Rioja Contino Reserva 1999 – Viñedos del Contino was slightly disappointing. It showed Rioja typicity with its medium/full body, smooth texture and sweet dark fruit marked by cherry nuances and quite a lot of vanilla but lacked the acidity and spark that illuminated the 1996 and overall gave a somewhat bland impression; bought experimentally from a supermarket at an attractive price (€19,90), so maybe storage problems; 15/20 for this bottle.
Côtes du Rhône Villages “Cuvée Granges Rouges” 2000 – Domaine Chaume-Arnaud, Vinsobres - had got mislaid in my cellar and normally would have been consumed a few years ago. So it was surprising that it turned out much better than the previous. The aromas were fine with elegance sweet cherry notes lifted by a hint of varnish and the palate was medium bodied, elegantly shaped with smooth acidity, mature fruit and resolved structure; needing to be drunk but 16/20 right now.
Sancerre “Florès” 2007 - Domaine Vincent Pinard was my best bottle of this wine so far. I commented on its bright citrus fruit and crisp tension after a tasting in March and it seems to have added (or the herrings brought out) greater aromatic expression and complexity; 16/20+.
Jurançon sec 2006 – Domaine Clos Lapeyre – showed masses of citrus and white fruit, minerals and bracingly crisp acidity with a slightly green finish and was not really suitable for the sole with which I paired it. On this showing I find it less appealing than the honeyed and more complex Clos Marie from Charles Hours but may revise my opinion with a better pairing; 15.5/20.
The best for last! Côte Rôtie 1996 – Robert et Patrick Jasmin – was just lovely. A fragrant aromas of violets, mint laced raspberry, touches of blood and minerals wafted up from the glass. The palate was medium weight, beautifully shaped, long and focussed with silky mouth-feel, lively acidity, the right depth, good support towards the finish and long lasting delicious aromas; 17.5/20 ++.