Peyre Rose:
The domaine, hacked out of uncompromising limestone garrigue in the late 1980s, will only be found with difficulty at the end of a beaten track above the village of Saint-Pargoire. There is no wood, no air-conditioning (it has to generate its own electricity) and the yields rarely exceed 20hl/ha. The wine, however, is exceptional. Les Cistes (85 per cent Syrah, 15 per cent Grenache) is usually fresher and more red fruity. The Cuvée Clos Léone (95 per cent Syrah, 5 per cent Mourvèdre) is more black fruity, roasted, gamey. I think these are some of the greatest wines to come out of the Languedoc, certainly some of the most original. - Clive Coates MW, Decanter
Now entering a beautiful stage of maturity, Belle Léone 2014 showcases the rewards of patience. It is a wine that captures the rugged beauty of the Languedoc while displaying the finesse and longevity associated with the world’s finest wines.
More than a bottle, Belle Léone 2014 is a testament to Marlène Soria’s enduring vision: that great wines are not made according to fashion or deadlines, but through dedication, conviction, and above all, time. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it remains one of the most compelling expressions of modern French winemaking
Fontodi:
Among Fontodi's portfolio, its Chianti Classico wines have become reference points for the denomination. They offer a captivating expression of Sangiovese, combining vibrant red fruit, floral aromas, subtle spice, and the freshness that defines great Tuscan wine. Structured yet approachable, they embody the harmony between tradition and modern craftsmanship that has made Fontodi one of Italy's most admired estates.
Today, Fontodi stands as one of Tuscany's great ambassadors—a producer whose wines speak not only of grapes and vineyards, but of culture, landscape, and generations of dedication. For wine lovers around the world, a bottle of Fontodi is more than a classic Chianti Classico; it is an expression of Tuscany at its finest.
Julg:
This is from southern Pfalz close to the French (Northern Alsatian) border. The vines are grown on east facing limestone slopes (only 30cm of topsoil) surrounded by the “cooling” Palatinate Forest. This combination gives low yields and small grapes that are highly aromatic with intense flavour. The fruit is partially crushed by foot, given a generous amount of skin-contact and then fermented and aged in mostly old barrels with a little steel . It has lemon, ripe apricot, fresh herb, sweet wax, yeasty, doughy and rocky notes. It is deep, minerally, rich and concentrated, but it also shows the vitality and strength of the 2021 vintage. It can be broached now, but like all Jülg rieslings, this definitely shows ageing potential, but it has depth and richness making it to drink now.
