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Wine Type
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Vintage
Name
Variety
Locale
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Date
Posted
Score
Helpful
Comments
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Red
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2010 Friedrich Becker Sankt Paul Spätburgunder Großes Gewächs
Pfalz
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2010 Weingut Friedrich Becker Sankt Paul is complex, earthy and delicately spiced. The developing Pflaz Spätburgunder is clear and pale ruby with a trace of fine suspensions. With a couple of hours of in-bottle aeration, it opens up expressive aromas of black cherry, dried strawberry and rose petals. Underneath are complexities of tobacco, liquorice, paprika spices and earth.
The mouthfeel is dry and medium-bodied. A rather high level of taut acidity on the attack reveals complex red spices and a medium level of integrated tannin. Vivid flavours of raspberry, hawthorn and truffle lead to stony minerality in a long, delineated finish. The 13.5% alcohol is well-concealed. The empty bottle weighs 842 grams.
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White
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2020 Domaine de la Taille aux Loups Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Hauts de Husseau
Chenin Blanc more
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2020 Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Hauts de Husseau is perfumed, honeyed and mineral-laced. The youthful Loire Chenin Blanc is clear and pale gold in colour. The bottle is uncorked six hours before service. Aromas of ripe red apple, honeyed pear, wet wool and white blossom are followed by a whiff of smoke.
The dry and medium-bodied texture is accentuated by a high level of vivacious acidity. There are consistent flavours of honeyed apple cider garnished by salt and grapefruit oil in a long enjoyable finish. The alcohol level is 13.5%. The empty bottle weighs 609 grams.
It is great luxury aperitif when served slightly chilled, but can certainly hold up well with fish and goat cheeses. I'd appreciate an opportunity to revisit the wine after a decade of cellaring.
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Red
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2010 Charles Noellat Morey St. Denis 1er Cru
Pinot Noir more
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(*This following tasting note refers to another Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru wine produced by the same winery, but with a specified lieu-dit, Chaffots. Adding a new wine has become exceedingly difficult after a recent update of the CellarTracker interface.*)
2010 Charles Noellat Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Les Chaffots is vibrant, perfumed and detailed. The wine is bottled under a natural cork, in contrast to DIAM-cork enclosure for the generic Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru from the same producer. The developing Morey Pinot Noir is clear and pale ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. Expressive aromas of blackberry, violet and lilac are followed by sweet wood spices and truffle chocolate.
The mouthfeel is dry and medium-bodied, with a rather high level of lively acidity and a medium level of silky tannin. There are flavours of cranberry, red plum, crushed flowers and sweet spices in a rather long, delineated finish. The alcohol level is 13%. The empty bottle weighs 593 grams.
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Red
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2010 Charles Noellat Morey St. Denis 1er Cru
Pinot Noir more
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2010 Charles Noellat Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru seems aromatically closed at the moment. The bottle is sealed under a DIAM-10 cork. The developing Morey Pinot Noir is clear and pale ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. The bottle is likely reconditioned prior to the recent release.
Reticent aromas of red plum, wild strawberry and violet are followed by touches of earth, cocoa powder and liquorice spices. The wine does not seem to open up over five hours in the evening.
The dry and medium-bodied mouthfeel is complemented with a medium-high level of acidity and a medium level of supple, integrated tannin. There are flavours of brambleberry, black cherry, white mushroom and wood spices in a medium, savoury finish. While the mouthfeel shows signs of maturity, the nose does not show a consistent level of tertiary complexities. The alcohol level is 13%. The empty bottle weighs 576 grams.
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Red
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2019 Château d'Aiguilhe
Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2019 Chateau d'Aiguilhe is fresh, aromatically expressive and delicately spiced. The bottle is sealed with a DIAM-30 cork. The developing Castillon Bordeaux blend is clear and deep ruby in colour. The wine requires an hour of gentle in-bottle aeration to open up. Aromas of blackberry, violet and mint are followed by coffee, tobacco leaf, potting soil and a hint of blood.
The dry and full-bodied mouthfeel is complemented with relatively high levels of acidity and grainy tannin. There are flavours of bramble, red plum, dark chocolate and mushroom in a medium, gently spiced finish. The 14.5% alcohol is well-concealed. The empty bottle weighs 589 grams.
