Lions de Batailley, Pauillac, 2015 (Bordeaux, Red)
Second wine of Chateau Batailley, this 2015 Lions de Batailley vintage is nonetheless a Pauillac of great elegance. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Merlot (31%) and Cabernet Franc (8%), it has a deep ruby color. On the nose, rich, intense notes of black fruits. As for the mouth, round and balanced, it highlights a powerful body and elegant tannins. The finish is beautiful. A second wine in the tradition of the grand cru classé.
Au pied du Mont Chauve, Saint-Aubin1er cru “Le Charmois”, 2015 (Burgundy, Red)
Planted on a terroir in the middle of a slope and on a limestone soil, these 40 year old vines, managed in a sustainable way – like most of the Picard family’s vines – offer a pinot noir of great quality. This Saint-Aubin1er cru “Le Charmois” has a garnet color, and a complex nose with persistent notes of ripe black fruits and spices. The attack is full, the balance is perfect. On the finish, a light woodiness.
Joseph Mellot, Pouilly-Fumé, Grande Cuvée des Edvins, 2015 (Loire, White)
Emblematic of the Centre-Loire region, the name Joseph Mellot, heir to 500 years of history, is a guarantee of excellence. This Pouilly-Fumé – sauvignon blanc – “Grande Cuvée des Edvins”, produced from sustainable agriculture, is produced in limited quantities. Freshness, finesse and delicacy are the key words of this complex wine, marked by a brioche nose and, in the mouth, notes of pineapple and exotic fruits, but also hazelnuts.
Domaine d’Eole, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, 2016 (Provence, Red)
Here is a red wine ideal for summer. Not surprising, since it comes from vines – Grenache, Syrah and Carignan – planted at altitude, in a valley of the Alpilles. After two years of aging, this AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, 2016 vintage, is certainly young but shows notes of red fruits, a direct attack matched with a nice tannic melody, and a fresh yet consistent finish. Served chilled, it is perfect with raw or grilled meats with herbs.
Les Grandes Serres, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2016 (Rhône, White)
Many that young, this 2016 La Cour des Papes vintage, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, shows immediately a great interest. Behind its pale yellow dress, it offers a nose refined with notes of flowers and, subtly, citrus fruits, whose freshness invites, in the middle of summer, to the tasting. Which reveals a lively, round wine, characterized by a magnificent fruity score. Its finish, very mineral, remains fresh. Served at 12 degrees, it is suitable for summer tables, heterogeneous.
Château de Pibarnon, 2011 (Provence, Rosé)
Who said that rosé is not a wine to keep? Certainly not Eric de Saint Victor, the owner of Château de Pibarnon, in Bandol, whose rosés constitute a third of its production. Its 2011 vintage is indeed a great wine; the Mourvèdre, 65% of which is present, brings it complexity structure and freshness, while the Cinsault offers the fat and the fruit. There is no doubt: this wine, which reveals a beautiful aromatic palette and a beautiful balance, is a wine of gastronomy.
