Bruno Schueller is the the most important voice for natural wine in Alsace. Pretty much ever since taking over the family domaine at 17 he was spare with sulphites, before hardening his position as he aged. His wines are wild, his influence far ranging, and at their best, they represent the absolute peak of what is possible in Alsace, but its a wild ride to get there with sometimes puzzling flavours and ageing profiles along the way.
Bruno Schueller is the the most important voice for natural wine in Alsace. Pretty much ever since taking over the family domaine at 17 he was spare with sulphites, before hardening his position as he aged. His wines are wild, his influence far ranging, and at their best, they represent the absolute peak of what is possible in Alsace, but its a wild ride to get there with sometimes puzzling flavours and ageing profiles along the way.
Mathieu Deiss launched this label in 2013 beside his work at the family`s Marcel Deiss domaine, building it on vines he inherited at Bennwihr. Seven hectares of young alluvial soil, biodynamic and Demeter-certified, all estate-grown with no bought-in grapes. Skin-contact whites, big oak, no added sulphur.
Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Rangen Clos St Urbain VT Zind Humbrecht
The Humbrecht family has made wine since 1620. Léonard Humbrecht bought into the Rangen in 1977: a 5.5-hectare monopole on steep volcanic slopes above the river Thur, with just half a hectare of Gewurztraminer. Olivier Humbrecht, France`s first Master of Wine, farms biodynamically. Wine Spectator gave this vintage 93 points.
A Capuchin monastery vineyard since 1612, bought by the Faller brothers in 1898. Théo Faller helped win Alsace its AOC status, and his widow Colette and daughters Catherine and Laurence built the global reputation. The estate sits beneath the Schlossberg at Kaysersberg, spread across four grand crus and the walled Clos des Capucins, and has farmed biodynamically since 1998.
Bruno Schueller is the the most important voice for natural wine in Alsace. Pretty much ever since taking over the family domaine at 17 he was spare with sulphites, before hardening his position as he aged. His wines are wild, his influence far ranging, and at their best, they represent the absolute peak of what is possible in Alsace, but its a wild ride to get there with sometimes puzzling flavours and ageing profiles along the way.
Hans Ulrich Hugel arrived in Riquewihr in 1639, fleeing the Thirty Years` War, and the family never left. They helped write the rules for Alsace`s late-harvest wines. This one comes from botrytised fruit grown only in Riquewihr, picked berry by berry. 1989 was the house`s 350th anniversary.
Bruno Schueller is the the most important voice for natural wine in Alsace. Pretty much ever since taking over the family domaine at 17 he was spare with sulphites, before hardening his position as he aged. His wines are wild, his influence far ranging, and at their best, they represent the absolute peak of what is possible in Alsace, but its a wild ride to get there with sometimes puzzling flavours and ageing profiles along the way.
Bruno Schueller is the the most important voice for natural wine in Alsace. Pretty much ever since taking over the family domaine at 17 he was spare with sulphites, before hardening his position as he aged. His wines are wild, his influence far ranging, and at their best, they represent the absolute peak of what is possible in Alsace, but its a wild ride to get there with sometimes puzzling flavours and ageing profiles along the way.
Born in Tokyo, Jintaro Yura reached Alsace in 2012, worked at Josmeyer and Hurst, and launched his own label in 2020. The Riesling joined in 2021, from limestone vineyards worked by growers around Gueberschwihr and Rouffach. A devoted following.
A blend of various parcels that didn`t end up in single vineyard wines due to the tricky conditions of the 2020 growing season which saw wildfires close to the farm.
NZ-born Brendon Keys launched BK Wines in 2007 with two barrels of Pinot Noir, after working in California with Paul Hobbs and helping set up his Argentine winery. The estate sits at Basket Range in the Adelaide Hills, on about five hectares. Wine Anorak gave the 2014 vintage of this Syrah 93 points.
Own-rooted Shiraz vines planted in 1968 on heavy clay in Pokolbin, on a site once earmarked as a cemetery. Brokenwood`s partners bought the vineyard in 1978 and bottled its first single-vineyard Shiraz in 1983. One of Australia`s finest Shiraz`s
BK Wines launched in 2007 with two barrels of Pinot Noir and became a defining Basket Range estate in the Adelaide Hills. This single-barrel Chardonnay is named for Brendon and Kirstyn Keys`s son and sits at the top of the range. Wine Anorak gave the 2015 vintage 90 points.
One of the oldest estates in Rust, the Burgenland free town on Lake Neusiedl, with a 16th-century vaulted cellar. The Wenzel family works 11 hectares in Rust`s best sites, among them Kleiner Wald, Pandkräftn and Satz. Sweet wines are the house speciality, and Michael Wenzel has led the Ruster Ausbruch circle since 2002.
Riesling Ried Zobinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben Brundlmayer
The Bründlmayer family has farmed around Langenlois since at least the 16th century, and Willi took charge in 1980. Wine & Spirits later called him Austria`s best winemaker of the past 25 years. He owns about a third of the Heiligenstein, a hill of 250-million-year-old desert sandstone, including vines planted in the 1920s.
Due to painfully low yields his plants produced in 2021, Thierry decided to create a one-off blend of old vines Pineau d’Aunis (130 year old!) from the Sarthe that would usually go into La Centenaire du Vauperroux, and Gamay (70-100 year old) from Touraine that would usually make up Les Maluseaux.
Fifth-generation Pierre Cotton took back a hectare of family vines in 2014 and has built a 13-hectare, five-appellation estate at Odenas, farmed organically. This comes from the hectare of Beaujolais he added in 2016. Vines average around 65 years, hand-harvested, fermented with native yeasts and little or no sulphur.
Maxime Barrot, known as Jean-Max ia part of a wave of new talent in Beaujolais. After working with Antonie Luyt in Chile and Yvon Metras in Morgon - he started his own operation in 2019, now up to 3.4 hecrates. Initially working out tof the cellar of friend Eric Texier, now in the south of Beaujolais, his vision is for wines with juicy fruit, drinkability and perfect balance.
Brouilly Les Mines Pierre Cotton (Magnum) (Magnum)
Pierre Cotton reclaimed two hectares of family Brouilly in 2015, and this bottling comes from a lieu-dit near Odenas on the southern slope of Mont Brouilly. The domaine now covers 13 hectares across five appellations, organically farmed, with vines averaging 65 years old. Bottled in magnum.
A strong French following for Bouland is perhaps one reason why you don`t see his wines as often as you should, but they are worth seeking down as they are about as good as anything produced in the region and are underpriced for their quality for the time being. In the words of La Revue du Vin These wines have an intensity that can only come from old vines that are impeccably cultivated… We do not hesitate to say that you will find here the best value for money in red wine [in this guide].”"
Gamay from a hundred year old plot, planted over granite some four hundred metres above sea level on the steep slopes of Chiroubles. Fermented as whole bunches for a fortnight, the wine spent nine months resting in concrete eggs.
Pierre Cotton`s debut wine, from a hectare of Côte de Brouilly he reclaimed from the family in 2014. `Corne verte`, a pink granite and diorite mix, underlies the vines at Odenas. With partner Marine Bonnet, an agronomist, he has since replanted hundreds of trees through the vineyards. Low sulphur, organic.
Cote de Brouilly 100% Cotton Bonnet-Cotton (Magnum)
Pierre Cotton founded the domaine in 2014 with one hectare of Côte de Brouilly reclaimed from his family, and this was his first wine. The vines sit beside the winery at Odenas on `corne verte`, a pink granite and diorite blend he says exists nowhere else in Beaujolais. Organic since the start.
A strong French following for Bouland is perhaps one reason why you don`t see his wines as often as you should, but they are worth seeking down as they are about as good as anything produced in the region and are underpriced for their quality for the time being. In the words of La Revue du Vin These wines have an intensity that can only come from old vines that are impeccably cultivated… We do not hesitate to say that you will find here the best value for money in red wine [in this guide].”"
`The 2015 Fleurie Clepsydre comes from high density planting (9,000 vines per hectare) on granite soils cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare, and the fruit here is 100% destemmed followed by ten months in oak casks. It has a meaty nose with garrigue scents infusing the dark berry fruit. The palate is well balanced with supple ripe tannin and crisp acidity, with a well defined, fresh finish that leaves a residue of white pepper on the aftertaste. There is an uncommon sense of mystery about this Fleurie…and I like that` 90 Points Neal Martin
Anne-Sophie Dubois`s family left Champagne and bought this Fleurie estate in 1992; she took charge in 2006, aged 23. Around eight hectares sit high up in a granite amphitheatre at Les Labourons, the lieu-dit this cuvée was later renamed after. Pink granite, organic-certified since 2019.
`The 2015 Fleurie Clepsydre comes from high density planting (9,000 vines per hectare) on granite soils cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare, and the fruit here is 100% destemmed followed by ten months in oak casks. It has a meaty nose with garrigue scents infusing the dark berry fruit. The palate is well balanced with supple ripe tannin and crisp acidity, with a well defined, fresh finish that leaves a residue of white pepper on the aftertaste. There is an uncommon sense of mystery about this Fleurie…and I like that` 90 Points Neal Martin
Anne Sophie Dubois makes wines that have one foot in the Burgundian tradition, and the other in something quintessentially Beaujolaisian (if that`s a word). Longer elevage on the Alchimiste cuvee make it one for the cellar, where the higher altitude of her Fleurie vines really delivers freshness and super super complexity.
Anne Sophie Dubois makes wines that have one foot in the Burgundian tradition, and the other in something quintessentially Beaujolaisian (if that`s a word). Longer elevage on the Alchimiste cuvee make it one for the cellar, where the higher altitude of her Fleurie vines really delivers freshness and super super complexity.
A Champagne native, Anne-Sophie Dubois sought out old Gamay vines in Fleurie after her family bought the estate in 1992. This is the first wine bottled each vintage: whole clusters, carbonic maceration and about six months in wood. Eight hectares of steep pink granite, organic since 2019.
Fleurie Les Colonies de Rochegres Chateau de Beauregard Joseph Burrier
Six generations of the Burrier family run Château de Beauregard, built in 1816 in Pouilly-Fuissé; Frédéric-Marc Burrier has led it since 1999. This cuvée comes from the oldest vines, planted in 1952, on steep east-facing slopes at Poncié in Fleurie, where granite has eroded into pink, iron-rich sand.
The family domaine at Odenas dates back to 1856, and Pierre Cotton widened it beyond Brouilly in 2016 by adding a Fleurie parcel. The estate now runs to 13 hectares across five appellations, organically farmed, with vines averaging 65 years old. Hand-harvested, native yeasts, minimal sulphur.
`An aromatic of energy – mineral, almost steely red fruit – freshness too. Good depth and supple concentration but with a lovely finishing freshness – long, haunting flavours in the finish but subtle – this is no broad or powerful finish – just a very elegant wine.`Bill Nanson
A strong French following for Bouland is perhaps one reason why you don`t see his wines as often as you should, but they are worth seeking down as they are about as good as anything produced in the region and are underpriced for their quality for the time being. In the words of La Revue du Vin These wines have an intensity that can only come from old vines that are impeccably cultivated… We do not hesitate to say that you will find here the best value for money in red wine [in this guide].”"
The Chamonard family has worked vines in Morgon and Fleurie since the 18th century. Joseph Chamonard farmed naturally; after his death around 1990, daughter Geneviève and her husband Jean-Claude Chanudet, `Le Chat`, took over. Around five hectares of Morgon plus half a hectare of Fleurie, with vines 60 to 90 years old on pink granite and schist.
Romain Zordan took over his parents` vines at this 18th-century Fleurie estate in 2012 and runs it with his brother Alex, certified organic since 2012. Of roughly eight hectares, about 1.5 are in Morgon, including the northern Duby climat. Jean-François Ganevat is a mentor and buys some of his grapes.
Daniel Bouland is a reclusive, old-school grower working family parcels from his home hamlet between Villié-Morgon and Chiroubles. This old-vine Gamay grows on the stony soils of that hamlet; its sister bottling comes from granitic sand with vines planted in 1926. Hand-picked, aged in old foudre. He makes ten cuvées.
Jean and Agnès Foillard took over his father`s domaine in 1980 and became part of the `Gang of Four`, Jules Chauvet`s disciples alongside Lapierre, Breton and Thévenet. Fourteen organic hectares, mostly on an extinct volcanic hill above Villié-Morgon, with granite, schist and `rotten rock` soils and some centenarian vines.
Morgon Cote du Py Chateau des Lumieres Louis Jadot
Louis Jadot, the Beaune house founded in 1859, bought Château des Lumières in 2001, adding 35 hectares around Villié-Morgon. The hillside here is blue schist, the most renowned and mineral terroir in Morgon. Jadot folded the estate into Château des Jacques in 2008, so this 2007 carries the earlier label.
`Lapierre`s 2020 Morgon offers up aromas of plummy fruit and raspberries mingled with hints of petals and spices. Medium-bodied, satiny and enveloping, its succulent core of fruit is framed by melting tannins and mouthwatering acids. This thirst-quenching, fruit-driven Morgon is one of the purest, most precise young wines I`ve tasted from this address in recent years.` 91 Points William Kelley
Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely due to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.
Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely I think to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.
Moulin a Vent Clos de Rochegres Chateau des Jacques Louis Jadot
Château des Jacques dates to 1829 and was bought by Louis Jadot in 1996, making it the first great Burgundian house to own major Beaujolais vineyards. This is a four-hectare clos high on the Moulin-à-Vent slope, on pink granite veined with quartz. Jadot vinifies each clos separately, Burgundian-style.
Cuvée was born from the uncommonly bad conditions in 2021. Another original blend, this time of old vines Gamay planted over granite and quartz on the steep slopes of Chiroubles and Chénas.
Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely I think to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.
A rarity from Jean Foillard, a member of Beaujolais`s `Gang of Four` and a pillar of natural wine in Morgon. His domaine runs to about 14 hectares, almost all Gamay, farmed organically since taking over his father`s estate in 1980. White is the exception.
Maxime Barrot, known as Jean-Max ia part of a wave of new talent in Beaujolais. After working with Antonie Luyt in Chile and Yvon Metras in Morgon - he started his own operation in 2019, now up to 3.4 hecrates. Initially working out tof the cellar of friend Eric Texier, now in the south of Beaujolais, his vision is for wines with juicy fruit, drinkability and perfect balance.
Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard, who also owns Clos l`Église in Pomerol, bought this estate in 2000 and rebuilt it, winning Grand Cru Classé status in 2012. Seventeen hectares form a south-facing amphitheatre on Saint-Émilion`s eastern edge at Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, shallow clay over limestone, beside Troplong-Mondot. Planted roughly 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc.
An 1855 fifth growth at Saint-Laurent, divided from Saint-Julien only by a stream, on deep gravel. The estate declined after the Second World War until Dourthe took over management in 1979, so this 1988 comes from the early years of its renovation. The name reputedly honours London`s Belgravia, after an English owner.
The estate dates to 1544 and now belongs to Jean-Hubert Delon of Léoville Las Cases, who inherited it from his grandmother. This second wine was created in 2002 and takes its name from the village chapel where the bottles are stored. Vines sit on a limestone hill with clay-gravel slopes in the northern Médoc. Current blend: 56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.
The Trapaud family settled here in the late 15th century, and Georges Larribière bought the estate in 1927, when it had four hectares. Fourth-generation Béatrice Larribière now farms 25 hectares, 18 in one block at Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, on limestone-clay slopes mixed with sandy loam, a few kilometres from Pavie. Organic since 2009.
`Particularly opulent yet appetising nose although the tannins are currently rather jagged. A good testament to the vintage however from this relatively modest property.` 17 Points Jancis Robinson
Founded in the 1700s as Mouton d`Armailhacq, bought by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in the 1930s, and renamed several times until Baroness Philippine restored the historic name in 1989. This 1990 is among the first under it. Around 50 hectares of Pauillac gravel, wedged between Mouton and Pontet-Canet, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon
`Have gone through a full case over the last two years and this might have been my last bottle. Beautiful classic left bank Bdx with plenty of horse stable and sous bois. Very aromatic. Tannins largely resolved but unlike the 89 Fieuzal, the wine is still fresh and will stay at this level for another 5 years for sure. Great value if you can find this` 30.11.2025 Cellertracker - 91 Points.
Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, who has advised Smith Haut Lafitte and Clos Fourtet, bought his first 2.5 hectares in Castillon with his wife Christine in 1999. It has grown to around ten hectares in twelve plots, on south-facing clay, limestone and sandstone, farmed organically and biodynamically without certification. Roughly 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. James Suckling gave the 2015 92 and the 2014 93.
A Roman, Figeacus, gave the estate its name, and it once ran to 200 hectares; in the 1830s a 30-hectare plot was sold off and became Cheval Blanc. Thierry Manoncourt championed its three gravel hills and their Cabernet: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot across roughly 40 hectares. Promoted to the top Saint-Émilion rank in 2022.
A low gravel hillock outside Pauillac, its vineyard unchanged since the 1855 classification. Part was sold off in 1750 and became a neighbouring château; the rest passed through inheritances to the Lacoste family. Raymond Dupin let it decline until Jean-Eugène Borie bought it in 1978. Planted 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc on gravel over limestone. Neal Martin of Vinous calls the estate the bastion of quintessential Pauillac.""
