The special clay-gravel terroir of Château Couhins-Lurton has given birth to a great left bank Merlot: it stands out in the appellation for its extreme finesse and intensity of fruit on the finish. Its nobility and ageing potential are a credit to its rank.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Intense, black-rimmed with violet.

Nose

The nose is dominated by the fruit: the ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas are intense but delicately highlighted by mild tobacco and lightly roasted notes. Very skillful barrel aging allows the oak to blend perfectly as a counterpoint to the fruit.

Palate

Very smooth, appears fat and soft… The tannins are ripe, melting and remarkably dense. Often described as jammy, but there are also spices and mild tobacco in the mix. The finish is long and lingering, with fruit that coats the palate. 

Production

Fermentation in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats and aged for 12 months in oak barrels (40% new) with racking.

Vintage

While January and February were colder than average, 2009 was nevertheless a warm year (one of the warmest in a century). There was a great deal of sunshine and a remarkable drought during the summer months.

Review & Awards

• JancisRobinson.com 17.5/20
  

"Really very subtle on the nose with some development at the rim and it has been judged just right - both texture and flavour are great. Better than many a grand cru. So much pleasure and balance. Opulent but not sweet or fat or raisined. Drink 2016-2028."

• The Wine Spectator 94/100

"Loads of crushed sweet berries on the nose, with fresh herbs and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, polished and soft texture on the end. And plenty of fruit. So pretty. Really impressive red from here." (James Suckling)

Specifications

The special clay-gravel terroir of Château Couhins-Lurton has given birth to a great left bank Merlot: it stands out in the appellation for its extreme finesse and intensity of fruit on the finish. Its nobility and ageing potential are a credit to its rank.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Intense, black-rimmed with violet.

Nose

The nose is dominated by the fruit: the ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas are intense but delicately highlighted by mild tobacco and lightly roasted notes. Very skillful barrel aging allows the oak to blend perfectly as a counterpoint to the fruit.

Palate

Very smooth, appears fat and soft… The tannins are ripe, melting and remarkably dense. Often described as jammy, but there are also spices and mild tobacco in the mix. The finish is long and lingering, with fruit that coats the palate. 

Production

Fermentation in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats and aged for 12 months in oak barrels (40% new) with racking.

Vintage

While January and February were colder than average, 2009 was nevertheless a warm year (one of the warmest in a century). There was a great deal of sunshine and a remarkable drought during the summer months.

Review & Awards

• JancisRobinson.com 17.5/20
  

"Really very subtle on the nose with some development at the rim and it has been judged just right - both texture and flavour are great. Better than many a grand cru. So much pleasure and balance. Opulent but not sweet or fat or raisined. Drink 2016-2028."

• The Wine Spectator 94/100

"Loads of crushed sweet berries on the nose, with fresh herbs and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, polished and soft texture on the end. And plenty of fruit. So pretty. Really impressive red from here." (James Suckling)

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Colour

Straw yellow gold with golden reflections

Nose

Notes of white peach and citrus, then evolved aromas ranging from yellow fruit, toasted brioche and hazelnut. 

Palate

Victor 2012 is marked by freshness, delivering whites and citrus fruits. The aerial structure of this champagne persists in the mouth and brings a saline and mineral finish. 

This “symphonic” Champagne is essentially composed of grapes from old vines of over 50 years of age growing in Mandois vineyards in Chouilly and Vertus. The low yields produced by these old vines provide both the structure and the balance between concentration and finesse essential to the creation of a fine Champagne.

In addition, in order to develop smoothness and complexity, a proportion of the harvest is vinified in oak barrels in the traditional method used by Victor Mandois over a century ago. 

History of Mandois

The “birth certificate“ of the Mandois vineyards dates back to 1735 when the family decided to acquire some vineyards in Champagne. At that time, Jean Mandois, a contemporary of Brother Oudart, possessed and worked a few plots of vines on the hillsides of Epernay. 1860 was a revolutionary year in the long family history. This was the year when Jean Mandois' great-grandson, Victor Mandois, a visionary and trailblazer, took the decision that he would vinify and sell the wines of Champagne in Epernay.
Thanks to Victor's passion for his craft, shared by the ensuing generations inspired by his work, Champagne Mandois is now available around the world and is reputed to be among the great Champagne Houses.

Specifications

Precision wine making at its best!

Tasting Notes

2014 Château La Louvière is very attractive, with a beautiful dark red colour featuring multiple purple highlights. Above all, this 2014 La Louvière reflects precision winemaking to obtain the very best from the grapes. Its freshness contributes to a long aftertaste, as well as excellent ageing potential.

Production

Specifications

Cuvée Joséphine celebrates the touching story of Joseph Perrier, a father who, on the occasion of the wedding of his daughter Josephine, offered her the very best champagne he could make.

For that occasion, he designed the most beautiful hand-painted bottle which was decorated with fine gold. Today’s cuvée, named for Joséphine and celebrating our history, has only been made in the years 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2008.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The nose opens with fresh and sweet notes intertwined. A succession of captivating aromas suggests great complexity: butter, sweet spices, dried fruits, and candied fruits. The mineral freshness predominates.

