Beaucastel CNDP

I was recently reminded of how amazing Beaucastel CNDP is. Decant for at least two hours, use a deep open wine glass (even a cab sav size) and enjoy. For those who haven't heard of Beaucastel CNDP, over to the critics...


Beaucastel is a pillar of quality in the Southern Rhone, producing wines of the highest quality in that region. The brothers that run this operation have followed their father's insistence of a high proportion of Mouvedre in their wines – something that gives them a unique appeal. Typically high in tannin and savoury aromas, Beaucastel produce wines for the long term.  
Bordeaux Index


One of the great estates of the Rhone Valley, 
Robert Parker




Nose of black berries, truffles&  licorice. The tannins were described by RP as "sweet tannic". Its full-bodied and extraordinarily complex. 2007 is so damn delicious im kicking myself i only bought 2 cases. 2000 is even better. At any price this wine is to be sampled. 

Gulfi Tasting, Sicilian Wines

Estate/Chateau: Gulfi Wines, 

Location; Mt Enta Region, Silicy, Italy

Price Range: 10-40euro

Notable wines: Nerobaronj 2007

Overall Impression: Excellent. From the entry level whites to deeply tannic classic cru bold reds - very impressive

Valcanzrija 2010 Sicilia I.G.T. Bianco

Chardonnay, Carricante, Albanello, cultivated by spalliera (modified alberello with 8300 vines per hectare). Great entry  level wine

Carjcanti 2009 Sicilia I.G.T. Bianco

A blend of native Carricante and Albanello, autochthonous white grapes which have been cultivated for centuries on Mount Iblea in the province of Ragusa.

 

Rossojbleo 2010 Sicilia I.G.T. Rosso

A simple red wine, best consumed young; another way of expressing the Nero d'Avola Production area: Chiaramonte Gulfi (Ragusa).

  

Cerasuolo Di Vittoria D.O.C.G. 2010

Frappato, “Calarvisi” (Nero d'Avola) A simple red wine, best consumed young; a typical terroir-driven expression Accompaniments: This light, great fragrance and young wine, is a good red aperitif that matches very well with all the fish-dishes in witch tomato sauce is present. Very well flavour-balanced with all the Mediterranean herbs preparation. 

Nerojbleo 1999

A warm, solar red, with the striking characteristics of wine produced from the renown Nero'd'Avola, the Sicilian grape variety which has been cultivated for centuries on Mount Iblea in the province of Ragusa.

Nerobaronj 2007 I.G.T. Nero d'Avola

A classic cru of the Nero d'Avola grape variety of Pachino. Production area: Val di Noto, the territory between the communes of Pachino and Noto in southeastern Sicily

"The 2007 Nerobaronj is one of the more focused wines in this lineup. It shows gorgeous freshness and vibrancy in a tightly-wound, mineral driven style. Red fruits, flowers and sweet spices emerge reluctantly from this mid-weight, energetic wine. Another year or two should help the tannins soften. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024." 92/100 eRobertParker 

Nerosanlore 2007 I.G.T. Nero d'Avola

A cru of the Nero d'Avola grape variety with floral characteristics. Production area : Val di Noto, between Pachino and Noto.

Reseca 2006 Sicilia I.G.T. Rosso

A classic red still wine of the Etna area. The particular volcanic soil and the local high hill climate, marked by relevant day-night temperature swing, confer to this cru the unique and unmistakable flavours and mouthfeel typical of the Etnean wines. Definitely the wine of the evening. 

Bordeaux Wine Tasting Christmas 2011

Value (Price/Taste) - list of taste versus price. How much more would YOU need to pay for the taste to justify the price? 

1.     Chateau D'Yquem 2006 (70Euro/glass)

2.     Smith Haut Lafitte 2005 (180euro btl restaurant price)

3.     Leoville Poyferre 2006 (75 euro retail price)

4.     Domaine D'Estoublon 2007 (Blc) (60 euro btl restaurant price)

5.     Beaumont 2008 (10 euro retail price)

6.     Mouton Rothschild 2003 (650euro retail price)

7.     Chateau Bouscaut 2008 (12/glass)

8.     Chateau Giscour 2007 

9.     Chateau Carbonnieux  2008 (12/glass)

10. Chateau La Louviere  2008

11. Château Haut-Bailly 2008

12. Pape Clement 2007 - personally wouldnt buy it at any price. (70 euro retail price)

13. Malartic Lagraviere (Blc) 13/glass)

Taste - purely based on taste
Mouton Rothschild 2003 - very complex owing to the blend of Cab Franc, Pertit Verdot, Cab Sav and Merlot.
Smith Haut Lafitte 2005
Leoville Poyferre 2006 - quite exceptional nose but needs longer to mature



* Wines were enjoyed over Christmas weekend 2011 throughout some chateaus  and restaurants in Bordeaux.