, easy red. No benefit by waiting any longer. 

Bernard Perrin 

4768 Domaine G. Thomas, AOC Saint-Véran, 2007 8 8 Very easy. Balance is a perfect match between citric acidity, 

soft, well ripened fruit and earthy notes. Ready. 

4769 Bernard Perrin, AOC Beaujolais Blanc 2008 8 9 Creamy and soft with excellent balance. 

4770 Domaine de Milhomme, AOC Beaujolais 2008 8 9 Bernard Perrin’s wine is wonderful. Perfect chilled or chambré, 

enjoy during 2010. 

4771 Domaine de Thulon, 2008 7 8 So easy to like, and rewarding, with its high juice and balance 

AOC Beaujolais-Villages, Famille Jambon of fruit. Great drinking now. 

4772 Domaine de Thulon, AOC Régnié, 2008 8 9 Light, fragrant red. Ready now. 

Famille Jambon 

4773 Domaine Dit Barron, AOC Brouilly, 2008 8 8 Light. Very aromatic. Easy. Good berry acidity and fruit. Ready. 

Gilles Aujogues 

4774 Domaine Desmures, AOC Chiroubles 2008 8 8 Lovely. Fragrant, flowery wine with a solid blackberry heart. 

Almost ready now. 

4775 Domaine Champagnon, AOC Chénas 2008 6 7 Monsieur Champagnon is the best grower in the village. His 

wine is brilliant, a testament to his ability. Drink between 2010 

and 2015. 

4776 Domaine de la Sionnière, 2008 6 7 This is one of the best wines of this cru de Beaujolais 

AOC Moulin à Vent, Thomas Patenôtre we have ever tasted. Firm. Filled with black cherries and soft 

ripe berries. 

4777 Domaine de la Roche-Briday, 2008 6 7 Tasted on the property, it matched a beef ragout to perfection 

AOC Morgon, Thomas Collonge Will last. 

4778 Clos de Haute-Combe, AOC Juliénas, 2008 6 7 Marvellous. Just enjoy this wine as much as you cherish it. 

Vincent Audras It will live several years. 

4779 Domaine des Deux Lys, 2008 7 8 Lovely. The word Fleurie sums up the characters. 

AOC Fleurie, “Les Bataillons” It is fragrant, light, refined and easy. Good ripe tannins will give 

it good length in the mouth and life in the cellar. 

4780 Domaine des Grandes Vignes, 2008 7 8 Perfect example of the Gamay grape grown on a volcanic soil. 

AOC Côtes du Brouilly, High acidity, honest and available fruit. Use it through the next 

Founders’ Choice year or two. 

4784 Folies Parisiennes, N.V. 9 9 Nothing to write home about. OK, but no better than it 

Le Blanc des Heritiers Lamblin should be. 

4785 Folies Parisiennes, Le Rouge des N.V. 8 9 Good, jammy notes from the southern vineyard in the blend. 

Heritiers Lamblin A touch dull and very short in the mouth. Drink up. 

4786 Petit Chablis AC 2007 8 9 Quite delicious. Fine varietal notes. Lively fruit. At its price, it 

could be considered the best value of all the Lamlbin wines. 

4787 Chablis AC, “Vieilles Vignes” 2007 6 7 Typical, finely drawn balance. Aromas of the terroir. 

4788 Chablis Premier Cru, 2007 6 7 Elegant, refined and full of the chalky dry terroir. A fine 

Premier Cru Controlée, “Mont de Milieu” example of the Premier Cru quality. 

4789 Chablis Grand Cru, 2007 6 6 Very fine, it has hardly begun its ascent to readiness. 

Grand Cru Controlée, “Vaudesir” Put it away. 



4790 Sauvignon de Saint Bris AC 2007 9 10 Needs drinking. It is only really good when very youthful. 

4791 Bourgogne Chardonnay AC, 2008 7 8 Very refined. In no way are these Burgundian Chardonnays 

“Fleurs du Printemps” as rich or as expressive as those of the new World, but this is 

good wine. 

4792 Bourgogne Aligoté AC, “Fruits d’Eté” 2007 8 9 Excellent. Lamblin has always produced good Aligoté. This is a 

typical wine of the Auxerre terroir. 

4793 Bourgogne Passetoutgrain AC, 2007 8 8 

“Raisins de l’Automne” 

4794 Côtes de Beaune-Villages AC, 2007 8 8 

4795 Volnay AC, 2007 7 8 

4796 Aloxe-Corton AC 2007 7 8 

4797 Gevrey-Chambertin AC 2007 7 8 

4798 Nuits-Saint-Georges AC 2007 8 8 

4799 Riesling-Traminer Icewine, 2007 7 8 Still a local beauty, it has been delicious on every occasion 

tasted. Still plenty of vigour and life, if stored in a cool, dark 

cellar. 

4800 Chardonnay 2007 9 9 This has not developed to any significant degree, so open the 

bottles and enjoy soon. 

4801 Cabernet Franc Reserve 2007 9 9 This was the most exciting wine from the Black Prince Winery 

when first tasted. It has developed well, won a number of 

prizes and tastings, but it has insufficient extract to go much 

further. Drink now. 

CHAMPAGNE 

4802 Champagne Gardet, Brut N.V. n/a n/a 

4803 Champagne Gardet, Premier Cru N.V. n/a n/a 

4804 Champagne Georges Gardet, Brut Spécial N.V. n/a n/a 

4805 Champagne Georges Gardet, Brut Spécial N.V. n/a n/a 

4806 Champagne Georges Gardet, Brut Rosé N.V. n/a n/a 

4807 Champagne Cuvée Charles Gardet 2000 n/a n/a 


These six wines from Burgundy all come from a vintage of 

middling quality. None of them have any great level of 

fruit or ability to develop, given that they have tannin and 

fruit acidity, but not much generosity. This means that they 

will gradually move from fresh, fruity and attractive towards 

dry, acidic and dull. In January 2010, tastings showed that 

they have come a long way and are still in good condition. 

Over the many years that Opimian have majored on the 

Champagnes of Gardet & Cie, it has grown significantly 

larger and more successful, yet it remains a family owned, 

private company known to the most famous Champagne 

houses as “the smallest of the big houses, the largest of the 

small”. To Opimians’ it remains France’s best kept secret. 

Champagne is not released from the dark cellars carved 

in the white limestone underneath the vineyards until it is 

ready to drink. All of the Gardet wines should be cherished, 

savoured and enjoyed as, and when, thirst and an appropriate 

moment calls for a celebration.

0 


COGNAC & OTHER BRANDIES 

For many years, Opimian has offered a diligently selected number of French Brandy, spearheaded by Cognac. We work with a top class 

co-operative, originally from Cognac, that has, through its success, broadened its offer to include the other lesser known brandies of the 

rural countryside. 

4808 Calvados, Leriche N.V. n/a n/a Normandy apples transported right into your house. 

4809 Armagnac, *** Leriche N.V. n/a n/a Very fine flavours highlighting grapes and smoke. 

4810 Lauriac VS Fine Champagne Cognac N.V. n/a n/a 

4811 Cognac XO, “Roi des Rois” N.V. n/a n/a 

SCOTS MALT WHISKY 

4812 Cùl na Creagan, 2001 n/a n/a 

8 Year Old Malt Scotch Whisky, Distilled 





Three Malts from Sir Iain Noble’s blending house. Aromas of 

the Central Highlands and Islands with a touch of Islay. 

SHERRY 

Sherry, like Port wine, is fortified, but unlike Port it is allowed to mature as a “table wine” until shortly before bottling, at which moment 

grape brandy is added to increase its alcoholic strength. Like Port, it lives in the bottle for many years but, once opened, it loses freshness 

and should be consumed within a few days. 

Two complete departures from the way in which Port is made are used for the production of Sherry. First, unlike almost all other wines, 

Sherry is intentionally oxidized by storage in casks that are only partially filled. Second, during the reductive storage in wooden casks, 

a number of butts (traditional name for a Sherry cask) develop a layer of yeast on top of the liquid that progressively uses up all of the 

elements of residual sugar, ensuring that the wines with this growth of yeast become entirely free of any natural fruit sugar sweetness. 

4815 Opimian Manzanilla Pasada, N.V. n/a n/a Very dry. Maderized. Tastes very mature. Serve fresh 

Sanlúcar de Barrameda with crushed ice. 

4816 Opimian Fine Amontillado, 

Rare Ballast Butt 

N.V. n/a n/a Fine wine for a sipping apéritif 

4817 Opimian East India Rich Cream Oloroso N.V. n/a n/a Rich. Ripe. Full. A bowl of prunes mixed with apricots and 

mirabelles. 




4818 Castillo D Montblanc, Brut Cava N.V. 10 10 Serve very cold in long glasses. It is a sheer delight, but quite 

ready now. 

4819 Montblanc 362, Viura/Chardonnay, 2008 8 9 A standard blend from the north eastern vineyards of Spain. 

DO Conca de Barberà Viura does nothing but add weight. The Chardonnay is 

deliciously ripe now. 

4820 Montblanc 362, Tempranillo, 2008 8 9 Tempranillo can produce really lovely wines. This is one – fat 

DO Conca de Barberà and rich with powerful grape flavours – will be better in a year’s time. 

4821 Montblanc 362, Cabernet/Merlot, 2006 8 8 For a wine that is a standard winery blend, this shows 

DO Conca de Barberà remarkable quality. Ready to open now. 

