Elixir 2016

The colour is dark garnet. On the nose cherries, elderberries, cedar, tobacco. In the mouth good structure, with well-integrated tannins and a fruity finish. The aftertaste last for a good while.

Elixir is part of Lux Vina, the premium line of Domaines Chevaliers winery. The vineyards are located between Salgesch and Chamoson in the Valais canton of Switzerland. The oldest vines used for Lux Vina wines are well over 50 years old and produce small yields, but complex grapes. Continue reading “Elixir 2016”

Chateau Troplong Mondot 2013

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose blueberries and dark cherries. In the mouth fresh, elegant and tasty. The aftertaste is discrete.

Chateau Troplong Mondot 2013 is a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is one of the stars of a very difficult vintage. Continue reading “Chateau Troplong Mondot 2013”

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2013

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose cherries, strawberries, plums, caffè latte. In the mouth very elegant, silky, fresh and charming. The aftertaste last for a while.

Overall, the 2013 has been a very challenging year in Bordeaux, but this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot is flawless and a great achievement for the vintage. Continue reading “Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2013”

Chateau d’Armailhac 2009 & 2012

The colour is in both cases medium ruby. On the nose also pretty similar. Both display an aroma of herbs, red and black berries, with the addition of leather and tobacco for the 2009, and coffee and chocolate for the 2012. In the mouth they are both very elegant. The tannins of the 2012 are edgier. The aftertaste medium long in both cases.

This the first impression, with the bottles just opened. Continue reading “Chateau d’Armailhac 2009 & 2012”

Tanvell 2017

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose red berries and sour cherries. Pleasantly fruity but sparing of complexity. In the mouth not particularly structured. The aftertaste doesn’t last long.

This Merlot del Ticino is a special edition made by Vinattieri as a selection for 13 prestigious Swiss restaurants and hotels, such as Giardino in Ascona, The Chedi in Andermatt and Le Grand Bellevue in Gstaad. Continue reading “Tanvell 2017”

Inniskillin Merlot Reserve 2020

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose black cherries, plumbs and black tea. In the mouth not very structured, with a bitter finish. The aftertaste is short.

This Merlot based wine is made by Inniskillin, Canada’s first estate winery. Although established only in 1975, it is the oldest continuously operating winery in Canada. Continue reading “Inniskillin Merlot Reserve 2020”

Château Mouton Rothschild 1975

The colour is medium tawny, still clear and lively. On the nose mandarins, cooked black fruits, mushrooms. In the mouths silky and well balanced. The aftertaste is savoury and last for a while.

For this bottle I had very low expectations: 1975 was a tough vintage and the wine level in this bottle was barely mid-shoulder. I was afraid it wasn’t drinkable. Instead, what a surprise! The wine was not only drinkable but even enjoyable! Continue reading “Château Mouton Rothschild 1975”

Teperberger Inspire Meritage 2019

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity. Blackberries, plums, cherries, and pomegranate. In the mouth medium body, round and silky, with smooth tannins and a nice acidity. The aftertaste is pretty long and chocolate tasting.

This Bordeaux-style wine is made by Teperberger winery by blending 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot grapes. Continue reading “Teperberger Inspire Meritage 2019”

Giusto di Notri 2013

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose quite opulent: black cherries, cassis, dark chocolate, leather, among other aromas. In the mouth fresh with a good structure. The aftertaste is a bit bitter and last less than you would expect.

Giusto di Notri 2013 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. It is made by Tua Rita winery under the Toscana Rosso IGT denomination. Continue reading “Giusto di Notri 2013”