Popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, anise-flavoured absinthe (aka The Green Fairy) was eventually banned in many major markets. Cited for causing hallucinations and erratic (sometimes criminal) behaviour - chalked up to the thujone extracted from the spirit’s wormwood component (but probably more likely due to its screamingly high proof) - absinthe had a bit of resurgence starting in the 1990s as bans were lifted. The Absente brand has been in Canada since 2000. Diluted with cold water (one to three, or five), it’s nirvana for fans of anise flavoured drinks. Also makes a cool cocktail base.
Whether you’re looking to treat someone special - or just treat yourself - you can’t go wrong with the Bas-Armagnac 2001 from De Montal. Engaging aromas suggesting toasted pecan, walnut, dried apricot, vanilla, and a hint of peppery spice. Very intense and complex in the mouth where you will find flavours of toffee, butterscotch, vanilla, mocha, and candied orange zest, capped off by a finish that goes on, and on…and on.
Deep ruby in colour; cedary, spicy, blackberry nose; medium to full bodied, dry, firmly structured, earthy, blackberry flavour with herbal and licorice notes. Hold for a couple of years.
Light body with delicate notes of truffles, sour cherries and raspberries with fresh acid and fine tannins. Will please the Burgundy lover seeking for typicity and authencity at a good price. Just delicious!
Pure ripe notes of dark cherries and plum with black licorice structured by firm chalky tannins and balanced by fresh acid. A pleasant touch of cedar lifts the aromas. Still tight with moderate finish. If you thought Bordeaux no longer offered great value, think again. This wine shines with lamb but will benefit from further ageing; 7 to 10 years, I think.
First you smell a wave of sous bois and mushroom. Then, once you taste it, those aromas are lifted by crunchy sour cherries and raspberry notes. Light body with fine chalky tannins. Juicy and easy to drink. Delicious with duck confit.
Tasted in January, when no longer nouveau. Medium-deep purple-red colour. Strong nose of bubble-gum, grapey Gamay. Light bodied with high acidity: just what a good nouveau should deliver. But not the best of vintages; the fruit is a bit thinner and less in-your-face than one might wish.