Highlights? The very unusual 2019 Domaine Comte Abbatucci Cuvée Collection "Ministre Imperial" was a stand out. Totally unique. Otherwise, several excellent wines from Tardieu-Laurent ... this producer is really kicking some goals in the Northern Rhone. Otherwise apart from a couple of decent white Burgundies and a few good Bdx over Xmas it seems I was pretty harsh on my points. Not sure if I have got more demanding or I just had bad luck!
- 2019 Hubert Bouzereau-Gruère et Filles Chassagne-Montrachet - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet (2/24/2022)
Relatively pale yellow. Subtle yet persistent nose, with mixed flavors of tarter citrus and rounder stone fruit. Grows more powerful with air, showing a pleasant minerality as well. Relatively full bodied on the palate but with quite bracing acidity, which makes me think this has a long life ahead. Honestly for a “village” wine at €33 in a random carrefour, this is an impressive little wine and genuinely good value. 93+ points (93 pts.) - 2019 Tissot (Bénédicte et Stéphane / André et Mireille) D.D. - France, Jura, Arbois (2/24/2022)
This is glaringly obviously a natural wine- hazy, with crunchy acidity, and relatively tart fruit flavors. And for full disclosure I am famously not a big fan of such wines but genuinely this is excellent. Wonderful purity on the nose, with an intriguing and hard to pin down melange of red fruit flavors. On the palate the acidity keeps things fresh and although natural this is not in any way faulty. Fans of the style may score higher. Value at €25 is ok, I suspect outside France it sells for more which might make the value more questionable. (90 pts.) - 2017 Agly Brothers Côtes du Roussillon Rouge - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon (2/23/2022)
Just a brief note. Apparently this is the fifth of six bottles I have drunk. Sweetly fruited. In your face but not over ripe. A fun wine, works for me but might be too rich and ripe for some. (87 pts.) - 2018 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (2/22/2022)
I wanted to like this but honestly it does nothing for me. Clean but simple, slightly sour red berry fruit and limited depth or length. Maybe more time will improve it but I don’t know. 85-86pts (86 pts.) - 2020 Lamblin & Fils Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaumes - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru (2/20/2022)
Pale yellow. Quite lean on the nose at first but with more air structured citrus notes emerge as well as a pleasant chalky minerality. Needs air and to not be too cold to show its best. The palate has good acidity but is less lean than the nose might initially make you expect, with some rounded stone fruit flavor to go with the citrus element. Decent value. 91-92pts (91 pts.) - 2019 Tardieu-Laurent Côte-Rôtie - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (2/18/2022)
I had Tardieu-Laurent’s Coronas from the same vintage the other week and boy are these chalk and cheese. Where the Cornas was immediately fragrant and elegant, this is all coiled power, needing a lot of air to come out of its shell. Intensely fruited, with purple berries and spice on the nose, this has a long, plush, well structured palate. Beautifully ripe with the (just) 13.5pc abv keeping everything in balance. A relative bargain at just over €40 with a long life ahead. 94+ pts (94 pts.) - 2020 Georges Dubœuf Saint-Amour - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Saint-Amour (2/17/2022)
Simple but professional made wine, with modest sweet red fruit flavors and quite a simple finish. Not untypical of the grape variety but lacks the definition of better examples even at a similarly modest price point. (85 pts.) - 2017 Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes Blanc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru (2/15/2022)
First bottle from a three pack. Relatively full yellow, on the nose this offers a ripe and quite old school presentation- with notes of ripe apricot, butter/cashew, and almost even some more tropical fruit. Rich, full and structured on the palate. For my palate this is pretty enjoyable now, but despite the slightly over worked structure I do think it has the acidity to age for the mid term at least. 92+ pts (92 pts.) - 2018 Château d'Arcole - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (2/14/2022)
