Review Round-up (June/July ’23)
What's been said about our wines...
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!
Domaine de la Chapelle Bizot, Cuvée SB, France, 2021: “Winemaker Samantha Bailey has produced a fresh, characterful Chiroubles. Always one of the lightest Beaujolais crus, this is a blend of individual parcels from the slopes. A cool, crisp and intriguing Gamay with plenty of interest here for lovers of youthful, fruit-forward red wines. The natural acidity of Gamay shines through, together with floral notes and dark cherry fruit on the palate.” 91pts, Andy Howard MW, Decanter Magazine (June 2023).
GENETIE Bourgogne Chardonnay ‘Illuminé’, France, 2020: “Sourced from a 12ha plot in Bussières in the Southern Mâconnais. Plenty of concentration from vines averaging more than 40 years of age. Brisk acidity balances the richness and concentration of ripe fruit with a lick of 10% oak maturation adding more complexity on the plate. An attractive early-drinking wine with good purity and a salty character on the finish.” 91pts, Andy Howard MW, Decanter Magazine (June 2023).
Château Mercian, Iwade Ortum, Japan, 2021: Iwade is one of Château Mercian’s best vineyards in Yamanashi and Ortum means “ascent” in Latin. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, this features aromas of Japanese yuzu and kobosu citrus, passion fruit, white flower, herbs and earthiness. There’s a pleasant acidity and minerals on the aftertaste. This is ripe and complex.” 96pts Hayato Kojima,Decanter Magazine (June 2023).
Château Mercian, Yamanashi Koshu sur lie, Japan, 2021: “From one of Japan’s leading major wineries, the Yamanashi Koshu was fermented and aged against stainless steel tanks for five months. Banana, green apple and Japanese citrus aromas on the nose. The refreshing acidity is well balanced by lovely ripe fruits, leading to a pleasant finish.” 94pts Hayato Kojima, Decanter Magazine (June 2023).
Cave de Tain St Péray Blanc ‘Fleur du Roc’, France, 2021: “Ripe apricot and fresh cream with undertones of dried herbs and spices. Full-bodied with a concentrated richness of stone fruit and spicy oak on the palate, and a saline finish.” 90pts Decanter Magazine (June 2023).
Ananto Organic Bobal Tempranillo, Spain 2022: “This is a bright, fresh and fruity Bobal with strawberries, sweet basil, pink peppercorns and bramble on the nose. Medium-bodied, soft and very drinkable. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. 90pts jamessuckling.com (May 2023)
Fuenteseca Bobal Cabernet Sauvignon[Organic], Spain 2022: “A cheerful, laid-back expression with a brambly nose full of cherries, potpourri and a hint of bubblegum. Round and smooth on the palate with fresh berries and soft tannins. Nothing complex, but rather fruit forward and straightforward. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. 90pts jamessuckling.com (April 23)
Domaine Bouchié-Chatellier Pouilly-Fumé ‘Pierre à Fusil’ 2022: “Light citric and grapefruit aromas; attractive mouth filling texture, good balancing acidity and a vibrant, long finish.” “Punchy fermented grass, struck flint, complex aromatics. Mineral coolness, luscious fruit without being cloying. A very accomplished wine for 2022.” “Bright, vibrant aromas of green apple, freshly squeezed lemon, line rind and spring blossom. Great intensity with lingering line and greengage.” 96pts Decanter Magazine (July 2023)