In no particular order are here my 12 wines of Christmas with the descriptions as found online
From left to right
- Mersault J.M. Boillot 2019Beautifully crisp and textural Meursault with fresh white fruit and striking minerality. Oak barrels are used during fermentation, which brings a creaminess and structure that makes this a natural pairing for shellfish or washed-rind cheeses.
- Esprit de La Commanderie Pomerol 2012
Traditional style i.e. The structuring flavours come first- solid tannins,
medium acidity, earthy tastes, then the fruit, blackberry, cassis.
Lower abv – 13.5- which lets this rely on structure rather than the fatness of fruit.
But the fruit does come through— blackberry, a hint of eucalyptus.
- Château des Fougères La Raison Graves 2009
It’s rare to find a ten-year-old claret on a supermarket shelf,
especially one that sells for just £16, but this second wine from
Château des Fougères in the Graves is the real deal.
Combining Merlot with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a graceful,
textured, elegant, mature red with subtle wood, tobacco leaf and forest
floor top notes, fine-boned tannins, plenty of freshness and a core of sweet, leafy complexity.
- Chateau Troplong Mondot Premier Grand Cru 1994
This medium-bodied 1994-vintage Bordeaux wine from Chateau Troplong Mondot, located in the appellation of Saint-Emilion, offers aromas of black fruits, roasted coffee and oak, and almonds on the nose. The tongue-coating ripe tannins are accompanied by flavours of rich caramel and an array of spices on the palate with a long and concentrated finish.
- Domaine Julien Nuits-Saint-George 2018
Long and wide, grass, red cherries, raspberry and red currant embraced in wet leaves and earthy notes. Very good value at this price point. Bouquet is a little bit shy but still beautiful.
- Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barolo 2015
This is a fine example of a relaxed, approachable Barolo with plenty of kick to it. Lots of dark fruit with a touch of sweetness that is brought back by the herbaceaous edge that carries a little mint. Although young for a Barolo this has started to develop well and is fairly open already.
- Meerlust Rubicon 2017
For decades now, Meerlust Rubicon, a Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet, merlot and other varieties has been one of South Africa’s finest wines. It’s a powerfully built red that will last for years, decades even, so if you’re going to open now, decant a good four hours before serving with some big, meaty food like rib of beef.
- Albert Bichot Domaine du Pavillon Aloxe-Corton 2020
A delicious wine with ripe red fruit and that classic Burgundian forest floor
note made from fruit grown towards the south of Aloxe Corton, in the
‘Crapousuets’ single vineyard.
Albert Bichot have exercised great care to bring out the unique
characteristics of the micro-climate in this exquisitely aromatic Pinot Noir.
This wine shows sumptuous red fruit, a heady note of forest floor, and a
well judged spice.
Drink this the next time you make a Coq-au-Vin (but we suggest
something else goes in the pot!).
Albert Bichot practise sustainable viticulture in the making of this wine.
- Viña Monty Graciano Rioja Reserva 2015
Bodegas Montecillo has been producing wine in Rioja for over 145 years.
The wine making team is up by Mercedes Garcia Ruperez she came in 10
years ago and revolutionized the ways of working. Today the wines are
fresh and bright with a real drinkability. Vina Monty is their icon wine
range and this one is 100% Graciano which is not often seen in Rioja
which is a shame as has the potential to create delicious wines as is
shown in this one. On the nose dense dark hedgerow fruits with hints of
liquorice, thyme and garrigue. On the palate the wine has lots of
character, oak supports the fruit and does not overpower it with sappy,
salty tang on the finish. Let this wine open up either in the glass or
decant.
- Puligny-Montrachet J.M. Boillot 2019
Fantastic! Wondeful depth, coming short on the nose a bit “shy” with the notes but comes strong on the palate and length with the classic burgundy vanilla, oak and brioche with some fruits coming as well. Great aging potential!Fantastic! Wondeful depth, coming short on the nose a bit “shy” with the notes but comes strong on the palate and length with the classic burgundy vanilla, oak and brioche with some fruits coming as well. Great aging potential!
- La Combe des Rieu Tavel 2020
Honestly this wine pushes the boundary between red and rosé, colourwise it’s deeper than many basic Beaujolais and Pinot noir. Regardless, it’s a wonderful wine. Nose: strawberry, cherry, rose petal, anise, slate, white pepper, and a wonderful but subdued earthiness akin to dried leaves and forest floor. Additionally, there’s that unmistakable aroma of Mediterranean shrubs. Palate: medium+ body, medium+ acid, and low, almost unnoticeable tannins. It’s also creamy with a pleasant finish.
- Picpoul de Pinet Font-Mars 2022
A vibrant white wine from Domaine Font-Mars, a producer in southern
France. The wine offers fruity aromas of white peach, pineapple, and
rose, which are also evident on the palate. Best served slightly chilled,
this wine can be enjoyed as a light aperitif or paired with seafood
dishes.
© Upset 2023
