There 439 products in this category
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Frog's Leap
An icon of Napa Valley, the Frog's Leap style is much more elegant and less monumental that the usual Napa output... Fine-boned, classy and long lived.
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Chateau Talbot
10% off all Bordeaux wines
Medium to deep ruby red colour. Youthful nose, fragrant and floral with some stony notes, graphite, tobacco and wild berries. The palate is medium bodied with dense yet fresh fruit, still a youthful texture, blending red and dark fruit with cassis, sage, tobacco and a long fresh finish.
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Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
When Zind-Humbrecht acquired the Clos-Saint-Urbain vineyard on the Grand Cru Rangen in 1977, about half of the land wasn’t under vines and needed to be planted. This very steep vineyard requires a lot of hard manual work and some surfaces were left abandoned in the middle of the 20th century. Most vintages, the vines planted in the 70s and 80s are separated from the very old vines that qualify as Grand Cru. This wine clearly show all the originality of a volcanic geology which is unique in Alsace. They are also cultivated the exact same way as the older vines (ploughing with a winch for example). The biggest difference would be on the crop size. The Roche Volcanique is made with low yields, but the older vines produce even less! For these ‘younger vines’ they aim for very healthy grapes (no noble rot) in order to achieve a dry wine. Bright pale-yellow colour. Expressive fruity and smoky nose (smoked ham, grilled hazelnuts). The palate has a velvety texture, lots of depth and length without too much power. Gentle balance showing a saline acidity on the finish. Very easy wine to enjoy today. Dry, but with a certain softness due to a good dry extract that brings volume on the palate. Obviously Rangen in taste…
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Borja Perez Viticultor
Very much a product of its volcanic, maritime terroir, this has really super freshness and minerality, allied with bright cherry fruit, blood orange notes, dried herbs and white pepper. Medium-bodied with nice grip and a savoury smack on the finish (from Decanter). Borja Perez is a rising star of the Canary Island wine scene. A former racing car mechanic, Borja inherited the family business in 2011 and decided to bottle his own wine rather than sell off the fruit. He set about refocusing on local varieties like Listan Blanco, Listan Negro, Marmajuelo, Vijariego Negro and Baboso Negro by restoring old ungrafted vineyards back to full health and establishing new sites – work he is still engaged in today. In that pursuit, Borja has developed a reputation as one of the best viticulturists in the Canaries.
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Weingut Max Ferd.Richter
The Erdener Treppchen is one of the most legendary vineyard sites on the Mosel and was already an active vineyard in Roman times. The iron-rich, red slate soil gives the Rieslings grown here their very own intense minerality and race. This offers very refined and deeply complex notes of peach, orchard fruits, citrus and dried flowers. The wine combines a delicious creaminess and zest with freshness. It is racy and multi-layered on the palate with a sappy and very long finish. This terrific Spätlese is a great ambassador of the Estate’s classical airy and delicate style.
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Chateau Angleus
10% off all Bordeaux wines
17/20 Jancis Robinson 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Includes the unclassified parcels of Angélus as well as those in St-Christophe-des-Bardes and in proximity to Figeac. First vintage from the new cellar in St-Magne-de-Castillon. Barrel sample. Seems to have stepped up a gear this year in terms of purity and precision. Dark fruit, spice and liquorice aroma and flavour but with a freshness that gives lift. Good depth of fruit, smooth texture and fine, long tannins. All with a restraining hand.
