The wines are singing in 2010

I don’t normally append scores to my tasting notes for a whole host of reasons, but I was checking my e-mail in box and noticed that I have been invited to be a judge on one of the tasting panels for the Decanter Wine Challenge. On a previous occasion, terminally unimpressed by what I was tasting, my marks flatlined between 13-14.

Recently, I have struck a rich vein of goodies. I wonder whether the Decanter submissions will loosen my reluctance to bestow medals.

Marks are out of 20.

2004 Brin de Chevre, La Guerrerie 18
100% Menu Pineau. Floral, citrus, apple and honey and surgical, lime-flecked acidity. Challenging but delicious and superb with food.

1985 Cahors, Clos de Gamot 19+
Lithe Cahors with immense personality. Figgy and herbal with excellent clean fruit, fine tannins, delicate pepperiness and great length – a wine still with a long career ahead of it.

2007 Pratoasciutto, Tenuta di Grillo 16
Tasted on several occasions. Plump, gamey, sometimes volatile, always fun

2008 Gringet Les Alpes, Domaine Belluard 16.5+
Golden wine with notes of pollen and white ginger. Fantastic bristling acidity

2005 Riesling Grand Cru Vorbourg, Jean-Pierre Frick 17.5
On two occasions. Invariably ethereal and elegant. – citrus over stone.

2005 Dinavolo Bianco, AA Denavolo 17.5
Pink grapefruit, cider apple, brioche and pan-fried spices. A sensual delight. With curry.

2008 Lambrusco secco, Camillo Donati 17
Love this wine with its wild red and black berry fruit flavours zipped up in a sheath of perky bubbles.

2007 Arbois Chardonnay, Emmanuel Houillon 18
White pears, apples and just a hint of dry honey. Beautiful acidity and mineral expression.

2008 Beaujolais-Villages vieilles vignes, Jean-Claude Lapalu 16.5
Reliably good Beaujolais with a certain depth.

2005 AA Il Tufiello Fiano “Don Chisciotte” 18.5
Wonderful unfiltered Fiano that reveals a fine array of floral, fruity and mineral aromas and flavours. Tasted three times. On the last occasion it was multi-layered with beautiful apple blossom tones undercut by flinty freshness

2008 Lard des Choix Rouge, Les Champs Libres 17
This little gem from 80% Gamay and 20% Syrah has breezy juicy red fruits with a nice olive-and-pepper twist from the Syrah. Doubtless good with lardo!

2008 Lard des Choix Blanc, Les Champs Libres 17
Intriguing Rhone meets Roussillon style of white wine. Rich and full-bodied with fleshy fruits and a warm spiciness.

2008 Bourgogne Rouge, Monthanet-Toden 17.5
Limpid Pinot with balance, poise and freshness. What it lacks in intensity it more than makes us for in pure gratification.