Palate

On the palate one finds an intense and finely fruity vinous expression. The balance is perfect. The flavours of spices, dried fruit and candied citrus dominate within a taut mineral frame.

History

Founded in 1825, Joseph Perrier has been owned and run by the same family since 1888. Current director Benjamin Fourmon represents the 6th generation. Champagne Joseph Perrier owns 21 hectares of vineyards, situated in the heart of the region on the right bank of the River Marne, around Hautvillers and Cumières – two villages classed 93% in the ‘échelle des crus’.

They are mostly planted with Pinot Noir but include 2 hectares of Chardonnay. The cellars stretch over three kilometers and date back to the Gallo-Roman period. The chosen name for these cuvées is no accident, nor any false claim to grandeur - ‘Cuvée Royale’ alludes to the historic relationship between Joseph Perrier and Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, as the royals’ Champagne of choice - probably the highest honour any Champagne House can hope to earn.

All the wines are made with a keen focus on freshness and purity, a theme which runs right through the range and really shows its worth in the vintage cuvées which show impressive energy and poise and remarkable ageing potential. Aside from the royal connection, Joseph Perrier has been associated with some pivotal events, which represent great human achievements, from the celebrations around Concorde’s inauguration in 1976 to, more recently, the Noble Prize in Medicine.

Accolades

• Bettane & Desseauve 2020 - 18,5/20
• RVF 2020 - 17,5/20
• Vinum - 19/20
• Decanter - 96 pts
• James Suckling -  92 pts
• Wine Advocate - 90 pts

Specifications

A very fruity, velvety, rich Pessac-Léognan , with well-balanced tannins.

Tasting Notes 

Colour

Garnet red

Nose

Intense, with notes of fresh red fruits, slightly spicy

Palate

Elegant and balanced, with notes of red fruits, round and harmonious tannins

Estate

Château de Rochemorin belonged in the 18th century to the philosopher, Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, author of the famous Persian Letters. The latter willingly became the ambassador of Rochemorin red wines to his friends, men of letters and other notables, during his numerous trips to Europe, never forgetting to praise the beautiful complexity and the mineral notes on the nose and on the palate balanced and fine, their melted and fine tannins in the finish make them a sure value of the appellation.

The vines of Château de Rochemorin which give rise to this Pessac-Léognan red occupy no less than 87 hectares on a gravel terroir typical of the appellation. Two grape varieties are represented: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, from vines with an average age of 20 years. The result is a very fruity, velvety, rich wine, with well-balanced tannins.

This vast vineyard is harvested by hand and machine with mechanical sorting for plot vinification in thermoregulated stainless steel vats, before aging for 12 months in barrels comprising 30 to 40% new wood.

Specifications

The 2015 La Dame de Montrose produced by the prestigious Château Montrose, represents the second wine of this renowned estate situated the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux.

Tasting Notes 

An intense deep red colour, the second selection of Château Montrose is marked by the terroir: a powerful and expressive nose with complex aromas of black fruit, fine oak, toasty and smoky. The attack on the palate is rich and full. The mid palate, round and completely in harmony, reveals supple and silky tannins. Good length, with aromas of very ripe fruit on the finish. 

Production

2015 started with a colder winter than in previous years. The start of the season, mild and quite sunny, favoured early bud burst. Quick and uniform flowering took place at the start of June thanks to the exceptional climatic conditions. June and July were dry, marked by water stress leading to a clear slow-down in the development of the vine.  Véraison took place early and in a very uniform way between 21 July and 10 August.  The showers in September gave us the measure, once again, of the qualities of our terroir: drainage was perfect, and the Cabernet Sauvignon on the plateau bordering the estuary 
benefited from a very beneficial drying wind.  Harvest started from15 September with an increased team of pickers and continued at a sustained pace until 8 October when picking finished.  The grapes were of very good quality, and we further strengthened our ultra-precise plot selection, which sometimes involved several passes through a plot in the search for optimum 
ripeness.  In the cellar, the reception line allowed for precision work: 3 sorting tables for bunches preceded double sorting of the berries, optical then by hand.  The vinification, respectful of the identity of our terroir, was tailor-made in tanks of sizes adapted to each of the 55 batches that make up our blending palette. To these were added 7 batches resulting from the precision work carried out at the press.  At the time of blending, the richness of the batches allowed us to be extremely precise in the selection for the grand vin, the most drastic in 15 years.  The first tastings put this vintage among the great years of Château Montrose. 

Producer

The producer of the 2015 La Dame de Montrose Saint-Estèphe is Château Montrose, a prestigious Second Growth estate located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux. La Dame de Montrose is the château’s second wine, crafted with the same care and terroir expression as the Grand Vin but designed to be more approachable in its youth.

Château Montrose has a long-standing reputation for producing structured, age-worthy wines and is currently owned by the Bouygues family, who have invested significantly in sustainability and precision winemaking.

Specifications

2016 was one of the finest vintages in the past 20 years of this red wine which exudes an elegant bouquet and delicate hints of oak.....

Tasting Notes

Colour

This wine is garnet-red in colour with a few carmine highlights. 

