18/12/2017 – A white and a red for Christmas 2017

(2017) A beautiful white Burgundy that's perfect for Christmas from Louis Latour. The vines are grown on limestone and clay soils and are 30 years old on average, and one would swear this has seen a touch of oak given the creamy, almond and lightly buttery notes of the nose, but it has not. As well as that, there is ripe orchard fruit and a lovely sense of both richness and clarity. In the mouth the ripe, mouth-filling texture and sweetness is delicious, but that's because the core of mineral-flecked citrus acidity runs like a spine too, into a long, creamy finish. £19.99 as part of a mixed six from Majestic. Watch the video for details and food-matching ideas.
(2017) From La Rioja Alta's bodega in Alavesa, a fabulous Rioja Reserva that is plush and modern in style, driven by a welterweight of black fruit against creamy, indulgent oak. It is Tempranillo with just 5% Mazuelo, aged in French and Caucasian oak barrels for 18 months. Though Sandalwood and clove, and all sorts of exotic spice join the deep pool of black fruit, there's a firm cherry juiciness to the acidity here, and very fine, elegant tannins that give it lovely length. A supremely refined modern Rioja. Note it's big brother, the Martelo Reserva 2012 is just fabulous, but at almost twice the price. Watch the video for details and food-matching suggestions.

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