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Search results for 'margaux 2012'
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Le Prieuré 2015, Domaine du Prieuré, Val de Loire
The opinion of the sommelier
love the freshness of Loire Valley’s chenins. With a fresh goat cheese, it is absolutely delightful. And this chenin from Domaine the Prieuré just confirms that these wines can be amazing. Its nose displays nice aromas of flowers and granny. On the palate, the balance is amazing. The wine is indeed more characterized by its liveliness but it’s perfectly balanced thanks to its remarkable fruity aromas.
Grape variety
Chenin is a variety that comes from Anjou and has spread all along the Loire River. It has long been harvested too early hence giving acidic wines, which explains why people are still suspicious today. However, thanks to all the improvements brought in the vines during the last decades, chenin can now give amazing white wines, whether those are dry, sparkling or sweet.
Appearance
A beautifull greenish yellow dress with fluid tears..
Nose
Open nose to the aromas of white flowers and green apple.
Mouth
Bright mouth with a touch of acidity.
Service
Service between 9°C et 11° Open just before serving. until 2019.
Food and wine pairings
Sushi
Grilled tuna
Fresh goat cheese
Lemon pieA winemaker, a family
Domaine du Prieuré was taken over in 2012 by two oenologists, Dominique Sirot and Alexis Soulas, who felt in love with the Layon River. They left Corsica, where they used to work in large wine estates for several years, in order to settle in Anjou with their families. Nowadays, they cultivate their 21 hectares with passion and they show a lot of ambition. Everything seems to be working as everyone already talks about them in the region./p>
Terroir
The vines are located on hillsides along the Layon River. They are planted on a schist soil. This kind of stone that looks a bit like a millefeuille allows the roots to go very far down the ground, up to eight meters deep ! Therefore, vines can get all the nutrients brought to the soil by the river : an ideal position to give complex and fresh wines.
My VitiBox, June. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
Its nose displays nice aromas of flowers and granny.
£9.75 Public price £8.28 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Malbec du Clos 2012, Clos Triguedina, Cahors
The opinion of the sommelier
When you think about Cahors, it’s not long before you think of Jean-Luc Baldès, one of the most talented winemakers of the appellation. I was not surprised to find in that wine delicious flavours of blackcurrant and of course a lot of tannins, as they are typical characteristics of malbec. However, I was more surprised to feel menthol aromas which were much more unexpected!
Grape variety
Nowadays, malbec is famous all around the world thanks to the wines from Argentina, where this variety is widely grown. Originally, malbec comes from the southwest of France, where it has been grown since the Middle Ages. France is still the second producer of malbec behind Argentina. This variety usually gives to the wines a deep colour with nice aromas of blackberries.
Appearance
Garnet colour and mat in the thick tears..
Nose
Open and meaning nose, in the aromas of red berries and herbs.
Mouth
Mouth balanced with melted and present tannins.
Service
Between 14°C et 16°C. Open just before serving. until 2018.
Food and wine pairings
Pork rinds
Goose breast fillets
Saint-Nectaire cheese
Blackcurrant panna cotta&A winemaker, a family
Since 1830, the Baldès family has been developing the Clos Triguedina passing from father to son the passion of making good wine and of course the skills to achieve that. Nowadays, Jean-Luc Baldès is an iconic figure of the appellation. Talented and passionate, he is known in the area under the name “the master of malbec”.
Terroir
The terroir of Cahors is known for being very dry. It rains very little, which is a wonderful thing for the grapes that hence can perfectly mature. The Clos Triguedina covers around 65 hectares of mixed clay, silica and limestone. Just remember that this kind of ground ensures that the vine is subjected to enough water stress to make sure that the grapes will develop various aromas.
My VitiBox, June. 2015 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
I was not surprised to find in that wine delicious flavours of blackcurrant and of course a lot of tannins, as they are typical characteristics of malbec. However, I was more surprised to feel menthol aromas which were much more unexpected!
£9.74 Public price £8.28 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Château d'Eck 2012, Pessac Léognan
The opinion of the sommelier
It’s as if the beauty of Château d’Eck reflects on its wines like the sun in a mirror. This magnificent castle makes the pride of the Pessac-Léognan appellation. The wine displays aromas of cherry and wood, especially cedar. If you wish, you can keep it in your cellar so its aromas and texture evolve: it can ages up to seven years!
Grape variety
The merlot is fruity and low in tannins. The cabernet sauvignon is strong in tannins and displays mainly vegetal aromas. The two were made to complete each other. And that is what Bordeaux is all about since the blend merlot and cabernet sauvignon is the most typical one there. But I would like to draw your attention to the petit verdot. It has always been present in Bordeaux, and since it is not sensitive to rot, it is more and more grown as the winemakers try to cut on pesticides.
appearance
Garnet colour, mat and steady..