Nose

Its bouquet is wonderfully intense. On aeration, it releases black-berry fruit (blackberry, black cherry, plum) aromas, with hints of cake spices. 

Palate

On the palate, this wine is very rich and well-balanced. The aftertaste is long, with slight tarry overtones. The tannin is not yet fully resolved. These characteristics are indicative of its good ageing potential: it would be best to wait two or three years to appreciate its full complexity.

Production

Specifications

A complex and elegant Haut-Médoc, from a good vintage.

Tasting Notes

Drinking beautifully now, this has a classic Médoc cigar box nose, followed by a textured, fleshy, plum fruit and aniseed-scented palate.

Production

From a total of 32 hectares of 30 year old Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot vines, planted on gravelly soils. After harvest, grapes are manually sorted to ensure optimal maturity. Temperature controlled open fermentation in concrete vats, with extended maceration and regular pumping over.

Producer

Château Lanessan has belonged to a succession of eight generations of the Bouteiller family since the 18th century. You might assume such a longstanding family to be traditional and staid, but in fact they are very open and receptive to new influences. In 2009 they employed winemaker Paz Espejo (who came to Bordeaux from her native Spain in the 1990s) to inject new vigour into the estate. Paz’s goal is to “grow excellent fruit while remaining loyal to our fantastic terroir”. Working alongside oeneologist Eric Boissenot and advised by Hubert de Boüard of Château Angélus, she has made significant changes in the vineyard and in the cellar that now are being reflected in the quality of the wines.

Sustainability

In 2011, Château Lanessan joined the Environmental Management System launched by the CIVB to promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly viticulture and in 2014, it was certified HVE Level 3.

Specifications

 Thanks to expressive fruit – but without excessive concentration – Château Bonnet's red wine is unquestionably charming. In fact, it is a benchmark in Bordeaux. The wine is best enjoyed on the young side, although the quality tannin ensures good ageing for several year. With its fresh red cherry notes, this wine makes a great pairing for grilled meats and cheese platters.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Deep ruby-red color scattered with purple highlights. 

Nose

The nose is very attractive and fruity, revealing a delicious array of fresh fruit notes (cherry), underpinned by subtle hints of spice.

Palate

This beautiful Bonnet starts out straightforward on the palate, becoming very round, delicious and sweet. Fresh red fruit aromas (cherry) follow through to the palate.

Production

Grapes come from clay-limestone hilltop vineyards of Grézillac in the Entre-deux-Mers. Aged 12 months in 20% new oak barrels.

Specifications

Classic Gevrey-Chambertin, 'The King of Burgundy'.

Tasting Notes

Delicate sweet strawberry fruit, fresh acidity and a clean, vibrant palate. A restrained style, with elegance and a savoury, autumnal finish.

Method of Production

Regular ploughing, limited fertilising as well as minimal pruning is used to reduce both vigour and yield. The grapes are hand picked and transported to the winery in small containers. Hand sorting is followed by wooden vat maceration and fermentation, with regular pigeage before pressing and followed by oak barrel maturation.

Producer

In the latter years of the nineteenth century, Pierre Bourée took over a wine business in Gevrey-Chambertin and gave it his name. In 1922, his son, Bernard, succeeded him and renamed the house as Pierre Bourée Fils. In 1945, Bernard Bourée began to train his nephew, Louis Vallet, who eventually became director of the house, assisted by his brother, François. Together, they expanded the cellars and the winery, and developed the business outside Europe. As well as putting their own unique stamp upon the business, each successive generation added to the house's vineyard holdings. Today, Bernard and Jean-Christophe Vallet run the house alongside their sons, Pierre and Louis Henry.

This winery represents everything that we are proud to be associated with: attention to detail, careful selection of the best grapes, and above all a passion for making superb wines. All Pierre Bourée wines are vinified in their cuverie in Chambolle-Musigny, and are then matured in their cellars at Gevrey-Chambertin.

A Note on Sustainability

Pierre Bourée et Fils is keen to work in an as environmentally friendly method as possible, using techniques such as regular maintenance of the soil by ploughing, applying the minimum of phytosanitary treatments and the controlling of vine vigour and yields through careful pruning. The Vallets tend their vines very traditionally and advancements in the vineyards have been limited: for example, only manure has been used as fertiliser for the last half a century which has encouraged wild asparagus to grow amongst the vines. Harvesting is manual, as the family is opposed to the use of mechanical techniques.

Specifications

Approachable yet very proper vintage Champagne - perfectly expressing the very particular character of Pinot Noir from the Aube.

Tasting Notes

Fine persistent 'bulles', lovely nose - a mix of ripe Pinot fruit and classic baked biscuit, the palate has Gremillet's characteristic gentle, ripe fruit, some nice complexity balanced with a long fresh finish. 

Production

Vines are mainly planted in the Côte des Bars on limestone-clay soil on steep, sun-drenched hillsides. The first-press juice is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (16° for the alcoholic and 18° for the malolactic) followed by secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine is then matured on lees for a minimum of 5 years, and disgorged with a 9g/l 'liquer de dosage' made from their own finished wine.

