BIN END ITEMS

The 1961 Barolo embodies elegance and finesse, owing to its prolonged maceration time and non-interventionist winemaking approach. Delicate fruit tones intertwine with notes of ash, crushed mineral, licorice, and dried mint, creating a superbly refined palate sensation. While the wine no longer bears the names of its traditional single-vineyard sources, its historical significance is retained under the straightforward label “Barolo.”

The La Joya Single Vineyard Carmenere showcases a delightful balance of ripeness and varietal character. Expressing the essence of the grape, it offers herbal notes without veering into green territory. Medium-bodied with a refined alcohol content, this wine boasts fine tannins and a harmonious structure. Maturation in foudre and concrete egg vessels contributes to its elegant and balanced profile, with the oak imparting subtle nuances that seamlessly integrate with the overall flavor profile.

The 2013 Clos Vougeot “Hommage à Jean Morin” is a special cuvée introduced by François in 2010 to honor his grandfather. While it wasn’t produced in 2011, it has been crafted in 2012 and 2013. Sourced from old vines, specifically from the first bunches after grafting that receive the initial sap flow, this cuvée is incredibly rare, with only two barrels produced in this vintage. It presents a distinct aromatic profile compared to the Clos Vougeot Vieilles Vignes, showcasing vibrant red fruit notes of red cherries, quince, and blueberry. The palate is medium-bodied with assertive tannins, delivering a powerful expression with hints of dark chocolate and cocoa enhancing the dark fruit flavors that linger on the finish.

The 2012 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epenots from Chateau de Meursault displays a slight reduction on the nose, yet reveals underlying notes of mulberry and redcurrant fruit. The palate offers a medium-bodied profile with supple tannins, delivering a soft and fleshy texture reminiscent of Volnay-style wines. Despite the season’s challenges, this Pommard is remarkably well-crafted, showcasing good substance and a focused, saline finish.

From 1.7-hectares of vine located directly under Corton-Bressandes, the 2012 Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Valozieres offers an attractive violet note emerge with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins at its youth. There is a citric freshness at play here, although it needs to flesh out a little on the slightly brusque, chalky finish.

Crafted from a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2013 Diana Madeline displays a deep garnet-purple colour. On the nose, it reveals intriguing aromas of meaty nuances, Bovril, and savory beef drippings layered over a core of ripe blackcurrant, accompanied by hints of toast, dried herbs, and red fruits. With a muscular and tightly wound structure, this wine exudes concentration and finesse. Medium-bodied, it boasts ripe tannins and a long, mineral-laced finish.

The 2018 Ajaccio Unu from Domaine de Vacelli, made only from Sciacarellu grapes, is a tank-raised and early-bottled offering that exudes vibrant notes of lightly-cooked but juicy red raspberry and cherry, infused with hints of rose hip, cherry pit, and resinous herbs. It displays a commendable sense of lift, albeit sensitive to serving temperature and capable of subtly revealing its alcohol presence.

The 2015 Bourgogne Cuvée Halinard from Domaine Dugat-Py gives a bouquet of red cherries, cassis, grilled meat, and earthy notes gently touched by oak, it exuded elegance from the start. On the palate, it revealed a medium to full body, showcasing ripe yet savory fruit, refined tannins, and a long, flavorful finish buoyed by refreshing acidity. True to the domaine’s reputation, this wine exhibits depth and complexity that will improve with five to ten years of aging.