Category Archives: France

Chandon Sparkling Summit 2012

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes… Dan Buckle’s departure from the peppery, shiraz drenched isolation of Mount Langi Ghiran came as a surprise to many, myself included. He had imposed a singular vision on that winery – one that had lifted it to the heights … Continue reading

Posted in Argentina, Articles, Cava, Champagne, England, France, King Valley, Marlborough, Mendoza, New Zealand, Prosecco, Sayvel Blanc, Spain, Sparkling, Tasmania, UK, Wine Events, Wine Musings | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

2010 Domaine La Sarabande A.O.C. Faugères Grenache Carignan Syrah

A blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Carignan and 15%  Syrah and Mourvedre from the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Characterful but challenging. Opens with a burst of cherry fruit but that soon gives way to an overwhelmingly savoury profile. It’s tarry, fungal, ferrous … Continue reading

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2009 Domaine Pattes Loup 1er Cru Chablis Beauregard

Approaching the end of my fourth alcohol free day, it seems an eternity since I was sipping on this wine. The stitches in my mouth mean that this period of abstinence will last until at least the weekend. The 2009 … Continue reading

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Larmandier-Bernier Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut Vertus Premier Cru NV

Tasted alongside the Agrapart & Fils Terroirs Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru NV earlier this week and it is a better wine…not that it’s always a competition. The Larmandier-Bernier is finer and more elegant. Sometimes I’d choose to drink … Continue reading

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Agrapart & Fils Terroirs Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru NV

Blended across four Grand Cru vineyards and two vintages (04 and 05) with a dosage of 6 grams. It spends four years on lees and the autolysis derived elements are perfectly matched to the intensity of fruit flavour. Imported by Bibendum … Continue reading

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France | Tagged | 2 Comments

Wirra Wirra’s Woodhenge Cup: Stay Low and Pull don’t Push

Adelaide Here I am, living in Australia, writing about wine, talking about terroir and until earlier this month I’d never set foot in South Australia. Heresy! I’ve always been a bookish type, gathering my thoughts and impressions from ‘secondary texts’ but … Continue reading

Posted in Adelaide Hills, Australia, Cabernet et al, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Grenache, Grenache et al, McLaren Vale, Moscato, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, South Australia, Wine Events, Wine Musings | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

2009 Domaine Pichot Coteau de la Biche Vouvray Sec

France, Loire Valley 12.5% Screwcap $35 Imported by Vintage and Vine. I like Vouvray. I should drink more of it. On opening, this was a little disappointing. A rich nose of stewed apples, pear and cinnamon. Lighter notes of lemon … Continue reading

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley, Vouvray | Tagged | 8 Comments

2002 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut

Champagne 12% Cork $140 Last weekend I popped down to a park in New Farm to have a picnic with a friend. We took with us this wine, smoked salmon, baby caper and cream cheese sandwiches and sat at a table … Continue reading

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2009 Jean-Marc Burgaud Les Charmes

France, Beaujolais 13% Cork $29.95 Stepping things up, the Les Charmes vineyard is 75 years of age and this wine is an altogether more serious expression of the Gamay grape. There’s some real depth here; greater emphasis on meat, earth, … Continue reading

Posted in Beaujolais, France | 4 Comments

2009 Jean-Marc Burgaud Château de Thulon

France, Beaujolais 12.5% Cork $21.95 The 2009 vintage in Beaujolais has garnered some very high praise, with warmer conditions producing wines displaying ripe fruit and balanced acidity. Jean-Marc Burgaud’s entry level Château de Thulon is sourced from a 50 year old … Continue reading

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