Indholdsfortegnelse for Winter 2024/2025 i VertdeVin Wine Magazine

Welcome to this 27th edition! It is with real pleasure that I want to introduce to you this 2024-2025 Winter edition of VERTDEVIN magazine. For this issue we have chosen to focus on some wines from Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Red Bourgogne, Red Sancerre, Languedoc & Roussillon, Rhône, Austria, Porto vintage, Virginia, Sicily, Tuscany, Nizza and from Hungary. You will be able to read more than 1.600 reviews in the following pages! Some spirits as Whiskies and Rums are also presented. In the first part of the magazine, you will discover more interviews and general articles as usual such as Breaux Vineyards (US), Château Smith Haut-Lafitte (Bordeaux), Château d’Armailhac (Bordeaux), Bouchard Père & Fils (Bourgogne), Gravner (Italie), Fattoria Augustali (Italie); but also articles about great French winemakers/oenologist consultants as Dany Rolland and…

Joško has always been against irrigation. In his opinion, vines must delve deep to find water on their own. He has had forests, fruit trees, cypresses and olive trees planted near and among the vines to encourage biodiversity and attract various animal species. I look up at the tree beside the pond and see a bluetit darting into a miniature house hanging in the branches. We walk among the vines and Joško tells me that the predominant training system is the fan-shaped alberello bush proposed by Simonit&Sirch (world-famous master vine pruners) during one of their consultations. This man never ceases to amaze me: he never misses a new idea if it is in line with his principles. “Wine is thought, it is the soul of the person who makes it.…

On the occasion of the return of “winemakers” articles we wanted to talk to you about Dany Rolland, the greatest female Bordeaux oenologist consultant and also one of the most influential figure in modern oenology, with a deep respect for vines and terroirs. Alongside her husband Michel Rolland, she dedicated her life to the Bordeaux vineyard and in particular to the Fronsac family vineyard, Château Fontenil. VdV: Where does your passion for wine come from? How did you become a winemaker? Dany Rolland: My passion is a bit complicated. I was young, studying medicine, so I was in a non-winemaking environment, but still within the family. In 1968, the year of the Revolution, as a student, I didn’t pass the exams, and I thought it was silly to start another…

Hungary’s iconic wine region of Tokaj is renowned for its legendary Tokaji Aszú. Dubbed the ”wine of kings,” Tokaji Aszú’s reputation has endured for centuries. However, in recent decades, Tokaj has shifted its focus to include dry wines, catering to evolving tastes and new market demands while honouring the distinct qualities of this UNESCO World Heritage site. For over two decades, winemakers in Tokaj have expanded their offerings beyond the region’s famed sweet wines to meet a rising demand for dry styles. This shift is also a pragmatic response to the specific conditions needed for crafting Aszú: noble rot develops only under ideal climatic conditions, occurring inconsistently from year to year. This unpredictability led many winemakers to explore dry expressions of Tokaj’s primary grape, Furmint. Economic factors also play a…

To own a restaurant can be a dream and sometimes, dreams can become reality. It is what happened to Chef Sylvain Renzetti when in 2019 his mother sold her house to buy what will become SON’… This Bordeaux based restaurant is famous, it is even number 1 on TripAdvisor for 4 years now. Since the opening, the rock and roll chef, as he was also musician and singer in a band, received a lot of distinctions including from Gault&Millau. It is why, I decided to recommend his amazing cuisine where the flavors are as important as the textures and the smells. The 75 euros tasting menu is a journey you will never forget. I was surprised by the creativity in the plate but also in the dining room… I felt…

Frédéric Weber, Technical Director of Bouchard Père & Fils, welcomed VertdeVin Magazine for an amazing tasting of the vintage 2023. He explained that this vintage was quite a challenge. First, it was the hottest vintage ever but with less sunlight than the previous years. Moreover, a lot of storms during spring and summer brought rains which allowed the vines to avoid hydric stress. The quantities of grapes were phenomenal, and the quality was great especially for Pinot Noir. As consequence, the wines are very well balanced with a nice freshness and 12 to 13% alcohol. The style of 2023 reminds wines done in the nineties and it is the first time in a while that we have seen this! Let’s see together the tasting of few of these wines to…

