Corney & Barrow 

22 September

Achaval-Ferrer wines

Achaval-Ferrer, Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2008 Mendoza
17.5 Drink 2010-2020. From the Perdriel zone of the Río Mendoza South subregion. Violets, floral, black cherry, gourmet, dry spices, coffee and smoke. Great harnessing of Malbec's power with serious complexity

Achaval-Ferrer, Finca Mirador Malbec 2008 Medrano
17.5 Drink 2010-2020. Pure raspberry, soft tannins, spice, dry finish, lovely grainy texture. Fantastic leathery length. This gets the best out of Malbec, for sure.

by Richard Hemmings, www.jancisrobinson.com

10 September

Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys Domaine Vincent Dampt 2008

Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys Domaine Vincent Dampt 2008
"Stellar premier cru Chablis from Vincent, son of Daniel and grandson of Jean Defaix, which is a good start in Chablis life if ever there was one. Vincent has also worked with Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet and done a stint in Marlborough, New Zealand. The nose is quintessence of Chablis with nutty, sour-cream richness set against stony minerality and tingling freshness. The palate is creamy and textured, with ripe fruit - hints of apricot and apple - and intense, penetrating, lime-like acidity. Great length and presence. 13% abv. Drink from now until 2018." Joanna Simon's Wine of the Week
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1 September

Château Léoube Rosés and White

Château Léoube's Rosés: "At Léoube, the talented Romain Ott uses Grenache with Cinsault complemented by a little Syrah (Léoube) or Cabernet (Le Secret de Léoube), wild yeast and full malolactic to give a seamless palate which contrives to be simultaneously intense yet languid, with an iodine edge to the peaches this time. "

"Rosé aside, it's always struck me that Provence is a better bet for whites than reds. [...] Château Léoube’s 2009 Blanc (a 50 Rolle /50 Sémillon blend) is another white-linen wine, subtly infused with birch leaf and greengage. Brilliant with food – why aren’t they on more wine lists?"

by Andrew Jefford in Decanter Magazine, October issue
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1 September

Clos de Tart: Spurrier's World - From the Cellar

Clos de Tart, Morey-St Denis
"Clos de Tart dates to 1141, named after the owners, the Cistercian Bernadines of Notre Dame de Tart. Since then, astonishingly, it has only had two other owners: the Marey-Monge family, since 1789, and the Mommessin family, since 1932. The walled vineyard covers 7.5ha and winemaker Sylvain Pitiot has been in control since 1996, pushing the quality that now rivals the very best in Burgundy. Pitiot’s masterclass earlier in the year began with young vintages, where the elegant 2008 (‘the most balanced of the past 10 years’) outpointed the 2007. 2002, a hot and dry year, came next: fragrant, earthy and controlled power (2012-2030); then 2001 (‘the perfect balance and elegance of Pinot Noir’) opening up now, but good for 20 years; 2003, at 15% abv, came next, rather unBurgundian, yet the essence of concentration, like 1947 and 1929; finally 1996, a firm vintage with 10 years in front of it. Truly great wines. "

by Steven Spurrier in Decanter Magazine, September issue
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1 September

Quinta Vale Dona Maria, Douro

Quinta Vale Dona Maria 2006: Decanter's Regional Trophy -Northern Portugal Red over £10
Quinta Vale Dona Maria 2007: Silver Medal

"When Cristiano van Zeller sold his family estate, Quinta do Noval, to AXA Millesimes in 1993, he turned his hand to promoting small, independent Douro producers. His move was well timed as it coincided with the emergence of unfortified Douro reds from the shadow of Port. Three years later he took control of an estate in Rio Torto, one of the great tributaries of the Douro that have long produced the finest Ports. Vale Dona Maria used to supply Smith Woodhouse, but the vineyard was run down and every building had to be rebuilt. At the heart of the property was a 10-hectare plot of 50-year-old vines which van Zeller has since doubled, planting more vines and taking control of neighbouring vineyards. This Trophy winner comes only from the oldest plots, interplanted with up to 41 grape varieties. Rufete, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca are the main varieties, but make up no more than 25% of a blend that is greater than the sum of its parts. The grapes are foot trodden for two days in stone lagares before fermentation there or in stainless steel. Ageing in new and second year French oak softens the strong tannins, resulting in a wine of balanced power and elegance. Van Zeller and Sandra Tavares da Silva and Francisco Olazábal share all the credit for this deserved trophy. " Decanter Magazine, October issue
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