Burgey-Cerdon, LA Cueille: The Bugey is one of t he best-kept secrets of France. A geographical crossroads between Savoie, the Jura, Burgundy, and the Rhône, this small region encompasses the mountainous eastern half of the Ain département. (Kermit Lynch)
2019 Marsannay, Sylvain Pataille: Marsannay Rouge is a concentrated wine with a lot of intensity that will make it a wine to keep. On the nose, the wine opens with aromas of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries or even cherries. The palate is medium bodied with bold tannins, also leaving a spicy side to reveal all its complexity and richness. (Vine Neuvo)
2004 Beni Di- Batasiolo Barolo, 100%Nebbiolo Monforte d’Alba: This base Barolo from the folks at Batasiolo (one of the area’s biggest producers) offers a classic view of the Nebbiolo grape. The wine is seeped in traditional aromas of Spanish cedar, pencil shaving, red currant and black licorice. It’s bright and lively in the mouth with crisp acidity and raw fruit flavors. (Wine Enthusiast)
2006 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva: ” Lush, powerful, subtle with hints of oak, ripe dark fruits. Great tannic structure after 6 hour breathing. Drink now or hold 10 more years” (Wesley Castellanos)
2013 La Petite Chapelle Hermitage: A much more structured, even austere, Hermitage than the La Petite Chapelle release, the 2013 Hermitage la Chapelle came from minuscule yields of ten to 18 hectoliters per hectare and was aged 15-18 months in 20% new French oak. Not harvested until the 12th of October, it offers a sensational bouquet of blackberry and black raspberry fruits, powdered rock, gunpowder and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, with good (though maybe not great) levels of concentration, it has high, yet beautifully polished tannin, integrated acidity, and terrific cut and focus on the finish. Give bottles 4-5 years of cellaring and enjoy over the following two decades. (Robert Parker)
2015 ANDREMILY: The 2015 No 4 is composed of 90% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 6% Viognier and saw 35% whole cluster, while spending around 22 months in French oak (70% new). Sporting a very deep purple-black color, it reveals vibrant black currants, blackberries and mulberries notes plus touches of sandalwood, espresso, black soil and stewed tea. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and with lovely energy, there is a good firm backbone of grainy tannins supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and savory. (Robert Parker)
2006 Bodegas El Nido Clio: The purple/black 2006 Clio is composed of 70% old vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 26 months in new oak. It offers up a super-sexy nose of underbrush, incense, lavender, blueberry muffin, and black currant. Voluptuous and creamy on the palate, this loaded, well-balanced wine is a total turn-on. For those who prefer their flavor in moderation, look elsewhere. Drink this pleasure-bent effort from 2011 to 2021. Bodegas El Nido employs Aussie vigneron Chris Ringland as its winemaking consultant.(Robert Parker)