The wine is composed of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. The vines are grown on clay and limestone soil. The must is fermented in temperature-controlled wooden and concrete vats for 35 days, with regular punching down to promote extraction. The wine is raised in 30% new oak barrels for sixteen months.
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Red
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2019 Les Fillottes
Pomerol
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2019 Les Fillottes is sweet-scented and detailed. The youthful Pomerol is clear and deep ruby without any noticeable sediments. Aromas of blackberry and spring flowers are followed by incense, dark chocolate and a touch of coffee.
The mouthfeel is dry and verging full-bodied, with a medium level of acidity and a high level of chalky tannin. There are sweet-scented flavours of black plum, crushed violet, liquorice and Asian spices in a rather long, enjoyable finish. The alcohol is 14.5%. The empty bottle weighs 589 grams. The blend is composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
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Red
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2021 Gérard Seguin Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Craipillot
Pinot Noir more
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2021 Gérard Seguin Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Craipillot is savoury and expressive.
The youthful Gevrey Pinot Noir is clear and pale ruby in colour without any sediments. Popped and poured, the wine has perfume of wild strawberry, black cherry and vanilla oak spices. With a couple of hours of in-bottle aeration, subtleties of mint, violet, smoked game and potting soil emerges.
The mouthfeel is dry and verging full-bodied, with a medium level of supple, silky tannin and a medium-high level of bright acidity. There are consistent flavours of forest berries, earth and liquorice spices in a rather long, savoury finish. The alcohol level is 13%. The empty bottle weighs 597 grams.
Craipillot is situated at the entrance of Combe de Lavaux, with an abundance of stone and alluvial deposits. The lieu-dit Craipillot spans 2.75 hectare, and Gérard Seguin owns 0.90 hectares. The vines are predominantly over 90 years old. The wine is raised in 40% new Tronçais oak barrels for 12 to 18 months.
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Red
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2012 Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2012 Château Pontet-Canet has great aromatic depth and complexity. The developing Pauillac is deep ruby in colour with traces of fine sediments. Expressive aromas of blackcurrant, black plum, mint and lavender are followed by earth, graphite and liqourice. It gradually unfolds over six hours of gentle, in-bottle aeration.
On the palate, it is dry and richly full-bodied, with a high level of gripping tannin and a medium level of balancing acidity. Immense flavours of blackberry, barnyard, and grilled mushroom transition to dark chocolate mocha and ferrous minerality in a long, sturdy finish. The alcohol level is 13.5%. The empty bottle weighs 823 grams.
While it may require another decade of careful ageing to fully resolve its tannin, it has earthy and savoury tertiary complexity to show for at the moment. If you do not have the patient to wait, pour it into a decanter or let it aerate slowly in-bottle over the evening.
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White
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2010 Morey-Blanc Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes Blanc
Chardonnay more
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2010 Morey Blanc Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes is precise and mineral-laced. The fully developed Chardonnay is pale gold in colour without any noticeable sediments. Aromas of melted butter, beeswax and biscuit are followed by ripe pear, white flowers and candied lemon peel.
The mouthfeel is dry and verging full-bodied, complemented by a medium level of integrated acidity. There are flavours of apple and pear puree, buttered toast, marzipan and discreet spices in a long, mineral-laced finish. The bottle is purchased and consumed at Makinoncî, Kanazawa.
Interestingly, there is no mention of the alcohol level on the front and back labels, which is probably an oversight of the winery. It is increasingly difficult to find well-priced, fully developed Burgundy wines on the market. It is fortunate to come across the ready-to-drink bottle of Saint-Aubin, priced at JPY 18,000 after tax.
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Red
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2007 Di Barrò Valle d'Aosta Fumin
Red Blend more
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2007 Di Barro Vallee d'Aoste Fumin is spiced and earthy. The mature Fumin is clear and medium ruby in colour with traces of fine sediments. Aromas of black plum, dark chocolate, fennel and anise spices are followed by tertiary notes of earth and leather.
The dry and verging full-bodied mouthfeel is complemented by medium levels of acidity and integrated tannin. There are flavours of black cherry, liquorice and black tea in a medium, spiced finish. It is my first experience with the grape Fumin. I'd have guessed a way younger Blaufränkisch, had it been tasted blind. The 12.5% alcohol is civilised. The empty bottle weighs 505 grams.
