A Sunday In August
Château Palmer
Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1970
The 1970 Palmer is a vintage that I have tasted on several occasions, although recently, I have encountered some variation, including a rather rum example in 2015. The most recent example has an attractive tobacco-infused nose, perhaps more akin to a Saint-Julien than a Margaux. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm backbone, a slight dryness around the edges and fine salinity with lightly-spiced cedar and tobacco notes on the finish. This is a solid 1970 Margaux, though I would not keep it long-term. (Neal Martin, Vinous, August 2023)
— a year ago
Castello Vicchiomaggio
Ripa delle More Toscana Sangiovese Blend 2020
The 2020 Ripa delle More is the estate's blend of (50% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot). Powerful and sleek at the same time, the 2020 packs plenty of intensity into its mid-weight frame. Dark red/purplish fruit, blood orange, mint, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco are some of the many notes that build in the glass. Give this a year or two to soften. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2023)
— a year ago
Brewer-Clifton
Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2022
The 2022 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a fabulous introduction to the range. Served last in this series of Chardonnays, the appellation Chardonnay is perhaps a bit more floral and lighter in body, but other than that, it is in no way inferior to the vineyard designates. This is beautifully done. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2024)
— 4 months ago
C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)
Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2004
Last Sunday lunch with Roast Lamb. A 20 year old Rioja fitted the bill nicely. A blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. Aged in new French and American oak for 24 months. Aromatics of tobacco leaf, plum, ashphalt and a bit of tar. A medicinal note the following night. The palate is medium to full bodied with berry, plum and liquorice. Resolved Tannins - quite fluid. This was Wine Spectators No. 1 wine for 2013 and now drinking at its peak but could go on for another 5 years on the evidence of this superb wine. — 10 months ago
Château Lafite Rothschild
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2003
The 2003 Lafite-Rothschild has an attractive perfumed bouquet with touches of camphor infusing the blackberry and bilberry fruit. There is a mahogany bureau hint. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy opening. The sharp acidity slightly jars against the sweet candied black fruit, with blood orange and white pepper toward the mocha-tinged finish. It's missing a bit of sustain on the aftertaste, hence my more parsimonious score. It does cohere in the glass, so decanting will help. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner from ex-château magnum. (Neal Martin, Vinous, August 2023)
— a year ago
Stéphane et Vincent Perraud
Sur Lie Sélection des Cognettes Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Melon de Bourgogne 2021
Had the 2021 in August of 2024. Really simple, light wine. “Summer porch pounder” to quote my son. Citrus and honeysuckle. Hints of green apple and nectarine along with some herbs. Had with charcuterie and zucchini fritters for a French appetizer course. Loved this one and would look for again. — 5 months ago
Monteraponi
Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 2021
Just bottled, the 2021 Chianti Classico is a powerful, wild wine. Readers will have to give the 2021 quite a bit of time, as it is dense. Floral and savory overtones, with a kick of white pepper and orange peel, open with a bit of coaxing, but the 2021 is an infant. Bright saline notes are a reminder we are in Radda. The 2021 is a blend of mostly younger vines from various parcels across the property. It spent 15 months in cask. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2023)
— a year ago
Château Durfort-Vivens
Margaux Cru Classé en 1855 Red Bordeaux Blend 2019
The 2019 Durfort-Vivens was matured in two-thirds new oak barrels and one-third in amphorae. Plush on the nose with blueberry and violet scents, this is Margaux in style though much tighter than I anticipated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine delineation and poise. It's pretty delineated towards the finish that shows more mineralité than previous vintages. There is an appealing linearity here, a trait that Gonzague Lurton seeks in his wines. Excellent. Tasted at the château. (Neal Martin, Vinous, August 2023)
— a year ago
Delectable Wine
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Harvested about a week later than the others in the 2018 lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir Rosella’s Vineyard opens with generous red fruit, grilled herbs, iodine and a hint of iron. Resolved and settled in, the 80% new oak here is perfectly integrated, presenting only a touch of spicy grip on the finish. Very classy. (Billy Norris, Vinous, August 2024)
— 4 months ago