Producer

The Gremillet estate was founded by Jean-Michel Gremillet in 1979 when he inherited a plot of vines from his mother, Lulu. Today, the house possesses over 40 hectares of vineyards and is situated in a small village 45 kilometres from Troyes - the historic capital of Champagne - and 180 kilometres south of Reims. The vines lie on steep, sun-drenched hillsides in Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils. Pinot Noir is king here, and constitutes around 94% of Gremillet’s plantings, with the remainder dedicated to Chardonnay, ideal for creating a classic, baked biscuit, rich, fruit-flavoured Champagne.

A Note on Sustainability

This family-owned and run Champagne house is HVE 3 certified, and as much as possible it restricts its use of chemicals in the vineyards. One of its cuvées is certified organic by ECOCERT and hopefully, this is the start of a bigger process.

Specifications

Bright & Gourmet

Tasting Notes

Colour

Attractive pale gold and extremely bright, in perfect harmony with the effervescence. A lively stream of exquisitely delicate bubbles in the glass.

Nose

Exquisite primary pastry aromas of brioche and custard. As the wine begins to breathe, new, floral, spicy aromas come to the fore, reminiscent of magnolia and star of anise.

Palate

Initially generous, fresh and thirst-quenching, underpinned by citrus notes of kumquat, accompanied by wisps of hazelnut and even liquorice. Elegant on the finish, with stunning, delicately tangy length recalling Granny Smith apples and pink grapefruit.

The 2017 Vintage

To describe the weather conditions for the 2017 vintage as chaotic would be an understatement. The season began amid icy conditions with the vines covered in frost, recording 24 days of frost 10cm above the ground in January alone.

After a relatively mild start to spring, bone-chilling Polar air hit France mid-April, causing significant, frost across the greater part of its vineyards, in places to devastating effect, particularly in Aube, Aisne and Haute Marne.

By mid-May the situation in the region completely turned around, with heatwave conditions setting in for two months, and temperatures in places nudging 35°C in the shade!

The weather took another dramatic turn in mid-July, with the arrival of rain and frequent storms, sometimes accompanied by hail, prompting the first signs of Botrytis. In August, the Champagne region faced subtropical conditions.

The harvest was early, and shrouded in wet weather, forcing growers to ruthlessly sort the grapes on the vine, and remain constantly on guard. The Chardonnays were less affected given their greater resistance to excess rainfall, and are a total stand-out.

Elaboration

Vinified in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks.

Aged at least 5 years in the cellars. The Chief Winemaker adapts dosage levels to each champagne in order to enhance flavours and aromas. The selection process while selecting the blend is paramount and takes a whole range of factors into consideration, including the proportion of cru wines, harvest year, grape varieties and vinification and ageing methods, in order to preserve the intrinsic style of each cuvée.

Blend

100% Chardonnay

Collection Vintage 2017 Blanc de Blancs, is 100% pure chardonnay, the white grape variety of the Champagne Appellation, and more than lives up to its name. It reflects the remarkable character of the vintage, having more than proved its resistance and resilience faced with the many uncertainties experienced in the Champagne vineyards in 2017.

Chardonnay grapes are sourced from the prestigious premier and grand cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, and more generous Chardonnay from the Vallée de la Marne, not forgetting the crus from Sézannais and Vitryat. It is a fresh, exquisite wine.

Alan's Personal Tasting Note

"I guessed that Nicolas Feuillatte had access to some quality fruit and cuvées from tasting the silkiness of the blue label reserve collection but this is different level, Wow, wow, wow. Beautiful fruit characters from the solid Chardonnay and the yeasty, toasty, brioche flavours from the long ageing make this an absolute stoater! It’s got the balance, complexity, length and flavour of champagnes more than twice the price you pay for this. Simply outstanding." 7th November 2024

Specifications

The 2018 Patriarche Mâcon-Lugny is a fresh, elegant white Burgundy.

Tasting Notes

Golden color green reflections and a pleasant brightness. Aromas of honey and dried fruits, notably free of woody nuances. Harmonious on the palate—ample, elegant with notable freshness and honey notes. The finish is long, marked by delightful minerality.

Production

Traditional vinification involves soft pressing the Chardonnay. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to ensure the wine retains freshness and fruitiness. After racking post-fermentation, the wine is further aged in stainless steel tanks to maintain its freshness, minerality, and fruit character. The 2018 vintage is regarded as exceptional offering both substantial volume and outstanding quality. It was the warmest year of the 21 century, ranking in after 2003.cipitation levels were slightly lower while winter was wet, and summer were dry, with occasional localized storms providing beneficial rainfall. Following the very low of 2016 and 2017, the vines regained vigor, and the favorable weather conditions supported the production of abundant grape bunch.

Producer

The harvest comes from the town of Lugny, situated on a 105-hectare plateau composed of clay-limestone soil. This area faces south-southeast, optimal sun exposure. The vines, averaging over 40 years in age, are predominantly Chardonnay, specifically the « muscatés » variety, which imparts a distinctive character to the wine.

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Colour

Beautiful deep Garnet hue

Nose

Fine and generous on the nose with red fruits aromas laced with spice. Full-bodied red wine with blackcurrant, vanilla spice and liquorice notes.