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Red
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2011 Michele Satta Cavaliere
Toscana IGT
Sangiovese more
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2011 Michele Satta Cavaliere is complex and entering its prime drinking window. The developing Bolgheri Sangiovese is clear and medium garnet in colour with traces of fine sediments. Expressive aromas of red plum, raspberry, violet, thyme and mint jump out of the glass. With a few swirls, it reveals truffle, tobacco and chocolate.
The dry and verging full-bodied mouthfeel is matched with a high level of fresh acidity and medium level of integrated tannin. Flavours of forest berries, tart red cherries, Mediterranean herbs and mocha transition to liquorice, black tea and wet stone minerals in a long, earthy finish. The alcohol level is 13.5%. The empty bottle weighs 554 grams.
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White
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2020 J. Vidal-Fleury Condrieu
Viognier more
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2020 Vidal-Fleury Condrieu combines finesse and mineral impact. The youthful Viognier is clear pale gold in colour. Aromas of apricot, marmalade, pineapple are followed by vanilla, custard and crushed rock minerals.
The mouthfeel is dry and full-bodied, with a medium level of balancing acidity. Flavours of nectarine, white pepper and almond transition to an elegant junmai ginjo sake sensation in a medium, mineral-driven finish. The alcohol level is civilised at 13.5% by Viognier standards. The empty bottle weighs 563 grams.
This Condrieu is textually distinct from the heavily oaked Guigal La Doriane, the aromatically precise Vernay, the lactic yakult-alike Les Vins de Vienne Jeanraude, and the spicy Xavier Gerard Chatillon. Though the aftertaste is not as long as the richer expressions, I enjoy every sip for its balance and mineral impact.
The vines are cultivated on a east-facing, clay-rich granite bedrock, between the villages of Vérin and Chavanay. The juice is fermented in 30% new oak barrels and the balance in stainless steel vats under temperature controlled environment. The wine is raised in a combination of oak barrels and inert vats
for twelve months.
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Red
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2018 Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru
Pinot Noir more
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2018 Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru is perfumed and refined. The developing Pinot Noir is clear and pale ruby without any sediments. Aromas of wild strawberry, red plum, rose petals and lilac are followed by earth and a touch of spices.
On the palate, it is dry and medium-bodied, balanced by a medium levels of supple tannin and acidity. Flavours of red cherry, hawthorn and plum sauce transition to Ceylon tea and savoury grilled mushroom in a long, poised finish. The alcohol level is 13%. The empty bottle weighs 533 grams.
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White
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2018 Damien Laureau Savennières Roche aux Moines
Chenin Blanc more
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2018 Damien Laureau Savennières Roche aux Moines is smoky and mineral-driven. The developing Chenin Blanc is clear and pale lemon without any sediments. Underneath smoke and flint are profound aromas of honey, ripe red apple and anjou pear. A touch of buttery pastry note rounds it out.
The dry and full-bodied mouthfeel is supported by an intense core of saline minerality and a high level of crystalline acidity. Sophisticated flavours of pear drop, beeswax and citrus oil linger in a long, compelling finish. The alcohol level is 13.5%. The empty bottle weighs 784 grams.
In the famed Roche aux Moines climat, the vines are grown on schist and sand soil with seams of volcanic rocks. The wine is raised on less for twelve months in oak barrels, followed by a minimum of six months in stoneware jars. The annual production is 1,500 bottles.
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Red
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2018 Señorío de San Vicente Tempranillo Rioja San Vicente
more
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2018 San Vicente is powerful yet polished. The developing Rioja was clear and medium ruby without any noticeable sediments. Out of the gate, the nose is dominated by American oak artefacts of vanilla and butterscotch. With three hours of in-bottle aeration, notes of blackberry, fresh dill herbs, cocoa and tobacco emerge.
The dry and full-bodied mouthfeel is matched by a medium level of acidity and a high level of ripe, polished tannin. Flavours of red plum, mint, espresso and milk chocolate transition to incense and spices in a long, robust finish. The 14.5% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 765 grams.
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White
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2017 Domaine Comtesse de Cherisey Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Hameau de Blagny
Chardonnay more
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2017 Domaine Comtesse de Chérisey Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Hameau de Blagny is nuanced, elegant and mineral-driven. The developing Puligny is clear and pale gold in colour. Expressive aromas of lemon zest, red apple, apricot and honeysuckle jump out of the glass. Underneath are notes of white bread and toasted sesame. It certainly feels fresh, given the load of citrus fruit aromas and the judicious usage of new oak.