4822 Clos Montblanc, Chardonnay, 2008 9 9 Very tropical. A blend of melons, pineapple and peach 

DO Conca de Barberà with good acidity that carries nuances of apples and limes. 

4823 Clos Montblanc, Xipella, 2005 8 8 Well oaked, the vanilla from the casks matches the many 

DO Conca de Barberà strands of flavour from ripe grapes. Now ready. 

4824 Clos Montblanc, Masía Les 2005 7 8 Fine, full and well structured, a very fine wine that will 

Comes Reserva, DO Conca de Barberà bring pleasure this year. 

4825 Sanz Clásico, DO Rueda, Vinos Sanz 2008 9 9 From the winery part-owned by Massimo Galimberti, the major 

Opimian supplier of Spanish wine, this is absolutely the finest 

white of the denomination. Grab it by the neck and haul out 

the corks to enjoy as soon as possible. 

4826 Opimian Viñas Viejas, Vino de la 2007 8 9 Fresh and flavoursome. Good overall appeal. Medium weight. 

Tierra de Castilla, Bodegas Luan 

4827 Marqués de Tejares, Vino de la 2007 9 9 The first wine offered frrom this excellent producer. Full 

Tierra de Castilla, Bodegas Los Aljibes of powerful extract. Long flavours last in the mouth. Soft and 

ready to enjoy. 

4828 Convento San Bernardino, 2007 9 9 A medium weight wine with charming balance. Not a big red, 

DO Vinos de Madrid, Bodegas Jesús Díaz but very attractively approachable. 

4829 Merlot de Jesús Díaz, 2007 8 9 Spicy, yet mellow, the palate is nicely accented by ripe berry 

DO Vinos de Madrid, Bodegas Jesús Díaz fruit. Ready and mature. 

4830 Palacios Reales Tempranillo, 2007 8 9 The quality of wines of La Mancha have progressed further 

DO La Mancha, Bodegas Verdúguez and faster than any other from Spain. This is at its best now. 

4831 Monte Castrillo Roble, DO Ribera 2007 8 8 The standard of the winery, but such a high standard. 

del Duero, Bodegas Peñalba López Very fine red, ready to drink now. 

4832 Cantos de Torremilanos, DO Ribera 2006 6 7 Still shows the same level of red fruit as a couple of years 

del Duero, Bodegas Peñalba López ago. Tannins remain markedly full. Can be cellared away for 

another day. 

4833 Torremilanos Crianza, DO Ribera 2005 7 7 Although ready now, it has a long life ahead of it. 

del Duero, Bodegas Peñalba López Can be enjoyed now or put away. 

4834 Cyclo, DO Ribera del Duero, 2006 6 7 The best of the bunch from an illustrious winemaking family. 

Bodegas Peñalba López Can be expected to last another ten years. 

4835 Urban Roble, DO Ribera del Duero, 2006 7 8 Wine from one of Spain’s masterly, international wine makers. 

Bodegas O. Fournier Fournier ranks on the top rung of the ladder. 

4836 Alfa Spiga, DO Ribera del Duero, 2004 7 7 Dramatic red wine. Perfect harmony. Great complexity. 

Bodegas O. Fournier Very fine and ready to enjoy. 

4837 Faustino Selección de Familia, 2006 8 9 Notes of fine bitter chocolate. Soft fruit that wraps the 

DOCa. Rioja, Bodegas Faustino tongue in soft flavour. 

4838 Colegiata, 4 Meses en Barrica, 2006 7 8 Very small oak, only emphasizes the major fruit concentration. 

DO Toro, Bodegas Fariña Black coloured, dark red fruit flavours. 

4839 Gran Colegiata Crianza, DO Toro, 2003 7 7 Soft. Rich. Rounded. A lovely full red now. 



1

2 


4840 Gran Colegiata Campus, DO Toro, 2006 6 6 Headline news: Fariña does it again. As always, this winery 

Bodegas Fariña has shipped a star. Will last. 

4841 Spiritus Sancti, Gérard Depardieu, 2006 6 6 The name of the producer on the label guarantees interest, 

DO Toro, Bodegas Bernard but the contents are first rate. This wine from Toro has all the 

Magrez España aristocratic elements that make Toro such a fantastic area for reds. 

4842 Bassus Pinot Noir, DO Utiel-Requena, 2007 8 8 This has turned out better than initially expected. It presents 

Bodegas Hispano-Suizas a fine harmony of tannin, fruit and complex flavours now. 

4843 Triumvirat, DOCa. Priorato, 2007 5 6 Do Priorat wines ever mature? This one is hardly showing 

Terra de Verema signs of advancing. It is a mighty beast to be locked away in a 

cage for a while longer. 

4844 Cume do Pereiro, DOC Douro, 2006 7 7 Still very tannic with oak that provides neat counterpoints 

Domingos Alves de Sousa to fruit flavours. It needs a little more time. 

4845 Cume do Pereiro Reserva, DOC Douro, 2005 7 8 Very clever blending and use of oak has made this an 

Domingos Alves de Sousa outstanding Douro example. Ready. 

4846 Valduero Una Cepa, DO Ribera 2005 8 8 Very fine wine, from one of the finest of the wineries of 

del Duero, Bodegas Valduero, Ribera del Duero. Enjoy now for its muscle or wait for it to 

Founders’ Choice soften further. 

4848 Vinho Verde, DOC Vinho Verde, N.V. 10 10 A chance to reminisce and dream of the summer. 

João Serra Private Reserve This recalls the summer of 2007. Must be opened soon. 

4849 Mouras de Arraiolos Reserva Branco, 2007 8 8 Big, pungent white. High acidity covering much of the fruit. 

DOC Alentejo, Adeja das Mouras 

de Arraiolos 

4850 Quinta da Barreira Reserva, 2007 7 8 A firm favourite from a hot, inland region, it has plenty of 

Vinho Regional Estremadura, José Gaspar acidity to balance cooked pear and apple flavours. 

4851 Fiúza Merlot, DOC Ribatejo, 2007 8 9 A really outstanding wine. Australian know-how with ripe 

Fiúza & Bright Portuguese fruit. Close to ready. 

4852 Mouras de Arraiolos Reserva Tinto, 2005 8 8 Big, rich, fruit laden wine with bags of sustaining tannins. 

DOC Alentejo, Adeja das Mouras A good keeper, although it is much softer than before. Enjoy 

de Arraiolos when required. 

4853 Solar Jordões, DOC Douro, 2006 7 8 A powerful wine that is drinking in towards its maturity. 

Casal dos Jordões Although it is softening, it has still some way to go to reach 

full softness and velvet fruit. 

Port 

See general note on page 4. 

4854 Opimian Dry White Port N.V. n/a n/a Unusual. Powerful flavour to be served well chilled, even over 

cubes of ice. 

4855 Opimian Finest Reserve Port N.V. n/a n/a Ripe, currantish, sweet and delectable, but not very 

memorable. 

4856 Opimian Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003 n/a n/a Very interesting “vintage” port characters without the need 

[Filtered] to decant. 

4857 Opimian Late Bottled Vintage Port 2002 n/a n/a The other side of the coin, here is a wine of a single year. 

[Unfiltered] It is now depositing a large sediment and will need to be 

decanted before serving. 

4858 Opimian Crusted Port, Bottled 2004 n/a n/a Rich and very fine. Plums, mulberries, vanilla and coffee. 

4859 Opimian Tawny Port, 10 Years Old N.V. n/a n/a Apricot coloured with apricots in the bouquet, but it is very 

soft, the tannins being less obtrusive than the fruit acidity. 



4860 Opimian Single Quinta, “Agua Alta” 1998 n/a n/a Rich, fat and full of the unique taste of the Douro. Well on 

- 4861 Vintage Port [Wooden Case] the way to complete maturity, it can be opened now that its 

tannins have significantly ripened and softened. 

4862 Churchill Estates Rosé, DOC Douro 2007 9 10 Perhaps this is too big to enjoy in a typical, light, everyday 

fashion. Use it with a meal; it is great with pasta. Mature. 

4863 Vinha do Meio Queijo, DOC Douro 2006 7 7 This is, amazingly, the “second” wine of Churchill, but it is big, 

refined and represents the fine quality of the Douro table 

wines. 

4864 Churchill Estates, DOC Douro 2007 6 7 Big, bold and brazen. A very full-bodied charmer. 

4865 Crémant d’Alsace, Calixte Brut, N.V. 10 10 A very fine sparkling wine, it is fully ready now. 

AOC Alsace Crémant 

4866 Sylvaner Réserve, AOC Alsace 2007 8 9 Fragrant. Modest nose. Charming light palate. Drink now. 

4867 Riesling Réserve, AOC Alsace 2007 7 7 Rapier clean, attractive nose. Typically Alsace, finely drawn 

palate features. 

4868 Muscat Réserve, AOC Alsace 2007 8 8 Powerful bouquet. Rather flat in the mouth. Finishes quite 

short. 

4869 Gewürztraminer Réserve, AOC Alsace 2007 7 7 Will continue to grow and develop the particularly pungent/ 

peachy flavours of Alsace Gewürz. 

4870 Pinot Blanc, Médaille d’Or Mâcon, 2007 7 7 Lovely now. Quite ready. 

AOC Alsace 

4871 Pinot Gris, Médaille d’Or Colmar, 2006 7 8 Shows the difference in performance between the 

AOC Alsace grape from Italy and this one from Alsace. This is full and 

quite dry. 

