Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2019 vintage. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The good news is that I have another unexpected good experience with a Diam cork this week (Diam 5 in this case), praise the Lord! (and I would never have bought the bottle if I had known in advance it had a Diam cork). 2019 is one of my favourite vintages for Prieuré-Lichine, and the second wine is pretty good too. More Merlot-dominated and easy-drinking compared to the grand vin, but a most pleasurable Margaux for a very reasonable price (27 euros in their shop, I sell it a little cheaper even). Smooth and elegant, and another fine Bordeaux value. Abv 13,5%. — 3 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2024 vintage. Viognier 65%, Chardonnay 20%, Obeidi 10%, and Muscat d'Alexandrie 5%. A skillful blend in which the Viognier plays the first violin in the nose with exotic fruit and flowers, whilst the others seem to add freshness and delicacy. Good to know is that the vineyards are at 1050 meters of altitude. It's hard to find a bad wine from Lebanon. Abv. 13%. — 10 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

Stefan had this 22 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2020 vintage. Despite the Diam cork this is very good (Diam 10 it says). Dark red, with little evolution. A little shy in the nose, more expressive in the mouth, with good fruit and spices, covering the slightly rustic tannins. There is complexity and good length for a very good price. Biodynamically farmed. Abv. 13,5%. — 5 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2020 vintage. An excellent introduction to the grand vin at a fraction of the price. Highly recommended. Abv. 14%. — 9 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2024 vintage. Florina ( in the Northern part of Western Macedonia) is considered the coolest PGI in Greece, with mountainous vineyards at up to 700 m above sea level. Kir-Yianni demonstrates that the Assyrtiko grape can do well outside of Santorini. Juicy white fruit, with a hint of flowers and a distinctive minerality. An attractive, crisp, appetising white with a lovely saltiness in the finish. An excellent aperitif, but also a perfect match for seafood. Abv. 13,5%. — 10 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.8

2013 vintage. An entry level Margaux from a very difficult vintage, but in the capable hands of Denis Lurton ( Brane Cantenac) it turned out to be a nice little Margaux that is well worth the humble (10,50 euro) price tag. Abv. 13%. — 24 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2022 vintage. Cinsault is rather rare as a single varietal, and this is a great way to discover the varietal. Light, transparent ruby red. Spicy, flowery nose. Fresh and delicate, even with 14% abv. — 7 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Syrah 40%, Cindault 15% l, and Cardigan 5%. High altitude vineyards ( 1050 m). Aged 24 months in concrete. Cherries, berries and spices. The tannins have a little rough edge, but the wine has character and would be a great match for many Lebanese dishes. Abv. 13%. — 9 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.7

2017 vintage. Another spectacular Suduiraut. The 140 g/l residual sugar is balanced by the fresh acidity. Michael Broadbent used to say that Suduiraut always looks older than its age, but this bright golden colour shows no signs of age. Beautifully complex nose with pineapple and vanilla, flowers, beeswax, cinnamon and lemon confit. Opulent, rich and fresh at the same time, impressively layered and intense, with an extraordinarily long finish. A fabulous meditation wine that is amazingly affordable too. Abv. 14%. — 12 days ago