Alana ‘Hudson’ Late Harvest Riesling 2012
Full, light golden-yellow colour with slight orange hues and some depth, lighter on the edge.  The nose is elegant in proportion with tightly concentrated aromas of lime and citrus fruits, along with honeysuckle and toast , unfolding some marmalade and caramel nuances.  This is expressive of fruit with development.  Sweet to taste and medium-bodied, the palate has light and gentle flavours of lime fruit with honied notes, along with toast and minerals.  The flavours are up-front and unfold a little caramel, but reduce in intensity as the wine carries to a linght, lingering finish of limes, florals and honey.  This is an elegant, up-front medium-sweet Late Harvest Riesling with lime and honeysuckle notes.  This is more an aged, medium-sweet Riesling than a sweet, ‘Late Harvest’ style.  It is at the peak of development.  Drink up.  16.5/20  May 2018  (375 ml)  RRP $25

Alana Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Martinborough
Elegantly expressed and beautifully ripe, the bouquet shows white stone fruit, lemon peel, floral and dill aromas, which lead to a finely textured palate that delivers excellent focus and palate weight. The wine is beautifully rounded and long, and refreshing to the finish. At its best: now to 2020.

Alana Estate Riesling 2015 Martinborough  4 Stars
Full, even straw-yellow colour with lemon-gold hues, pale edged.  The bouquet is softly full with a moderately concentrated heart of lime fruit melded with secondary toast, honey and mineral notes.  This has a gentle presence.  Medium-dry to taste and medium-bodied, the palate is soft and gently mouthfilling with delicate flavours of lime fruit harmoniously intermixed with honied and secondary toasty development notes.  The mouthfeel is bright and vibrant with fresh acidity, and the wine carries along a light-textured line leading to a lingering finish.  This is a gently mouthfilling medium-dry Riesling with harmonious lime, toast, honied and mineral flavours on a vibrant palate.  Match with Asian cuisine over the next 4 years, fermented in tank and a very small portion on skins in puncheon to 12.4% alc. and 11 g/L RS

Alana Estate Riesling 2016 Martinborough  4 Stars
Bright, even straw-yellow colour with hints of light gold.  The nose is firm and intense with well-packed aromas of lime and lemonade fruit, white and yellow florals, complexed by a thread of toasty secondary development.  This has depth and finesse.  Off-dry to taste and light-medium bodied, the palate has good depth and intensity of ripe lime and lemonade fruit flavours, along with floral and toasty detail.  The fruit forms a well-concentrated heart and shows good presence, and is balanced by fresh, lacy acidity.  The wine is guided by a very fine line, with good energy, leading to a long, lingering finish.  This is a well-concentrated off-dry Riesling with intense flavours of lime, florals and toast, balanced acidity and a fine flow.  Serve as an aperitif and with Mediterranean fare over the next 4-5 years with no botrytis, cool-fermented to 10.1% alc. and 8.2 g/L RS.  18.0+/20

Alana Estate Riesling 2017 Martinborough 

Bright straw-yellow colour with a little depth, lighter on the rim.  The nose is very elegant with fresh, light aromas of lime fruit interwoven with subtle notes of honeysuckle and a little muskiness, unfolding chalky mineral elements.  Off-dry to taste and light-medium bodied, the palate has light fruit flavours of limes entwined with soft floral and herb nuances, along with a little honeysuckle and musk.  The palate is slender in expression with moderate depth, and is enlivened by brisk acidity.  The wine flows along a light, phenolic-textured line with some drying grip to balance the fruit sweetness.  The flavours recede as the wine carries to the finish.  This is a slender off-dry Riesling with light lime, floral, herb and musk flavours on a crisp, dry-textured palate.  Serve as an aperitif over the next 2+ years.  approx. 10% botrytis, cool-fermented in tank to 11.9% alc. and 6.5 g/L RS.  16.5/20  Mar 2018  RRP $32.00

