La Chasse du Pape Reserve Rouge 2007

Name: La Chasse du Pape Reserve

Colour: Red

Country: France

Region: Cotes-du-Rhone

Year: 2007

Producer: Maison Gabriel Meffre

Grape Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre

Alcohol: 14%

Purchase Price: £5 (ASDA)

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Notes:
IWSC 2008 SILVER. QUALITY AWARD.

Maker's tasting notes – The name La Châsse Du Pape is derived from the historic chest that contained the great reliquaries of the Popes who lived in Avignon during the 14th century. La Châsse Du Pape Réserve is sourced from the finest southern Côtes Du Rhône vineyards. Our winemakers carefully select the noble grapes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault to achieve the best expression of this classic Appellation. La Châsse Du Pape Réserve is a full bodied, round and harmonious wine with delicate hints of spices and vanilla, thanks to ageing of the Syrah in oak barrels.

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Somnambulist's verdict: Another bargain cracker – decant this one and let it breathe for an hour or so to get the most out of this lovely smooth, yet spicey blend. I’d be very hard pushed to differentiate it from Chateauneufs 2 or 3 times this price, even side by side. I’ve also seen this at much higher prices at other supermarkets and wine stores, so if there’s an Asda near you go and put a few in the trolley. Alternatively use their home delivery service, which I found infinitely better than Sainsbury’s.

The Chocolate Block 2006

Name: The Chocolate Block
Colour: Red
Country: South Africa
Region: Franschhoek
Year: 2006
Producer: Boekenhoutskloof
Grape Varieties: 55% Syrah, 17 % Grenache Noir, 15% Cinsault, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Viognier
Alcohol: 14.5%

Purchase Price: EUR ?

Notes:
Maker’s notes – Spicy, dark chocolate surrounded by ripe berry flavours and a fine clove character show in the nose of the Chocolate Block. The Richness of the palate with ripe flavours is in balance with the smooth tannins. This wine has great length with a minimum of 5 years aging potential.

Somnambulist's verdict: Found the initial bouquet a little over sweet, like strawberry confection, but beyond that, wonderful. Deliciously rich, intricate blend of berries, exotic fruits, a touch of pepper and spice, and yes, chocolate. Not a lot of chance of it aging for 5 years in the Somnambulist household.

La Cuvee Mythique 2005

Name: La Cuvee Mythique

Colour: Red

Country: France

Region: Vin de Pays d'Oc

Year: 2005

Producer: Vignerons du Val d'Orbieu

Grape Varieties: Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache Noir, Old Carignan

Alcohol: 13.5%

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Purchase Price: EUR 5.99

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Notes:

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Maker's tasting notes: A lovely intense crimson colour with purplish tints. The bouquet reveals black cherry scents mingling with slight hints of cocoa, leading into roasted chestnut aromas after swirling around the glass. The sensation on the palate is long-lasting and rounded with plenty of flesh. The tanins are intense, yet nice and ripe, while spice and plum flavours charm the taste buds in the finish.

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Somnambulist's verdict: Ridiculously good value for money. Serve this at a dinner party with red meat and spices (in our case a home-made Vindaloo :-) and I guarantee that guests will think you are spoiling them. It's rich, smooth, well-rounded with gorgeous flavours (I definitely got the cherry / cocoa / chestnut hints). This great find goes on the Somnambulist regular purchase list!