A new box of wine discoveries from the good folk at Laithwaites. They really do seem to be able to deliver the goods again and again – it’s never a boring selection. Great wines and great value. This time it is a box of seven wines, with a range from around the world. I absolutely love getting these boxes that are chock-full of wines that I probably wouldn’t be able to find – or even, choose, for myself, certainly not easily! I mean, a Spanish Moscatel, a Sicilian Pinot Grigio, Touriga Nacional and Vermentino? Are we not entertained?
Starting white… with three out of the four wines being a long way away from your usual supermarket shelf selection. The first – an italian style Pinot Gris is more familiar, so we’ll ease into the tasting with that.
Il Papavero Pinot Grigio 2022 from Sicily – an area of Italy that had impressed me with the range of reds at a big tasting of ‘Etna Rosso’ last year – www.winefolio.co.nz/?p=5749. This crisp, dry white – a specifically italian version of Pinot Gris, has a lovely aromatic edge and a real zing into the palate. Pear, dried pineapple and white peach flavours mingle in the juicy mid-palate. Served very chilled and have with your summer platter, or dinner entrees. 87pts
Mariona Moscatel/Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is a south-eastern spanish wine from La Marina – a sub-region of Alicante where vineyards slope towards the Mediterranean. Floral, fruity and ripe on the nose. A youthful perfume of gooseberry, lychee, mandarin, greengage and lemon blossom. A saline minerality on the palate, energy-filled and vibrant. A fresh, light style of white. Quite delicious. 90pts
Willem the Silent 2021 is a white wine from Vaucluse. The label doesn’t give much away – simply that it is a blend of typical grapes from the region (it is a Vaucluse appelation wine). Southern Rhone whites can be very interesting, with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc in the mix, alongside slightly more common varietals such as Viognier, Roussane and Marsanne. Pale gold, with floral, succulent aromatics – citrus, green melon, grapefruit and a touch of honey. A lovely textural finish, drying and herbal. 90pts
Zonte’s Footstep Lady Marmalade is a Vermentino from the Fleurieu region of Australia. A bright, pale green-straw colour in the glass. Lime zest, green apple, grapefruit, meyer lemon, almond and nectarine on the nose. Bone dry, showing a clean, tart acidity, with a flicker of phenolic astringency… but the fleshy fruit really carries this along. Crunchy, energetic and mouth-wateringly delicious. Yum. 92pts
One country that has been popping up on my radar for a year or so now – Portugal – seems to be having a period of popularity for its table reds certainly. Port will probably always be one thing that afficiandos will be looking for, but I can’t recall too much attention being foisted on the country for the other range of wines they produce – until recently. They are fond of wine varietals that are rarely seen outside the country, and give these wines a distinctive expression.
Stones&Bones 2020 is a blend of red varietals Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet. The nose has a sweet, rustic, bramble edge, highlighted with a herbal, spicy note. Ripe and plush into the palate, with nicely balanced acidity and tannin. A rustic, crunchy edge to the fruits, with cherry, boysenberry and a little liquorice. Boisterous and with plenty of energy (and alcohol – it’s 14%) 89pts
Staying in Europe for the next two wines – into southern France and neighbouring regions of Cotes du Rhone and Vaucluse.
Le Prince de Courthezon 2020 is a Cotes du Rhone Appellation Controlée wine, so I’m expecting Grenache and Syrah to feature. A garnet-ruby colour in the glass, quite deep and ripe on the nose. Plum is a major flavour here – with a jammy, spicy and peppery edge to it. A youthful, glossy, saturated palate – with a tight, well-structured spine of oak, tannin and breezy acidity. 91pts
Portes des Princes Vielles Vignes Merlot 2020 is the Vaucluse wine. This is also southern Rhone, but using a single varietal this time. The Merlot again shows as plummy – and again, it has plenty of warm, dark spiciness. Hedgerow flavours of blackberry, rosehip and mint, plus some drier provencal herbal notes – rosemary, bay and sage, and a floral lavender. Smooth as silk, and with soft, dry tannins. 88pts