Nose
Open to the aromas of spices and red berries.
Bouche
Intense mouth in the present tannins.
Service
Between 15°C et 17°C. open just before serving. until 2022.
Food and wine pairings
Parisian duck pie with foie gras
Tournedos rossini
Camembert cheese
Cherry clafoutisA winemaker, a family
Located in Cadaujac just outside of Bordeaux, the Château d’Eck is a real medieval castle where one of the best wines of Pessac-Léognan is made. The castle was the first property of the Duke of Aquitaine and then it belonged to the King of England when the region was under English domination. François Eck inherited the castle and the estate in 1824 and gave it his own name!
Terroir
The Pessac-Léognan appel-lation was created 30 years ago to distinguish the best part of the Graves appellation. Graves is a big appellation that got its name from the stones that lie on the ground (Graves means pebble in old French) and helps the grapes to mature by accumulating the heat during the day and redistributing it during the night.
My VitiBox, June. 2015 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
If you wish, you can keep it in your cellar so its aromas and texture evolve: it can ages up to seven years!
£20.33 Public price £17.28 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Château Le Thys 2012, Cadillac, Côtes de Bordeaux
The opinion of the sommelier
Cadillac is a small unknown appellation of Bordeaux, which is a shame as there are magnificent wines elaborated there! Château Le Thys is a good example. Even if it was acquired a few years ago by its neighbour Château Birot, grapes are still vinified separately so as to reveal the whole potential of this specific terroir along the Garonne River.
Grape variety
If you like merlot, this wine is for you. Château Le Thys is the perfect example of what can give well grown merlot. Indeed, it displays seductive aromas and a silky texture with thin and refined tannins. This explains why merlot can be found all over the world! Chile, Australia, Hungary... it is everywhere!
Appearance
Garnet color in the smooth tears..
Nose
Open nose, in the aromas of spices.
Mouth
Fresh and silky mouth.
Service
Service 16°C Open just before serving. until 2020.
Food and wine pairings
Hare terrine
Peppercorn steak
Camembert cheese
Chocolate pieA winemaker, a family
If on a trip in the Bordeaux region you feel like tasting Château Le Thys’ wines, you’ll be welcomed in Chateau Birot, an astonishing 18th century castle. It was entirely renovated in 1989 by Eric and Helene Fournier-Casteja. Nowadays, two out of their five sons rule the Family Estate.
Terroir
Château le Thys’ vines cover around 40 hectares and their specificity is that they are surrounded by tree hedges. It’s a great perk as it protects the grapes from strong winds in their youth (when they are too fragile to stand it) and the soil from erosion.
My VitiBox, October. 2015 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
Cadillac is a small unknown appellation of Bordeaux, which is a shame as there are magnificent wines elaborated there!
£9.15 Public price £7.78 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Bellegrave du Poujeau, Haut-Médoc 2011
The opinion of the sommelier
This little vineyard in Médoc is a nice discovery. The attack is very pleasant and the aromatic profile of this wine is complex, mainly based on strawberry and blackcurrant aromas perfectly enhanced by a marked acidity. This wine is at the beginning of its peak, but if you enjoy tertiary aromas, it will easily wait for you a few years in your cellar.
Grape variety
Merlot and cabernet sauvignon is the most widespread blend in Bordeaux. Cabernet franc, without being rare, is less common. It’s the main variety in Chinon in the Loire Valley and it is often used in Bordeaux to complete the blends with its fresh red berries aromas.
Appearance
Ruby deep colour..
Nose
Open and pleasant nose in the aromas of red berries.
Mouth
Fresh mouth with fine tannins and a fluid texture.
Service
Service between 16°C and 18°C. Open just before serving. until 2019.
Food and wine pairings
Bayonne ham
Flank steak with shallot sauce
Coulommiers cheese
Red berries gratinA winemaker, a family
Château Bellegrave du Poujeau is a typical example of what is called a gardener’s wine. With only 4 hectares, Jean-Pierre Cantelaube can give a lot of attention to each of his vine stocks. For example, they are all pruned individually which allow to reach the highest level of ripeness possible each time, so there are no more bad vintages!
Terroir
The vines are planted on a particularly thick ground of Graves. These big and hard round pebbles do not retain water and nutrients on the contrary to the layer of clay these lie on. Therefore, vines’ roots have to struggle through the pebbles to get their water and nutrients in the clay. It is a good thing as it forces the vine to be stronger so as to reveal the whole potential of the grapes!
My VitiBox, October. 2015 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
The attack is very pleasant and the aromatic profile of this wine is complex, mainly based on strawberry and blackcurrant aromas perfectly enhanced by a marked acidity.
