Gevrey Chambertin Le Meurger, '06 Morrisons, £14.99.

Sorry guys, I found a batch of this last year on a reduced shelf for £3.99, I couldn’t explain why it was so cheap, they still had it at full price in the wine isle, same vintage. Anyway, I didn’t complain, took six to the checkout. It was a bit of a gamble but I thought if it tasted foul I would simply take the other five back. Also, they are still selling this vintage at the full price in the same store.

It wasn’t foul, in fact, it wasn’t much of anything. I remember thinking 'where's the Pinot?' and scurrying off to fetch my Oxford Wine Companion to read up on the region, were there other red grape varieties under vine there? What have I missed? Nope, just the PN.

I recall from earlier bottles this was incredibly dry and monotone. A touch earthy, gritty with a mean streak of fruit. It was wine, it had good acidity and it even had a lovely depth of colour with just a hint of rust. But it flattered to deceive.

And then, on Wednesday night whilst sifting through my Port bottles I came across the last one. I have a vague memory of putting it there and thinking I’ll go back to it in five years. That never happens with me. I opened the bottle and hey presto, the wine had evolved into something quite nice indeed. There was fruit, and more. The acidity was still in charge but it didn’t boss, it brought balance and refinement. By last night this wine was singing. My mouth watered with every sip. It even tasted like Pinot Noir, very old world, very young and compact but PN nonetheless. I wouldn’t want to pay £15 for it but the disappointment of earlier bottles was banished thanks to my unexpected find.

Somebody hold him down whilst I hit him...

I had a similar experience with their Meursault once, you'll like this-

http://ccgi.quaffersoffers.co.uk/QOforu ... ht=meurger







*now I am showing off

Did you ever try the Coteaux Du Giennois from Morrisons I mentioned. I put up a tasting note. It was £5.99 and fabulous.

I got 9 in total in two trips but have none left.

No, cant recall trying this. I will look for it, will be back in there over the weekend or next week for sure. Ill let you know how I get on.

Is that the Les Bachots?

Me first - you're the SB guy ! Remember - I'm entitled.

GK - You get the 1st swipe for not remembering that whilst '06 was an early maturing vintage, it was probably asleep for 18 months after release. You put the others back in the rack if the first pull is a non starter - Duh.

Yeah Morrisons - So what is the betting that it was a La maison, Henri de Villamont producer - Well ? is Le Meurger a Villamont subsidiary

about 2 years ago, run-up to Xmas, These H de V Gevrey's were around in the Northern and East Midland Morrison stores. I know, I bought some in Lincoln City for about 11 quid on the 2003, prob a 25% promo at the time. None down south, I rang around, none, never had it in stock was the constant reply. That 2003 was very ok, if not a bit one dimensional, but tasted of sweet undergrowth Gevrey - no compaints.

Majestic had a few as well at £11.99 or whatever.

May be, We'll let you off cos you blew the other 5 bottles.

Also the 2002 Mersault had an amber hue - so drink up and enjoy - Goose, your entitled to thump him again.

£3.99 FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE !

_________________
Duncan

Yep, I wish I had done now. I think I gave one away, opened the other four, two over dinner once. They werent offensive, I think I just didnt expect much from them, at any time. You live and learn.




No, I think Le Meurger are a coop in the region.

Yup...Les Bachots.

Hawthorn flowers...classic Loire.

Thanks.

I've had similar experiences a couple of times and I reckon it's something to watch for. Couple of years ago my Sains had a new Rioja range. Ord, Cri, Res, and GR. They had them priced completely back to front. Took one GR in my mixed six and was charged £3.29 for it instead of £9.99. went back got 6 more.