VALERIE’S PICKS:
“No place is better to enjoy wine than at home”
Domaine de la Romanée-conti, La Tâche Grand Cru, 2002 — Burgundy, France
A little forward with a personality-driven bouquet. Predominantly red berries interlaced with warm bricks and undergrowth. Beautifully balanced with exquisite tannins and the perfect acidity. This complex and utterly harmonious La Tâche is the epitome of elegance.
Chateau Pétrus, Pomerol, 2003 — Bordeaux, France
Roasted coffee, melted chocolate, figs and cherry jam. There are some rustic tannins in the finish, but this expansive Petrus displays far more intensity and complexity than most expect, given Pomerol’s difficulties in 2003.
Domaine Leroy Auxey-duresses Rouge, 2013 — Burgundy, France
Stonefruits, pineapple, lemon, minerals and flint with a touch of oak (vanilla). Easy on the nose, this elegant Chardonnay has complex aromas and a full body.
Domaine Ponsot, Griotte Chambertin, 2002 — Burgundy, France
A dark ruby with almost purple tones. Fat and rich in flavour, this full-bodied, succulent wine is perfumed with black fruits, chocolate and coffee. On the palate, one gets strawberries and cherries, medium to high acidity, low to medium tannins, low alcohol and a long finish.
Paul Jaboulet Ainé, Hermitage ‘La Chapelle,’ 1997 — Rhône Valley, France
Ripe berries and spicy, mineral attributes. There is considerable weight, but the wine is still tight. This outstanding collectible has at least three decades of positive evolution. Open and decant 12-24 hours in advance for dramatic improvement.
Domaine Prieure Roch, Nuits-stGeorges 1er Cru ‘Le Clos des Corvees’, 2007 — Burgundy, France
Astonishing nose of cassis and juicy red fruits. It gives a velvety, round and luscious mouthfeel with young tannins and brilliant minerality. This one has great structure plus is highly aromatic.
Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet Grand Cru, 2002 — Burgundy, France
Comes across as mature on the nose, but proves fresh on the palate. Citrus, peach and honey flavours dominate this very elegant wine that evolves better with a bit of air. Expect a very long and truly expansive finish.
Domaine Armand Rousseau, Clos de La Roche Grand Cru, 2010 — Burgundy, France
This wine is all about power, structure and length——qualities it has in spades. Layers of intense fruit intermingle with persistent saline notes. The finish is finely chiselled.
Domaine Armand Rousseau, Clos Saint-jacques, Gevrey Chambertin, 2011 — Burgundy, France
Feral with a strong estuarine influence——think mudflats, kelp and sea salt. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, slightly chalky tannins and fine precision. Grippy in the mouth with a precise, mineral finish.
Domaine Prieure Roch, Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru, 2002 — Burgundy, France
Progresses from primary to secondary and tertiary clusters: Red fruit (cherry, strawberry), dark fruit (bramble, plum, black cherry), dried fruit (prune), spice (liquorice), oak (smoke, clove, cinnamon) and notes from aging (forest floor, meat, game, wet leaves, mushrooms.)