Peter Kupers

9.1

The fact that I recognised this wine blind is proof of its greatness and memorability. I have little experience with this style of white Rioja, but it is so distinctive, so intense that it stays with you. More subtle in its oxidative notes than I remember from previous experiences, but a structure that just keeps on delivering layers upon layers of depth. Just world class. — 7 years ago

Peter Kupers

8.5

Quite different in comparison to last week's Riecine. More nuanced in the nose, floral instead of fruity. Palate is a bit harsh, I would even say rustic if I were in a bad mood, with tannins that do seem to need more time. The website states that this contains 10% merlot, which I do not recognise at all. Hopefully to improve with age. — 8 years ago

Peter Kupers

9.0

The 2005 Vacqueyras by Tardieu Laurent is actually quite the nostalgic bottle for me, as it is one of the first ‘expensive’ wines I ever bought and tucked away in the cellar. This was my last bottle, but I was happy with the evolution it had undergone with a couple of years. Tertiarty aromas in the nose, a bit of fruit that was still there but mostly licorice, meaty on the palate but overall very very complete to drink. — 8 years ago

Peter Kupers

8.5

I have been intrigued by the wines of Jurançon lately, as they have the potential to offer a great play between sweetness and freshness. The level of residual sugar plays off course a pivotal role here. In my opinion, lower levels allow the acidity to shine, the wine's real backbone. This is a more concentrated Jurancon, perhaps a bit too much. It is a young wine though, so perhaps it will improve with age. For now however, the vibrancy is not there (yet). — 7 years ago

Peter Kupers

9.0

A classic expression of Sangiovese, spicy with bright red fruit and a very typical freshness that you can find in the best chianti wines. There is no room here for non-Italian grape varieties or an overdose of oak, and it is this classical approach that lends it all the more charm. — 8 years ago

Peter Kupers

8.6

Looking back in the bottles of Bordeaux I opened, outside of class or in a non-tasting setting, I end up at the grand total of four. The vast majority doesn’t move me in the same way that other wines can. There are however moments that call for it. A cold night, a nice slab of Berkshire Porc with an Ottolenghi marinade and home made apple chutney proved to be an exemplary match for Domaine de l’A’s 2007. Spiciness, a bit mellow but all in all harmonious, integrated and just fitting into the scene. — 8 years ago

Peter Kupers

8.8

In an effort to find more affordable Nebbiolo, it pays to sometimes look beyond Piemonte. Ar.Pe.Pe is an estate that has helped to put Valtellina on the map. Steep terraced vineyards are a requirement for grape ripening, but they alone cannot compensate for lower temperatures. The wines are moreso marked by acidity, but luckily don't suffer from the sometimes high alcohol levels found in Piemonte. Floral in the nose, crunchy fruit on the side and a palate that is a bit reminiscent of a good Beaujolais cru. — 8 years ago

Peter Kupers

9.0

Peter had this 8 years ago

Peter Kupers

8.3

Peter had this 8 years ago

Peter Kupers

9.2

Very complex, not your leanest Savennières but simply gorgeous with food. One of my favourite Anjou estates! — 8 years ago