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 comes along and 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!

PORTUGAL

In an article on www.jancisrobinson.com (13th May ’19), Julia Harding reviewed some Portuguese wines:

Casa de Vila Nova Loureiro 2018*: “Very pretty, lightly floral, delicate, fresh. Creamy texture but still taut and zesty. Very drinkable.” 16/20 *we still have the ’17 vintage in UK stock

Vinhas do Lasso Colheita Seleccionada Tinto 2014: “Mid cherry red. Fresh, grainy ripeness to the dark-red fruit. Smooth, ripe and satisfying but still lively.”16.5/20. 

Plus another review for one of Quinta do Pinto’s ‘Lasso’ range from Decanter:

Vinhas do Lasso Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2017: “This family-owned winery in Alenquer sustainably farms 63ha of vines surround a 17th century manor house. From the good-value Vinhas do Lasso line, this is an equal blend of Arinto and Fernao Pires, fermented in cement tanks. It;s a stylish, structured white with vibrant tropical and citrus fruits on a creamy, nutty palate.” 91 points. Tina Gellie

SPAIN

Also on Jancis Robinson’s website, Jancis herself reviewed a number of Fernando de Castilla Sherries shown at this year’s Big Fortified Tasting (9th May ’19):

Fernando de Castilla Classic Manzanilla: 16/20 points

Average age 4.5 years. 
Mid straw. Much older and more rancio than most Manzanillas. A strong statement! Fairly low acid but with masses of character. A food Manzanilla rather than an aperitif. Lots of chew. Medium persistence (15%. Drink 2019-2020).

Fernando de Castilla Fino en Rama: 16/20 points

Average age 6 years. 
Deep golden straw colour. Reticent nose. High-toned, almost herbaceous nose. Very round and mouth-filling – a bit soft. But there is clearly sherry with considerable age in here. Long – builds towards a fine, long finish. A little burgundian?! (15%. Drink 2019-2020)

Fernando de Castilla Antique Palo Cortado: 17/20 points

30 years old. 
Mid orangey gold. Rather occluded nose. Extremely savoury and vigorous on the palate. Just the right side of too concentrated. Extremely intense. Feels as though it should be dripped on to the tongue with a pipette. A bit like liquid camembert (20%. Drink 2019-2025).

Fernando de Castilla Antique Fino: 17.5/20 points

Average age 9 years. This is technically a Fino Amontillado. 
Orangey straw colour. Broad and smoky. Seriously tangy. Obviously quite concentrated in cask. Really refreshing – like a poke with a stick! Bready sensation on the end. Javier Domecq assures me that a version bottled in 2008 is still on sparkling form (17%. Drink 2019-2030).

ITALY

San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015*: “Inviting aromas of ripe red-skinned fruit, baking spice, new leather, scorched earth and a whiff of tobacco fill the glass. Smooth and elegant, it boasts an almost weightless concentration, doling out ripe Morello cherry, star anise, black raspberry and white pepper alongside taut, velvety tannins. Drink 2020-2035.” 95 points.

Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (April 2019) *we have 2014 currently in stock

FRANCE

A few highlights from the results for Champagne and sparkling wines at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2019:

Champagne Gremillet Blanc de Noirs Brut NV – GOLD / 95 Points
“This is an excellent wine with a pretty floral and citrus nose. The palate is packed with dense ripe orchard fruits and offers a spicy mineral freshness and lively mousse. Precise and pristine.”

Champagne Lallier Grand Cru ‘Ouvrage’ NV – SILVER / 90 Points
“Rich and luxurious with aromas of polished green apple and brioche, while the palate is braced with crisp, bright cranberry.”

Domaine J.Laurens, Crémant de Limoux ‘Les Graimenous’ 2017 – SILVER / 90 Points
“Exuberant orchard fruit and fresh yoghurt on the nose and chalky palate. Lovely, racy acidity and a good deal of character. Long, lemony finish.”

With an impressive result for Domaine Berthelemot

Domaine Berthelemot Meursault ‘Les Tillets’ 2017* – GOLD / 96 Points
“Enticing layers of smoky, nutty oak, grapefruit and blood orange with an underlying core of chalky stone. Complex and luxurious with a creamy texture and a fine, long finish.” 
* current selling vintage is 2016

While in Decanter magazine Stephen Brook, in his article ‘Alsace: Top Riesling Terroirs’ (3rd June 2019) selected only Turckheim’s Riesling as his top pick from Brand:
Cave de Turckheim Grand Cru Brand Riesling 2013 – “Pear-scented nose, smoky, perfumed and very elegant. With its fresh attack, this shows little sign of age and remains sleek, concentrated and quite racy, with striking purity of fruit. Long, tangy, citric finish.”

Following the recent Medialle d’Or (Gold) at the Paris Concours Général Agricole des Vin 2019, the Wine Enthusiast has also given a positive review for:
Château L’Ermitage Rosé ‘Auzan’, Costières de Nîmes 2018 – “Cherry-blossom pink in hue, this delightfully light-footed blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre abounds in fresh white-peach and strawberry flavors. Supple and silky on the palate, it’s balanced by brisk mineral tones. The wine is easy drinking yet sophisticated.” Anna Lee C. Iijima (1st July 2019)
*75cl was tasted which is currently the 2017 vintage. 2018 is currently available in 50cl.