So say Majestic

This is a good wine, but the nose didn't seem as intense or the body as full as suggested. It does however possess finesse, not at all like some of the cheaper wines from Corbieres.

If I didn't know this was a Decanter Gold medal winner I would have been pleased with my choice, however the little gold sticker resulted in a touch of anticlimax for me.

Gets an Award for the dosh then ? As well as unusual finesse

I note that is has a Rhone villages / CNDP mix of Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenarche. Is this on the "B'what's it" terroir that got an AC in 2005 ?

I just did not appreciate the flavour (polite spiel) of Carignan, just did nothing for me ?

Wizzy - So it does not taste of old world Corbieres ?

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Duncan

Hi Duncan, no jerrycans in sight here, it's a well balanced, lighter wine for all occasions - my gripe is that Decanter say .

I'm still waiting for the punch.

Ah! jerrycans, that takes me back. When I first went to France, I knew that there were three types of wine. Red, white, and sherry/port. I soon realised that there were, in fact, three types of red. 12%, 13%, and 14%. Heady days.

I opened the Milan last night, was also a touch disappointed.

Its a very dry red, I was hoping for a whack of ripe, juicy fruit with some southern sweetness in the finish, not so, good concentration but firm, dry and tense, its not a generous wine. Just not my style, will try again tonight.

I liked this but it has been a little while. I've got at least 6 left so will place one in the queue.

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tribs

I just did not appreciate the flavour (polite spiel)

Tribs - I didn't know you took quite a few. It is clearly a main course wine, and being positive, it should marry well with many rich red meat dishes. I have quite a few dry'sh clarets - so I didn't re-visit

My impression, and I only had the one, so not qualified to make any worthy statement.... was that the carignan or another element in the wine did spoil the invitation for pleasure - I am less adventurous than you guys, "I keep generally to the routes and paths I know"

GK sums it up better, I hope it opens for you, it might be just that it needs more time to reveal itself.

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Duncan

I got most of mine from Calais at under £3 a bottle. I had bought a few previously as I quite liked it. Like I say that was quite a while ago though. I'm going to have to cut down on buying and do some drinking

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tribs

GK - how was it ? Did it earn the gold award ? Enquiring minds want to know Better Corbières evolve, the respected ones are known to become more savoury with time, and with deeper fruit. An '07 from a good producer may be considered quite young.

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Duncan

No real change from day one worth noting Dunc, perhaps it is still young but I dont expect Id enjoy it any more in a few years. Yes, it will soften and be less compact but it wont have the gentle sweet fruit I enjoy, it just isnt there, its not the style.

Im not saying this is a bad wine, quite the opposite, its obviously well made, its just not what I go for. It may have different grapes but it shouts Bordeaux to me, all skin and bone, no flesh, know what I mean?

all skin and bone, no flesh, know what I mean?

Yep, thanks GK, for letting me know.

Climb up the claret tree and meat is there to be found I know - stupid money these days.

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Duncan

I revisited last night. It is what it is, in my opinion, a really well made cheap red wine. It is quite like Claret, but it is well balanced. Comparing it to our much loved Ch La Couronne, it does not have the depth of fruit or the tannic grip, but you cannot have one without the other and for the former you would need better quality fruit which you would have to pay for.

It went well with the Fillet Mignon with Stilton mash and fine trimmed beans I had for lunch and was fabulous with the Oakham Chicken with Onion and Thyme Casserole (courtesy of M&S) we had just now. I can happily drink this on its own too.

An excellent bargain at the Calais price.

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tribs