Summer Fine Wine Favourites

With a lovely fragrant bouquet and polished fruit texture on the palate this Bordeaux is almost Margaux-like in its purity. A velvety claret from the top-notch 2016 vintage. Lying to the north of the hamlet of Avensan, to the south of Moulis and Listrac and to the west of Margaux, Citran is a large property with 90 hectares under vine. It is planted 58% cab sauv 42% merlot on gravel and clayey graveland limestone. Japanese owners invested considerably in cellar and vineyard from 1987 and current owner( since 1996) the Merlaut Villars family are making the most of the benefits.

A ripe yet fresh balance of flavours and aromas and a fresh and fruity nose in the apple and melon spectrum leads to a creamy palate with a seam of underlying freshness. About 20% comes from the cooler Hautes Côtes vineyards for freshness, with the rest mainly from vineyards classified as Bourgogne situated on the land below Meursault and Puligny. About 65% is barrel-fermented and kept on its yeast lees for richness, while 35% is tank fermented to capture the freshness.

2019 ranks among the top three vintages of the decade, its cooler Atlantic influences bringing freshness to the smoky, complex and unapologetically fine Rioja profile. Aged for three years in barrel and a further year in bottle, it’s a classic expression – smooth and refined, with ample sweet plum fruit, signature balsamic notes and impressive depth on the palate.

A quality Rías Baixas blend made from 81% albariño, 12% loureiro, 5% treixadura and 2% caíño Blanco from the O Rosal sub-region. Unlike the other sub-regions that focus on single-varietal albariño, the southern-most O Rosal, which borders Portugal, leans towards blends, and is slightly warmer than some northern zones. With La Rioja Alta behind the project, the winery benefits from the latest technology and equipment with fastidious berry selection ensuring only the finest fruit is selected. There’s no malolactic fermentation, and some fine yeast lees stirring adds texture and structure without losing the wine’s Atlantic freshness. Flavours of ripe apricot, white rose and a touch of sage are found in this long, moreish and balanced aromatic white.

Gorgeously ripe and characterful Sancerre from one of the finest producers in the appellation. Blackcurrant leaf, quince, peach, alongside distinct minerality to compliment the richness makes this both approachable yet serious. The Society has been shipping Sancerre from the Vacheron family since the 1962 vintage, because of their consistent excellence.

This wonderful nebbiolo has a scented perfume of rose, violets, cherry and red apple. Bright and full of energy, this well structured Italian wine will develop more spice and forest-floor flavours as it ages.