Super Tuscan wines have a great reputation. It's a name everyone seems to know. People are always excited to try them. And it's got Tuscany in the name - somewhere everybody wants to go - even if it is just for a few minutes at a time, in a glass. Today, it's the Tenuta Sette Ponti 2022 Oreno
There are many reasons to like the wines made from Maratheftiko, I highlight a few of them in this video; but you'll next guess my favourite. Also, I let you know why you don't see more wines from this grape. Today, it's the Zambartas 2022 Maratheftiko
https://youtu.be/D-IRtWuAQoo
In January, I spent 25 days in Bordeaux. Going in depth to discover the wines from first and second growths to places like Fronsac and Pomerol. It was, to say the least, an eye-opening experience. To me, nothing beat the wines from the 2022 vintage. What a watershed moment to taste those wines and be awed by the balance, the fruit, the ... oh hell, all that is for the article. Let me dive into this bottle of
Chateau Clos de Sarpe 2022 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe
Maybe you have noticed, I'm on a Canadian Viognier kick here. So far I have pointed you in the direction of three other Canadian Viogniers, with more on the way; like this one today ... Let me tell you about the Bordertown Winery 2023 Viognier ... available at the winery (and fine wine stores). Thank you to the All Canadian Wine Championships for putting me on this panel during the judging. Judging is happening soon, so get your Canadian wines in for the MAY 16, 2025 deadline - maybe I'll find more great wines like this.
They've been here before and if the past is prologue, they'll be here again ... so it shall be written, so it shall be done. I look again at another wine from this winery in Australia :
Bleasdale 2021 Bremerview Shiraz
A husband and wife with a love of wine and vines in the Roussillon -
what could be more French than this
Domaine Depeyrie 2020 Tradition
Malivoire is the undisputed KING of Gamay in Ontario, Canada
I dare you to argue with me after tasting this
Malivoire 2022 Le Coeur Gamay
This wine makes its second appearance (three years apart)
and it's another beauty from Chile:
San Pedro 2021 Sideral
From the folks at Redstone, in Ontario, Canada, comes a 2020 wine that should come as no surprise to us living in the province, but might to those new to Canadian wine :
Redstone Winery 2020 Meritage
The numbers 4 and 3 play a part in this wine,
which is more than the sum of its parts:
Tarapaca 2020 Etiqueta Azul, Gran Reserva
I'm giving away a big secret this week -
Saumur Puy Notre Dame is a region to watch if you are a Cabernet Franc fan
Domaine des Ruaults 2021 Les Deux Croix
It has been a long time since I've had a stunning bottle of wine from Romagna;
but this one qualifies, BIG TIME:
CADISOPRA 2019 Vigna Ca' Del Rosso - Marzeno Romagna Riserva
This is the tale of two vintages, check out my 2020 review of this wine (linked below) -
and now here's the next vintage :
2027 Cellars 2021 Cabernet Franc, King Street Vineyard
here is a link to the video of the 2020 vintage wine:
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is getting all the hype,
but there is room for others to step in too. Here's one from
Concha y Toro in Chile: 2020 Diablo Crystal Sauvignon Blanc
The great South African wines rarely reach our shores,
but this one must have escaped, and I am so glad it did:
Neil Ellis 2021 Syrah
You want to get to know the Tannat grape?
Start with a bottle of Chateau Montus - the OG of Tannat :
Chateau Montus 2017 Madiran
The Written Part ...
An 80% Tannat with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon Рtaking up a 35 hectares of the 37 hectare Montus vineyard. Vine age is about 27 years. Fermentation and maceration follow what happens at Boucass̩ (see above). Here 50% of the wine sees new oak for 12 months. Then 24 months in 80 hectoliter foudre (large barrels). 36 months of aging the wine rests in bottle 2 years before release.
The note … Weighty wine with lots
of smoky, gritty tannin grip. Floral with good acidity; the fruit either
lingers or has decided to hide within the oak – each sip holds a
different outcome. It'll take time to emerge, but this oak will always
be there. It's an intense wine where food needs to be involved. (****)
For lovers of Mourvedre,
I offer you this beauty as example of how great the wines from that grape can be
Domaine La Sarabande 2020 Bousigue
Schiava is one of those rare grapes that makes such wonderful wines;
here is a prime example
Alois Lageder 2021 Schiava
A Tuscan wine with history and taste.
Time to talk about the Tenuta Sette Ponti 2020 Crognolo (again)
(Sangiovese / Merlot)
Rich and juicy with plenty of dark fruit, mocha, and nice acid hit on the tongue - well-balanced with a long finish. (****+)
First created in 1916, this Tempranillo-Grenache is a stellar wine
even at almost 9 years from vintage -
let me tell you what I mean as I talk about the
Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta 2015 Campeador
