Domaine Leflaive 'Les Folatieres' 2002

Last Friday I was lucky enough to taste this outstanding 1er Cru Puligny from Domaine Leflaive; 'Les Folatieres' is one of the best known vinyards in Puligny and has a similar aspect to the mighty 'Chevalier' Montrachet.

2002 was a great vintage for white burgundy, rivaling 1996 and 1992.

The colour was a deep golden yellow, and the nose hit me as soon as the cork was pulled.... The aromas were slightly 'damp' on my first look, although, within minutes they cleaned up to reveal a wonderful nose of lemon and grapefruit citrus and a lovely hint of honey.

The weight on the palate and stunning texture were indeed akin to a Grand Cru. The major players in this wine are (1) the intense minerality and (2) impeccable balance. That being said, this is a very complex wine with a beautiful softness, elegance and a finish that goes on and on...... 18/5 Points.

RRP $250 (if you can find it, we only have 3 left!!)

Michael

McHenry Hohnen Rolling Stone 2007

Ok, yes this winery is owned by the owner of the store. Yes, he's my boss. Having said that, this blog is reserved for only the best wines we try and its going to stay that way. So, Yes, this wine deserves it spot here.

I think what makes this wine a winner for me is the blend. Margaret River has always been known for Cabernet, but the percentage of Merlot in the blends has been creaping up over time which of course makes for easy drinking, drink now styles which have their place in the market.

This wine is a Bordeaux inspired blend of Malbec, Cab, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, each making up approximately a quarter of the blend. The Malbec, or Monster as we sometimes call it, really beef's this drink up and is a welcome change from the fleshy aformentioned Cab Merlot styles.

The nose is lifted with red berry fruit, while the palate is full bodied and earthy, with beautiful firm tannins. This wine is sure to improve with cellaring.

Retails at $38 which is really a bargain when you look at its rivals from the region

J

Carver Sutro Petite Syrah 2001

We had a few bottles of this Napa Valley red instock, and really didnt know too much about it. Took a punt and wacked a bottle on the Eno. Its from the Pallisades vineyard which Im told is one of the best sites in Napa for this variety.

Zziinngg... The second it came out the tap the inky purple colour told me there was not going to be too much "Petite" about this wine! Intense aroma's of blackberry, blueberry and controlled oak filled the glass - While the palate, well if you like massive reds that feel like the may disolve your tongue this is for you. It's amazingly powerful with beautiful tannin and length.

This retails for $93.00 and is on tasting on the Eno as at 28/4/10.

I see Mr Parker gave this wine 94pts, which is a pretty high score for a man who's hard to impress

We've only got 5 bottles left, so if your interested get in quick!

J

Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2008

I first tried this wine at a trade event at the winery with the "newish" owners The Rathbone family (Yering, Mt Langi, Parker). I remember at the time being blown away by it - but by the end of the night after a many more glasses the recollection was a little hazy

We've just got the wine instore and featuring it on the EnoMatic as of 27/4/10

Wow! It has been a while since a Aussie Chard has impressed me as much as this beauty! The nose is exotic with peach & grapefruit, and the palate is perfectly balanced with lots of leesy characters and toasty oak. Its flinty, powerful, complex, and bloody brilliant

For me this is knocking on 95 Points
Retails at $75 and worth every cent
James