£21.51 Public price £18.28 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Domaine des Grands Chemins 2012, Maison Delas, Crozes-Hermitage
The opinion of the sommelier
This nice wine is especially typical of the Crozes-Hermitage renowned appellation. It displays aromas of red berries enhanced by refined spicy flavours. I hope you will appreciate as much as I did the length of this wine that remains long on the palate after swallowing. The perfect wine for French syrah lovers ! It will perfectly pair with a roasted rabbit with mushrooms.
Grape variety
Syrah is the only black grape variety in the northern Rhône Valley and is mainly known for its aromatic complexity. It gives wines powerful spices and flowers aromas (mainly pepper and violet). Wines elaborated with syrah are usually fit to age a few years provided the grapes grew up on a good terroir and give very tasty aromas with time.
Appearance
A beautiful raspberry dress and crystal clear..
Nose
Sensitive nose to the aromas of raspberries and cinnamon.
Mouth
Fresh mouth with a smooth texture.
Service
Service between 14°C et 16° Open just before serving. until 2020.
Food and wine pairings
Charcuterie board
Roasted quails with chestnuts
Blue cheese
Chocolate cake with red berry coulisA winemaker, a family
Delas winery is renowned on one hand for having the support of the best grape growers in the Rhône Valley and on the other hand for having developed exceptional winemaking skills in its 180 years of existence. To strengthen its presence in Crozes-Hermitage, Delas winery acquired in 2006 Domaine des Grands Chemins to benefit from it’s the perfect exposure of the vines.
Terroir
Crozes-Hermitage’s vines are planted on hills particularly exposed to the strong winds blowing almost all the time through the north of Rhône Valley. In addition to protecting the grapes from rot and diseases, this wind gives the vines a lot of freshness which allow winemakers to elaborate very complex and refined wines.
My VitiBox, december. 2015 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
It displays aromas of red berries enhanced by refined spicy flavours.
£20.33 Public price £17.28 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Le Prestige, Château les Donats, Bergerac
The opinion of the sommelier
This wine from Château les Donats is absolutely delicious and I am really proud to present it to you ! Very typical of the dry white wines from Bergerac, this batch displays nice aromas of citrus fruits and flowers wonderfully enhanced by a strong acidity that gives all this amazing liveliness to the wine. To pair it perfectly, I suggest you serve it with grilled white fish or oysters.
Grape variety
Sauvignon blanc in the most common white variety in the Loire Valley and in Bordeaux. It is known to give to the wines liveliness and refreshing aromas. In Bordeaux and Bergerac, it is often blend with sémillon, a very sweet variety, so as to balance its high level of sugar with acidity.
Appearance
A greenish gold dress and crystal clear..
Nose
Pleasant nose to the aromas of citrus.
Mouth
A fresh mouth with smooth tear.
Service
Service between 10°C et 12° Open just before serving. until 2018.
Food and wine pairings
Oysters
Smoked salmon
Tomme cheese
Orange saladA winemaker, a family
In 1994, Patrick Somers, heir of a family of Belgian wine merchants and passionate about winemaking, decided to produce his own wine. To do so, he visited a few vineyards, and felt in love with Château les Donats that he bought and entirely renovated. To keep on improving the quality of the wines, he was joined in 2011 by the oenologist Olivier Verhelst who implemented new cultivation techniques and updated the winemaking process./p>
Terroir
Château les Donats’ vines cover 15 hectares on the sides a valley digged throughout the millenniums by the Dordogne River in the heart of Périgord. The plots have various exposures to the sun. This diversity allows choosing just the right exposure for each of the six grapes varieties that are grown in the vineyard.
My VitiBox, January. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
Very typical of the dry white wines from Bergerac, this batch displays nice aromas of citrus fruits and flowers wonderfully enhanced by a strong acidity that gives all this amazing liveliness to the wine.
£11.51 Public price £9.79 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Prestige 2012, Clos Moléon, Château de Teste Graves
The opinion of the sommelier
This month, let’s go to Bordeaux to discover this magnificent batch by Château de Teste. This wine perfectly reveals the richness of its terroir during the tasting. The colour is purple with dark pink reflection. At the nose I smelled surprising aromas of cinnamon and hibiscus. The wine is also characterized by a good length and it ends on a nice touch of acidity.
Grape variety
Merlot is the most grown variety in Bordeaux. It is known for giving warm wines with sweet flavours, a silky texture and soft and discrete tannins. To give more structure to the wines, merlot is really often blended with cabernet-sauvignon, which used to be the main grape in the Bordeaux area until the 20th century and is known to have a stronger structure.
Appearance
A beautiful purple dress..
Nose
Sensitive and pleasant nose to the aromas of cinnamon and hibiscus.
Mouth
A fresh mouth with a silky texture.
