We have a thrilling weekend ahead for those who hold France and Italy close to their wine-loving hearts, as a great emerging name from Piedmonthits our tasting table on Friday, while Saturday brings a mixed bag that features Burgundy, Bordeaux and a well-valued Blanc de Blancs from Champagne for good measure.
Joins us tomorrow evening (Friday 13th) between 4:30 and 7pm, as we hone in on a terrific rising star in Piedmont, Bel Colle! Situated in Verduno (northwestern edge of Barolo), their doors officially opened back in 1978, where they set out with the ultimate philosophy of producing clean, highly elegant wines that have a distinct touch of floral femininity and finesse. They were, as a fun fact, the very first producer to produce and release a Verduno Pelaverga onto the modern market. Since their 2015 takeover by winemaker Luca Bosio, they have taken further strides in organic and sustainable viticulture, with each and every piece of fruit harvested by hand, which comes through beautifully in the five great options we'll be pouring. The two Barolos here sit at value we can confidently say we haven't seen from the region in an age - robust, velvety and harmonic, with some years ahead of them to grow too. Also on show are their bright and cheerful Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbera d'Alba and Roero Arneis labels!
For Saturday (14th), there's certainly more than a few ways we could summarise our lineup, but in essence, each one of these choices are ones that have stood out to our team in recent weeks. Some are new releases, like the William Fevre Village Chablis from the 2023 vintage or the handful of 2022 Bordeaux from Haut-Médoc, St-Émilion, Pessac-Léognan and Graves, and others like the Leflaive Macon-Verzé, Henri & Phillippe JouanBourgogne Rouge, and Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs from Pierre Gimonnet each look in an ideal window right now to be properly savoured and appreciated. This will run between our usual 12 to 2pm, so we hope you can join what is something of a French spectacle!
'Simposio' Barolo 2021 -
$82 on special this week ($95 RRP)
“'Simposio' refers to a 'meeting' (blending) of grapes from different vineyards close to the winery. Vineyards are all located in the west side of the Barolo area. The average age of the vines is 50 years and they are grown on a southern exposure in calcareous clay soils, at a density of about 5,000 plants per hectare. The wine spends 36 months in oak Slavonia casks, and then six months in bottles before shipping. Garnet red with orange tinges. On the nose, full and ethereal, lasting with the fragrance of flowers and fruits amalgamated with the scent of spices and essences. On the palate, dry, intense, robust but velvety and harmonic. This wine goes well with red meat, game and matured cheese." - Winemaker Notes
'Monvigliero' Barolo 2021 -
$105 on special this week ($120 RRP)
"Monvigliero has always been considered the “Grand Cru” of the commune of Verduno, as well as one of the most prestigious vineyards of the entire appellation. A natural amphitheater facing southwest characterized by a particularly dry climate and light, loose soils that push the vines to give their best. The average age of the vines is 25 years old, and they are grown on a southern exposure in calcareous clay soils, at a density of about 5,000 plants per hectare. On the nose, the bouquet brings the typical notes of red fruits, plums and cherries, and spices, such as pepper. On the palate, it is delicate, velvety and well-balanced with its fresh acidity." - Winemaker Notes
Langhe Nebbiolo 2024-
$28 on special this week ($32 RRP)
"It’s fighting value for Langhe Neb. Cherry, raspberry, some floral notes, almond and aniseed too. It’s fresh, medium-bodied, a light grip to tannin, a juiciness of red fruit, some mouth-perfume, a little nutty, with a bright finish of good length. It speaks of Nebbiolo, drinks well, and gee, it’s definitely affordable. Affability over complexity, sure, but such a nice wine all up." - 91 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Roero Arneis 2023 -
$33 on special this week ($38 RRP)
"This vine is a found all over the Roero but also on the hills on the right bank of the Tanaro. It is extremely vigorous, with strong, straight shoots. Fertile and productive, the grapes ripen in late September. The bunch is medium to small in size, with a pyramid or cylindrical shape with one or two obvious wings. On the nose, deep and mineral, inviting, with hints of yellow pulp fruit and white flowers. Soft and intense taste, with a light acidulous vein that gives freshness and persistence. It is characterized by an extraordinary minerality." - Winemaker Notes
'Ape Reale' Barbera d'Alba 2024 -
$34 on special this week ($39 RRP)
"A bright and energetic Barbera that captures the essence of Alba's rolling hills. Fresh black cherries and wild berries lead with an appealing juiciness. The palate shows good balance between fruit and acidity, making it an effortless companion for the table. Simple, direct, and satisfying in its youthful charm." - Jeff Porter, WineEnthusiast.com
Pierre Gimonnet Cuis 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV -
$93 on special this week ($105 RRP)
// 100% Chardonnay from the Premier Cru of Cuis (Côte des Blancs)
2022 base vintage (72%) + 28% reserve wines from 2010 to 2021
"In these days of sharply rising prices, this family-run house offers great value thanks to its magnificent chardonnay vineyards. This is Gimmonet's entry point wine, the bouquet of white flowers/apple blossom, the palate with elegance and balance, fruit finish fresh thanks to the modest dosage" -
94 Points, James Halliday
William Fevre AC Chablis 2023 -
$64 on special this week ($75 RRP)
// New vintage release!
