benjamin_lawrence

Le Mesnil Brut Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs, Champagne

Very good champagne from the cote des blanc, 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs). Aromas of apple,citrus and brioche. On the palate the wine features great minerality and vibrant acidity. As the champagne warms it becomes more complex, finish is excellent, for the price Unbeatable QPR.

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006

Outstanding vintage champagne, especially for the price. This iconic vintage champagne shows the qualities of the amazing 2006 vintage, its complex with a long lingering finish. After having tasted over 50 vintage champagnes, this is my favourite under 100$ Drink 2017-2022. 2008 great as well!

La Giustiniana Gavi Di Gavi Lugarara 2016

A remarkably complex and food friendly white from the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Gavi being the appellation and Cortese the variety, are not well known outside of Italy. Even though this appellation may be somewhat obscure the wines produced here are excellent and quite affordable. Easy to pair with any seafood and wonderful with linguine pesto and goat cheese. Drink within the next two years.

Château Cantenac Brown 2012, Ac Margaux

Penley Estate Hyland Shiraz 2014, Coonawarra

Very good Shiraz from the cool climate of Australia's Coonawarra region, aromas of dark fruits and red berries. Spices and pepper are also apparent on the palate and the nose. Firm tannins and yet it has a velvety texture with chocolate smoothness and taste. Oak aging is well integrated with subtle notes of vanillin. Excellent length. Great buy for Shiraz lovers, definitely a repeat purchase.

Devaux Grande Réserve Brut Champagne

Very good NV champagne, a blend of 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay. The wine has an earth characteristic due to the majority pinot noir blend. Good length but wanted a bit more for 50$.

Champagne Laherte Frères Rosé Ultradition

Superb rosé champagne, made surprisingly from 100% Pinot Meunier which is usually used as a blending grape variety, fairly rare as a stand alone in a champagne. The Pinot meunier brings great floral and red fruit notes both on the nose and pallet. Tart cherries, cranberries and raspberries. Notes of red apple and rose petal as well. Great QPR highly recommended for the price. Allot for wine for the money.

Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 2013, Victoria

Very smooth red from Victoria, which typically produces more refined and focused Shiraz's in comparison to Barrossa Valley, due to Victoria's cooler climate and rich terroir. For 20$ this is an astounding value filled with complexity and incredibly drinkable. 1 hour in a decanter is recommended, buy by the case if you can!

Château Léoube Rosé De Léoube 2016, Côtes De Provence

Absolutely wonderful Rosé cote de provence. Great aromas, wonderful dry and long finishing taste on the palate. Pairs incredibly well with a salade niçoise, one of the best rosé's for the price highly recommended.

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila Haut Côtes De Roussillon 2015, Ac

Excellent wine, full bodied with notes of red fruits and blackberries. Animal and earth notes are also present. This little wine punches far above its weight the Languedoc-Roussilon is where the best QPR is to be found in the entire wine world at the moment. A memorable wine with a long lingering finish. Will improve with up to 5 years of cellaring, better on second day. By half a case or more and drink every 6 months **** Side note 2016 vintage is disappointing in comparison to the great 2015