The Wine Front – GARY WALSH - THE WINE FRONT
This is our regular Provence rosé, and I’d reckon we’ve knocked off (easily) more than 20 bottles since last spring, so I thought I’d better push out a note. Pale. White peach and redcurrant, a bit of tang and ruby red grapefruit, light chalky feel, freshness and vibrancy. Good zesty length. Such a good drink. It keeps you coming back for more…
Antonio Galloni/Vinous – ‘Brilliant ruby-red. Spice-accented dark berry, cherry pit and succulent flowers on the perfumed nose. Fleshy and
broad in the mouth but lively as well, offering sappy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter
with air. Closes gently tannic, with very good energy and persistence, leaving a spicecake note behind. Drink 2018-
2022.’
World Wine – "Leading off the three Châteauneuf Du Papes, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources comes from more sandy soils just across the road from the estate. It always shares more stylistic similarities with the Réserve and is more opulent, sexy, and fruit loaded compared to the Hauts-Lieux cuvée. This 2017 is spectacular, offering loads of black fruits, black licorice, ground herbs, violets, and some obvious loamy soil and mineral-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, expansive, and multi-dimensional, this is another singular wine from Jean-Paul Daumen that tastes like the essence of this stunning terroir." 95 points Jeb Dunnuck
Wine Enthusiast – This wine is dark and earthy at first, but opens with airing to reveal bold notes of blueberry, mocha and peppery spice. This 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah is full bodied, richly textured and finishes long.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – It offers fabulous black cherry, licorice, wet gravel and ample crushed rock like minerality. Medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, elegant and polished.
Wine Spectator – This pumps ripe raspberry, plum and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors through, with anise, fruitcake and Christmas pudding notes adding range and detail along the way. Flash of bay on the finish. A not-shy wine. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2022 through 2032.
Wine Enthusiast – Ripe, luminous wild strawberries and black cherry flavors explode from nose to finish in this hedonistic, intensely fruity blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It's gorgeously primary in youth with a zesty mineral undertone, but is concentrated enough to improve, gaining earthier complexities through 2030 and likely further.
James Suckling – A very vibrant array of ripe raspberry, red-plum and berry-pastry aromas with mulberries, too. Very fresh. There’s a very rich and ripe, dark-fruit core here with a wealth of super plush and languid tannins that are dense yet soft. This is a hallmark of the vintage. A blend of 45% grenache, 30% syrah, 15% mourvedre and ten additional varieties. Drink over the next decade and more.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape features gentle herb shadings, ripe stone fruit and berry flavors, and a long, clean finish. It's full-bodied but somewhat delicate and silky in feel. I'd opt for drinking this blend of 35% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault over the next 7-8 years.
Wine Spectator – A beautifully crafted version, with both a bright, high-toned profile and a dense core of flavor and power. Offers melted red licorice, raspberry puree and warm baking spice upheld by chalky mineral, smoked sandalwood and salty, fresh acidity. Seamlessly integrated and elegant, this is just beginning to see its potential. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2030. 888 cases made, 100 cases imported.
James Suckling – Black fruit coulis, intense spice aromas and some smoke on the nose. Powerful and robust in the best possible way, the tannins are remarkably polished for a Rhone red with stacks of mourvedre in it. Very compact core, but also excellent energy on the full-bodied palate. Bold and very structured, but there's a wonderfully delicate sweetness, too. A cuvee of 50% mourvedre and 50% grenache from old vines on the high plain of Gigondas. 75% whole bunch. Matured in a combination of Stockinger oak foudre and clay amphora. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.
Decanter – Strong Mourvèdre profile here, with heavy aromas like a dense fug. Soft, gently unctuous fruit including blackberry and black cherry. Fresh with bold, muscular tannins and a long finish. This wine is well balanced this year, definitely one to buy. Planted at the foot of the Cône around their house.
Wine Spectator – Ripe but understated style, with a mix of Damson plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors mixed with wood spice and black tea notes. Stylish, pure finish. Drink now through 2033.
