Mordoree Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois is made from Grenache 75 %, Mourvèdre 10%, Syrah 10 % , Counoise 3% & Vaccarese 2%.
This premium cuvee - whose name means "Queen of the Woods" - is from 65-year-old vines, planted on Villafranchian-era terrasses. Yield is 30 hl/ha.
Deep ruby red; opaque. Aromas of red fruits change to wooden touches of leather, black truffles and coffee. Fat, concentrated and full flavored with a very long liquoriced and fruity finish.
Pairs with red meats, sauce dishes, game animals (woodcock, wild boar) and semi mature cheeses.
Review:
"The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Reine Des Bois is a bigger, richer, more structured wine, which is normal. A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, and the rest equal parts Syrah and Vaccarese, its deeper ruby/purple hue is followed by a brilliant perfume of blackberries, black raspberries, ground pepper, violets, and new saddle leather. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with building tannins and great overall balance, it's another wine that shows the style of the vintage brilliantly. It has plenty of up-front charm, but this beauty will evolve nicely for 15-20 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (November 2022), 96 pts
Chavy-Chouet Premier Cru Meursault Les Charmes is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
This fine and sensual wine, with hints of blossom and roasted hazelnut, has a concentration that makes it discreet in its youth but powerful over time.
Located right next to Puligny-Montrachet, the plot of Les Charmes was planted in 1943 on a sandy clay-limestone soil that produces small, concentrated berries for an intense wine that is perfect for ageing.
Arzuaga Gran Arzuaga Ribera del Duero is made from 92% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Gran Arzuaga is a special cuvee coming from the selection of vineyards on the two banks of the Duero River. Tempranillo is planted in the Olivares de Duero area and Cabernet Sauvignon in La Planta estate that rich in limestone soils. Both areas bring richness and typical characters to the wine.
Tasting notes:
The wine has a bright cherry red color with violet rims. On the nose, it shows great aromatic complexity. In the first place, the primary aromas of red fruits such as blackberry predominate, herbaceous and floral touches that give way to tertiary aromas where balsamic and spicy aromas stand out. On the palate the wine is creamy and silky, with a fresh entry that quickly becomes meaty and unctuous as it goes through the mouth.
Perfect with Roast Lamb, Meat Stews, and even dark Chocolate.
Review:
"This wine's aromas of black cherry, caramel and violet pave the way for dark berry, clove, menthol, orange zest and rose-petal flavors. Polished tannins and a nice sense of brightness fill the mouth and recede into a finish marked with chocolate and orange zest. Drink through 2043. - Mike DeSimone"
- Wine Enthusiast (July 1st 2023), 97 pts & Cellar Selection
A seductive, premium Chardonnay fragrance indulges connoisseurs. The aroma is concentrated and rich, yet at the same time superbly delicate and elegant. Profound terroir aromas combine with noble fruit. A gentle entry with expressive freshness on the palate, followed by an impressive aromatic buildup. It's a sensual interplay between fruit, spice, and minerality, carried by a powerful, refined acidity. This is a Chardonnay at its best, with an eternal finish – magnificent!
Bodegas Alto Moncayo Aquilon Garnacha is made from 100% Garnacha.
The wines of Alto Moncayo are crafted to express the unique terroir of windswept high elevation Campo de Borja DO; and to serve as a benchmark for world class Old Vine Garnacha.
Aquilón is "The jewel in the Crown" a selection of the best barrels from the best lots. The vines are 60-100 years old.
Review:
This garnet-colored wine offers aromas of black currant, black raspberry and black licorice, with just a touch of charcuterie. The fruit flavors shine through with subtle notes of crushed violet. It has soft tannic structure, with a pleasant bit of grippiness in the post palate as it leads up to the long, long, finish.
-Wine Enthusiast 95 Points
About the Vineyard
Vineyards in Tabuenca and Borja, planted with indegenous clones of Garnacha starting in the 1920s.
Wine Production
The selected highest quality grapes are placed into small stainless-steel tanks of 7 tons capacity. The must is basket pressed and fermentation is finished in new French and American oak where it complets the malolactic fermentation. Wine is aged in the barrels for 24 months before bottling.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Very deep red, scarlet rim
Aroma: Minerals and vanilla. Hints of raisins and dark Chocolate
Palate: As typical of the vintage, power and intensity with disarming elegance.
Food Pairing:
Goes well with beef, pork, game based stews and rice dishes.
Falletto di Bruno Giacosa Barolo is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo
The 2018 vintage was well received after the turbulent 2017 growing year. A longer winter heralded in heavy rains in May and June, which gave the vines much needed water after the previous year's drought. Throughout the summer, conditions were generally ideal with warm days and cool nights, making harvest an overall success. Early samples of Barbaresco and Barolo are indicating a soft, balanced vintage.
Red garnet in color. Intense and fine aromas of fresh red fruit. The palate presents good freshness, excellent structure and fine, velvety tannins.
Review:
The 2018 Bruno Giacosa Barolo is very rich and hedonistic, with ripe strawberries and rose hip and notes of incense, lilies and violets. It is a lovely nose, persistent, intense and enticing and on the palate it is like falling into a soft velvety bed of rose petals. It already has such beautiful harmony and poise. It has a lush, sensual texture of crushed velvet, and is full-bodied without feeling heavy. There are plenty of dense, savory tannins extending the very long finish, creating a combination of seductive charm and power. This is something special, a great achievement in this vintage. Wait 2-3 years at least but I would not want to miss that young fragrance. (SH)
-Wine Independent 98 Points
Belle Glos Balade Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Tasting Notes
he word "Balade", French for "Wandering," is a fitting term for Belle Glos' annual exploration of single-vineyard pinot noir tracts on the west coast. As such, each vintage is very limited.
This Pinot Noir opens with aromas of blackberry, cherry, and delicate floral notes mingling with hints of cedar and baking spice. On the palate, you’ll experience layers of dark plum, juicy black raspberry, and subtle undertones of cocoa and vanilla, all wrapped in a plush, silky texture. Soft tannins and a balanced acidity contribute to a smooth, lingering finish, making it a perfect match for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or simply as a luxurious glass to enjoy on its own.
Review:
This appellation is an ideal place to produce this brand's bold style of Pinot Noir, as elegance persists with power. In this bottling, aromas of black plum, blackberry and mahogany lead into a rich, creamy palate layered in wild mint, pepper and dark fruit. A searing acidity leads into a candied vanilla finish.
— Matt Kettmann Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points
Palacio del Burgo Rioja Reserva is made from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha & 5% Carignan.
Red ruby color; black pepper and vanilla flavors and some mature black fruit taste too. Well-balanced, well-structured and elegant in mouth displaying some splendid taste of fruit and bouquet too.