The promise of something different from the Southern Rhone. No, not another low sulphur wine; that’s not even different anymore (but rather fashionable). Here we have a wine made with ancient methods, by a producer with a Burgundy background.
Tokaj Montium Barna-dűlő Furmint 2015, Tokaj, Hungary
A single vineyard dry Furmint from newcomer Tokaj producer Montium, and the first commercially available vintage if I’m not mistaken. It was shining after release, I remember it winning one of our blind tasting at that time (as one of the least expensive white of the lineup) – but the glory days have passed too quickly. Continue reading
Alheit Cartology 2014, Western Cape, South Africa
My third or fourth bottle of this famous wine, and just as good as previous ones. Seemingly no signs of the passing years, though the style is a bit oxidative (that’s true for all Alheit wines, at least in my experience) so arguably it’s more difficult to tell. I would prefer more freshness actually but how could I deny the quality here.
Ashbourne Pinotage / Cinsault 2017, Swartland
Not your usual South-African red wine, lot’s of interest here. Crisp, fresh character, a sign of a cool(ish) climate – there is something Blaufrankisch- or Barbera-like in it. Juicy, light in tannins, easy to drink, though a bit sweet & sour to taste and a tad hot in the finish. My only concern is the dreaded burnt rubber aroma, which marks it so heavily that I’m afraid it’s a dealbreaker for most consumers.
Rating: 75 points
Price: 20 Euros
Source: I bought it at wein-deko.de
Losonci Pinot Noir 2017, Mátra, Hungary
Raised in stainless steel tanks, released early, this is a charming wine from one of Hungary’s pioneer winemakers of the modern era, Bálint Losonci. Continue reading
Domaine Chemin Pagnon Beaujolais Nouveau 2018
A Beaujolais – what else to begin with on this site. It’s not a Cru, nothing for the geeks now, “just” a Nouveau. Which might offer just as much enjoyment as many of the noble cousins, and that’s the case here.
Intensity that wins. Black cherries, sour cherries lifted by that typical bubble gum aroma – fresh, tart, nothing cloying here. Light in body but full in flavor. So juicy, but completely dry. Energy like in a Mosel Riesling. Lovely. 86 points, around 9 Euros, good value.