Clos du Clocher is an emblematic wine estate nestled in the heart of the Pomerol appellation, founded in 1924 by Jean-Baptiste Audy. Inspired by the bell tower that rises above its parcels, the estate takes its name from this unique landscape. For a century, it has produced exceptional wines that express the authenticity of its terroir, composed of gravels and blue clay. This historic site is marked by a strong family tradition, handed down through three generations of the Bourotte-Audy family. Each winegrower has perpetuated the heritage of demanding viticulture, recently enriched by organic and environmentallyfriendly practices, as demonstrated by the 2024 vintage, the first certified organic. Supported by grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Clos du Clocher produces wines that combine finesse, complexity and elegance, while adapting…

The Nizza DOCG represents one of the premier wine excellences in Italy, specifically from the Piedmont region, with its iconic and widespread red grape variety, Barbera. The denomination spans across 18 municipalities surrounding its production epicenter: Nizza Monferrato, in the province of Asti. It was officially established in 2014, following a long process of territorial and varietal enhancement led by local producers, which culminated in the separation from the previously recognized Barbera d’Asti denomination. Stefano Chiarlo, owner of Chiarlo winery, said: “In the 2014 vintage, the appellation was officially rebranded as Nizza DOCG, with approximately 25,000 cases released to the market by 2016. Since then, production has grown steadily by around 10-15% annually, reaching 90,000 cases as of December 31, 2023. In 2016 there were roughly 35 producers of Nizza…

CASTILLON CÔTES-DE-BORDEAUX Château La Brande 2022 Castillon Côtes-de-Bordeaux The nose is spicy, peppery and offers a nice fine grain, elegant and precise. It reveals notes of blackberry, Cubeb pepper/gray pepper and small notes of blackcurrant associated with touches of pulpy cherry as well as hints of liquorice stick as well as a hint of blond tobacco and a subtle almost thyme/infusion hint. The palate is nicely elegant, creamy, juicy, with energy and a certain bite. We have notes of creamy blackcurrant, small black berries and small notes of violets associated with touches of creamy raspberries as well as hints of violet, black tea, infusion as well as a hint of thyme and dark chocolate. There is good length with mellow and elegant tannins with a certain sapidity in the background…

The 2023 vintage for VDP growers was marked by a series of challenges that ultimately led to the production of wines of exceptional quality. The year began with a wet winter, replenishing the water reserves after the hot and dry 2022 season. Spring arrived warm and dry, leading to early bud break and rapid vine growth, which required careful management to ensure balanced yields. As the summer progressed, the vineyards faced intense mildew pressure due to regular rains from mid-July to August, which necessitated close and meticulous attention. Despite these challenges, the harvest began early, with many vineyards starting in midSeptember. The accelerated ripening, driven by the warm summer and sufficient rainfall, made the harvest intense, demanding the careful selection of only the healthiest grapes. This diligent work in the…

MAISON SHAPS Originally from the United States, Michael Shaps decided to move in France in 1990 to pursuit viticultural studies in Beaune. After gaining some experience, he went back home and created the Shaps brand in Virginia. Because he always loved Bourgogne and thanks to an opportunity, he opened a winery and a rental house in the Meursault in 2004. This is the beginning of Maison Shaps. Initially it was a négociant but in 2016, little by little, he started to buy vineyards. Today, Maison Shaps owns 4 hectares in Côte de Beaune. VertdeVin Magazine was welcomed by Hanna Shaps, Michael’s daughter. We met through a delicious Virginia wine tasting in Paris organized a few months ago. While we had the opportunity to visit Bourgogne, we decided to meet and…

