Fresh nose with hints of salt, herbs and white flowers. Light body, lots of freshness thanks to the vivid acidity. A refreshing glass that will drink nicely with oysters or before them.
Although it does not carry the specific appellation, this wine is from Mercurey in the Côte Challonais. It shows Burgundian breed with elegant green apple character, supple creaminess, bright acidity and firm gritty minerality.
Rich, deep old-gold colour. Smells like fresh crabapples and stewed rhubarb with a drizzle of caramel. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, tasting of fresh pears, peaches and apple. The acidity might be waning; drink this no later than 2014.
Distilled in a very small Alambic Charentais this sophisticated spirit has an amazingly fragrant, elusively floral and spirity nose. Light, oily smoothness on the palate reveals surprisingly full flavour, no sense of rawness, yet a pleasantly warming touch of alcohol on the finish. The best vodka I have tasted for some time.
A blend of Mourvèdre, Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, this is a savoury treat with a funky nose of blueberry, cherry, mocha, cinnamon, plum, roasted coffee bean and earth. It displays sweet, ripe fruit on the palate with added tar, smoke, mint and spice with decent acidity and soft tannins. Try with well-aged gouda and cheddar.
Young, purplish colour. Nose of cherry and other red fruits. Compact on the palate, clean taste and firm tannins leading to a medium-length finish. Simple but well made.
Light ruby. Classic, enticing Pinot Noir nose of small red fruits, cinnamon and hints of earth. Well-dosed oak. A bit acidic in the mouth, there is good fruit in the middle palate of medium to light body. Give it 3 to 4 years to lose a bit of its acidity.