BORDEAUX

Niepoort's latest releases: The 2022 vintage of Redoma Branco continues to showcase Dirk Niepoort’s masterful touch with Douro whites, delivering a wine of purity, freshness, and understated complexity. The nose is crystalline and vibrant, with lifted aromas of bergamot, fresh lemon peel, green herbs, and delicate white peach, underscored by a whisper of wet stone and subtle smoky reduction—a signature of its minimalist winemaking and old-vine heritage.

On the palate, it’s tense and focused, driven by racy acidity and a lean, mineral backbone. Citrus, pear skin, and bitter almond notes unfold with grace, carried by a fine, almost saline texture. There’s a quiet depth here, suggesting both the schist soils and high-altitude vineyards from which it hails.

The finish is long, clean, and mouthwatering, leaving a lingering echo of citrus zest and flinty minerality. Still youthful, but with the structure and energy to evolve beautifully over the next 5–7 years.

A quintessential Douro white—precise, authentic, and full of quiet character.

Krug Vintage 1949 / Truly rare and magnificent expression of aged Champagne, Krug 1949 opens with a deep amber-gold hue, showcasing its decades of evolution. The nose is an intricate tapestry of dried apricots, toasted hazelnuts, honeyed brioche, and hints of truffle, interwoven with oxidative notes of old sherry and antique wood. On the palate, it retains remarkable vitality, with a fine, persistent mousse and a beautifully layered complexity—dried fruits, caramelized citrus, roasted coffee, and a whisper of saffron. The finish is endlessly lingering, delivering a symphony of nutty richness, iodine minerality, and a refined acidity that defies its age. A historic Champagne with unparalleled depth and grandeur.

2024 Penfolds Collection / The 2020 Penfolds Grange is again an extraordinary expression of Australian winemaking mastery, showcasing boldness, complexity, and the unmistakable power that defines this iconic wine. A blend dominated by Shiraz, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 vintage is both opulent and poised, offering a captivating experience for lovers of exceptional reds.

On the nose, the wine opens with a symphony of aromas. Dark fruits—plum, blackberry, and black cherry—take center stage, supported by layers of licorice, dark chocolate, and espresso. Subtle notes of dried herbs, cedar, and freshly cracked black pepper add complexity, while whispers of smoky oak and earth hint at its time spent maturing in barrel.

The palate is rich, intense, and velvety, with extraordinary depth and concentration. Ripe blackberries and blueberries burst forth, wrapped in layers of mocha, vanilla, and spice. A core of savory notes—think black olive tapenade and charcuterie—balances the wine's luxurious fruit profile. The tannins are robust yet polished, providing a firm structure that carries the wine effortlessly across the palate.

The finish is remarkably long, leaving a trail of dark chocolate, graphite, and sweet baking spices that lingers with impeccable grace. Despite its power, the 2020 Grange retains a stunning sense of balance, with vibrant acidity keeping the wine fresh and vibrant even in its youth.

The Screaming Eagle 2012 is an exceptional display of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest. On the nose, it offers an alluring bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with subtle hints of graphite, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The palate is full-bodied yet incredibly elegant, with silky, finely integrated tannins that frame the fruit beautifully.

Flavors of juicy black currants and black plums unfold alongside delicate notes of crushed violets, cedar, and a touch of espresso, adding complexity and depth. The balance between its rich fruit profile and the fresh acidity creates a sense of lift and grace, leading to a long, persistent finish with a whisper of minerality and earthy undertones.

This vintage shows remarkable finesse and aging potential, making it both powerful and refined, with layers that will continue to evolve for decades.

Tastingbook tasted Dom Pérignon vs other prestige champagne! 

The 1996 Dom Pérignon P2 is a Champagne of electrifying intensity, born from a vintage of contrasts. The year saw a capricious summer, with wet spells that failed to fully make up for earlier dry conditions. Yet, the heat in the months leading up to the harvest worked its magic, creating a vintage defined by its extraordinary balance between power and searing acidity.

On the nose, the wine leaps from the glass with vibrant aromas of citron, green apple, and white peach, layered with more complex notes of toasted hazelnuts, fresh brioche, dried figs and a touch of flint. A subtle hint of smoke lingers, adding depth and intrigue to the aromatic profile.

The palate is where this Champagne truly shines—it’s a dance between richness and precision. The first sip explodes with flavors of crisp green apple, lemon curd, and candied ginger, wrapped in a luxurious, creamy texture. The hallmark of the 1996 vintage, however, is its razor-sharp acidity, which cuts through the richness, leaving the palate refreshed and craving the next sip.

As the wine evolves, notes of dried apricot, almond, and a touch of honey emerge, adding layers of complexity. The minerality is pronounced, delivering a chalky finish that seems to go on forever, with a final whisper of citrus and toast.

The 1996 Dom Pérignon P2 has a rare balance of power and acidity ensures it has aged beautifully, and it promises to continue captivating for years to come.