Disgorged 2025, and made from a perpetual reserve of vintages from 2013-23. First time trying this producer and now I'm hoping to make up for lost time, as this bottle was excellent. Dense, volatile and absolutely on the natural spectrum, like Egly mixed with a generous splash of cider, yet this somehow worked to produce a delicious, compelling wine that we all couldn't get enough of. Savoury, complex, refreshing... I just hope that the next bottle I try is as 'in the zone' as this one was.
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru
A stunner. There's still quite a bit of influence from the elevage, but that just created heights of complexity, with layers of yellow/green fruit blending into vanilla, toast, butter, salty preserved lemon and stony austerity. Ripe and ample but also penetrating. Absorbing, exciting and one of the best PYCMs I've tried.
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills
Drinking this was one of those times when you wish you had pen and paper to ensure the note does justice to what you're drinking; there was a lot going on, and the wine was very singular. Beautiful pale crimson, brilliant and light-filled. I've no idea how Ms Fox managed to create a wine so delicate and yet so strong: it's a jewel-like spiderweb of raspberry, pomegranate, orange peel and damp earth. Teetered on the edge of being thin and reedy, but it very much stood firm and proud. Another very popular wine around the table.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
I do love the freshness of Le Ragnaie's wines, but this one took that character a little too far - or perhaps it just wasn't quite ready. Nervy red fruit, a floral quality, brisk acidity and some slightly dusty tannin on the finish. Definitely needs food at this stage.
Unfortunately failed in its role as a dessert wine - just not sweet enough! - and a slight disappointment in the 'off-dry sipper' role too, as it lacked a bit of concentration, as though they'd had to pick slightly too early given the hot weather of 2018. Quince, some charm and some botrytis, but didn't entirely hang together, and there should have more to the midpalate.
NV Georges Laval Champagne Extra Brut Garennes 93 Points
France, Champagne
Disgorged 2025, and made from a perpetual reserve of vintages from 2013-23. First time trying this producer and now I'm hoping to make up for lost time, as this bottle was excellent. Dense, volatile and absolutely on the natural spectrum, like Egly mixed with a generous splash of cider, yet this somehow worked to produce a delicious, compelling wine that we all couldn't get enough of. Savoury, complex, refreshing... I just hope that the next bottle I try is as 'in the zone' as this one was.
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