Service
Service between 12°C et 14°C. Open just before serving. until 2021
Food and wine pairings
Mushroom pie
Roasted duck breast
Saint-Nectaire cheese
Roasted chestnutsA winemaker, a family
Located in the bank of the Gironde River, Château de Teste overlooks the vines of the small village of Montprimpblanc which was before named Monte Primulus which means in Latin the daisies’ mountain. The vines did not always reign on the hills of the region! Nowadays, the daisies are gone and the estate belongs to Laurent Réglat, passionate winemaker who produces wines in several appellations: Sainte-Croix-du-Mont and Cadillac.
Terroir
The specificity of the Graves appellation is that it got its name from its soil. In French, “graves” are round hard pebbles that are really appreciated by winemakers. Indeed, those retain the warmth provided by the sun during the day and give it back to the grapes at night. Therefore, the berries never stop ripening.
My VitiBox, February. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
At the nose I smelled surprising aromas of cinnamon and hibiscus.
£21.51 Public price £18.29 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Les Châssis 2012, Domaine Des Hauts Châssis, Crozes-Hermitage
The opinion of the sommelier
As I was walking through the hills of Crozes-Hermitage, I discovered a place called « Les Hauts Châssis» where Franck Faugier’s wine estate is located. This talented winemaker is a true syrah lover who elaborates several batches of remarkably refined Crozes-Hermitage. The melted tannins of this slightly spicy wine will perfectly enhance a roasted partridge.
Grape variety
There is a debate among experts about the origin of the only black variety in the Northern Rhône Valley. Some people believe that it was brought back in 1224 from the city of Shiraz in Iran by a knight returning from crusades. Others say that it arrived from Italy when Emperor Probus allowed the culture of grape in Gaul. But nowadays, scientists tend to think that it’s a crossing between two ancient French grapes that no longer exist.
Appearance
A beautiful garnet dress with a streaming drop..
Nose
Sensitive and pleasant nose to the aromas of peppers, violet and blackcurrant.
Mouth
A fresh mouth with a silky texture.
Service
Service between 14°C et 16°C. Open just before serving. until 2021
Food and wine pairings
Blood sausages
Roasted partridge
Saint-Marcellin Cheese
Red berry crumbleA winemaker, a family
Domaine des Haut-Chassis has been a family vineyard for three generations. The arrival of Franck Faugier at the head of the estate in 1998 really changed everything. This passionate man implements the best practices in his vines. The team prunes manually, they go through green harvesting… no effort is spared in order to get the healthiest and most concentrated grapes !
Terroir
Behind such a nice wine, there is no coincidence. It’s first of all the result of beautiful grapes grown on vines more than 50 years old on average. But the relief also plays a predominant role. The vines grow on sloppy hills with a southern exposure which exposes the grapes to a lot of sun, which is good for ripeness, and to the wind, which is good to keep the grapes 100% healthy until the day of the harvest.
My VitiBox, March. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
This talented winemaker is a true syrah lover who elaborates several batches of remarkably refined Crozes-Hermitage.
£22.22 Public price £18.88 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Côtes-du-Rhône 2014, Domaine de l’Olivier, Côtes-du-Rhône
The opinion of the sommelier
This Côtes-du-Rhône’s purple flashy colour suggests that the wine will be fresh and lively. On the palate, the wine is indeed lively and comes along with soft melted tannins that enhance the explosive aromas of flowers and red berries. Just after swallowing, pay attention to the remarkable length of that wine and take the time to appreciate the nice spicy aftertaste. If you enjoy refined wines, this bottle is for you !
Grape variety
Grenache and syrah are the two main varieties in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation. However, grenache comes from Aragon, in Spain. It is one of the most cultivated grape varieties in the world and it spreads thanks to the intense aromas of ripened black and red berries it gives to the wines. Syrah brings to the wine fresh and spicy aromas hence ensuring the right level of complexity and a perfect balance.
Appearance
A beautiful purplish red and shiny dress..
Nose
Open nose to the aromas of peony and currants.
Mouth
A fresh mouth with a silky texture.
Service
Service between 14°C et 16° Open just before serving. until 2021.
Food and wine pairings
Chicken liver salad
Grilled steak
Saint-Félicien cheese
Red wine poached pearsA winemaker, a family
In the Bastide Family, the wine is a matter of passion and tradition. The family has been in charge for 4 generations, and it’s not about to stop. Nowadays, Eric Bastide and his son Robin carry on the tradition of excellence of the family. Robin even started bringing his own touch by starting a project of modernization of the winery./p>
Terroir
Domaine de l’Olivier is made of 48 hectares of old vines planted on hillsides. The old vines especially enjoy these slopes and their southern exposure. Moreover, the soil is made of clay which gives more complexity to the wine. However, old vines exposed south could give wines that lack of freshness, which is not the case thanks to the strong wind that constantly blows on the grapes.
My VitiBox, April. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
On the palate, the wine is indeed lively and comes along with soft melted tannins that enhance the explosive aromas of flowers and red berries.
