Paul Forget

Alain Jaume & Fils Terrases De Montmirail Gigondas 2009, Ac

The Grenache sure comes through on the nose with attractive aromas of plum, cassis, raisins, exotic spices, floral, vanilla and light cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, savoury spices and ripe berry flavours, balanced acidity and silky tannins. Very good length on the finish, seamless texture with ripe spicy berries flavours lingering.
This is definitely the style of Rhône blend I enjoy the most, with a high proportion of Grenache, with little or no Mourvèdre. The biggest strength of this Gigondas for me is its mouthfeel, so smooth and very stylish. A very enjoyable wine enjoyed in October 2012.

Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009, Doc

This wine opens up with attractive aromas of cherry, dark plums, raisins, chocolate and sweet spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13.5%) with balance acidity, soft tannins and well integrated oak. Very tasty on the finish with a creamy texture and flavours of cherry, chocolate and spices lingering. Quit a lovely and enjoyable wine and represents excellent value for money, strongly recommended.

Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2008, Kumeu, Auckland, North Island

Beautiful golden yellow in color, this Chardonnay opens up with aromas of grapefruit, peach, lemon peel, nutty, honey and light pineapple notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (alcohol coming in at 13.5%), dry, good weight with a great mix of citrus, tropical fruit and lively acidity. The finish on this wine is very refreshing with plenty of citrus fruit and a touch of honey and light caramel. Fans of cool climate and moderate use of oak Chardonnay will find plenty to like in this wine, very enjoyable.

Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011, Doc

This wine opened up with very fresh aromas of citrus fruit, gooseberry, pear and light mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with steely, salty and citrus flavours, perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity. The finish is long, crisp, refreshing with lots of citrus/lime fruit, pear flavours and an underlying minerality. Such a superb value for a wine of this quality. As for a pairing possibility, I would suggest any dish with a cream sauce or white fish with a splash of lemon. Strongly recommended.

Quinta Da Lubazim Grande Reserva 2008

Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Lake County

This young Cabernet Sauvignon is a little awkward at the moment. A little shy on the nose with aromas of dark fruit, dark chocolate, cedar, smoke and dust. On the mouthfeel this medium to full bodied Cabernet has loads of dark fruit, enough acidity and hard tannins. The back label says smooth and velvet finish, it is nothing but. I get a great deal of oak and aggressive tannins. Don't get me wrong, a good wine, at a great value, but it needs time in the cellar. This wine lacks finesse, right now.

Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009, Docg

This lovely wine is so Italian, just smelling this wine and I think I could be in a little pizzeria in Tuscany. It opens up with aromas of red plum, sour cherry, sundried tomatoes, soft leather and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13.5%), ripe fruit and herbal and spicy flavours, lively acidity and dusty tannins. The finish is long with bright spicy flavours and loads of energy. This is a very charming and traditional wine with a real sense of place. Strongly recommended and a fantastic value at this price.

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2009, Do Bierzo

This wine is made with the lesser known Mencia grape, which is mostly grown in Portugal and Spain. The nose on this wine was very different. It would make for an interesting wine in a blind tasting with aromas of wild berry, strawberry, minerals, mushrooms, tobacco leaves and floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied but even with alcohol at 15%/ A well balanced wine with rich red fruit flavours, refreshing acidity and silky tannins. Very good length on the finish with spicy red fruit flavours, smoky notes and fine tannins lingering. A very interesting wine to be sure, but it works.

Hewitson Miss Harry 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia

This is a much lighter style of wine from the Barossa Valley, a Rhône blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz, 5% Mourvèdre with the balance 2.5% equal portion of Cinsault and Carignan. This wine opens up with aromas of strawberry, blueberry, stewed rhubarb, herb de Provence, white pepper and medicinal notes. The palate has loads of energy and length, light-medium bodied (14% alc.), bright acidity and soft tannins. Medium length with lively red berry flavours on the finish. Enjoyable but not what I was expecting from Barossa.

Beaulieu Vineyard Bv Tapestry Reserve 2008, Napa Valley

The benefit of blending and great winemaking is in full display here, starting with great aromatics, this wine opened up with aromas of plumy-black cherry fruit, cassis, cedar, pepper and light liquorice. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, rich ripe California fruit flavours with gentle oak spices, vanilla, fine acidity and silky smooth tannins. Great length, energy and flavours on the finish. What you get from Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008 is a very elegant wine, finely textured and very fragrant. Drinking well right now or hold 2-3 years, gorgeous wine.