France
Palmer Rose Solera N/V
"This has a pale copper color with gingerbread, Danish, spiced apple, crushed rock and pink grapefruit aromas. Some truffles and pink salt, too. It’s tight, focused and spicy, with salty undertones and very fine bubbles. Majority chardonnay with pinot noir and pinot meunier from 2017, blended with 45% reserve wines and 8% red wine from a 45-year-old solera. 94 points." -James Suckling
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateau du Pape 2020
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 is a classic, Mourvèdre-led Southern Rhône red that shows the estate’s trademark depth and savoury complexity. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dried rose, lavender, liquorice, leather and garrigue lead into a layered palate of dark fruit, pepper, earth and warm spice.
Full-bodied and structured, it keeps its shape through fresh acidity, firm but polished tannins and a long mineral finish. A serious, ageworthy red for roast lamb, game or slow-braised meats.
Serge Mathieu 2009 Brut Millesime
It has structure, power and length, and bears the mark of its Pinot Noir. It clearly shows all the work that has been carried out in the vineyards since only very ripe and small grapes can produce such density and structure in a Champagne. 8.6 grams dosage.
Entirely made from Pinot Noir… clear, fresh and straight fruit of yellow skinned apples and Williams pears along with citrus flavors and some stony notes on the nose. This is remarkably elegant and delicate with a mineral backbone and an excellent grippy finish.
