Notes from the O’Briens Wine Fair
Last weekend I visited the O’Briens biannual wine fair in Dublin. I did attend a few wine tasting events in the past, but this was a completely new experience for me. There were 45 producers from all over the world, all of them well selected by O’Briens and all with at least a few wines to show off. There was also a cheese stand, which made room for a few more wines 
So, the time was short and the wines were plenty. We did try quite a few of them and below are the few quick notes I made (in no particular order).
Quinta do Carmo 2002 Reserva
Producer: Domaines Baron de Rothschild, Portugal (foreign venture)
Price: €35
Rating: 9/10
Punta Negra Shiraz/Malbec 2005
Producer: Bodegas Callia, Argentina
Price: €6.49
Rating: 9/10
Notes: This wine was the revelation of the fair for me. A cheap and excellent wine, this one made it to the high position on my list of wines to buy.
Monte Real Rioja Reserva 2000
Producer: Bodegas Riojanas, Spain
Price: €16.99
Rating: 5/10
Note: The wine was too dry for my taste.
Pesano 2004
Producer: Falseco, Italia
Price: €14.99
Rating: 7/10
Podere di Montalupa 2001
Producer: Ascheri, Italia
Price: €27.95
Rating: 8/10
Note: A strong, nice, 100% Syrah.
Villa Novare Valpolicella 2003
Producer: Bertani, Italia
Price: €14.99
Rating: 8/10
Note: Easy going, strong cherry aftertaste.
Bertani Amarone 1998
Producer: Bertani, Italia
Price: €57.00
Rating: 10/10
Note: Excellent, beautiful desert or chillout wine. Too bad it’s so expensive
Brocard Chablis Grand Cru 2002
Producer: http://www.brocard.fr/”>Brocard, Chablis
Price: €45.00
Rating: 4/10
Note: I’m probably yet to develop an appreciation for Chablis…
Chateau Fuisse Saint Veran 2004
Producer: Chateau de Fuisse (Macconais)
Price: €14.95
Rating: 6/10
Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2004
Producer: Pierre Sparr, Alsace
Price: €14.99
Rating: 9/10
Note: A very nice and fruity Gewurztraminer. Loved it.
DBR Bordeaux Rouge Reserve 2003
Producer: Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
Price: €12.99
Rating: 4/10
San Benoit de Ferrand (Pomerol) 2001
Producer: Schroder & Schyler, AC Margaux
Price: €23.99
Rating: 7/10
Charmes de Kirwan 2003
Producer: Schroder & Schyler, AC Margaux
Price: €29.95
Rating: 8/10
Note: Dryish, very nice palatte
Chateau d’Agassac 2003
Producer: Schroder & Schyler, AC Margaux
Price: €24.99
Rating: 9/10
Note: Light but strong, beautyful nose. My wife loved it.
Rasteau les Hauts du Village 2000
Producer: Cave de Rasteau, Rhone Valley
Price: €17.99
Rating: 7/10
Rasteau Signature 2001 (50cl)
Producer: Cave de Rasteau, Rhone Valley
Price: €17.99
Rating: 8/10
Note: A very nice sweet dessert wine. Consider buying.
and finally, the star of the day:
Rasteau Prestige 2003
Producer: Cave de Rasteau, Rhone Valley
Price: €13.99
Rating: 10/10
Notes: Excellent. We ordered a case of this one, so I’ll review it in detail later.
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