2016 Chateau Calon Segur, Marquis de Calon
Regular price £49.55 Save £-49.552016 Chateau Les Ormes De Pez
Regular price £48.40 Save £-48.402016 Cascina Ebreo, Segreto Barbera
Regular price £47.20 Save £-47.202016 Chateau Cantenac Brown, Brio
Regular price £45.70 Save £-45.702016 Chateau Saint Georges (Saint Emilion)
Regular price £38.00 Save £-38.002016 Agriturismo Colognole, Chianti Rufina Riserva del Don
Regular price £35.00 Save £-35.002016 Domaine des Masques, Syrah 'Exception'
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20ABOUT THE WINE
An olive-grove since the time of the ancient Gauls, the plateau near Aix-en-Provence upon which Le Domaine des Masques rests was settled by the Knights Templar of the Order of Provence in the Middle Ages. Vines were first planted in 1992, and in 2003 the estate was bought by Carl and Sophie Mestdagh. The vineyards are tended according to organic principles, although the estate has not sought certification. With duties in the cellar overseen by the famous Rhone winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, the estate is in excellent hands, and producing exceptional wines.
TASTING NOTES
Destemmed and fermented without pressing, using natural yeast; the wine undergoes extensive pump-overs to extract tannin and colour, and then aged in barrel for a year prior to release. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, with blackcurrant, blackberry and oak-spice on the palate. The finish is punctuated by white-pepper and plum nuances.
FOOD PAIRING
Excellent with feathered game or a vegetarian stew.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The region has a long history of growing medicinal plants; and has always been a haven for healers, herbalists and sorcerers; masco in the Provencal dialect, which have given the estate its name.
2016 Chateau Talbot, Connetable
Regular price £47.65 Save £-47.65ABOUT THE WINE
Legend has it that Chateau Talbot takes its name from a British soldier, Connetable Talbot, who was killed in a battle at Castillon in 1453; the estate was named in his honour. Since 1917, Talbot has been owned by the Cordier family. The family has invested heavily in Talbot to ensure that it achieves the quality levels of which it is capable. With 102 hectares of vineyards, Talbot is one of the largest estates in the Medoc. The second wine of this famed 4th Growth is sourced from vines of 30 years old and was vinified in stainless steel tanks, followed by an oak maturation of 15 months in 15% new barrels. The blend of the 2016 vintage consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon & 60% Merlot.
TASTING NOTES
Medium-bodied, dense fruit, extremely youthful, with plenty of potential for long-ageing. Red and black fruit, tobacco leaf and a stony mineral-character which will soften with time. Quite charming at this early stage; time will add polish to the long, smoky finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Strong flavours; lamb, beef stews, cured meat.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A fabulous Talbot to drink at 10-15 years from vintage, somewhat forward, but for the moment one to store rather than consume.
2016 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien), Les Fiefs de Lagrange
Regular price £36.65 Save £-36.652016 Chateau Potensac
Regular price £21.70 Save £-21.70