Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Spirits of 2019 Born from centuries of mezcalero craft and enlightened by the methodical pursuit of perfection, Montelobos Espadin is an unaged joven mezcal, crafted from meticulously cultivated, 100% sustainably grown, organic agave Espadin. An underground pit is filled with volcanic stone which is heated using two different woods which roasts the agave for five days. It is milled under the weight of a traditional single Cantera stone Tahona, and then wild fermented in open-air pine vats for up to seven days. Following the artisanal method with firewood heating copper stills, the mezcal is small batch twice distilled to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle smoke. This artisinally produced joven mezcal is strikingly balanced and complex, with a bold integration between all the notes that mezcal has to offer. Montelobos Espadin is an experience unto itself.
Jumps out of the glass with lime zest, passion fruit and pineapple flavors on a clean, mouthwatering and juicy frame, while hints of fresh herbs, including lemon thyme, and a dash of sea salt emerge on the finish.
Intensely aromatic and characteristically smoky, with marked reduction, a style that Dog Point have mastered so brilliantly. That smokiness is notable yet not excessive even if it is highly stylised. Behind the struck match is vibrant grapefruit and pear,...
One of only 18 Cru Classé estates in Provence. It’s classic Provence rose –pale, crisp, aromatic and dry. And as you know has always been run by women with the exception of one generation. Another Bassin's direct import discovery.
Key vineyards: Widows, Motukawa and Estate. Hand-picked selected lots within blocks. They're looking for the older vines. Less new oak than there used to be (though there is some sweet oakiness) and less ripe fruit. They start the ambient-yeast ferment in...
I recently tasted a 2006 Pinot Noir from magnum (although whether a magnum format is relevant under screw cap is to be discussed) at the estate in September 2023, and the wine was superb. It was aging slowly and still exhibited loads of fresh fruit, but i...
The 2019 Te Wahi Pinot Noir hails from Central Otago (to be clear), but I’ve included it in the Marlborough report, given the estate is based there. Bottled in very heavy Burgundy glass and under natural cork, this wine leads with savory, earthy notes of ...