Palate

The rich palate has great attach with a firm structure, supple tannins and superb mouthfeel with all elements well-integrated.

Producer

Lagorce, also known as the Great Gorce refers to a type of vegetation that is found in the Haux commune. It is based on this 16th-century vegetation that the wine estate, Chateau Lagorce got its name. Located in the southwestern part of France, this estate was originally a castle in the administrative region of Gironde. In the 17th century, the Faux family members planted the first Barsac and Sauternes vines in the Lagorce vineyards.

Château La Gorce is run by the enthusiastic and devoted Fabre family who have made first-rate Médoc at this Domaine since 1980. There are 45 hectares in total planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. For the Cru Bourgeois, 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon are combined to form a classic Médoc blend. Only the best grapes selected from oldest vines make it into the Cru which is then aged for 12-18 months in oak. 

Awards

• 1 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins, 2016
• Bronze - Challenge International du Vin, 2014
• Gold - Concours des Grands Vins de France

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Intense aromas of blackcurrant jelly, black raspberries, and Black Forest cake are intertwined with subtle hints of cedar, lilac, pencil shavings, and crushed rocks. On the palate, it presents a medium to full-bodied profile, featuring ripe, finely grained tannins and a vibrant core of crunchy black fruits, in a lingering mineral finish.

Production

From September 19th to October 7th. Hand harvesting in several passes, according to the level of maturity of the plots. Meticulous sorting in 
the vines and in the vatroom.  Gentle vinification by infusion. Cold maceration. 
Maceration period from 30 to 35 days decided by daily tastings.  Aged in barrels and casks.

Producer

The producer of Chevalier de Lascombes Margaux is Château Lascombes, a historic Second Growth estate located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. The wine is crafted as the château’s second label, offering a more approachable expression of the estate’s terroir while maintaining the elegance and structure typical of Margaux wines.

Château Lascombes itself dates back to the 17th century and is currently owned by Lawrence Family Wine Estates, with Axel Heinz—formerly of Ornellaia and Masseto—at the helm as CEO and winemake

Specifications

A plush and appealing, classic Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from this progressive Château.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Complex aromas of bramble fruit with herbal notes and a touch of spice.

Palate

The palate is plush with ripe plum and berry characters, fine tannins, well-integrated oak, and fresh acidity giving balance on the long and elegant finish.

Producer

Nestled in the far eastern reaches of the Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Mangot consists of 37 hectares with a diversity of clay-limestone soils. Whilst vines are naturally the star of the show for the estate’s current guardians, the Todeschini family, 15% of the estate consists of hedges, woods and embankments, which contribute to a rich biodiversity. Brothers Yann and Karl look after the vineyard management and winemaking themselves and are committed to following sound ecological practises.

A lightness of touch and genuine care flows through everything they do; from protecting the soils using only natural fertilisers, to the use of native yeasts and only the very tiniest amount of SO2 in the winery. They do not “make” the wines, but rather guide them into fulfilling their potential as pure, precise and quality expressions of the terroir. The estate was promoted to Grand Cru Classé status in 2022 in recognition of their consistently well-made, polished wines and their commitment to biodiversity and the environment.

Production

The grapes - predominantly Merlot with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon - are cultivated on a selection of different soil types and aspects, from clay-limestone hillsides to a limestone plateau, at 35-90 m altitude. Average age of the vines is 40 years - and the vineyard is maintained according to environmental principles. At harvest time the grapes are selected, de-stemmed and undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration before gentle vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 4 weeks. The wine is then aged for 13-15 months in barrels of diffferent ages - with 10% remaining in stainless steel. The wine is then blended and bottled, 18-20 months following the harvest.

Specifications

Fronsac is a great value alternative to Saint-Émilion, but with a distinct character of its own.

Tasting Notes

Nose

A ripe and pure nose, offering creamy red and black fruit with some dark roast coffee.

Palate

Tannins are firm, and the palate is concentrated and already well-knit, if still a little youthful. Packed with intense black, mulberry-flavoured fruit, coffee and a twist of toast from the barrel, the ripeness makes this very drinkable now and it will continue to develop more complexity over the next 5 years.

Producer

History, family, and wine go hand in hand in Bordeaux and Château Mayne-Vieil's history can be traced back across three influential families to the 1500s. Descended from the original owners, the Equerry de Paty, Lord of Mayne-Vieil, built the large cellars in the 17th century. Libournais vintners, the Fontemoings, established a new Fronsac vineyard to rival Saint-Emilion, while the Sèze family, owners for the last 100 years, restored and expanded the estate after World War I. The Merlot vines of their Fronsac vineyard can be seen from the house in its entirety as it rolls across the beautiful hill overlooking the Dordogne River. The single-block vineyard covers 47 hectares (32 of which are in the Fronsac AOC) and is planted with 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.

Production

The vineyard is planted on fairly steep slopes of clay and silt soil. The 35-year-old Merlot vines are trained low and planted close together. Permanent grass cover and green harvesting keep yields low. 85% of the wine is matured in concrete vats and 15% in barrel for at least three years.

