New references and new vintages!

Bertrand and I, have been truly busy lately! It is not an easy job, is it? We had to sample wines from different places, styles and grape varieties. Most of the time, we tried to taste them blind in order to spice up the tasting sessions but also to avoid any prejudice that might be caused by a label or a previous experience with similar wines.

Some friends from the trade in Bordeaux warned us that Château de Retout, a Classified Cru Bourgeois from Haut-Médoc was a terrific Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Effectively, we were highly impressed with their 2015 vintage. Dark, concentrated but classic! Leather, blackcurrant, smoky. Dry tannins that require rich food to tame them up – not an aperitif wine, in other words. It could be easily cellared another 5 years. Surely one of our favorite buy from Bordeaux, at a tremendous price : 18.00 Euros.

It has been quite a while that we were searching for a moderately priced Bordeaux where the leading role was played by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot-based wines are not that challenging in that sense, but don’t get us wrong, we love them too!

Domaine de la Janasse is a brand new reference for our portfolio, and so far, we are delighted with the wines. The first bargain is their white viognier. A grape variety most commonly planted in the northern part of the Rhône, in wine regions such as Condrieu or Château Grillet. It is also grown in Australia or California (Rhône rangers). It is slightly oak aged. The nose shows apricot and melon notes with a touch of vanilla. The palate is soft and mellow, although technically dry, but absolutely not acidic. The finish is long, and the style is totally mediterranean. A botttle that is worth every single penny – 12.50 Euros. It could do an amazing combination with unpasteurized Camembert or brie (if it is still legal, of course!).

Interestingly, Domaine de la Janasse’s strength is their red! first of all, their entry level 2019 Côtes du Rhône is simply splendid. Savory, concentrated with dried herbs and plums. A beautiful blend of Grenache, Monastrell, Syrah and Cinsault for less than 10.00 euros. Their Châteauneauf-du-pape 2018 is ripe, full-bodied and elegant. Fresh mouthfeel, persistent with figs, dried herbs (garrigue), leather with a long juicy finish. This fine drop deserves a roasted lamb shoulder with mediterranean herbs. 37.50 Euros a bottle. It could be age another 5/8 years.

The city of Alba is world-wide known for the quality of its diamonds : White truffle! Nearby 2 famous wine regions produce some of the greatest red wine in Italy : Barolo and Barbaresco. Both wines are produced from the nebbiolo grapes. And La Spinetta has just released their Nebbiolo 2018! If follow us on Facebook or Instagram you have probably noticed that we did enjoy that one a lot!

First, we were amazed by the fine quality of this Nebbiolo. The nose offers freshly crushed blackcurrant and rose petals with a hint of sandalwood. The palate is rich and complex, with dry tannins but they are not overwhelming. The wine is persistent, with good fruit intensity and a seducing lingering finish.

Second, we were amazed by the price! Less than 20.00 Euros for a fantastic nebbiolo is almost Mission impossible! Here, at Classic vins, we love it!

Compañia de Vinos Trico grows its Albariño in the easternmost sub-regions of Rias Baixas : Condado DO Tea. Jose Anton, the owner, has a long career in the local wine industry and knows the region like the back of its hand. The 2016 Trico has been aged 12 months on its lees, and the result is mind blowing. Profound and exotic nose, packed with ripe fruit such as quince. The palate is rich, concentrated and fresh. Round, with an addictive rich texture that is electrified by mouthwatering acidity. Probably one of the most intriguing white we have tasted so far. 20.00 euros a bottle.

Keep us posted if you are interested in anything! We will post you some more tasting notes later, as we do have a few more samples to analyze.

Keep safe!