This is a blend of 80/20 Merlot/Cabernet. Quite deep red, on the nose this is classic merlot with gentle mulberry and plum type fruit. Hints of more purple fruit also appear and there is a pleasant lack of any “greenness”. Juicy and medium bodied on the palate, with nice balance and a moderately long finish, closing with gently grippy tannins. For c€23 this is an enormously crowd pleasing claret, for short to mid term drinking. (92 pts.) - 2017 Dirler-Cade Riesling Saering - France, Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru (2/12/2022)
Pale yellow, this remains quite youthful, showing plenty of fairly tart citrus on the nose, as well as a touch of white flowers and just a tiny hint of petrol. Vigorously refreshing and zippy on the palate, with lemon/lime flavors and a slightly candied citrus element (although the wine remains very dry). Pretty impressive overall, and I expect this will develop nicely over the next decade at least. (92 pts.) - 2016 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour Dom de Bila-Haut V.I.T Visitare Interiore Terrae - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour (2/12/2022)
Second bottle of a three pack. The reviews for this seem to describe a glossy, very ripe wine that one might expect from Roussillon, but actually this is in a way more medium bodied with impressive balance. Maybe the five years of age have done the trick. Slightly herbal on the nose, with red berry characters, and an even, medium length palate. There is a bit of confected, stewed fruit on the nose that might give away warm climate Grenache, but otherwise this would be a tricky old thing in a blind. This should hold awhile but I’m not sure if it will really improve. 91-92pts (not sure how RPJ got to 95+) (91 pts.) - 2019 Tardieu-Laurent Cornas - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (2/11/2022)
No formal notes, but this was delightful. Incredibly perfumed nose, with lots of purple flowers and spice. A very elegant, dare one say "feminine" style - definitively Syrah and not Shiraz. 93-94pts. (93 pts.) - 2020 Domaine Jean Royer Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vendanges du Roy Blanc - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (2/11/2022)
A free bottle from a tasting at an Xmas market here in Paris, which resulted in an overly large purchase of wine (hence the freebie). No formal notes, but this was really enjoyable, in a very crystalline, lean style. (92 pts.) - 2018 Tardieu-Laurent Rasteau Vieilles Vignes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Rasteau (2/5/2022)
This is a blend of 70pc Grenache with 20pc Syrah and 10pc Mourvèdre. Deep magenta red, this has a pleasant nose of red berry confection / redskin lollies, spice and just a slight touch of green which somehow adds character even though it feels slightly out of place in what could otherwise be a fairly plush GSM. Slightly sweet fruit on the palate, perhaps a little sweet for some but this has pretty decent balance. Overall, this is enjoyable but maybe a little over priced at c€20. (88 pts.) - 2018 Dominique & Philippe Ivancic Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Terres Turones - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Montlouis-sur-Loire (2/4/2022)
Medium yellow. A little oxidative on the nose. Cut citrus, bruised apple. A little more lively on the palate with some juicy yellow fruit and driving acidity. Not entirely my cup of tea but with air it did grow on me. 86-87pts (86 pts.) - 2020 Domaine Richaud Côtes du Rhône Terre d'Aigles - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (2/3/2022)
Deeply sweet fruited on the nose. Slightly ripe and exhuberant, but not over the top for me. Rich plums, purple flowers, glycerine and gentle sweetness on the palate. A little short, a touch warm maybe… but for the price this is a gorgeous easy drinking, warmer style red. (c€11) (89 pts.) - 2018 Bodegas Alejandro Fernández Ribera del Duero Tinto Pesquera Crianza - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero (2/1/2022)
Deep purple red. On the nose this offers deep plum, malty oak, vanillin, and a more purple fruit character. Feels appealing and generous and this carries through on the palate, which offers bright, sweet red and purple fruits, and closes with fairly relaxed, fuzzy tannins. A lovely fruit driven, medium bodied wine for enjoyment immediately. Pretty good value at c€18. (88 pts.) - 2020 Vignerons de Buxy Montagny 1er Cru Tête de Cuvée - France, Burgundy (2/1/2022)
