Pessac-Leognan 2017 wine, Decant before drinking
Chateau Clos Marsalette Pessac-Leognan 2017
Red French Chateau Clos Marsalette Pessac-Leognan 2017 wine. Decant before drinking. Chateau Clos Marsalette is located in Martillac, in the Pessac-Leognan appellation and is jointly owned by Count Stephan von Neipperg and Didier Miqueu. The Niepperg family comes from Germany where they began making wine in the 13th century. Following nearly 800 years of a family winegrowing tradition, Stephan von Neipperg took over management of the Bordeaux estates acquired by his family in 1971.
With viticulture a central part of the estate’s focus, Clos Marsalette’s vineyard covers an area of 12.30 hectares for red wine and 1.30 hectares for white and is cared for exceptionally in order to produce a wine that accurately reflects the terroir.
The red wine of Clos Marsalette is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Aged in French oak barrels on the lees for 18 months, this wine is well-balanced, round and persistent.
The nose showcases blackberry, tobacco, and leather with subtle notes of mint, espresso bean, and sweet vanilla. On the palate is a delicate ripeness of black fruit countered by cigar box, wet stone and dried herbs.
Velvety tannins and savory acidity make this wine great with foods like veal, venison, stewed beef, mature cheeses, or roasted potatoes and vegetables.
Chateau Couhins Blanc 2015
White French Chateau Couhins Blanc 2015 wine. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Chateau Couhins Lurton has a long history dating back to the late 17th century. At that time the estate, located in the municipality of Villenave d’Ornon, was called Bourdieu de La Gravette and belonged to a famous lawyer from Bordeaux.
The company was then purchased in two tranches between 1972 and 1992 by Andre Lurton officially creating Chateau Couhins Lurton with their first wine release in 2002.
The castle is surrounded by gardens designed in the 19th century by the landscape architect Lebretone and recently renovated by Anouk Debarre.
Chateau Couhins-Lurton, Cru Classe de Graves, is produced with 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, coming from vines over 25 years old planted on clay-gravelly-limestone soils. These terroir conditions give it freshness and great aging capacity. The finished wine ages for 10 months in oak.
The wine has a bright straw-yellow color and an aromatic character. The nose reveals fresh notes of citrus fruits and white flowers, honeysuckle, and quince, followed by hints of spices.
On the palate, it is juicy, crisp, and round, with a strong mineral vein and a refreshing acidity that creates a harmonious and elegant finish. It is the ideal wine with seafood and has all the complexity necessary to remain in the cellar for a few years.
Chateau Coutet 2019
Dessert French Chateau Coutet 2019 wine. Serve chilled. Ranked as a Grand Cru Classe estate by the 1855 Classification, Chateau Coutet is one of the top producers in the Barsac sub-region of Sauternes. Barsac is famed for its lusciously sweet dessert wines thanks to the nearby Ciron River, relatively flat land and light gravel soils.
These conditions produce rich autumn fogs which promote the growth of so-called “noble rot”, a type of fungus which helps to raise the sugar concentration in the grapes by piercing their skins and allowing water to evaporate.
This majestic bottling from Chateau Coutet is primarily composed of Semillon along with a smaller proportion of Sauvignon Blanc and a dash of Muscadelle.
The grapes are picked late, giving them time to become infected with noble rot and to create a rich dessert wine with high residual sugar levels.
The young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months to add subtle toasted notes and extra complexity.
This is an excellent wine to hold in the cellar for another decade or so since it still has significant potential for evolution and maturation.
If you do choose to drink it now, the intense sweetness makes a great partner for foie gras, blue cheeses, or rich chocolate or fruit desserts.
Chateau d’Esclans The Beach by Whispering Angel 2023
Rose French Chateau d’Esclans The Beach by Whispering Angel 2023 wine. Serve well chilled. The younger sibling of the world-famous Whispering Angel rose, this delicate Provence pink is a carefully composed blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes from top vineyards in the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.
The enchanting ballet-slipper hue is complemented by an intoxicating fragrance of crushed strawberries, white peaches and dried rose petals.
Take a sip and you’ll immediately feel refreshed by the crisp acidity and vibrant red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant flavours.
With its medium body and clean finish, The Beach is perfect for sipping by itself on a sunny afternoon or pairing with grilled seafood, light salads or Mediterranean-style dishes.
The wine’s easy-drinking nature, moderate alcohol level and natural charm have made it a favourite among rose lovers worldwide.
Chateau Prieuré-Lichine 2016
Red French Chateau Prieuré-Lichine 2016 wine. Decant before drinking. Chateau Prieuré-Lichine has a long history, dating back to the 18th century. The estate is located in the Margaux appellation and is classified as a Fourth Growth in the Bordeaux 1855 Classification.
The vineyard covers 72 hectares, with a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
After harvest, the grapes undergo a traditional vinification process with fermentation in stainless steel tanks and ageing in French oak barrels for 14 months.
The wine is characterized by a deep ruby color, complex aromas of dark berries, cedar, and spices, and a smooth, balanced palate with fine tannins.
Ideal pairing suggestions include red meats, game, and aged cheeses.