Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2020 vintage. From dedicated parcels, Marquis de Calon Ségur is very different from the grand vin, with Merlot dominating the blend. Immediately expressive, with abundant red fruit and flowers. Impeccable purity of fruit and a silky mouthfeel. Good value at one third of the price of the grand vin. Abv. 14,5%. — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2019 vintage. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The good news is that I have another unexpected good experience with a Diam cork this week (Diam 5 in this case), praise the Lord! (and I would never have bought the bottle if I had known in advance it had a Diam cork). 2019 is one of my favourite vintages for Prieuré-Lichine, and the second wine is pretty good too. More Merlot-dominated and easy-drinking compared to the grand vin, but a most pleasurable Margaux for a very reasonable price (27 euros in their shop, I sell it a little cheaper even). Smooth and elegant, and another fine Bordeaux value. Abv 13,5%. — 10 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Syrah 40%, Cindault 15% l, and Cardigan 5%. High altitude vineyards ( 1050 m). Aged 24 months in concrete. Cherries, berries and spices. The tannins have a little rough edge, but the wine has character and would be a great match for many Lebanese dishes. Abv. 13%. — 16 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2020 vintage. Romorantin "Gloria"from Domaine de Montcy in Cheverny. Vin de France. Biodynamically farmed. Light golden colour. Some sherry-like aromas (Amontillado) in the nose. Walnuts, beeswax, quince, and dried flowers. This is an oxydative style, not sure if it was intended that way? In any case, this tastes more like a Vernaccia Di Oristano than the very few Romorantin wines I have tasted (many years ago, no vivid memories), but since I like the former... There also seems to be a bit of residual sugar which balances the walnut bitterness in the finish. A bit of an acquired taste, but worth a try. I wonder how this tastes young? The website says the estate is permanently closed. Abv. 12,5%. — 5 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2020 vintage. Despite the Diam cork this is very good (Diam 10 it says). Dark red, with little evolution. A little shy in the nose, more expressive in the mouth, with good fruit and spices, covering the slightly rustic tannins. There is complexity and good length for a very good price. Biodynamically farmed. Abv. 13,5%. — 12 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2020 vintage. An excellent introduction to the grand vin at a fraction of the price. Highly recommended. Abv. 14%. — 16 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2025 vintage. This is the first white in the new Médoc Blanc appellation from Château Tour Prignac., from 4 year old vines of Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. — 5 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2022 vintage. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. One of the rare unclassified Saint-Julien estates, owned by the Meffre family, that started in 1961 with a small vineyard that was part of Saint-Pierre, and was gradually expanded with parcels bought from Lagrange. The quality is on the rise here, and the Meffre family believes this is the best wine the estate has ever produced. Ripe black fruit,a fresh floral note, and very subtle oak. There is a little heat from the high alcohol (15% abv.), but there is fresh acidity to keep the balance, and that prevents the wine from getting jammy. Solid smooth tannic structure and serious length. An estate to watch. — 8 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2022 vintage. Cinsault is rather rare as a single varietal, and this is a great way to discover the varietal. Light, transparent ruby red. Spicy, flowery nose. Fresh and delicate, even with 14% abv. — 14 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2024 vintage. Viognier 65%, Chardonnay 20%, Obeidi 10%, and Muscat d'Alexandrie 5%. A skillful blend in which the Viognier plays the first violin in the nose with exotic fruit and flowers, whilst the others seem to add freshness and delicacy. Good to know is that the vineyards are at 1050 meters of altitude. It's hard to find a bad wine from Lebanon. Abv. 13%. — 17 days ago