Le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras 2012
Le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras has long been a favorite of mine. The 2012, however, is admittedly too young (a condition complicated by my lack of a wine cellar where I’m currently staying). On the upside, delicate floral notes of lilac and violets lend a softening note to an otherwise masculine wine. There are, too […]
Clos Cazals Champagne Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut 2002
From the sublime 2002 vintage, the Clos Cazals Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut is fabulous. Suffuse, enveloping notes of apple tartin, toasted hazelnuts, molasses, and creme sherry allude to a wine of serious character. And indeed, it’s taught as a drawn bow, with the sort of tension that is only eased in a […]
Tinto Pesquera Ribera del Duero Crianza 2012
Older vintages of Pesquera can be particularly lovely, as such this toothsome 2012 Crianza is drinking well now, but will certainly reward patience. Brimming over with lots of complexity and lots to love given its price, with dark fruit notes of roasted black cherries, singed earth, dried violets, black licorice, alfalfa hay and dark chocolate. […]
Renardat-Fache Alain Bugey Cerdon Fache Rosé Sparkling 2013
My first wine from the Savoie region of France, the 2013 Renardat-Fâche Wine of the Bugey Cerdon Sparkling Rosé is a charming semi-dry, with perky bubbles and lilting, expressive notes of red raspberries and juicy Balaton cherries cradled in a bouquet of heirloom roses . It’s the color of pint taffeta, that’s exactly shade found […]
Laurent Roumier Chambolle-Musigny 2010
The 2010 Laurent Roumier Chambolle-Musigny is perhaps just entering its drinking window, though it is important to note that this is a half bottle. The aromatics are intriguing, and firstly floral. Lilacs and apple blossom give way to seedy raspberries, plum and damp tilth. Perhaps what is most striking are the camphor and mint notes […]
La Rioja Alta Rioja Blanco Viña Ardanza Reserva 2005
La Rioja Alta is but a stone’s throw from my other favorite Rioja producer, Lopez de Heredia. The pedigree of the 2005 Reserva Viña Ardanza is evidenced by layered, complex aromatics—leather, terracotta roof tiles, plums and sun-baked figs, Madagascar vanilla bean and a lofty top note of char. In the mouth, it’s medium bodied, but […]
Henri Giraud Champagne Argonne 2004
I found myself seated next to Claude Giraud on the final morning of #IPNC (the International Pinot Noir Celebration). I had interviewed him the day before about his research, which made this bottle all the more special. Precise and ebullient, the very picture of lightness and energy, with the nose and palate conjoined in exquisite harmony. […]
ColleStefano Verdicchio di Matelica 2013
This is a producer I revisit year after year, ColleStefano’s Verdicchio di Matelica is not only organically produced, but it also offers excellent value for money. The 2013 boasts compelling notes of lime zest and pine resin that gracefully play against lighter notes of orange blossom. What follows is crisp, refreshing acidity that tapirs to […]
R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 2002
I was actually, sadly disappointed in this bottle. With muted aromas and flavors, it lacks the complexity I expect from Lopez de Heredia wines. Most likely, it’s been stored incorrectly somewhere on its journey, from the producer to my cellar. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, S.A. Flawed
Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado 2014
Lovely, lively and oh so drinkable, Muga’s Rioja Rosado was a must-buy after tasting their budget-friendly reds. Salmon-hued with notes of watermelon and cherry blossom and interestingly—dried coconut flake and dried pineapple. The 2014 is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Viura, and 10% Tempranillo grown in alluvial and calcareous soils. It’s medium-bodied and softly […]