One of the Médoc`s oldest properties, with plantings recorded in the 1500s and a fifth-place ranking in a 1776 Pauillac classification, long before 1855. The Borie family has run it since 1978; François-Xavier began with the 1979 vintage and his daughter Emeline now helps. Roughly 55 hectares, 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Neal Martin of Vinous gave the 2008 91 points, finding a classic Pauillac bouquet of blackberry
Created in 1992 when Jean-Claude Rouzaud of Champagne Louis Roederer merged two Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois properties, Picard and Beauséjour. Roederer sold it in 2017 to Pierre Rousseau, owner of Laffitte-Carcasset. The vineyard is now about 10 hectares of gravel and clay with some limestone, planted 56% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. James Suckling gave the 2016 92 points, finding enough cassis fruit
Winemaking here dates to the 1500s, and Lazarist priests took over the estate in 1682. Frédéric Woltner bought it in 1919, and the Dillon family of Haut-Brion has owned it since 1983. Since 2006 this second wine has absorbed all the fruit from the former Tour Haut-Brion vineyard. The 2008 blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The Wine Advocate gave the 2008 91 points, calling it another stunning effort.""
The late Denis Durantou of Pomerol`s L`Église-Clinet bought Les Cruzelles in Lalande-de-Pomerol in 2000, and this is its easier-drinking wine. The vineyard sits a kilometre from his Pomerol base and is planted 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc. Jancis Robinson singled out the 2014 as great value.
The highest-ranked classified growth in the Haut-Médoc, a 1855 third growth on alluvial gravel at Ludon. Frost left just five hectares planted by 1958, and Georges Brunet rebuilt it. The Frey family bought it in 2000, with Caroline Frey converting to organic from 2013, certified from 2016. Planted 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot. Steven Spurrier gave the 2012 92 points in Decanter, and James Suckling scored it 91.
Irish wine merchant Hugh Barton bought a quarter of the old Léoville estate in 1826, reportedly meaning to sell it back to its exiled owner. The family has held it ever since, now in its tenth generation. Fifty hectares of Garonne gravel over clay, planted 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. This second wine comes from young vines and less prestigious plots. The grand vin`s 2005 earned 96 points from Antonio Galloni, who called it one of the wines of the vintage.""
The Bartons arrived in Bordeaux in 1722 as wine merchants. Anthony Barton, born in Ireland in 1930, took over in 1983 and made the Saint-Julien estate internationally famous; he died in 2022. His daughter Lilian and her children now run it. Fifty hectares of gravel, nearly half farmed organically. This second wine comes from younger vines.
A Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois owned by the Cuvelier family, who also own Léoville Poyferré in Saint-Julien. Gravel and clay soils and a Cabernet and Merlot blend give a classic, firm Saint-Estèphe. Decanter gave the 2010 90 points for its vigour, structure and good spicy grip.
Thierry Manoncourt of Figeac bought this tiny Saint-Émilion property in 1942, while serving in the army. Under a hectare, planted 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, it was made for family drinking for decades and now yields about 4,000 bottles a year. Vinous called it exquisite.
1988 is a vintage of good, but hardly remarkable ripeness, and in the context of all the other stellar vintages in this decade in Bordeaux, it stands out a bit stylistically. However, at least with the Pichon-Lalande, the 1988 is hardly a weak link and the wine is outstanding in its very classical styling and proportions. The bouquet offers up a lovely, cool fruit blend of cassis, dark berries, menthol, tobacco leaf, gravel, cigar smoke and a judicious foundation of toasty new oak. On the palate the wine is fullish, pure and impeccably balanced, with a good solid core, melting tannins and fine focus and grip on the long, complex and very classy finish. This does not have the exotic topnotes of a sunnier vintage, but it has a lovely base of Pichon’s inimitable terroir and has no cause to apologize for anything! Fine, fine juice cut from an utterly classical cloth and a dramatically underrated vintage of Pichon-Lalande` 92 Points John Gilman
An old Pauillac property once held by the De Gerès family, bought by Gabriel Meffre in 1958 and run since 2000 by his son Claude, a former journalist. About 30 hectares of siliceous gravel on a plateau opposite Pontet-Canet, with 30-year-old vines planted roughly half Merlot, half Cabernet Sauvignon. Neal Martin gave the 2014 90 points.
The estate sits on the edge of the Marais de Reysson near Vertheuil and ranked among the best local Cru Bourgeois until Alfred Dreyfus`s heirs sold it in the early 20th century. Dourthe has managed it since 2001 and bought it in 2014. Fifty-four hectares of clay and limestone full of fossil shells, planted mostly to Merlot.
`Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Vieux Château Certan has a potent, smoke, cooked meat, Cabernet Franc-scented bouquet that is beautifully defined—quintessentially Pomerol. You want typicité? Come right here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite gentle as it sashays across the mouth. The acidity is very well judged and leads to an elegant tobacco tinged finish. Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont have produced one of the finest wines of the Right Bank in 2012, one that is up there with the greats. Tasted January 2016.` 95 Points Neal Martin
`Deep garnet-brick in color, the 2014 Vieux Chateau Certan is a little shy to start, offering up faint notes of candied violets and licorice opening out to a core of preserved plums and Christmas cake plus a waft of sandalwood. The full-bodied palate delivers a refreshing backbone and fine-grained tannins to support the taut, powerful black fruits, finishing long and earthy.` 97 Points Lisa Perotti-Brown
A Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé on the gravelly plateau close to Figeac and the Pomerol border. A Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Franc, from an estate whose reputation rests on ripe, polished right-bank claret. Twenty-seven years old.
Denis Dubourdieu, the Bordeaux oenology professor, built this Graves estate at Pujols-sur-Ciron from 1982, and his sons Fabrice and Jean-Jacques have run it since his death in 2016. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon on limestone and clay. Neal Martin gave the 2015 white 90-92 points, praising its impressive tension and energy on the finish.""
`The 2011 Guiraud offers attractive scents of dried honey, pressed white flowers and honeysuckle. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a concentrated opening, fine acidity, spicier than its peers with a botrytis-laden finish that has just the right amount of bite. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.` 93 Points Neal Martin
A Sauternes premier cru classé in Bommes, famed for gravel studded with semi-precious stones such as agate and jasper. Botrytised Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, classified in 1855. Robert Parker gave the 2002 90 points and Jancis Robinson 17.5 out of 20.
Palmer is Margaux`s third growth, named for British general Charles Palmer, who bought it in 1814. The Pereire brothers took over in 1853, and the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families have owned it since 1938. Farmed biodynamically since 2008. This is the estate`s rare white.
Domaine d`Ardhuy is a family estate based at Corgoloin, with roots dating to the 18th century and vineyards from the Côte de Nuits to the Corton hill. This village Aloxe-Corton, 100% Pinot Noir, comes from the foot of that famous hill.
Alain Gras is a small grower at Saint-Romain, in the hills behind Beaune. This Auxey-Duresses comes from old Pinot Noir vines in the side valley west of Meursault, a village known for rustic, good-value Côte de Beaune reds.
There have been Pavelots in Savigny-lès-Beaune for many generations, passing the domaine from father to son. Jean-Marc was joined by his son Hugues in 1997, and they farm Savigny, Aloxe-Corton and Beaune. This premier cru is the domaine`s only Beaune red. The Wine Advocate scored the 2012 90-92 points, calling it very sophisticated.""
Domaine Albert Morot is a Beaune estate known for premier crus such as Cent-Vignes, set in the town`s hillside. 100% Pinot Noir, with the elegance Beaune is known for. The domaine is now reportedly part of the Bichot group.
0.43 hectare plot cultivated by young Julien Petitjean. A questing vigneron who spent ten years looking for land with character that he could farm in an organic spirit.
The 2022 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, blended with 25% whole bunches, has quite a perfumed and aromatic bouquet: white flowers and potpourri infusing the black cherry and red plummy fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It offers much more composure than the Latricières, with a poised, persistent finish. Excellent.` 93 Points Neal Martin
Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains L`Exception Michel Lafarge
Michel Lafarge`s family has farmed in Volnay for generations, and son Frédéric now runs the domaine with organic and biodynamic methods. This Pinot Noir and Gamay blend, the old Burgundian passe-tout-grains, comes from the estate`s own vines. Allen Meadows of Burghound gave the 2022 89 points, calling it excellent for its level.""
Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains L`Exception Michel Lafarge
The Lafarge family has farmed in Volnay for generations; Frédéric Lafarge now runs the domaine with organic and biodynamic methods. Pinot Noir and Gamay are blended in the traditional Burgundian way from the estate`s own vines. Neal Martin of Vinous gave the 2022 90 points, praising its wonderful transparency on the nose.""
Bourgogne Pinot Noir De Laube A Laube Les Fauvettes (Maryse Chatelin)
`Still in barrel, the 2017 Chablis Clos Béru Monopole is a stunning wine. Rich and textured, with tons of phenolic intensity, the 2017 possesses remarkable depth from the very first taste. More than anything else, the Clos Béru is a Chablis to admire for its textural intensity and utterly captivating beauty. It is one of the most distinctive whites I have tasted in a number of years.` 93-95 Points, Antonio Galloni
Domaine de Courcel is one of Pommard`s old family estates, with roots going back to the 18th century. This regional Bourgogne is 100% Pinot Noir from the estate`s own vines, a modest bottling from one of the village`s best-known names.
Hudelot-Baillet is a family domaine in Chambolle-Musigny, set up by Paul Hudelot in the 1970s and run from 1981 by his son Joël and Joël`s wife, Chantal Baillet. This Pinot Noir comes from vines just east of the village, at Gilly-lès-Cîteaux. Practises lutte raisonnée and bottles everything at the domaine.
A small family domaine at Vougeot, founded in the 1960s when Alain Hudelot married Odile Noëllat, whose grandfather`s Vosne-Romanée vineyards came with her. Ten hectares across 15 appellations. Alain`s grandson Charles van Canneyt has made the wines since 2008, farming gently and fermenting with native yeasts.
Joseph Arlaud planted this vineyard in 1964 and 1965, when it was rated village Gevrey; it was reclassified as plain Bourgogne a year later. Clay, limestone and marl surrounded by Gevrey vines. Cyprien Arlaud farms it biodynamically, certified in 2014, and ferments with native yeasts in cement tanks.
Joseph Arlaud planted this vineyard in 1964 and 1965, when it was rated village Gevrey; it was reclassified as plain Bourgogne a year later. Clay, limestone and marl surrounded by Gevrey vines. Cyprien Arlaud farms it biodynamically, certified in 2014, and ferments with native yeasts in cement tanks.
`The 2015 Chambertin from Domaine Trapet is utterly brilliant, as it is a big, massive and utterly poised and refined example of the vintage. The heroically proportioned wine is still the essence of Chambertin, as it delivers a brilliant bouquet of black plums, red and black cherries, raw cocoa, grilled meats, a very complex base of soil tones, a touch of graphite and a refined framing of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and simply bottomless at the core, with a great synthesis of soil signature and sappy, pure fruit. The finish is endless, with fine-grained tannins, lovely acids and stunning complexity. This is one of the wines of the vintage in 2015, without a doubt! 2030-2100` 98 Points John Gilman
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Aux Beaux Bruns Ghislaine Barthod
`The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Aux Beaux Bruns 1er Cru has a superb bouquet of red and black fruit, bay leaf, clove, and an underlying __mineralité that comes through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and fine grip. It is complex and a little more savory in style, fanning out wonderfully on the finish. Excellent.` 94-96 Points Neal Martin
Hudelot-Baillet owns just over half a hectare in this premier cru, with old vines of up to 70 years. The domaine, based in Chambolle-Musigny and set up in the 1970s, has been run since 2004 by Dominique Le Guen, son-in-law of Joël Hudelot. Martin singled out the 2012`s beautiful bouquet and its structure and mineral tension.
Joël Hudelot and Chantal Baillet took over this Chambolle-Musigny domaine in 1981, and Joël`s son-in-law Dominique Le Guen took charge in 2004. It owns a 0.6-hectare parcel of this premier cru, with vines 25 to 70 years old. Charming, seductive Chambolle. Neal Martin of the Wine Advocate called the 2012 one of the best Chambolle premier crus this year.""
A 0.6-hectare parcel of vines aged 25 to 70 years, in a premier cru that gives the charming, seductive side of Chambolle. Dominique Le Guen, Joël Hudelot`s son-in-law, has run the family domaine since 2004; his son Tanguy joined in 2019. Neal Martin of the Wine Advocate praised the 2012 for its taut, linear finish.
From the 1985 vintage, made by Gaston Barthod a year before his daughter Ghislaine joined the family domaine. The 0.86-hectare plot, one of four vineyards ringing Bonnes-Mares, now holds 65-year-old vines and makes the estate`s most structured wine. Vinous`s Neal Martin put it at the summit of the range.
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Les Chatelots Ghislaine Barthod
The domaine began as the union of the Noëllat and Barthod families in the 1920s. Ghislaine Barthod joined in 1986 and has bottled all its wine since 1989, with her son Clément now involved. This parcel sits just above Aux Combottes, directly below the village, in a domaine of 5.86 hectares. Jasper Morris MW scored the 2021 88-92 points, finding it full of energy on the palate and displaying finesse.""
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Les Chatelots Ghislaine Barthod
`The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Les Chatelots 1er Cru is quite closed on the nose: light red fruit, a little sous-bois and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. It’s fresh and saline, though the finish doesn`t kick on with the same gusto as other cuvées. I will be prudent for now, but it may improve in bottle.` 90 Points Neal Martin
Faiveley has been a Nuits-Saint-Georges négociant and grower since 1825, and Erwan Faiveley now leads the family firm. This premier cru in Chambolle-Musigny is among its Côte de Nuits vineyards, bottled by the house.
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Les Gruenchers Ghislaine Barthod
`Aromas of Griotte cherries, wild berries, peonies and orange rind mingle with hints of grilled squab, introducing Barthod`s 2018 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Gruenchers, a medium to full-bodied, precise wine that`s layered and youthfully introverted, with an ample chassis of rich, powdery tannin and a lively spine of acidity. Barthod produced three barrels this year.` 92-94 Points William Kelley
Amélie Berthaut, the seventh known generation of Berthauts in Fixin, merged her father`s vineyards with her mother`s Gerbet holdings in Vosne-Romanée in 2013, creating a domaine of about 16 hectares. A small Chambolle premier cru parcel sits among them. Fruit is hand-sorted and moved by gravity, with no pumps.
Anne Gros took over the family domaine at Vosne-Romanée from her father Jean Gros in the late 1980s and farms about six hectares. This Chambolle-Musigny comes from a lieu-dit near the Vougeot border. 100% Pinot Noir, more than two decades old.
Chambolle-Musigny Les Fremieres Vieilles Vignes Digioia Royer
Digioia-Royer is a Chambolle-Musigny family estate, run by Laurent Royer and his wife, who has Italian roots. The Fremières is a Chambolle lieu-dit; this cuvée comes from its old vines.
Chambolle-Musigny Les Fremieres Vieilles Vignes Digioia Royer
Digioia-Royer is a Chambolle-Musigny family estate, run by Laurent Royer and his wife, who has Italian roots. This cuvée comes from old vines in a Chambolle lieu-dit. .
One of about two hectares of village-level Chambolle-Musigny at the family domaine, planted with older vines. The estate, set up in the 1970s and run since 2004 by Dominique Le Guen, holds nearly all its vineyards in Chambolle itself. Neal Martin of the Wine Advocate scored the 2012 91-93 points, calling it very fine.""
Christian Sérafin is a Gevrey-Chambertin grower, whose family has farmed the village`s slopes for generations. This is the grand cru from the vineyards on the southern side of Gevrey, planted to Pinot Noir. Young, structured and still developing.
Jean-Claude Bachelet is a Chassagne-Montrachet grower better known for whites; his rare red is from old vines in the village`s slopes. , with some bottle age.
Maison Louis Jadot was founded in Beaune in 1859 and became one of Burgundy`s most respected houses. the Clos de la Roche is one of their signature cuvees, and always one of their strongest wines.
Domaine François Lamarche is a family estate at Vosne-Romanée, with holdings in great sites, among them Clos de Vougeot, Grands Échezeaux and La Grande Rue. Quite oaky in style usually but very sturdy.
Domaine Jean Grivot is a Vosne-Romanée family estate with about 15 hectares, led by Étienne Grivot and known for its sensitive, organic approach. The Clos de Vougeot grand cru is . More than two decades old. Charles Curtis MW gave the 2022 96 points in Decanter: the best Clos Vougeot I can recall having from this domaine.""
A 0.31-hectare parcel in the lower part of the hill, planted in 1956, among the Gerbet vines Amélie Berthaut inherited from her mother. She is the seventh known generation of Berthauts in Fixin, and merged both families` holdings in 2013.
`The 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru has a lovely bouquet that unfurls from the glass to reveal raspberry, hints of dark chocolate, cedar and undergrowth; there is a touch of mintiness here. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and beautifully balanced with vivid red berry fruit, plus a liberal sprinkling of white pepper on the finish. Excellent. (Drink between 2023-2042)` 96 Points Neal Martin.
`... for my money, these are among the small handful of wines that realize the true potential of the hill of Corton—to say nothing of the domaine`s reference-point wines from Savigny-lès-Beaune and Pernand-Vergelesses.` William Kelley"
`From four parcels comprising 1.5-hectares, the 2021 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru has a harmonious bouquet with dark plum, licorice and hints of menthol. This blossoms in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins framing the dusky, black fruit laced with white pepper, thyme and bay leaf. Very persistent, this is an excellent Corton-Bressandes. ` 93-95 Points Neal Martin
A Corton grand cru from Maison En Belles Lies, a small Burgundy négociant. from Burgundy`s one red grand cru hill. Very low intervention wine making here.
Bonneau du Martray, famed for its Corton-Charlemagne white, also makes a small amount of red Corton from the same hill. Stanley Kroenke acquired the estate in 2017, and the domaine is run from its base at Pernand-Vergelesses. The red ages beautifully.
Fornerol is a small domaine in the Côte de Nuits, working in the Côtes de Nuits-Villages appellation. Well appreciated as a superb value amongst those in the know.
A regional Coteaux Bourguignons from Arnaud Lopez, blending Burgundy`s Pinot Noir and Gamay in the appellation`s traditional way. Light, fresh and fruity. A natural wine focussed outlook.