4872 Riesling, Lieu-dit Silberberg, AOC Alsace 2005 8 8 Very fine wine of a great year. Ready now. 

4873 Riesling, Grand Cru, Schoenenbourg, 2007 7 7 Great wine. Fine Riesling nose. Flavours as sharply defined 

AOC Alsace Grand Cru as a needle point. 

4874 Pinot Gris, Grand Cru, Rosacker, 2007 7 7 Fine, but still a little dumb. Will open further and offer 

AOC Alsace Grand Cru more character. 

4875 Gewürztraminer, Grand Cru, 2006 6 7 A scintillating wine of great authority. Ready to start 

Schoenenbourg, AOC Alsace Grand Cru opening bottles now. 

4876 Pinot Noir, Médaille d’Or Colmar, 2007 8 9 Not enough weight to see this develop much further. 

AOC Alsace 

4880 Coeur des Lanciers Blanc, N.V. 9 10 Still surprisingly good. 

Vin de Table Français 

4881 Coeur des Lanciers Rosé, N.V. 10 10 There was never any point in delaying the enjoyment of 

Vin de Table Français this small wine. Finish any remaning bottles soon. 

4882 Coeur des Lanciers Rouge, N.V. 10 10 Should have been consumed by now. 

Vin de Table Français 

4883 Mâcon-Lugny Blanc, AOC, Grande Terre 2008 8 8 Delicious. It has taken on the smooth, creamy characters that 

mark out good southern Burgundy Chardonnay. 

4884 Pouilly-Fuissé, AOC, Vieilles Vignes 2008 8 8 A golden wine in many ways. Lovely at the present time - 

January 2010 - but it can safely be stored. 

4885 Beaujolais Rouge, AOC, Les Genetières 2008 7 9 Good vintage. Fine selection. Enjoy now. 

4886 Beaujolais Villages, AOC, Vieilles Vignes 2008 8 9 This is a fine wine that can be left for a couple of years, but 

there is little advantage in doing so. 




4890 Cornellana Sparkling Rosé, 2008 9 10 The bubbles hide the fruit, aroma and flavour. 

Cachapoal Valley This is a fun drink, have fun soon. 

4891 Cornellana Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 8 10 Green. Stalky. Gooseberry and kiwi. Ready to open today. 


4892 Cornellana Chardonnay, 2008 7 8 Not creamy, but easy. It has lovely lime juice acid, melon, 

Cachapoal Valley peach and earth. Very good now. 

4893 Cornellana Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 8 9 Free run juice taken off the red grape before crushing. 

Rosé, Cachapoal Valley It has plenty of lively acidity, fine but light fruit flavours and 

should not be kept. 

4894 Cornellana Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 8 8 Lovely green leaf and cassis notes. Clearly a wine from 

Cachapoal Valley perfectly sun-ripened fruit. 

4895 Cornellana Merlot, Cachapoal Valley 2008 8 8 Spicy, cassis and damson flavoured. Drinking well now. 

4896 Cornellana Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, 2008 7 9 Big, fat, rich and surprisingly forward. Can be enjoyed now. 


4897 Cornellana Merlot Reserve, 2007 7 8 Oh my Gosh, if only half of the Saint-Émilions were as good 

Cachapoal Valley as this. It really has got everything you like in a red wine. 

4898 Cornellana Carmenère Reserve, 2007 7 8 This grape takes time to mature and this one is only 

Cachapoal Valley just beginning to show any sign of softening. Drink, but enjoy 

with some caution – if not ready, put it away. 

4899 Cornellana Chardonnay, Barrel Reserve, 2008 7 8 Marvellous, a confection of figs, dates, lemons and bananas 

Cachapoal Valley – and a few melons thrown in. A lovely, but full-bodied white. 

4900 Cornellana Barrel Reserve Selection, 2007 7 7 Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère 

Cachapoal Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot. See notes above. 

(2 bottles each grape variety) 

4901 Cornellana Cuvée Grand Reserve, 2007 7 8 Fruit leads the way, the tannins in support. Delicious. 

Cachapoal Valley [Wooden case] 

4903 El Noble, Botrytised Sauvignon Blanc, 2006 8 8 Thierry Villard is a brilliant winemaker, and this unusual wine 

Casablanca Valley (did it start life as a mistake?) is a wonderful, “sticky,” pudding 

wine. Utterly delicious already. 

4904 Expresión Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 8 9 The best of the characters all flood the palate. Full of the 

Casablanca Valley jungle’s finest fruit and a lot we have never tasted before. 

4905 Expresión Reserve, Pinot Noir, 2008 8 7 It is hard to make a decent Pinot Noir. Thierry does it with 

Casablanca Valley applomb. This finely ripened fruit succeeds every time. This is 

very good. 

4906 Grand Vin l’Assemblage 2006 8 9 All the fun of the fairground. Red fruit. Acidity. Tons of tannin. 

Cassis. Grapes. Blackberry. It is now very good. 

4907 Tanagra Syrah, Casablanca Valley 2007 7 8 Like many “special” wines, this cost a packet, but now it is 

[Wooden Case] in the cellar and the price forgotten. It is a joy. A supple, 

complex, constantly long-flavoured beauty. 

4908 Casa Nueva Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 8 9 Stalky and green. Sappy and balanced. Very fine tropical fruit 

Molina, Curicó Valley acidity. 

4909 Casa Nueva Chardonnay, Unwooded, 2008 8 8 Developing fine flavours. Not huge, but balanced. Integrated 

Molina, Curicó Valley with quite a lemony feel to the flavours. 

4910 Casa Nueva Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 7 7 This is a big wine and needs more time. 

Molina, Curicó Valley 

4911 Casa Nueva Merlot, Molina, 2008 7 8 Strong. Flavours of black stone fruit and plums. Ready to 

Curicó Valley enjoy, but it will keep. 

4912 Casa Nueva Carmenère, Molina, 2008 6 8 Strong and powerful. Black as a stove pipe. Wonderful 

Curicó Valley integration of oak with fruit. 



4913 Casa Nueva Family Reserva 2006 7 7 This is a family winery and this wine is a selection of the 

Cabernet Sauvignon, Molina, family’s selected cuvées. Sip and enjoy from now until it has 

Curicó Valley all been opened, enjoyed and there are no bottles left. 

4914 Sergio Traverso Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 9 9 Lacks varietal intensity. Drinking well, attractively fruity, 

Curicó Valley but not particularly showing its varietal notes. 

4915 Sergio Traverso Merlot, Curicó Valley 2008 8 8 Pepper, spice and lots of nice, dark red coloured fruit. 

4916 Sergio Traverso Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 7 8 Rather easy. Mouth-filling. Middle weight, fine red flavours. 

Curicó Valley 

4917 Sergio Traverso Carmenère, 2007 7 8 Slow to mature. Could have done with rather more fruit, 

Alto Valle del Rio Claro but there is no problem. It is doing nicely. 

4918 Sergio Traverso Syrah, Curicó Valley 2007 8 8 Very fine. Well balanced. Good now. 

4919 Hacienda Maitenes Carmenère, 2007 7 8 Supple wine with long tasting, elastic tannins that fill up 

Alto Valle del Rio Claro the mouth and keep the fruit hidden. Needs more time. 

4920 Mare Nostrum by Sergio Traverso, 2007 7 7 Delicious. It was for wines such as this that we fell for the 

Curicó Valley Traverso style. 

4921 Notable Blend by Sergio Traverso, 2008 7 7 This is maturing nicely. 

Alto Valle del Rio Claro 

4922 Domaine Villabea, AOC Condrieu 2007 8 8 For a white wine, this is huge. Orange coloured, fat, chewable 

and lasting, but it is ready now. Open it and understand that it 

is unlike any other white table wine. 

4923 Domaine Berthet-Rayne, 2008 8 8 Very big, full-bodied and almost solid. Put it away for a year. 

«Cuvée Préstige Castel Mireio», 

Cairanne, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages 

4924 Château de Manissy Rosé, 2008 8 8 So delicious. Quite a mouthful. Enjoy it with food. 

AOC Tavel, Cuvée Fruitée 

4925 Domaine Villabea, AOC Côte-Rôtie 2006 7 7 Amazingly old-fashioned. Big and built like a block-house. 

Full of tannin that still needs to soften. 

4926 Domaine Gilles Flacher, 2007 6 6 Plenty of fruit, but it is still hard to get at. Be patient. 

AOC Saint Joseph 

4927 Domaine du Murinais, AOC Crozes 2007 7 7 Difficult wine to interpret, it is somewhere between jammy 

Hermitage, Cuvée Vieilles Vignes and tannic. Give it more time. 

4928 Domaine des Romarins, 2007 8 8 The lesser wine of the estate, but who would know? 

AOC Côtes du Rhône It is laudable and a darn’d good drink. 

4929 Domaine Vincent Rochette, 2007 8 8 Excellent. Great fruit. Good balance. 

AOC Côtes du Rhône 

4930 Domaine des Romarins, Signargues, 2007 7 8 Absolutely the best Côtes du Rhône village to be found. 

AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Enjoy it, savour it, and if you wish, keep it a while. 



4931 Domaine du Val des Rois, Valréas, 2007 8 8 Very fine village wine. Rich and jammy. Plums and raspberries. 

AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages 

4932 Domaine Vincent Rochette, Visan, 2007 8 8 Wines such as these are very different from, but just as 

AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages good as, the finest village wines of Bordeaux and a whole lot 

cheaper. 

4933 Domaine des Côteaux des 2007 7 8 Another in the series of masterclass reds. This is full, 

Travers Réserve, Rasteau, rich and robust. 

AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages 

4934 Domaine Berthet-Rayne, “Tradition”, 2007 7 7 Amazing. Full of graceful flavours. Integrated, soft and 

Cairanne, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages mouth-filling. 

4935 Château de Montmirail, « Le Graminier », 2007 7 8 There is no better wine in this village. Full of plum jam, 

AOC Gigondas spice and interesting characters, all coloured dark red. 

4936 Domaine Maître Curnier, AOC Vacqueyras 2007 7 8 Not together and perhaps never will be. This is not one of our 

greatest successes. 

4937 Domaine de la Ferme Saint Martin, 2007 7 8 Lovely. A really classy wine with great fruit levels and high 

AOC Beaumes de Venise, levels of stringy tannin. A wine that will keep well. 

« Les Terres Jaunes » 

4938 Domaine des Cigalons, 2007 7 8 Christian Berthet-Rayne walks round his cellar with a 

AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape constant smile, perhaps because he has just tasted this. It is 

really superb. 

4939 Château de Manissy, AOC Lirac 2007 8 8 Lirac, a great wine that can often be mistaken for fine 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 

4940 Domaine Ferme Saint Martin, 2007 8 8 Cold, upland vineyard, high up in the hills. It is maturing slowly. 

AOC Côtes du Ventoux, « La Gérine » 

4941 Domaine La Roche, 2008 8 8 The best wine of the region. Matures progressively. 

AOC Costières de Nîmes This is doing fine. 

4942 Domaine de la Grand’Ribe, 2007 8 8 Fabulous glass of rich, jammy, ripe and classy red wine. 

Founders’ Choice No hurry needed. 

4943 Les Chanterelles, Grenache-Sauvignon, 2008 9 10 All together, very nicely integrated. Fine for every day. 


4944 Les Chanterelles, Syrah-Grenache, 2008 9 10 Very good for its denomination. No hurry, but keep going at 

Vin de Pays d’Oc it until it is done. 

4945 Domaine Mas de Beaulieu, Viognier, 2008 9 10 Don’t wait a moment longer than December 2010. 


4946 Domaine Mas de Beaulieu, Syrah, 2008 9 9 Good, quite elegant. Nice fruit. Ready. 


4947 Les Lavandines, AOC Côtes du Ventoux, 2008 8 9 A touch on the thin side. Good red for family enjoyment. 

Terroirs de Talents Use this year. 

4948 Les Boisières, AOC Côtes du Rhône, 2008 8 9 Full of juicy fruit. Good background of ripe tannin. Ready. 

Terroirs de Talents, Sélection Fruitée 

4949 Les Boisières, AOC Côtes du Rhône, 2008 8 9 This was the rough and tumble cuvée. Well the tumble 

Terroirs de Talents, Sélection Corsée has gone, the rough is now smooth. Enjoy. 

4950 Vacqueyras, AOC Vacqueyras, 2007 8 8 Big spicy Grenache. Great drinking now. 

Jérôme Seguin 

4951 Cornas, AOC Cornas 2003 9 9 Northern Rhône Syrah matures slowly. This has now become 

mature. 

4952 Domaine La Croix Martelle, Grenache 2007 9 9 Easy. Soft. Ready. 

Syrah Mourvèdre, Vin de Pays d’Oc 

4953 Du Peloux Library Selection, Hermitage 1999 10 10 

[Wooden case] (2 bottles each vintage) 2000 10 10 

2002 10 10 


These three vintages were ready when shipped. 

They should be drunk now.



4954 Biroth Sekt - Sparkling Wine, N.V. 8 8 Easy sparkle, enjoy now. 

St. Antonius Weinkellerei 

4955 Rüdesheimer Rosengarten 2008 8 8 Rather rich. A fine example. Nicely harmonious even though 

Riesling Kabinett, it is not big in the mouth. Rather it is a rapid flush of lemon 

St. Antonius Weinkellerei acidity that carries the fruit with it. 

4956 Kreuznacher Kronenberg Riesling 2008 7 7 Very fine wine from the Nahe Valley. Grassy. Green leaf. 

Spätlese, St. Antonius Weinkellerei Oriental pears. Good finish. 

4957 Bechtolsheimer Petersberg Riesling 2004 7 9 Still has miles to travel. The palate is wonderful; plenty 

Eiswein, Weingut Ernst Bretz of sugar, fine, lifted fruit acidity, apple, peach and mulberry. 

Leave for a couple of years and it will be better yet. 

4958 Bechtolsheimer Petersberg Rivaner, 2007 9 9 Aromatic. Balanced. Reasonably full, but ends with little 

QBA, Trocken, Weingut Ernst Bretz more than citrus acidity. 

4959 Bechtolsheimer Petersberg, Weisser 2007 8 9 Dry. Rather austere. A very good drink, but there is nothing 

Burgunder, QBA, Trocken, very special to catch the imagination. 

Weingut Ernst Bretz 

4960 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling, 2006 7 8 Light as a feather dipped in lime juice. Brilliantly balanced. 

Auslese, Weingut Meilen Plenty of sweetness, but perfectly presented. 

4961 Wachenheimer Schenkenböhl 2007 7 8 Give this more time for the unique Gewürz character to evolve. 

Gewürztraminer Kabinett, 

Wachtenburg Winzergenossenschaft 

4962 Rheingau Riesling Classic, 2008 8 8 Simple Riesling character. Nothing fancy, just good, clean, 

Weingut Hirt-Gebhardt balanced flavours. 

4963 Franken Silvaner Kabinett trocken, 2007 8 9 Dry. Elegant. Very persistent. A fine wine. 

Weingut Glaser-Himmelstoss 

4964 Beerenauslese, Neusiedlersee N.V. 6 8 A stunner. True ice wine made from the few over-ripe grapes 

that the blackbirds left behind. Honey, peach, acid and 

sweetness in no particular order. 

4965 Grüner Veltliner, Qualitätswein, 2008 7 8 Austria’s favoured vine. No wonder, it is absolutely gorgeous. 

Neusiedlersee Light, elegant, full of life and liveliness. Drink now to catch it at 

its best. 

4966 Riesling, Qualitätswein, Burgenland 2008 7 8 First class wine. This is how many of the Austrian Rieslings 

should taste – low on kerosene, high on apple fruit with good 

lemony acidity. 

4967 Pinot Noir, Qualitätswein, Burgenland 2005 8 8 Excellent. A wine that truly shows Pinot Noir character, 

although it is rather hot tasting and slightly deficient in red 

fruit flavours. 

4968 Prosecco, DOC Montello Colli Asolani N.V. 8 9 Bright. Fizzy. Uttely inconsequential. Great wines for an 

aperitif now. 

4969 Il Maserino Dessert N.V. 5 7 Heavy – a loaded aroma, some oxidase on the horizon, big 

wine. It will not last very long, so enjoy this year. 

4970 Verduzzo, IGT Colli Trevigiani 2007 8 9 Dry as dust, but the fruit and acidity provides an oasis. It has 

now married together and can be enjoyed immediately. 

It certainly will not improve. 


7


4971 Chardonnay, DOC Montello Colli Asolani 2007 8 8 Delicious confection of pineapple, pear and pomegranate. Ready. 

4972 Merlot, DOC Montello Colli Asolani 2006 8 8 Spicy. Quite modest weight. Attractive fig-like nose. Modest 

palate, but persistent. 

4973 Cabernet, DOC Montello Colli Asolani 2006 7 8 A quick whiff of pepper and a shock of blackcurrant. Medium 

tannin. Not much fruit acidity. Don’t lay this away. Drink within 

two years. 

PUGLIA 

Inside the instep of Italy’s southern coastline, these are huge wines laden with extract; often clumsy, but full of fruit with a good tannic structure. 

4974 Negroamaro, IGT Salento, Terre d’Uva 2007 8 8 Wines scarcely come darker and, in some ways, that 

means concentration. It is sweet fruit and black pigment. 

Drink anytime, but enjoy this year. 

4975 Primitivo, IGT Salento, Terre d’Uva 2007 8 8 For an inexpensive wine, it has a mass of extract and concentration, 

but it is good already with food like stews and hotpots. 

4976 Salice Salentino Riserva, Doc, Terre d’Uva 2006 7 8 Very fine. Good integration of all the parts. Enjoy at your own 

time and place. 

4977 Primitivo di Manduria, DOC, Terre d’Uva 2007 7 8 Dark black. A medley of blackberry fruit. 

4978 Nottetempo, Chardonnay, IGT Salento, 2008 8 8 Even now, this is showing early signs of moving too quickly. 

Le Vigne di Sammarco Drink this year. 

4979 Cypraea, DOC Salice Salentino, 2008 8 8 Big colour. Will delight members who look for weighty 

Le Vigne di Sammarco structure. 

4980 Pecten, IGT Salento, 2008 8 8 Quite tough, the fruit is lingering behind the tannin/acidity 

Le Vigne di Sammarco in the palate. Leave for a year. 

4981 Bisso, Salice Salentino, DOC, Riserva, 2006 7 7 Well integrated. Can be enjoyed immediately. 

Le Vigne di Sammarco 

4982 Arche’e, Negroamaro-Primitivo, IGT Salento 2007 6 7 Lovely wine. Good potential and drinking well already. 

4983 Etra, Primitivo, IGT Salento 2007 7 8 Mighty colour. Big fruit. Solid. 

4984 Amigdala, DOC Aleatico di Puglia, 2007 8 8 Massive. Let it get closer to harmony. 

Natural Sweet Drink from 2012 onwards. 