Sustainability

Château Mayne-Vieil uses permanent grass cover between the rows of vines to reduce the need for herbicide sprays and also to reduce the compaction of the soil as fewer passes by tractor are required. The increased competition for water and nutrients also reduces the vigour of the vines, thus reducing the need for green harvesting, reducing yields and increasing the concentration of the grapes. The château achieved HVE 3 accreditation at the end of 2022. This certification recognises a high level of commitment to protecting and enriching the environment with a focus on biodiversity conservation, plant protection strategy, management of fertiliser use and management of water.

Specifications

Fresh, vibrant fruit! The Chevalier immediately presents a captivating expression of the Estate. It embodies all the charm and silkiness one would anticipate from a great Margaux. The tannins are structured yet supple, making it delightful to enjoy young or after a few years of aging in the cellar for the discerning enthusiast.

Tasting Notes 

Expect ripe black cherry, plum, and red currant on the nose, layered with hints of spice, chocolate, and tobacco. The palate is rich and velvety, with a generous fruit core and supple tannins. There's a touch of oak spice and floral lift, and the finish is smooth, with lingering notes of dark berries and a whisper of cedar.

Production

From September 19th to October 16th.   Hand harvesting in several passes, according to the level of maturity of the plots. Meticulous sorting in 
the vines and in the vatroom. Gentle vinification by infusion. Cold maceration. 
Maceration period from 30 to 35 days decided by 
daily tastings. Aged in barrels and casks

Producer

The producer of Chevalier de Lascombes Margaux is Château Lascombes, a historic Second Growth estate located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. The wine is crafted as the château’s second label, offering a more approachable expression of the estate’s terroir while maintaining the elegance and structure typical of Margaux wines.

Château Lascombes itself dates back to the 17th century and is currently owned by Lawrence Family Wine Estates, with Axel Heinz—formerly of Ornellaia and Masseto—at the helm as CEO and winemake

Specifications

A fresh bright and charming expression of Loire Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes

Warm, red berry fruit characterizes this fresh Pinot Noir. Ripe tannins are balanced by fresh acidity and subtle oak on the finish.

Method of Production

Grapes are grown on 15-year-old vines, planted at 8,000 vines per hectare on clay and chalk soils with areas of Portlandian clay. Yields are usually between 40 and 50hl/ha. The grapes are 100% destemmed after harvest and are allowed to cold soak for several days before temperature-controlled fermentation. Pigeages and pump-overs take place during maceration, which lasts between 20 and 30 days depending upon the vintage. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in cuves and demi-muids, followed by ageing for 10 to 12 months. This wine is bottled straight from the barrel without fining or filtration.

Producer

The small village of Maimbray, just to the north of Sancerre itself, is home to both Domaine Roblin and to Domaine du Pré Semelé. In fact the Roblins are just across the road from the Raimbaults and share a similar story of two brothers – 4th generation Matthias and Emile in this case – taking over from their father and implementing new ideas to move the family Domaine forward.

They have a total of 19 hectares of vines with a terroir made up of Kimmeridgian and Portlandian chalky clay (Terres Blanches) soils, spread across 45 separate parcels of vines, on the slopes around the villages of Maimbray and Sury-en-Vaux. Their vineyards are planted with 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Pinot Noir, and in the winery their intervention is minimal: gravity does the work of pumps, and the wines see long lees ageing. The wine style is very pure, fruit-forward yet fine, and really top quality.

Sustainability

Vineyards are worked with the greatest of respect to the environment; no chemical pesticides or herbicides are used; carbon dioxide emissions are kept as low as possible; there is crop cover between rows of vines to help combat soil erosion, and green harvesting is practised to restrain yields and improve ripeness. Although not yet HVE accredited or certified organic, the Roblins employ many of the practices of both.

Specifications

 Château Bonnet is one of Bordeaux's consistently reliable wines. Vignobles André Lurton are committed to making wines that are both full-bodied and balanced, like this Reserve cuvee, which typifies classic Bordeaux. Its faultless pedigree is revealed in its elegant balance, depth and charm.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Deep ruby-red colour.

Nose

The nose is intense, dominated by aromas of black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), mingled with delicious chocolate notes.

Palate

The attack is very supple. Round and fresh on the palate. Delightful notes of black fruit accompany us throughout the tasting. This is a well-balanced, easy-drinking wine. The finish has a lovely tannic structure that melts perfectly

Production

Specifications

Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!

Tasting Notes 

Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!

Tasting Notes 

The classic dessert wine - elegant, fresh and very moreish.

Tasting Notes

A classic botrytis nose; rich in honey and sweet floral tones with hints of citrus marmalade. The palate is rich and smooth with similar sweet floral and honeyed apricot flavours but with a faintly citrus note in the finish which makes it very moreish.

Production

Grapes are sourced from vineyards within the Graves district of Bordeaux. Botrytis (noble rot) is allowed to affect the grapes, concentrating their sweetness and flavour. The grapes are hand-picked late in the vintage and, on average, it takes 3 passes through the vineyard to ensure that the maximum quantity of grapes has been beneficially affected by botrytis. The grapes are treated very carefully during pressing so as not to damage them and to maintain their delicate characteristics.

