Stefan Dolhain

9.0

This is the 2023 Maison Castel sweet Jurançon, 100% Petit Manseng. In general I am wary of inexpensive sweet wines, but this is a great exception to the rule. Purity of fruit, freshness and good length. And it sells for a song! — a day ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

Mainly Syrah (65%) with Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Some (20%) of the Syrah and Carignan undergo carbonic maceration. Black cherry jam, licorice, ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Well-integrated high alcohol (abv. 15,5%). Impressive quality and great value at 20 euros. — 8 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2016 vintage. A testimony to how even humble Bordeaux wines can show serious ageing potential. Still fresh and alive, just lacks a bit of length, but no complaints at 6,90 euro! Abv. 14%. — 10 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2020 vintage. Good Muscadet ages beautifully, and this is no exception, even with a synthetic cork. — 3 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2022 vintage. The second wine of Chateau d'Arcins. While it doesn't have the structure and depth of the grand vin, this is a lighter, more fruit-forward wine that still shows the 2022 magic. Great value too. Abv. 13,5%. — 5 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

Vouvray 2023 Séries Limitées Castel. A very impressive Chenin Blanc, a blend from two different complementary plots, therefore combining roundness and minerality. Very long too. Abv. 13%. — 8 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

Marafiance 2024 was elected "Best in Show"in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 and I can see why. A skilful blend of Grenache (30%), Rolle (25%), Syrah (20%), Cinsault (16%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), and Sémillon (4%). Strawberry, watermelon and grapefruit, mouthwatering acidity and very good mineral length. Bright and subtle. A class act and a steal for 11 euro! Abv. 12,5%. — 10 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2022 vintage. Merlot. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Another amazing value from the Castel family estates. Juicy fruit, spices, soft tannin, fresh acidity and more than decent spicy length. Abv. 14%. — 3 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

Maison Castel Viognier Grande Réserve 2024 vintage. Simple, but effective. Bright juicy fruit, and a little almond bitter in the finish. Very good value at 7 euro. — 5 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

Gigondas 2019 Castel "Séries Limitées". Winemaker Cédric Jenin is doing a great job with this high-end small batches series. This Gigondas is sourced from a high altitude (300 m) 7 hectares organic plot on the Dentelles de Montmirail. Intense perfume with Amarena cherries, flowers and spices, like a dry Vintage Port. Grenache wouldn't be Grenache without the high alcohol (15,5%), but it's beautifully balanced by fresh acidity. Intense, with layers of jammy fruit and spices, while maintaining freshness. Very long spicy finish. Impressive. — 9 days ago