France

Viré-Clessé, Burgundy, France. Pale yellow-gold color. Very ripe aromas of peach, apricot and smoky minerality are a bit more dynamic than those of the Prêtres de Quintaine. Unctuous on entry, then tighter in the middle palate, with very ripe stone fruit flavors accented by spicy oak. This thick but energetic wine shows a distinctly creamy quality for the vintage. Finishes with slowly mounting length and considerable power...

Viré-Clessé, Burgundy, France. Bright yellow. Wet-stone minerality with hints of peach and orange zest on the nose. Penetrating, linear wine with flavors of orange and crushed stone complemented by a discreet touch of oak and sexy hints of botanical herbs. Finishes youthfully austere and persistent, with noteworthy lift to its firm lemon, orange and wild mint flavors, plus a suggestion of smoke that will doubtless become more pronounced as the wine ages...

Viré-Clessé, Burgundy, France. Bright, light yellow. Sexy aromas of yellow fruits, smoky minerality, marzipan and white truffle. Large-scaled and ripe but dry, filling the mouth without leaving any impression of weight. More large than long in the typical style of Quintaine, whose wines are known for their residual sugar. Finishes lively and gripping, with a light touch and lingering notes of fresh apricot and lemon. Needs time...

Viré-Clessé, Burgundy, France. It requires some coaxing. It’s taut, controlled, a little shy. The flavour lurks but it’s there; it feels slim at first but with air it reveals a good deal of depth. Spice, chalk, brine, shells, lemongrass and smoke. There’s some reduction, as a positive contributor. It needs another year or two. Or a good decant...

Bourgogne, France. This superb Bourgogne Blanc is drawn from some seriously impressive terroir - 1.3 hectares of 20-50 year old vines in Puligny (spread across four parcels) and a plot of young vine Chassagne on chalky soil...

Beaune, France.  Beautiful golden robe. The nose is expressive with hints of flowers and citrus aromas. Well-structured and perfectly balanced with flavours of brioche and fresh butter...

Bordeaux, France. The Blason d’Issan has a light nose with simple red berry fruit with touches of rose petal. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, but it is a little hollow towards the open-knit tobacco finish. This will provide decent early drinking Margaux...

Burgundy, France. White flowers with sweet and smooth notes, elegant with hints of honey, vanilla and acacia...

Burgundy, France. Cherry red in colour. Aromas of cherry and coffee with subtly integrated toasted notes. Lovely fullness. Silky tannins. Delectable and fruity with toasted notes and lovely power. Flavours of chocolate underscored by a hint of menthol. Long finish with assorted fruit flavours and a subtle touch of oak...

Chablis, France.  Jean-Marc Brocard uses all his know-how to reveal the mysteries and share the pleasures of this complex soil. Lemon, white peach, yellow fruit. The palate is round and...