Medium-deep garnet. Smells like a lovely old Cabernet Sauvignon — stewed fruits, cherry jam, smoke and leather — but true to the south of France, also contains Syrah and Grenache. Medium-bodied, the acidity and soft tannins are in good balance. The Provençal sunshine is evident in the huge fruit, with cassis and fig flavours and a long finish. From a good year; don’t wait to drink this.
Light ruby. Enticing, typical Pinot Noir nose of small red fruits, spicy notes and touches of vanilla and earth. Crunchy fruit taste; hints of fruit stones enliven the middle palate. Very nice, the supple finish has great balance. Drinks beautifully now and will for the next 5 years or so.
Purplish. Oak and ripe black fruits dominate the nose. Very nice fruity taste, expressive; tannins are fully wrapped, but their power is still felt beneath the fruit. Oak is very present but not obtrusive. A nice glass of hearty red on a cold autumn evening.
The Thomas Bachelder style shines through all his Pinots, from Niagara to Oregon to Burgundy. They are never overdone, always with a sense of graceful power and finesse. This gorgeous wine shows fruits of anise, raspberry, ripe cherry and cassis with a pretty floral and incense notes. The tannins are evident but smooth, and the ripe fruits are bolstered by crunchy minerality and light savoury spice through a long finish. Buy, hold and enjoy years down the road.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Petit Verdot. Deep plum-red. Nose of mint, spice, leather and old varnish. Medium-bodied, in the mouth we have black fruits, mocha and black liquorice with lots of tannins from the oak aging. Too young now; will last a long time.
Pale yellow. Nose of apple, lemon and a hint of caramel. In the mouth we have classic Chablis purity and minerality with unexpectedly rich fruit for Chablis from a cool year. Full-bodied; drinking well now but will improve over a couple of years.
Hard to find a good Champagne under $50. Nice nose of fully ripe white fruits, not without finesse. Elegant on the palate, its finish is clean with very good length. A festive bubbly that will keep your wallet as happy as your palate.