The Le C De Calon Segur 2020 from Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France is a true representation of the terroir and expertise of this renowned estate. With a deep ruby hue, this wine exudes elegance and complexity from the moment it is poured. On the nose, aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry mingle with hints of cedar, tobacco, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with silky tannins and a long, lingering finish. Flavors of ripe plum, cassis, and black pepper are complemented by notes of toasted oak and a subtle minerality. This vintage showcases the potential for this wine to age gracefully, but can also be enjoyed now with decanting. A must-try for any lover of Bordeaux wines.

The estate was started in 1955. Patrick and Christophe Bonnefond now control 65 acres in northern Rhone of which 18 acres is in Cote Rotie. Colline du Couzou comes from an assemblage of plots in the north and south of the Cote Rotie appellation. The fruit is 80% dedstemmed and consists of 95% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. The wine is aged in small barrels for 18 months.

This tiny vineyard is one of Australia’s most southerly located in the Huon valley in southern Tasmania. So to the name, where does that come from? There was a handwritten sign on the wall at the Red Velvet Lounge in Cygnet, our local coffee and cake respite from the Tasmanian weather. It said, “Sailor Seeks Horse” and went on to explain that the author had sailed solo around the world and ridden across the US from coast to coast and back again…on a mule. He’d then decided he wanted to travel around Tasmania by horse but didn’t have one. So, was there anyone who would lend him one? If they didn’t have a horse then a pony would do. It was an idea that resonated with us. Here we were, trying to do something a little bit crazy, without much money and requiring a little bit of help to get to where we wanted to be. Paul and Gilli Lipscombe own the vineyard and make the wines and both have considerable vineyard and winemaking experience behind them including winning the Jimmy Watson trophy for Home Hill where they have been the winemakers in recent years. From working together in the Languedoc to New Zealand, Oregon and Margaret River they spent a lot of time researching and considering the best possible vineyard site with the aim to produce Australia’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay finally settling on this ideal north facing vineyard which is sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds. Best described as a warm site within a cool climate, the soil is free-draining quartz inflected mudstone soil over clay. The vineyard is planted to a large variety of Dijon clones as well as numerous other clones planted by the previous owners and all vineyard work is done as organically as possible. In 2019 a new planting including some Trousseau has been made on the steep north-west facing slope beside the main vineyard block. Even though the 2022 season fell into another La Nina event, there was good rainfall early on and then, as seems normal these days, the tap was turned off in the new year. A fairly pleasant, dry, if not particularly sunny summer with a return to more typical yields compared to 20/21/23. After the previous two years the were able to use more fermenters in the winery with the fruit tasting great and the end of the season finishing off ripening nicely. As the wines developed in barrel some blends were tasted and discovered a combination of the three low-yielding Dijon clones (115, 114 and 777) resulted in a higher-toned, more spice-driven wine with a slightly denser palate weight than the normal Pinot. So they decided to bottle it separately.

The village of Monthelie lies between Meursault and Volnay, and shares many similar characteristics with them. This is another enchanting Chardonnay from PCYM - filled with floral and lemony aromas, apples and a hit of nuttiness too. The bright acidity keeps it fresh and lively, yet walks the line of balance with effortless ease.

Le Saint Estephe De Calon La Chapelle 375ml 1994 is a captivating red wine hailing from the picturesque region of Bordeaux, France. Crafted by the esteemed Château Calon-Ségur, this vintage of 1994 exudes elegance and complexity. On the nose, rich and intense aromas of dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, intertwine with delicate notes of leather, tobacco, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is velvety and full-bodied, with a beautiful balance between tannins and acidity. Layers of blackcurrant, vanilla, and a hint of spice dance on the tongue, leading to a long and satisfying finish. The deep ruby hue of this wine is a feast for the eyes and a testament to its age. Aged to perfection, this wine is a true testament to the mastery of Bordeaux winemaking. Enjoy now or cellar for a few more years to experience its full potential. Overall, Le Saint Estephe De Calon La Chapelle 375ml 1994 is a must-try for any wine enthusiast looking for a classic Bordeaux experience.