Aligote is a white grape that is used to produce white wine varietals. These are often used to produce white wine blends in Burgundy called Cremant de Bourgogne. The region uses nearly 15% of Chardonnay grapes to blend with Aligote to create blended white wines. Because Aligote adds acidity, it is often blended with Sacy. In Burgundy Aligote is often planted in the poorer vineyards at the bottom and the tops of the vineyard sites because land is often lost to other prestigious grapes in Burgundy. Aligote can tolerate the cold and ripens quite early. The wines that are produced using Aligote grapes can be consumed quite young and are very high in acidity. The aroma of wines made with Aligote grapes feature elements of lemons and apples. In the village of Bouzeron the best examples of Aligote are grown and represent the best examples in the entire region. Aligote is the second most popular grape variety in Burgundy with Chardonnay at the top of the list. The vines used to be blended with Chardonnay, but have since been separated. Aligote is found in the Rhone Valley and in the Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence as well as parts of Eastern Europe.
Full, well-balanced, mineral, with a hint of flint aromas. Lemon and lime flavors.
The parcels are located in Puligny Montrachet and Pommard.
M by Michael Mondavi Red Blend is made from 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, Only 16 barrels produced.
M starts with Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted to Cabernet Clone 4 on 110R rootstock, which produces structured fruit with ample tannins and acid to balance the concentrated dark fruit flavors. In order to perfect his process, Rob Mondavi, Jr. consulted with viticulturist Danny Schuster to help unlock the secrets of his family’s Animo Vineyard. Rob and Danny harness an organic natural approach to the vineyard that exemplifies the beautifully, unique attributes of this site.
Linear and precise, the 2016 M by Michael Mondavi opens with expressive aromas of quince, plum, juniper, cassis, blackberry & dark roasted coffee beans. With time and swirls of air, notes of dried rose petals, coriander, cinnamon and clove develop. This wine enters the palate with subtle tannins at first, and soon broadens into a silky expanse of vanilla bean, cocoa, roasted dates, black cherry, and orange blossom tea. The evolution of flavors continues with candied figs, bramble-berry, and cocoa covered strawberries. Enticing and enjoyable now, additional cellaring will surely allow further detail and refinement to develop. Blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
Review:
Linear and precise, the 2016 M by Michael Mondavi opens with expressive aromas of strawberry, plum, juniper, cassis, blackberry & dark roasted coffee beans. With time and swirls of air, notes of dried rose petals, coriander, cinnamon and clove develop.
96 Points - James Suckling
Thorn Clarke William Randell Cabernet is made from 100 percent Cabernet
The William Randell range of wines were created in honor of the family ancestor - the esteemed pioneer William Richard Randell (1824 - 1911). The wines are sourced solely from grapes grown on the family estate vineyards. Wines in this range are only made in exceptional vintages.
The deep red color with purple hues of this wine draw you in. The nose is brimming with notes of fresh blackcurrant intertwined with complexing savory spice. The palate has an integrated French oak influence with notes of toasty cedar accompanied by further notes of briary fruits. A wine with great depth and drive.