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Domaine du Pélican
Not to detract from their authentic Jura heart, the two Pelican whites - Chardonnay and Savagnin - offer an instantly lovable journey into Jura style for those wary of oxidative surprises as both are made 'topped-up' rather than in oxidative style and with a clear salute to the heritage of their grand Burgundian owner. On the nose a Meursault-esque reductive whiff, ozone and saline, tempered tempting posh new oak; even before a sip these are out and proud posh wines. The Savagnin is wild, vegetal in a fine garden/herb garden sense, salty and zesty and oddly sweet mango and hot straw, almost Savennieres-like with its broad back, whack of acid and suave new-oak integration. Chardonnay smells like top end Bien Nacido but unfurls into Jura idiom with fine acidity, limpid lift, seashells and citrus. Both, quite frankly, nicely-priced for such a grand, fascinating and extraordinary wines. I'd 100% recommend both - try them together! Jancisrobinson.com 17/20
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Turley
Larry Turley and his winemakers Tegan Passalacqua and Karl Wicka continue to produce a fantastic range of wines from some of California’s oldest, head-pruned, dry-farmed Zinfandel vineyards. Impressive, rich, juicy Zinfandel from a very good producer in Napa Valley. Really (for California!) good value. From the website of UK agent Thorman Hunt: They have managed to persuade the owners of some of California’s finest old vineyards to let them take total control of viticulture; farming organically, reducing yields to extremely low levels and picking very late. Winemaking is totally unmanipulated, with very gentle extraction. The wines are matured for 14-16 months in 75% French, 25% American oak barrels (25% new) and bottled unfined and unfiltered. “Juvenile” comes from young vines (6-25 years old), interplanted, from several of their old vine designated vineyards – including Hayne, Ueberroth, Pesenti, Salvador and Vineyard 101. Whilst it offers sumptuous, joyous fruit, it also gives more than a glimpse of Turley’s single vineyard wines.
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Azelia
Wine Advocate 93 The 2019 Barolo has a pretty bouquet that is laced with light fruit, licorice and lots of blue flower. On the palate, the wine is mid-weight and lively. This is a nice expression of classic Nebbiolo that shows depth and elegance. It ferments with ambient yeasts and sees 40 days of extended maceration with submerged cap. This 29,400-bottle production represents a blend of fruit from seven sites: Altenasso and Solanotto in Castiglione Falletto, a part of Cerretta, the younger part of Bricco Voghera where the vines are from 55 to 60 years old, part of San Rocco, and Cerrati and Broglio in Serralunga d'Alba. Decanter 92 From 5.5 hectares in Castiglione Falletto, including a selection from Bricco Voghera – from which Luigi and Lorenzo Scavino usually pick the grapes for their Riserva. Here is a Barolo full of details: intense sweet violet and cinnamon aromas with smoky minerality, pomegranate and red currants. The freshness on the nose is allied to a lot of sucrosity on the palate, with lifted acidity and firm, dusty and even slightly rustic tannins. Good concentration for a village Barolo, and one of the greatest price-quality ratios.
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Domaine du Pélican
Not to detract from their authentic Jura heart, the two Pelican whites - Chardonnay and Savagnin - offer an instantly lovable journey into Jura style for those wary of oxidative surprises as both are made 'topped-up' rather than in oxidative style and with a clear salute to the heritage of their grand Burgundian owner. On the nose a Meursault-esque reductive whiff, ozone and saline, tempered tempting posh new oak; even before a sip these are out and proud posh wines. The Savagnin is wild, vegetal in a fine garden/herb garden sense, salty and zesty and oddly sweet mango and hot straw, almost Savennieres-like with its broad back, whack of acid and suave new-oak integration. Chardonnay smells like top end Bien Nacido but unfurls into Jura idiom with fine acidity, limpid lift, seashells and citrus. Both, quite frankly, nicely-priced for such a grand, fascinating and extraordinary wines. I'd 100% recommend both - try them together! jancisrobinson.com 17.5/20
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Billecart-Salmon
This cuvée was named in tribute to Louis, Elisabeth Salmon’s brother, who was passionate about oenology and highly involved in winemaking from the earliest creation of the House. Originating from the best parcels of the Côte des Blancs, the Blanc de Blancs vintage is endowed with purity and minerality. Its appearance is crystal-clear pale-gold colour with delicate glints marked by shades of yellow and green. A persistent and sparkling effervescence. On the nose the first expression is distinctive for its elegant patina that’s nutty and complex, with flesh and pulp of citrus fruits (mandarin, yuzu, and pear in syrup). An aromatic profile of distinguished and sophisticated purity and a chalky, balanced and crystalline character (fresh honey and raw butter). An undeniable floral charm. On the palette, A creamy sensation in the mouth with a beautifully chiselled finesse. Beautiful and refreshing balance of natural flavours(marzipan, flaky brioche, white fruits and white pepper). This powerful, soaring winewith majestic typicity prolongs its finish towards an aromatic persistence of incredible length (cardamom, fresh mango and lemon caviar).