No formal notes. Pleasant medium bodied Chardonnay, more in the apricot and nectarine spectrum. Decent balance. (87 pts.) - 2019 Gérard Bertrand Minervois-La Livinière Château Laville Bertrou - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Minervois-La Livinière (2/1/2022)
No formal notes. Rich and ripe style, with bold dark fruits, vanillin, spice and a touch of alcohol heat. Being open for several days hardly moves this at all. 86-87 pts (86 pts.) - 2012 Giovanni Chiappini Cabernet Sauvignon Liena Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (1/31/2022)
Aromas of blackcurrant, undergrowth and almost a capsicum like element. May feel too "green" for some but I don't mind it. Seems quite developed, and the tannins which for Tuscan cabernet can often be quite ferocious have fully resolved. Ready to drink now. (91 pts.) - 2014 Château de Suronde Anjou - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Anjou (1/27/2022)
Quite rich on the nose. Apricot, cumquat, honey. A touch of citrus as well. On the palate this is much fresher, with good acidity, but with good weight as well. Pretty decent. 86-87pts. (87 pts.) - 2020 Domaine Bernard Fleuriet et Fils Menetou-Salon La Vigne au Paul - France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Menetou-Salon (1/24/2022)
No formal notes, but this was a very fresh, drinkable and balanced Sauvignon blanc. Decent value. (87 pts.) - NV Michel Genet Champagne Grand Cru MG BB Brut Nature - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (1/21/2022)
Very lively mousse on opening. On the nose this has an arresting personality. Citrus, lemon flowers, a certain muscular quality. Well built with refreshing acidity on the palate. Genuinely interesting fizz and great value at c€30. 91-92 pts. (91 pts.) - 2018 Aphros Vinho Verde Melissae Espadanal - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde (1/21/2022)
Straight Loureiro, made with minimal intervention and kept for 3M on its lees and then aged in concrete eggs. Quite low abv of 11%. Full yellow colour. Lifted nose of citrus, white flowers, straw, wax and just a hint of light honey. Sharply angular on the palate with pronounced acidity. Apparently this wine is a "tribute to the bees" in the vineyard (according to the label)... OK then, but leaving that aside I genuinely like this. Easy to drink as a quality aperitif or would go very well with seafood dishes. I have a feeling this could develop real interest with time given the acid and low ABV but frankly who knows. 89+ pts. (89 pts.) - 2020 Domaine Des Chambris Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits (1/20/2022)
Quite clear, ruby red. Appealing nose, with plenty of crushed red berries, musk, spice and a certain sappy character. I almost pick up a bruised apple note which would be a very odd note on a Pinot. Juicy, brambly and just slightly sour red fruits on the palate. This is pleasant and has a dose of real character which some will love and others might not enjoy so much. Decent value at €16 (down from €20). 86-87pts. (87 pts.) - 2016 Les Tours De Belcier - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (1/17/2022)
Deep ruby red. Youthful and vibrant nose of deep plum and mulberry- really quite pure. The same carries through on the palate, finishing with good length and gently grippy tannins. This is just so drinkable, one of those bottles of Bordeaux that just disappears. Excellent value at c€25. Not a producer I know but based on this I would be very interested to try their top wine. 90-91pts (90 pts.) - 2017 Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru (1/16/2022)
Pale yellow. Initially this smells quite lean, with fairly sharp citrus and some mineral elements. With air it gathers a bit more weight, especially on the palate. Ripe stone fruit, a touch of grapefruit, butter, and melon characters appear. In the mouth this has moderate intensity and it finishes moderately long. In short, a pretty good wine but perhaps not hitting the heights that the 1er cru designation (and the fairly hefty price tag) might aspire to. (91 pts.) - 2004 Château de Suronde Anjou - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Anjou (1/14/2022)
Deep yellow, almost heading to gold. Quite a bit of oxidation at first but with air this freshens up. Ripe stone fruit, faint citrus, lanolin, and a touch of honey. Mellow and round on the palate, but still with a lick of cleansing acidity. Interesting wine, but certainly time to drink up. (87 pts.) - 2016 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (1/5/2022)
