Red Wine Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee 2019. Decant 1 hour before serving. Domaine du Pegau is owned by the Feraud family who can trace their roots right back to the 17th century in the Southern Rhone. Daughter Laurence and father Paul work tirelessly to produce traditional-style Châteauneuf du Pape wines. Regarded as one of the region’s top producers, Pegau has 11 parcels of prime vineyards in Courthézon, La Solitude and Bédarrides which cover around 47 acres in total. Their Cuvée Reserve is predominantly composed of Grenache along with a smaller proportion of Syrah and Mourvèdre, Counoise and other varieties. All of their grapes are harvested by hand and then fermented without destemming to add complexity. The young wine is then aged in large oak foudres for an average of 24 months. There is no fining or filtering before bottling to preserve the authentic character of the wine. The nose opens with dark berry notes, licorice, leather and dried herbs while the first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins and very long finish. On the palate there are intense cherry, plum and cassis notes seasoned with black pepper, tobacco leaf and hints of cigar box spice from the oak maturation. A great addition to the cellar or partner for hearty red meat dishes.
2019
Red Wine Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee 2019
Red Wine Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Cuvee Marie Ragonneau 2019. In the 1970s Charles Audoin took the bold decision to stop selling grapes to local merchants and start producing wines under his own name. Over the next few decades he grew the family estate from a modest 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares spread across some of the finest plots in the three villages that make up the Marsannay appellation. Charles recently handed over the running of the domaine to the fifth generation, his son Cyril, who has brought a youthful new passion to this boutique family-run winery which has been called a Marsannay reference point” by Wine Advocate. The family’s vineyards are all worked organically without certification and the wines are bottled without fining or filtration to showcase the natural beauty of the grapes. This charming red Burgundy is named after Cyril’s grandmother and is crafted from the estate’s finest Pinot Noir fruit from each vintage. Elegant and sophisticated on the nose with plenty of ripe red fruit and earthy hints of dried herbs and undergrowth, this red is a great wine to keep in the cellar for a few more years or pair with a classic coq au vin on a wintry evening.
2019
Red Wine Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Clos Derriere Vieille 2019. It is recommended to decant it for at least one hour and half. The Domaine de Santa Duc is located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail and managed by the expert hands of the winemaker Yves Gras. Each stage of the vinification is followed with the utmost attention and this translates into generous, full-bodied, and concentrated wines, much appreciated by Robert Parker. In this area there is a rare wild bird, the eagle owl, known for its particular song. Over the years its Provençal name, Canta duc, has become Santa Duc and hence the name of the company. This elegant wine is a classic blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and10% Mourvèdre, and it’s aged partly in Stockinger foudres and partly in terracotta amphorae. It is a wine with a mineral and slightly smoky nose, which seduces above all with its bouquet of ripe red fruit and cherry blossoms. The savory and sweet flavors take up a floral aromatic palette enriched with green tea and fresh, juicy fruit. A mineral, vibrant and energetic wine that shows an almost endless aftertaste. It works well with braised meat or mushroom, but it’s an absolute must with game.
2019