Slightly reductive when first opened. Bright and fruit-driven with concentrated notes of violet and fresh red plum with a hint of white pepper. Chewy yet polished tannins with fresh acid and well-integrated 13% ABV and a medium finish. Very well made. Grilled red meat’s best friend.
This blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, with lesser amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, originates from Salentein’s oldest cool-climate high-altitude vineyard in the Valle de Uco. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, it exhibits characteristic Argentinian Malbec red currant character together with Cabernet Sauvignon’s varietal green herbal, blackcurrant and blackberry notes overlaid with scents of cinnamon, clove and vanilla oak. It is full-bodied, with concentrated sweet, ripe dark fruit, firm but supple tannins and a complex, well-integrated finish.
This rare, expensive and extraordinarily concentrated wine from the northern Rhône is 100% Marsanne. Yellow gold in colour, with great depth and complexity, revealing floral notes, apricot, tropical fruit, spicy vanilla, buttery (almost butterscotch) character and rounded glycerol mouthfeel. Exotic richness is countered by stony, gravelly mineral, finishing with slight bitterness and distinctive saltiness. Top vintages can age from 30 to 50 years and longer. The 2010 should be cellared for at least another 3 to 5 years.
Made in the charmat method, this blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier has a nose of baked apple, pear, pie crust and brioche notes. There are lovely toasty notes on the palate but it still maintains freshness through the finish to go with flavours of bin apple, pear and citrus.
Pale yellow with pink reflections. Sweet nose of ripe apple; hints of honey, mineral and floral notes. Off-dry, tender acidity. Light fruity taste with more weight in the mid-palate thanks to the residual sugar. Ready to drink.
Lovely floral scent together with citrus, stone fruit and concentrated pear, and citrus and stone fruit backed by zesty, bracing acidity on the palate. Very true to the original Spanish varietal but with a distinctive local accent.
I love Carignan. And so do the folks at Abbott's & Delaunay, who have declassified this 100% Carignan to a Vin de France because Languedoc appellation laws do not allow for a 100% Carignan. The pinnacle tier of their portfolio, Alto Stratus draws from 100-year-old vines growing at high altitudes, as well as lower Mediterranean garrigue shrubland soils. 60% whole bunch, this rested nine months with the split 60% in oak (30% new) and the remainder in stainless. Worn wood, dried and fresh cherry, red currants and toasted cinnamon ride the soft, lightly plush palate, with sueded tannins to house in the generosity. Acidity is lifted, just enough to carry the density. The finish is a bit coarse and drying, crying out for roasted goose or pork.