2015 Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan
The 2015 Haut-Brion unfolds with an effortless sense of authority, its complexity revealed in calm, measured layers rather than overt power. The nose is refined and expansive — blackcurrant, plum skin, graphite, and cigar box interwoven with notes of smoke, crushed stone, and a faint floral lift. On the palate, the wine is remarkably composed, its richness carried by a precise, almost weightless structure. The tannins are deeply set yet silken, guiding flavours of dark fruit, tobacco, and subtle spice with seamless flow. The finish is long, cool, and resonant, leaving echoes of smoke, mineral, and cassis. A wine of depth and poise, already compelling yet clearly destined for a long, graceful evolution.
2017 Volnay Santenots Domaine Clerget
The 2017 Santenots from Clerget captures Volnay’s elegance through a slightly more grounded, muscular lens. The nose opens with red cherry, wild strawberry, and rose petal, underscored by hints of warm earth and spice. On the palate, the wine is supple and finely detailed, its fruit pure and lifted by fresh acidity. There is a gentle firmness to the tannins, giving the wine shape and quiet persistence without disrupting its graceful line. The finish is long and savoury, lingering on red fruit, floral notes, and a subtle mineral echo. A poised, expressive Santenots that balances finesse with structure.
2016 Tignanello, Marchesi Antinori
The 2016 Tignanello stands as one of the estate’s most complete expressions, marrying depth with clarity and restraint. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, violet, and sweet tobacco rise with precision, layered over graphite and subtle spice. The palate is sleek and beautifully proportioned, the fruit vibrant and focused, framed by firm yet polished tannins. Acidity brings lift and definition, stretching the wine into a long, confident arc. The finish is resonant and composed, echoing dark fruit, cedar, and mineral notes. A benchmark vintage — structured, elegant, and built for longevity.
2013 Barolo Castiglione, Vietti
The 2013 Barolo Castiglione offers a classically styled introduction to Vietti’s Barolo vision. The nose is bright and expressive — sour cherry, dried rose, and orange peel layered with subtle anise and crushed stone. On the palate, the wine is linear and finely etched, its red fruit carried by vibrant acidity and firm, chalky tannins. There is a sense of clarity and lift throughout, with flavours unfolding gradually rather than expansively. The finish is long and mineral, marked by citrus peel and gentle spice. A precise, traditional Barolo that balances approachability with unmistakable structure.
