Incredibly dense and dark in colour for its age - impenetrable - no tawny rim. Barb thought too medicinal and menthol. There is a note of menthol/eucalypt on the nose which is not unusual. I’ve always thought that Wendouree is a very masculine wine and this Cabinet Malbec reinforces that thought. Full bodied - such a solid core - not as nuanced as I was hoping for. Would easily go another 7 to 10 years I would think. Fine, sandy persistent tannins. — 2 years ago
Chardonnay from 40 years old vines in the Trout Gulch vineyard, a very cool site on sandy loam in Aptos, about 4 miles from the Ocean in Sabra Cruz County. Pure nose with aromas of citrus, salt, crushed stone and white fruit. Medium-bodied, bright, lively with citrus flavors. Good acidity and noticeable salinity on the palate — 3 years ago
Slightly fresher & more exotic be the Batailley.
Black fruit galore, cedar wood, minty whiffs, exotic spice.
Soft & quite mellow on the palate. Yet fresh. The tannins are so finely grained & juicy - dusty, sandy fine. Poised, so elegant, classic Bordeaux. Great mid palate, nice length & depth. This is probably at a perfect drinking window right now. So delightful. — 7 months ago
Young and pale in colour, the 2020 Domaine de la Charbonniere Blanc - the only white wine produced at this historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate - is a medium bodied, elegant wine made with Grenache (40%), Roussanne (40%) and Clairette (20%) from sandy soils in the appellation.
The exuberant nose offers aromas of peach, lavender, pear, cardamom and lime, with a generous hint of salted butter despite the limited use of oak and no malolactic fermentation. The palate is soft and welcoming, with a gorgeous mouthfeel and very concentrated fruit, finishing on a bitter lemon note. The long finish is very satisfying. This would be a brilliant wine for grilled prawns, and I’ll leave it at that. Ageworthy? Not sure, it’s a very complete wine now. — 3 years ago
Pale crimson in colour. An earthy, horsey, ultra savoury nose. A light to medium weight savoury palate with dried cherry, earthy mineral flavours and light Sandy tannins. I really loved this Etna Rosso which we picked from the all Italian Wine List at the River Cafe London. Went well with a lovely fresh piece of Turbot. — 3 years ago
Columbia county 2.0: 100% Ramisco from one of the worlds great wacky wine areas- vines not just on sandy soil, but on sand, in Colares, Portugal. The closest soul equivalent I can think of is Barolo, as it has that intensity of red fruit but within such a light to moderate frame, though tannins don’t bear the same aggressiveness as Barolos. Still, the age worthiness of these Ramiscos could easily outlive me. Needle like acidity & Gorgeous red fruits. Doesn’t feel like infanticide. Have two bottles by another Colares producer which hopefully I can resist In the next few decades. Paired beautifully with baked chicken thighs with Medjol dates, lemons, thyme, & shallots. — 2 years ago
Grapes sourced from 2 vineyards, high altitude sandy souls in Vera d’Alba & Renesio Incisa cru in Canale. Originally called "Nebbiolo bianco" due to the shape of the bunch and the size of the berries similar to Nebbiolo. Pale lemon with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with herb notes. On the palate flavors of lemon, apple and herb character. Medium finish, lively acidity balance, ending with creamy citrus and mineral character. Nice value! — 3 years ago
Mid Ruby red in colour with a tawny edge. Sour cherry with touches of pepper and cloves. Not as raspberry as I was expecting from old vine Mataro. With a couple of hours of aeration the raspberry notes started coming through finishing with Sandy tannins. This wine is made by the multi talented Andrew Caillard who is the supremo of Fine Wine retailer and auctioneer Langtons who allowed Andrew to make his superb range of wines under his own label using old vine Mataro and Shiraz; painted the exquisite labels himself and who achieved a Master of Wine in his spare time. I am lucky to have 5 of these beauties left. 96 points from James Halliday. — 3 years ago
Anthony
Sandy with a side of sweet — 7 months ago