MID-DECEMBER 2011

notes on the 2009 and 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos des Papes red and white after a visit there. A few 2010 Lirac reds were also tasted in the Rhône. I especially highly recommend the not yet in bottle Domaine de la Mordorée - see their entry under Tavel. Also, some bottled already 2010 Gigondas - very early bottling, pressure on volumes from small harvests, but not a trend I like. use the Search engine Gigondas 2010 and 4 stars and up. More 2010 Condrieus entered - see under the 2010 Northern Rhône tab, click subtab The Leading Wines.

2010 Northern Rhône notes have been loaded on a wide selection of Cornas, Hermitage red and Côte-Rôtie. See the left-hand tab 2010 Northern Rhône, and once logged in, click on the subtab The Leading Wines. Domaine visits to Marc Sorrel and Bernard Faurie are also featured, under Hermitage. Under Vin de Pays, I suggest a look at the most promising Domaine Les Alexandrins, a Northern sector venture co-run by Marc Sorrel`s son Guillaume. From 2011 they will be offering a Crozes-Hermitage red, but for now their red from 85% Gamay and their Viognier are very good in 2010.