The mouthfeel is dry and verging full-bodied. The medium level of rounded acidity is complemented with great mineral tension. Flavours of pear, grapefruit and lemon meringue tart persisted in a long precise finish. The alcohol level is 13%. The empty bottle weighs 660 grams.
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Red
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2016 Fratelli Barale Barolo
Nebbiolo more
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2016 Fratelli Barale Barolo is spiced and structured. The developing Nebbiolo is clear and pale ruby without any sediments. I uncorked the bottle, poured a small glass, and recorked it six hours before service. Notes of dry tea leaves, mint and coffee are followed by varietal characters of black cherry and tar.
The dry and full-bodied mouthfeel is accentuated by high levels of firm acidity and grippy tannin. There are flavours of earth, coffee and liquorice in a long, spicy finish. The 14% alcohol can be felt in the abundance of spices. The empty bottle weighs 751 grams. The young Barolo will surely evolve gracefully over the next decade.
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Red
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2015 Peter Vida Kékfrankos Szekszárdi Hidaspetre
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2015 Vida Szekszárdi Hidaspectra is spiced and meaty. The developing Hungarian Kékfrankos is clear and medium ruby without any noticeable sediments. Aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry jam are followed by soil, black pepper and a touch of turmeric spices.
The mouthfeel is dry and medium-bodied, with medium levels of balancing acidity and mellow tannin. Consistent with the nose, there are flavours red cherries, berries and smoked ham in a medium spiced finish. The alcohol level is at 12.5%.
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Red
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2008 Vieux Château Certan
Pomerol
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2008 Vieux Château Certan has an admirable aromatic depth and is relatively elegant as a wine from Pomerol. The developing Pomerol is deep ruby in colour with a load of sediments. It is quite tart and reserved at first. The bottle requires six hours of in-bottle aeration to open up. Impressive aromatics of raspberry, red plum, freshly tiled soil and dark chocolate are followed by blueberry, spring flowers and a hint of incense.
The mouthfeel is dry and verging full-bodied, with a medium level of balancing acidity and a medium level of integrating tannin. Flavours of dried berries, violets and cocoa transition to fine spices and tobacco in a long, delineated finish. The 13.5% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 543 grams. It is not as ripe, chocolatey and richly textured as the stereotypical Pomerol. I certainly enjoy the red-fruited and elegant expression of the Merlot grapes from the region.
The blend is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are plated on deep clay soil, with more gravels in the topsoil for the Cabernet grapes. The must is vinified by the parcel in a mix of large stainless steel vats and used oak tanks. The wine is raised in roughly equal parts of new and used French oak barrels for 20 months.
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White
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2018 Maison Jessiaume Corton-Charlemagne
Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
Chardonnay more
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2018 Maison Jessiaume Corton-Charlemagne is toasty, powerful and richly textured. The developing Chardonnay is clear and pale gold in colour. It is quite reticent right out of the gate. With three hours of in-bottle aeration, it opens up aromatics of lemon rind, apricot and orange blossom. Underneath are notes of buttered toast and hazelnut.
On the palate, it is dry, intense and full-bodied. The immense intensity of citrus and stone fruits is matched with a medium level of rounded acidity. Pear, vanilla pastry, fine pepper spices and saline materials lead to a long, robust finish. The reported alcohol level is 13%. The empty bottle weighs 603 grams.
The wine is raised on the lees for fourteen months in 30% new oak barrels. Other information regarding the detailed plot within the expansive Corton region and the volume of production are not available on the winery website.
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Red
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2009 Ferraton Père & Fils Ermitage Le Méal
Hermitage
Syrah more
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2009 Ferraton Père et Fils Ermitage Le Mèal was complex, structured and mineral-driven. The developing Hermitage Syrah was deep ruby with a load of fine sediments. It kept improving in the bottle over five hours. Aromas of blackberry and black plum were followed by earth, leather, tobacco. Underneath was complexities of bay leaves, beef stock and Oriental spices.
