Tasted & Approved - September 2024

WHITE WINES

Les Nouvelles Thomas Popy

A true gem from the Jura! This highly discreet winemaker produces very great wines that are quite rare on the market… Much like the man himself, information about the estate and its wines is hard to come by. If you ever come across them, do not hesitate for a moment. 

He owes much of his success to Jean-Claude Lapalu in Beaujolais and Pierre Overnoy in the Jura, with whom he honed part of his craft. 

He currently works 2 hectares of vines (Chardonnay, Savagnin) across some very fine terroirs in Montigny-lès-Arsures, Pupillin, Arbois and Mesnay. 

He thus produces cuvées according to natural methods; the wines are aged in the small family cellar, first in vats, then in old barrels, without filtration or additives. 

This savagnin we tasted is an absolute gem! Magnificent, straight, beautiful minerality and aromas of walnut and dried fruits. We absolutely loved it as an aperitif with a little cheese. 

Montcalmès Chenin Blanc 2021

As you have gathered, we are already great fans of the classic red cuvée from the outstanding Montcalmès estate in the Languedoc. We therefore absolutely had to taste the chenin. It is very beautiful! Fermentation is carried out in barrels and demi-muids (oak barrels larger than standard barriques), chosen for better integration of the ageing process, which will then last 2 years. A great success! 

The wine thus shows no oaky character: it is fairly full-bodied and rich, but without wood. Notes of fresh white fruit and beautiful floral touches. 

A very lovely, carefully crafted chenin: a great white wine from the Terrasses du Larzac appellation, made from the marvellous Loire grape variety. 

Thomas Batardière - Grand Clos 2022 Magnum 

Yet another very fine chenin and a new cuvée from Thomas Batardière! A VDF bottled exclusively in magnum, with only 600 bottles produced. 

A lovely fruity, floral chenin, very few additives — pure and clear, very pleasant! 

Double Zéro - Bourgogne Aligoté 

A high-quality micro-négociant in Burgundy!

The nose opens with charming reductive notes, accompanied by a subtle lactic touch. Mineral notes and tropical fruit aromas emerge, adding an exotic quality. These are complemented by notes of vanilla and butter. A delicate herbaceous touch of thyme adds further complexity. On the palate, the wine is vibrant with beautiful acidity. 

Alain Graillot - Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2020

Another fine success from Alain Graillot! We know the red well, but the white from Crozes Hermitage is also worth exploring! 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, fermented in barrels (20% new oak) and stainless steel tanks. Citrus on the nose and a fresh, taut, very elegant palate with beautiful acidity; everything comes together perfectly after a little opening. Perfect as an aperitif or with fish! 

François de Nicolay - Bourgogne Aligoté 2020

From the négociant arm of Chandon de Briailles, the grapes come exclusively from certified organic or biodynamic vineyards, the wines are sulphited to a minimum and vinified at the estate in Savigny les Beaune!

A lovely aligoté that reveals itself fresh and vibrant from the very first approach. On the nose, it offers a seductive bouquet of apple and white flowers, lifted by mineral notes and a subtle touch of vanilla and butter. On the palate, one finds that same vibrant freshness, balanced by a slightly rich texture that adds a touch of roundness. 

 RED WINES 

La Guiraude Crozes Hermitage 2009 - Magnum 

The flagship cuvée from Alain Graillot from the Crozes Hermitage appellation!

The nose reveals itself as elegant, blending smoky notes with aromas of black pepper and subtle herbaceous touches. On the palate, the wine displays structure, supported by beautiful acidity and fine tannins. The typical aromas of Syrah express themselves through dark fruits, olive and pepper. Although already evolved, everything suggests a very fine ageing potential in the years to come.

Claire Naudin Orchis Mascula 2019

Here we have a wine of superb drinkability! The nose is very fragrant and floral. The style is very lightly extracted and fresh, resulting in a wine of beautiful suppleness with a lovely balance on the palate. 

As always with the wines of Claire Naudin, her style never leaves anyone indifferent!

Rayas 2011

Just WOW! We will remember this one! 

A first Rayas for many of us, truly excellent. 

Ripe fruits, spices, garrigue, a well-integrated stem character and the touch of Emmanuel Reynaud — it is a delight. Complex and infused, we loved every sip! 

The most illustrious of the Châteauneuf du Pape wines remains atypical! Its singularity is explained by several elements and techniques: single-varietal 100% Grenache, sandy soils facing due north where the vines thrive, whole-cluster harvesting, ageing in old large barrels… The result is a breathtaking Fine Wine: Burgundian elegance, extraordinary complexity and an endless finish.

To be tasted at least once in a lifetime (after several hours of opening!) 

Mas Jullien 2002

Despite its 22 years, this Mas Jullien has not lost its freshness! Of course, tertiary notes such as tobacco and undergrowth dominate on the nose, yet the wine has retained a beautiful acidic backbone that makes for a lovely drinkability. Indeed, the wine carries no heaviness — one can barely sense the 13.5%! The tannins feel polished by time. The finish is very long. 

Mouton Rothschild 1988

A perfect dinner with this Mouton Rothschild 1988 and a grilled ribeye on the barbecue! 

A truly great Pauillac that ranks among the Premier Grands Crus Classés of Bordeaux (left bank)! One understands why. 

36 years of waiting to discover this magnificent structure, still showing power and depth! Spicy aromas of tobacco, smoke, cooked fruits, coffee and mocha… Beautiful intensity and complexity that lasts through a long finish. 

Even if this is not one of the Château's finest vintages, the tasting is very much appreciated! 

Another wine to be tasted at least once in a lifetime! 

Casanova Di Neri 2009 - Brunello di Montalcino 

Continuing the ribeye dinner in wonderful company, this time from Italy. 

Decanted for several hours before tasting, this Brunello di Montalcino won us all over! A real favourite for everyone at the table. 

Cherry and violet on the nose, incredible elegance and finesse on the palate, persistent finish, balance and aromatic generosity… We thoroughly enjoyed this exceptional sangiovese!