Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2020 vintage. Delicious, with great purity of fruit and freshness. Diam5 cork and not drying, praise the Lord! Abv. 13,5 %. — 2 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2023 vintage. A sunny vintage with high yields. The days of the classic, steely Chablis are over, today it tends to be more fruit-driven, even if the mineral feel remains. This Séries Limitées Vaillons 2023 is gorgeous with ripe white fruit, combined with floral and mineral impressions. Showing well already with a round mouthfeel, lovely layered fruit, and the rather low acidity of the vintage. Long, mineral finish. Abv. 13%. — 6 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2025 vintage. This is the first white in the new Médoc Blanc appellation from Château Tour Prignac., from 4 year old vines of Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. — 13 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2019 vintage. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The good news is that I have another unexpected good experience with a Diam cork this week (Diam 5 in this case), praise the Lord! (and I would never have bought the bottle if I had known in advance it had a Diam cork). 2019 is one of my favourite vintages for Prieuré-Lichine, and the second wine is pretty good too. More Merlot-dominated and easy-drinking compared to the grand vin, but a most pleasurable Margaux for a very reasonable price (27 euros in their shop, I sell it a little cheaper even). Smooth and elegant, and another fine Bordeaux value. Abv 13,5%. — 18 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2022 vintage. Very good value, tasted twice with consistent notes. — 3 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2022 vintage, 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Cabernet Franc. This 16 hectares Pessac-Léognan vineyard ( 13 ha of red, and 3 of white)was just bought by the Domaines de Moncets group, which is moving to the left bank for the first time, as they already own Moncets and Chambrun in Lalande de Pomerol, La Bastidette in Montagne Saint- Émilion and the Saint-Emilion grand cru La Voûte. It seems that they won't have to start from scratch, given the quality of this 2022, with black cherries, blackberries, and Pessac-Léognan spiciness. Impeccable balance, concentration, purity of fruit, and serious complexity at this price point. Nice licorice finish. Great value, and an estate to watch. Abv. 14,5%. — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2022 vintage. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. One of the rare unclassified Saint-Julien estates, owned by the Meffre family, that started in 1961 with a small vineyard that was part of Saint-Pierre, and was gradually expanded with parcels bought from Lagrange. The quality is on the rise here, and the Meffre family believes this is the best wine the estate has ever produced. Ripe black fruit,a fresh floral note, and very subtle oak. There is a little heat from the high alcohol (15% abv.), but there is fresh acidity to keep the balance, and that prevents the wine from getting jammy. Solid smooth tannic structure and serious length. An estate to watch. — 16 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.3

2022 vintage. Not to be confounded with Château Puynormond. I suppose this is a supermarket label for Chateau Haut-Bonneau? — 3 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2020 vintage. From dedicated parcels, Marquis de Calon Ségur is very different from the grand vin, with Merlot dominating the blend. Immediately expressive, with abundant red fruit and flowers. Impeccable purity of fruit and a silky mouthfeel. Good value at one third of the price of the grand vin. Abv. 14,5%. — 12 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2020 vintage. Romorantin "Gloria"from Domaine de Montcy in Cheverny. Vin de France. Biodynamically farmed. Light golden colour. Some sherry-like aromas (Amontillado) in the nose. Walnuts, beeswax, quince, and dried flowers. This is an oxydative style, not sure if it was intended that way? In any case, this tastes more like a Vernaccia Di Oristano than the very few Romorantin wines I have tasted (many years ago, no vivid memories), but since I like the former... There also seems to be a bit of residual sugar which balances the walnut bitterness in the finish. A bit of an acquired taste, but worth a try. I wonder how this tastes young? The website says the estate is permanently closed. Abv. 12,5%. — 13 days ago