Domain de Thalabert 2017

The colour is deep purple. On the nose blueberries, black olives, meat and liquorice. In the mouth it is full-bodied and rich, with fruit and ripe tannins on the lingering finish.

Produced entirely from Syrah grapes, Thalabert’s Crozes-Hermitage is vinified from 40-60-year-old vines. It is made by Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné, which in 2006 was bought by the Frey Group, which also owns vineyards in Champagne and Bordeaux (Château la Lagune). Continue reading “Domain de Thalabert 2017”

Northern Rhône Syrah

Mid October I organised a tasting of Northern Rhône Syrah wines. I visited the region with my wife in Mai 2015. Back then I bought wines from the best denominations: Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Cornas. I let the bottles age in my cellar for six years and now I’ve decided to taste a couple with some friends. Continue reading “Northern Rhône Syrah”

La Petite Chapelle 2009

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose corked. With time it only gets worst. Very unfortunate, but it happens.

A “corked” wine, which smells like wet newspaper/cardboard, is the result of the presence of a chemical called TCA (2,4,6 trichloranisole). While unpleasant, cork taint is not in any way harmful to humans. Today several procedures and treatments are in place to render cork less susceptible to developing cork taint, but it can still happen. As it has been the case with this bottle. Continue reading “La Petite Chapelle 2009”

Le Chevalier de Sterimberg 2011

On the nose (acacia) honey, nuts and caramelized citrus aromas. In the mouth very elegant and superbly balanced. The finish is characterised by an explosion of flavours. The aftertaste is subtly discreet, but stays around for quite a while.

This Hermitage Blanc is a blend of 2/3 Marsanne and 1/3 Roussanne, both indigenous of the northern Rhône Valley. Continue reading “Le Chevalier de Sterimberg 2011”