Alana Estate Chardonnay 2016,

Brilliant light golden-yellow colour with some depth, light on the rim.  The nose is softly concentrated with up-front aromas of white and yellow stonefruits, along with an amalgam of nutty oak and flinty lees, unveiling some smokiness and chalky mineral elements.  The aromatics build to form a solid core.  Medium-full bodied, the palate has up-front and fulsome flavours of yellow stonefruits with complexing notes of creamy barrel-ferment, nutty oak and subtle oxidative elements, unfolding a layering of lemon-curd MLF.  The mouthfeel is robust and vigorous and the flavours flow with some drive along a lightly-textured palate line, leading to a nutty finish.  This is an up-front, flavoursome Chardonnay with stonefruit, nutty oak and lemon-curd MLF flavours on a robust. Slightly grippy palate.  Match with poultry and pork over the next 4 years.  WBP and fully barrel-fermented to 12.9% alc., the wine aged 10 months on lees in 12% new oak, undergoing 100% MLF.   Mar 2018  RRP $33.00

Alana Estate Late Harvest Riesling 2014 Martinborough 93/100 5 Stars
This delectable sweet wine is made from late harvested and botrytised grapes. Fabulous aromas of dried apricot, marmalade, Manuka honey and potpourri lead to a beautifully sweet palate that is richly flavoured and generously textured. It is impressively long and satisfying on the finish. At its best: now to 2017.

It’s delightful and immediately appealing with red cherry, plum, floral and subtle spice notes on the nose. The palate is juicy and lively showing lovely fruit intensity, finishing lingering and smooth. A friendly pinot and it’s seriously good drinking.

Alana Lumiere Pinot Noir 2017

Even, light red colour with some purple hues, pale on the rim.  The nose is soft and gently full with light aromas of savoury red berry fruit melded with an amalgam of herbs and nutty oak, unfolding red floral elements.  This is broad with presence and possesses some complexing interest.  Medium-full bodied, the palate has good depth and weight, showing savoury red berry fruit with notes of herbs and resinous, nutty oak, and red floral nuances.  The mouthfeel has breadth and presence, with soft acidity lending roundness.  Light tannin extraction provides a background framework that carries the wine to a moderately vigorous, lingering, savoury finish.  This is a broad and mouthfilling Pinot Noir with savoury red fruits, subtle herb and nutty oak notes on a rounded, but structured palate.  Match with wild duck and pork, and mushroom dishes over the next 3 years. , fully destemmed and fermented to 12.9% alc., the wine aged 10 months in seasoned oak.

Alana Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016  4 stars

Even ruby-red colour with slight purple hues, a little lighter on the edge, youthful in appearance.  The nose is moderately concentrated and packed with aromas of dark-red cherry and berry fruit subtly melded with a thread of dark herbs and suggestions of whole bunch stalk-like elements, unfolding a little raspberry liqueur and earth.  Medium-full bodied, the palate has rich and sweet fruit flavours of dark-red cherry and raspberry fruit along with subtle herbal nuances.  The fruit has lusciousness, and forms a lively and vibrant heart, enlivened by fresh acidity.  Light, balanced tannin extraction supports the fruit and the wine leads to a light- fruit-sweet finish.  This is a moderately sweet and rich cherry and raspberry fruited Pinot Noir on a fresh palate with balanced structure.  Match with lamb, beef and venison over the next 4-5 years.  primarily Abel clone, fermented with approx. 30% whole bunches to 13.2% alc., the wine aged 10 months in approx. 20% new oak.

Note…smaller bottle in image just there for size comparison

Note…smaller bottle in image just there for size comparison

Brogsitter B-Iced Rosé Sparkling wine is a semi-dry sparkling wine blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the private sparkling wine producer Brogsitter of Ahr in Germany.

The elegant B-Iced Rosé from the Ahr impresses with its stimulating and fruity sparkling bouquet.

The Rosé sparkling wine B-Iced is a delight as an ice-cold and fresh summer cocktail, as well as on ice or with fruit.

Brogsitter B-ICED Sparkling wine is a semi-dry sparkling wine blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from the private sparkling wine producer Brogsitter an der Ahr in Germany.

The B-ICED sparkling wine is a special specialty from the noble Chardonnay grape combined with the red grape variety Pinot Noir. The bouquet captivates with fine citrus and apple aromas.

The sparkling B-ICED from Brogsitter should be served very cold, preferably with lime or orange slices, to highlight the aroma. Tip: Enjoy it ice cold on ice!

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle from the main appellations of Bordeaux. The assemblage was made by the oenologists of the house Baron Philippe de Rothschild and gives the wine freshness and fruit. Berger Baron is an elegant Bordeaux, which is a perfect companion to fish and shellfish. A fresh fruity white Bordeaux from the famous house Rothschild for excellent price-enjoyment ratio.