Decanter – A 70% Syrah-Grenache blend that offers a lot of wine for the price. Peppery bramble fruits, wild herbs and liquorice adorn the supple palate which has grippy fruit tannins and a lifted violet perfume. Vibrant, with balanced alcohol.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2017 Minervois la Liviniere La Touge is an approachable, medium-bodied blend. It's more red-fruited and friendly than the other Maris wines in 2017, showcasing silky tannins and mixed cherries and blueberries, without any obvious oak influence.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Gorgeous as well, with pure blackberry, cassis, licorice, charred earth and crushed flower aromas and flavors, the Châteauneuf du Pape La Reine des Bois (roughly 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Vaccarese and Counoise) is medium to full-bodied, pure and layered. One of the more approachable examples of this cuvee I've tasted, it should be relatively civilized on release, yet evolve gracefully given its overall balance and freshness. Drink 2017-2027. 93-95+
Antonio Galloni/Vinous – Bright orange-pink. Aromas of fresh red berries, orange pith and dusty minerals, joined by a suave floral nuance that builds in the glass. Silky, focused and energetic on the palate, offering juicy strawberry and tangerine flavors sharpened by a suggestion of white pepper. Closes minerally and extremely long, showing a repeating floral note and lingering citrus fruit character.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – A fabulous effort the has finesse, elegance and texture, the 2015 Rose from Chene Bleu sports a light pink color to go with perfumed notes of rose petals, framboise and strawberries. This seamless beauty can be enjoyed on its own, but it will pair beautifully with any number of dishes as well.
French wines, with their rich heritage, have always stood as a testament to the country's deep-rooted winemaking traditions. Traversing through the lush valleys of Loire to the terraced hills of Côtes du Rhône, France offers a tapestry of diverse wine regions, each with its unique character and charm.
The terroir, a French term which describes the specific environmental factors affecting the taste and flavor of the wine produced, is an integral part of the French wine narrative. Bordeaux, for instance, with its maritime climate, produces wines that have an unparalleled depth and complexity. In contrast, the sun-kissed vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon yield wines that are fruitier and vibrant.
The meticulous art of winemaking in France is passed down through generations, preserving age-old techniques while embracing innovations. This delicate balance between tradition and modernity ensures that each bottle reflects the passion, dedication, and artistry of its makers.
In essence, French wines are more than just a beverage; they are a journey through history, culture, and craftsmanship.
French wines stand as an epitome of elegance, craftsmanship, and tradition. What makes French wines so special is the country's unique combination of soil, climate, and winemaking heritage – often referred to as "terroir." This term encompasses everything from the minerals in the vineyard soils to the way the grapes are tended and the wine is made. France's diverse regions, from the frosty climes of Champagne to the sun-soaked terraces of Provence, lend themselves to an array of wine styles, each carrying a distinct hallmark of its origin. Moreover, centuries of winemaking expertise, passed down through generations, have sculpted France's reputation on the world wine stage. Thus, when one sips a French wine, they're not just tasting the grape; they're imbibing history, tradition, and the very essence of the French countryside.
When discussing popular French wines, names like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne often top the list. Bordeaux, known for its powerful reds, is home to iconic blends featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Burgundy, on the other hand, is celebrated for its Pinot Noir reds and Chardonnay whites, wines that have become benchmarks for these grape varieties globally. Champagne, the sparkling wine mecca, is revered for its effervescent offerings that have graced many a celebration. Beyond these, regions like the Rhône Valley, Alsace, and Loire Valley also offer wines that have garnered acclaim and large fan followings. Each region's unique terroir and traditions shape its wines' distinctive character.
For those delving into French wines, a logical starting point would be the classics. Begin with a crisp and elegant Chardonnay from Burgundy, then move to a robust Bordeaux blend to experience the depth and complexity of French reds. A bottle from Champagne will introduce you to the pinnacle of sparkling wines, with its delicate bubbles and complex flavors. From the Loire Valley, a sip of Sauvignon Blanc, often brimming with zesty citrus notes, is a must. And for a unique experience, a bottle from Beaujolais showcases the versatility of the Gamay grape, offering wines that range from light and fruity to deep and structured.
Defining the "best" French wines is subjective, given the vast diversity and individual preferences. However, certain wines have achieved legendary status due to their quality, heritage, and impact on the wine world. Wines from the Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy, such as those from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, are often placed on a pedestal. Similarly, Bordeaux's First Growth estates, including Château Margaux and Château Latour, have set standards for red wine excellence. In the realm of bubbles, Dom Pérignon and Krug are among Champagne's shining stars. These wines, while representing the pinnacle of French winemaking, are just the tip of the iceberg. Each region, with its hidden gems and artisanal producers, brings to the table wines that can captivate the palate and soul in equal measure.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.