The dry and full-bodied mouthfeel was matched by a high level of chewy tannin. A medium level of acidity and a sense of crushed rock minerals kept the wine in balance. Flavours of cassis and blackcurrant transitioned to cocoa, cigar and Pu'er black tea in a long, persistent finish. The wine was certified organic by Ecocert. The 14.5% alcohol was well-integrated in the structure and depth of flavours. The empty bottle weighed 642 grams.
The Syrah vines are cultivated on a south-facing hillside, on the famed Le Méal lieu-dit. The grapes are hand-harvested and completely destemmed. Maceration takes about four weeks in concrete vats, and extraction is encouraged through pumping over and punching down. Depending on the vintage conditions and wine developing, 30% to 50% new oak barrels are used with the period of the barrel ageing ranging from fourteen to eighteen months.
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White - Sparkling
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2009 Alliance Loire Vouvray Pétillant Lieu-dit La Plaisse
Chenin Blanc more
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2009 Cave de Producteurs de Vouvray Lieu-dit La Plaisse has great freshness ane tertiary complexities. The mature sparkling Chenin Blanc is clear and pale gold in colour with delicate effervescence. Aromas of bruised apples, quince jelly and lemon candy are followed by mint, sourdough and subtle earthiness.
The mouthfeel is dry and medium-bodied, marked by a high level of natural acidity. There are flavours of candied lemon zest, almond, toasted bread and peppery spices in a rather long, sophisticated finish. The alcohol level is at 12.5%. The empty bottle weighs 775 grams. It ticks all the boxes of a good Blanc de Blanc traditional sparkling wine.
The base wine is 100% Chenin Blanc. The base wine is fermented at a low temperature at 18 degree Celsius. The sparkler is produced using the traditional method, with seven years of sur latte ageing.
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White - Sparkling
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2020 Alliance Loire Vouvray Pétillant De Chanceny Brut Excellence
Chenin Blanc more
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2020 Cave de Producteurs de Vouvray Brut Excellence de Chanceny has good purity and honeyed qualities. The youthful traditional sparkler is clear and pale lemon in colour with delicate effervescence. Fresh aromas of green apple, lemon zest and honeysuckle are complemented with hints of bread and smoke.
On the palate, it tastes dry and delicately light-bodied, with a high level of salivating acidity. There are flavours of baked apples, grapefruit and pastry in a medium, refreshing finish. The 13% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 895 grams.
The base wine is 100% Chenin Blanc. The alcoholic fermentation is maintained at 18 degrees Celsius to preserve its fruitiness. The sparkler undergoes a secondary fermentation in bottle, and rests sur latte for 18 months before disgorging.
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Red
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2011 Heitlinger Black Tie
Baden
Red Blend more
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2011 Weingut Heitlinger Black Tie is complex, earthy and delicately spiced. The developing Baden Blaufränkisch blend in clear and medium garnet in colour with traces of fine sediments. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and black pepper are accompanied by earth, leather and tobacco leaf.
On the palate, it is dry and verging full-bodied, matched with medium levels of balanced acidity and integrated tannin. Flavours of raspberry, plum sauce and cigar smoke transition to truffle and mocha persisted in a long, spiced finish. The Blaufränkisch blend exceeds my expectation by a wide margin. I also had great experience with the Pinot Noir from Heitlinger. The 13.5% alcohol is well-concealed. The empty bottle weighs 900 grams.
The blend is composed of 80% Blaufränkisch, 10% Pinot Noir and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is raised for eighteen to twenty four months in new oak barrels.
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White
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2018 Domaine Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Lieu-dit Verlieu
Viognier more
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2018 Domaine Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Lieu-dit Verlieu is rich and profoundly perfumed, yet maintaining freshness and precision. Sealed under a cork-taint-free DIAM-30 cork, the youthful Viognier is clear and pale gold in colour without any sediments. Expressive aromas of jasmine, orange blossom and nectarine are followed by white pepper and lactic notes of cream and yogurt.
The full-bodied mouthfeel is matched by a dash of spices and a medium level of acidity. Flavours of apricot, pineapple and honeysuckle morph into yakult and citrus peel in a long, mineral-laced finish. The 14.5% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 594 grams.
The vines are cultivated on a steep southeastern-facing slope on well-drained granite soils. The wine is raised for 12 months on fine lees in 228-litre Burgundy barrels and 3000-litre wooden barrels in equal parts.
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