A pure capture of Olivier's style that plays with the high energy levels in his wines. There is an introversion in this particular vineyard but also an austerity compared to the more exuberant examples from Burgundy (see Meursault for example). But on the other hand, the fruit is really full of finesse and supports the freshness and minerality. 12 months...
Beautiful, ripe Chassagne, with fruit aromas and notes of hazelnut and nuts, but it doesn't lose anything from Lamy's -full of intensity- style in the mouth. Quite generous and dense but with acidity and smoky mineral notes that balance it beautifully. Lovely harmony and a sense of quality as if it comes from a higher classified vineyard. The fermentation...
The vines are scattered throughout the commune of St-Aubin, on the western slopes of the region and the fruit for 'La Princée' is harvested from many different places. The vines are planted between 1985 and 2000 and are cultivated using organic methods. The wine is matured in 300 and 600lt barrels for a year, followed by 6-12 months in bottle before being...
Located on the plateau of Gouye, from which it actually borrows its name, Domaine de Gouye shows an absolutely timeless feel and tranquillity. Mistral passing through the vineyards and Ramses, the estate horse ploughs the vines are the most vibrant movements in between. Along with the stumps of Syrah planted since the 50s, there are also a few plantings...
Travelling to Philippe Desbos' stone-built farm to the north of the village of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, traditionally one of the best terroirs of the Saint-Joseph appellation of origin, is like taking a trip through time. In this secluded spot, looking down on the Rhône from above, time has stopped and everything is done by Philippe himself as it was decades...
Philippe Desbos' approach is based on his respect for tradition, not because of a tendency but bades on the his belief that it makes better wines. Far from all viticultural and technological innovations, he produces his Saint-Joseph from the "fillet" of the great wine-growing zone, following techniques used by his ancestors. He plows the vineyard with the...
Ramisco is a variety with "energy" that needs time to be tamed. Wherever you plant it outside of the Colares sand, its characteristics are very different. Here it showcases the unique, special character of the region that combines native vines, sand, proximity to the ocean, strong sea winds and very deep roots to meet the clay substrate and allow it to...
Ramisco is a variety with "energy" that needs time to be tamed. Wherever you plant it outside of the Colares sand, its characteristics are very different. Here it showcases the unique, special character of the region that combines native vines, sand, proximity to the ocean, strong sea winds and very deep roots to meet the clay substrate and allow it to...
Malvasia de Colares, which is genetically different from other varieties bearing the same name, is planted on the region's characteristic sandy soils with great care and effort to protect it from the strong, salt-laden Atlantic winds. In the cool coastal climate, alcohol is always restrained in these wines and the character is full of umami salinity and...
It may not have the uniqueness of the Colares of winemaker Antonio Bernardino da Silva Chitas, but this wine is an excellent introduction to the important wine producing region of Lisbon and the great producer's wines. Arinto is an excellent base for wines that are reminiscent of Riesling, with acidity, freshness and a relatively harsh character but also...
The movement was so natural, so exquisite in its gentleness, it wasn't until I opened my eyes that I understood my limbs were touching only air. I was not far off the ground - no more than an inch or two- but I hung there without effort, suspended like the moon in the night sky, motionless and aloft, conscious only of the air fluttering in an out of my lungs. I can't say how long I hovered like that, but at a certain moment, with the same slowness and gentleness as before, I eased back to the ground.