30+years as a wine professional. Artist and art lover
2018 vintage. The standard Château de Portets is pretty good, but this is the "Grand Vin". Concentration, impeccable balance, complexity, subtle spices, and length. Classic Graves that sells for a song. One of the finest values in Bordeaux. Abv. 14%. — 17 days ago
1998 vintage. This estate was acquired in 1972 by former Château Yquem régisseur Pierre Meslier ( who passed away in 2023 at the age of 93). He managed to restore the wines to their former glory, and his 3 children seem to continue on the same path. This 1998 features a brilliant, golden colour, and a nose that immediately shows off the typical roasted botrytis aromas that characterise great Sauternes., intertwined with honey, beewax, maple syrup, lemon confit and flowers. In the mouth, it is succulent and profound, wonderfully achieving that delicate balance between sugar and acidity that makes Sauternes potentially great. Layers of dried and fresh fruit, rich and refreshing at the same time, culminating in a very long finish with a lovely almondy impression. Excellent. Abv. 13,5%. — 20 days ago
1953 vintage. Balestard La Tonnelle. Saint-Emilion. Low shoulder. Still hanging in there. — 10 days ago
2022 vintage. Olivier Decelle also owns Mas Amiel ( Maury), Jean-Faure ( Saint-Emilion), as well as estates in Burgundy and the Rhône Valley under his name. This Saint-Joseph "Empreinte"is a delicious, uncomplicated juicy Syrah with bright fruit, spices, and a gentle tannic bite. Very good value. Abv. 13,5 %. — 18 days ago
1989 vintage. Batailley has been a reliable Pauillac for a very longtime. The level of this bottle was very good, but the cork fell in the bottle as soon as I touched it. Therefore I took the risk to decant it immediately, and that turned out to be a great idea. Upon opening the nose seemed very volatile, but after a few hours in the decanter it started to shine, suggesting that it could age even longer. Bought this bottle on ebay for 43 euros, which is a steal for this impeccably balanced Pauillac at its peak. Abv. 13%. — 13 days ago
2020 vintage. This is the second wine of Château Cap Saint George. Nice fruity start, but drying finish ( and again a Diam cork). Abv. 13,5%. — 19 days ago
Stefan Dolhain
2022 vintage. The "Pierre-Marie & Marie Luneau" label covers a series of wines from grapes by partner growers, whereas the estate wines come under the Luneau-Papin label. This organic Muscadet, from vines planted in 1950 and 1987 on granite soils, was harvested by the Luneau-Papin team and vinified in their cellars. Bright, crisp white fruit, fresh and seductive with the typical Muscadet saltiness. Terrific value for less than 10 euros. Abv. 13%. — 5 days ago