June 29th, 2008
Almost half the wines produced in Menetou-Salon, a tiny central Loire appellation of elegant Sauvignon, are blended to blandness by marauding merchants. Since the late '80s, Pierre Jacolin of 13th century Domaine Prieuré de Saint-Céols has proudly sold his own Menetous, raised on prized 'terre blanche' soils according to 'green' principles. This is Sauvignon of real finesse, an appetising balance of lean minerality and apple skin flavour. A classic match for goat cheeses.
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Additional info: Pierre Jacolin
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June 29th, 2008
Bargain basement time here! The Coteaux du Layon is one of the prettiest regions of the Loire, as well as being home to some of the very best value, sweet Chenin Blancs anywhere in the world. Domaine des Forges remains a closely guarded secret despite our efforts over the past fifteen years to raise their profile! 2005 offers us all the opportunity to put away a few more bottles of these incredibly good value wines. Case contains 2 bottles each of Chaume, Chaume Les Onis, St Aubin Les Chavagnes.
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June 29th, 2008
Brilliant with seafood chowder: elegant floral aromas and a crisp, complex palate plus hints of dried fruit richness. Domaine du Bosc's unique volcanic soils were formed one million years ago off the Med coast (near what's now Agde), when a geyser spurted ash and lava 1km into the air. The Phoenicians and Romans made wine here; Pierre Bésinet (whose ancestors arrived in 1790) now cultivates 14 varieties using 'green' methods.
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Additional info: Domaine du Bosc
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June 29th, 2008
Fascinating Gascon grapes make for a complex array of fresh, fruity, floral and herby characters in this appealing dry white. Made by the ultra-reliable team at the Plaimont winery, who have an admirable focus on polishing the finer characters of the region's local grapes (in this case, Arrufiac, Petit Courbu and Manseng), bringing intriguing styles to a wide audience. "intense nutty and earthy characters . Creamy with a hint of lees and a slightly funky edge." Wine & Spirit, May 2008
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Additional info: Producteurs Plaimont
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June 29th, 2008
Dried figs, ripe apple skins and wonderfully rich fruit flavours -with the structure and dry finish of the true Amarone. Glorious.
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June 29th, 2008
Dense black/purple colour. Aromas of the Garrigue; juniper and thyme. Rhône meets Bordeaux, falls in love, and cocks-a-snook at all New World pretenders. Divine.
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June 29th, 2008
Cheery Kiwi winemaker and micro-biologist John Forrest has assembled a range of wines reflecting his exuberant personality and ongoing experimental quest to capture 'essence of place'. This sumptuous Marlborough Chardonnay offers enticing aromas of honeyed lemons, toasted brioche and freshly-ground spice, leading to a ripe, peachy palate lent balance and structure by seamless acidity and subtle, nutty oak. Great with satay chicken.
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Additional info: Forrest Estate
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June 29th, 2008
Bordeaux Sec par excellence: a full, dry, gently honeyed palate with refreshing citrus at the finish. La Clotte de Jouanin is a small family farm on low hills of chalky clay south of St.-Emilion and north of Sauternes in the rolling Entre-Deux-Mers. Wine college graduate Régis Chaigne is relatively new in his role as cellarmaster, but only has to nod towards the medals he's received to reassure father Jean-Claude, manager of the estate's vineyards or over 45 years.
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Additional info: Château La Clotte de Jouanin
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June 29th, 2008
Delightfully fresh floral aromas with a lively, clean grapey flavour and a twist of citrus on the finish.
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June 29th, 2008
The lush, green, rolling hills of Beaujolais are home to many different styles, with surprising degrees of variation given the near-complete domination of the Gamay grape. Ten 'cru' villages on granite hills to the north of the region are home to the most substantial wines, and Chénas is renowned for producing some of the longest-lived wines. This is youthful yet sturdy, with plenty of vibrant raspberry fruit. Lovely drinking with roast poultry or soft cheeses.
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Additional info: Champagnon
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