Denis Bachelet took over his grandfather`s 1.8 hectares in 1983, when his father chose not to carry on, and has built a cult, allocation-only estate of around four hectares in Gevrey-Chambertin. This village wine comes from a Brochon parcel, with vines averaging more than 30 years old.
Jean-Marc Millot farms in Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Échezeaux is a Vosne grand cru of some 37 hectares with many owners; his is . Young, so decant or cellar.
Frédéric Esmonin runs a family domaine in Gevrey-Chambertin: three and a half hectares of his own vines plus a négociant label for purchased grapes. This premier cru is the cradle of the house, a refined, floral Gevrey. Sylvie Esmonin is his cousin, and his parents still help.
Frédéric Esmonin works with his parents, André and Michelle, at the family domaine in Gevrey-Chambertin, combining three and a half hectares of estate vines with purchased fruit. This is the home premier cru: sappy fruit, floral lift and a polished acidic backbone.
From 1995, three decades ago, and the home premier cru of the Esmonin family in Gevrey-Chambertin. Frédéric Esmonin makes it from a domaine of three and a half hectares that he supplements with a négociant label.
Maison Louis Jadot, founded in Beaune in 1859, makes this Gevrey-Chambertin premier cru from the Lavaux Saint-Jacques site on the village`s northern slope. , two decades old and one of the stronges Gevrey`s this year.
A Gevrey-Chambertin premier cru from Frédéric Esmonin, whose three-and-a-half-hectare family domaine is backed by a négociant label. Gevrey`s iron-rich clay gives this vineyard firm structure. Over two decades old.
A Gevrey-Chambertin premier cru from Frédéric Esmonin, whose three-and-a-half-hectare family domaine is backed by a négociant label. Gevrey`s iron-rich clays give this vineyard firm structure. Old school in style, all about elegance not power.
Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Le Poissenot Geantet Pansiot
Founded in 1954 when Edmond Géantet married Bernadette Pansiot, the domaine has been run by their son Vincent since 1989, with his son Fabien joining in 2006. This is a 0.62-hectare premier cru parcel on limestone in the Lavaux valley, high on the slope, giving the estate`s tautest, most scented wine. Lutte raisonnée farming, about 30% new oak.
Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Le Poissenot Geantet Pansiot
Vincent Géantet, also a local fire chief, grew the family domaine from seven hectares in 1977 to around 12 across Gevrey, Chambolle and Marsannay. His premier cru parcel is a 0.62-hectare, high-altitude limestone site, named for an old well that once held small fish. Clive Coates praised the house`s intensely flavoured wines.
Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Les Cazetiers Domaine Faiveley
`The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 1er Cru is very perfumed on the nose, offering confit-like red berry fruit, blood orange and raspberry jam. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine delineation, nice poise and a grippy finish. There’s nice sapidity here, and the constituent parts are all in pace – they just need time to knit together. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting. Drinking Date: 2025 - 2045`92 Points Neal Martin
Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Les Cazetiers Domaine Faiveley
`The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers is brilliant, unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums, dark chocolate, spices and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it`s elegantly muscular, with a deep and multidimensional core and a long, expansive finish. It`s worth a special effort to seek out.` 94 Points William Kelley
A Gevrey-Chambertin vineyard on the flatter, richer soils of the village, from the Esmonin family. Over two decades old, from a domaine that mixes its own vines with purchased grapes. Elegance is the by-word here
Much paler colour – thats the house clour! Great nose, complex, leafy, fresh – I would think at least 10 years older but compelling. Mouthfilling, suoer shale and frshness of flavour. Long, gorgeous, complex finish. Bravo!
Domaine Duroché is a Gevrey-Chambertin family estate, now led by Pierre Duroché, who has moved the vineyards towards organic farming. The Jeunes Rois is a Gevrey village vineyard. which in Pierre`s hands tastes like a Premier Cru.
An Esmonin village-level Gevrey-Chambertin from a family that has worked in the village for generations. Gevrey`s iron-rich clays give it a firm, structured style.
Joseph Faiveley is a Gevrey-Chambertin cuvée from Maison Faiveley, founded at Nuits-Saint-Georges in 1825 and run by Erwan Faiveley. Erwans wines became noticably softer and more accessible in comparison to his father, Francoise.
Domaine des Moirots is a Givry estate run by Christophe Denizot. This premier cru is from the Côte Chalonnaise, an appellation that was a favourite of Henri IV.
Rémoissenet Père et Fils is a Beaune négociant house. This Givry, from the Côte Chalonnaise, is from the 1999 vintage and was made in a structured style from a superb vintage.
A Hautes-Côtes de Beaune red from vines in the hills above the Côte de Beaune, . A fresh, high-altitude Burgundy, with the region`s cooler climate. Natural styling.
This wine comes from a 0.55ha holding of 50yo vines planted in a lieu-dit called Les Chataigniers at 310m altitude above the village of Saint Aubin – the soil here is of a medium depth and easy to plough. Low yield averaging 40hh, whole-bunch fermentation and free run juice only (press juice discarded). Aged in old 228ltr barrels for 15 months, pinch of sulphur added at bottling.
La Maison Romane is the négociant label of Oronce de Beler at Vosne-Romanée. Les Longeroies is a Marsannay lieu-dit north of Dijon. Naturally styled wines here.
Domaine Trapet, of Gevrey-Chambertin, has farmed biodynamically since the late 1990s. This Marsannay, from the Côte d`Or`s northernmost appellation, has almost two decades of bottle age and should be delicious right now.
`The wood treatment is a bit more prominent on the spicy red and dark berry aromas that flash plenty of earth and sauvage nuances. There is a bit more verve to the big-bodied, intense and muscular flavors that exude evident minerality on the balanced, palate coating and impressively long finale. Here too patience will be beneficial.` 93 Points Allen Meadows
`Offering up aromas of dark cherries, berries, spices and loamy soil, the 2020 Monthelie Les Duresses is medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific depth and energy. It`s one of the finest renditions of this cuvee that I can remember tasting chez Lafon.` 88-91 William Kelley
Francois Feuillet is a Burgundy loving magnate who succesfully brought most of the remains of the legendary Raymond Trollat estate. These vines he intrusts to David Duband, who has become stylistically much more inclined towards a more traditional style of vinification, a la Dujac or DRC. Touted as a `Rising Star` in a recent issue of Noble Rot. This is an estate with a great future and for the moment, very reasonable prices.
Domaine Robert Chevillon is one of Nuits-Saint-Georges`s best-known estates, run by the Chevillon brothers. The Pruliers premier cru lies at the northern end of the village. , over twenty years old.
` Full ruby. Spicy aromas of blackberry, violet, bitter chocolate, Oriental spices and mint. Dense and sweet, with ripe but bright black fruit flavors. Finishes with sweet tannins and very good persistence.` 86-89 Points Steven Tanzer
Benjamin Leroux founded his own Beaune label in 2007 after a decade as winemaker at Comte Armand. Fruit comes from small Côte d`Or growers, and he works it into polished, structured Pinot Noir.
Benjamin Leroux founded his own négociant house in Beaune in 2007 after a decade as winemaker at Comte Armand. He buys grapes and fruit from small Côte d`Or growers and works them into polished, structured Pinot Noir.
`The 2020 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Boudots 1er Cru has a very expressive bouquet with ebullient red and blue fruit combined with violet and crushed stone scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, nicely poised with quite a strict finish that indicates that this will need some bottle age.` 93-95 Points Neal Martin
Prieuré-Roch, one of the starriest domaines in the Cote d`Or is run by Henri-Frédéric Roch of the Leroy family, farming biodynamically in Vosne-Romanée. The Clos des Corvées is a Nuits-Saint-Georges premier cru.
Nuits-St-Georges 1er Clos des Forets St Georges Domaine de l`Arlot
`A little extra colour here. Bright, wide, pure red-berried. Clean, nice drive to this – cushioned with very lovely extra-fine grain to the tannin and with relatively little dryness. The finish seeps out through the cracks and lasts long on mouth-watering finish – very long.` Bill Nanson
Nuits-St-Georges 1er Clos des Porrets Henri Gouges
`The 1999 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Porrets Saint-Georges 1er Cru has a ripe and expressive bouquet, one that is lush for a Gouges, with copious pomegranate, cranberry and pressed flower scents. There is certainly fine definition here. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive detail, precise but unapologetically forward as many 1999s can be. But you just cannot resist the energy and brio of this wine and it should give another two decades of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Gouges retrospective at La Cabotte.` 93 Points Neal Martin (2018)
Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Aux Boudots Benjamin Leroux
Benjamin Leroux started his own Beaune house in 2007 after a decade as winemaker at Comte Armand. He sources fruit from small growers and makes polished, structured Pinot Noir.
Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Murgers Hudelot-Noëllat
Charles van Canneyt`s Nuits-Saint-Georges premier cru comes from a 0.68-hectare parcel planted in 1985. The domaine was founded in the 1960s by his grandfather Alain Hudelot and Odile Noëllat. He has made the wines since 2008, ploughing the soil and extracting gently.
Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Ile des Vergelesses Chandon de Brailles
Chandon de Briailles, run by Comtesse Claude de Nicolay, farms around Savigny and Pernand-Vergelesses and the Corton hill, and has worked biodynamically since 2005. Precise, delicate Pinot Noir from the Pernand premier cru.
Jean-Marc Pavelot and his son Hugues work the family domaine at Savigny-lès-Beaune, where Pavelots have lived for many generations. Vineyards spread across Savigny, Beaune and Aloxe-Corton, plus Pernand-Vergelesses, and have grown to 17 hectares since 2021.
Aleth Girardin comes from five generations of Pommard winemakers and runs seven hectares across Pommard, Beaune and Meursault, with vines mostly 60 to 65 years old. New oak stays at a third or less, and some whole bunches go in depending on the year. Prince of Pinot called her 2005s charming and very drinkable.
`The 2020 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux 1er Cru was a blend of two instead of four cuvées this year due to the depleted production. It has a precocious bouquet with black cherries, raspberry, menthol and blood orange scents that gather momentum in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, taut and fresh, lightly spiced with hints of allspice and tangy quince. It displays fine composure towards the finish with impressive length. This is a superb Clos des Epeneaux, though will it surpass the 2019? I’m not sure.` 92-94 Points Neal Martin
Comte Armand`s Pommard monopole, a single walled vineyard of about five hectares in the family since 1826. Biodynamically farmed, it was long overseen by Benjamin Leroux, who left in 2013 to start his own house. Neal Martin of Vinous scored the 2021 93 points and Allen Meadows of Burghound 92-94.
Aleth Girardin`s parcel here was planted in 1906 by her great-grandfather, among Burgundy`s first post-phylloxera replantings. Her seven-hectare family domaine in Pommard keeps new oak to a third at most and keeps yields very low.
Jean-Marc Boillot left his family`s Volnay domaine in 1984, spent four years as winemaker for Olivier Leflaive, and set up on his own in 1988 with a bequest of Pommard and Volnay vines and the family house and cellars in Pommard. The old vines in this premier cru average about 70 years.
Pommard`s power meets Volnay`s finesse in this premier cru, from vines averaging 70 years old. Jean-Marc Boillot`s domaine covers 11 hectares, five of them red, and his daughter Lydie and her husband François now run it.
Part of the old plots Jean-Marc Boillot inherited from his grandfathers, one of them the great Puligny grower Étienne Sauzet. The domaine now covers 11 hectares between Pommard and Puligny, run by his daughter Lydie and her husband François.
Aleth Girardin`s Rugiens-Bas, her favourite vineyard, was planted in 1906 by her great-grandfather. The Pommard domaine covers seven hectares of mostly 60- to 65-year-old vines, with low yields and limited new oak.
Jean-Marc Boillot built his domaine from 1988 on a bequest of Pommard and Volnay vines, run from his grandfather`s house and cellars in Pommard. The estate now covers 11 hectares, five for reds, and is run by his daughter Lydie and her husband François. The 05 was arguably the best of the decade.
Founded in 1900 by cooper Jean-Baptiste Pillot, the domaine is now in its fourth generation under Thierry Pillot and his sister Chrystelle. This 0.54-hectare Santenay comes from old vines in two parcels on the Chassagne side of the village, near the domaine`s Bourgogne vines.
Paul Pillot took over his father`s domaine in Chassagne-Montrachet in 1968, and son Thierry has run it since the mid-2000s. This Santenay comes from two small old-vine parcels on the Chassagne side of the village, fermented with natural yeasts and aged 12 to 18 months.
Savigny`s Aux Guettes is the biggest of Pavelot`s premier crus: 1.48 hectares, with vines averaging 25 years old at the time of the last published survey. Jean-Marc Pavelot and son Hugues run the family domaine in Savigny-lès-Beaune.
The domaine`s largest premier cru parcel, at just over two hectares, mixing vines of 10, 30 and 80 years old. Jean-Marc Pavelot and son Hugues have run the family estate in Savigny-lès-Beaune since 1997, when Hugues joined.
Domaine d`Ardhuy, a family estate based at Corgoloin with roots in the 18th century, makes this Savigny-lès-Beaune premier cru. Super solid quality here.
Guillemot is a Savigny-lès-Beaune family estate. Les Serpentières is a premier cru on the slope above the village. Classic style, with elegance but the ability to age with style. In a vintage like 2010, this is a wine that really transcends what people think of the glass ceiling at Savigny.
Yann Durieux makes wild, low-intervention Pinot Noir in the Côte de Nuits under the Recrue des Sens label. Vin de France, so free of appellation rules.
Recrue des Sens is Yann Durieux`s low-intervention Burgundy label in the Côte de Nuits. Vin de France, so free of appellation rules, and nine years old.
Bernard Moreau et Fils is a top echalon Chassagne-Montrachet estate these days. Les Caillerets is one of Volnay`s best premier crus, on limestone-rich soils. .
Fontaine-Gagnard is a Chassagne-Montrachet estate, run by Richard Fontaine and Laurence Jobard, with a Volnay premier cru. , mostly known for Chassagne whites.
Domaine Michel Lafarge is a Volnay benchmark, run by Frédéric Lafarge with organic and biodynamic farming. Clos des Chênes is among the village`s top premier crus. . William Kelley of the Wine Advocate scored the 2018 94-96+, calling it brilliant; Neal Martin of Vinous gave it 94-96.
`A little extra colour here. Bright, wide, pure red-berried. Clean, nice drive to this – cushioned with very lovely extra-fine grain to the tannin and with relatively little dryness. The finish seeps out through the cracks and lasts long on mouth-watering finish – very long.` Bill Nanson
Ballot-Millot are a Meursault family estate probably better known for their whites but the reds are exceptional too. Santenots lies in Meursault but its reds are sold as Volnay premier cru.
Pierre Morey is a biodynamic Meursault grower and was winemaker at Domaines Leflaive from 1988 to 2008. Santenots lies in Meursault but its reds are sold as Volnay premier cru. , over twenty years old. The Wine Advocate scored the 2020 93 points.
Pierre Morey is a biodynamic Meursault grower and was winemaker at Domaines Leflaive from 1988 to 2008. Santenots lies in Meursault but its reds are sold as Volnay premier cru.
A 0.32-hectare Vosne-Romanée parcel planted in 1920, from the Noëllat inheritance that came to Alain Hudelot`s domaine in 1978. Charles van Canneyt, Alain`s grandson, has made the wines since 2008 with ploughed soils and low yields.
Vosne-Romanee 1er Les Malconsorts Hudelot-Noëllat (Magnum)
A tiny 0.14-hectare parcel in one of Vosne`s most revered premier crus, planted in 1950, from the Noëllat inheritance that came to Hudelot-Noëllat in 1978. Charles van Canneyt has made the wines since 2008.
A 0.45-hectare Vosne-Romanée parcel planted in 1920, from the Noëllat inheritance that came to Hudelot-Noëllat in 1978. Charles van Canneyt, Alain Hudelot`s grandson, has made the wines since 2008.
A 0.48-hectare Vosne-Romanée parcel above Richebourg, planted in 1934, 1964 and 2008, from the Gerbet side of Amélie Berthaut`s family. In 2013 she merged her mother`s Vosne holdings with her father`s Fixin vineyards into a 16-hectare domaine.
From a 0.15 hectare (!) parcel on the steeper upper slope shelf directly above the 1er crus les Malconsorts and les Gaudichots, two barrels made. Vines planted in 1934/1935. A 1er cru in all but name.
From the borders, but outside the Champagne AOC, the vineyards of Molesme share much of the similar geology. Hand Harvested, natural yeats and aged for 2 years on the lees, these reflect the work of Jeanne Piollot who worked with her parents on Piollot Pere and Marie Courtin before setting out her own stall..
Charles Ballot is propelling this white-focussed estate to heights occupied by Roulot, Jobard and Ente. Exceptional value for the time being, but the market is clearly catching up on these wines. The Bourgogne Blanc is from fruit only from within Meursault and Puligny Villages. 580 cases produced.
From the cellars of the Michelin 2* Hostellerie Jerome - never moved since original purchase directly from the domaine upon release. Stored with extreme care in the restaurant’s cellars.
Chablis Clos Beru Monopole Chateau de Beru (Magnum)
Château de Béru`s Clos Béru is a monopole, a walled Chablis vineyard owned by the Béru family; the estate is farmed biodynamically. 100% Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian limestone. One of the most energetic wines of the appellation.
Chablis Clos Beru Monopole Chateau de Beru (Magnum)
`Still in barrel, the 2017 Chablis Clos Béru Monopole is a stunning wine. Rich and textured, with tons of phenolic intensity, the 2017 possesses remarkable depth from the very first taste. More than anything else, the Clos Béru is a Chablis to admire for its textural intensity and utterly captivating beauty. It is one of the most distinctive whites I have tasted in a number of years.` 93-95 Points, Antonio Galloni
From the cellars of the Michelin 2* Hostellerie Jerome - never moved since original purchase directly from the domaine upon release. Stored with extreme care in the restaurant’s cellars.
Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots William Fèvre
`Note: from a 2.2 ha parcel at the bottom section of the vineyard; even so, the vineyard is so steep here that it must be worked entirely by hand as tractors would be dangerous to use. A cool and highly restrained nose reluctantly offers up its array of citrus, tidal pool, quinine and oyster shell. The exceptionally rich, even opulent, medium-weight plus flavors also brim with sappy dry extract on the mineral-driven, powerful and remarkably long finish. This is perhaps slightly less elegant than it typically is, but it is seriously good all the same. Buy it.` 95 Points Allen Meadows
`More open and airy – if not the same focus as the previous. Wide, crystalline – more mouth-filling. Here the fluidity of the best, mouthwatering, growing almost juicy – a cascade of flavour energy and mouth-watering moreishness that the Preuses isn’t showing today. Great wine – no overt oak either.` Bill Nanson
`More lemon than lime, a little touch of coconut, the wine has the intensity to handle it, amazing punch at the back. Superb concentration here. Vauprin once again shows the absolute magic of this site in the hands of the Lavantureux team. 91-94 points` Jasper Morris MW
`Vauprin is a special selection on the hill of Vauprin, situated close to Lignorelles. Vines range from 20-80 years old and the parcel is 1.8ha in size. This AP Chablis is notable for the confident way in which oak is used (up to 50%, ranging from new to five-year-old). Lovely density on the palate allied to purity of fruit. Here, the oak really does add a lot of complexity but the Chablis character is still evident underneath. A very fine Chablis` 93 Points Alex Hunt
`The 2022 Chablis Vauprin has another impressive nose: taut and delineated. The mineralité of a Premier Cru with a clever reduction suggests some astute winemaking. The palate is nicely balanced, with a citrus-fresh entry, lively and animated, and a bright and vibrant finish. This is irresistible. Chapeau!` 92 Points Neal Martin
From the heart of the original Chassagne clos: about 1.3 hectares of white vines, plus 0.8 of red, at a fourth-generation domaine founded in 1900. Thierry Pillot ferments naturally, ages on lees for 12 to 18 months, and keeps new oak to 10 to 20 per cent.
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Grande Ruchottes Paul Pillot
A 0.26-hectare parcel in one of Chassagne`s finest premier crus, acquired by Paul Pillot after he took over the family domaine in 1968. Thierry Pillot now makes it with natural fermentation, 12 to 18 months on lees and little new oak.
From the borders, but outside the Champagne AOC, the vineyards of Molesme share much of the similar geology. Hand Harvested, natural yeats and aged for 2 years on the lees, these reflect the work of Jeanne Piollot who worked with her parents on Piollot Pere and Marie Courtin before setting out her own stall..
Macon-Cruzille Aragonite White Clos Des Vignes Du Maynes (Magnum)
Chardonnay from a high, pure-limestone parcel at Julien Guillot`s seven-hectare biodynamic estate in Cruzille, on soils rich in aragonite. Vines are over 50 years old. Aged a year on lees in old oak, another in enamel, with native yeasts and no sulphur. Nearly two decades old.
Macon-Cruzille Les Chassagnes Clos Des Vignes Du Maynes (Magnum)
From a monks` clos recorded in 910 and farmed organically since the Guillots bought it in 1952, Julien Guillot`s biodynamic estate sits on clay and limestone in Cruzille. This white sees skin contact and ageing on lees, with native yeasts and no sulphur.
Jean-Marc Roulot trained as an actor before taking over the family domaine in Meursault in 1989. He farms organically, and this premier cru is his monopole, a walled vineyard. Roulot`s Meursault is among the region`s tensest and most mineral.
Jean-Marc Roulot trained as an actor before taking over the family domaine in Meursault in 1989. This premier cru is his monopole, a walled vineyard farmed organically, among the region`s tensest and most mineral Chardonnays.
Meursault 1er Poruzots Pierre Yves Colin-Morey [Pre-Arrival]
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, son of Marc Colin and Chassagne`s Morey family, set up his own domaine in 2001. Poruzots is one of his many Meursault Premier Cru`s and one of the strongest wines in the line-up.
`Mid lemon colour with a fresh green lining. Very clear, very pure, delicious white fruit. Frankly, this is gorgeous in its hillside style, rather than butter and hazelnuts. Enough flesh so it is not just about mineral tension, and very long indeed.` 92-94 Points Jasper Morris
Chardonnay from a small parcel of hundred year old vines planted over pure limestone. This was given a long, slow and gentle press before a year of élevage in old barriques.
Étienne Sauzet founded this Puligny-Montrachet house in 1903, and it has long been one of the village`s benchmark white-wine producers, today run by the Riffault and Boudot families.
Extensive holdings in St-Aubin allow Sylvain to make some of the best value bottlings in the village, a lesser known 1er cru, but very complex and elegant with power in reserve.
`The 2023 Saint-Aubin Village offers up a gently reductive bouquet of white flowers, pear and toasted bread. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and precise, it`s long and racy, concluding with chalky grip. Pierre-Yves Colin has delivered another successful 2023 vintage, and almost everything I tasted remained un-racked on the lees, undergoing a long élevage in pursuit of more tension and complexity. As ever, picking tends to be on the early side with a view to retaining freshness` 89-91 Points William Kelley
Scarecrow is a 20-acre Rutherford vineyard planted in 1945 by Joseph Cohn, an MGM executive, and revived by Bret Lopez and the Mick Unti family. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, a cult Napa red.
Ridge Vineyards` flagship, from Monte Bello in the Santa Cruz Mountains. A 1971 vintage from the estate placed in the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting. A Cabernet-led Bordeaux-style blend, long-lived and mineral.
Kutch Wines was founded by Jamie Kutch, a former Wall Street trader, in 2005. This Pinot Noir comes from the Falstaff Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, in cool, windy conditions.
Sirius Petite Sirah Eaglepoint Ranch Sean Thackrey [Pre-Arrival]
When Sean Thackrey died in 2002 the world lost one of it`s most charismatic winemakers philosophers of wine and winemaking traditions. From his rustic winery in Bolinas, under the pine trees he made a series of wines that captured the attention of a huge raft of enthusiasts, including Alice Walters, who listed his wines from the very start of Chez Panisse. Unapologetically Californian, they were the blueprint for a generation of winemakers.
Sine Qua Non is a cult California estate run by Manfred and Elaine Krankl, who change the labels each year. This Syrah-led red is known for its richness and scarcity.
From a vineyard in the 1920s, there are fewer and fewer viable vines in this vineyard - now production is limited to about 74 cases. Fresh in style and capable of being enjoyed not or in twenty years.
Voted the best domestic rose by Eric Asimov in the NYT a year or so ago - the first vintage was 2006 and he was inspired by a Beaujolais vigneron who was doing the same thing. He thinks there`s a tenderness to the aromas and textural nature of the grape that amplifies the juicieness and energy of the wine. Fruit from Witters vineyard, about 1000 meters up - on red, volcanic clay. Also a bit from Barsotti which is more granitey and gives a little more structure.
Johannisberg Riesling Late Harvest Joseph Phelps Vineyards (Half)
Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in St. Helena in 1973 and is known for Insignia. This late-harvest Johannisberg Riesling dates from 1988 and has nearly four decades of age.
Autour de Minuit Clos Sainte-Sophie Jacques Lassaigne
Emmanuel Lassaigne has run this 4.7-hectare organic estate in Montgueux, a chalk hill near Troyes nicknamed the Montrachet of Champagne, since 1999. Chardonnay from old vines, fermented in barrels that once held Jura vin jaune, and disgorged by hand. Made with no added sulphur.
This single vineyard sits on pure chalk, with old-vine Chardonnay farmed organically by Emmanuel Lassaigne, whose family has grown vines in Montgueux for generations. Fermented in old vin jaune barrels and aged about three years on lees before disgorgement.
Blanc de Noirs Les Ursules Roses de Jeanne Cedric Bouchard
Cédric Bouchard launched his label in 2000 in the Côte des Bar, then Champagne`s smallest producer, naming it for his grandmother. This 0.9-hectare north-facing plot beside his parents` house was planted in 1974 on Kimmeridgian limestone: one grape, one vineyard, one vintage. William Kelley gave a 2010-based release 95 points.
Lassaigne`s 4.7 hectares at Montgueux, near Troyes, are almost all Chardonnay on chalk topped with thin clay and flint, with a little Pinot Noir. Organic, fermented with native yeasts and disgorged by hand by Emmanuel himself. His father Jacques began bottling under the family name in the early 1990s.
`The NV Brut Réserve (base 2022) is fabulous. The influence of the larger format bottle and aging on cork is palpable. Rich and explosive, the 2022 impresses with its textural exuberance and dynamic energy. Pear, dried flowers, apricot and mint are some of the many notes that build in the glass. Bracing mineral notes explode on the intense, palate-staining finish. Readers who can find the Brut Réserve in magnum should not hesitate. The 2022 edition is especially fine.` 94 Points Antonio Galloni
Champagne Clos des Maladries Grand Cru Etienne Calsac
Étienne Calsac took over his grandparents` vines around Avize in 2010, aged 26, ending years of letting them to the big houses. This 16-are Avize parcel is essentially a family garden, bottled as a single-vineyard grand cru. Gault&Millau gave the 2016 vintage 94 points.
Champagne Cuvee Sainte Anne Chartogne-Taillet [Pre-Arrival]
`The NV Brut Cuvée Ste.-Anne is one of the best Champagnes readers will find in its price range, or any price range, for that matter. Bright and beautifully focused, the Ste.-Anne has so much to offer. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. If anything, it needs more time on the cork to soften, as it is quite reticent at this stage. This release is based on 2017, with reserve wines from 2016 and 2015. The blend is 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier, with the Chardonnay very much in evidence at this stage. Dosage is 5.15 grams/liter. Disgorged: February, 2020.` 92 Points Antonio Galloni
Champagne Premier Cru Brut Nature Les Chênes Georges Laval
The Laval family has lived in Cumières since 1694. Georges Laval turned organic in 1971 after reading that farm chemicals had turned up in Arctic ice, and his son Vincent has run the estate since 1996. This is Chardonnay on pure, south-facing chalk, pressed in a tiny traditional press.
Champagne Premier Cru Brut Nature Les Chênes Georges Laval
Vincent Laval farms just 2.5 hectares, with seven Cumières plots and half a hectare of Meunier at Chambrecy, and ploughs with a horse. This taut, mineral Chardonnay on chalk ages on its lees for 18 to 48 months depending on the vintage, without fining or filtration.
Champagne Premier Cru Cuvée L`Astre David Leclapart
David Léclapart farms biodynamically at Trépail, a Premier Cru village south of Reims. L`Astre is his 100% Chardonnay, grown on chalk, made without added sugar.
Champagne Premier Cru Les Hautes Chevres Georges Laval
A tiny hillside parcel of ancient Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, planted around 1930 and ploughed by horse. Vincent Laval, who took over from his father Georges in 1996, farms the family`s 2.5 hectares organically. Round, concentrated Meunier fruit and very small production.
Champagne Rousseaux-Batteux Verzenay Grand Cru Les Potences""
Rousseaux-Batteux is a family grower at Verzenay, a Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims, known for Pinot Noir. This single-site Champagne comes from a lieu-dit there.
Ruppert-Leroy is a biodynamic estate at Essoyes in the Aube, run by Fanny Ruppert-Leroy and her husband. Pinot Noir-led Champagne from a named lieu-dit.
A walled vineyard of 40-year-plus Chardonnay vines in the centre of Montgueux. Emperor Meiji sent two Japanese students here in 1876 to study viticulture, and the vines they took home to Japan were its first vinifera. Now owned by the Valton family, farmed and vinified by Emmanuel Lassaigne.
Cumieres 1er Brut Nature Rose George Laval (Deg. 2022)
`The NV Brut Cuvée Ste.-Anne is one of the best Champagnes readers will find in its price range, or any price range, for that matter. Bright and beautifully focused, the Ste.-Anne has so much to offer. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. If anything, it needs more time on the cork to soften, as it is quite reticent at this stage. This release is based on 2017, with reserve wines from 2016 and 2015. The blend is 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier, with the Chardonnay very much in evidence at this stage. Dosage is 5.15 grams/liter. Disgorged: February, 2020.` 92 Points Antonio Galloni
Only a tad over 5000 bottles of this very individual expression of Aube fruit. From a solera system started in 2004, this comes highly recommended for those seeking new talent in Champagne.
One of the favourie Champagnes of Jerome Prevost - Alexandre Lamblot is part of a new wave of ambitious young vignerons making tiny quantites of exhilerating Champagne.
Dissonance is 70% Meunier and 30% Chardonnay and comes from Vrigny. Usually around 700 bottles produced. `The NV (2017) Brut Nature Dissonance is a 70% Meunier/30% Chardonnay blend from vines in Vrigny. It is one of the richer, more textured wines in this range. Like all the Lamblot Champagnes, the Dissonance is quite ample in feel, with notable textural resonance that grows over time. Tangerine peel, dried flowers, pear and lightly oxidative overtones linger. Production is a miniscule 700 bottles. Disgorged: February 7, 2022.` 94 Points Antonio Galloni
Enfant de la Montagne 1er Cru Bertrand-Delespierre [Pre-Arrival]
Disgorged 05/2023 - This sublime value grower Champagne comes from a blend of vineyards in the Montagne de Reims. 45 / 35 PN to Chardonnay - it is based on the 2019 vintage. Very vinous in its compotision with low dosage.
Still Chardonnay from the chalky soils of Avize, fermented in oak barrels. Étienne Calsac, who took over his grandparents` 2.8 hectares in 2010 and farms without chemicals, uses it to explore Champagne`s still-wine tradition.
A still, 100% Chardonnay from the chalky soils of Avize, vinified in oak barrels. Étienne Calsac took over his grandparents` vineyards in 2010 and now farms about three hectares across Avize, Grauves and Bisseuil, moving towards organic certification.
Fosse Grely was where Bénédicte’s father first planted vines back in the 1980s. Surrounded by forest where fauna and flora thrive, the vines here are on a S/SW facing slope in a thin layer (40cm) of red clay with lots of little stones and thick compacted limestone beneath. Aged for nine months in fûts and demi-muids, and then for 20 months `sur lattes`
Haute-Lemblée Blanc de Blancs Roses de Jeanne Cedric Bouchard
A tiny 0.12-hectare lieu-dit planted to Chardonnay, in the Côte des Bar. Cédric Bouchard has made single-vineyard, single-vintage Champagne since 2000, harvesting around 4,000 kilos per hectare, less than a third of the regional norm, and bottling at lower pressure for a creamy mousse.
Emmanuel Lassaigne`s family has grown Chardonnay on Montgueux`s chalk, near Troyes, for generations, and he has estate-bottled since 1999 from 4.7 organic hectares. Decanter named a late-disgorged 2008 among the ten Lassaigne wines to try.
Bertrand Gautherot began tending his family`s vines at Buxières-sur-Arce in 1986, farming biodynamically from 1998 and bottling his first Champagne in the early 2000s, encouraged by Anselme Selosse. Five hectares on Kimmeridgian and Portlandian limestone, the same geology as Chablis. This is the estate`s top cuvée: pure Pinot Noir.
From Biaunes, a south-facing, Kimmeridgian-limestone vineyard of Chardonnay planted in 2000, the same geology as Chablis. Bertrand Gautherot has farmed biodynamically at Buxières-sur-Arce since 1998 and makes this Champagne like a white Burgundy, without dosage.
The traditional method adds volume but also refinement in terms of mousse and tannic detail. New yeast driven notes are introduced creating a very different cider to the Pétillant Naturel ciders.
A blend of the best keeved cider produced in a single year blended with a small amount of the best non-keeved cider. The keeved cider contributes apple sweetness and the non-keeved cider adds interest and ensures fizz. This Pétillant Naturel cider is a generous expression of classic West Country cider varieties with warmth and a tannic structure.
A blend of keeved and non-keeved cider, the proportions varying year by year, and is Pétillant Naturel. It is drier than the Reserve but still carries some keeved cider sweetness balancing the tannic structure and acidity.
`This will most likely also end up as an auction bottling, and I am very pleased that Herr Dönnhoff kept the two Brücke auslesen separate, as they are both compelling in their own right. The number 2 Brücke is even deeper and purer than the first example, as the wine offers up a brilliant mélange of pear, cherries, banana, lilacs and a mineral bath of immense proportion. On the palate the wine is simply an essence of wine, with its medium-full format both weightless and bottomless. The focus and balance here are flawless, the acids bright and tensile, and the finish and endless cascade of minerality. Rather an impressive glass of wine. (Drink between 2012-2040) 98 point` John Gilman
Riesling Ausele Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Goldkapsel Auktion #19 Fritz Haag
The estate at Brauneberg, once called Dusemond, is first documented in 1605. Wilhelm Haag took over in 1957 and was named Gault&Millau`s first winemaker of the year, in 1994. His son Oliver and daughter-in-law Jessica run it today. All Riesling, hand-picked in several passes on slopes of up to 80% over Devonian slate. Three decades old.
Maximin Grünhaus is a monopole in the Ruwer valley, owned by the von Schubert family since 1882 and named for the Benedictine abbey of St Maximin. Abtsberg is the estate`s finest slope, planted to Riesling on slate.
Riesling Auslese Berncasteler Doctor Dr. H. Thanisch
The Thanisch name first appears in Bernkastel`s records in 1636, and the family has owned parcels of this famous vineyard for over 200 years. Legend says wine from here cured Elector Boemund of Trier in 1360. The estate split in 1988 into two branches, and the label here doesn`t say which. A south-south-west slope with a 65% gradient.