MONTICELLO Michael Shaps Petit Manseng 2021 Monticello The first nose is fresh and fruity with exotic perfumes like juicy mango and pineapple. The second nose opens with more fruits. The tasting is fresh with a nice vibrant acidity. There is also a little creaminess with roundness. We feel some butter, lemon, apricot and a nice oak well integrated and balanced. The mouth feels sweet because of its aromas, but the wine is dry in the structure with a long finish. Nice Petit Manseng expression. Score: 16/20 (92/100) Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc 2022 Monticello The nose is nice and fresh with black fruits and a darkness, deepness. We can also feel thanks to aeration the oaky notes which are present and well-integrated. The tasting is powerful and tannic with a nice…

MAREMMA TOSCANA The DOC Maremma Toscana is among Italy’s most dynamic and versatile wine denominations, celebrated for its expressive freedom and rich ampelographic diversity. Covering the entire province of Grosseto, this denomination stretches across an impressive 4,500 square kilometers, with 8.750 hectares of vineyards. It extends from the slopes of Monte Amiata to the Tyrrhenian coast, the Argentario, and even the Island of Giglio. This vast and varied territory features a striking blend of landscapes and pedoclimatic conditions that significantly shape the quality and diversity of the wines produced, making Maremma one of Tuscany’s most exciting and picturesque areas. The inland hills embody the quintessential Tuscan landscape, rising toward the Colline Metallifere and the long-dormant Monte Amiata. To the east, the volcanic hills and plateaus of Pitigliano and Sorano are…

JONATHAN CHOUKROUN CHICHEPORTICHE Jonathan is a French journalist, wine & spirits critic and editor. He began his career working for other wine media (paper and digital) as well as wineries (Bordeaux, USA). Passionate, curious and epicurean, he chose in 2010 to create Vertdevin in order to highlight all the beauty and diversity of wines & spirits, always with high standards in the work. JOANIE METIVIER Sommelier, Wine writer, Whisky ambassador, her official title is a little vague and her path rather atypical. Her studies are ongoing and will probably ever be. She may be the youngest Wine writer in Quebec, but her adventures are rich and esteemed. joaniemetivier.com Instagram: @joaniemetivier VALERIA TENISON Valeria Tenison is a MW student, skilled sommelier and wine writer with a passion for sharing her knowledge…

It is natural to wish to leave something on this planet, a mark. And obviously a positive one. Château Smith Haut Lafitte history started in 1365! You can imagine that each owner has done something to improve, to expend, to reveal… the success of the estate, the fame of the wine, the beauty of the terroir. It is thoughtful and brave to put everything in your power to pursue a goal and to embrace a whole team to follow you on this path. Then, when Florence and Daniel Cathiard bought the Château in 1990, they already had a clear vision of what they wanted for their vineyard. It is why VertdeVin Magazine had the privilege to spend a full day at the winery to discover their mark. The day begins…

Over the last decade or so, Irish whiskey has enjoyed a huge rise in popularity worldwide. The boom has been led by Jameson, now one of the best-selling spirits in the world, and Midleton Very Rare, the most sought-after luxury Irish whiskey. This follows a century of decline that saw Irish whiskey wither and almost die out. In the late 19th century, Irish whiskey (Irish whiskey always has an ‘e’, Scotch doesn’t) sold more than its rival just across the water and was also held in higher esteem. Then a series of disasters befell the industry. Firstly, the Irish distilleries banned the new far faster continuous still (invented by an Irishman) while the Scots embraced and it and were able to distil more quickly and cheaply. Then, after the War…

Founded in 2013 by Marcus and Colette Silva, Trattoria Villagio embodies a unique vision: to bring an authentic Italian dining experience to Clifton, Virginia. Located in the historic Buckley building, the trattoria has transformed this charming space into a warm place where the elegance of a Roman trattoria blends with the bustle of an Italian train station. Here, every detail is designed to immerse guests in the heart of Italy, making every meal a true celebration of food, wine and conviviality. A journey through the authentic flavours of Italy The menu at Trattoria Villagio is a living tribute to Italy’s diverse regional cuisines. By making a point of using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, the restaurant creates dishes that transport guests directly to Italy. Each dish is prepared with care,…