Bright clear red. Appealing nose of crunchy red berries and spice- let's say raspberry with a touch of cherry and some nutmeg. Pleasant balance, with quite good acidity. Feels fresh but not overly complex. Very enjoyable, with nothing out of place. Reasonable value. 87-88pts. (87 pts.) - 2013 Château Léoville Barton - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (1/3/2022)
Purchased in Bordeaux over the summer and drunk for Xmas 2021. No formal notes. Had this straight after the 2013 Langoa Barton and the similarities were striking, but this had a degree more purity and deeper cassis fruit. Still quite youthful. A touch of mahogandy and cedar as well. Excellent wine. Scored at 94pts in the moment (the magic of Xmas), objectively probably about 91-92pts. (92 pts.) - 2013 Château Langoa Barton - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (1/3/2022)
Purchased in Bordeaux in the summer and drunk for Xmas 2021. No formal notes. Mid red. On opening there is cassis, graphite. Quite fresh, and with air it settles and more secondary / green characters emerge. Pleasant, attractive Bordeaux, ready to drink now. (90 pts.) - 2020 Pequenos Rebentos Vinho Verde - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde (1/3/2022)
Very fresh and clean. Mouth puckering acidity. Aromas of citrus, white flowers, musk. Exotic fruit as well. Genuinely just a delicious, crisp white wine and for c€7.50 the value here is exceptional. (90 pts.) - 2017 La Chapelle de Potensac - France, Bordeaux, Médoc (1/3/2022)
72% Merlot, 21% Cabernet-sauvignon, 7% Cabernet-franc. Mid red. Lifted, fragrant red berries. Gentle spice. Fruit forward but moderately elegant Claret, with a good line of acidity. Not overly complex but it offers solid drinking pleasure now or for several years. (88 pts.) - 2012 Château Branaire-Ducru - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (12/30/2021)
Restaurant purchase at Le Georges in Chartres (highly recommended). Still deep red and quite youthful on the nose. Dense blackcurrant, a touch of cedary oak, some liqourice. Fresh and fleshy on the palate. Overall, stately and composed, excellent drinking. (91 pts.) - 2013 Lacoste Borie - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (12/29/2021)
Second day in Chartres and this time a bottle shop I recommend less (Cave St Lubin). Selection is prima facie interesting, if limited, but pricing is erratic and service seems likewise. This was approaching €40 (€39.90) which was in retrospect wildly optimistic. It’s a perfectly lovely middle aged Bdx. Mild red berries, a touch of green. Medium length, even finish. And then a bitter taste of being fleeced. Caveat emptor indeed. (87 pts.) - 2014 Château Lafon-Rochet - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe (12/28/2021)
Picked up from a nice little shop in Chartres (Cave du Marché) while on a weekend away and P’n’poured. Still deep red, this is quite intense and primary initially on the nose. Even with air, dense blackcurrant/liqueur fruit and a touch of vanilla/cedar oak dominates. Not a lot of development. The palate is less immediately impressive than the nose. Nothing objectionable, just lacking an x-factor. Overall, very pleasurable drinking and good value. Will it improve? If I had a case I’d open one now and see how it matched my taste, but it should evolve more for some time and hold for at least a decade. 90+ pts. (90 pts.) - 2020 Santo Wines Assyrtiko Santorini - Greece, Aegean, Cyclades, Santorini (12/27/2021)
Yellow/green. On opening this is a shade tart with typical high acidity, but it settles with air to become more revealing, with ripe citrus, lemon curd, a touch of saline. Very zippy on the palate, extremely fresh and clean. I could picture this disappearing quickly beachside in the summer with a plate of fried seafood. (87 pts.) - 2018 Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Vinzelles - France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Vinzelles (12/25/2021)
No formal notes, but this was very enjoyable. Fresh citrus driven nose. Lively acidity but well balanced. Decent value around c€20. (89 pts.) - 2020 Domaine de la Rochette Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Montagne de Cra - France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine (12/23/2021)
