The full-bodied, impressively inky 2019 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert features blackberries and cassis, mulberries and blueberries, yet notes of violets, black olives and espresso keep it from being a one-dimensional fruit bomb. Rich, concentrated...
Pale, green-tinged straw. Racy, sharply focused citrus and orchard fruit aromas pick up floral and tarragon nuances with air. Taut and focused on the palate, offering lemon pith, yellow apple and nectarine flavors that deepen through the back half. Closes...
I was quite impressed by the 2012 Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza, a classical Rioja that is nicely crafted, with less aging in barrel than the rest of reds and therefore with more fruit character and less Lopez de Heredia signature. This was born as a red for...
There are many shouty wines in the world, but the 2020 Le Mont Moelleux is understated, which is highly attractive. There's finesse and elegance to this sweeter style (49g/L). Delicate exotic characters such as dried papaya and pineapple sit alongside ...
The 2022 Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec is round and appealing, akin to a cozy night in with your slippers on; there's flesh and succulence, but it retains its shape and a sense of lightness on its feet. The ripeness of white stone fruit reminds me of nectarin...
The 2022 Le Mont Demi-Sec is less fruity and charming than, say, Clos du Bourg; its tension and line come from its flinty terroir. Despite its 21g/L residual sugar, it retains a sense of tautness without being totally linear. Radish and pear notes ling...