1990 vintage. An under the radar Pomerol, bought in 1961 by the grandfather of current owner Nathalie Despagne. He also owned La Tour Figeac in Saint-Emilion and La Rose Figeac is just across the Saint-Emilion border. The 4,56 hectare vineyard consists of 9 parcels (all within 500 m of each other) on gravelly sandy soils and is planted with Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc. My bottle had a near-perfect level and as the smell was a bit musty upon opening, but there was still good fruit in the mouth and the colour looked very solid, I took the risk to decant it. It turned out to be a wise decision as the wine evolved positively, even if the tannins remained a bit rustic. On the other hand it still has lively fruit and freshness, it is a testimony to the ageing potential of Bordeaux wines and an attractive food wine. Abv. 12,8% . — 3 years ago
The quality for price is outstanding. In 1936 “Caillou’s owner had no desire to join the governing ranks of anything, let alone a wine appellation. This brazen act excluded the estate from the AOC and essentially carved out a chunk of Châteauneuf-du-Pape‘s border. Today it continues to be an ‘unclassified’ section in what is otherwise some of the most prized vineyard land in the area“-Ian Cauble, master sommelier — 4 years ago
Ka' Manciné is a tiny estate located on the south eastern slopes in western Liguria, in the Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC, almost on the border of France. Light ruby color, subtle hints of cherry and fig like, earthy and antique. The soft acidity lingers then finishes with a spicy freshness. — 3 years ago
Sticking with the “great wines from grapes you’ve never heard of” theme for a while longer, why not join me for a sip of this alpine gem. Grown in the northerly reaches of Italy’s Valle d’Aosta, just over the border with France and Switzerland, and in some of Europe’s highest altitude vineyards (1200 meters) this wine is made from the Prié Blanc grape. Prié Blanc is the region’s only indigenous white grape, and is rarely found within the Valle d’Aosta, let alone outside of it. Vibrating with mineral intensity, the wine tastes of green apple, lemon cucumber, dried honey, and a hint of herbs. Electric acidity and a sort of peach-pit tanginess linger in the finish. Because the region is mostly tiny growers, Cave Mont Blanc is a cooperative, and a very high-quality one at that. — 4 years ago
A nice Chenin Blanc from vineyards along the border of 2 sub-regions, pale lemon color with aromas of white fruits and wet stone. On the palate flavors of apple and peach, complex, lively acidity. Long finish ending with mineral and sweet honey character, should age a bit, but great now! Good value! — 9 months ago
What a delicious bottle. Super expressive light yellow fruits- pear, kiwi, pawpaw, banana, also with a beguiling spiciness, almost a curry spice, and slight nuttiness reminiscent of clean sous voile wine. Psycho accessibility, perfectly integrated dosage. Long mineral finish. — 3 years ago
2019 vintage. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot from 25 - 50 years old vines close to the Saint-Estèphe border. In 2019 only 35% of production made it into the grand vin. Seriously good wine that sells for a song. Ripe black fruit and cedary oak notes and a subtle hint of nutmeg. In the mouth it is amazingly complex and concentrated at this price level. The fruit is dense and layered, while perfectly balanced with fresh acidity and ripe tannin. Very good length too. Should age well for at least 10 to 15 years. Superb value! — 3 years ago
High mountain Italian, on border of Germany. Crisp and mineral flavor, good light and bright pairing with richer foods. Would buy again! — 4 years ago
Matthew Cohen
A most interesting wine. Needs 30 minutes.
Nose: soft cherries. Library dust. Gorgeous cherry flowers. Like a 9.5 nose.
Palate: silky texture. Lovely early season cherries. A touch of vegetal notes. These go away with air. Juicy. Cherry spice. Delicious in an elegant way. A hint of savoriness. Texture is elite. Pure silk.
Psycho finish. You get that lingering elegant spice. — a month ago