£10.33 Public price £8.78 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Ramage la Batisse 2013, Château Ramage la Batisse, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
The opinion of the sommelier
You might have noticed that Château Ramage la Batisse is a “Cru Bourgeois”. What does it mean? Maybe you know that the wines made in Medoc (the prestigious part of Bordeaux’s left bank) were ranked in 1855. But since then, the ranking hasn’t changed even though a lot of new great wines emerged in Médoc. The “Cru Bourgois” ranking was created in 1932 to award these new talents from Médoc.
Grape variety
If merlot is the most planted variety in Bordeaux, it is pretty uncommon to find so much merlot in a wine from Médoc ! Indeed, in this part of Bordeaux, cabernet-sauvignon is the king as it gives its best on soils made of graves. However, this choice of adding a lot of merlot was good as it is what gives this wine its silky texture that swathes cabernet-sauvignon strong tannins.
Appearance
A beautiful garnet dress with a streaming drop..
Nose
Open and pleasant nose to the aromas of cedar and cherry.
Mouth
A fresh mouth with a creamy texture.
Service
Service between 16°C et 18°C. Open just before serving. until 2023
Food and wine pairings
Wild boar and foie gras terrine
Grilled flank steak with shallot and red wine sauce
Epoisses de Bourgogne
Cherry pieA winemaker, a family
Since 1961, Château Ramage la Batisse has slowly but surely become a star of the Haut-Médoc. The 95 hectares of the estate were entrusted in 1990 to renowned winemaker Georges Pauli. Thanks to its hard work and the modernization of the winery, Château Ramage la Batisse eventually became a Cru Bourgeois in 2003. Well done Georges !
Terroir
Located in the heart of Médoc, the vines are planted on a chalky underground whereas the ground itself is made of graves. So it is a poor soil that naturally limits the vines’ yield. Moreover, it challenges the vines which have to grow long roots in order to find their nutrients deep hence giving very high quality wines.
My VitiBox, April. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
You might have noticed that Château Ramage la Batisse is a “Cru Bourgeois”.
£20.51 Public price £17.43 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Origami 2012, Château l’Evêché, Bordeaux
The opinion of the sommelier
In this month of April, I am proud to present you Origami by Chateau l’Evêché. This wine is a perfect example of the best you can find on the right bank of Bordeaux ! Its main characteristic is an amazing smoothness that will enchant your buds. Moreover, this wine is amazingly balanced and blackberries aromas pair perfectly with vanilla flavours brought by a delicate maturation in oak barrels.
Grape variety
This wine is mainly elaborated with merlot as are most wines from Bordeaux’s right bank. Merlot gives flattering fruity wines but needs a lot of care and attention to gain complexity. Indeed, merlot is a fertile variety which gives high quantity of low quality wines when it’s let entirely free. Like other right bank good winemakers, Chateau l’Evêché masters the art of stressing merlot so it gives powerful and refined wines.
Appearance
A beautiful purple and bright dress..
Nose
Open nose to the aromas of spicy and tertiary.
Mouth
Fresh mouth and rich in alcohol.
Service
Service between 16°C et 18° Open just before serving. until 2019.
Food and wine pairings
Saucisson en croûte
Barbecued offal skewers
Fourme d’Ambert
Chocolate canelésA winemaker, a family
The history of Château l’Evêché starts several centuries ago when the bishop of the area asked peasants to plant vines around the chapel of Lescours. Château l’Evêché was born. It was then awaken in 2008 after a long hibernation when Jean Sébastien Capdevielle and Anthony Ginter got in charge of the 6 hectares located in Nerigean./p>
Terroir
Château l’Evêché, a rising star of Saint-Emilion, also owns 6 hectares just on the other side of the Dordogne River. Merlot and cabernet franc, the only variety used in Château Cheval Blanc, are cultivated with as much care as for the Grand Cru. The only difference is that this side of the river is sunnier and wines are therefore a little sweeter. Yummy!
My VitiBox, May. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
This wine is amazingly balanced and blackberries aromas pair perfectly with vanilla flavours brought by a delicate maturation in oak barrels.
£12.92 Public price £10.98 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Terroir de Granit 2012, Guy Farge, Saint-Joseph
The opinion of the sommelier
This month, I felt like presenting the Saint Joseph appellation to all whom do not know it yet. This wine is very typical of the appellation: it shows flavours of warm granite, a fat and silky texture with aromas of black berries, and a finish of black pepper typical of syrah. I tasted it on a delicious charcuterie board.
Grape variety
Even though syrah is a variety with low yields and is really sensitive to various diseases, it is one of the six most used varieties in the world. It is used worldwide, even in Australia where it is known under the name of shiraz. It gives elegant and harmonious wines with spicy aromas, mostly pepper. Will you find it in your glass?
