Expert Wine Picks: Vins de Vienne “Sotanum” 2003
The Sommelier of Sheraton picks a Sotanum 2003 for Winebuzz.hk Expert Picks this week.
Alan Tsui is the sommelier at Sheraton Hong Kong, where wine is an important part of their offering. Their SkyLounge wine room stocks an exclusive rare wine list from around the world and was one of the first in the city to install the Enomatic Wine Dispenser; allowing it to serve the widest range of wine by the glass anywhere in Hong Kong.
Back to the wine selected, the Vins de Vinenne “Sotanum” 2003 is a wine produced by the Vins de Vienne vineyard in the Rhone Valley, France. The vineyard’s historical significance dates back to the times of the Roman Empire and the vineyards of Seyssuel were already known for their quality.
The forgotten vineyard was revived in 1996 by four top winemakers from the right bank of the Rhône; Pierre Gaillard, Francois Villard, Yves Cuilleron, and later on Pierre-Jean Villa. They planted the first Syrah vines in 1996 and have been producing 3 crus: Sotanum, Taburnum and Heluicum on the now 19 hectares vineyard. The Sotanum stays in oak barrels for 20 months and is a concentrated wine with ripe, rich flavours and a full, long finish.
According to wine critics, this is a label that deserve serious attention.
Tasting note:
Lovely aromas of lavender, graphite and violets precede a racy palate of black cherry, blackberry, tar, mineral and sanguine flavors. Pure and lengthy through the finish, with hints of olive and sage.
Food Pairing:
Ideal with roasted red meat.
Wine Stats:
- Name + year: Sotanum Les Vins de Vienne, 2003
- Appellation: Rhone, France
- Type of wine/ varietal: 100% Syrah
- Alcohol content: 13.5 %
Wine rating:
- 5 stars
5 star= outstanding, 4 stars =worthy, 3 stars = satisfactory, 2 stars = drinkable, 1 star = avoid
Where to buy?
- The Champagne Company. Tel: 2304 8065
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