Riesling Auslese Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Goldkapsel #12 Fritz Haag
An Auslese picked by hand from botrytised bunches on the Mosel`s Devonian slate, at the estate Wilhelm Haag has made famous since taking over in 1957. Oliver and Jessica Haag now run its 17 to 19 hectares of pure Riesling, with some of the Mosel`s steepest slopes.
Riesling Auslese Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Lange Goldkapsel Auktion #5 Fritz Haag
The long gold capsule marks the estate`s very finest lot, from slopes of up to 80% on Devonian slate at Brauneberg. Documented since 1605, run by Wilhelm Haag from 1957 and since 2005 by his son Oliver and daughter-in-law Jessica.
Selbach-Oster has been independent since 1964, when Hans Selbach separated the vineyards from the family négociant firm founded in 1920; son Johannes took over in 1993. This is one of three flagship parcels harvested en bloc, from old post-trained vines on original rootstock, high on an iron-rich slate slope in Zeltingen.
The Prüm family has lived in Wehlen since the 12th century. Johann Josef Prüm founded this estate in 1911 after an inheritance split, and Manfred Prüm has led it since 1969, with his daughter Katharina since 2003. About five hectares sit on a 70%-steep south-south-west slope of weathered grey slate. The sundial built there in 1842 appears on every label.
Johannes Selbach had run the family estate for three years when this was made, after his father Hans, who set it up in 1964 with two hectares, handed it over in 1993. Today`s 24 hectares of blue Devonian slate include old parcels on original rootstock.
Johannes Selbach took over his father`s Zeltingen estate in 1993. The 24 hectares sit on blue Devonian slate, much of it steep, and the family`s wine heritage dates to 1660. Wine Advocate gave the 2002 vintage of this Auslese 90 points.
Riesling Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese Fritz Haag
Spätlese from a family estate documented since 1605. Wilhelm Haag took over in 1957 and later led the Grosser Ring, a group of the Mosel`s best estates. His warmest, best slope gives rich, deeply spiced wines.
Willi Schaefer is a small family estate at Graach, with about four hectares on Mosel slate. Domprobst is among Graach`s best sites. Riesling, over two decades old.
The Loosen family has farmed here for over 200 years. Ernst Loosen took over in 1988 and grew an eight-hectare estate to around 22, with ungrafted vines averaging more than 60 years and some over 120. This vineyard is so steep that stone steps were cut into the hillside for workers; its red slate is iron-rich.
`Helmut Dönnhoff noted that the 2017 Brücke Goldkapsel Auslese includes about thirty percent botrytized grapes, with the rest of the bunches comprised of perfectly golden berries. The wine has a must weight of one hundred and ten Oechsle and 10.8 grams per liter of acidity this year. The youthful nose is flat out beautiful, offering up scents of pear, white cherries, a touch of passion fruit, honeycomb, fruit blossoms and a nice touch of salty minerality. On the palate the wine is fullish, pure and vibrant, with a lovely core of fruit, juicy complexity and fine focus and grip on the long, balanced and nicely salty finish. A superb bottle in the making. (Drink between 2023-2085)` 95+ points. John Gilman.
`This will most likely also end up as an auction bottling, and I am very pleased that Herr Dönnhoff kept the two Brücke auslesen separate, as they are both compelling in their own right. The number 2 Brücke is even deeper and purer than the first example, as the wine offers up a brilliant mélange of pear, cherries, banana, lilacs and a mineral bath of immense proportion. On the palate the wine is simply an essence of wine, with its medium-full format both weightless and bottomless. The focus and balance here are flawless, the acids bright and tensile, and the finish and endless cascade of minerality. Rather an impressive glass of wine. (Drink between 2012-2040) 98 point` John Gilman
`Like the Felsenberg Auslese, the Brücke regular Auslese in 2007 (there will be a Goldkapsel as well from this vineyard this year) is so gently glazed by botrytis that it offers up remarkably purity and precision on both the nose and palate. The bouquet is a glorious blend of apple, peach, honeycomb, petrol, slate and sweet grapefruit. On the palate the wine is fullish, pure and racy, with a rock solid core of fruit, with beautiful soil inflection, great length and grip, bright acids and a very, very long, focused and impressively delicate and ethereal finish. The Brücke vineyard is usually the most prone to vigorous botrytis amongst the Dönnhoff roster, and consequently this very gentle shriveled personality is quite novel and captivating. A beautiful wine in the making that should age for a very long time. (Drink between 2016-2050)` 95 points, John Gilman
`.For several decades, Helmut Dönnhoff has been of the opinion that an Auslese is a wine that needs botrytis and every example here has been a botrytized wine, at least to some degree. So, it is a great rarity to find not one, but two completely clean Auslesen in the family’s cellars this year made from golden and shriveled berries and no noble rot. The 2018 Brücke Auslese is a beautiful wine in the making, offering up a lovely aromatic constellation of pear, white cherries, honeycomb, bee pollen, apple blossoms and a lovely foundation of salty, slate minerality. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and nascently complex, with a lovely core, great focus and grip, snappy acids and a very long, dancing and still quite youthful finish. (Drink between 2030-2090)` 95 points, John Gilman.
The 2001 Oberhäuser Brücke Auslese is a beautiful wine, with a lovely glaze of botrytis adding an exotic shading to both the nose and palate. The bouquet offers up a stunning potpourri of apple pie, pineapple, nutmeg, acacia blossom, and a lovely underpinning of minerality. On the palate the wine is fullish, racy and brilliantly focused, with a tensile girdle of acidity, outstanding mid-palate depth, and a very long, transparent and snappy finish. The combination here on both the nose and palate of esthery, perfumed spice and floral tones and absolutely gorgeous fruit is simply gorgeous, and while the wine is still clearly on its way up, it is utterly irresistible. (375 ml.) (Drink between 2006-2025) 96 points. John Gilman
Auction lot #14 from a Wehlen family that has worked these slopes since the 12th century. Johann Josef Prüm founded the estate in 1911, and the sundial built in the vineyard in 1842 still marks every label. Spontaneous fermentation, extended lees ageing in old oak.
Riesling Spatlese Berncasteler Doctor Dr. H. Thanisch
In 1882 Dr Hugo Thanisch auctioned about 6,000 square metres of this three-hectare vineyard for over 100,000 gold marks, an extraordinary price then. It is often called Germany`s most expensive vineyard. The family`s 300-year-old cellar lies 30 metres beneath the hill. The 1988 estate split means the label doesn`t say which Thanisch branch made this.
Red volcanic Rotliegend rock, high in iron, gives this Ürzig vineyard its spicy, exotic character; the estate owns about 5.9 hectares of it, with old ungrafted vines. Ernst Loosen, Decanter`s Man of the Year in 2005, has led the family estate since 1988 and enters a Spätlese from the oldest vines in the VDP auction each year.
Served blind. Amber with golden hue. Some caramel, dark apricots, almonds, rich, intense and deep on the nose, almost massive. Fresh acidity, fruity, intense, lively, detailed, nuanced, raisins, dried apricots, syrup, honey, playful, lively and rich, super balance, long and rich, very long. 96 Points Christer Byklum"
`The 2016 Barbaresco Asili is a fine choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, worn-in leather, spice, tobacco, cedar, orange peel and sweet dried cherries open in the bouquet. Aromatic and medium in body, the 2016 is open-knit, expressive and peaking. Soft, resolved tannins support the refined close.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni
`The 2008 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is another stellar wine from Luca Roagna. Dark and mysterious, this possesses magnificent balance from start to finish. The silkiness and polish of the tannins impress more than anything else. What a stunner.` 98 Poins Antonio Galloni
Barbaresco Riserva Asili Bruno Giacosa (Red Label)
`The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. Giacosa fans will have a great time discussing the merits of the Rabaja and the Asili in 2004, but to me they are virtually equally moving; Asili for its feminine gracefulness and Rabaja for its size and power. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he`s ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.` 98 Points Antonio Galloni
Stefano Porro`s first vintage was 2021 and now he is making only about 250 cases split between Barbera and Nebbiolo. Despite the lowly price, nothing is spared at ths micro-operation. All work in the vineyards in manual, organic mature is ploughed and yields are small. Elevage occurs in 350L tonneaux for 7 months and the aim is to produce a wine of elegance and approachability.
The Burlotto family has made wine in Verduno since the mid-19th century. Verduno sits at Barolo`s northern edge, and its wines are known for their perfume and finesse.
`Showing a light ruby shine that radiates from the glass, the Bartolo Mascarello 2017 Barolo proves once again that elegance can be achieved, despite the many challenges of an extreme vintage, when worked by the right hands. In this case, the hands are those of Bartolo`s daughter, the legendary Maria Teresa Mascarello. This celebrated Barolo boasts a silky sheen and glossy character that transcends bouquet and mouthfeel. Wild cherry, lilac, iron ore and candied orange peel are revealed softly on the bouquet. The wine takes a few minutes to open before all those pretty little details come into view. Acidity is an important component of this graceful Barolo, as it ties together the fruit and heightens that sense of electricity and liveliness. This is a collectors` bottle to keep safely in your cellar.` 96 Points Monica Larner
`The 1998 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo is a superb example of the vintage that is still needs a few years of cellaring, but will deliver lovely drinking for at least few decades once it reaches its apogee. The bouquet is deep, very complex and classy, as it offers up scents of black cherries, game, camphor, fresh herb tones, incipient sous bois, black tea and woodsmoke in the upper register. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and youthfully complex, with fine mid-palate depth, still a fair bit of ripe, well-integrated tannin, and lovely length and grip on the tangy, tarry and classic finish.` 93 Points, John Gilman.
`From the moment we put together this tasting, I knew the 2010 Barolo had to be in the lineup because of its historical significance. It is arguably the greatest wine ever made here. Although naturally very young, the 2010 is super-expressive and also one of the clear highlights of the evening. All the elements simply fall into place. The interplay of aromatics, fruit and structure is utterly captivating. In many ways, the 2010 represents a culmination of all the work Maria Teresa Mascarello and her team have done over the last two decades to elevate quality. The gentleman to my left tells me I made a mistake in my initial review and score of the 2010. I agree.`100 Points, Antonio Galloni
Bartolo Mascarello, who died in 2005, was Barolo`s most outspoken traditionalist. His daughter Maria Teresa continues the single blended Barolo, made from several crus and aged in large old casks.
`Multifaceted aromas of rose, iris, leather, cranberry, truffle and the barest hint of game lead the nose. The radiant palate offers creamy strawberry, ripe red cherry, orange zest, baking spice, dried herb and tobacco alongside firm but polished tannins. Fresh acidity provides balance while a mineral vein energizes the finish. With its smooth texture, it`s already tempting but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2018–2026.` Kerin O`Keefe
`Rinaldi’s 2013 Barolo Brunate is dark, sensual and super-inviting. A wine of restraint, the 2013 is endowed with terrific depth and tons of personality. At the same time, the 2013 is not an explosive wine (like the 2010), but rather a Barolo that speaks to total finesse. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, violet and hard candy inflections give the 2013 much of its exceptional beauty and resonance. The wine’s sheer inner sweetness makes it nearly impossible to put down the glass.` 97 Points Antonio Galloni
`The 2016 Barolo Bussia Cascina Dardi is a terrific wine from brothers Alessandro and Gian Natale Fantino. Wonderfully deep, layered and nuanced, the 2016 has so much going on. As always, there is something incredibly personal about these wines. The 2016 is not a perfect wine (there is some volatile acidity), but it is beguiling and compelling in every way. Menthol, spice, dried herbs and a whole range of balsamic-infused notes wrap around a core of dark fruit as this mysterious, enthralling Barolo gradually shows off its considerable charms.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni
A blend of vineyards in the style of Bartollo Mascarello comes together in this micro-cuvee. Having worked with Maria Teresa, Alan Manley works sites in Monforte, Faletto, Barolo and Serrulunga. One of the most exciting new sources in the region. Only just over 120 cases produced.
Massolino, a family estate in Serralunga d`Alba since the late 19th century, farms several top Barolo crus. Serralunga wines are the region`s most structured, firm and long-lived.
`The 2014 Barolo Monvigliero is quite refined and gracious, although it is also surprisingly dark, dense and concentrated by this wine`s standards. A shy, reticent wine, the 2014 is going to need time in bottle to flesh out, especially in the midpalate. I have seen this with other vintages, and expect that it will be the case here as well. The precision, clarity and silkiness that are so typical of Monvigliero start to emerge as the wine opens up in the glass. Readers should plan on being patient. If that is not possible, try to taste the 2014 as soon as possible, because these wines have a tendency to shut down hard post-bottling. As always, Monvigliero is fermented with 100% whole clusters. (Drink between 2022-2044)` 95 Points Antonio Galloni.
The Burlotto family has made wine in Verduno since the mid-19th century. This comes from one of Barolo`s most perfumed crus, a hillside at the village of Verduno.
`The 2013 is a distinctly cool, savory Barolo Rupestris with dark tonalities of fruit and striking textural depth, but also a bit more reserve than is usually the case. Precision, nuance and detail are among the many signatures in this gorgeous, compelling Barolo. A closing burst of perfume adds intrigue, but the 2013 is a wine of reserve that needs time to be at its very best.` NR Antonio Galloni
`The 2014 Barolo Barolo Rupestris is a very pretty, fragrant wine. In this vintage, the Rupestris is a bit more ethereal than it usually is, and yet there is a lovely underpinning of structure that gives the wine its shape. Beautifully perfumed and gracious, the 2014 Rupestris opens with enticing scents of sweet tobacco, mint, dried herbs, orange peel, dried cherry, cedar and rose petal. The 2014 should drink well with minimal cellaring, but I expect it will also age gracefully while retaining its somewhat delicate feel. (AG)`
Barolo Otto Fiorin Pie Rupestris Cappellano (Magnum)
`The 2011 Barolo Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris-Nebioli is a gorgeous wine. Sweet, perfumed and inviting, the 2011 is going to need time to shed some baby fat. The elevated ripeness and alcohol of the year are both quite evident, and yet there is a certain raw magnetism to the 2011 that is quite appealing. I expect the 2011 will open up earlier than many recent vintages, but I would still give it time at the very least to recover from its recent bottling. As always, Cappellano prefers that scores for his wines not be published. I consider 2011 an intermediary vintage here, as it is pretty much everywhere.` NR Antonio Galloni
Barolo Otto Fiorin Pie Rupestris Cappellano (Magnum)
`The 2012 Barolo Barolo Rupestris is super-refined and nuanced. Expressive floral notes and bright, red-toned fruit lift from the glass in this very pretty, elegant Rupestris. Silky tannins add to the wine`s considerable appeal. In most vintages, Rupestris is a bigger wine, but the 2012 is especially elegant. The 2012 captures the essence of what makes Barolo such a compelling wine - above all else, power without excess weight. Stated simply, the 2012 is a total knockout` NR Antonio Galloni
Barolo Otto Fiorin Pie Rupestris Cappellano (Magnum)
`The 2013 is a distinctly cool, savory Barolo Rupestris with dark tonalities of fruit and striking textural depth, but also a bit more reserve than is usually the case. Precision, nuance and detail are among the many signatures in this gorgeous, compelling Barolo. A closing burst of perfume adds intrigue, but the 2013 is a wine of reserve that needs time to be at its very best.` NR Antonio Galloni
`I remember paying what at the time seemed like a small fortune for bottles of Giacosa`s 1990 Barolo Riserva Falletto at Peck`s Enoteca in Milan. What I would give today to be able to buy more at the same tariff! The 1990 Barolo Riserva Falletto is one of Bruno Giacosa`s most towering wines. Period. Rich, layered and opulent, this mineral-driven, powerful Barolo covers every inch of the palate with masses of dark fruit, smoke, soy, plums, menthol, dried roses, pine and a host of other balsamic overtones. This vivid, kaleidoscopic Barolo is a reference-point wine readers won`t want to miss. As always, the Riserva Falletto is virile and authoritative in tone. Simply put, it its profound. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.` 98 Points, Antonio Galloni
`Bruno Giacosa’s 1996 Barolo Riserva Falletto more than lives up to its lofty reputation. The wine needs time in the decanter for some initial VA funk to blow off, but when it does, what emerges is a Barolo of utterly captivating beauty. Bruno Giacosa’s finest wines are defined by haunting inner sweetness and extraordinary perfume. The 1996 has all that, and so much more, starting with a full vibrant red color and tons of intensity. Time has mellowed the tannins to some degree, but my sense is that the 1996 will always remain somewhat brutish in feel. Even so, there is no denying its beauty. Readers lucky enough to own the 1996 should be ecstatic. It is one of the world’s truly great, great wines. Drinking window: 2017-2037.` 98 Points, Antonio Galloni
Barolo Riserva Le Rocche de Falletto Bruno Giacosa
`The 2001 vintage in Piedmont has long been a favorite of mine. Bruno Giacosa’s 2001 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto is explosive and decadently rich from the very first taste. The 2001 is arguably the last truly classic vintage for the Rocche Red Label. To be sure, the 2004, 2005 and 2007 are all compelling, but the 2001 has more in common stylistically with vintages like 1996 and 1999. Dense, perfumed and wonderfully intense, the 2001 is phenomenally great. Wow.` 98 Points Antonio Galloni
Barolo Riserva Le Rocche de Falletto Bruno Giacosa (Red Label)
`What a crowd-pleaser at the lunch. The French journalists were amazed by this Barolo, and kept saying how it was very Burgundian. It’s certainly a crazy wine with aromas of dried fruits, flowers, nuts and tea. Then it changes in the glass to spices and berries. Phenomenal. Goes on for minutes. Served in magnums. Drink or hold.` 100 Points, James Suckling
Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto di Serralunga d`Alba
`The 2001 vintage in Piedmont has long been a favorite of mine. Bruno Giacosa’s 2001 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto is explosive and decadently rich from the very first taste. The 2001 is arguably the last truly classic vintage for the Rocche Red Label. To be sure, the 2004, 2005 and 2007 are all compelling, but the 2001 has more in common stylistically with vintages like 1996 and 1999. Dense, perfumed and wonderfully intense, the 2001 is phenomenally great. Wow.` 98 Points Antonio Galloni
Barolo Riserva Monprivato Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello Barolo Ca d`Morissio Riserva
Giuseppe Mascarello`s Riserva comes from his family`s celebrated Castiglione Falletto vineyard, one of Barolo`s great crus, in old vines selected for the Riserva.