Appearance
Deep garnet colour with raspberry reflections..
Nose
Intense and pleasant nose.
Mouth
Dense and fruity.
Service
Between 14°C and 16°C. Open just before serving. until 2020.
Food and wine pairings
Charcuterie board
Roasted pigeon
Saint- Marcellin cheese
Black Forest cakeA winemaker, a family
The history of the vineyard began in 1920 when Henri Farge bought 12 hectares from a general from Normandy. Since 1980, it is Guy Farge who rules the vineyard. When Guy got in charge, the grapes were sold to wine merchants. But he decided to elaborate and bottle his own wines. Therefore, he made a few changes. The first one was to choose to work on the vines exclusively manually. And at My VitiBox, we appreciate when hard work is provided in order to make good wine!
Terroir
Saint Joseph is one of the most beautiful appellations of the Rhône Valley. Indeed, the vines are planted on steep hillsides and circled by walls of ancient stones, next to the Rhône River. This way of planting the vines ensures a good exposure to the sun as well as a high level of water stress.
My VitiBox, May. 2015 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
This wine is very typical of the appellation: it shows flavours of warm granite, a fat and silky texture with aromas of black berries, and a finish of black pepper typical of syrah.
£20.33 Public price £17.28 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Château du Breuil 2012, Château Cissac, Haut- Médoc
The opinion of the sommelier
It’s a very typical Cru Bourgeois that I chose this month. The robe is dark and deep. The nose is complex, with hints of spice, and is very promising. On the palate, I was impressed by its perfect balance and its amazing structure. The aromas of violet and red berries perfectly pair with the aromas of licorice, sign of delicate aging in oak barrels. A very refined Cru Bourgeois, quite classical in its structure but quite original in its aromas.
Grape variety
If cabernet-sauvignon and merlot are expected as there are some in almost all the wines in Bordeaux, the presence of malbec is a bit more surprising. Malbec used to be quite widespread in Bordeaux until the sixties. It’s used to give more structure to the wine thanks to its usually thin but abundant tannins.
Appearance
A beautiful garnet dress with purple hues..
Nose
A complex and spicy nose.
Mouth
Fresh sweet and tangy mouth.
Service
Service between 16°C et 18° Open just before serving. until 2019.
Food and wine pairings
Paté
Sirloin steak with shallot sauce
Saint-Nectaire
Fresh raspberriesA winemaker, a family
Chateau Cissac is so obviously located on an amazing terroir that vines were already planted there during Antiquity. Indeed, the castle was built on the ruins of a Roman Villa that was surrounded by vines ! Nowadays, Marie Vialard runs the estate and make everything she can to respect and honour this riche legacy./p>
Terroir
If cabernet-sauvignon and merlot are expected as there are some in almost all the wines in Bordeaux, the presence of malbec is a bit more surprising. Malbec used to be quite widespread in Bordeaux until the sixties. It’s used to give more structure to the wine thanks to its usually thin but abundant tannins.
My VitiBox, July. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
On the palate, I was impressed by its perfect balance and its amazing structure.
£21.51 Public price £18.28 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Hautes Côtes de Beaune 2012, Maison Hervé Kerlann, Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune
The opinion of the sommelier
Burgundy’s red wines arefascinating : they all are elaborated with the same grape variety and yet they offer an astonishing diversity. This is due to the unique diversity of terroirs in the region. This Hautes Côtes de Beaune displays beautiful aromas of raspberry and rose delicately enhanced by a gentle acidity and very thin tannins. However, pinot noir is a fragile and demanding variety : do not hesitate to aerate it several hours before service so it fully displays its bouquet.
Grape variety
In Burgundy, all the great white wines come from chardonnay and all the red from pinot noir. But if chardonnay is robust and can be planted virtually everywhere, pinot noir is different. Indeed, pinot needs sun to develop its aromas but not too much heat. Moreover, it needs wind to remain healthy. Therefore, pinot enjoys sloppy northern region, like Burgundy and Champagne where it is widely grown !
Appearance
A beautiful ruby dress with fluid tears..
Nose
An expressive and floral nose.
Mouth
Pleasant and semi-sweet mouth.
Service
Service between 14°C et 16° Open 4 hours before serving. until 2019.
Food and wine pairings
Chicken salad
Turkey breast
Soumaintrain cheese
Raspberry tartA winemaker, a family
In Burgundy, most estates go from one generation to another. But not all the time ! Indeed, Hervé Kerlann comes from a Family of…Bordeaux’s wine merchants ! However, it’s in Beaune that Hervé chose to keep on developing the Family’s business, notably buying Château de Laborde in 1998 from Hospices de Beaune./p>
Terroir
Long strip bordering Côte de Beaune’s villages on the west, Hautes Côtes de Beaune are a succession of hills and valleys. Thus, vines are all planted on slopes which allow them to benefit from a good exposure to sun and wind. It ensures a good level of ripeness, which is very important in such a northern region, and keeps the wine healthy, also very important for pinot noir, a noticeably fragile grape variety.
