Dominique Piron Beaujolais Brouilly
Brouilly is the largest and furthest south of the Beaujolais crus. It has a good south eastern exposure, at the bottom of the Saône Valley at an altitude of 200 to 300 metres. The subsoil consists of granite debris and blue-tinged schist. This also ranked the full 5 stars in my abbreviated-for-iPad rating system! Immediately exuberant, with a diverse array of floral notes, theres also some white pepper and crushed cherry notes. Gamay varietal by Dominique Piron.
Famille Perrin Reserve Côtes du Rhône
Classic Côtes du Rhône from Famille Perrin: Fruity and fleshy with beautiful tannins. This wine is a blend of Grenache (mainly from our Prýbois vineyard in Orange), Syrah from further north (from our vineyard in Vinsobres) and Mourvýdre. Produced by the Perrin family, using the same viticultural and wine-making techniques used at Chýteau de Beaucastel.
Domaine du Gros' Noré Bandol Rouge
Although Bandol produces the most serious red wines in Provence, it still isn't a particularly well known appellation, and chances are most people haven't even heard of Bandol. This intriguing wine is a blend of Mourvèdre (80%) and a dash of Cinsault (15%) and old vine Carignan (5%).
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau
For this Grenache blend, grapes are hand-picked, with double sorting at the vine, followed by a third sorting at the winery. Gentle crushing and selective destemming, followed by 25-40 days' traditional fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel and wooden vats. Pneumatic pressing, then systematic malolactic fermentation. A classic red Châteauneuf-du-Pape by Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, very fine and elegant. The best vintages will age for 25 years and more.
Château Ducluzeau Bordeaux
Chateau Ducluzeau is owned by Bruno Borie, owner of the iconic Second Growth Ducru Beaucaillou in St Julien. The 10ha vineyard in Listrac being planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest percentage of Merlot in the entire appellation). Classic Bordeaux through and through - with beautiful notes of liquorice, rose, plum and blackberry.
Le Pin
One of the most expensive Bordeaux wines - and indeed, one of the priciest anywhere - Le Pin is a surprisingly recent arrival on the global stage, with its first vintage having been produced just decades ago in 1979. Originally priced at a modest 700 francs, the praise garnered by the 1982 vintage propelled Le Pin into the global limelight, with sales from that point on par with - or exceeding - those of First Growth Bordeaux wines. An exotic style of Bordeaux, Le Pin possesses a resplendent, lavish mouth-feel with intensely ripe fruit aromas and hints of smoke on the palate.
Georges Duboeuf Chiroubles
It is the freshest of the Beaujolais Crus and the Parisian's favourite. Fresh and fruity, light and supple, it has a pleasant aroma of violets. The true wine-lovers drink it young when the Gamay still possesses its entire aroma.
Ch Montlabert Saint Emilion
Crimson in colour with a delicate shimmer. Powerful nose with subtle scents of high grade wood and baking spices, with an attractively fresh note of menthol. Rich and balanced on the palate. A well-managed aging process adds an appealing earthiness, with flavours of wild berries and mahogany. Long and elegant on the finish with molten tannins and the freshness so characteristic of this great wine
Les Mesclances Romane Rosé
An outstanding Cotes de Provence, very elegant, structured and aromatic - the best companion for warm summer nights. On the nose, it smells of fruit, English sweets and redcurrants. On the palate it is fresh and subtle. Overall, it is a structured and aromatic wine best enjoyed as an apertif due to its freshness.
Les Mesclances Charmes Rosé
Located in Provence, one of Frances oldest wine producing regions, Château Les Mesclances is a winery with deep family history dating back to the Roman times. With the knowledge acquired through generations of wine making and the perfect climate offered by the Provence region, the producers use direct pressing through a mechanical membrane wine press. To make sure to get the best of the grapes fermentation temperature is strictly controlled. All their wines are Organic Conversion and Sustainable Certified.Les Mesclances Charmes, is a delightful and elegant pink salmon coloured rose. On the nose, it has scents of red fruits. On the palate it is light, slightly crisp. It is best enjoyed grilled meat, poultry, salads and great company.