Notes from a small group blind tasting of Northern Rhones
2011 Domaine des Rémizières Hermitage Blanc Cuvée Émilie – medium yellow colour and a very nice floral and lemon nose with not much oak. Good clean acidity.
1979 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle – my last bottle, opened about a half hour before tasting. Garnet colour all the ay through, a mellow old oak nose with some dried cherry and nuts, truly excellent core of fruit and a log dry finish. Outstanding. I don’t give scores but the other guys were discussing whether it would be 97 or 98 points.
2008 Thierry Allemand Cornas Chaillot – still some blue hints in the colour and a nose of floral (lavender) and smoky tea. Good legs. Very dry finish and still a bit of tannin. No rush at all.
2014 Domaine Faury St. Joseph Vieilles Vignes – dark wine with purple edges, a lovely ripe fruit nose plus a bit of meatiness and some smoke. Slightly astringent in the mouth, and with obvious tannins remaining but still drinking well.
Barbeito Madeira Boal 40 Years Old Vinho do Embaixador – sweet candied walnut nose with hints of balsamic vinegar and pudding spices. Good acid levels. Interesting wine and very good.