Review Round-up (JULY ’24)
We truly believe our wines are fantastic, but you already knew that – we wouldn’t sell them if we didn’t!
That said, it is always nice when someone else recognises the quality in our portfolio, even better when they write a lovely review in the press to tell everyone about it…
Here’s a round-up of what they’ve been saying about us this last month!
Terrazze della Luna Pinot Grigio Rosato 2023: How refreshing to find a fine, good-value, pale pink, dry rosé that isn’t from France. Using mostly Pinot Grigio, but also a touch of Chardonnay, this Italian wine has delicate characters of peach and pear fruit, some cherry and a touch of white pepper too. Light, but not thin, with a fresh finish. Patrick Schmitt MW, The Drinks Business (June 2024) Global Rosé Masters 2024 – GOLD winner
Cadus Finca Las Torcazas Estate Single Vineyard Malbec, Agrelo 2021; Block Eight of the Finca Viña Vida, located on deeper soils of stones and calcium carbonate in Los Chacayes, is the source of this refined, spicy, beautifully judged Malbec from one of Argentina’s best young winemakers. Perfumed, balanced and refreshing, with nuanced tannins, liquorice, blueberry and blackberry fruit and racy acidity. 94 Pts Tim Atkin, Argentina Special report 2024
Nieto Patrimonial Malbec, DOC Luján de Cuyo 2022; Santiago Mayorga combines components from Alto Agrelo and Vistalba to produce this balanced, textured, lightly wooded Malbec. Fresh, juicy yet ripe, with a hint of toasty oak from 5% new barrels, supple tannins and glossy dark berry fruit 92Pts Tim Atkin, Argentina Special report 2024
Nieto Don Nicanor Malbec, Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco 2022; Don Nicanor features what has become a classic pairing of Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley grapes to combine the texture of the former with the acidity and perfume of the latter. Aged in 5% new oak, this is a modern, juicy, plum and blackberry fruity Malbec with sculpted tannins and appealing finesse. 91 Pts Tim Atkin, Argentina Special report 2024
Nieto Malbec, Luján de Cuyo 2023; Less oaky than it used to be, and better balanced and more approachable as a result, this is a ripe but refreshing 70/30 blend of Malbecs from Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Textured, sweet and supple, it partners violet and ginger spice aromas with a vibrant palate of blackberry and red cherry. 91 Pts Tim Atkin, Argentina Special report 2024
Juan Gil Dry Muscat 2023: …dry, refreshing and aromatic with gingery spice, lime and orange blossom aromas and a rounded palate with a crisp, spicy, grapefruit-and-lime lift… It’s organic, sustainable, vegetarian and vegan. The producer, Juan Gil, is one of 11 bodegas around Spain belonging to the family-run Gill Family Estates, owner of more than 1,000ha of vineyards of which 60% are certified organic and the rest are heading that way. They’re members of IWCA (International Wineries for Climate Action) and have been awarded its Gold Standard, the highest industry standard in carbon emission reduction. Bravo! …delicious as an aperitif but also comes into its own with shellfish, or fish or chicken flavoured with citrus and herbs, salads with pink grapefruit, onion tart or pasta with ricotta, lemon and broccoli/asparagus/courgette. ‘Wine of the Week’, www.JoannaSimon.com (July 4th ’24)
Tenuta Il Cascinone Crocera, Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG 2020: This shows a spicy nose with aromas of ripe berries, dried citrus peel and hints of savory herbs. Medium-bodied with racy, slightly tart acidity and smooth, polished tannins. Juicy and savory. Drink now. 90pts. JamesSuckling.com (July 2024)
Tenuta Il Cascinone Rive, Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG 2020: This offers a spicy, dark-fruited nose of cherries, walnuts and hints of spicy herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, intense and succulent on the palate, with smooth tannins and racy acidity. Rich, spicy aftertaste. Drink now. 90pts. JamesSuckling.com (July 2024)
Tenuta Il Cascinone D’Annona, Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG 2020: This has a rich, chocolatey nose with aromas of ripe cherries, plums and hints of licorice. Medium-bodied with rather soft, velvety tannins and a core of bright, juicy fruit in the middle. Solid, with good length and focus. Drink now. 91pts. JamesSuckling.com (July 2024)
Línea Kármán Rioja Clarete, DOCa Rioja 2023: Smoky oak, tart apple acidity and a hint of barrel-fermented white wine. Wild acidity. Creamy, with rhubarb custard, roasted nuts, brioche and savoury, vibrant red and black cherry fruit. Drink 2024-27. 90pts. Decanter magazine (August 2024)