3 post-WSET wines

These three wines were tasted (amongst many others!) with Ed and Jordi at a recent post-WSET session.

2000 Grande Cuvee, Domaine de l'Hortus
Domaine de l'Hortus is one of the foremost producers in the Pic St Loup region. This used to be part of the Languedoc region but is now its own appellation.

This was quite pale colour, but full of ripe and rich flavours. Very noticeable herbal nature, which makes sense given that this is total garrigue region. Something meaty too. An aromatic shiraz & grenache blend. This is awesome - it's great now and, despite the pale colour, still has time ahead of it.

2003 Devon Crest, Meinert, Devon Valley, South Africa
This was recommended to me when the wine I ordered in VB London Bridge was not available. It was excellent. I've had this wine from a different, younger vintage before and it was good, but not so amazing that I made a note of it. This time, however, the wine is at peak age so was really striking. So much so that I bought a bottle to this occasion.

Pale colour, lightish body, dusty tannin. This is sour and juicy and refreshing on the palate, but also has plenty of interesting development character. Lots of tobacco and cedar and cigar. Meaty and leathery. An oxidative and slightly austere character. Definitely not one to keep - at its peak now. This was very good.

2010 Sainsbury's Cotes du Rhone
This is made by Chapoutier.

Intense and full bodied. High tannins, high acid. This was seriously intense - almost like an amarone. I definitely didn't guess what we were drinking. For less than £10 a bottle this is a serious bargain.