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Romain Le Bars
90/100 decanter! Aged for 5-6 months in qvevri, this Rkatsiteli from Shilda Village of Kakheti has an exotic nose of pineapple, ginger and citrus blossom. Bruised yellow apple, quince and grapefruit on the creamy palate, textured with grippy tannins, balanced with elegant acidity. Spiced on the finish with lingering dried mango notes.
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Chateau Quinault-L'Enclos
10% off all Bordeaux wines
A dark ruby/purple color, attractive raspberry and blueberry fruit, a floral character, noteworthy elegance and undeniable purity and texture make for a complex, mid-weight, delicious Quinault from the owners of Cheval Blanc.
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Domaine Danjou-Banessy
100% Grenache from 130+ year old vines. Complex floral aromas. On the palate the fruits, such as raspberry and morello cherry, are crunchy and fresh. There is also a very strong stony/mineral feeling. The finish is long and pure. A vibrant wine. 97/100 Matt Walls, Decanter Magazine March 2024
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Domaine Alain Gras
Packed full of wild strawberry fruit with hints of raspberry, the palate adds a touch of spice to the sweet fruit and even a touch of coffee. This is a lovely approachable wine. Alain Gras is the reference point for St-Romain. This extremely steep village was considered part of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune until 1947. The vineyards are set back from the main Côte and mostly at higher elevation and have unquestionably improved in quality by the changes in climate and no longer struggle to reach full physiological maturity. The domaine covers 12 hectares with 8ha being planted with Chardonnay and 4ha to Pinot Noir. There are 42 separate parcels but Alain prefers to blend the grapes into one cuvée.
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Weingut Max Ferd.Richter
Garnet in colour, mostly opaque and bright. The nose takes a few minutes to open and then shows cherries and black cherries with some spice. On the palate, this is full bodied with a nice nice texture. Lots of black cherry fruit. A bit of anise on the long finish. Blind, I think I would have guessed Oregon or maybe California here due to all the ripe fruit. Still quite young, perhaps another two or three years will calm it down for those looking for more elegance. I quite enjoyed this as is. It will continue to drink nicely for a decade. Great on its own, this will work well with classic Pinot dishes such as roasted duck.
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New Hall Vineyards
Produced using the Traditional Method, this Classic cuvee boasts aromas of red apple, conference pear and elderflower. You’ll find notes of ripe apricots, baked apple and roasted hazelnuts on the palate leading to a creamy, vibrant finish.