My VitiBox, September. 2016 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
This Hautes Côtes de Beaune displays beautiful aromas of raspberry and rose delicately enhanced by a gentle acidity and very thin tannins.
£23.75 Public price £20.18 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Le Rif 2014, La Ferme du Mont, Vacqueyras
The opinion of the sommelier
In Vacqueyras, making strong wines is a tradition, with a lot of alcohol and a powerful taste. If le Rif indeed displayed these sought-after characteristics, we didn’t expect that much refinement and delicate flowery aromas. This perfectly matches with more typical flavours of ripe fruits and warm spices. Moreover, a great freshness balances the power : this wine is doubtlessly a very nice surprise !
Grape variety
Grenache is a variety that loves warmth and sun. This variety is very well known to express itself through generosity, a robust structure and clear aromas of black fruits and coffee, cacao… Stéphane Vedeau realises a masterstroke by revealing vegetal and floral notes in addition… What an artist !
Appearance
A shiny and purplish red dress..
Nose
Expressive and pleasant nose to the aromas of vegetal and flower.
Mouth
Fresh and silky mouth.
Service
Service between 14°C et 16° Open just before serving. until 2024.
Food and wine pairings
Veal liver
Beef stew
Banon cheese
Blueberry pieA winemaker, a family
This month, two wines were made by the same winemaker but on very different terroirs. The challenge of growing Grenache stimulated Stéphane Vedeau. Indeed, if it’s easy to make strong wines in this area, it is way harder to make fresh, soft and delicate wines. That’s why he chose La Ferme du Mont, at the foot of a hill that brings a little freshness to the vines. Your palate will agree and appreciate this challenge taken, cheers !/p>
Terroir
Vacqueyras appellation is located on the delicate Montmirail hillsides. In a Mediterranean area, climate is chilly but not cold during winter, and very warm during summer. It’s also remarkably windy, and when the wind comes from the north, it brings refreshing air from the mountains that keeps vines healthy !
My VitiBox, February. 2017 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
A great freshness balances the power : this wine is doubtlessly a very nice surprise.
£20.33 Public price £17.28 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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L’Absolu de Gravas 2014, Château de Gravas, Graves
The opinion of the sommelier
Graves is known as one of the best terroirs for white in Bordeaux. As soon as you dip your lips, you can feel all the minerality expected but also all the freshness brought by Sauvignon's citrus aromas. The texture is a bit silky : this wine is flattering on the palate. It will perfectly pair with shellfish !
Grape variety
Semillon is the king variety of Sauternes and Barsac for the production of sweet wines. It is also found in the production of dry white wines blended with its traditional partner : Sauvignon. While Semillon gives golden and fleshy wines, Sauvignon gives birth to deeply fresh and mineral wines, hence balancing Semillon’s generosity.
Appearance
A beautiful golden dress with fluid tears..
Nose
An expressive and pleasant nose to the aromas of floral, fruity, empyreumatic and spice.
Mouth
Lively and iodized mouth.
Service
Service between 8°C et 10° just before serving. until 2019.
Food and wine pairings
Seafood platter
Salmon pie
Emmental
Apricot pieA winemaker, a family
The building was built in 1850 and now the 6th generation is in charge. From its past, the castle has preserved a magnificent stone press from the 1900s. If it is no longer used for production, it symbolizes for the winegrowers of the domain the mark of their savoir faire./p>
Terroir
Château Gravas, is located just next to the prestigious village of Barsac, part of an exceptional terroir. Its cracked limestone soil allows a deep penetration of the roots, feeding the vine all the elements necessary for its good development. And a well-fed vineyard is a vine that gives good grapes !
My VitiBox, June. 2017 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
As soon as you dip your lips, you can feel all the minerality expected but also all the freshness brought by Sauvignon's citrus aromas.
£10.33 Public price £8.78 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Eperon d'Argent 2016, J. Lebègue, AOC Graves
The opinion of the sommelier
This wine reminds of a fruit basket filled with fresh and crunchy fruits ! The nose displays various elegant flavours of pear, banana, apple and blackberry. On the palate, we may agree that the smooth start gives charm. This delicious “Graves” manages to combine the subtly flavoured treats of fruits and a gentle texture. The perfect dry white Bordeaux !
Grape variety
The perfect match ! In the mouth, sauvignon brings expressive aromas marked by notes of white fruits and flowers. Semillon is not that aromatic, but it brings the structure and a buttery touch as well as a hint of sugar.
Appearance
A greenish yellow dress with thick tears..
Nose
An expressive and pleasant nose to the aromas of fruit, and vegetal.
