Wine Review 2010

Lot # Wine Year M D Comment
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.
Wine Review 2010
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