Lighter in color than the much older 1969, but much more expressive aromatically, dusty, sandy red-fruited aromas, flavors tend toward red-fruit as well, more of an elegant style of Ramisco, long finish, this seems at peak, or close to it (but I have more bottles, so will check in again within a year). Both of these are amazing at 11% ABV!! — 3 months ago
See previous note 2 years ago in March 2022. Still very consistent impressions. Black and blue fruits, as mentioned before. Dried plum and earth with herbal notes (fennel). Priorat Garnacha and Garnacha blends are some of my favourite wine styles. Clos Mogador is biodynamic and Rene Barbier does not use chemicals in the vineyard. — 4 months ago
Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez, now run by Manuel, Isabel & Isaac Muga Caño. Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice, unmistakable Muga. 4 grape blend from the Haro district (70% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), palate shows cherry and currant flavors with espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Soft full tannins, lively acidity on a medium+ finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Nice value! Great vintage! — a month ago
The 2021 Côte-Rôtie Ampodium used 90% whole-clusters during fermentation. This winemaking technique becomes visible in the aromatic profile through a marked stemminess, complemented by bright red fruits, cedar and floral shadings. Medium-bodied and framed by low levels of soft tannins, the 2021 is a polished and refreshing Ampodium that concludes with a bright finish. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, March 2024)
— 3 months ago
This was a real treat after the Gentaz-Dervieux since Rene Rostaing is Marius Gentaz’s son-in-law. While the vineyards that belonged to Marius are now famously part of the Rostaing domaine, that vineyard goes to Rene’s Côte Brune; this is his Côte Blonde and arguably his most famous bottling. This 2004 pours a cloudy ruby with brambles, purple flowers, blood, dust and leather. Slightly rustic which is what I want from Rostaing. I love the individuality and how it paired with the Iberico pork cheek, mushroom ragu with lavender and thyme. Plenty of life left. Drink through 2034+. — 4 months ago
Lirondo' Verdejo 2021
😋: Ripe peaches, lemon, savory spice.
🍽️: Try pairing with seafood, greens, or BBQ chicken.
Manuel Cantalapiedra was a classical pianist before taking up winemaking and overseeing his family’s vineyard in Rueda, 🇪🇸. This Verdejo wine had brief skin contact before fermenting in stainless steel tanks, followed by 6 months on its lees, resulting in a vibrant and textured wine. — 3 months ago
Good Syrah based blend made by Cornas master Rostaing — 3 months ago
Fabulous, paired with beef Wellington — 4 months ago
Ludovic Anacleto
inky, saturated, dark. Magnificent.
The nose full of violets, crushed rocks, black olives, cedar, black cracked pepper. Alcohol is medium.
On the palate, a masterpiece of tannin management, full throttle yet perfectly integrated, melting in dark ripe berry giving a wholesome mouthfeel and a highly pitched acidity giving lightness and brightness to the overall massive texture.
The full stem gives a lightness to the whole ensamble that is stunning and a masterclass of equilibrium and definition alike.
Buy by the case.
— 19 days ago