Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose chocolate, prunes, dark berries. In the mouth smooth and full, with a tasty finish and a long aftertaste.

To make its Gran Reserva wine, Marqués de Riscal uses Tempranillo grapes from over 80 years old vines. The wine is aged between two and a half and three years into French oak barrels, and rests another three years in bottle before its release. Continue reading “Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 2016”

Hacienda Monasterio 2014

The colour is deep ruby with garnet hues. On the nose blueberries, blue cherries, prunes, liquorice, meat. In the mouth smooth, with a savoury lingering aftertaste.

Hacienda Monasterio 2014 is a blend 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been made by Peter Sisseck of Pingus fame. Continue reading “Hacienda Monasterio 2014”

Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2013

The colour is medium gold, with a fine perlage. On the nose at first very subtle. When it opens, scents of bread crust, pastry and vanilla appears. In the mouth vibrant bubbles. The aftertaste is medium long.

A tribute to the statesman and Pol-Roger fan Winston Churchill, this champagne is only produced in the best vintages and presents itself after almost 10 years of maturation. Continue reading “Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2013”

Cristal 2014

The colour is medium gold, with a fine perlage. On the nose discrete, with sensation of cheese, almonds and candied fruits. In the mouth elegant. The aftertaste is medium long.

Cristal 2014 was made by Louis Roederer with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay grapes. 32% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels. The dosage was 7 grams per litre. The 2014 vintage was characterised by strong contrasts in terms of climate. Continue reading “Cristal 2014”

Juvé & Camps Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2018

The colour is medium gold, with fine but very few bubbles. On the nose ginger, lemon, apples, peaches. In the mouth rich, with a rather long aftertaste.

This Cava is made by Juvé & Camps with a blend of 55% Xarel·lo, 35% Macabeo and 10% Parellada grapes. This sparkling wine spent 36 months sur lie. Continue reading “Juvé & Camps Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2018”

Château Mouton Rothschild 1975

The colour is medium tawny, still clear and lively. On the nose mandarins, cooked black fruits, mushrooms. In the mouths silky and well balanced. The aftertaste is savoury and last for a while.

For this bottle I had very low expectations: 1975 was a tough vintage and the wine level in this bottle was barely mid-shoulder. I was afraid it wasn’t drinkable. Instead, what a surprise! The wine was not only drinkable but even enjoyable! Continue reading “Château Mouton Rothschild 1975”

Guvrin Stream 2020

The colour is medium purple. On the nose cherries, anise, dark chocolate, a lot of spices and some menthol notes. In the mouth herbaceous, well balanced, with a pleasantly tasting finish. The aftertaste is pretty long.

Guvrin Stream is made by Tel Maresha Winery with a blend of 50% Pinotage and 50% Syrah grapes, under the Judean Hills appellation of Israel. Continue reading “Guvrin Stream 2020”

Teperberger Inspire Meritage 2019

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity. Blackberries, plums, cherries, and pomegranate. In the mouth medium body, round and silky, with smooth tannins and a nice acidity. The aftertaste is pretty long and chocolate tasting.

This Bordeaux-style wine is made by Teperberger winery by blending 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot grapes. Continue reading “Teperberger Inspire Meritage 2019”

Camartina 2008

The colour is deep ruby, with garnet reflections. On the nose black cherries, plums, black tea, cinnamon. In the mouth well structured and balanced. The tannins are velvety. The aftertaste is very pleasant but not especially long.

This wine is made in Greve in Chianti by Querciabella. The estate’s signature Super Tuscan since 1981, Camartina is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese. Some 18’000 bottles are produced each year. Continue reading “Camartina 2008”

Pedro Ximenez Solera Fundacional 1905

The colour is pitch black. The texture very dense, almost solid. On the nose scents of burnt sugar, toffee, bitter orange marmalade, and balsamic notes. In the mouth thick, velvety, and very sweet. The aftertaste is long, although less tasty than I was expecting.

Overall, for my taste this Pedro Ximénez is a bit too sweet. Continue reading “Pedro Ximenez Solera Fundacional 1905”