First wine back after a nasty flu. Nose is grapey, spicey and very deep. Love the gout de terroir here. Cranberry bog and just ripe blackberries. Really punchy aromas. Palate is juicy and clean but seems closed a bit as the finish is chipped. But very fresh and pure. Let’s see if it fleshes out. Juicy, sapid and nimble with very chalky tannins. Picks up some finesse as it airs but still remains charmingly rustic. — a year ago
Light and delicate. Smooth on the pallet and a hint of tea berry. Deep cherry late. Great afternoon sipper — 6 years ago
Robe vieil or
Nez racinaire agrume plantes médicinales
Bouche fraîche et pourtant gourmande avec un gras et une acidité tranchante
On croque dans un fruit
Aucune note d évolution
Superbe — 7 years ago
Sweet and buttery — 7 months ago
This is the “Le Hameau” bottling which was launched (along with “Les Plantes” and “Le Plateau”) in 2019. Le Hameau isolates a unique expression of their holdings, approximately 20 acres of vineyards planted to almost half Cabernet Sauvignon and half Merlot. What’s particularly conspicuous about Le Hameau is the élevage: most of it is aged in amphorae with the remaining, almost a third, on French Oak. The results are delicious.
Opened and decanted about 90min prior to service. The 2020 “Le Hameau” pours a deep purple/ruby color with an impenetrable core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of cassis, plum, Morello cherry, grilled fennel, savory notes of thyme and soft baking spice. On the palate, the wine is dry and medium+ across the board. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish lasts forever and it’s right here where you encounter the silky elegance of Margaux. Make no mistake, this is a powerful wine and yet, there is impeccable balance of fruit and non-fruits. Enjoy a bottle now to experience its exuberant youth but I expect a very long life; 2050+. — 2 years ago
WM. Beautiful bouquet. Amer and saline. Lively. Slightly more serious summer wine. — 4 years ago
One of my faves of 2020 - gorgeous perfume of flowers and berries ; deep velvet color and grippy with tannins. — 5 years ago
It tastes smooth — 7 years ago
Very beautiful chenin in Montbenault. — 7 months ago
2019 vintage. The young vines deliver a gorgeous introduction to the grand vin. — a year ago
Dark berries and herbs. Outperforming expectations, though a bit hot on the finish — 3 years ago
Nez plantes médicinales
Bouche ample et généreuse fruit jaune et finale longue fraîche avec une noble amertume
Vin rayonnant
— 7 years ago
Vieil or
Nez mirabelle colle scotch plantes médicinales
Bouche fraîche dense pulpeuse et finale dense pleine seveuse
— 7 years ago
Peter van den Besselaar
vintage 2021 | Classic, introverted elegance. Not an easy wine. — 3 months ago