Domaine de Clovallon Les Aurièges

Southern Rhône Offline (Establishment Restaurant, Manchester) : 12.5% Bottle no 100 (which was curiously satisfying in an inexplicable way). This is a bottle I got from the Wine Society a few years ago, and all I could remember was that it had a bit of riesling in it. Leon and I guessed (from tasting it) that there was probably some chardonnay in there too. It doesn't have many references on Google at all, but one French website says it's an …

A blend of riesling with more typical d'Oc varieties. A remarkably heavy bottle! Medium gold. Very interesting nose: primarily buttery, but with notable floral/green herbs and he merest hint of petrol. Quite clean and fresh on the attack, but quickly fills out and it's very rich and buttery on the palate, with a great depth of flavour. A very unusual wine. There's a bit of harsh acidity on the finish. Massive length. Very interesting and unusual, though perhaps more of …