Wines in Niagara tasted through a range of agency wines recently including samples from the Languedoc, Entre-Deux-Mers, and a delicious Ripasso. These wines, all from VinoLuna, are either destined for the LCBO or are under consideration.
Here’s what I liked:
Collovray and Terrier Chateau d’Antugnac Chardonnay Les Grands Penchants 2014 ($17, 88 points) — Made from hand picked, 35-year-old Chardonnay, considered some of the oldest in the Languedoc. The nose is fresh with citrus, white flowers, green apple and defined by its minerality. The fruit is gorgeous on the palate, well-integrated and dripping in limestone minerality. A brilliantly refreshing summer wine.
Collovray and Terrier Chateau d’Antugnac Limoux Blanc Terres Amoureuses 2013 ($22, 89 points) — This Chardonnay from the Limoux appellation sees a small portion of the wine aged in French oak. The nose shows apple and pear fruit with subtle citrus and spice notes. The fruit is well integrated on the palate with underlying spice notes and a touch of minerality.
Collovray and Terrier Chateau d’Antugnac Limoux Blanc Les Gravas 2013 ($34, 90 points) — A bit more oak is added to the Gravas, about 20%, and the vines are 40 years old. This has a lovely and complex nose of Asian pear, mature apple, brioche, white flowers and elegant oaky spice notes. The robust mélange of fruit on the palate is bolstered by lovely wood spice and kept fresh by vibrant acidity. It’s a rich and ripe Chardonnay yet poised and balanced.
Chateau Sainte Marie Vieilles Vignes Entre-Deux-Mers 2014 ($14, new vintage should be coming to LCBO, 87 points) — A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon and 5% Muscadelle with a nose of bright peach, citrus, melon and white flowers. It has bright fruit on the palate with mineral, lemon and grapefruit that is crisp and fresh through the finish.
Provolo Campotorbian Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2011 ($19, new vintage should be coming to LCBO, 90 points) — This nifty Italian red uses the Ripasso method to add complexity and concentration to the finished wine. The nose shows rich cherry, plum, licorice, smoke, earth, pepper and spice. It’s concentrated on the palate with a range of red fruits and plums that’s thick and spicy through the long finish. This can age 10 or more years.
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