No Riserva was made in 2014, so this took the best fruit from the Disa vines nearest the house. `Elio Sandri`s 2014 Barolo Perno Vigna Disa is gorgeous. It is also the only wine Sandri bottled in 2014, so all of the best fruit is in this bottling. Dark cherry, leather, smoke, savory herbs, licorice and dried flowers give the 2014 much of its complexity and overall nuance. Readers should expect a powerful, savory Barolo with quite a bit of both nuance and character, but less in the way of primary fruit.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni
`Kirsch, cherry and floral aromas and flavors kick off, augmented by eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and mineral notes. Tightly wound, this is more expressive than austere, with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity driving the long finish. This should be superb in about 10 years. Best from 2023 through 2045.` 96 Points Bruce Sanderson
`The 2016 Carema Riserva is another knock-out effort from the Produttori di Carema, the local cooperative that has really been on fire these last few vintages. Open-knit and inviting, but with all the complexity that is so typical of the appellation, the 2016 is superb. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet tobacco, cedar and licorice are all woven together in a super-expressive Carema that offers tons of complexity in a relatively accessible style for a young wine from the appellation. The Riserva is a selection of the best casks in the cellar, with the wine aged for an added year in cask, so three years’ in neutral oak in total. That extra year in oak vis-à-vis the Classico does take with it some of the fruit while emphasizing more savory and mineral qualities. Power and finesse come together so well in this textbook Carema.` Score: 95 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
A small 3 hectare estate on the on the island of Pantelleria off the Sicilian Coast. Francesco Ferreri is one of the partners and native to the Island. After seeing his Grandfather make wines he wanted to return to the island and refind the pathways of the old hands that made wine on this extraodinary place before the youth left and big agriculture and lazy winemaking took over.
Masi is a Valpolicella house that has been in the Boscaini family since the 18th century. Recioto della Amarone is made from dried grapes, Corvina-led, from the 1993 vintage.
`Interestingly, the 2011 Disobedient is a bit fresher than the 2010 tasted alongside it. Of course, the 2011 is in barrel, while the 2010 has been bottled recently (and may be recovering from bottle shock), but today, the 2011 has a slight edge over the 2010. Ample, layered and voluptuous on the palate, the 2011 is simply gorgeous today. Ripe, silky tannins wrap around a core of deeply spiced notes, menthol, sage, licorice and dark fruit. The creamy, enveloping finish only adds to the wine`s considerable appeal. My impression today is that the 2011 will reward readers with a long and broad window of pure drinking pleasure. This is a fabulous showing`. 93-95 Pts Antonio Galloni
A small 3 hectare estate on the on the island of Pantelleria off the Sicilian Coast. Francesco Ferreri is one of the partners and native to the Island. After seeing his Grandfather make wines he wanted to return to the island and refind the pathways of the old hands that made wine on this extraodinary place before the youth left and big agriculture and lazy winemaking took over.
Marco De Bartoli (1944 to 2011) revived traditional Marsala wines and founded his estate near Marsala. 100% Grillo, aged by perpetual blend. The 30-year-old Riserva is among his most prized wines.
This vineyard that used to be worked by Jacques Puffenay is also exceptional, especially for focussed, laser-pure Chardonnay. The plot faces due south and sits on extremely limestone-rich soil so pale it appears white, which imparts striking minerality, chalky freshness, and longevity to the wine. Since 2016, this plot has been bottled separately.
This vineyard that used to be worked by Jacques Puffenay is also exceptional, especially for focussed, laser-pure Chardonnay. The plot faces due south and sits on extremely limestone-rich soil so pale it appears white, which imparts striking minerality, chalky freshness, and longevity to the wine. Since 2016, this plot has been bottled separately.
Emeric Folat runs the tiny Les Matheny domaine in Arbois after working with Jacques Puffenay vefore his retirement. Similar faming, with tiny sulphor additions. A name to watch!
When Catherine decided to start as a vigneron, she pitched up with Emmanuel Houillon and his mentor, Pierre Overnoy and gradually started putting together a small Domaine – She has about 3.2 hectares around Marnoz and Arbois. She exploits about 1.5 hectares of this, ploughing with a donkey and a horse.
Domaine du Pélican was created by Guillaume d`Angerville of Volnay in Arbois in 2012. 100% Savagnin, topped up rather than oxidative, from the Grand Curoulet parcel.
Trousseau from vines over fifty years old planted over Jurassic marls in Les Corvées. The grapes were destemmed and spent eight months maceration in cuve with no pigeage or remontage.
Cotes du Jura La Mamette Chardonnay Les Granges Pacquenesses
From the cellars of the Michelin 2* Hostellerie Jerome - never moved since original purchase directly from the domaine upon release. Stored with extreme care in the restaurant’s cellars.
Cotes du Jura La Mamette Chardonnay Les Granges Pacquenesses
From the cellars of the Michelin 2* Hostellerie Jerome - never moved since original purchase directly from the domaine upon release. Stored with extreme care in the restaurant’s cellars.
From the cellars of the Michelin 2* Hostellerie Jerome - never moved since original purchase directly from the domaine upon release. Stored with extreme care in the restaurant’s cellars.
Cotes du Jura Sauvageon Savagnin Ouille Domaine Pignier
From the cellars of the Michelin 2* Hostellerie Jerome - never moved since original purchase directly from the domaine upon release. Stored with extreme care in the restaurant’s cellars.
Ultra Long Maceration: 8 months to be precise- This was a bit of an experimental blend of 45% Pinot Noir and 55% Chardonnay from old vines in “Les Nouvelles”. The white and red grapes are kept in whole bunches and fermented together on the skins. Reflecting the vintage, this is light, bright and delicately perfumed.
Vin de France Ploussard Au Fils des Generations Philippe Bornard (Magnum)
Philippe Bornard is a low-intervention grower at Pupillin in the Jura. His father was one of the legendary old guard, his son, Tony makes wines in a generally more easy going fashion. 100% Ploussard (Poulsard), pale, light and juicy.
Top tier Vin Jaune from a producer that has been making exceptional wines for at least the last ten years. The Montbourgeau style has evolved into something puristic, precise and lean.
`Sourced from a single vineyard located at the bottom of Chinon`s slope on alluvial/clay soils, the 2019 Chinon Les Grézeaux is currently a bit shy in terms of revealing its fruit flavors. It’s also a hint reductive with its smoky bacon characters, but that`s unimportant. What matters is the core of fruit and excellent focus. It`s very relaxed and fluid with mouthwatering acidity. The tannins are more serious than the front and midpalate would have suggested and betray a little grittiness. Aged 15 months in cement, this could be opened in one to two years, but the concentration and structure offer drinking over a decade.` 93 Points, Rebecca Gibb, Vinous
One of the most iconic wines in the Loire Valley, from perhaps the greatest terroir in Chinon. Capable of improving over at least twenty years. For now, still available at an unbelievably low tariff given the quality.
Oliver Cousin`s final full vintage, he has now passed everything over to his son Baptiste... 65 year old Cabernet Franc , Black loam infused with deep beds of limestone aged in a large wood tank (500 Liters) for 18 months. no sulphur. A true gardener/ vigneron/ activist / horse whisperer who has stood trial for his farming methods.
Brothers Charly and Nady Foucault made this Saumur-Champigny at Chacé in tiny quantities that became cult Loire wines. The Bouygues family bought the estate after Charly`s death in 2018. 100% Cabernet Franc.
A rising star in Saumur - well emeshed into the local winemaking community with friends Antoine Sanzay, Thierry Germain and Antoine Foucault, the wines of Petit Saint-Vincent are for the time being, a real insiders game.
The now retired Bruno began converting his vineyards to organic back in 1995, convinced to stop using sulphites by Thierry Puzelat in 2005 with likeminds- Noella Morantin, Paul and Corinne Gillet, Joël Courtault. 40-year-old Cabernet Franc Grapes hand harvested. Élevage for one year in old barrels. Zero sulfites added.
A small, 1 hecrtare parcel of Chenin Blanc makes one of the best iterations in the region. Farmed organically and fermented with native yeasts, aged on its lees. Production is tiny.
`The ripeness of the 2018 vintage gives an almost Syrah/Viognier character to the Chinon La Croix Boissée, which offers sweet black fruit and a creamy apricot note. Sumptuous yet never ever opulent, it`s almost as if the wine`s just done a yoga class. Plentiful tannins give the inside of your cheeks a chalky rub, while there`s surprising freshness considering the ripeness, leading to a lengthy finish. This is a baby that will turn out to be a great adult.` 96 Points Rebecca Gibb, Vinous
Muscadet Gabbro Domaine de Bellevue Jerome Bretaudeau
Much like Didier Dagueneau did in the early 1990s, Jerome Bretaudeau has taken an appellation in the Loire known mostly for making tasty albeit formulaic wines and taken it to somewhere completely different. Over the course of the last five years he has demonstrated that Muscadet can take its place amongst the great names of the wine world.
Muscadet Gaia Domaine de Bellevue Jerome Bretaudeau
Much like Didier Dagueneau did in the early 1990s, Jerome Bretaudeau has taken an appellation in the Loire known mostly for making tasty albeit formulaic wines and taken it to somewhere completely different. Over the course of the last five years he has demonstrated that Muscadet can take its place amongst the great names of the wine world.
Tiny production as you might expect from 1 hectare of old vines yielding 20 hectare-litre / hectare. By my reckoning, that`s just under 170 cases per year. Top top red Sancerre made like top top Burgundy.
Singular Sauvignon Blanc from the tiny and legendary Clos de la Neore estate, where a tiny plot within Monts Damnes is farmed obsessively. View from the Cellar’s John Gilman has written with respect to its ageing that, “In many regards I find that the wines of the Raveneau brothers and Monsieur Vatan are quite analogous in terms of evolutionary cycles and their potential for profundity with sufficient bottle age.”
Singular Sauvignon Blanc from the tiny and legendary Clos de la Neore estate, where a tiny plot within Monts Damnes is farmed obsessively. View from the Cellar’s John Gilman has written with respect to its ageing that, “In many regards I find that the wines of the Raveneau brothers and Monsieur Vatan are quite analogous in terms of evolutionary cycles and their potential for profundity with sufficient bottle age.”
Boulay`s wines deserve much better recogniton, as they are clearly in the same bracket as those of Francois Cotat - to whom they show a lot of similarity. Incredibly ageworthy, pure and transparent transmissions of terroir.
François Cotat and his cousin Pierre run separate Sancerre estates in Chavignol. This comes from a famously steep Chavignol vineyard, picked late and released with extra age.
`While the 2021 Sancerre Les Monts Damnés is a light bodied wine with a sense of roundness at first, there`s no mistaking this is a forceful, grippy style. In its youth, it remains relatively restrained with a touch of green jalapeño and herbs reflecting the cooler season, as well as an almost spicy and salty edge. A little more fleeting than expected.` 92 Points, Rebecca Gibb
Sébastien Riffault farms at Sury-en-Vaux in Sancerre and makes natural-leaning, long-aged Sauvignon Blanc. The Quaterons comes from old vines. Over fifteen years old.
Vin de France Le Grand Clos Thomas Batardiere (Magnum)
Young Vines for Batardiere but these are within the `Esprit Libre` Vineyard are on eroded shist soils, just to the east of the village of Rablay – Bottled in Magnum only!
The Clos des Cocus is Thomas’ 0.6ha plot (planted in 1968) a climat neighbouring Montbenault on the coteau of Faye d’Anjou is at the top of the hill therefore exposed to drying and cooling winds
The Clos des Cocus is Thomas’ 0.6ha plot (planted in 1968) a climat neighbouring Montbenault on the coteau of Faye d’Anjou is at the top of the hill therefore exposed to drying and cooling winds
Vin de France Nectar d`Empyrees Aussigouins Dufour (50cl)
A very hotly tipped name amongst the Angevin Cavistes - Dominique Dufour retired some time ago to his home in Rablay-Sur-Layon in Anjou and started making natural wine from an old vineyard just outside the village. His 0.7 hectares is at the top of the slope, the bottom he sublets to Mai and Kenji Hodgeson. This vineyard is very close to Les Noels that his friend Richard Leroy cultivates and there are similarities in the their approaches. One wine is produced a year - a dry chenin. In exceptionally warm years a late harvested version is added and bottled in 50cl bottles.
Vin de France Nectar d`Empyrees Aussigouins Dufour (50cl)
A very hotly tipped name amongst the Angevin Cavistes - Dominique Dufour retired some time ago to his home in Rablay-Sur-Layon in Anjou and started making natural wine from an old vineyard just outside the village. His 0.7 hectares is at the top of the slope, the bottom he sublets to Mai and Kenji Hodgeson. This vineyard is very close to Les Noels that his friend Richard Leroy cultivates and there are similarities in the their approaches. One wine is produced a year - a dry chenin. In exceptionally warm years a late harvested version is added and bottled in 50cl bottles.
Philippe Foreau farms the walled Clos Naudin in Vouvray, a family estate known for long-lived Chenin Blanc. Made only in years when botrytis allows, this first selection is nearly four decades old.
`According to Vincent Foreau, 2009 marked the best harvest I ve ever experienced, lasting five weeks and concluding at the end of November. The 2009 Vouvray Moelleux Reserve is indeed a magnificent wine, wafting from the glass with complex aromas of tea, black tea, white truffle, herbs, ripe orchard fruits, baked pear and spices. Full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it is layered and impeccably balanced, with bright acidity supporting a superbly structured phenolic mid-palate. The finish is long, intricate and laced with exotic fruit nuances. This is an extraordinary expression of both vintage and terroir. 170 grams of residual sugar.` 98 Points, Yohan Castaing
Philippe Foreau farms the walled Clos Naudin in Vouvray, a family estate known for long-lived Chenin Blanc. This legendary sweet cuvée is made only in suitable years.
` Brooding, reticent nose of cassis and kirsch; there`s nothing cooked about this one! Then massive, sweet and superrich in the mouth; explodes with exotic ripeness. Intriguing note of graphite. This coats every nook and cranny of the palate and clings and builds on the back end in a way that no other wine of this vintage can match. Huge, sexy and wonderfully lush Fonseca, built for the long haul. As impressive as the best 2000s, and, along with the Quinta do Noval Nacional, is an early candidate for port of the 2003 vintage` 97 Points Steven Tanzer
Graham`s, founded in 1820, is a Port house with an old reputation for sweet, rich vintage wines. The 1975 was declared a vintage by several houses, and is nearly fifty years old.
Direct press Petillant from Chardonnay, Viognier and Grenache Noir from Domaine du Mazel in Valvigne`res, aged for one year sur lie before disgorgement.
Anders Frederik Steen Lovers` Dance On Caring Feet
Direct press Petillant from Chardonnay, Viognier and Grenache Noir from Domaine du Mazel in Valvigne`res, aged for one year sur lie before disgorgement.
0.5ha of stunning 30yo vines planted at 580m altitude, one of the highest and coolest parcels in the cru of St-Jean-de-la-Porte. Aged in foudre a wine would need least a year to begin opening out. It’s denser and richer than La Pente.
Domaine Tempier, at Le Castellet, is the Peyraud family`s Bandol estate; Lucien Peyraud led the appellation`s revival. Cabassaou is a single-plot Mourvèdre-driven red.
A hommage to the greatness of the Mouvedre grape. One of the greatest wines in Bandol, the grapes are never destemmed, so these wines can age breathtakingly well and never offer anything less then a beaker of the warm south, with an abundance of character.
A hommage to the greatness of the Mouvedre grape. One of the greatest wines in Bandol, the grapes are never destemmed, so these wines can age breathtakingly well and never offer anything less then a beaker of the warm south, with an abundance of character.
A hommage to the greatness of the Mouvedre grape. One of the greatest wines in Bandol, the grapes are never destemmed, so these wines can age breathtakingly well and never offer anything less then a beaker of the warm south, with an abundance of character.
Cest Dans Les Yeux Quon Le Voit Blauert Anders Frederick Steen (50cl)
Merlot from the Oustrics at their Domaine du Mazel. The majority of the grapes were pressed directly, whilst a small proportion were destemmed by hand and left to infuse in the fermenting juice for around a month. After pressing, the wine spent a year resting in cuve, before being transferred to a demi-muid for a further year of ageing.
70yo maccabeu planted on hillsides of gneiss and orthogneiss (north and east facing which helps preserve freshness). The wine is aged with no bâtonnage in a new 500ltr barrel made by famous Austrian tonnelier Stockinger and several 4yo barriques
This vineyard that used to be worked by Jacques Puffenay is also exceptional, especially for focussed, laser-pure Chardonnay. The plot faces due south and sits on extremely limestone-rich soil so pale it appears white, which imparts striking minerality, chalky freshness, and longevity to the wine. Since 2016, this plot has been bottled separately.
Coteaux du Layon SGN Les Simonelles Chateau de la Genaiserie (50cl)
While older sweet wines are routinely available from this great estate, the sec and demi-sec wines tend to be consumed early and rarely re-appear in their glorious mature condition.
The result of a three-week carbonic maceration of three red grape varieties, Cab Franc and Sauv and Merlot. Aged in stainless steel vats. The wine is lighter; fruity and more supple then the Anciens cuvee.
Didier Dagueneau, the Loire`s most celebrated Sauvignon grower, also made a small amount of sweet Jurançon in the Southwest. Late-harvest Petit Manseng, rich and bright. He died in a plane crash in 2008.
