“Moelleux” means “slightly sweet”. Medium yellow. A muscular, like it or hate it nose of ripe peach and banana overlaid with rosemary and pine. Full bodied with peach, orange and honey flavours, and a hint of retsina. Drink to 2022.
Great purity on the nose with the classic notes of cedar, pencil shavings, cassis, tobacco and graphite associated with the great wines of the left bank in Bordeaux. Polished firm tannins with fresh acid and generous amount of vanilla well supported by the concentration of fruit. Complex with a long finish. While the wine is without a doubt showing its high quality, it will express greater complexity in 10 to 15 years from now. A great example of the combination of finesse and power one finds in Saint-Julien in great vintages.
I have been following this domaine for over a decade and once again, this cuvée is a stunner. Full body with a complex palate made of sun-ripe aromas of blackberries and dark plum balanced by savory dried herbs and earthy notes. The ripe yet firm tannins give good structure to the generosity of fruit. Lamb tagine is calling.
From a long established family owned domain, this blend of Grenache Noir (54%), Mouvedre (24%) and Syrah (22%) delivers up front red and black fruit aromas, before a plush and plummy palate, very approachable with structure and good balance, chalky tannins and herbal hints with a little spice towards the finish, before lingering pepper notes to close.
Grown on bush vines on the aptly named, pebble and limestone wild slopes above Cairanne, in southern Rhone, this blend of mainly Grenache Noir with Syrah, Carignan and Mouvedre is all about balance. A silky entry, raspberry and bright red berries with a hint of cassis, underpinned by stony, mineral notes, well structured and complex. Solid evidence as to why in 2018 Cairanne was granted its own AOC designation.
Light body with delicate tannins and sweet aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries and orange peel with a pleasant earthy touch. Will please to the Jura lovers seeking a wine that offers good value for money. Enjoy with steak tartare, duck confit or simply with charcuteries and pâtés for an aperitif.
Equal blend of four Rhone varietals: Grenache Blanc, Rousanne, Clairette and (my favorite grape name) Bourboulenc. Medium-deep gold. Medium-intensity nose of cantaloupe, pineapple and lime. Light bodied. A bone-dry food wine despite the sweetness of the aromas. Tastes of apple, pear and grapefruit with grapefruit pith bitterness on the long finish. Powerful flavors do well with full-flavoured foods. Pricey but worth it as a treat. Drink now.