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Krug
"In this blend, the dynamic Pinot Noirs of 2014 came from a wide range of plots throughout the Champagne region, while fruity and full bodied Chardonnays were selected from plots in the Montagne de Reims, Sézannais and Côte des Blancs. The Meuniers from the Vallée de la Marne Rive Gauche were particularly bright, with magnificent fruit expression from plots in Leuvrigny. To complement the wines of the year, we selected reserve Pinot Noirs from plots in the Montagne de Reims Sud renowned for their structure, including an Ambonnay from 2005. Reserve Chardonnays from plot’s wines from Avize and Mesnil sur Oger over a wide spectrum of years have a nice share of voice in this blend, while reserve plot’s wines of Meuniers particularly from 2013 add freshness, intensity and chiselled structure." Julie Cavil Cellar Master, House of Krug
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Quinta de la Rosa
jancisrobinson.com 17/20 "Old vines, 60% Viosinho, 30% Rabigato, 10% Arinto. The wine was partially fermented in stainless steel with the remainder of the fermentation in French oak. It spent a further 8 months in oak... Smells richer and more complex than the straight La Rosa Branco, with a marked aroma of herbs and white flowers as well as all that pure citrus, and a suggestion of oak. The oak is a little more evident on the palate but beautifully integrated to build an elegant white wine that has a good core of fruit as well as layers and texture that you notice most on aftertaste. Already complex but should become more so with another year or two in the bottle though it is so well balanced you could drink this now. (JH)"
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Chêne Bleu
Warm ruby colour, bright with hints of mahogany. Fresh red fruits and notes of dried flowers on the nose and a smooth, fresh and full-bodied palate with fine and silky tannins. Long and aromatic. A vibrant easy-drinking Grenache-Syrah blend, named after the real-life lovechild of famed medieval lovers Abélard & Héloïse. Younger in age and spirit than its complex, collectible 'parents', it aims to deliver fresh fruit but also nice spice, concentration and length.
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Chateau Larmande
10% off all Bordeaux wines
Creamy aromas. Intense, juicy, and long. Very well formed tannin, perfectly ripe fruit (blueberries, chocolate, and cedar), with balanced acid and alcohol. Hugely expressive, long, and fresh. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 60% new oak. Full bodied, really sumptuous, well made and Bordelais.
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Domaine Danjou-Banessy
Old vine Grenache grown on decomposed black schist with a limestone sub soil with some quartz, that produces something amazing. Ethereal, sublime and fresh, this achieves a level of finesse akin to fine red Burgundy. Remarkable, special, very good indeed.
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Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
10% off all Bordeaux wines
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Henschke
17.5/20 Jancis Robinson Full screwcapped bottle 1,233 g. 52% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot grown in the Barossa (Eden Valley and Barossa Valley regions). Harvest 26 February to 16 April. Matured in 17% new and 83% seasoned (80% French, 20% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. TA 6.1 g/l, pH 3.59. The 2015 was a wine of the week in 2020. Transparent, shaded garnet. Very mellow, well-integrated blend. Very luxuriously textured. Well-judged blend that's already approachable. Blackcurrants, blackberries and sagebrush. Lots of drive and when you taste this, you do wonder where they are going to go next, upwards the price scale. What's wrong with this? Many congratulations to the Henschke family and their growers. Very long. Went beautifully with roast beef.
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Billecart-Salmon
This cuvée was named in tribute to Louis, Elisabeth Salmon’s brother, who was passionate about oenology and highly involved in winemaking from the earliest creation of the House. Originating from the best parcels of the Côte des Blancs, the Blanc de Blancs vintage is endowed with purity and minerality. Distinguished elegance of a mineral and exceptionally precise Chardonnay with a natural balance that is a harmonious representation of the best parcels of grand crus of Côte des Blancs: Cramant, Chouilly for the finesse, Avize for the force of character and Mesnil-sur-Oger for the structure and longevity. A creamy sensation in the mouth with a beautifully chiselled finesse. Lovely refreshing balance with natural flavours (zest of citron, almond biscuit and white pepper). This powerful wine with a majestic typicity prolongs its finish towards an aromatic persistence of incredible length (flesh of sweet citrus fruits, cardamom and vanilla-flavoured cream puffs). The unique dimension of a great Blanc de Blancs, pure and intense, with a directness perfectly associated with its low dosage. Its potential and its balance express a remarkable finesse worthy of the most sophisticated food pairings (a casserole of whole calf sweetbread from Corrèze, a creamy shellfish risotto).
