Round-up of this week’s wine reviews (11 Jul 2013)

A couple of Barolos and a botrytised Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa beat the snot-nosed Bordeaux and Burgundies this week!

Parusso Armando Barolo 2007

Cuneo, Italy

Main varietal: Nebbiolo

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5); 92pts (out of 100)

375ml bottle. This one opens from the first pour. Heavy and complex floral-like nuances on the nose, increasing slowly in intensity with time. Grows in depth, richness and power. Well-made Barolo.

Pierre André Bourgogne Grande Tradition 2004

Burgundy, France

Main varietal: Pinot Noir

Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5); 90pts (out of 100)

This particular bottle was not well-stored at all. Murky and contains solid sedimentation. Very light brick in colour with very little red. Behind oxidised sherry notes, however, is a pretty nose. Sweet-ish, complex red stone fruit on the palate.

Grant Burge Brut Pinor Noir Chardonnay Methode Traditional N.V.

Australia

Main varietal: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5); 90pts (out of 100)

Less expressive on the nose but this is made up for with great weight and persistence. More Old World-like but slightly lacking in acidity.

Andrew Peace Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot 2011

Australia

Main varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5); 90pts (out of 100)

Fruity attack with litchi (better still, longan). Bubbles are reasonably persistent. Sweet-ish hint but finishes reasonably dry.

Henri Boillot Volnay Les Fremiets 1er Cru 2005

Burgundy, France

Main varietal: Pinot Noir

Rating: 3.3 stars (out of 5); 88pts (out of 100)

A bit of a let-down for the vintage. Smokey, oaky and New World in its presentation, the winemaker appears to have abandoned what is most precious to Burgundy – finesse.

Domenico Clerico Barolo Pajana 2006

Cuneo, Italy

Main varietal: Nebbiolo

Rating: 4.1 stars (out of 5); 92pts (out of 100)

Slow to open and very big. Tannins still firm. Great structure, depth and layering but will probably drink better the second day.

QF2 Botrytised Sauvignon Blanc N.V.

South Africa

Main varietal: Sauvignon Blanc

Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5); 93pts (out of 100)

A balanced expression of preserved apricot, honeyed and raisin notes with balancing acidity, persistence and complexity. Bought 10 years ago.

Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré St. Julien 2008

Medoc, France

Main varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Rating: 3.3 stars (out of 5); 89pts (out of 100)

Cassis with hints of violets and vanilla. Easy and approachable.

Château Léoville Poyferré 2008

Medoc, France

Main varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Rating: 3.6 stars (out of 5); 92pts (out of 100)

Intense cassis with cedar and cigar box notes as well as underlying Bordeaux gravel minerality. Good complexity, depth and persistence.

Michel Rolland’s Château Le Bon Pasteur 1996

Libournais, France

Main varietal: Merlot

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5); 92pts (out of 100)

Good depth and persistence. Velvet textured.

Comtes Von Neipperg Canon La Gaffeliere 2010

Libournais, France

Main varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5); 90pts (out of 100)

Fairly intense cassis with good depth. Not much else.

Château Rauzan-Gassies Margaux 2001

Medoc, France

Main varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Rating: 4.3 stars (out of 5); 92pts (out of 100)

375ml bottle, gives a wonderfully mature Bordeaux with velvety texture, complex cassis and vanilla cedar notes.