4985 Pinot Grigio, DOC Alto Adige, 2008 9 9 Abolutely no good reason to wait. Enjoy this year. 

E. Von Keller 

4986 Sauvignon Blanc, DOC Alto Adige, 2007 8 9 Fresh and frisky. Fine perfume – not heavy, but elegant. 

Well made. 

4987 Pinot Noir, DOC Alto Adige, Prendo, 2006 8 8 Good colour. Not a big wine, but very pure flavours. 

Wilhelm Walch 

4988 Vallée d’Aoste Blanc, DOC Vallée d’Aoste, 2006 9 9 Lovely, simple, grapey aromas and nice easy balance with 

Cave du Vin Blanc de Morgex lifted acidity. Good now. 

& de La Salle 

4989 Enfer d’Arvier, Clos del’Enfer, 2007 8 8 The label looks French, the flavours are closer to France 

DOC Vallée d’Aoste, Cave du Vin Blanc than Italy, but it is a delightfully typical mountain wine. Lots 

de Morgex & de La Salle of freshness and easy fruit. 

4990 Gavi San Pietro, DOCG, Tenuta San Pietro 2008 8 8 Fine wine, but as it ages it will go through a difficult period 

where it tastes like old apricots. So, don’t wait. Enjoy it in its 

youthful format. 

4991 Dolcetto d’Alba, DOC, Vaben, 2008 7 8 Chill it and serve on a hot day. Enjoy the vivid fruit and 

Cantina Terrenostre high level of acidity. Really refreshing. 

4992 Barbera d’Alba, DOC, Ajé, 2007 6 7 Very good. Modest structure, but all together. 

Cantina Terrenostre 

4993 Nebbiolo d’Alba, DOC, Bricco Reala, 2006 8 8 As black as a dark cat, with just as many lives, but don’t 

Azienda Agricola Bel Colle wait for the ninth, enjoy it this year. 

4994 Barbaresco, DOCG, Cantina Terrenostre 2005 6 6 Lovely. A good example of the Piedmont reds. Very attractively 

balanced. 



4995 Barolo, DOCG, Azienda Agricola Bel Colle 2005 6 7 Very fine example. Drinking well now. 

4996 Soave, DOC, Cantine Delibori 2008 9 9 Quaff and enjoy in large amounts. Not much to it, but it is 

clean enough. A sound and decent drink. 

4997 Valpolicella Classico, DOC, 2008 8 9 Easy wine for easy drinking. Enjoy this year. 

Cantine Delibori 

4998 Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Ripasso, 2006 7 7 Lively still. Good structure. Not huge, but quite a powerful 

DOC, Cantine Delibori nose and palate. Good now. 

4999 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico, 2005 6 6 Smooth. Unctuous. Tastes like all of the fruit in a 

DOC, Azienda Agricola Ca’ La Bionda Christmas cake. 

5000 Sangiovese Toscano Rosso, IGT, 2008 8 8 Nothing to write home about, but decent stuff and great 

Fratelli Corsi with pasta. 

5001 Chianti, DOCG, Fratelli Corsi 2008 8 8 Quite an ordinary wine, but it will give a good account if 

enjoyed with food. 

5002 Vernaccia di San Gimignano, DOCG, 2008 9 9 A wine that is best when young. 

Casa della Terra, Agricoltori del Geografico 

5003 Morellino di Scansano, DOC, Tenuta 2008 6 7 From one of Tuscany’s newly found denominations. 

Le Preselle, Agricoltori del Geografico Everyone who is anyone piled in, bought land and the wines 

are now showing why. This is great and will be better yet. 

5004 Chianti Classico, DOCG, Lucignano, 2007 6 6 Fine chocolate and vanilla notes mixed with saddle leather 

Gallo Nero, Agricoltori del Geografico and blackberries. Lovely now, but it will keep going on and on. 

5005 Rosso di Montalcino, DOC, Castello 2007 7 7 Very big and full. A keeper. 

Tricerchi, Agricoltori del Geografico 

5006 Chianti Classico Riserva, DOCG, 2005 7 6 Deliciously complete. All of the fruit that is needed to make 

Contessa di Radda, gallo nero, it memorable. 

Agricoltori del Geografico 

5007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, DOCG, 2006 7 7 From one of the most beautiful hilltop townships in Tuscany. 

Cerraia, Agricoltori del Geografico When young, its wines are like drinking gravel. This has now 

begun to take seriously softer profiles. 

5008 Brunello di Montalcino, DOCG, 2004 6 7 This has such life still to come. It could be put aside for 

Castello Tricerchi, Agricoltori del Geografico another two years at least. 

5009 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, 2008 9 9 Lovely and fresh, enjoy now to capture those characters. 

DOC, Follonica, 

Casa Vinicola S. Piersanti & C. 

5010 Rosso Piceno, DOC, 2008 7 7 Good nose, but as tough as an old army boot. Leave it for 

Casa Vinicola S. Piersanti & C. another year. 

5013 Orvieto Classico, DOC, Fratelli Corsi 2008 9 9 Don’t risk this white losing its “flower of youth”. Drink this year. 

5014 Grechetto dell’Umbria, IGT Umbria, 2008 9 9 Very fine local (Italian) variety. Quality with substance. 

Cantina Terre de’ Trinci 

5015 “Cajo”, IGT Umbria, Cantina Terre de’ Trinci 2006 7 7 Very fine red. Hold a while longer. 

5016 Pecorino Colli Aprutini, IGT, 2008 9 9 Only attractive when youthful. Drink now. 

Azienda Agricola Camillo Montori 

5017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, DOC, 2008 8 8 A wine from an area that invariably produces rough tannins. 

Fratelli Corsi These are rough, but they add to, rather than detract from, the 

characters. 

5018 Catarrato, IGT Sicilia, Fiordiligi, 2008 8 8 Much more than a mere table wine, but treat as such and 

Azienda Baglio Caruso enjoy it this year. 

5019 Syrah, IGT Sicilia, Ruggiero, 2007 8 8 Stalwart stuff, drinks well. Full of gutsy gruff tannin. 

Azienda Baglio Caruso 

5020 Chianti Classico, DOCG, MolinLungo, 2006 7 7 With many Chiantis showing many various styles, it was a 

Gallo Nero, Agricoltori del Geografico, pleasure to select this wine that shows all the typcity that 

Founders’ Choice made wines of Tuscany so irresistible twenty years ago. 


0 



5022 Château Pique-Sègue Blanc, AC Montravel 2008 8 8 Very fine, young wine in a Bordeaux style. It is ready now. 

5023 Château Pique-Sègue Rosé, 2008 8 9 Don’t wait another minute! Chill it, open it and share it. 

AC Bergerac Rosé Delicious. 

5024 Château Pique-Sègue Rouge, 2007 7 7 Comes from right outside the homestead from the oldest 

AC Bergerac vines –it shows good complexity and fine varietal flavours. 

Open this year. 

5025 Château Dauzan La Vergne, 2007 7 7 Fine wine. Good use of oak. Fine to open now. 

AC Côtes de Bergerac 

5026 Château Dauzan La Vergne 

AC Côtes de Bergerac, 

(2 bottles each vintage) 

Silver Medal, 2001, Mâcon 1998 9 9 

Silver Medal, 2004, Mâcon, & 

Coup de Coeur, 2004, Guide Hachette 2001 8 8 

Silver Medal, 2005, Paris, 2002 7 7 

Silver Medal, 2005, Mâcon, & 

2006 Guide Hachette 

Open by trial. Enjoy each vintage for what it is and what it 

says in the mouth – all are perfectly mature. 

5027 Richemont du Château de Sours Blanc, 2008 8 8 Perfectly easy. Lots of ready fruit flavours and good 

AOC Bordeaux fresh acidity. Enjoy now. 

5028 Château de Sours Blanc, AOC Bordeaux 2008 7 8 Lively and delicious. Ready now, open a bottle anytime. 

5029 La Source du Château de Sours, 2007 7 7 A rather old fashioned flavour, it will change greatly, but the 

Blanc, AOC Bordeaux fruit will diminish. Better to enjoy before end of 2013. 

5030 Richemont du Château de Sours Rouge, 2007 7 8 Quite ready. A little short of red berries, but not lacking in 

AOC Bordeaux other fruit characters. 

5031 Château de Sours Rouge, AOC Bordeaux 2007 5 6 Juicy, spicy, a welter of red berries and sweet cassis. Can be 

enjoyed now. 

5032 La Source du Château de Sours, 2007 5 7 All of the wonderful fruit that we have come to expect 

Rouge, AOC Bordeaux from this beautiful property. Drink from 2011 onwards. 

5033 La Cachette Privée de Sébastien Lamothe, 2007 5 7 Still very shut in. It was made to last, so is currently not ready. 

AOC Bordeaux 

5034 Petit Cantenac, 2007 6 7 The little brother of Lot 5035 (below). However, in the mouth 

AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru it is not little at all. In fact, it is wonderfully complete. Enjoy 

whenever you wish from now on. 

5035 Clos Cantenac, 2007 6 6 The first Grand Cru release from the cellar of the late 

AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Sebastien Lamothe and Martin Krajewski. Winning medals and 

plaudits everywhere, so much so that it is completely sold out. 

Very fine promise. 



MICHEL & ANGELITA BAUCé, LA RAYRE, PINEUILH 

There were five wines made by Michel Baucé in this offering. Each shows a different face, but all have similar notes of tough, stringy 

tannin and it does take a while for that toughness to work its way out. Leave the Michel Baucé wines for another year. Recently tasted, 

all five wines were losing their harsh first taste impressions. 

