Christian Moueix, proprietor of this great Pomerol, told me many years ago that Trotanoy is the only wine he could mistake in a blind tasting for Petrus. Incidentally, he was also in charge of that estate for his elder brother Jean-Francois Moueix at the time. Both wines were made by …
Read More »Chateau Boutisse
Enjoy the sumptuous Chateau Boutisse 2009 at an exclusive 1-night only dinner in Singapore on Wednesday 24 July 2019. To join the dinner, click HERE. ‘Spicy, fragrant and complex with a peppery character that could almost be Rhone. Plenty of sweet fruit to balance with a long, opulent and juicy style. Very enjoyable, very …
Read More »Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino 2013
One of the regrets I have to live with is not having driven up into Montalcino. I passed the picturesque hilly town rushing to an appointment. This was more than a decade ago and I am blushing in embarrassment and shame. In spite of my gross neglect, I have, fortunately, not …
Read More »Chateau Marjosse 2016
This red Bordeaux is the personal property – and home – of famed French winemaker Pierre Lurton, CEO of Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau d’Yquem. Marjosse is situated in Tizac-de-Curton (population about 350), a commune in Entre-deux-Mers. Whether white or red, Marjosse over-delivers in quality. And, 2016 is one of …
Read More »Domaine de la Cote Bloom’s Field Pinot Noir 2012
Domaine de la Cote is situated in the Santa Rita Hills, not to be mistaken with the Chilean brand Santa Rita which had originally objected to the creation of the Santa Rita Hills AVA or American Viticultural Area name. Located in Santa Barbara County in the Central Valley (again, not …
Read More »Domaine Louis Boillot & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 2013
Although I specialise in Bordeaux, I enjoy Burgundy very much. So too the Rhone, Piedmont and other regions. There are several Boillots in Burgundy including Henri, Lucien and Louis. Just as with Bordeaux, 2013 is a challenging vintage. Relatively light, most wines lack greater ripeness (a lower yield can enhance …
Read More »VERDICT : BORDEAUX 2018 VINTAGE
VERDICT : THE 2018 BORDEAUX VINTAGE The most frequently mentioned word concerning the 2018 Bordeaux vintage is “mildew”. Great care was required of winegrowers to ensure there was as little damage as possible. Hopes were not high when between December 2017 and May 2018 an entire year of rain – about …
Read More »Clarendelle, Inspired by Haut-Brion • A New Look
The range of wines known as Clarendelle, Inspired by Haut-Brion, has a new look. Created in 2005, the re-launched labels cover the entire range of the family of premium Bordeaux wines: red, white and rosé, and Amberwine from the Monbazillac appellation. Prince Robert of Luxembourg – photographed here at Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion – is …
Read More »Domaine de Chevalier White 1990
Of the trio of vintages starting from 1988, 1990 is the best for the reds, combining ripeness, richness and freshness. The lightest, leanest vintage is 1988. Then followed the heatwave of 1989 which wines, compared to 1990, just came up a little short. The 1990 dry whites are ripe and …
Read More »The Oldest in Fuenmayor • Montecillo
Montecillo is the oldest winery in the town of Fuenmayor. Founded in 1870, it is also the third oldest winery in La Rioja. Fuenmayor is just 12 kilometres or 15 minutes by car west of Logrono, the capital of La Rioja. Montecillo is part of the Osborne Group, one of …
Read More »