Sylvie Esmonin in Burgundy

Sylvie Esmonin took over the family domaine in the 90s. The domaine is based in Gevrey Chambertin where they have 7 hectares. She has started using more more stems in the vinification process to improve structure and quality.

We bought some of her 2006 wines from our cave Bourdin down the road. Good red burgundy is rather pricy so the cheapest one cost 15€, a cuvée called Bourgogne rouge, from vineyards outside Gevrey-Chambertin was light, fruity and lively. Quite an easy drinking nearly Beaujoulais type of wine.

The second one (around 20€) called Côte-de-Nuits-Village comes from vineyards in Brochon, a small village between Gevrey and Fixin, has a nice raspberry smell with some smoke and pepper. The wine was well balanced with ripe tannins and sweet velvety fruit. Very nice indeed.

The Gevrey-Chambertin (around 30€) comes from 30-year-old vines and was darker, richer with more structure and taste. Dark fruit aromas and a lovely balance. In terms of value for money the Cote de Nuits Village is probably the best.

Esmonin also make other cuvées which we have yet to taste (notes from internet):

The Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, comes from various plots of 60-year-old vines (around 35€)

The Clos St-Jacques, normally a wine of elegance, subtle fruit after some years in bottle. For this one you would have to pay around 60 to 70€.

Bordeaux- Le prelat du Ch. Pape Clement 2004

This is one of two second wines of the famous and expensive Ch. Pape Clement in Graves. Although young, 2004, this wine drinks really well already if you put it on carafe a couple of hours before consumption. Dark red colour, with a very attractive smell of blueberries and dark berries, its a full bodied wine with firm but nice tannins that goes best with some food. 2004 although not the best of vintages, keep surprising me with good drinkable wines at affordable prices, because from 2005 and onwards there is a big step up in prices.... Grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon 60% and Merlot 40% Price around 20€ P+

Wine # 2 Blindtasting Ganddal

Deep dark purple colour. Dark berries, cherries and mint chocolate. Full bodied with soft tannins. Reminds me of an Amarone.. A very nice wine indeed. Panel is way out as it is from the Rhone valley. Gigondas 2009 by Guigal Score 17.60 Ca 20€ or 220 NOK

Ogier Chateauneuf du Pape 2010

This is a quite reasonable Chateauneuf du Pape (ca 200 NOK or 15€). The colour is medium ruby color which was a bit surprising. Nose of ripe black cherries and liquerice with a medium + body and finish with firm tannins. The wine can be drunk now but has definitely the potential for ageing (5-10 years). Chateauneuf du Pape 2010, Ogier Bring out the steak!

Life is too short to drink bad wine

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