The 2016 Viña Ardanza Reserva was produced with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha that matured in used American oak barrels for three years, where it was hand-racked from barrel to barrel six times in the case of Tempranillo and five times for the Garnacha...
The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Rosso di Rocca is another pretty entry-level offering from Albino Rocca. This aromatic, light-bodied Nebbiolo is a tasty every-day drinker. Sweet red cherry, blood orange and spice linger
This is real sauvignon blanc with sliced lemons, dried mango and hints of white pineapple with some stone. It’s full and layered with a density and presence on the palate. Long and flavorful. Phenols hold it together. One of the best NZ sauvignons out the...
Another rare alpine variety from Savoie specialist Philippe Grisard. This Verdesse offers ripe yellow stone fruit aromas and flavors with hints of lemon zest and fresh thyme. It's medium-weight with a certain creaminess on the palate, but its vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and light on its feet. Verdesse was a rather more popular variety in the past, but there are barely more than 25 acres in total planted today. I'm glad to have been able to stash a few bottles away for myself, because it's no longer being imported. If anyone wants to cross another obscure variety off your list, here's a delicious chance! - John Fitter | Addy Bassin's