(2024) Sauvignon Blanc from a family domaine whose vineyards are on sand and clay soils. It spent three months ageing on the fine lees. Very fresh, not too herbaceous or tropical, but there is a bit of elderflower, a definite gooseberry note and a little touch of something like peppery watercress. In the mouth the fruitiness is much more direct, loads of citrus and salts, hinting at gooseberry again and even into passion fruit, but staying firm, with the acid drive propelling to the finish,
(2023) A blend of the three main Champagne grapes, though dominated by Chardonnay, this is a typically fresh and dry wine from Legras & Haas. It is not without fruit, elegance or charm. A fine, foamy mousse reveals plenty of sour lemon and lime, mouthwatering fruit and a long, delicately saline finish. Nice touch of creaminess to the texture.
(2023) Aged in 228-litre barrels for between 12 and 18 months, there's a bloody and floral aspect to the nose over dark, blueberry fruit. The palate shows a little coffee richness from the barrels, with sweet and pretty fruit overlaid. Quite substantial in the mouth with 15% alcohol, this is crisp through its spicy tannins and plenty of acidity.
(2023) From clay and marl soils, this has 7.5g/l of residual sugar. That sweetness is perceptible on the palate, after an opening that is reminiscent of nutty russet apples. Quite well balanced, though not showing quite enough verve for a 2021 perhaps.
(2016) Big, heavy bottle for this range-topping blend, the Cab and Shiraz aged in French oak, the Carmenere in French and American oak, before blending. Deep, with mocha and cassis in abundance, a touch of graphite, and a spicy, mulberry richness. In the mouth the sweetness of the fruit fills the mid-palate, but the spice and touch of char from the barrels and tannins adds depth, and there is good acidity to keep the picture juicy and fresh, into a nice, long, fruit and spice finish. Should have a few years cellaring potential too.
(2016) A nice, soft and mellow colour, and brackeny aromas of mushrooms and briar, a warming chestnut and soft berry fruit. In the mouth it has medium body and good acidity, giving it some energy through the mid palate of those berry and briar flavours, a touch of toast and spice, and a decent length of finish.
(2016) Fairly subdued on the nose, this is about delicate lime and blossom, without the pungent mineral character of some of the best Rieslings. That story continues on the palate, where the gossamer delicacy and gentleness is pleasing, but it does just lack a bit of real character.