Cembra - Ororosso 2018 Dosaggio Zero Trento DOC Riserva A flagship sparkling wine of the Valle di Cembra, even before being of the winery, made exclusively with Chardonnay grapes. It ages on the lees for 48 months before disgorging. It has a pale straw-yellow color and a fine, dense perlage. On the nose, it opens with refined aromas of ripe yellow fruit, followed by notes of marzipan, cedar, and a hint of pastry in the background. On the palate, it is savory with good persistence, slightly astringent and mineral, very pleasant. Price: €€ Agricola Lanciani - Le Vecchie 20 Trebbiano IGT Marche The Lanciani wines, produced on the 15 hectares of land owned in the Aso Valley, reflect a strong connection to the territory. They aim to showcase the expressiveness…

Champagne H. Blin Brut Tradition Champagne The champagne has a lemon yellow color of medium intensity and persistent bubbles. The nose is ripe, fruity and gourmand, with distinct notes of aging on lees. First, we find aromas of ripe yellow peach, apricot, a hint of juicy pear and fresh yellow apple. Then, notes of brioche, lightly toasted hazelnut, yogurt, as well as butter appear, as well as candied lemon and citrus jam, associated with a hint of acacia and chamomile in the background. The palate is gourmand, fruity, with slightly toasted notes in the background. We find flavors of yellow peach, apricot, fresh yellow apple, as well as citrus fruits with a pleasant bitterness (grapefruit, yellow lemon zest). Notes of toasted brioche, hazelnut, as well as butter and white flowers…

MAURY Mas Amiel - Oiseaux Rares 2022 AOC Maury Sec (Biodynamic) beautiful and racy nose that offers a good definition as well as a lovely finesse and complexity in its deepness. It reveals notes of candy cherry, quite ripe raspberry and small notes of ripe/fresh blackcurrant associated with touches of schist, liquorice stick as well as a subtle hint of red pepper and blue plum. The palate is nicely fresh, mineral and offers a tangy frame, freshness, tension, a beautiful definition, suavity as well as suppleness. A lbeautiful three-dimensional/multi-layered characters. A discreet and beautiful work on the good bitterness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of red cherry, raspberry and small notes of bright wild red berries associated with a touch of rosewood, fresh local scrubland as well as…

SAINT-ÉMILION Château Beynat – Terre Amoureuse 2022 Saint-Émilion The nose is fruity, precise, finely spicy and offers a lovely racy grain as well as airiness in the power of its grain. It reveals notes of violet, morello cherry and small notes of concentrated cassis associated with touches of black pepper, concentrated small red fruits as well as almost balsamic hints, nutmeg, spices and a subtle hint of clove. The palate is beautifully fresh, juicy, with a lovely purity and a burst of fruit. It offers gourmandise, accuracy, airiness, a beautiful definition, notes of juicy/shiny cassis, juicy/ shiny black cherry and small notes of blueberry associated with touches of creamy strawberry as well as hints of zan, collas, lilac, fine hints of sweet blond tobacco and a hint of vanilla. A…

NATURAL SWEET WINES Château Les Pins 2023 Muscat de Rivesaltes The nose is fresh and offers power as well as a fine chiseled side. It reveals notes of quince, kumquat and small notes of ripe mango associated with touches of roasted pineapple as well as fine hints of almost citrus fruits/citrus flowers, verbena/lime blossom and a hint of acacia flowers. The palate is fruity, suave and offers fluidity as well as a mineral frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of mango, acacia flowers and small notes of roasted mango associated with fine hints of roasted berries/syrupy pineapple and an imperceptible hint of infused lime blossom. Score: 14.75+/20 (89/100) Dom Brial - Tuilé, Hors d'Âge Rivesaltes The nose is fresh, fruity and offers a charming side. It reveals notes…

It is always an emotional moment when you enter the historic building of L’Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune. The architecture is flamboyant Gothic, and the polychrome roofs are a real treat to admire. It’s in the intimate Saint-Nicolas’s room, which use to be the place to help people in serious illness and critical conditions, that the tasting of the vintage of Domaine des Hospices de Beaune took place. Ludivine Griveau-Gemma, Régisseur of the Hospices de Beaune Wine Domaine, shared with us her feelings about this year*. It was a difficult vintage with terrible weather conditions. The mental strength was the key to success like team effort. It also reminded us that difficult doesn’t mean bad. * You can find on our YouTube and Social Medias her interview Domaine des Hospices de Beaune…

