NEW!📑Tasting Notes 08 --> early 09' (2024)

★★ - {Great Wine}

1. 2023 Cuvée des Pappillons Pouilly-Fumé, Domaine de Bel Air - “Instantly recognisable, the wine’s Sauvignon aromas are defined and typical but softly fresh rather than pungent. It’s a cool and fresh nose. On the palate there’s great length to this wine, with its clean, bright fruit character and nettle-like hints. “ ~ https://benfranks.wine/2024/08/2023-cuvee-des-pappillons-pouilly-fume-domaine-de-bel-air-tasting-note/
2. 2020 Miss Terre’ Amphibolite, Domaine de la Sénéchalière - “A light, fruit-driven white wine. The nose is an interesting mix of orange blossom, star anise, apple and beeswax. On the palate its full and lightly buttery with a soft, green acidity and juicy finish. It feels like it shares more with Chenin Blanc than Melon but its a delightful example of well-handled natural winemaking.“ ~ https://benfranks.wine/2024/09/2020-miss-terre-amphibolite-domaine-de-la-senechaliere-tasting-note/
3. 2021 Vouvray Spring Sec, Domaine Careme - “Instantly interesting. The wine’s aromas start with pithy lemon and light passion fruit aromas. It’s juicy and waxy with apple, nettle and lychee notes. Almost tropical but pulled back by a fresh, herbaceous bite. It’s long and appealing in the mouth with the fruit bright from a cool ferment.“ ~ https://benfranks.wine/2024/09/2021-vouvray-spring-sec-domaine-careme-tasting-note/
4. 2020 Bridge Pa Hawke’s Bay Syrah, Three Crows (Rob Macdonald) - “Hot on the nose with black fruits, vanilla and dark choc. Full, chewy, almost mealy, on the palate – it’s satisfyingly fulfilling. Its not overly full bodied but its dark with blackberry and spices. The finish is soft, long and brings bruised, warmer climate fruit to the fore. Toast, game and pepper are the nods to the Syrah grape under all the fruit. This is a very nice wine to get stuck into.“ ~ https://benfranks.wine/2024/09/2020-bridge-pa-hawkes-bay-syrah-three-crows-rob-macdonald-tasting-note/

★ - {Good Wine}

1. 2020 Rioja Reserva, Muga – “Ruby-red with cherry pigments. This wine is full of squashed strawberries on the nose, a deeply fruity and juicy aroma. There’s softness from micro-oxidation and notes of sweet vanilla and oak. On the palate the wine’s still raw and full of energy." ~ https://benfranks.wine/2024/08/2020-rioja-reserva-muga-tasting-note/
2. 2022 Getariako Txakolina, Mokoroa - “Bright and grassy, this wine has a very orange-like zesty nose. Its fizzy and electric as hell on the palate, bursting with tangerine and grapefruit. The wine is a little all over the place, but in a fun and quirky way. Nevertheless, the wine’s fresh and perfect for sharing on a summer’s afternoon.“ ~ https://benfranks.wine/2024/08/2022-getariako-txakolina-mokoroa-tasting-note/