The wine has an attractive bright and brilliant colour with a ruby tint and a full open nose on lovely fresh red fruit and cherry aromas mingled with more complex notes of spice and clove. Very expressive on the palate it quickly opens out on round fine tannins sustained by seductive wild berry flavours (blackberry) with a slightly mineral touch. The rich and generous finish strikes just the right balance between the wine’s rounded structure and array of flavours perfectly expressing the character of the appellation. Ready to drink now it is perfect accompaniment to red meats and cheese.

This wine is a strict selection of wine produced in the main Bordeaux appellation planted with Premium Grape variety, Merlot, Cabernet franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Berger Baron is a classic wine expressing all the aromatic intensity if its appellation. Lively, Fruity and fresh it is an excellent accompaniment to spicy food and white meats.

Alc 12.5%, Std drinks 7.4

The Castello di Poppiano has been run by the traditional Guicciardini family since 1150 with great success. The winery is based in the family castle. Young and lively wine of ruby ​​color with a vinous bouquet which is intense but pleasant and very drinkable.

Typical flavours are red fruits from the darker end of the spectrum. Around 5-8 years Barbera’s fruit dims, becoming more savoury, slightly feral and forest-floor like. Let the wine breath and open up…just delightful.  A red wine made from Barbera grown in this grape variety’s native zone, the Monferrato hills of central Piedmont. The wine became a DOC in 1970, and was promoted to DOCG in 2008. Barbera d’Asti is made from 100% Barbera. A typical Piedmontese wine of top winemaker Claudio Icardi

A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, the must ferments in steel, then 70% of the wine matures in oak vats and 30% in steel tanks, followed by a further 3 months in bottle before release. The wine is smooth, fruit-rich, and delicious, with supple, well-balanced tannins. It should be served at a temperature of 18° C.

Gilbert & Gaillard: Gold medal

The Wine Advocate: Monica Larner 90+

James Suckling: 92

Falstaff: 90

Hautvillers is rich in history thanks to its Monk Dom Pérignon This beautiful village surrounded by the forest of HAUTVILLERS, offers many surprises. The origin of Hautvillers is directly related to the existence of its Abbey. The Abbey experienced many upheavals over the centuries since it was looted nearly 17 times. In 1668, a Benedictine monk arrives at Hautvillers. Dom Pérignon was a surprisingly modern and perfectionist gentleman. At this time, the economic situation was not good, the Abbey was recovering badly from the fire caused by the Huguenots, the rents are not enough any more and viticulture brings back little in the way of economic return. Thanks to Dom Pérignon, the vineyard took a expanded greatly, not only in Hautvillers but in all the region. Around 1681, Dom Pérignon made the Abbey of Hautvillers “the Cradle of Champagne” He cultivated the vines, chose the combination of the grapes and the winemaking. The wines made under his direction were eagerly sought after. Dom gave birth to the first champagne bubbles. He developed:     The blending of the wines in order to extract the remaining deposit in the bottle. The cork that replaced the wooden peg and tallow    He changed the shape of the bottles (bottom dug) by increasing its thickness to make them more resistant to pressure. The Champagne wine quickly became a very famous drink thanks to the 1st Minister of Louis XIV. It was Colbert who made Champagne known. Dom Pérignon died in 1715, he is buried in the Church of Hautvillers under a marble slab near the sanctuary. That is why, Hautvillers, Pearl of Champagne, a picturesque and unmissable site of the Region, located in the Natural Park of the Montagne de Reims, takes you to the heart of the history of a village where you can stroll, to that we call it, “the cradle of champagne” 30% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier   Traditional blend of three Champagne grape varieties. Minimum 2 years aging in cellar. Fine and elegant nose, supple and balanced in the mouth. An ample Champagne with rich and well-melted aromas.