Mid yellow. Appealing nose of nectarine, peach and gentle citrus. Round but not “creamy”. Quite zippy on the palate but with well developed ripe stone fruit character. Nice balance. Super easy to drink. Impressive value for c€16 and from a fairly unheralded AOC. 89-90pts (89 pts.) - 2018 Château de Cabidos Petit Manseng Sec Cuvée Gaston Phoebus - France, Southwest France, Vin de Pays Pyrénees-Atlantiques (12/21/2021)
Intriguing and unusual- that is my first impression. Not a grape I drink terribly often, this is also not “dry” per se, despite the label. Off dry would be more apt, the sweetness offset by almost seating acidity. On the nose there is a melange of exotic fruit- pineapple, mango, ripe stone fruit. You could almost convince me there was some botrytis here. At this stage I find the acid off putting but maybe a year or two more and this would settle down? Or pick a good food match, not quite sure what! (86 pts.) - 2017 Bodegas Protos Ribera del Duero Protos 27 - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero (12/20/2021)
Deep red. Intense and fresh on the nose with a melange of dark plums, blackberry compote, toasty French oak and vanillin. Mouth filling and rich without being at all over powering or heavy. Smooth and even mouth feel with a persistent, fruit driven finish. Quite grippy tannins to close. This is my kind of Ribera deal Duero. Very drinkable now but I expect more interest to develop over 10+ years. Maybe a shade lighter on its feet than the 2016? 92+ pts (92 pts.) - 2017 Clos de los Siete - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco (12/20/2021)
Last bottle of a six pack. Deep red. Juicy red berries on the nose. Pleasant albeit fairly simple on the palate, with juicy fruit and a slightly brambly, gently sour finish. Pretty drinkable but a little disappointing. Ok value around €12-13. (86 pts.) - 2021 Jean Loron Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau (12/20/2021)
Not sure if this is an identical wine- the one I have is labeled “Beaujolais Tradition, Tirage de Primeur”. Gentle, sweet purple fruit. Reasonable acid. Quite fine albeit simple in the typical form of the style. (85 pts.) - 2020 Domaine Millet Petit Chablis La Perle de Millet - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Petit Chablis (12/19/2021)
Pale yellow/green. Pleasantly fresh and crisp, with bright citrus notes and a touch of minerality. Quite tart acidity on the palate. A little austere on its own, probably better with a good food match. (87 pts.) - 2019 Domaine Comte Abbatucci Cuvée Collection "Ministre Imperial" - France, Corsica (12/14/2021)
This is a small production (6,000 bottles) based on local grape varieties (Sciaccarello, Nielluccio, Morescola, Morescono, Montanaccia, Carcajolo Nero, Aléatico). It apparently sees 12 months in relatively large oak. The colour is deep, clear mid red. The nose is beguiling albeit not easy to immediately characterise. I am reminded most of the wines of Etna. There is Pinot-like red fruit and cherry, but this is clearly different to Pinot, and there are pleasant mineral and spice notes on the nose as well. The palate opens with really sappy, red berries. Quite a viscous mouth feel, with pleasant fresh acidity and moderately grippy tannin to close. Long finish, with an almost savoury, very gently herbal note on the back palate. I looked at this over several days without any deterioration, suggesting good potential to age, but I have no idea how this might develop. Not a cheap wine, and at c.EU60 one can always question the value proposition, but for any wine lover this holds real interest to try. (94 pts.) - 2016 La Cave de la Reine Jeanne Arbois Grain de Pierre - France, Jura, Arbois (12/14/2021)
Pretty typical, well made Jura chardonnay with a modestly oxidative/bottle aged component but still good freshness. Decent value for around EU13. (87 pts.) - 2017 Château de Sabazan Saint-Mont - France, Southwest France, Gascony, Saint-Mont (12/14/2021)
This is a ripe, robust wine. Quite rustic in a way, with gobs of borderline over ripe dark fruits (plum bordering on prune), port-like characters, and just a touch of greenery. The alcohol that remains at 14.5pc keeps this in balance, as long as you are a fan of the style. 86-87pts. (87 pts.) - 2020 Domaine des Pothiers Côte Roannaise La Chapelle - France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Côte Roannaise (12/10/2021)
