A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, vinified and aged in oak, non malo, long lees ageing, zero dosage. Relatively full colour with a golden sheen; rich fruit on the nose (grapefuit, pear, red apple, citrus) and toasty notes; ripe and rounded palate, silky and generous, balanced by a lovely line of beautifully integrated malic acidity which provides elegance; very good length. A gastronomic champagne, stylish and attractive.
Biodynamic viticulture. Macerated on the skins for 2-3 months, aged on 400 litre amphorae, ouillé, 14% ABV. Very heavy sediment, must be treated with great care. Full colour with a golden sheen; remarkably playful and elegant for a wine with long skin maceration, very refined tannins, wax and complex citrus aromas, concentrated yet elegant, silky and harmonious. A beauty.
Consistent with my previous notes. A magnificent vintage for Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, rich and supremely stylish. On fine form right now, great future.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Big yet well delineated nose, intense and powerful, fragrant and flowing, soft red fruit and autumnal notes, transparent and precise, minerals and flowers, smoke and warm spices, delicately balsamic oak, fresh and silky, firm but refined tannins, long and flowing finish with a hint of cream. A whirlwind of flavours, wonderful tension and energy, captivating. Real finesse. Long life.
Immense power and drive, only a Bâtard could match its concentration, the minerality is more reminiscent of Chevalier, clear and precise, rock salt, tightly coiled, huge energy and drive, hewn from the rock, huge wafts of citrus, so fresh and bright, orange and peach, gently sweet and savoury oak, complex fruit and cream, oval palate, effortless balance, seemingly endless finish. An iron fist in a velvet glove. The epitome of the Maconnais. Quite incredible. You could put this blind in a line-up with Montrachets, and no one would know. Objectively too young, but I would rather drink this too young than not at all...
Spain, Castilla y León, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León
When I saw this on the list at Café Parlotte, I simply had to get it. The small glass which I tried two weeks ago was fascinating and I really wanted to revisit the wine. This bottle completely confirmed the earlier impression. The balance between intensity and elegance, oxidative evolution and floral fragrance is hugely impressive, and the minerally freshness delivers wonderful drive and playful length. Wonderful wine.
2015 Louise Brison Champagne Millésime Extra Brut 93 Points
France, Champagne
A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, vinified and aged in oak, non malo, long lees ageing, zero dosage. Relatively full colour with a golden sheen; rich fruit on the nose (grapefuit, pear, red apple, citrus) and toasty notes; ripe and rounded palate, silky and generous, balanced by a lovely line of beautifully integrated malic acidity which provides elegance; very good length. A gastronomic champagne, stylish and attractive.
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2020 Tissot (Bénédicte et Stéphane / André et Mireille) Savagnin Arbois Amphore 93 Points
France, Jura, Arbois
Biodynamic viticulture. Macerated on the skins for 2-3 months, aged on 400 litre amphorae, ouillé, 14% ABV. Very heavy sediment, must be treated with great care. Full colour with a golden sheen; remarkably playful and elegant for a wine with long skin maceration, very refined tannins, wax and complex citrus aromas, concentrated yet elegant, silky and harmonious. A beauty.
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2015 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Consistent with my previous notes. A magnificent vintage for Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, rich and supremely stylish. On fine form right now, great future.
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2018 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino Ragnaie V.V. 95 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Big yet well delineated nose, intense and powerful, fragrant and flowing, soft red fruit and autumnal notes, transparent and precise, minerals and flowers, smoke and warm spices, delicately balsamic oak, fresh and silky, firm but refined tannins, long and flowing finish with a hint of cream. A whirlwind of flavours, wonderful tension and energy, captivating. Real finesse. Long life.
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2018 Guffens-Heynen Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Jus des Hauts des Vignes 97 Points
France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé
Immense power and drive, only a Bâtard could match its concentration, the minerality is more reminiscent of Chevalier, clear and precise, rock salt, tightly coiled, huge energy and drive, hewn from the rock, huge wafts of citrus, so fresh and bright, orange and peach, gently sweet and savoury oak, complex fruit and cream, oval palate, effortless balance, seemingly endless finish. An iron fist in a velvet glove. The epitome of the Maconnais. Quite incredible. You could put this blind in a line-up with Montrachets, and no one would know. Objectively too young, but I would rather drink this too young than not at all...
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2014 Cantalapiedra Viticultores La Vigilia 94 Points
Spain, Castilla y León, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León
When I saw this on the list at Café Parlotte, I simply had to get it. The small glass which I tried two weeks ago was fascinating and I really wanted to revisit the wine. This bottle completely confirmed the earlier impression. The balance between intensity and elegance, oxidative evolution and floral fragrance is hugely impressive, and the minerally freshness delivers wonderful drive and playful length. Wonderful wine.
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