Winter Companions

The 2017 Blanc de Lynch Bages, which was slightly affected by frost, especially the Sauvignon Blanc, had been bottled the previous week. A blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 41% Sémillon and 19% Muscadelle and matured in 45% new oak, it has a fresh green apple and gooseberry scented bouq...(read more)

I really liked the 19 Cote Chatillon when I tasted in Ampuis in January, although it had just been bottled. As ever the Bonnefonds seem to nail that sweet spot between light and floral and blousy and overdone. The nose is perfumed and floral, the mouthfeel more edges toward exotic satsuma,...(read more)

This bright, pure Viognier comes from plots high up above Ampuis. It has a freshness to it that is hard to resist. Clearly Viognier, but miles from the heavy, fat Peachy style which is all too common here. This is nicely aromatic but more in the feel of Malvasia. Early picking and sensitiv...(read more)

From a single vineyard of 100% Malvasia de Sitges. The soil is very poor stony, calcareous clay mix, at 250 metres of altitude and just 15 km away from the Mediterranean. Fermented and aged on the lees in a blend of Big French oak barrels and clay amphora for 10 months. It is a deep, conce...(read more)

The great location- the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen is one of the best and best known locations in the world. "Now another pageant should move into the vine theater, gifts from Bacchus may delight the wandering eye, where the raised peaks, rock groups, sunny heaps, lots of turns, wr...(read more)

Michael Brajkovich conjures up superb chardonnay. This is one of Kumeu’s best-value examples — bright and richly textured, with nuttiness, indications of grapefruit and taut acidity on the finish.

Shows aromas and flavors of stones, sliced apples and pears with citrus and lemons. Honeysuckle and minerally undertones. Medium-to full-bodied, layered and deep. Round yet tight on the palate. Crunchy flavors. Drink or hold.

This is the first release of a still 100% Chardonnay from Langham and comes from the outstanding and sunny 2018 vintage. Made thanks to spontaneous fermentation the wine is unfined and unfiltered. On the nose it has aromas of kiwi and melon, with fresh salinity and wet stone on the palate....(read more)

This has a lovely deep centre of raspberry, cherry and damson and a brisk, crispness that makes it incredibly refreshing. One for pot roast partridge or grouse.

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. Tasted after d'Armailhac, and it's a broader, softer, blunter style, less focus, but more broad charm. Mouthfilling and satisfying, soft purple fruit and a bit of spice: really a very good wine. 2015 saw the creation of a second wine her...(read more)

Quite intense and juicy with some red pimento powder aroma. Lots of breadth and fun even if far from the most concentrated on the palate. Racy.