Sweet, lifted red berries. A touch of plum. Nice depth and definition but still not overly complex. Crunchy acidity makes this pretty good with food, but the short finish makes the c€20 price “aspirational” in my view (it may be cheaper elsewhere). (88 pts.) - 2017 Château de Messey Mâcon-Chardonnay Les Crêts - France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Chardonnay (12/10/2021)
Medium to full yellow. This is a ripe, “old fashioned” Chardonnay with plenty of apricot and melon character and quite a full bodied palate. Still it has pretty nice balance, with some fresher mineral and citrus elements as well. Enjoyable and pretty good value. (87 pts.) - 2020 Nenufar Real Sociedade Agrícola Vinho Verde Quinta de Santiago na Ânfora do Rocim - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde (12/8/2021)
Pale yellow/green. My first impression is dominated by the searing acidity. Feels built for the long haul. Looking at this over several days it hardly budges. High toned citrus and a certain grassy element on the nose. Fresh lemon on the palate, followed by a mouth puckering wave of acidity. Overall, I’m not quite sure- with enough time this might score anything between 86 or 96, but at the moment it cries out for a good food match. On today’s form, the value is pretty questionable. If it fulfills the potential, maybe less so. (92 pts.) - 2019 La Cave des Vignerons de Gigondas Gigondas Goumarre, Domaine de - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas (12/5/2021)
This is a blend of 75pc Grenache, with 10pc Syrah, 10pc Mourvèdre, and 5pc Cinsault. Deep, medium red. Immediately appealing on the nose, with raspberry, cherries, wine gums, and vanilla. Fresh and vibrant on the palate, with good acidity and gently grippy tannins. Delicious and pretty decent QPR. (91 pts.) - 2015 Château Gazin Rocquencourt Blanc - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan (12/4/2021)
Found on a supermarket shelf (in a good supermarket, but still, one has to question how many years it sat there), but this doesn't disappoint. The colour is still very light yellow. Quite fresh on the nose, with driving citrus notes, some oily complexity, and a just a touch of toasty complexity. On the palate the slightly oily sensation continues, in an attractive way. Nicely weighted. Very good without quite reaching greatness. Drinks well now, although it seems in no way likely to fall over anytime soon. 89-90pts. (89 pts.) - 2018 Domaine de Montgilet (Victor et Vincent Lebreton) Anjou Rouge - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Anjou (12/2/2021)
Mid red. Crunchy red berries on the nose. Seems appealing but this is let down by the palate which is just a bit dilute and lacks real appeal. Disappointing. (85 pts.) - 2018 Louis Jadot Mercurey 1er Cru Grand Clos Fortoul - France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Mercurey 1er Cru (11/28/2021)
Just some brief impressions. Spicy red cherry aromas. Quite a pretty wine. Nice structure. Decent value. (91 pts.) - 2019 La Contrada di Sorano Langhe Nebbiolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (11/22/2021)
This is quite a pretty wine, and remarkably drinkable. Red cherry fruit, light floral notes, and quite juicy on the palate. Moderate tannins provide structure at the close. In short a delicious Langhe to enjoy while your more serious Nebbiolo matures. 89-90pts. (89 pts.) - 2019 Le Mas de l'Ecriture Coteaux du Languedoc l'Emotion Occitane - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc (11/21/2021)
Rich and vibrant red fruits. Nice density without being over the top. Enjoyable if maybe a touch over priced. (90 pts.) - 2019 Pago de los Capellanes Ribera del Duero Joven Roble - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero (11/17/2021)
This is a perfect easy drinking young Ribera and great value at c€13. Deep purple red, it bursts with red to dark plummy tempranillo fruit, in an easy cut style with just a touch of purple lolly. Lush, sweet and gently fruited on the palate. Yes it falls a bit short and lacks structure, but at the level and price that is a) expected and b) not undesirable. (87 pts.) - 2018 Jean Gamet Beaujolais Moulin a Vent - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais (11/17/2021)
Deep red. A little spicy and slightly sour at first but with air this gathers warmth and presents as pretty typical, well made Gamay. Decent value but I think you can do better even at this price point. (86 pts.) - 2017 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (11/16/2021)