"Sourced from a mosaic of exposures and elevations and incorporating old vines planted between 1969 and 1972, the 2023 Chablis Village offers aromas of pear, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Medium- to full-bodied, ample and charming, it is underpinned by ripe yet racy acidity and concludes with a long, saline finish. Harvested earlier to preserve freshness, this is a well-executed village-level Chablis." - Kristaps Karklins, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Domaine Leflaive Macon-Verzé 2022 -
$95 on special this week ($109 RRP)
"The 2022 Mâcon-Verzé is raised in stainless steel, concrete and foudres, around 10% wood for micro-oxygenation. It is bottled early in the year after the harvest. The nose offers a clean, precise, malic bouquet with orchard fruit emerging with time. The palate is taut, fresh and lightly spiced, with fine weight and ample depth on the finish. Enjoy this Mâcon-Verzé over the next 3 to 5 years." - Neal Martin, Vinous
Chateau Carbonnieux Graves Blanc 2022 -
$105 on special this week ($120 RRP)
// 68% Sauvignon Blanc and 32% Semillon
"The 2022 Carbonnieux Blanc is classy and elegant from the first taste. Bright saline undertones drive through a core of citrus peel, white pepper, chalk, sage and mint. This brisk, dry white is impeccable and delicious." - 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"A shot of bright lemon and lime with orange and grapefruit elements - citrus acidity, vibrancy and bitterness all combine to give quite a nuanced and exciting mouthful that carries the flavour to a long finish. Feels a bit tense and strict, not so fleshy and open, but well worked with intensity and detail. I like the style and the frame and this sustains interest with mouthwatering acidity and just enough fruitiness to balance it. Cool and crisp." - 93 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
Chateau Lanessan Haut-Médoc 2022-
$52 on special this week ($59 RRP)
"Ripe and open on the nose - expressive scents of dark, sun-kissed fruit. Concentrated on the palate but with such a lovely weight and texture - slightly grippy, slightly chewy and cool overall. Feels nicely balanced, round and forward. Calm and fresh. Juicy strawberries with mint and aniseed." - 93 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
"The 2022 Lanessan is bold and punchy right out of the gate. A blast of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, menthol and licorice makes a strong first impression. Lanessan speaks with authority. It is quite assertive yet also poised, with fine balance and plenty of potential for the future." - 92 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Henri & Philippe Jouan 'Cuvée Thomas' 2022 -
$125 on special this week ($140 RRP)
// Pinot Noir, organically and sustainably grown on a tiny 3-hectare plot in Morey-Saint-Denis
"Domaine Henri Jouan doesn't court critics or seek out the spotlight. Their reputation is built on word-of-mouth among a small, dedicated circle of wine collectors and connoisseurs. This is, in part, due to their incredibly small production. With only a few thousand bottles produced each year, their wines are a treasure hunt for those in the know. They are often described as “old-school” or “traditional,” with a style that is a nostalgic nod to a bygone era of Burgundian winemaking. This unique profile—rustic yet refined, simple yet profound—has made them one of Burgundy’s most fascinating and sought-after cult producers." - Grand Cru, Wine Concierge
Chateau Haut-Bailly 'Haut-Bailly II' 2022 -
$125 on special this week ($140 RRP)
// 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
"The 2022 Haut-Bailly II is silky, elegant and polished. Crushed flowers, red berry fruit, cinnamon and new leather are all beautifully lifted in this gracious wine from Haut-Bailly. The 2022 is an especially delicate, refined wine that captures all the finesse that was possible in this vintage." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"Beautiful fragrance on the nose, so floral and aromatic. Clean and crystalline on the palate, smooth and supple but so clean and pure. Quite light, you can tell they didn’t push this, it feels calm and gentle with creamy blueberry fruit and soft black cherries. Lovely approachability and ease of drinking. Quietly seductive, has the power and concentration of the vintage but keeps a sleek and straight frame with bite and crunch." - 92 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
Chateau Monbousquet St-Émilion 2022 -
$155 on special this week ($180 RRP)
// 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
"The 2022 Monbousquet is sumptuous and exotic in the glass. Soft, plush contours lend notable immediacy. Blueberry jam, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice caress the palate as this open-knit, inviting Saint-Émilion shows off its considerable allure." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"Lovely fragrance of blackcurrant leaf, menthol, spiced cinnamon, and blue cherries with toasted spice. Supple and bright with an immediate kick of energy and acidity. Fine-grained tannins create a sleek, lattice-like structure. Cool blue fruits, liquorice, and cola keep it fresh, with strawberry acidity and powdery tannins on the finish. Not overly complex but well made - powerful, a bit tight and serious, yet easy to enjoy." - 92 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
If you wish to purchase any of these wines, please use the links above
Otherwise, if you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special prices valid until Thursday the 19th of March