Mas de Daumas Gassac, founded by Aimé Guibert in 1971 in the Gassac valley near Aniane, pioneered quality red wine in the Languedoc. A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend on glacial soils.
Mas de Daumas Gassac, founded by Aimé Guibert in 1971 in the Gassac valley near Aniane, pioneered quality red wine in the Languedoc. A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend on glacial soils.
`Single bottle. Classic and structured, much more a bordeaux style, not really hurt by the rain, floral Cabernet, good evolution, Barton comes to mind.` 93 Points Xavier Auerbach 11.12.2023 Cellertracker.
Gamay d`Auvergne, Gamay Beaujolais From iron-oxide rich red clay and some limestone, the grapes are macerated in wholebunches for about 2 weeks in stainless steel. It is then aged in old 228lt and 300lt barrels for 9 months.
100% Grenache Noir, from old vines grown on a unique terroir of limestone gravels and sand. Cultivated biodynamically. Manual harvest and natural vinification: carbonic maceration for 10 days, 6 months of maturation in vats, and all without sulphur. Bottled without fining or filtration, tiny suphur at bottling.
This vineyard that used to be worked by Jacques Puffenay is also exceptional, especially for focussed, laser-pure Chardonnay. The plot faces due south and sits on extremely limestone-rich soil so pale it appears white, which imparts striking minerality, chalky freshness, and longevity to the wine. Since 2016, this plot has been bottled separately.
`Jolie red robe; the nose shows a well shaped, forward aroma of plum fruit with a note of dusty trails, leafy, herbal touches. The palate gives a nicely firm richness, sustains well into a compact finish, chewy elements there from its youthful tannins. There is a good blood-iron thread through it that provides a burrow of freshness. This is genuine Châteauneuf, right in the zone of authenticity. From mid-2026. 2046-48 Oct 2023` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
The importer of Rayas in the US, only carries only two other CNDPs - Santa Duc and Jerome Gradassi`s. Lofty company, but testatment to what Jerome has done with his Grandfathers own vines in only a few years. The smallest producer in the town, with only 800 cases being produced in a typical year - the artisanal methods are still at play here - in the early years moving fermented juice from the ancient fermentation tanks by hand with only a rope and bucket as there was no other way to do it. He works with cooler climates: mostly the lieux-dits of Palestor, Bois Dauphin, and Cabrière, where he aims for elegance rather then pure power. These are artisanal CNDPs in the old school and are a brilliant value.
The importer of Rayas in the US, only carries only two other CNDPs - Santa Duc and Jerome Gradassi`s. Lofty company, but testatment to what Jerome has done with his Grandfathers own vines in only a few years. The smallest producer in the town, with only 800 cases being produced in a typical year - the artisanal methods are still at play here - in the early years moving fermented juice from the ancient fermentation tanks by hand with only a rope and bucket as there was no other way to do it. He works with cooler climates: mostly the lieux-dits of Palestor, Bois Dauphin, and Cabrière, where he aims for elegance rather then pure power. These are artisanal CNDPs in the old school and are a brilliant value.
The importer of Rayas in the US, only carries only two other CNDPs - Santa Duc and Jerome Gradassi`s. Lofty company, but testatment to what Jerome has done with his Grandfathers own vines in only a few years. The smallest producer in the town, with only 800 cases being produced in a typical year - the artisanal methods are still at play here - in the early years moving fermented juice from the ancient fermentation tanks by hand with only a rope and bucket as there was no other way to do it. He works with cooler climates: mostly the lieux-dits of Palestor, Bois Dauphin, and Cabrière, where he aims for elegance rather then pure power. These are artisanal CNDPs in the old school and are a brilliant value.
Chateauneuf du Pape La Gloire de Mon Grand Pere Bosquet des Papes
After Philippe`s recent retirement, his son Tony has taken over at the domaine - the quality of the wines remains excellent, altough the new labels are not to everyone`s tastes!
`The bouquet has a garrigue, herbes de Provence landscape, centres on plum fruit with a smoke-tobacco angle and a winsome floral touch. It’s going to be a classic, varied Châteuneuf nose over time, worth waiting for. The palate is enjoyable, filled with red fruits that move along well, a note of cedar, and a pocket of late tannin that brings extra graininess. This is an unhurried, unforced wine, very much in the domaine style over the years. There is glow on the aftertaste. It’s suavely fruited on the finish, presents an authentic glass. From late 2019, is in the finesse camp. 14.5°` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
`I think the Rayas 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape will turn out to eclipse the 2005. It is unequivocally the finest wine made here since Emmanuel Reynaud`s uncle, the late Jacques Reynaud, produced his brilliant 1995. This wine was just released this year, with the 2008 coming on the market in the next few months. The 2007 is a relatively dark ruby/purple-tinged wine, more intensely colored than most Rayas Chateauneufs tend to be, since they are made from 100% Grenache and color has never been one of their hallmarks. The extraordinarily youthful and still burgeoning aromatics of black raspberries, black cherries, truffles and licorice lead to a full-bodied, powerful Rayas with sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and an ethereal richness and unctuosity that delicately offers a sensual texture. It is full-bodied, concentrated and approachable, but won`t hit its peak for at least another 4-5 years and will last for 25 or more. This is a spectacular Rayas, the likes of which hasn`t existed at this qualitative level since 1995.` 97 Points Robert Parker
Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve de Celestins Henri Bonneau
`This wine is reminiscent of Roger Sabon`s Le Secret des Sabon, with a style that borders on Italian Amarone. Powerful, full-bodied, alcoholic flavors, redolent with truffle, meat juices, roasted herbs, tar, sweaty saddle leather, plum, and soy, are incredibly complex but also provocative, and no doubt controversial. In the mouth, the wine is fleshy, full-bodied, thick, and juicy, pushing the level of ripeness to the limit. A distinctive and singular effort, as all Henri Bonneau`s wines are, this wine is silky and velvety, but should continue to drink well for another 25-30 years.` 96 Points Robert Parker
Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve de Celestins Henri Bonneau
`Schedule to be bottled next week (I suspect it will be in bottle by the time you read this), the 2010 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins is a sensational effort. Deeper, richer and more concentrated than the Marie Beurrier, it reveals an unusually inky ruby/purple color to go with overflowing notes of kirsch liqueur, roasted meats, crushed flowers, garrigue and just about every other Provençal spice you could name. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, layered and a blockbuster-styled effort, it should surpass the 2007 and possibly rival the 1990. This is a tour de force in Châteauneuf du Pape!`97-99 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
`A towering effort, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes soars from the glass with pristine crème de cassis, raspberry jam, black plum, scorched earth, incense, mint, exotic spice and white pepper aromas. The precision of the individual perfumes has a laser-like quality rarely seen in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Full-bodied and framed by ever-so-velvety tannins, it reaches a spherical dimension in the mouth. The recent adoption of 3,000-liter Austrian oak barrels beautifully contributed to the shape of this wine, giving it terrific poise and tension. (Drink between 2026-2042)` 97 Points Nicolas Greinacher
Inky-iodine, blackberry fruit aroma in a sweetly centred nose, mulled fruit in style from the sun, black olives, lurking reduction. The palate is close-knit, tenacious, and there’s the swift arrival and onset of puckish tannins, floral notes on the aftertaste. This is gnarled wine with a firm core. The fruit is expressive, pure, but not obvious. It’s very tightly packed. The tannins have a dry style munchiness. This shows some Chaillot floral notes. 13.5°. From 2024, by when it will probably revert to *****. John Livingstone-Learmonth
`The palate is very rich, extends much juice going all over the place – what a Road Runner. It has a violets, floral sign-off. The tannins are great, too, tasty and bright – which is a signature of the vintage. 38 years` ***** John Livingstone-Learmonth
`Flirting with perfection, the 2010 Cornas Les Eygats boasts a fabulous bouquet of incense, subtle smoke, black truffles, pen ink, blackberries and cassis. Massive with sweet tannin as well as an unreal skyscraper-like texture across the mid-palate, this broad, savory, classic Cornas should drink well for 25+ years.` 99 Points Robert Parker
Made in the cellars of Vincent Paris - Ex Yarra Yerring Winemaker turned Burgundy Vigneron makes one of the silkiest Cornas` of the appellation. Coming from Les Cotes at the Southern end of the appellation, where other growers like Juge, Voges and Lionnet have parcels, it seems particurly well suited to the vignerons stylistic visions. Deep
` Reduction hovers on the nose, with airs of tea leaves, piled high blackberries; there’s s light noble Volatile Acidity, savoury and fleshy styling. There’s a lot here, a lot going on. This is suave, fleshy; old vines gras prevails over the freshness and grip of the year. It bursts with rich content and soaked black fruits, with a bonny hover of iris flowers. It’s violet and rocky, savoury, very Cornas on the finale. Stylish, well balanced. 13.5°. 2035-38 Oct 2016` ***** John Livingstone Learmonth
`Inky ruby. Powerful, deeply perfumed aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, licorice and olive, along with a sexy floral overtone. Coats the palate with juicy blackberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors, while a smoky mineral flourish adds vibrant lift. Chewy tannins shape an impressively long, mineral-accented finish that shows very good power and spicy thrust` 93 Points Josh Reynolds
`Opaque violet color. Precise, mineral-accented scents of blackberry, cassis and exotic spices are accompanied by a slowly emerging floral nuance. Sappy and energetic on the palate, displaying sharp delineation to its concentrated black/blue fruit, floral pastille, olive and allspice flavors. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with intense mineral thrust, a hint of candied violet and subtly chewy, harmonious tannins that make a late appearance.` 95 Points Vinous
`One of the wines of the vintage is Voge’s 2005 Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines. Coming from a single plot of granite soils, this inky colored beauty offers incredible purity in its plum, blackberry, licorice and violet-laced aromas and flavors. Showing more and more minerality with time in the glass, this full-bodied, rich, thrillingly concentrated Cornas is reminiscent of the 2010 with its notable freshness, building tannin and blockbuster length. It will have 20-25 years of longevity.`97 Points Jeb Dunnuck
`One of the standout wines whilst visiting the Rhone Valley, even though at the moment the nose is more taciturn than the Landonne. No worries, a few swirls and you get an idea of the intense black fruits, undergrowth and leather, all with great definition. The palate is full-bodied with exquisite balance, burly black fruits, touches of dark chocolate and Provencal herbs with hints of thyme and fennel, good grip on the finish. Very natural and refined. Drink 2011-2020+. Tasted November 2008.` (93-95) Neal Martin
`As in 2012, the 2011 Cote Rotie Cote Blonde has the most depth and class. More reserved than the La Landonne currently, it yields notions of raspberry, crushed flowers, licorice and spice to go with a full-bodied, backward and beautifully concentrated profile on the palate. Perfectly balanced, with integrated acidity and ample, fine tannin, it should be at its best from 2017-2032.` 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck.
`Bright purple. Expansive blackberry, licorice, smoky bacon and potpourri aromas are complemented by a strong mineral overlay. Seamless and broad on the palate, offering concentrated black and blue fruit liqueur, salty olive and floral pastille flavors and an emphatic jolt of exotic spices. Finishes with repeating mineral, floral and dark fruit character, supple, well-knit tannins and outstanding tenacity.` 96 Points, Josh Raynolds.
A first-generation grower, and one of the most exciting names in the northern Rhône. The 2016 comes from the Cumelle lieu-dit in the north of the appellation. Joe Czerwinski of the Wine Advocate gave it 91 points, finding it velvety on the palate." Syrah-based
A small family estate in Côte-Rôtie. The 2016 comes from the La Brocarde lieu-dit on the northern Côte Brune side, with 5% Viognier and 26 months in new barrels. Jeb Dunnuck scored the barrel sample 94-96, praising its deep
`Has a very serene, composed nose that bears gracious fruit across it, oily black fruits. Has a fleshy, outward facing debut on the palate – this is much more open than usual, and bears 1999 similarities. Rich, but not voluptuous, which is good. Touch of late tannin in it.` ****(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth
`Has a very serene, composed nose that bears gracious fruit across it, oily black fruits. Has a fleshy, outward facing debut on the palate – this is much more open than usual, and bears 1999 similarities. Rich, but not voluptuous, which is good. Touch of late tannin in it.` ****(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth
`very clear red robe; the nose is shapely, aromatic, on red fruit, is pure, floral with red cherry and raspberry. There’s a kind sweetness underpinning it, a pastille effect. The palate moves with Burgundian finesse, bears red cherries, has firm sides, comes from within, has iron, is structured. It’s aromatic with a touch of suave gras near the close, gras encouraged by the Viognier. It’s intricate, grippy, unusual, delivers interest. A granite blend would have more sucrosity. The aftertaste is rocky, finely powdered. Harvested before the rain which helped the Coteaux de Tupin. From 2022-23. 2042-44` Only 600 bottles **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
Cote-Rotie Terroir de Blonde Lancement Stephane Ogier
Stéphane Ogier, son of Michel Ogier, set up his own estate at Ampuis in 1997. Terroir de Blonde Lancement is a Côte Blonde cuvée, Syrah with Viognier, over twenty years old.
One of the icons of traditional Cote Rotie, Maxime Champet continues to stick to the principles of the family, in guiding the Northern sector fruit to a long lived, well-balanced wine where a core of iron is intermingled with secondary flavours that reach quite mind-boggling levels of complexity by ten years. Luckily, prices remain affordable for the time-being.
One of the icons of traditional Cote Rotie, Maxime Champet continues to stick to the principles of the family, in guiding the Northern sector fruit to a long lived, well-balanced wine where a core of iron is intermingled with secondary flavours that reach quite mind-boggling levels of complexity by ten years. Luckily, prices remain affordable for the time-being.
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
Gramenon are arguably the finest producer of Cotes de Rhone in the South. Their cheaper wines are simple, but expressive - and as you go up in the range, you get close to levels of complexity and soul that you rarely see outside mythical domaines like Rayas and Bonneau
`Dark robe; the nose is promising, black fruit gums, a discreet aroma, is oily, nicely grapey, a serene and stylish opening. The palate is also stylish from the off, holds suave content, bears sève [sap] from the old vines and good gras, extends with notably fine powder-sand tannins, is well orchestrated, up there on quality, is very good, top tack. 2034-36` ****(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth
`Dark robe; the nose is promising, black fruit gums, a discreet aroma, is oily, nicely grapey, a serene and stylish opening. The palate is also stylish from the off, holds suave content, bears sève [sap] from the old vines and good gras, extends with notably fine powder-sand tannins, is well orchestrated, up there on quality, is very good, top tack. 2034-36` ****(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
On the subject of recent years, Yann believes that 2005 may be even better than 1999. It`s like 2003 but with a balance of richness and freshness that I`ve never seen before. His 05s are very slow maturing and just starting to come around now."
Previously farmed by Raymond Roure, there`s little doubt Picaudieres is one of the greatest, if not the greatest vineyard in Crozes Hermitage. Steep granite and old vines here. John Livingstone-Learmonth believes it is `Certainly better then many Hermitages from the eastern part of the hill`.
Previously farmed by Raymond Roure, there`s little doubt Picaudieres is one of the greatest, if not the greatest vineyard in Crozes Hermitage. Steep granite and old vines here. John Livingstone-Learmonth believes it is `Certainly better then many Hermitages from the eastern part of the hill`.
Previously farmed by Raymond Roure, there`s little doubt Picaudieres is one of the greatest, if not the greatest vineyard in Crozes Hermitage. Steep granite and old vines here. John Livingstone-Learmonth believes it is `Certainly better then many Hermitages from the eastern part of the hill`.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
A young, ambitious estate founded in 2011 by Julien Cécillon, nephew of Jean-Louis Grippat, and his American wife Nancy Kerschen. Crozes-Hermitage, 100% Syrah.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
`The Chambolle-Musigny of the Rhône, the 2015 IGP Vaucluse from Jerome Bressy is a totally sensational blend of 50% Grenache and the balance a mix of Mourvèdre, Carignan, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Cinsault, Syrah, and Terret Noir (we`re getting close to all the varieties). Aged in a mix of concrete tanks, foudre, demi-muids, and barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered, this naked beauty has just about everything you could want from a bottle of wine. Notes of rose petals, kirsch, blackberries, garrigue, and spice all emerge from this pure, elegant and gorgeous red that offers full-bodied richness, no hard edges and a killer finish. It got more than a few Wows in my notes and is an ethereally textured southern Rhône that needs to be tasted to be believed. Anticipated maturity: 2017 - 2030` 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck
`The magnificent 2009 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes boasts a black/purple color as well as a wonderful nose of creosote, incense, charcoal, blackberry jam, acacia flowers, white chocolate and a hint of espresso roast. Full-bodied and unctuously textured with low acidity and magnificent density, this 2009 can be drunk in 5-6 years or cellared for 30-50 years.` 98 Points Robert Parker
`The 2016 L’Hermitage came from another magnum. This strides authoritatively into the room wanting to make a big impression with its penetrating scents of maraschino cherries, blueberry and cassis on the nose, bunches of violet intermingling with olive tapenade. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins and spine-tingling acidity. Yes, it is way too young to broach, yet the pedigree of this Hermitage is patently obvious.` 97 Points Neal Martin
`This is autumn in the glass, with wet-leaf, fresh-mushroom, smoke and dried-meat character. Orange peel, dark fruits, and game pâté. Full body with incredible depth, length, ripe fruit and intensity. It goes on for minutes. Stunning finish. It is so rich, decadent and intense, but fresh and long. It defines greatness. It defines what hermitage was, is and should be.` 98 Points James Suckling
`Coolish year. Lots of structure. The Jaboulets argued that 1996 was better than 1995. Very healthy deep crimson. Deeper than 1999 and 2004! Tangy, meaty nose. Fully evolved nose - almost as though there`s some reduced Mourvèdre here. Very promising until the rather dried-out end. The best Jaboulet of these three reds but it cuts off a bit on the finish.` 17+ Jancis Robinson
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
On the subject of recent years, Yann believes that 2005 may be even better than 1999. It`s like 2003 but with a balance of richness and freshness that I`ve never seen before. His 05s are very slow maturing and just starting to come around now."
