The Rhone Valley
Pat Smith, Barry
Fitzwilliam Maxxium
1.
Cotes-du-Rhone, Guigal, 2003
Light straw, and a fresh nose
distinctive of Viognier: Flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach.
Very dry, long finish, extremely pleasant.
Pat says that it's 51% Viognier; the Guigal webiste says: 50% Viognier,
20% Roussane, 12% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, 8% Bourboulenc, 2% Grenache
blanc. But we won't argue over a percentage here and there.
€12.50
2. Crozes Hermitage, Domaine
Alain Graillot, 2004
Medium dry, decent acidity,
fruity, buttery, lovely long finish of butterscotch. 13% alc. Marsanne
80%, Roussanne 20% Started out in 1985 and is now rated by many the
top producer of Crozes Hermitage. Lovely; shame about the price.
€21-22
3. Tavel, Guigal, 2003
This 100% Grenache is a
decent, fruity and even elegant rosé,
not the synthetic-tasting stuff so often found in the south of France.
It has also improved a lot from the last time I tasted it (Can't
remember the vintage). Still no way I'd pay this amount of money for it.
€17
4.
Cotes du Rhone, 'Pialade', Domaine Chateau Rayas, 2000
Light red, orangerim, no
tannin, nice fresh feel. Bright, spicy, clean. Gorgeous. 100%
Grenache and unfortunately not available.
€14
5. Cotes du Rhone
Villages, Domaine Andezon, cave d'Estezargues. 2003
Dark and seemed murky (the
light is terrible here). Huge fruity nose. Big, fruity,
tannic, chewy, raspberry, cherry. Lovely. 100% Syrah?
€13~
6.
St. Joseph 'Lieu Dit', Guigal, 2002
Deep, quite tannic, softening
in the glass. Tastes good behind the tannin; not outstanding, though,
especially for that price. 100% Syrah.
€30 ~
7. Hermitage, Guigal, 2002
Deep clear red. Slightly
smoky nose. A hint of sour milk, loads of fruit, layers of complexity.
Also 100% Syrah.
€45~
8. Cote-Rotie, Chateau
d'Ampuis, 2000
Clean mid-red. Not a
huge nose. Some soft tannins, red and green fruit pastilles. Smooth,
complex, wonderful, stunning. I just can't give it stars because
it's too dear. When I'm rich ...
€125