The power of Moulin-à-Vent streams through in this wine, made by Beaujolais terroir legend Jean-Paul Brun. Gracefully structured, with wild raspberries and herbal rock rose aromas. Bamboo thin, grippy and firm tannins support more wild raspberry and strawberry and ample granitic minerality. Acids are precise and nimble, and the finish liberally white pepper and lingering. A beauty to drink now, but will reward with 5 more years in the cellar.
A nose of attractive blackcurrants, raspberry, savoury spices, cigar leaf, cedar and vanilla. It is a robust wine on the palate with roasted vanilla bean, anise, currants and cherry with a mélange of spice notes. Quite structured with plush tannins and the stuffing to age for 5 to 10 years.
Aromatic, with very pronounced lime scent and subtle background hints of juniper. Shows classic Tanqueray smoothness and finesse in the mouth with refreshing lime character that stays on the palate. Needless to say, adding any lime zest would be overkill.
Loads of bright red fruit and spice on the nose which carry through on the palate with fresh herbs, a hint of well integrated oak, balanced, medium-bodied but full flavoured and a long, lingering finish. A versatile food wine that is elegant enough to pair with salmon and structured enough for roast meats.
Ruby purplish. Spices and red berries (raspberry, blackberry) with discreet oak notes fill the glass. Medium-bodied, balanced in every way, it drinks well with its fruity taste and soft, ripe tannins. Ready to drink, it can hold 2 to 3 more years.
Santiago is Graffigna's tribute to the founder of the winery, with foresight to begin the company 140 years ago. This "icon wine" is a selection of vineyards in Pedernal Valley (1400 m) and a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. 18 months in new oak barrels (85% French, 20% American) is easily absorbed by the concentrated, smoothed fruit. Savoury and elegant; plush and smoked dark plum, thorny cassis, anise, graphite, pipe tobacco and dusky violets are framed by grippy and firm tannins, and with elevation-amplified acidity enough to easily lift the density. Bitter and brisk red currants and ample spices tighten the lengthy finish, refreshing for the next glass. Decanted, this is drinking beautifully now, but will easily hold and merge over the next 5 to 10 years. Well done.
Loads of ripe blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavours with mocha, black pepper, tobacco, savoury herbs, fine-grained tannins and a fresh, lifted finish. A splash of Tempranillo blended in adds to the character of the wine. A nice match with lamb and wild game.