Tasted and Approved - September 2024

WHITE WINES

Les Nouvelles Thomas Popy

A gem in Jura! This very discreet winemaker produces very great wines that are quite rare on the market... Like him, information about the estate and its wines is difficult to obtain. If you come across them, go for it without hesitation.

He notably owes his success to Jean-Claude Lapalu in Beaujolais and Pierre Overnoy in the Jura, where he did part of his training.

He now works 2 hectares of vines (Chardonnay, Savagnin) with very beautiful terroirs in Montigny-lès-Arsures, Pupillin, Arbois, and Mesnay. 

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

This tasted savagnin is a little bomb! Magnificent, straight, beautiful minerality and aromas of nuts and dried fruits. We loved it as an aperitif with a little cheese. 

Montcalmès Chenin Blanc 2021

As you have understood, we are already big fans of the classic red cuvée from the superb Montcalmès estate in Languedoc. So we absolutely had to taste the chenin. It's very lovely! Fermentation is carried out in barrels and demi-muids (oak barrels larger than standard barrels) that have been used before for better integration of the aging which will then last 2 years. It's a success!

The wine thus presents no woody character: it's quite massive and rich, but no wood. Notes of fresh white fruits, and beautiful floral touches. 

A very lovely well-crafted chenin: a great white from Terrasses du Larzac from the wonderful Loire grape variety. 

Thomas Batardière - Grand Clos 2022 Magnum 

Another very beautiful chenin and a new cuvée for Thomas Batardière! A VDF bottled in magnum only and only 600 copies.

Lovely fruity, floral chenin, very few inputs, it's 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 fruits appear, bringing a touch of exoticism. They are complemented by notes of vanilla and butter. A delicate herbaceous touch of thyme adds complexity to the whole. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and presents a beautiful acidity. 

Alain Graillot - Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2020

Another beautiful success from Alain Graillot! We know the red well, but the white in Crozes Hermitage is worth the detour as well! 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, fermentation in barrels (20% new wood) and in stainless steel tanks. Nose of citrus and a fresh and taut palate, very elegant, beautiful acidity; all perfect after a little opening. Perfect as an aperitif or with fish!

François de Nicolay - Bourgogne Aligoté 2020

From the négociant estate of Chandon de Briailles, the grapes come only from organic or biodynamic certified vines, the wines are minimally sulfited and vinified at the estate in Savigny les Beaune!

A lovely aligoté that reveals itself fresh and vibrant from the first approach. On the nose, it offers a seductive bouquet of apple and white flowers, enhanced by mineral notes and a subtle touch of vanilla and butter. On the palate, we find this vibrant freshness, balanced by a slightly rich texture that brings some roundness. 

 RED WINES 

La Guiraude Crozes Hermitage 2009 - Magnum 

The great cuvée from Alain Graillot on the Crozes Hermitage appellation!

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

Claire Naudin Orchis Mascula 2019

We find ourselves here facing a wine of superb drinkability! The nose is very fragrant and floral. The style is very lightly extracted and fresh, allowing for a wine of beautiful suppleness with a beautiful balance on the palate. 

As always with Claire Naudin's wines, her style does not leave one indifferent!

Rayas 2011

Just WOW! We'll remember it! 

A first Rayas for many of us, really excellent.

Ripe fruits, spices, garrigue, a certain well-integrated stem, and Emmanuel Reynaud's touch, it's a delight. Complex and infused, we're delighted!

The most illustrious of Châteauneuf du Pape remains atypical! Its singularity is explained by several elements and techniques: 100% Grenache single varietal, sandy soils facing due north on which the vines flourish, whole cluster harvesting, aging in old foudres... This results in a breathtaking great wine: Burgundian elegance, incredible complexity, and endless length.

To be tasted at least once in your 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 or undergrowth dominate on the nose, the wine has kept a beautiful acidic structure that allows the wine a lovely drinkability. Indeed, the wine is without heaviness, you barely feel the 13.5%! We feel tannins that have been polished by time. The finish is very long.

Mouton Rothschild 1988

Perfect dinner with this Mouton Rothschild 1988 and a beef rib on the barbecue!

A very great Pauillac that is part of the Premiers Grands Crus Classés of Bordeaux (left bank)! We understand why.

36 years waiting to discover this magnificent structure, with still and always power and depth! Spicy aromas, tobacco, smoke, cooked fruits, coffee and mocha... Beautiful intensity and complexity that lasts in the length. 

Even though this is not one of the Château's best vintages, the tasting is very appreciated! 

Another wine to taste at least once in your lifetime! 

Casanova Di Neri 2009 - Brunello di Montalcino 

The continuation of the beef rib in marvelous company, on the Italy side.

Well decanted several hours before tasting, this Brunello di Montalcino won us all over! Big favorite for the entire table. 

Cherry and violet on the nose, crazy elegance and finesse on the palate, persistent length, balance and aromatic generosity... We delight in this exceptional sangiovese!