The
wines of J.
Vidal-Fleury, Ampuis, Rhône
19 Rue de la Roche, 69420 Ampuis, France
Tel: 04 74 56 10 18 Fax: 04 74 56 19 19
UK agent McKinley Vintners
Vidal-Fleury is a well known Rhône negociant, founded back
in 1787. One of its claims to fame is that it was visited by Thomas
Jefferson. Guigal is now a majority shareholder but the company is
separately controlled. The quality is solid enough here, even if some
of the wines lack excitement. I was disappointed by the Côte Rôtie.
Côtes du Rhône Viognier 2000
Quite a pretty rounded floral nose with some alcohol evident. The
palate is soft and rich with good varietal character. If I’m going
to picky, it’s a tiny bit simple, though. Very good
Côtes du Ventoux 1998
Attractive nose with some earthy, spicy complexity to the berry
fruit: it’s almost meaty. Medium bodied palate is quite interesting
with good concentration and some savouriness. Very good+
Côtes du Rhône Rouge 1999
70% Grenache, 30% Syrah. Muted nose with some shy blackcurrant
fruit. Nice, chunky, ripe palate has a tasty, savoury edge. Good
concentration. Very good
Gigondas 1998
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. There’s a pronounced
pepperspice edge to the earthy nose. Quite a rich, chunky palate
showing a good concentration of spicy fruit. Nicely textured, although
a tiny bit rustic. Very good+
Vacqueyras 1999
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Lovely savoury, earthy
nose which is quite restrained. Good concentration of rich, chunky
fruit on the palate with a spicy finish. Not showy, but a sound,
earthy wine. Very good+
Côte Rôtie Brune et Blonde 1996
This is 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier, matured for 2 years in barrels, a
third of which are new. The nose shows ripe, rounded caramel-tinged
berry fruit. There’s savoury, slightly meaty fruit on the palate.
Good concentration, fine grained tannins and a dry finish. A little
disappointing for the appellation. Very good+
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2000
Very pretty sweet flowery nose with lifted floral elements. Grapey
and rich. Rich-textured concentrated palate with nice balance and good
acidity. Very lush and forward. Very good+
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wines tasted
January 2002
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