What a legend
Whilst the Rhône can boast of many high-flying domains across its vineyards, one of its southern properties really knows how to lead the way, with centuries-old Grenache vines thriving in fine-sand soil. We’re talking about Emmanuel Reynaud’s Château Rayas, an estate whose cuvées are the stuff of dreams for many a wine connoisseur. In this selection, you’ll find Rayas in five different cuvées: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010.
From these same parts, the reputation of Domaine Auguste Clape resounds much further than the Rhône’s borders. The bottle we’ve got for you here is nothing average: a 1989 magnum with a perfect level, almost completely unfindable on the market. Whoever presses ‘Add to basket’ on this one has a very happy tasting experience ahead of them.
Moving away from the Rhône, we find a biodynamic Burgundy in the form of Bizot’s 2008 Echézeaux. A holy grail for fans of this domain, this practically mythical grand cru is available in a vintage that’s just entering its prime.
Another rarity is the 2010 Romanée-Saint-Vivant from Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron. This is a cru that’s bound to provoke a lively reaction from the tasters lucky enough to get some in their glass.
From a minuscule grand cru of just 1.6 hectares, we’ve got a 1985 La Grande Rue from Domaine François Lamarche. This two-bottle lot, ready to be uncorked, is waiting only for the perfect wine lovers to enjoy it. This same cru is also available in its 2003 and 2010 vintages.
We mustn’t leave Bordeaux out of the equation, though, so we’ll recommend the imperial of 2000 Lafite-Rothschild. It speaks for itself, really. A unique bottle that might well be the crowning glory of a good cellar.
Hidden treasures
Le Grand Pas is the Pas d’Escalette’s landmark cuvée, and it’s available here in the 2012 vintage. This wine can easily be compared to the Languedoc’s brightest names thanks to its balance, its depth, and its aromatic complexity; all of this after ten years of ageing, too! This is a magnificent wine for a pleasing price.
Domaine de l’Ecu’s 2011 Taurus cuvée. Perhaps €48 for a Muscadet displaying a vin de France label seems a bit pricey? But just wait until you taste this fine Loire wine! It’s lively and pure with an edge to it. It is subtle in its complexity, placing it among some of the region’s absolute must-haves.
Elsewhere in the Loire, we find Domaine Clos Naudin, whose 2005 Vouvray moelleux is a magnificent Chenin Blanc. Its sweetness is perfectly balanced by a pleasant acidity, a combination that led to a 96 Parket and a 19/20 RVF.
