Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Magis
Lucien Le Moine is a small House of Grands Crus in Beaune, run by Mounir and Rotem. They established the cellar in 1999, driven by their fascination with the "old way" of growing, vinificating and aging wines. The cellar produces only Grands and Premiers Crus from Côte d'Or, selecting the most beautiful crus in each village and renewing their selection every year. The cellar produces a maximum of 100 barrels (30,000 bottles) to allow them to do everything "by hand" and "by ourselves," which allows them to apply their technical perception and respond to each vintage and wine. Rotem and Mounir Saouma are the owners of the renowned micro-négociant Lucien Le Moine in Beaune, and they have been highly sought-after producers of 1er and Grand Cru Burgundy for several years. Driven by their passion to own their vineyards, they decided to purchase exceptional terroir in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and start Clos Saouma. Magis, which means "more, much more" in Latin, is the name chosen by Saouma because they expect more, much more, from their white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, especially after two years in barrels. The wine is made from 75% Grenache Blanc, 10% Clairette, 10% Roussane, and 5% Bourboulenc. The fermentation takes place in barrels from the Jupilles forest (Pays de Loire), followed by two years of aging in the same barrels on the lees, with just occasional stirring. While only 3% of Chateauneuf is white, and virtually all of it is bottled after six months, Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Magis 2020 has already been compared to some of the great white Burgundy crus for its depth and minerality. The wine has a mouthfeel that is both creamy and dried, with prominent flavours of yellow apple, yellow plum, and white peach, backed by notes of shortbread, macadamia nut, and verbena. It is showy but has a razor-sharp focus on the finish, with a lingering echo of hazelnut husk.
Domaine Henri Bonneau
Clos des Papes (Paul Avril) Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des 2 Freres
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae. 100% Grenache from Charbonnières, mostly destemmed with 3-5 week concrete vat vinification. Aged in 80% new 228-litre oak casks and 20% 600-litre oak casks for 14 months. Ample, concentrated, this cuvée develops aromas of black fruits, liquorice as well as smoky notes. The texture is unctuous and the tannic structure requires a few years of aging.
Château Rayas La Pialade Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Rotem & Mounir Saouma Omnia Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Château Mont-Redon Le Plateau Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Domaine Pierre Usseglio Reserve des Deux Freres
DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO Reserve des Deux Freres, Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Château l'Evangile Pomerol
Gravel soils make up the primary soil type at Château l'Evangile which is consistent with most of Bordeaux's right bank region of Pomerol. Merlot is the variety of choice in the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine full of plushness, vibrant aromatics and smooth, lingering finish. The 2009 vintage was wonderfully kind of all of Bordeaux and Pomerol was no exception with the l'Evangile producing a wine of plushness and warmth as well as one of concentration and power. A classic Pomerol.