Held from November 14 to 18, the event marked its 33rd edition, showcasing the latest vintages produced by the prestigious DOCG established in 1980—the first in Italy to achieve this milestone. This year, the traditional commemorative tile was designed by acclaimed director and screenwriter Ferzan Özpetek. Over 120 wineries presented more than 500 labels to the trade press and industry professionals, with experts from 10 countries and over 2,500 attendees. Fabrizio Bindocci, president of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, expressed satisfaction with the success of the event, which brought producers back in person. Among the innovations of this edition was the debut of “Brunello Forma”, a new method for evaluating vintages. The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG denomination spans approximately 2,100 hectares (5,200 acres) of vineyards, accounting for about…

Château-Figeac, the Premier Grand Cru Classé “A” of Saint-Emilion, is distinguished not only by its unique terroir for the Right Bank and its unusual proportion of planted grape varieties, but also by a scientific approach to the work, intended to reflect the terroir in the wines and the character of Bordeaux. Frédéric Faye, the General Manager for over 20 years, presents the identity and future of Château-Figeac. VertdeVin: Could you talk about the history of Château-Figeac? Frédéric Faye: The origins of Château-Figeac date back to the 2nd century AD, it has a very ancient history, as evidenced by the Gallo-Roman remains found on the property. Agricultural activity was always present there, and vines appeared around the 15th century. But the important date for Figeac is 1892 when the Manoncourt family…

The Pradel de Lavaux family has been established as winemakers for nearly four centuries. Today, they own eight properties in different appellations of the Right Bank, bring their terroirs to life, preserving the agricultural and historical heritage and producing elegant and silky wines. VertdeVin: Tell us the story of your family, how you acquired the eight properties? Axel Pradel de Lavaux: My ancestors on my grandmother’s side have been the owners of Château Bellevue, a grand cru classé in Saint-Émilion, since 1642. In 1740, they founded a trading house, which is today one of the oldest in Bordeaux, and became merchant-owners of eight châteaux on the Right Bank (in Fronsac, Lalande de Pomerol, Saint–Emilion), which came into the family through inheritance. In the 1920s my great-grandfather acquired Château Saint Pierre…

Breaux Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery nestled in the Loudoun County, Virginia. It was in 1995 that the Breaux family launched into the wine business with the creation of this winery and only a few hectares of planted land. They grow quickly to become in 2024 one of the largest grape producers in the state. With a focus on quality and an investment in infrastructure, the estate stands out for its choice of unique grape varieties, such as Nebbiolo, which it planted after inspiration from Italy. The emphasis is on the importance of terroir, the effect of vintage and the impact of climate, which vary from year to year. Finally, the estate looks to the future with innovative projects, seeking to strengthen its ties with the local…

Bertinoro: Includes the entire municipality of Bertinoro and the western side of Cesena’s hills. The vineyards are located between 100 and 350 meters above sea level; the soils are clayey, ochre and brown in color, rich in marine limestone, locally known as ”spungone.” Brisighella: A large subzone extending along the Lamone stream valley (and partially along the Sintria stream). The vineyards are located between 180 and 500 meters above sea level. The soils, moving south from Faenza, correspond to three soil bands: red earth, yellow sands, and clays of calcareous origin; gypsum marls; marl and sandstone soils. Castrocaro: Covers the areas traversed by the Montone stream, with the main area extending throughout the municipality of Castrocaro Terme-Terra del Sole, including the municipalities of Dovadola and Rocca San Casciano. The vineyards…