5038 Château Haut-Bergeron, AC Sauternes, 2006 6 7 

Famille Lamothe 

5039 Château Les Bois Noirs, Blanc, 

Cuvée Classique, AC Bordeaux, 

Michel and Angelita Baucé 

2007 7 7 

5040 Château Les Bois Noirs, Blanc, Organic 2008 

AC Bordeaux, Michel and Angelita Baucé 

7 8 

5041 Château Les Dames de la Renardière, 

Blanc, AC Entre-Deux-Mers, 

S.C.E.A. La Renardière 

2007 9 9 

5042 Château Les Bois Noirs, Rouge, Organic 2008 

AC Bordeaux, Michel and Angelita Baucé 

7 8 

5043 Château Les Dames de la Renardière, 

Rouge, Classic, AC Bordeaux Supérieur, 

S.C.E.A. La Renardière 

2007 7 7 

5044 Château le Pré de la Lande, AC 

Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux, Cuvée Réserve 

de la Famille, Michel and Angelita Baucé 

2007 7 7 

5045 Château Les Bois Noirs, 2005 7 6 

AC Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux, Cuvée Angelita, 

Michel and Angelita Baucé 

5046 Château le Breuil, AC Côtes de Bourg, 2007 

Cuvée Classic, Henri Doyen 

7 8 Softening nicely. It can be enjoyed during 2010. 

5047 Château Lafon, Listrac-Médoc, 

Cru Bourgeois, Famille Théron 

2005 8 8 Very supple, delicious blackberry fruit. Notes of blue plums. 

5048 Château Labadie, Cru Bourgeois, 

AC Médoc, GFA Bibey 

2006 7 7 Delicate, dry, attractive nose. Good fruit. 

5050 Domaine de l’Alliance, AC Sauternes, 2006 6 8 Ready now. Perhaps this is a wine that will last as long as 

Famille Alibrand you have a cellar. 

5051 Château Labatut-Bouchard, 2008 7 8 Superb wine from a brilliant property. No need to wait any 

AC Bordeaux, Blanc Sec, 

Frédéric & Valérie Méhaye 

longer. Your glass awaits your pleasure. 

5052 Château de Crain, AC Entre-Deux-Mers, 2008 8 8 Very fine swell of tropical fruits, melon, pineapple and 

Michel & Bernard Fougère grapefruit. Ready now. 

5053 Château de Fontenille, 

AC Entre-Deux-Mers, Stéphane Defraine 

2008 7 8 Fine, dry, wonderful fruit. Wholesome fruit notes. 

5054 Château Carsin, AC Bordeaux, 

Juha Berglund 

2008 7 8 Bigger wine than many, but ready all the same. 

5055 Château Roquefort, AC Bordeaux, 2008 7 8 One of the new style, variety up-front, Sauvignon led whites. 

Jean and Frédéric Bellanger Ready to enjoy in 2010. 

5056 Château de Fontenille, 2008 8 9 Stephane asked Bill Blatch to help with his winemaking. 

AC Bordeaux Clairet, Stéphane Defraine The results have always created a wave. This is lovely. Ready now. 

5057 Château du Breuil, 2006 7 8 James Gregoire has pots of money, but invests it in making 

AC Fronsac, James Grégoire wonderful wines. This is one of them. Start opening this year. 

5058 Château Lescalle, 

AC Bordeaux Supérieur, Alain Tessandier 

2006 8 8 Now much softer. Ready to open during 2010. 

5059 Château de Fontenille, AC Bordeaux, 2006 6 7 We have watched this château improve over many years. 

Stéphane Defraine The wines are great. Drink this from now on. 


Initially appears rather dry, but then fruit piles onto the palate 

along with fruity acidity. Good wine. Will last, change and 

develop more personality. 

Not easy to find much fruit. It is clean enough and drinks quite 

well, but there is little to remember. 

Supple, good level of easily accessed fruit. Soft entry, tannic in 

the middle, ends with long spicy notes. 

1

2 


5060 Château Jouanin, Cuvée Prestige, 2005 6 7 Georges has never let us down, his wines are entirely 

AC Côtes de Castillon, Georges Taïx dependable. Try this now. 

5061 Château Carsin, AC Premières 2006 7 7 Juha continues to follow in the footsteps of Mandy Jones, 

Côtes de Bordeaux, Juha Berglund his original winemaker. The wine is wonderful already. 

5062 Château Roland La Garde, Prestige, 2005 7 8 One of the greatest of the less great châteaux. Fantastic 

AC Premières Côtes de Blaye, Bruno Martin quality wine. Long lived. 

5063 Clos Sainte Anne, AC Premières 2006 6 7 Fantastic wine made by an old Opimian associate. 

Côtes de Bordeaux, Marie Courselle Can stay in the cellar for three or four more years. 

5064 Château de Lagorce Réserve, 2006 6 6 

AC Bordeaux Supérieur, Founders’ Choice 

5065 Château Martinon, Blanc, 2008 8 9 Hard to find anything better than this at this price. 

AC Entre-Deux-Mers, Jérôme Trolliet 

5066 Prince Pirate Rouge, Cuvée Amitié, N.V. 9 9 Finish the case before the end of summer. You must catch 

Vin de Table Français the fruit before it leaves the station. 

5067 The Opimian Society’s Claret, N.V. 8 8 This is wine for enjoyment over the year. 

AC Bordeaux 

5069 Château Maillard, AC Graves, 2006 7 7 Perennially a tough nut. Tannins are still “spikey.” 

EARL Château Maillard 

5070 Château Haut Sociondo, 2007 7 7 A wine Opimian has offered many times over many vintages 

AC Premières Côtes de Blaye, because it is always good value. Try this year. 

S.C.E.A. Martinaud et Filles 

5071 Château Martinon, Rouge, 2007 7 8 The find of the decade, both red and white. This red is a 

AC Bordeaux Supérieur, Jérôme Trolliet winner. Still tough, but that is no reason not to enjoy. 

5072 Château Les Tours Seguy, 2006 7 7 Likely to move quite rapidly. Try a bottle early in 2010. 

AC Côtes de Bourg, J.F. Breton 

5073 Château Moulin des Laurets, AC 2007 7 7 Quite supple, but in no hurry to lose its youthful aggression. 

Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Lionel Mounet 

5074 Château Croix-Mouton, AC Bordeaux 2006 6 6 Fabulous. Try a bottle this year. 

Supérieur, Jean-Philippe Janoueix 

5075 Château Vieux Clos St Émilion, AC 2007 6 7 Nowhere near ready. Drink 2014 – 2025. 

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, SCEA Terras 

5076 Château Canon de Brem, AC Canon 2003 7 8 All the Fronsac wines are slow, give this more time. 

Fronsac, SCEA Domaines Jean Halley 

5077 Baron de Brane, AC Margaux, 2006 6 6 From one of the greatest vineyards of the Médoc. 

Henri Lurton Still unready. 

5078 Hortevie, AC Saint-Julien, J-E Borie SA 2006 7 8 A perennial favourite. Ready to open. 

5079 Château L’Enclos, AC Pomerol, 2006 6 7 One of the most attractive ‘06s. Drinking well, although 

S & D Adams still tastes very young. 

5080 20 Mille de Jean-Philippe Janoueix, 2006 4 5 This man, Janoueix, is crazy, but he is a heck of a winemaker. 

AC Bordeaux Supérieur, Hold on. 

Jean-Philippe Janoueix 

5081 Lucia, AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 2001 8 8 Now enjoy. 

Michel Bortolussi 




5082 Bourgogne Aligoté, AOC 2008 8 9 Drink while the fruit is ripe and fresh. There is nothing worse 

than poor fruit. 

5083 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune 2008 8 8 Lovely now. It has several years life to come. 

Blanc, La Justice, AOC 

5084 Saint Romain, La Combe Bazin, AOC 2008 6 7 Fine mineral structure. A very good middle of the road white. 

Fine Chardonnay characters. 

5085 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune, 2008 6 7 Light and a touch disappointing at the moment. Give it a 

AOC year or two in bottle to emerge. 

5086 Auxey-Duresses, AOC 2008 6 7 Well structured. Fine fruit. Will be ready by next year. 

5087 Beaune, Les Bons Feuvres, AOC 2008 6 6 Lovely, fine Pinot Noir nose that will develop both fine flavour 

and aroma profiles over the next year. 

5088 Pommard, Les Tavannes, AOC 2008 6 6 Very fine wine. Pinot is so small compared to the heavy weight 

reds. Don’t expect more of it than the grape can give. 

5089 La Source de Vignelaure Rosé, 2008 8 9 Certainly one of the finest Rosés produced anywhere, and 

AOC Côteaux d’Aix en Provence by anyone, in France. 

5090 Le Page de Vignelaure Rosé, 2008 8 8 The senior borther of Lot 5089, rather fuller bodied. 

Vin de Pays de Méditerranée A food wine. 

5091 La Source de Vignelaure, 2007 7 7 Wonderful red wine. Needs time for the concentration to 

AOC Côteaux d’Aix en Provence come together. 

5092 Château Vignelaure, 2005 6 7 Archetypally full-bodied, a wonderful red from a great property. 

AOC Côteaux d’Aix en Provence 

5093 Château Vignelaure, AOC Côteaux 2000 8 9 One of the fabulous wines made by David O’Brian. Now mature, 

d’Aix en Provence, Magnums it has only gained, rather than dissipated, any of its class. 