Mouth
Lively mouth and rich in alcohol.
Service
Service between 8°C et 9° just before serving. until 2020.
Food and wine pairings
Avocado and shrimps
Cold Pollock served with “aioli”
Fresh goat cheese
Fruit saladA winemaker, a family
J.Lebègue is an historic winery founded in 1828 by Jules Lebègue at Cantenac, a small village located on the left side of the Gironde, next to Margaux. The company manages to combine the “basics” with innovations. Indeed, the firm has recently distinguished itself by launching the first Bordeaux fully fermented in oak barrels as they do in Burgundy./p>
Terroir
As its name tells, the soil of the “Graves” is made of gravels, pebbles (called graves in French) and stones. These “graves” reflect solar radiations and gradually redistribute the heat on the bunches contributing to a better grape ripeness. For white wines, it explains why Graves have such a smooth texture.
My VitiBox, september. 2017 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
On the palate, we may agree that the smooth start gives charm.
£10.80 Public price £9.18 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Tradition 2012, Domaine Labranche Laffont, Madiran
The opinion of the sommelier
This fabulous 2012’s vintage of Domaine Labranche Laffont shows that the reputation of rustic wines that once characterized Madiran is now far away. In the mouth, the wine is highly concentrated with well-marked tannins gentled during the four years since the bottling. Those carry a very subtle aroma of fig and smoked and peppered notes. I find its length on the palate remarkable.
Grape variety
Tannat is the king grape variety of Madiran ! Indeed, this grape particularly enjoys the gravelly and sandy soils of the south-west, and represents 40 to 60 % of the grape varieties of the appellation. Sometimes unknown to the public, it gives colourful, fruity and tannic wines. Small bonus ; its richness in tannins gives anti-oxidant properties !
Appearance
A purplish dress with fluid tears..
Nose
An expressive and pleasant nose to the aromas of black fruits, roasted and spice.
Mouth
Dry and full-bodied wine.
Service
Service between 17°C et 19° just before serving. until 2019.
Food and wine pairings
Doe terrine
Lacquered duck and Thai rice
Blue cheese
Cake with candied fruitsA winemaker, a family
It was in the 90's that Christine Dupuy took over the 6 hectares of the family vineyard. She became the youngest winegrower in the appellation. Christine Dupuy is praised by the wine press for her ability to modernize the wines of Madiran. She indeed was the one to prove that Madiran’s wines can be very seductive and that fruit can take over the tannin structure./p>
Terroir
Located just next to the Pyrenees, the Labranche Laffont estate hides a rare gem! The estate managed to preserve tannat vines dating from the terrible invasion of the phylloxera, an insect which destroyed the major part of French vines at the end of the 19th century.
My VitiBox, October. 2017 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
In the mouth, the wine is highly concentrated with well-marked tannins gentled during the four years since the bottling.
£11.51 Public price £9.78 Subscribers' priceOut of stock
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Puy Saint-front 2016, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
The opinion of the sommelier
Located next to the well-known village of Saint-Émilion, Castillon is the rising appellation in Bordeaux. It benefits from an outstanding terroir and is getting more and more popular thanks to its with attractive price / pleasure ratio. This is of course the case of the Puy Saint-Front 2016 wich shows how great can some Bordeaux wines be for good prices.
Grape variety
Cabernet Franc is far from being the most widespread grape variety in the Bordeaux region. However, thanks to its ability to mature early, it is also used further north in the Loire Valley. It brings to the wine notes of crunchy fruit and very nice spicy flavours.
Appearance
A beautiful purple dress with viscous tears..
Nose
An expressive and pleasant nose to the aromas of ripe fruit, spices and empyreumatic.
Mouth
Pleasant and fresh mouth.
Service
Service between17°C et 19° open just before serving. until 2021.
Food and wine pairings
Chanterelles stew
Beef fillet with black olives
CantalA winemaker, a family
In the 18th century, Baron Alfred de Luze founded Maison A. de Luze & Fils, first specialised in maturing and ageing the wines before selling those. Man of vision and a fine negotiator, Baron De Luze was one of the pioneers in the export of Bordeaux wines in new countries. In addition to its international network, Maison De Luze bought several chateaux in Bordeaux such as Château Paveil, a very old cru from the Margaux region, or Château Malleret in Haut-Médoc./p>
Terroir
The appellation "Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux" is located on the right bank on the slopes getting down from Saint-Émilion. Coming from the same limestone plateau as Saint-Emilion, the wines of the appellation benefit from a privileged geographical situation with a southern exposure and a difference in altitude of more than 100 meters.
My VitiBox, February. 2018 / bouteille
Sold by cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Delivery within 7 days.
It benefits from an outstanding terroir and is getting more and more popular thanks to its with attractive price / pleasure ratio.
£10.53 Public price £10.31 Subscribers' price