2015 Chateau Potensac, Chapelle de Potensac
Regular price £21.20 Save £-21.20ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Potensac is named for its location on top of the Potensac plateau. Owned by the Delon Family the estate is planted with an unusually high proportion of Merlot for the area, the aim being to produce a softer, more approachable wine. This is the second wine of the estate, made by the same team as Leoville Las Cases.
TASTING NOTES
An attractive, medium-bodied wine for early-drinking. Red cherry and plum fruit, with a hint of mint and dark spice.
FOOD PAIRING
Robust dishes; winter stews and game.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Excellent value from a very drinkable Bordeaux.
2019 Chateau Cailleteau Bergeron, Rouge
Regular price £20.20 Save £-20.20Coming from a family of winemakers, the Dartier family moved to Mazion in 1930 with the purchase of 2 hectares of vines. In 1965 the children created Chateau Cailleteau Bergeron. In 1992, the grand children (current owners) Marie-Pierre and Pierre-Charles expanded the vineyards through acquiring additional neighbouring vineyards. Today the estate consists of 39 hectares.
TASTING NOTES
Bright and soft, with copious fruit and subtle hints of tobacco and leather. Ripe tannins and plenty of potential.
FOOD PAIRING
Beef, lamb, spicy food, poultry.
2016 Chateau Rieussec, Les Carmes de Rieussec
Regular price £19.20 Save £-19.20ABOUT THE WINE
Château Rieussec was acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1984. Traditional Sauternes techniques are used and the harvests are carried out with selective pickings depending on the ripeness of the grapes and the evolution of botrytis cinerea (noble rot). Les Carmes de Rieussec, the Second wine from Château Rieussec, is produced from young vines of the estate.
TASTING NOTES
The wine gives off candied apricot, citrusy and white peach aromas enhanced by a light honey hint on the nose finish. The wine offers an unctuous, quite ample and balanced palate, which finishes on a vibrant note.
FOOD PAIRING
Consider cheesecake of all kinds (no chocolate), almond tart, lemon tart, and custards. Also great with savoury dishes such as Roquefort or Livarot cheese and foie gras or terrine with caramelized onions. Herb-roasted poultry or spicy Asian are a good bet too.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is an example of how great Sauternes can be super versatile when it comes to pairings.
2015 Chateau Lucas, Grand de Lucas 'Prestige'
Regular price £42.00 Save £-42.00ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Lucas, founded 1876, is located in the heart of Lussac-Saint-Emilion Appellation. Generation after Generation, the Vauthier Family has been the owner of this beautiful property. For more than 20 years, Frederic Vauthier has managed the estate focusing on adapting his family know-how to the new techniques of viticulture and vinification. The vineyard covers more than 20 hectares and only 6 hectares allow the production of this cuvee Grand de Lucas Cuvee Prestige.
TASTING NOTES
A very aromatic bouquet blending fruity notes such as raspberry and blackcurrant, jammy fruits like plum and vanilla notes. The tannins are quite velvety, the mouth is round and well balanced. Long finish. A grand wine, almost crunchy, which will reward with a little time in the cellar.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with red meat and lamb. Perfect also with pork stew and hard cheeses such as Comte or Beaufort.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, accessible already, but capable of extended ageing.