The ‘Confidential Wine Culture’ of St-Joseph has long clutched Domaine de Gouye tight to its chest, as it did his neighbour and long-time friend Raymond Trollat. The Gouye family have most of their vines in the lieux-dit of Gouye, high up on the hills over St-Jean de Muzols. Separated by a ravine from Aubert and Pichonnier, Trollat’s old plots. Philippe has 3 hectares here mostly planted between 1955 and 1975. Due to its high altitude, the wines manage to retain freshness even in warm years. It is a phenomenal terroir, worked with absolute conviction in the old methods by Philippe Desbos. As well as Trollat, he had much in common with Elizabeth Fogier, a female vigneron of St-Jean de Muzols who defended the old style in the 1980s and 1990s, living an unpretentious and steady farmers existence like Philippe and his family do now. Hens cluck at your feet, a horse to plough. Not much changes here.
Jean-Louis Chave has long believed the right spots in St-Jo can go toe to toe with the greatest wines in France, and sets out to prove it with this single vineyard wine which debuted in 2015. A rare, historic walled vineyard, almost unheard came onto the market when Domaine Florentin pulled up the shutters. This is an expensive wine, but frequently delivers a Burgundian sensibility to the more muscular Syrah.
Jean-Louis Chave has long believed the right spots in St-Jo can go toe to toe with the greatest wines in France, and sets out to prove it with this single vineyard wine which debuted in 2015. A rare, historic walled vineyard, almost unheard came onto the market when Domaine Florentin pulled up the shutters. This is an expensive wine, but frequently delivers a Burgundian sensibility to the more muscular Syrah.
Jean-Louis Chave has long believed the right spots in St-Jo can go toe to toe with the greatest wines in France, and sets out to prove it with this single vineyard wine which debuted in 2015. A rare, historic walled vineyard, almost unheard came onto the market when Domaine Florentin pulled up the shutters. This is an expensive wine, but frequently delivers a Burgundian sensibility to the more muscular Syrah.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
Moving to the flagship, the 2019 Saint Joseph got a big “wow” in my notes, and this is the finest wine I’ve tasted from these hard-working brothers. Awesome red and black fruits, ground pepper, and hints of game and meatiness all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, with perfect balance, silky tannins, and one heck of a finish. This brilliant Saint Joseph is one of the top wines in the appellation and can be enjoyed any time over the coming 15 years` 93 Points Jeb Dunnuck
`Vibrant, mineral-accented dark berries, cherry-cola, potpourri and olive aromas show outstanding detail and spicy lift. Nicely concentrated but nervy as well, offering intense blueberry, cassis, bitter cherry and salty olive flavors with a bracing snap of cracked pepper. Shows impressive tension and finishes very long and precise, with well-judged tannins coming in late.` 94-96 Points Josh Reynolds.
`The bouquet has a garrigue, herbes de Provence landscape, centres on plum fruit with a smoke-tobacco angle and a winsome floral touch. It’s going to be a classic, varied Châteuneuf nose over time, worth waiting for. The palate is enjoyable, filled with red fruits that move along well, a note of cedar, and a pocket of late tannin that brings extra graininess. This is an unhurried, unforced wine, very much in the domaine style over the years. There is glow on the aftertaste. It’s suavely fruited on the finish, presents an authentic glass. From late 2019, is in the finesse camp. 14.5°` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
The ‘Confidential Wine Culture’ of St-Joseph has long clutched Domaine de Gouye tight to its chest, as it did his neighbour and long-time friend Raymond Trollat. The Gouye family have most of their vines in the lieux-dit of Gouye, high up on the hills over St-Jean de Muzols. Separated by a ravine from Aubert and Pichonnier, Trollat’s old plots. Philippe has 3 hectares here mostly planted between 1955 and 1975. Due to its high altitude, the wines manage to retain freshness even in warm years. It is a phenomenal terroir, worked with absolute conviction in the old methods by Philippe Desbos. As well as Trollat, he had much in common with Elizabeth Fogier, a female vigneron of St-Jean de Muzols who defended the old style in the 1980s and 1990s, living an unpretentious and steady farmers existence like Philippe and his family do now. Hens cluck at your feet, a horse to plough. Not much changes here.
The ‘Confidential Wine Culture’ of St-Joseph has long clutched Domaine de Gouye tight to its chest, as it did his neighbour and long-time friend Raymond Trollat. The Gouye family have most of their vines in the lieux-dit of Gouye, high up on the hills over St-Jean de Muzols. Separated by a ravine from Aubert and Pichonnier, Trollat’s old plots. Philippe has 3 hectares here mostly planted between 1955 and 1975. Due to its high altitude, the wines manage to retain freshness even in warm years. It is a phenomenal terroir, worked with absolute conviction in the old methods by Philippe Desbos. As well as Trollat, he had much in common with Elizabeth Fogier, a female vigneron of St-Jean de Muzols who defended the old style in the 1980s and 1990s, living an unpretentious and steady farmers existence like Philippe and his family do now. Hens cluck at your feet, a horse to plough. Not much changes here.
`Based on 1923 Grenache on sand-limestone soils, topped up with 3% white grapes, and is a major offering, a wine of probity and expression.` John Livingstone-Learmonth
Syrah (2004, massale) from 0.5 hectare on mica-schist hillside soils at Vion, whole bunch 500-litre amphore vinification, then topped up & left 6 months, then pressed, then another 6 months in amphore, unfined, unfiltered, not made every year, plot selection wine, up to 2,000 b
The ‘Confidential Wine Culture’ of St-Joseph has long clutched Domaine de Gouye tight to its chest, as it did his neighbour and long-time friend Raymond Trollat. The Gouye family have most of their vines in the lieux-dit of Gouye, high up on the hills over St-Jean de Muzols. Separated by a ravine from Aubert and Pichonnier, Trollat’s old plots. Philippe has 3 hectares here mostly planted between 1955 and 1975. Due to its high altitude, the wines manage to retain freshness even in warm years. It is a phenomenal terroir, worked with absolute conviction in the old methods by Philippe Desbos. As well as Trollat, he had much in common with Elizabeth Fogier, a female vigneron of St-Jean de Muzols who defended the old style in the 1980s and 1990s, living an unpretentious and steady farmers existence like Philippe and his family do now. Hens cluck at your feet, a horse to plough. Not much changes here.
The importer of Rayas in the US, only carries only two other CNDPs - Santa Duc and Jerome Gradassi`s. Lofty company, but testatment to what Jerome has done with his Grandfathers own vines in only a few years. The smallest producer in the town, with only 800 cases being produced in a typical year - the artisanal methods are still at play here - in the early years moving fermented juice from the ancient fermentation tanks by hand with only a rope and bucket as there was no other way to do it. He works with cooler climates: mostly the lieux-dits of Palestor, Bois Dauphin, and Cabrière, where he aims for elegance rather then pure power. These are artisanal CNDPs in the old school and are a brilliant value.
Xavier Gerard producers about 400 cases of this top-tier Condrieu from the slopes of the Cote Chatillon. 40 YO vines, and aged in mix of steel and large oak barrels. Very ageable.
Xavier Gerard producers about 400 cases of this top-tier Condrieu from the slopes of the Cote Chatillon. 40 YO vines, and aged in mix of steel and large oak barrels. Very ageable. `has a firm, broad bouquet with lift and some spontaneity, herbal tea and cooked pear airs. The palate gives an oily textured level of content with tannin in the second half, is very much a structured wine, de la terre. It’s intense late on, dried fruits, and firm lip smack there. It engages fully along the palate, doesn’t look left or right, drives on, has a solid aftertaste. It’s very true to its place, is STGT wine. Decanting advised. From 2024, no problem waiting` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
`From Gonon site at Malleval (1989, 1997 Viognier), fermented, raised 6-7 year oak casks 6-12 months, depending on how long the malo takes to happen, 1,200 b` JLL
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
`The 2011 Ermitage Cuvee de l`Oree comes from a lieu-dit known as Les Murets planted with 80- to 90-year-old Marsanne vines. The bouquet offers up scents of Asian spices, lychee nuts, white currant liqueur and peach and apricot marmalade. This stunning, honeyed, flamboyant white is perfection in a glass. Drink it over the next half century. Drink 2013-2027`, 100 Points, Robert Parker.
` Pale gold. Intense, sharply delineated aromas of fresh nectarine, pear nectar, orange, honey and pungent flowers, along with a smoky mineral overtone. Deeply pitched citrus and orchard fruit, peach liqueur and honeysuckle flavors stain the palate and become deeper with air, picking up a hint of toasted almonds and showing powerful back-end cut. The mineral and honey notes repeat emphatically on a strikingly long, focused finish that leaves juicy pear and floral notes behind. (Drink between 2024-2034)` 95 Points Josh Reynolds.
`Brilliant straw-gold. Powerful, mineral-accented orchard and pit fruit aromas are complemented by lemon curd, iodine and pungent floral accents. Intense, palate-staining pear nectar and Meyer lemon flavors show superb concentration. Definition and a sexy floral nuance build through the mid-palate. Opens up steadily on an extremely long, floral-tinged finish that emphatically echoes the pit fruit and mineral notes. (Drink between 2024-2034)` 96 Points, Josh Reynolds.
`Moving to the three single vineyard Hermitage Blancs, these are all perfect wines yet offer distinct characters. The 2019 Ermitage De L’Orée comes from more limestone soils in the Les Murets lieu-dit, on the eastern side of the appellation and was brought up in 15% new demi-muids. It reveals a vivid gold hue to go with gorgeous honeyed peach, white currants, quince, crushed stone, and white flower-like aromas and flavors. This full-bodied white has terrific concentration, a rich, layered mouthfeel, beautiful acidity, and a finish that just won`t quit. Offering more fat and opulence than the L`Ermite and more minerality than the Le Meal, this pinnacle Hermitage Blanc needs a year or three of bottle age, then should drink nicely for 5-7 years, at which point it`s best forgotten in the cellar for another decade. It should last for 20-30 years.` 100 Points, Jeb Dunnock.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
`Firm yellow colour; the bouquet is elegantly rich, bears cooked citrus fruit airs, a nod of the head towards the tropics, pineapple included. The palate is nice and cool all though, gives a stylish richness, the texture silken. It ends with a roundness that pleases, is well co-ordinated, detailed and flowing white Hermitage. The aftertaste is buttery. From spring 2020. 2035-37` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
`The bouquet is broad, shows hazelnut, a hint of aniseed, ripe peach, can spread further and emerge, walnut in the background, decanting helpful. The palate has a nutty debut, carries a line of freshness, neat spine, and that holds its direction in a linear manner, is lightly oily, in a quiet phase just now. There is solid gras within, tight, a little tannic. It’s taking its time. 14.5°. From 2026-27.` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
`The nose offers a pinpoint hazelnut air, greengage plum, some fruit accuracy, is just starting out. The palate comes with vanilla, light oaking, some pep in its step, is linear, on white fruits, apricot, ends on caramel-toffee tones, roundness. It has good poise, is unhurried, its length ticking over well, and a fresh dab on the aftertaste, the length very correct. 14°. 2039-41` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
`The palate glides along; there is toast on the debut, and good style in the apricot and quince fruit, some Poire William as well. It becomes chewy, and intensifies as it finishes, like a red wine. This is STGT wine. This has inner strength, and the freshness of the vintage helps to keep it moving. Good balance, a complete wine. 14°. 1,500 b as usual` ***** John Livingstone-Learmonth
The wines of Dard & Ribo enjoy a loyal following because they are totally delicious from the traps, but they are a noteworthy domaine for being one of the very first to work in a completely natural way, that prized juiciness and drinkability through low-fi vinifcation and meticulous organic farming.
Approx 160 cases - "Cloudy yellow; the nose is broad, has a pear, elderberry air, is airborne. The palate flows smoothly, has good gras centre, is smooth, fine to the feel, with late tang. It’s not long-term, but is sympa, will be joli à table. It has more acidity than the next, cask part. 12.5°. 4 years 2) (amphore, Marsanne-Roussanne, sugars finished, 75% of the blend) **** pear elegance on the nose with gentle apricot. The palate has an appealing opening, holds joli, relaxed gras, is nicely curved, attractive, serene, calm, very natural." **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
Approx 160 cases - "Cloudy yellow; the nose is broad, has a pear, elderberry air, is airborne. The palate flows smoothly, has good gras centre, is smooth, fine to the feel, with late tang. It’s not long-term, but is sympa, will be joli à table. It has more acidity than the next, cask part. 12.5°. 4 years 2) (amphore, Marsanne-Roussanne, sugars finished, 75% of the blend) **** pear elegance on the nose with gentle apricot. The palate has an appealing opening, holds joli, relaxed gras, is nicely curved, attractive, serene, calm, very natural." **** John Livingstone-Learmonth
`Yellow, quite a pale robe. Has a salty, spiced nose, dried fruits airs and a light note of peanut oil. The palate holds agreeable, rolling white fruit - peach, a little apricot - and some good style content as it ends, roundly, clearly, with joli length. There are hints of verbena in the flavour. Good, stylish Saint-Péray. 13.5°.` ***(*) John Livingstone-Learmonth
50% Roussanne, 30% Marsanne, 20% Viognier from Rozay at Condrieu (Viognier, 0.65 ha), Vérin (Viognier, 0.1 ha), Ampuis (Roussanne, 0.3 ha), & 0.5 ha each of Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne (2018-20) on ex glacier soils at Péage de Roussillon (left bank, Isère, 38), direct press, 12 hrs at <15°C, then steel vat fermented at 16°C, raised 7-8 months, malo completed, first wine 2020, 7,000 b - John Livingstone-Learmonth
Porseleinberg is a single hill in the Swartland, farmed by Callie Louw and owned by Boekenhoutskloof. 100% Syrah, on schist and granite, and a cult South African red.
Porseleinberg is a single hill in the Swartland, farmed by Callie Louw and owned by Boekenhoutskloof. 100% Syrah, on schist and granite, and a cult South African red.
Porseleinberg is a single hill in the Swartland, farmed by Callie Louw and owned by Boekenhoutskloof. 100% Syrah, on schist and granite, and a cult South African red.
Started in 2007, Chris Mullineaux has rapidly ascended to the elite of SA winemakers - his wines, are typically vinified identically and only the terroir of the different soils (Granite, Schist, etc) determines the profile.
This cult winery in Spain is producing the goods. Highly influenced by the wines of Chateau Rayas (who isn`t!) - they combine power with a real lightness and red-berry clarity. The tiny production cuvee`s continue to be well collected, and represent the apex of New Spain. In what represents a great example of the speed of transmission of quality and reputation. Daniel Landi describes how ‘everyone was ashamed of Garnacha’ when he was growing up in Mentrida. Now their wines belong at the very top table of Grenache and can compete with anything in the world.
El Vivero “Colección Origen” Garnacha Finca Casa Balaguer
A single field blend mainly Garnacha, Garnacha peluda, Rojal, Valencí, Tortosina and others.Fermented and aged for four months in clay vats, zero sulphur 13% . Decant!
This cult winery in Spain is producing the goods. Highly influenced by the wines of Chateau Rayas (who isn`t!) - they combine power with a real lightness and red-berry clarity. The tiny production cuvee`s continue to be well collected, and represent the apex of New Spain. In what represents a great example of the speed of transmission of quality and reputation. Daniel Landi describes how ‘everyone was ashamed of Garnacha’ when he was growing up in Mentrida. Now their wines belong at the very top table of Grenache and can compete with anything in the world.
This cult winery in Spain is producing the goods. Highly influenced by the wines of Chateau Rayas (who isn`t!) - they combine power with a real lightness and red-berry clarity. The tiny production cuvee`s continue to be well collected, and represent the apex of New Spain. In what represents a great example of the speed of transmission of quality and reputation. Daniel Landi describes how ‘everyone was ashamed of Garnacha’ when he was growing up in Mentrida. Now their wines belong at the very top table of Grenache and can compete with anything in the world.
Grenache from twenty year old vines planted over limestone in El Pinell de Brai. The grapes were destemmed and spent just three days on the skins before a brief rest in terracotta amphorae.
Garnacha Tinta from Joan Ramon Escoda and Cariñena from the Terme de Laureano vineyard, fermented separately before being assembled in a single terracotta amphora
This cult winery in Spain is producing the goods. Highly influenced by the wines of Chateau Rayas (who isn`t!) - they combine power with a real lightness and red-berry clarity. The tiny production cuvee`s continue to be well collected, and represent the apex of New Spain. In what represents a great example of the speed of transmission of quality and reputation. Daniel Landi describes how ‘everyone was ashamed of Garnacha’ when he was growing up in Mentrida. Now their wines belong at the very top table of Grenache and can compete with anything in the world.
This cult winery in Spain is producing the goods. Highly influenced by the wines of Chateau Rayas (who isn`t!) - they combine power with a real lightness and red-berry clarity. The tiny production cuvee`s continue to be well collected, and represent the apex of New Spain. In what represents a great example of the speed of transmission of quality and reputation. Daniel Landi describes how ‘everyone was ashamed of Garnacha’ when he was growing up in Mentrida. Now their wines belong at the very top table of Grenache and can compete with anything in the world.
`The 2001 Gran Reserva 904 will not be released for another 3 years. Dark ruby-colored with a garnet rim, it displays a lovely nose of Asian spices, incense, tobacco, balsamic, and blackberry. On the palate it has exceptional depth, layers of spicy black fruit, excellent ripeness, and an elegant personality. Upon release it should continue to evolve for another 5-6 years and drink well through 2040.` 96 Points Jay Miller
