The first rays of sunshine are appearing, and there’s a renewed desire for discovery in the air. We’ve got a selection of mature vintages that will refresh your cellar and take you away; all the best regions feature here, so we wish you a good trip on board a selection that should delight your taste buds…
Burgundy
An exceptional white to start with? The timeless Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru from Domaine Coche Dury from 2011 carries the gorgeous fragrance of hazelnuts and fruitiness. In Burgundy, it’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that take centre stage; the 2011 Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Les Suchots from Domaine Prieuré Roch, and the 2009 Chambolle-Musigny from Albert Bichot reveal themselves with finesse and delicacy. Do you have some guests to impress? The 2011 Clos de Vougeot from Domaine La Vougeraie is a magnificent Pinot Noir in a uniquely generous bottle!
Bordeaux
The Bordeaux region also has many surprises in store for us, as the famous Pauillac, Château Mouton Rothschild 1981 promises a trip back in time to make you feel nostalgic. On the other side of the river, the sumptuous 1978 Petrus promises to be majestic, with unrivalled power and richness.
And elsewhere
Looking for originality? To the south, the 2005 IGP Pays d’Hérault from the Grange des Pères estate is the icon of the Languedoc; spice and power are the words to sum up its character. Still in the southern vineyards, the 2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Château Rayas is always stunning.
Have you got something to celebrate? Opt for some surprising champagnes; the 2012 Clos des Goisses from Domaine Philipponnat reveals a very fine texture with beautiful minerality. The extra-brut 1er cru 2008 from Selosse or the more floral 2006 Blancs des Millénaires from Charles Heidsieck will embellish your cellar in style. The “star” of your selection could also be the limited edition Lady Gaga rosé champagne, as this Dom Pérignon promises a fabulous 2006 vintage!
To finish on a sweeter note, try some beautiful late harvest Gewurztraminers. The 2007 Steingrubler Grand Cru from Domaine Barmes-Buecher offers a complex bouquet, to be discovered in its 500ml bottle. The Trimbach estate offers its unique 1990 and 1998 vintages, as well as its selection de grains nobles from 2000, a one-of-a-kind aromatic palette!
The Rivesaltes from Domaine de la Riveyrac are available in a range of impressive vintages, as are the Bas-Armagnac from Domaine de Jaurrey Laberdolive.
Pleasing prices
Wines for all occasions are also available at pleasing prices. A mature vintage at less than thirty euros? You bet! This is the case, for example, with the 2009 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru Les Narbantons by Albert Bichot, which expresses fruity and delicate notes. More powerful, the 1996 Lalande de Pomerol from Croix Saint Louis and the 2008 Côtes-du-Rhône Coudoulet from Beaucastel are ready to be uncorked and enjoyed. Finally, let yourself be tempted by the Saumur-Champigny Lisagathe from Château du Hureau, a 2003 vintage that will offer you power and depth, supported by rounded and supple tannins.
Now, you have all the cards in your hands to refresh your cellar, enjoy your tasting!