FELTON ROAD NEW ZEALAND Block Six was planted on north-facing slopes in 1993, predominantly with Mendoza clone Chardonnay. The grapes were whole bunch pressed, the juice settled overnight and fermented in French oak, 5% of which Is new. The wine underwent a full wild malolactic fermentation in spring and was bottled unfined and unfiltered following sixteen months in barrel. Felton Road was bought by Englishman Nigel Greening in 2000. He and winemaker Blair Walters have been together since, producing a range of excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is recognised as one of the finest producers in New Zealand. The vineyards have been farmed organically and biodynamically ever since. A total of 12,000 cases are produced, including several single vineyard wines. All are estate-bottled. In the far south of New…

In the heart of Modena, Luca Marchini’s restaurant offers an elegant dining experience, with a beautifully arranged mise en place. Round tables adorned with long white tablecloths fill a single, grand dining room, exuding sophistication. The cuisine reflects a refined interpretation of Emilia-Romagna’s flavors and recipes, with a Mediterranean influence. The style prioritizes lightness, showcasing a skillful interplay of textures and flavors that never feels ordinary. The focus is on achieving new balances, often grounded in bold contrasts. Cooking techniques take center stage, harmonizing acidity, earthy notes, and creamier elements to create delightful results. Distillates are frequently incorporated, adding a playful and compelling dimension to the palate. The restaurant, at the end of the tasting menu or the meal, if opting for the ”à la carte menu,” offers a fantastic…

Nestled in the heart of Sicily, the Brugnano Winery represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Established with a vision to honor both the rich heritage of Sicilian winemaking and the demands of a modern, eco-conscious world, the winery has grown from humble beginnings into a beacon of sustainable and contemporary wine production. A Journey rooted in Sicilian heritage The Brugnano story began in the lush vineyards of Sicily, a region renowned for its deep connection to viticulture. Initially, the family focused on buying grapes to produce wine, a common practice in Sicily’s historical wine market. However, over time, the family recognized the value of owning and nurturing their own vineyards. Today, Brugnano Winery oversees 72 hectares of vineyards spread across three distinct areas. Like as Montemirto, situated at…

Feudo Montoni - Nero d'Avola, Lagnusa 2022 Sicilia DOC (Organic AB) Lovely fruity nose, fresh, elegant, velvety, harmonious and offers depth as well as a certain little richness while finesse. It reveals notes of boysenberry, crushed raspberry and small notes of roasted-juicy wild strawberry associated with touches of violet as well as fine hints of fresh liquorice. The palate is nicely built and offers accuracy, tension, a nice definition, precision, gourmandise, suppleness, nice freshness/brightness of the fruit as well as a nice purity and elegance. On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy plum, bright boysenberry and small notes of roasted-juicy red berries associated with a subtle hint of lilac, crystalline minerality as well as subtle hints of liquorice. Nice and subtle hint of good bitterness. Good length. The tannins…

BANDOL Domaine de la Bégude 2021 AOC Bandol The nose is aromatic, minty, almost with a eucalyptus note. We perceive a small toast, chocolatey. And dark fruits like juicy black cherry and blackberry. The second nose is still fresh with almost a hint of coffee. The palate is fresh, round on the attack. We have notes of black fruits like blackberry and cherry. There is a nice acidity in the mid-palate. The tannins are present, persistent until the finish. The end of the tasting is on the little juicy morello cherry but also on a light chocolate. Pleasant. Great potential. Score: 16/20 (92/100) Domaine de la Bégude, La Brulade 2019 AOC Bandol The nose is fresh and delicately scented with notes of chocolate and mint. The second nose also has…

MONTAGNE SAINT-ÉMILION Château La Fleur 2022 Montagne Saint-Émilion The wine has a deep ruby color. The nose offers a certain density, juicy and ripe fruit. It first expresses a delicate touch of dried herbs (dried mint, a hint of dried rosemary), the fresh gourmand fruit aromas (fresh morello cherry, blackberry, fresh black plum, wild strawberry), with a hint of roasted fruit in jam (roasted red cherry, blackberry jam, plum cream). After aeration, we find smoky and toasted aromas (toasted hazelnut), associated with a hint of chocolate and sweet spices (licorice, vanilla in the background). A pleasant menthol note appears as the wine opens up. The mouth is fresh, airy and juicy, with a beautiful freshness of fruit, a chiseled acidity and a good bitterness. It expresses notes of black plum,…