Producer

For over a decade Boutinot has been in partnership with leading Bordeaux négociant Ginestet, to offer high-quality wines from a selection of châteaux in key appellations as well as consistently fine, benchmark Bordeaux wines.

Sustainability

As both a négociant and a producer of its own wines, Maison Ginestet has long been convinced of the need to work the land in a viable manner and it places substantial emphasis on partnerships with sustainable agriculture-accredited winegrowing estates. Some growers are fully organic, and Ginestet is certified to bottle wines made from organically grown grapes.

In 2006, Maison Ginestet set up an international wine school at its Carignan-de-Bordeaux site. Through the Ginestet Wine Academy, Maison Ginestet shares with its commercial partners the expertise it has gained over more than a century of producing and marketing Bordeaux wines.

Awards

• Silver at the 2017 International Wine Challenge - 2016 Vintage

Specifications

A superb Châteuneuf-du-Pape from vines in their prime.

Tasting Notes

Intense and inky dark, with a concentrated, rich and complex nose of kirsch, bay and graphite. Very full bodied and weighty with some evident tannins, and there's a brooding power from such low yields. Despite its heft, the old vines provide great complexity and interest and we are left with a lovely juicy finish.

Production Method

Alex Favier inherited 37 different blocks of vineyards from his mother, Marie-Paule Sabon, comprising 50 hectares in total, making Domaine Chante Cigale one of the larger domaines of this most famous of French appellations. The terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made up of three different soil types and those domaines with vines on all three consequentially gain in complexity For his reds, Alex has a typically large palette of varieties but his ‘old vine’ cuvée uses only Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre as these are his oldest vines and they provide the wine with great intensity and longevity. The vines for this bottling are over 65 years old, some as old as 100, and they are some of the oldest vines to be found on the plateau de Carbières (close to Château Montredon).The yield of these ‘Vieilles Vignes’ is very, very low indeed; the oldest vines may only yield a miniscule 15hl/ha, most others around 22-23 hl/ha, bringing the average to around 20hl/ha. Harvesting is by hand, with selective sorting of the grapes. Alex learned about viticulture and vinification from his father and took over from him whilst finishing his last year at school in 1999; eventually taking full control of the domaine in 2002. Each variety is vinified separately and undergoes an 18-24 day fermentation and a 32-36 day maceration period. Malolactic fermentation and ageing takes place in a combination of new oak barriques and concrete vats. Alex no longer uses the traditional larger casks known as ‘foudres’ for his Vieilles Vignes.

Producer

Domaine Chante Cigale is located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has been owned by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 41 hectares, the domaine benefits from old vines, some of which are veritably ancient at over 100 years old. Alexandre Favier took over from his father, Christian, and is part of a new wave of producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, combining modern technical expertise with time-honoured winemaking practices.

Alexandre is lauded by notable journalists including Steve Danzier and Jancis Robinson for his deftly-made and reasonably-priced wines. Domaine Chante Cigale has also built a reputation for specialising in white wines, of which they produce more than any other estate in the appellation.

A note on Sustainability

As you might expect from someone born and raised on an estate named after singing cicadas, Alexandre Favier keenly promotes the biodiversity of his vineyards. He is very conscious of his role as guardian of his land for future generations and Chante Cigale is currently in conversion to full organic status.

Specifications

From one of Burgundy's finest estates.

Tasting Notes

Fruit from 30 year old vines gives the wine impressive weight and concentration. Rich and intense with attractive peachy fruit and a long, persistent citrus backbone.

Producer

Following the construction of a new winery, the whites are now fermented and aged in separate cellars which has temperature control to allow for greater precision in the vinification and élevage.

The wine undergoes a cool fermentation and ages for just under a year in 225-litre oak barrels, of which 25% are new, incorporating a small proportion of new oak.

Oak Ageing:- Duration: 6 Month - Barrel Size: 225 Litres- Percentage of Wine Oaked: 100%- Percentage of New Oak: 25%

Producer

Around five centuries ago, Jean Girard began cultivating vines in Savigny-Les-Beaune. Seven generations later, Jean-Jacques Girard created his own estate to carry on the family tradition. In 2008, his son Vincent joined him on the farm.

Today, the family farm covers some 15 hectares. It produces around 100,000 bottles a year. Its agriculture is based on a deep respect for the terroir and the environment. To make these wines, she combines traditional know-how with new technologies.

Specifications

Vibrant, crisp & delicate | Complex and honeyed, to be enjoyed with close friends

Tasting Notes

Producer

Over 150 years of History! Founded in 1859, this independent and family run Maison Louis de Grenelle has passed down its expertise through the generations. It continues the tradition of making sparkling wines in the depths of its cellars burrowed underneath Saumur in the heart of the Valley of Kings, the Val de Loire.

Specifications

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A rich, savoury satisfying mouthful!

Since the elevation of Cairanne to a southern Rhône cru, 'La Côte Sauvage' continues to be characterised by its finesse and finely-grained texture, due in part to the famous ‘argilo-calcaire’ of our hilltop vineyards such as La Pauline and Les Six Terrasses, slow winemaking methods and gentle maturation in different sized barrels of old French oak.