Hautvillers is rich in history thanks to its Monk Dom Pérignon This beautiful village surrounded by the forest of HAUTVILLERS, offers many surprises. The origin of Hautvillers is directly related to the existence of its Abbey. The Abbey experienced many upheavals over the centuries since it was looted nearly 17 times. In 1668, a Benedictine monk arrives at Hautvillers. Dom Pérignon was a surprisingly modern and perfectionist gentleman. At this time, the economic situation was not good, the Abbey was recovering badly from the fire caused by the Huguenots, the rents are not enough any more and viticulture brings back little in the way of economic return. Thanks to Dom Pérignon, the vineyard took a expanded greatly, not only in Hautvillers but in all the region. Around 1681, Dom Pérignon made the Abbey of Hautvillers “the Cradle of Champagne” He cultivated the vines, chose the combination of the grapes and the winemaking. The wines made under his direction were eagerly sought after. Dom gave birth to the first champagne bubbles. He developed:     The blending of the wines in order to extract the remaining deposit in the bottle. The cork that replaced the wooden peg and tallow    He changed the shape of the bottles (bottom dug) by increasing its thickness to make them more resistant to pressure. The Champagne wine quickly became a very famous drink thanks to the 1st Minister of Louis XIV. It was Colbert who made Champagne known. Dom Pérignon died in 1715, he is buried in the Church of Hautvillers under a marble slab near the sanctuary. That is why, Hautvillers, Pearl of Champagne, a picturesque and unmissable site of the Region, located in the Natural Park of the Montagne de Reims, takes you to the heart of the history of a village where you can stroll, to that we call it, “the cradle of champagne” 30% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier   Traditional blend of three Champagne grape varieties. Minimum 2 years aging in cellar. Fine and elegant nose, supple and balanced in the mouth. An ample Champagne with rich and well-melted aromas.

Brogsitter Hommage Great Growth AHR-Frühburgunder Walporzheimer Pfaffenberg

The indigenous grape variety from the Burgundy family has become very rare because of their low yields and their high sensitivity. Only a few winegrowers take on this demanding “Diva”, which requires the highest skill in vineyard and cellar. On the Walporzheimer “Cru” situation Pfaffenberg ripens this great plant and is regularly highly praised by the trade press.

Homage Walporzheimer Pfaffenberg Frühburgunder Brogsitter red wine dry from the Ahr Brogsitter Hommage Pfaffenberg Frühburgunder dry QbA 2016 from the winery Brogsitter of the Ahr in Germany is a varietal and dry developed Frühburgunder red wine from the Cru-Lage Walporzheimer Pfaffenberg. The full-bodied and velvety red wine Hommage Walporzheimer Pfaffenberg is characterized by its soft tannin structure and sustainability. The Frühburgunder grapes for this Brogsitter homage from the Ahr come from the steep slope Walporzheimer Pfaffenberg. The autochthonous early burgundy vine is one of the rarest and most elaborate varieties of red wine in the world and produces only small yields. The Brogsitter Homage Walporzheimer Pfaffenberg is praised regularly by the wine press and the vintages 2012 and 2013 were awarded by the Chamber of Agriculture Rhineland-Palatinate with the gold medal. Analysis values: Alcohol content: 14.5% vol, residual sugar: 2.4 g / l, acidity: 4.7 g / l

Château Les Belles Murailles

is located on the outskirts of Bordeaux, in the district of Saint-Loubès. Inspiration for its name came from ancient fortified walls, which today stand in ruins amid the vines.

In 1896, the Château was acquired by the Manaud family. 5 generations have followed, and since August 2011, Marie-Isabelle Manaud-Guibbert, with her husband Laurent, are proud to be able to produce a highly traditional Bordeaux wine, made from a blend of the 5 Bordeaux grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Like the most prestigious Bordeaux Crus, the wines are aged for several months in oak barrels, with the focus on seeking the perfect balance of fruit and oak. This is a Bordeaux wine with stunning aromatic complexity, structured for ageing.

«WELL-STRUCTURED BORDEAUX WINE FOR KEEPING» “The wine at Château Les Belles Murailles, with its lovely dark red colour tinged with subtle terracotta shades, is concentrated and intense on the bouquet, revealing well-balanced oak and fruit. On the finish, the wine demonstrates impressively lingering aromatics and subtle, silky tannins.”
Thomas Drouineau, winemaker, Maison Delor

Just a wonderful wine…you won’t want to share it but if you do, you will have a friend for life….Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah Open, dried fruit, sour cherry, sweet spice, toast, skin and earthy flavors, red wine, to a clear-cut game. The open, mature berry fragrance reminds us of sour cherry, sweet cranberry, lingonberry and also the tones of dried fruit. A full-bodied taste.  The deliciously fruity taste gives off the berry acidity and soft tannins. Leaves a long aftertaste of a long, plumage, roast and earthy mud. Food recommendation: Clear-flavored game also ripe, hard cheeses.

This Merlot offers a plum and blackberry aroma game with nuances of vanilla and spices.

A good density and a harmonious finish provides plenty of drinking pleasure.