I have been lucky with most of the wines opened last week. No duds except the Viader noted in Wine Focus.
Gigondas Cuvée des Blaches 1998 – Domaine des Espiers – was a very nice mature Gigondas with typically gutsy full body, dark fruit laced with liquorice and spice; 16/20.
Rias Baixas Albariño 2007 – Pazo Señorans – was bone dry, slightly salty and deliciously crisp and juicy; 16/20.
When I tasted it in the growers cellars, I was very impressed by Chablis 1er cru Montmains 2007- Denis Race (€9,80) which showed plenty of crisp minerality, backbone and length; I would add after last Wednesday’s dinner juicy white and citrus fruit and real class making for an absolutely delicious drink; 17/20QPR!!. Ten plus year old Chablis can acquire wonderful complexity but this is so delicious now that I doubt if I can keep my hands off it, especially with the Pox unconquered.
After a tasting, I wrote the following about Bierzo, Ultreia de St. Jacques 2008 – Viñedos de Raúl Pérez (organic) (€10), Mencía 100%. I loved this for its purity and aromas of tangy, spicy sweet cherry and generous body and mouth-fill combined with freshness; 16/20+ QPR!! Having opened my first bottle at home, I don’t wish to take any of that back but would emphasise the spiciness and a certain mat character of its texture compared with the more polished and wooded entry level Pétalos Bierzo from the Palacios heirs.