5094 Sauvignon/Chardonnay, 2007 8 9 A wine of balance, harmony and freshly vigourous acidity. 

Caracter de l’Ansée, 

Vin de Pays de la Loire 

5095 Sauvignon Blanc, AOC Touraine, 2008 8 8 Surely the best Sauvignon Blanc from the Middle Loire 

Domaine Gibault vineyards. 

5096 Rosé, Frisson d’Été”, 2008 9 9 Light as a feather and dusted with fruit flavours, it is intended 

AOC Touraine Rosé, Domaine Gibault to be opened early. Enjoy this year. 

5097 Gamay, Friandise, AOC Touraine, 2008 8 9 Fresh. Sappy. Acidic. A delight when served fresh/cool. 

Domaine Gibault 

5098 Cabernet/Côt, Emotion, AOC Touraine, 2008 7 8 Green and stalky, give it another year in bottle. 

Domaine Gibault 

5099 Crémant de Loire, AOC Crémant de Loire, N.V. 9 9 Perfect party wine. Not just fizz, but fine wine with a fizz. 

Flore and Emmanuel Rialland, 

Domaine du Pont de Livier 

5100 Côteaux du Layon, AOC Côteaux du Layon, 2008 7 7 Take time, this will live for many years. 



5101 Rosé d’Anjou, AOC Rosé d’Anjou, 2008 8 9 



5102 Pouilly Fumé, AOC Pouilly Fumé, 2008 7 7 One of the best wines of the whole appellation. Good, 

Jean-Paul Mollet, Domaine Mollet-Maudry ripe, “sweet” fruit. 

5103 Sancerre Blanc, AOC Sancerre, 2008 7 8 A wine that often disappoints, but not this one from 

Florian Mollet, Domaine Mollet-Maudry Jean-Paul Mollet. 

5104 Sancerre Rouge, AOC Sancerre, 2007 7 7 Looking for elegance? Look no further. This is marvellously 

Florian Mollet, Domaine Mollet-Maudry complete. 



5105 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, sur lie, 2008 8 9 Muscadet comes no better than this. Rather fuller bodied 

AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie, than typical for the label. 

Yves and Jérémie Huchet, 

Domaine de la Chauvinière 

5106 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, AOC Saint 2008 5 6 Oh, the green, green, grass of home – mixed with green 

Nicolas de Bourgueil, Domaine Olivier beans, typical and good. 

5107 Cuvée Prestige, AOC Chinon, 2008 7 7 Always typical. Always good value. Always dependable. 

Domaine Charles Pain 

5108 Saumur-Champigny, 2007 6 7 One of France’s most popular Appellations and with this as 

AOC Saumur-Champigny, Cuvée Tradition, an example that is no shock. Good wine. 

Jean-Luc and Jean Albert Mary, 

Domaine de la Cune 

5109 Domaine du Vieux Pressoir, Saumur, 2008 7 7 Fine wine that needs more time. 

AOC, Les Silices, Founders’ Choice 

5110 Chardonnay, Tortoise Creek, 2008 8 8 Lovely. Bags of tropical fruit. Good acid. 


5111 Sauvignon Blanc, Tortoise Creek, 2008 8 8 Fine, stalky, green grassy flavours. Good example of the grape. 


5112 Viognier, Tortoise Creek, 2008 8 8 A touch mineral and a tad light, but there is tons of 

Vin de Pays d’Oc personality. A good alternative to Chardonnay. 

5113 Grenache Rosé, Tortoise Creek, 2008 8 9 Love it ! Enjoy the fresh notes of raspberry and mulberry. 


5114 Merlot-Cabernet, Tortoise Creek, 2008 8 8 Firm. Well fleshed. Very good structure. Will develop well 

Vin de Pays d’Oc and then last. 

5115 Shiraz, Tortoise Creek, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2008 8 8 Easy, but still showing thick strands of grainy tannin. 

5116 Lagarde, Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan 2008 9 9 A fine wine for everyday, especially today. 

5117 Lagarde, Vin de Pays de l’Hérault 2008 9 9 Vigorous and energetic. Enjoy during 2010. 

5118 Merlot, La Campagne, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2008 8 8 Good fruit. Warm style. Very easy palate. 

5119 Cabernet Sauvignon, La Campagne, 2008 8 8 As good now as when offered. 


5120 Chardonnay, Les Argelières, 2008 8 9 Fine fruit, made to come round early as this is now 

Vin de Pays d’Oc beginning to do. 

5121 Syrah, Les Argelières, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2008 7 8 Earthy. Nose just beginning to show some presence in the glass 

5122 Domaine Mondié, Merlot-Syrah, 2008 7 7 Beautfully composed. Not huge, but very well harmonized. 


5123 Château Montouliers, AOC Minervois 2008 7 8 Still quite closed in. Hardly showing any movement. 



5124 Domaine Castan, Les Terres Rouges, 2008 7 8 First notes of tobacco leaf are starting to show, 

AOC Coteaux du Languedoc but it will improve further yet. 

5125 Château Salitis, Cuvée Premium, 2007 7 7 Very fine wine from a great property. As good as its 

AOC Cabardès reputation. 

5126 Château La Clotte-Fontane, Cuvée 2008 7 7 The Pages family only make fine wine and this follows 

Mathiérou, AOC Coteaux du Languedoc their family tradition. Good balance. 

5127 Le Rouge de L’AZEROLLE, AOC Minervois 2008 8 8 Wonderful value. If there is any criticism, it is only that more 

fruit would be welcome, otherwise it is lovely. 

5131 Les Ombrages, Vin de Pays 2008 9 9 Lovely, perfumed aroma. A very attractive aperitif. 

des Côtes de Gascogne Blanc 

5132 Les Ombrages, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse, 2008 9 10 Not much fruit, so should be enjoyed this year. 

5133 Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008 8 9 


5134 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008 8 8 


5135 Syrah, Vin de Pays d’Oc, Louis Mondeville 2008 8 7 

5136 Viognier, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008 9 9 


5137 Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008 8 8 


5138 Grenache Rosé, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008 9 10 


5139 Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008 8 8 


5140 Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008 8 8 



5141 Syrah, Napa Valley 2005 8 8 Leather, saddles, cassis and joy – all mixed up in one bottle. 

5142 Merlot, Napa Valley 2006 6 6 Very ripe, powerful, condensed flavours. Excellent. 

5143 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2005 6 7 One of the best wines from the whole of the Napa region. 

5144 Enveiere, Napa Valley 2002 8 8 Now the price has been forgotten, only remember how 

wonderful this wine now tastes. It is poetry in a bottle. 

5145 Estate Pinotage, Stags Leap, Napa Valley 2006 9 9 Wonderful example of a great winemaker’s artistry. 

5146 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 8 8 Pungent, powerful and full of rich fruit. 

Stags Leap, Napa Valley 

5147 Estate Cabernet Franc, 2006 7 7 Leaner cassis notes, but very elegant red notes. 

Stags Leap, Napa Valley 

5148 Estate RMS Signature Reserve 2006 6 6 Rich, stylish, huge and offers every note of each fruit 

Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap, component. 

Napa Valley 

5149 “Pure” Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County 2008 9 9 Pure in name, pure in flavours. 

5150 “Pure” Zinfandel, North Coast 2007 8 9 Delicious fruit at the front. 

5151 X Winery “Red X” Cabernet Blend 2007 7 7 Very fine blending operation. Good style. 

5152 X Winery “X 3”, Tri-County 2007 6 7 Too good to rush, let it take its time. 

Cabernet Sauvignon 

5153 X Winery Nova Vineyards Zinfandel, 2008 8 8 No wonder this is the Golden State’s favourite variety. 

Lake County Very rich and full. 


All of these wines come from the single estate of Olivier 

Mandeville-Peirière. They all show rather thin, but perfectly 

true, varietal characters. None will ever become an absolute 

favourite wine, but it is very hard not to praise them for their 

straight forward characters that offer decent perfume, good 

fruit and fine length. Though, none of those come in much 

volume. 

All of the wines from the Domaine Peirière are drinking really 

well now.


5154 X Winery Spring Mountain Merlot, 2006 8 8 Structured. Poised. Well made. 

Napa Valley 

5155 Amicus Special Blend, Spring Mountain, 2005 6 8 Marvellously ripe, but perfectly orchestrated. 

Napa Valley 

5158 Chardonnay, Stone Valley 2008 8 9 Hot vintage fruit, short on acidity. Still OK. 

5159 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stone Valley 2007 8 8 Masses of red berries. Juicy. Not much grip. 

5160 Merlot, Stone Valley 2007 8 9 Delicious. At its best now. 

5161 Old Vine Zinfandel, Angels Creek, Lodi 2008 8 8 Wonderful flavours of the grape. 

5162 Petite Sirah, Angels Creek, Lodi 2008 10 10 Not together, the fruit appears separated from the tannins. 

5163 Syrah, Angels Creek, Lodi 2008 8 8 Very good example. Fine, flavoursome Central Valley fruit. 

5165 Opimian California White N.V. 10 10 Drink up. 

5166 Opimian California Red N.V. 10 10 Do not wait longer. 

5167 Chardonnay, Butterfly Ridge, 2008 9 9 Great now, full of the tropics. 

Monterey County 

5168 Pinot Grigio, Butterfly Ridge 2008 9 10 Ripe. Melon-ish. Still good acidity. Balance. 

5169 Zinfandel Rosé, Butterfly Ridge 2008 9 10 Almost too late, drink this summer. 

5170 Merlot, Butterfly Ridge, Lake County 2007 8 8 Filled with plums – good, attractive structure. 

5171 Cabernet Sauvignon, Butterfly Ridge, 2007 9 9 Juicy cassis has come right to the front. Easy. 

Central Coast 

5172 Cabernet Franc, Butterfly Ridge, 2006 9 9 A touch thin, but typically austere character. 

Central Coast 

5173 Old Well Vineyards Zinfandel, 2006 9 9 Marvellous. Plenty of reasons to like Zinfandel. 

Amador County, Sierra Foothills 

5174 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Cuvée, 2006 8 8 Superb. The quality lights the glass like a beacon. 