Tasting Notes

A serious, restrained and complex example of cru Cairanne. This is rich, intense and drenched in dark red fruits. With morello cherry and a touch of cinnamon spice on the nose, soft dark plummy fruit, liquorice, chocolate, a hint of black tea on the palate, this wine is full-flavoured and smooth with supple tannins. 

Method of Production

The cru of Cairanne lies in the heart of the Southern Rhône valley, northeast of Orange. For this La Côte Sauvage, fully ripe Grenache and Syrah grapes are hand-picked from old bush vines on selected hillside slopes within Cairanne. The vineyards have the classic argilo-calcaire soil of limestone pebbles over clay and the vines are harvested by hand. Vinified traditionally with only the natural yeasts present on the grapes, followed by a long cuvaison period with gentle remontage and manual pigeage. A blend of four varieties (Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre) matured for 22 months in French old oak barrels and demi-muids to develop great concentration, complexity and finesse in the wine.

Specifications

A great wine with character, elegant and typical, honouring the historic grape variety and king of the southern Rhône Valley: Grenache Noir.

Tasting Notes 

Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!

Tasting Notes 

A great introduction to the heady delights of Gewurztraminer.

Tasting Notes

Intensly perfumed Gewurztraminer with a rich palate of honeyed and rose-scented flavours.

Production

Produced in the traditional manner by winemaker Jean Michel Lihrmann in Cave de Turckheim's gravity fed cellar - pneumatic pressing, temperature controlled fermentation, no finings and light filtration before bottling - all to preserve fruit and aromatic qualities and elegance. His philosophy is to make wines with good acidity and fruit balance, based on the belief that all the qualities of the wine are already present in the grapes.

Producer

Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.

Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit forward, style.

Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.

Sustainability

An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach that combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification. The growers are aiming for HVE Level 3 certification in late 2019.

In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey, and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.

Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.

Specifications

Make no mistake, we are in world class territory. Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world.

Tasting Notes

Intense richness and bright acidity. Driven by orange peel marmalade and saffron aromatics.

Production

No one’s really sure why concentration comes from older vines, but here it is in evidence. 175g/l

Producer

Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world. A lot is written about terroir, soil and microclimates. You often question how much of it is true, how do people know exactly why the wines work out the way they do? At Tirecul however, you can really see it in front of you. There aren’t many estates where you can see all the vineyard in one block. At the bottom of the hill it is too open, and the top of the hill it is too windy. It’s only in two little pockets that the fog sits to create the conditions for some truly phenomenal botrytis wines. It’s a bit of a Goldilocks site, all the quirks of nature are ‘just right’ (I haven’t tried any Tirecul in my porridge, but I am going to now).

90% of the 9ha vineyard is planted with an even split between Semillon and Muscadelle, the latter is a fascinating variety, often in the background but it can be the real star of the show. The balance is Sauvignon Blanc and the recently allowed Chenin. The exact blend of the sweet wines is unknown because the grapes are picked when they are showing the best elements of botrytis and fermented together. Bruno Bilancini has run the estate since the early 1990s, in the last few years has also produced very good dry white and red which are showing real promise.

Sustainability

Bruno Bilancini took over the estate in 1992, and has treated the environment with utmost respect since then. It was in 2009 that Chateau Tirecul started to convert to organics, with all wines beyond 2012 being certified as well as vegan.

Specifications

The Muscat from La Pigeade is characterized by its freshness and finesse and is to be found in many of the leading restaurants of the Rhone Valley. 

Tasting Notes

Colour

A light gold wine, shiny with golden reflections. 

Palate

The complex aromatic palette combines pear with rose water and exotic fruits.

Soil cultivation

Sustainable cultivation for over 30 years; grassing controlled mechanically (hoeing). Scribbling is practiced several times a year at different depths depending on the case.

Vinification

Hand harvested and sorted before 100% de-stemming and maceration on skins for 10 hours at 3°C before pressing. Cool-fermented to reach a natural alcohol of 5 % before the ferment is arrested by the addition of grape spirit to reach a minimum of 15 % alcohol, with a minimum of 110 g/l residual sugar. Matured on fine lees in tank for two months prior to bottling.

History

Very little sweet Muscat was made before 1945 when Muscat de Beaumes de Venise was classified an AOC for its vin doux naturel, but by the 1970’s and 1980’s its popularity in northern Europe was probably greater than Sauternes or sweet German wines. The wines, by law,  must have an ABV of 15% and at least 110g/L residual sugar. Domaine de la Pigeade was purchased by the Vaute family in 1960 who came from wine families but this domaine was the first generation of winemakers. Up until 1996 all fruit from the 25ha estate was sent to the cooperative but with the succession of the second generation, Thierry and his wife Marina, a cellar was built and the wine-making was brought in house. The domaine sits outside the village of Beaumes, which is sandwiched in between the Dantelles de Montmirail and Mount Ventoux. Of the 25ha around 20 are Muscat blanc à petits grains averaging 35 years of age. The vines are planted on a argilo-calcaire and all weed control is manual. The fruit is harvested at a very low 30hl/ha.

Specifications