The 2019 Sancerre La Moussi?re is quite rich, ripe and intense on the yeasty nose that represents a coolish, calcareous marl terroir with really old vines (roughly 60 years old). The fruit is reminiscent of ripe, yellow apples with just a discreet tone of gooseberries. Rich and intense on the palate, this is a powerful and, for now, quite creamy-textured Sancerre that lacks a bit of esprit, freshness and tension. The wine reveals fine tannins instead and might develop well over the years in the bottle but is definitely from a warmer, sunnier vintage. 14% alcohol. Tasted in November 2020.
It must be difficult being Cloudy Bay, because fame brings extra scrutiny and the question, ‘Does this brand offer value for money in the context of the wider region?’ In 2023, the Sauvignon Blanc silences its critics. Its vineyard may be much larger than...
Key vineyards: Widows, Motukawa and Estate. Hand-picked selected lots within blocks. They're looking for the older vines. Less new oak than there used to be (though there is some sweet oakiness) and less ripe fruit. They start the ambient-yeast ferment in...
I recently tasted a 2006 Pinot Noir from magnum (although whether a magnum format is relevant under screw cap is to be discussed) at the estate in September 2023, and the wine was superb. It was aging slowly and still exhibited loads of fresh fruit, but i...