Just brief notes. Mid red. Seems pretty classical Sangiovese- medium bodied red fruits, light sour cherry, modestly pronounced tannins and acidity on the palate. Seems quite good but a bit anodyne. Maybe needs a couple more years to show better? (89 pts.) - 2015 Domaine Mur-Mur-Ium Ventoux Roussanne - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Ventoux (11/16/2021)
Moderately deep yellow, but still quite fresh. Attractive citrus and floral notes. Decent acid balance. Good value for <€9. (86 pts.) - 2020 Domaine du Breuil Saint-Amour - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Saint-Amour (11/16/2021)
No formal notes, but this is a soft, fleshy red with warm but not hot red to purple fruits and nice definition on the palate. 86-87pts, and good value. (86 pts.) - 2019 François Villard St. Joseph Fruit d'Avilleran - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (11/14/2021)
Mid yellow. Abundant honeysuckle and citrus aromas. Quite rich but not at all flabby on the palate. Top quality Marsanne, and decent value around €20. (92 pts.) - 2008 La Dame De Onze Heures - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (11/14/2021)
Still quite deep ruby colored. On the nose there is plum, mulberry and sweet red fruit. Still quite youthful. Just an attractive hint of undergrowth and more secondary development. Quite dense and chewy on the palate. My kind of wine. 91-92pts. (91 pts.) - 2019 M. Marengo Barbera d'Alba Pugnane - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (11/14/2021)
Slightly sour red fruit. The balance just feels a bit off on this one, and I am normally a big fan of this producer. No obvious fault but maybe not a representative bottle? (86 pts.) - NV Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut Sous Bois - France, Champagne (11/9/2021)
No formal notes but this is definitely in my wheel house when it comes to champagne. (92 pts.) - 2017 Château Ferrande Blanc - France, Bordeaux, Graves (11/9/2021)
Fully yellow but quite fresh for 2017. Perfectly enjoyable as an easy drinking white but not particularly memorable in any way. (86 pts.) - 2020 Pierre Vidal Côtes du Rhône Villages Suze-la-Rousse Grande Réserve - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Suze-la-Rousse (11/9/2021)
As is typical there seems to be a few different editions of this, but this is labeled Le Jas Suze-La-Rousse from Pierre Vidal (label in picture).
Just a cheap CDR Villages from Nicolas but worth a note. Bright purple red. Sweet plum, raspberry and mulberry fruit on the nose. Very smooth, sweet fruited palate. Super easy drinking. A great value mid week wine. (86 pts.) - 2018 Hubert Bouzereau-Gruère et Filles Meursault Le Limozin - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault (11/7/2021)
Mid yellow. Pleasant complexity on the nose, with stone fruit, creamy French oak, and fresher citrus notes. Quite full bodied in the mouth, finishing long and persistent. Maybe a little over priced but still very enjoyable. (92 pts.) - 2019 Château de Villemajou Corbières-Boutenac Grand Vin - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Corbières-Boutenac (11/7/2021)
Slightly corked so no formal notes. Underlying that this seemed moderately interesting with sweet/sour red fruit flavors. NR (flawed) - 2019 Colombo et fille Cornas - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (11/3/2021)
Deep, purple red. Deep and fragrant on the nose, with ripe plum, purple flowers, licorice and crushed red berries. On the palate this is quite restrained, with gentle red fruit notes and quite crunchy acidity. It is the length of the finish and the balance that elevate this. Enjoyable now, I suspect better in 2-3yrs and this should drink well for at least 5-7yrs. (92 pts.) - 2019 Bodegas Habla Vino de la Tierra Extremadura Habla del Silencio... - Spain, Extremadura, Vino de la Tierra Extremadura (11/3/2021)
Typical and true to the normal house style, with plenty of sweet plum/dark fruit but in good balance. Lovely bistro / mid week style of easy drinking red. (87 pts.) - 2019 Domaine du Deffends Côteaux Varois Clos du Bécassier - France, Provence, Côteaux Varois (11/2/2021)
This is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. Mid red in color, this shows black cherry, dried fruit and a lavender like floral note on the nose. In the mouth there is cherry like fruit and surprisingly grippy tannins. An enjoyable style, and looks to be good value too. (88 pts.)