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Chateau Langoa Barton
10% off all Bordeaux wines
94/100 William Kelley "The 2020 Langoa Barton has turned out superbly in bottle, offering up generous aromas of black cherries, crème de cassis, licorice and pencil shavings deftly framed by classy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, its concentrated core of ripe but vibrant fruit is framed by sweet, powdery tannins and lively acids. Beautifully balanced, it's somewhat more open out of the gates than the excellent 2019 and will offer an especially broad drinking window."
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Chateau Saint-Pierre
10% off all Bordeaux wines
Aged for 14 months in 50% new and 50% one-year-old French oak and blended of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Saint-Pierre leaps from the glass with exuberant Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and cassis with hints of cigars, earth and violets with a waft of iron ore. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm frame of grainy tannins with fantastic energy and depth, finishing on a lingering chocolaty note.
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Henschke
Museum release of the iconic Hill of Grace. First planted in 1860, the ‘Hill of Grace’ vineyard has been in the Henschke family since 1891, with Cyril Henschke producing its first single-vineyard Shiraz in 1958. Planted at 400 metres above sea level, this 4-hectare vineyard is named after the Gnandenberg Lutheran Church opposite (‘Gnadenberg’ translates to ‘Hill of Grace’ in German). The site’s original ‘Ancestors’ vines are now approximately 160 years old and remain at the heart of the ‘Hill of Grace’ vineyard, alongside a small selection of ungrafted ‘Centenarians’ (vines over 100 years old), ‘Survivors’ (vines over 70 years old) and ‘Old Vines’ (over 35 years old). 20 points – Jancis Robinson MW, March 2024, JancisRobinson.com 19.5 points – Matthew Jukes, March 2024,MatthewJukes.com 96 points – Sarah Ahmed, March 2024,Decanter.com 97 points – Erin Larkin, March 2024, WineAdvocate.com 98 points – Dave Brookes, April 2024, WineCompanion.com.au 99 points – Huon Hooke, February 2024,
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Quinta de la Rosa
Jancisrobinson.com 17.5/20 “30% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, and 40% old-vine field blend. Foot-trodden in granite lagares for an evening before being transferred to stainless-steel vats for fermentation. Matured for 20 months in new (50%) and used (50%) French oak casks. Very dark core with purplish rim. Intensely aromatic with pure black fruit and Touriga's floral aromas including violets and also bergamot. Lightly spiced and beautifully fragrant yet not lacking the dark, rocky Douro signature. Firm but already smooth tannins with a suggestion of dark chocolate on the finish. A finely modulated wine that you could drink fairly soon but also keep for a decade or more. Polished but still unmistakably Douro. (JH)”
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Henschke
First planted in 1860, the ‘Hill of Grace’ vineyard has been in the Henschke family since 1891, with Cyril Henschke producing its first single-vineyard Shiraz in 1958. Planted at 400 metres above sea level, this 4-hectare vineyard is named after the Gnandenberg Lutheran Church opposite (‘Gnadenberg’ translates to ‘Hill of Grace’ in German). The site’s original ‘Ancestors’ vines are now approximately 160 years old and remain at the heart of the ‘Hill of Grace’ vineyard, alongside a small selection of ungrafted ‘Centenarians’ (vines over 100 years old), ‘Survivors’ (vines over 70 years old) and ‘Old Vines’ (over 35 years old). The 2019 vintage was aged for 18 months in oak hogsheads, of which 20% was new and 80% seasoned (90% French and 10% American). 19.5+ points – Matthew Jukes, March 2024,MatthewJukes.com 97 points – Sarah Ahmed, March 2024,Decanter.com 19.5 points – Jancis Robinson MW, March 2024,JancisRobinson.com 97 points – Erin Larkin, April 2024,WineAdvocate.com 99 points – Dave Brookes, April 2024,WineCompanion.com.au 97 points – Huon Hooke, February 2024,The Real Review
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Domaine Gerard
