Red Wine Chateau Rolland-Maillet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Chateau Rolland-Maillet is an aspect of the wider Chateau Le Bon Pasteur, a Bordeaux institution established by the Rolland family in the 1920s. It focuses on producing a Grand Cru from its 3.5-hectare vineyard, on the border of the fabled Saint Émilion appellation. Since 1979, the chateau has been under the leadership of legendary wine consultant Michel Rolland. Michel has succeeded in expressing the terroir of his homeland magnificently, through a red Bordeaux blend of the utmost quality. Chateau Rolland-Maillet’s vineyard is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, on rich soils of clay, limestone and gravel. The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a classic taste of Bordeaux, with a nose of juicy red fruits, blackcurrant, fresh tobacco and hints of liquorice. It is medium-bodied, with a precise, mouth-puckering tannic structure. On the palate, it shows notes of fresh strawberry, fleshy plum and cherry, along with background hints of oak, herbs and chocolate. It is deep, rewarding and well-defined, with plenty of room for cellaring and further development. You can’t go wrong by pairing it with gamey meats, rich tomato-based dishes, or mild cheese, such as Comté.
2016
Red Wine Chateau Rolland-Maillet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016
Red Wine Cheval des Andes 2016. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Regarded as one of the greatest Argentine wines, Cheval Des Andes was created from the collaboration between the know-how of the prestigious Château Cheval Blanc, Premier Grand Cru Classé A of Saint-Emilion, and the Argentine domain Terrazas de Los Andes, Cheval des Andes stands out for its high quality. The wine is a blend of 69% Malbec, 21% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 10% Petit-Verdot. The vines are naturally irrigated by a system of furrows that collects pure water from the mountains as local producers did in the past: a reasoned and responsible use of the rare natural resources. These practices are aimed to achieve the perfect balance between vine cultivation, soil conservation and the fragile mountain ecosystem of the domain. Cheval Des Andes has a beautiful bright red color with deep purple highlights. The first nose, of great aromatic complexity, expresses aromas of plum, blackberry, and black cherry, followed by notes of anise and liquorice, with subtle smoky scents. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively, the tannins are silky. A complex and perfectly balanced wine with a very persistent finish. This wine will go very well with beef ravioli, charcuterie, and red meats.
2016
Red Wine Marques de Grinon Petit Verdot 2016. Decant 1 hour before serving. With family connections to the Dominio de Valdepusa estate that date back to 1292, Carlos Falcó sees his role as the owner of Marques de Grinon as a caretaker for the next generations. His name is known throughout Spain for his innovative work in the 1970s when he pioneered the use of international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and his introduction of drip irrigation and night harvesting. Today Carlos continues to push the boundaries of Spanish winemaking by creating wines like this stunning single varietal Petit Verdot which comes from vineyards that the family planted in 1991. These mature vines give deliciously ripe fruit which is hand harvested to ensure it arrives at the winery in perfect condition. The grapes are then fermented separately parcel by parcel before spending 12 to 18 months ageing in new and used French oak barrels. This close attention to detail and meticulous care reveals itself in the incredibly concentrated nose which exudes luscious blackberries, licorice, mint leaves and freshly-ground black pepper. On the palate the first thing you’ll notice is the silky smooth entry and ripe tannins as well as the intense black cherry and dried herb flavours. Pair this wine with a hearty meat dish like beef bourguignon, shepherd’s pie or a slow-roasted lamb shank to showcase the depth of flavours in this attractive and unusual Petit Verdot.
2016