Now this is something: a serious Gris that’s not afraid to let its freak flag fly. 70% of the fruit is barrel-fermented and barrel-aged in old, neutral oak barrels for 6 months. The nose shows ripe McIntosh apple, melon, poached pear and spices that swirl around the edges yet never overpower the fruit. It has some weight and viscosity on the palate and some tannic structure, but it is the fruit, laden with apple and pear, that shines in the mouth with bits of spice and honey, all balanced out by a firm beam of acidity.
This popular Brut non-vintage is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier and is made in the Méthode Classique style. It’s fresh and citrusy on the nose with added green apple and biscuit notes. It’s zesty and lifted on the palate with a firm, lively mousse and apple, lemon and toasty brioche notes.
I’m a great fan of the Syrahs they’re making in Chile now, especially from the cool Limarí region. This Syrah is dense purple-black in colour with an intense nose of blackberries and iodine; rich and full-bodied, spicy and herbal on the palate, it has a lovely rich mouthfeel and a firm tannic finish.
Soaring acidity balances the notable sweetness (25g/L) on this “spätlese” style wine. Clean aromas of ripe apple and tangy lime mingle with ginger spice. Bright, intense lemon drop and green apple flavours explode on the palate. The candied lime peel finish is lip-smacking good. Refreshing with spicy Asian dishes.
Bright raspberry and peppery spice on the nose with blackberry flavour and minty eucalyptus taking over in the mouth, supported by agreeable tannic grip with a splash of dark chocolate. Straightforward, but with good fruit and structure.
Clear medium-deep ruby. Nose of raspberries, spice, hard candy with a bit of barnyard. Tastes simply of tart red berries. A wine to accompany barbecued burgers on a summer evening. Drink now.
Medium-deep garnet. Fairly robust nose of cherry candy and other red berries with a bit of spice. Light-bodied with high acidity, simple flavours of fresh pomegranate juice backed up by medium tannins. Drink up.