Napa Valley, Riverview Vineyards 

5175 Chardonnay, Central Coast, Tortoise Creek 2007 8 9 Mel Master has always over-seen good wine making and 

blending. This is very attractive. 

5176 Merlot, Central Coast, Tortoise Creek 2006 8 9 Yes, all of the parts are in place. Ready now. 

5177 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, 2006 8 8 Still shows some rough tannic edges, but it is great with 

Tortoise Creek food now. 



5178 Fumé Blanc, Paso Robles 2008 9 9 Rather bland. Fruit too ripe, acidity too low. 

5179 Chardonnay, Central Coast 2008 8 9 Plenty of quality here. Good weight. 

5180 Reserve Viognier, Central Coast 2008 7 8 Slightly oily, but typical of the grape. Very attractive. 

5181 Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2007 8 9 Juicy. Mellow. Harmonious. 

5182 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2007 7 7 Bell pepper. Tough grained tannins. Balance has still to come. 

5183 Merlot, Paso Robles 2006 7 7 

5184 Reserve Pinot Noir, 2007 7 8 Too big to be anything but Californian, but good anyway. 

Santa Barbara County 

5185 Wente Take Seven, Small Lot, 2007 8 8 Too much. Too much of everything to ever see grace, 

Central Coast, Founders’ Choice elegance or charm. What a monster. 

5186 Melon de Bourgogne 2008 9 10 Amazingly attractive. Don’t delay, grab the freshness. 

5187 Chardonnay 2008 9 9 Enjoy it for its fresh characters. 

5188 Riesling 2008 9 10 Well made, but lacking fruit persistence. 

5189 Cabernet Franc Reserve 2008 10 10 Came round faster than expected. 

5190 Sauvignon Blanc, Private Selection, VQA 2008 9 9 Good. Less varietal than many, but a nice drink. 

5191 Chardonnay Auxerrois, 2008 9 9 Clean. Dry. It has worked out well, don’t wait any longer. 

Private Selection, VQA 

5192 Gewürztraminer, Private Selection, VQA 2008 8 8 Never had that “Alsace” character and won’t ever get it, 

but it is drinknig well. 

5193 Pinot Grigio, Private Selection, VQA 2008 9 9 Peachy, not at all like those Grigios from Italy. Judged on its 

own, it is really good. 

5194 Gamay Noir, Private Selection, VQA 2008 8 9 Too much acidity and plenty of fruit. Still not entirely together. 

5195 Ramón Bilbao Single Vineyard, 2007 8 8 Very good vintage; produced very good wine. 

DOC Rioja, Ramón Bilbao 

5196 Sierra Almirón Tempranillo, 2007 8 8 Right from the heart of Spain’s wind power country. 

DO La Mancha, Finca Antigua Somewhat tough, more tannin than fruit. 

5197 Vinea Reserva, Tempranillo, 2003 9 9 Little known region and less known wine, but truly very good. 

DO Cigales, Finca Museum 

5198 Oriella Tempranillo Crianza, 2006 9 9 Shows the class of good Tempranillo. 

DO Vinos de Madrid, Bodegas Oriella 


7


5199 Boeda Tempranillo Crianza, 2004 9 9 Supple. Good drinking. 

DO Ribera del Duero, Grupo Yllera 

5200 El Linze, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, 2007 9 9 Delicious when young, even better now. 

Bodegas El Linze 

5201 Torinos, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, 2004 9 9 Drink this year. 

Bodegas Torinos 

5202 Spiga, DO Ribera del Duero, 2005 7 8 One of the best from the region. 

Bodegas O. Fournier 

5203 Gretole Chardonnay, IGT Sicilia, 2008 8 9 Delicious. A really good Chardonnay. 

Tenute Gretole 

5204 Il Sodero, IGT Maremma Toscana, 2007 7 7 Very fine wine for price. Tasting well. 

Tenuta Moraia 

5205 Regale, DOCG Chianti Classico, 2007 8 8 Tannins getting easier now. 

Az. Agr. La Sala 

5206 Campo All‘Albero, IGT Colli della 2005 7 8 No worries. 

Toscana Centrale, Az. Agr. La Sala 


Tasting Notes

70 

SEASON WINE REGIONS LOTS PAGE 

2001 

S34 California Cabernet Futures 1712 - 1718 3 

2002 

C142 Italy, Austria, California 2131 - 2188 3 

2003 

S38 Australia, South Aftrica, Bordeaux, Chablis, Port, 1993 - 1998 3 

Cognac, Whiskies, Armagnac, Calvados 2296 - 2315 

C146 Chile, Argentina, Alsace, Rhône 2367 - 2416 3 

C147 Austria, Italy, California 2418 - 2472 3 

C148 Bordeaux, Bergerac 1993 / 1997 / 1998 4 

2004 

2477 - 2510 

S39 Portugal, Champagne, Côte d’Or, Chablis, Bordeaux, Canada 2603 - 2646 4 

Port, Sherry, California 

C151 Spain, Beaujolais, Côte d’Or, Mâconnais, Alsace 2653 - 2688 4 

C152 Rhône, Germany, Argentina, Chile 2690 - 2747 4 

C154 Bordeaux, Bergerac 2806 - 2846 5 

2005 

S40 Bordeaux 2003 Vintage, Spainish Futures 2901 - 2913 5 

C156 South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina 2901 - 2946 6 

S41 Côte d’Or, Champagne, California, Canada, 2948 - 3001 6 

Cognac, Port, Sherry 

C157 Spain, Beaujolais, Rhône 3004 - 3045 6 

C158 Alsace , Chile 3049 - 3087 7 

C159 Italy, Germany, Austria 3091 - 3131 7 

C160 Loire, Bordeaux, Bergerac 3133 - 3179 8 

C161 Midi, Provence, New York State 3181 - 3213 8 

C162 Canada, California, Spain 3215 - 3279 8 

2006 

Index 

C163 South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina 3281 - 3328 8 

S42 Whiskies, Chablis, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Canada 3330 - 3376 9 

C164 Spain, Portgual, Mâconnais, Alsace 3377 - 3426 9 

C165 Rhône, Chile 3429 - 3478 10 

C166 Italy, Austria, Germany 3483 - 3534 11 


C168 Provence, Midi, Côte d’Or, Loire 3588 - 3640 12 

C169 California, Canada, Spain 3641 - 3691 12 


Index 

SEASON WINE REGIONS LOTS PAGE 

2007 

C170 Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina 3719 - 3748 13 

S43 Whiskies, Cognac, Chablis, Côte d’Or, Beaujolais, 3750 - 3800 14 

Bordeaux, Champagne, Sherry 

C171 Spain, Portgual, Alsace, Mâconnais 3801 - 3851 14 

C172 Rhône, Chile 3856 - 3907 15 

C173 Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece 3909 - 3960 16 


C175 Midi, Provence, Côte d’Or, Loire 4017 - 4072 20 

C176 California, Canada, Spain 4074 - 4133 22 

2008 

C177 Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa 4134 - 4212 23 

S44 Bordeaux, Chablis, Beaujolais, Canada, Champagne, 4213 - 4278 26 

Sherry, Cognac, Whiskies 

C178 Portgual, Spain, Mâconnais, Alsace 4279 - 4341 28 

C179 Chile, Rhône 4342 - 4412 30 

C180 Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy 4413 - 4478 33 


C182 Provence, Côte d’Or, Loire, Midi 4538 - 4597 38 

C183 California, Canada, Spain & Italy 4598 - 4662 41 

2009 

C184 South Africa, New Zealand, Australia 4663 - 4734 43 

S45 Argentina, Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Chablis, Canada, 4735 - 4817 46 

Champagne, Cognac, Whiskies, Sherry 

C185 Spain, Portgual, Alsace, Mâconnais 4818 - 4886 51 

C186 Chile, Rhône 4887 - 4953 54 

C187 Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece 4954 - 5021 57 


C189 Côte d’Or, Provence, Loire, Midi 5082 - 5140 63 

C190 California, Canada, Spain & Italy 5141 - 5206 65 


71

Songlines Estates Hastwell & Lightfoot Briar Ridge Vineyard & Winery Westend Estate 

Perrin Societe Gardet & Cie Emilio Lustau S.A. Praban Na Linne Unicognac 

Vinoseleccion Vina La Rosa Villard Estate Vina Echeverria Avenue SRL. We 

Pique-Sègue S.C.E.A. Chateau De Sours S.E.M.A.V. Vintex Chateau Vignelaure 

Wente Tortoise Creek Pelee Island Winery 

420-5165 Rue Sherbrooke O • Montréal QC • H4A 1T6 

' 514-483-5551 • 1-800-361-9421 • 7 514-481-9699 

Email: opim@opim.ca • www.opim.ca

Wine Review 2010

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