Viognier (1984-85) from 1.1 hectare on Côte Châtillon at Condrieu, raised 50-60% 22 hl large oak barrel and 40-50% steel vat, malo completed. "fine yellow robe; the nose is very elegant, composed of peach, aniseed, white plum, has an excellent floating style, grace. This is top tack! It has much suavity of texture, with very assured persistence, is refined and gliding throughout. It’s real good Châtillon, bang on the money as it should be. It bears neat iron touches, has a pear-buttery flavour, and butter-floral late moments, a dab of petrol also. Much refinement here." Jonathan Livingstone-Learmonth
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Domaine Alain Gras
Blended from various terroirs of the appellation across just over 3 hectares, the 2022 White Saint-Romain Les Cinq Climats is a pure delight of mastery and indulgence. It's an evocative white wine, with notes of ripe fruits complemented by a slightly exotic touch, draped in beautiful freshness and, most notably, a generous mouthfeel. Its rich and opulent character makes it simply irresistible. Alain Gras is the reference point for St-Romain. This extremely steep village was considered part of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune until 1947. The vineyards are set back from the main Côte and mostly at higher elevation and have unquestionably improved in quality by the changes in climate and no longer struggle to reach full physiological maturity. The domaine covers 12 hectares with 8ha being planted with Chardonnay and 4ha to Pinot Noir. There are 42 separate parcels but Alain prefers to blend the grapes into one cuvée.
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Schloss Lieser
An immensely calm and composed Kabinett of crushed minerals and glorious sunny yellow fruits that fans out across the palate in a veritable slick of seamlessly fused fruit and minerals. Lithe and charming but also regal in length - Thomas Haag really showing off the qualities of this noble vineyard. Justerini & Brooks. A cheesy fermentative residue somewhat clouds the nose, but from behind that emerge scents of fresh apple and sea breeze, anticipating the salinity, juiciness and crispness that dominate on a (for a Wehlener) surprisingly firm, lean palate. A garlanding of heliotrope and honeysuckle also runs through this entire performance, which culminates in bright, mouthwatering length. To an especially remarkable extent – though this is basically true of all the vintage 2017 Schloss Lieser Kabinetts – high residual sugar is successfully balanced out by efficacious acidity and extract. This will almost certainly be even finer in the future. Vinous.
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Chateau Le Boscq
10% off all Bordeaux wines
CWM Ranking: First Class Located in the northern part of St Estephe, and replanted with Cabernet Sauvignon rather than Merlot, particularly on the flat gravels at the peak of the hill. This area is a full 2.5 degrees cooler than St Emilion in the summer. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Inviting nose of black cherry and kirsch. Dark milk chocolate. Evident oak. Creamy secondary characters on the palate. Quite forward. Rich and chewy dark fruits. Soft and luscious, even on the tannin, but still has a future to develop. Enjoyable freshness on the finish.
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Schloss Lieser
The bouquet here is first and foremost slate-led as wisps of fine smoke, spontaneous fermentation and herbs suggest an altogether brittle and crispy palate to come. In the end though, there is sufficient depth and sweetness, not to mention a deliciously spicy component which brings an array of stone fruits and earth-bound sensations all together to a very long, grippy finish. A Spätlese with high levels of ripeness, freshness and a certain austerity – this is high definition stuff! Justerini & Brooks. Temporarily cheesy, reductive aromatic overtones on the nose thankfully do little to spoil the delight in emerging scents of apple and pink grapefruit wreathed in honeysuckle and heliotrope. Satiny in feel and possessed of generous primary juiciness, this finishes with soothing persistence, its sweetness obvious but supportive and an appropriate undertone of wet stone perceptible even through such rich fruitiness. Vinous.
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Chateau Marquis de Terme
10% off all Bordeaux wines
The 2016 Marquis-de-Terme has a nicely detailed bouquet, perhaps not as vigorous or as intense as the 2015 last year, but opening nicely with raspberry, blueberry and a touch of violet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp and tightly-wound black fruit tinged with graphite, grippy towards the finish, which is concise if not prolonged.