Ferreira, Quinta do Porto 2022 Vintage Porto (Bottled: 2024) Beautiful aromatic nose, dense which offers richness as well as a nice balance. It reveals notes of morello cherry, stewed blackcurrant and small notes of jammy red berries associated with touches of violet, thyme, spices as well as fine hints of fresh fig and cocoa. The palate is beautifully fruity, nicely fresh, round, fleshy, juicy, gourmand and offers richness as well as density in balance. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy/juicy cherry and stewed red plum associated with touches of roasted cherry as well as hints of crushed blackcurrant, spices, cinnamon, dried fig, chocolate and toasted/caramelized. Tannins are sapid, mellow and tasty. Presence of a hint of thyme, black olive and cocoa on the persistence. Score: 16/20 (92/100)…

Domaine René Bouvier Gevrey-Chambertin The nose is fresh and fruity, relatively intense. We have small black and red fruits like the small morello cherry and the wild strawberry. There is a creamy and fresh woody side, almost balsamic. The palate is fresh and fruity with a similar aroma: small black and red forest fruits, crunchy. There is a note of small, juicy morello cherry very present in the mid-palate. The tannins are smooth. Score: 16/20 (92/100) Domaine René Bouvier - « Racines du Temps » Très Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin The nose is fresh, a little closed. We have a certain darkness, it’s deeper with a nice note of leather. The palate is fresh, with more constructed and present tannins. The wine is austere, serious with crunchy red and black fruits.…

SAUMUR Domaine La Perruche, Les Rôtissants, La parcelle solaire 2023 Saumur (White wine) The wine has a pale lemon yellow color, with golden highlights. The nose is dense and gourmet (even a little sweet). It expresses notes of exotic fruits (mango, papaya), ripe melon, apricot, very ripe juicy yellow peach, as well as a sweet-tart touch of candied yellow lemon, dried yellow lemon zest and citrus jam. There are also touches of lime honey, white flowers (acacia, lime) and a hint of crushed fresh yellow apple. The palate is lively, fresh with a tangy attack on notes of fresh yellow lemon, candied yellow lemon, grapefruit and green apple. In the middle of the palate, there are notes of fresh apricot, yellow peach, mango and papaya, as well as white flowers…

ROSSO DI MONTALCINO Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2022 Rosso di Montalcino The nose is fine, fruity, tangy and fresh. It expresses notes of bigarreau cherry, cranberries, red currants, raspberry, as well as a fragrant floral bouquet (rose, peony), a touch of roasted herbs, toast, liquorice. The palate is suave, juicy and supple, slightly jammy (a touch of raspberry coulis), but remains crisp and fresh. It expresses notes of cranberries, bigarreau cherry, morello cherry and red currants, a hint of liquorice, toast and fresh flowers (peony). Good tannic structure, solid and firm, but fine and elegant, with a good bitterness. Score: 15.5+/20 (91/100) Abbadia Ardenga 2022 Rosso di Montalcino The nose is open, fruity and tangy. It expresses aromas of morello cherry, bigarreau cherry, cranberries, raspberry, strawberry, combined with a fine floral…

SPIRITS FROM VIRGINIA George Washington's – Rye Whiskey – Historic Recipe (Year 2023 B, Bottle 2064) Lovely aromatic nose combining power, roundness and delicacy. It reveals notes of white fruits, lychee and small notes of white flowers associated with touches of crushed corn as well as fine fermentation hints. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers juiciness, a tangy frame, roundness, fat as well as a certain delicacy. On the palate this Whiskey expresses notes of lychee, green apple and small notes of quenette associated with touches of white flowers as well as a subtle hint of peach blossom, almost dried zest and a discreet (and delicate) sappy hint. Good length. A fine salinity in the background. Score: 15.5/20 (90-91/100) George Washington's – Straight Rye Whiskey – Historic Recipe (year…