Black Stallion Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose sumptuous and fruity, with plums, blackberries, and dark chocolate. In the mouth enjoyable, but without the structure you would expect from a single-varietal Cab. The finish is pleasantly fruity, although the aftertaste doesn’t last long.

Black Stallion Estate Winery is located on Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. Continue reading “Black Stallion Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon 2018”

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay 2018

The colour is medium gold. On the nose golden apple, pineapple, papaya, and butter. In the mouth elegant and tasty, with a citrusy aftertaste that fades fairly quickly.

This Chardonnay is produced by Louis Jadot. A Maison founded in 1859 by the man whose name it bears, Louis Henry Denis Jadot, whose family arrived in Beaune from Belgium in 1794. The house of Louis Jadot was founded in 1859, but the family was already previously active as vignerons in the region. Continue reading “Louis Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay 2018”

Le Difese 2018

The colour is deep ruby. Not much neither on the nose, where I barely detect some sour cherries, nor in the mouth, where I feel drying tannins and a bitter finish. The aftertaste is short.

Le Difese is made by Tenuta San Guido, the producer of the famous Sassicaia, first produced with the 1968 vintage. Le Difese is the third wine of the estate, first produced with the 2002 vintage. In between, the winery produces a second wine, labelled Guidalberto, first produced with the 2000 vintage. Continue reading “Le Difese 2018”

Juan Gil Blue Label 2018

The colour is dark ruby. On the nose dark cherries, dark berries and dark chocolate, accompanied by balsamic and spicy notes. In the mouth smooth, with a marked sensation of dark chocolate that last in the long aftertaste. With air the sensations change and become more subtle, which makes tasting this wine interesting.

This wine is a blend of 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. It ages for 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Continue reading “Juan Gil Blue Label 2018”

Bodegas Volver & Casa Rojo

Despite the COVID-19 resurgence in Spain, early August I decided to stick to my plans and to go discover the wines made in the area around Alicante and Murcia.

My first visit right out of the plane has been Bodegas Volver, which I discovered by reviewing a wine I bought at Denner: Solnia 2014 (www.thelovedwine.com/solnia-2014). Continue reading “Bodegas Volver & Casa Rojo”

Wines <30 CHF

Last month I decided to do something different and to organise a blind tasting of wines that sells for less than 30 CHF.

The five wines we tasted have been freely picked by the participants to the event among the ones they prefer in this price range. Continue reading “Wines <30 CHF”

Fabelhaft 2018

The colour is medium purple. On the nose black cherries mixed with some tea. In the mouth light, with smooth but well present tannins and a pleasant acidity. Fairly long finish. Not really to my taste, but an enjoyable, easy to drink wine that delivers good value.

Fabelhaft is a very successful story. Continue reading “Fabelhaft 2018”

Nesoi Malvasia Volcanica 2018

The colour is pale straw. On the nose pear, banana and melon, with mineral notes. In the mouth very refreshing. The finish is fruity and savoury, accompanied by a prickly sensation.

Malvasia is an ancient grapes’ family believed to be of Greek origin. Its name is a derivation of the coastal Greek town of Monemvasia, where the Venetians had a strategically important fortress and trading post during the time of their empire. Continue reading “Nesoi Malvasia Volcanica 2018”

Château Nine Peaks

Château Nine Peaks stands alone on a hill surrounded by its vineyards. Not very different from any upscale wine property you would find in the West, except that this winery is located in the Far East. Continue reading “Château Nine Peaks”

Tariquet Classic 2018

The colour is medium straw. On the nose an inviting aroma of apricot, peach, bergamot and ananas. In the mouth refreshing and as pleasant as on the nose, with a corresponding aftertaste that last for quite a while and completes the experience with some saltiness.

This (in France) hugely popular white wine is produced under the Cotes de Gascogne IGP. Continue reading “Tariquet Classic 2018”