Château de Vaudieu, `Closerie de Vaudieu` Châteauneuf-du-Pape

A Châteauneuf-du-Pape with lively fragrant berry fruits on the nose, with a touch of liquorice and a hint of black pepper.

This wine is dark ruby in colour. It has lively cherry notes on the nose, a touch of liquorice and hints of black pepper. On the palate, it is full-bodied and the ripe tannins gently support the cherry, cassis and herb character on the finish.

• Feature(s): Vegetarian;Vegan
• Alcohol (ABV): 15 %

The 18th century Château de Vaudieu has been in the Bréchet family for over 50 years and today is run by Laurent Bréchet, the grandson of the original owner. The name ‘Vaudieu’ originates from ‘Vallée de Dieu’, or ‘Valley of God’, a reference to the beauty of the area around Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Vaudieu has 70 hectares of vineyards in total, of which 60 hectares are planted with red varieties. The vineyards surround those of the famed Château Rayas.

Chateauneuf du Pape, 2012, Remy Ferbras, Supervalu,

Very pleasant delivery from Supervalu. List 20:99, offer €11:99.

Palais Saint Vigni Chateauneuf du Pape 2011

A very refined Chateauneuf du Pape from Jean Claude Fromont and this looks like a Tesco exclusive.

Slightly rusty colour in the glass, nice nose – hints of Chocolate.

Soft mouthfeel with good fruit complimenting the Lamb Chops.

A lovely blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan.

The new mansion of the Pope is an under-rated style of wine.

Chateauneuf du Pape, cru de la vallé e du rhône, 2011

Lovely punch from this, I believe it was part of a Christmas ‘hamper’ from Barry.

Christmas and New Year 2012

A motley cru of wines we enjoyed over Christmas and into the new year:

It’s a sparkler, classy:

 

One of the most reliable wines of the last few years. From Cellar Master. Alan tells me this is the House Wine in Rick Stein’s of Padstow. Smashing grapefruit hit, if you like that kind of thing.

  

Consistently good claret. Half Merlot, half Cabernet blend. Silky, unobtrusive.  Went well with New Year

 

Always reliable, the Old Widow:

 

Nice and light, in-offensive and not unpleasant (!):

Vouvray (Chenin Blanc from Vouvray) is a style that appears to have disappeared from fashion, a shame, because this was competent:

  

Looks imposing but a pussy cat. Enjoyable, but didn’t live up to the cover:

 

A real stonker, explosive nose, great length, powerful stuff:

 

This Berbera by Berro from Piedmonte was very pleasant. Must research it properly.

 

 

 

 

In honour of our Spanish guests, we served the Marques as the Red with the Christmas Dinner. Consistently good.

 

 

 

 

This was surprisingly good value in Baan Thai, Leopardstown, where we had our annual Christmas catch up with John & Susan