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Kanakaris
This mountainous Malagousia has lifted aromas of Greek herbs, lemon and exotic fruits. The palate is richly textured and aromatic with notes of peach, tropical fruits and white flowers. The finish is lifted by bright acidity and a subtle, saline freshness. Aigialeia, in the northwestern Peloponnese, is among Greece’s most distinctive wine-growing regions. Set against the rugged terrain of the Panachaiko mountains, the area’s high elevations, northern exposure, steep, sloping vineyards and proximity to the Corinthian Gulf help moderate high temperatures, creating a growing environment unlike anything else in the Peloponnese. It is here that Michalis Kanakaris founded his eponymous winery in 1979, focusing on indigenous varieties Roditis, Sideritis and Mavro Kalavrytino grown on Aigialeia’s sandy, red/white clay soils. Today, Kanakaris is run by the third generation of Michalis’ family, with brothers Stefanos and Michalis taking over the reins in 2009. Capturing a sense of place is at the core of Kanakaris’ winemaking ethos. Stefanos and Michalis work closely with like-minded growers, farming 55 hectares of vines planted between 450 and 1150 metres above sea level. These vineyards, dotted with olive groves and citrus trees, are situated on either side of the valleys and gorges of the five rivers of the Peloponnese, which flow down from the mountains to the Corinthian Gulf. While maintaining their grandfather's original focus on Roditis, Sideritis and Mavro Kalavrytino, the brothers have also added Malagouzia, Moschofilero and Agiorgitiko to their remit, alongside the international varieties Merlot and Syrah. All Kanakaris’ fruit is hand-harvested and vinified in their recently renovated modern winery, equipped with a range of stainless-steel tanks to capture the aromatics of Greece’s indigenous varieties and Aigialeia’s vineyards.
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Kanakaris
Deep ruby colour with dark red hues. The nose has aromas of blackberry, coffee, clove and wild herbs. The palate is layered, with velvety tannins, fresh acidity and a persistent finish. Aigialeia, in the northwestern Peloponnese, is among Greece’s most distinctive wine-growing regions. Set against the rugged terrain of the Panachaiko mountains, the area’s high elevations, northern exposure, steep, sloping vineyards and proximity to the Corinthian Gulf help moderate high temperatures, creating a growing environment unlike anything else in the Peloponnese. It is here that Michalis Kanakaris founded his eponymous winery in 1979, focusing on indigenous varieties Roditis, Sideritis and Mavro Kalavrytino grown on Aigialeia’s sandy, red/white clay soils. Today, Kanakaris is run by the third generation of Michalis’ family, with brothers Stefanos and Michalis taking over the reins in 2009. Capturing a sense of place is at the core of Kanakaris’ winemaking ethos. Stefanos and Michalis work closely with like-minded growers, farming 55 hectares of vines planted between 450 and 1150 metres above sea level. These vineyards, dotted with olive groves and citrus trees, are situated on either side of the valleys and gorges of the five rivers of the Peloponnese, which flow down from the mountains to the Corinthian Gulf. While maintaining their grandfather's original focus on Roditis, Sideritis and Mavro Kalavrytino, the brothers have also added Malagouzia, Moschofilero and Agiorgitiko to their remit, alongside the international varieties Merlot and Syrah. All Kanakaris’ fruit is hand-harvested and vinified in their recently renovated modern winery, equipped with a range of stainless-steel tanks to capture the aromatics of Greece’s indigenous varieties and Aigialeia’s vineyards.
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La Taille aux Loups
Triple Zero is the cuvee that used to be Jacky's standard Petillant Naturel. The title refers to the fact this sparkling cuvee is not chaptalised, dosed, and contains no residual sugar. Essentially it is as pure as fizzy Chenin gets, taut, finely-tuned, intense floral flavours of citrus, minerals, white peach and apple blossom, overlaying a creamy, supple texture. Justerini & Brooks.