Coteaux du Languedoc 1998 – Mas Jullien – Alc.14%, made currently from equal parts of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carigan, but from the aromas I suspect that there was then some Grenache; the previously separate Cailloutis and Depierre cuvées were amalgamated into this one from 1997. I was expecting something more robust from this Languedoc classic in 1998 but, nevertheless, the wine was lovely with unusual elegance for the region. The aromas showed primary fruit, some sweet cherry, at first but with airing Southern herbs, anise and some mint, tar and leather came up and pushed the fruit into the background. Body was medium to full, the palate was harmonious, classically shaped and quite mouth-filling and long with no trace of parasite oak (I think the estate does not use new wood); quite evolved and probably at its peak; 17/20.
Valdeorras Godello “Pezas de Portela” 2004 – Bodegas Valdelsil (white) – Alc. 13%. In December 2008, I wrote – it shows rich creamy white and exotic fruit wound with minerals and fine lively acidity on a full body; the caramel note towards the finish which I noted at a tasting a year or so ago has now fully integrated. It is slightly richer and more intense that the excellent basic cuvée, Val de Sil, and can be used to substitute for a good Meursault but with its own character and less expensive; 16.5/20++.. A year later it is still recognisably the same very good wine but I think that it has lost a bit of bloom suggesting that the wines may not be very long lived; now 16/20.
Rosso Conero “Piancarda” 2006 - Garofoli - Alc. 13.5% - (€8), from Montepulciano 100%, was arguably better than the robust 2005 which showed full dark fruit with tobacco and tar hints. This 2006 was perhaps a tad less full but showed brighter fruit and more minerals and acidity with the same tobacco and tar hints; 15.5/20+++ QPR!
Finally two QPR slurps costing approximately €4 at our local supermarket.
Vinho Regional Lisboa “Bons Ventos” 2008 (red) – Alc. 13%, made from Castelão, Camarate, Tinta Miúda and Touriga Nacional, was robust and tangy with red fruit (some sour cherry) which veered somewhat towards English boiled sweet; but nice particularly at the price; 14.5/20++ QPR!.
Côtes du Rhône Villages Chusclan 2007 (red)– Alc. 15.5%!!, a Grenache dominated blend, was generous and robust with tangy savoury fruit and much less alcoholic burn than its degree would imply; 15/20 QPR!