Stefan Dolhain

2016 vintage. — 15 hours ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2019 vintage. This estate is owned by the Thomas family ( Château Reverdi, also in Listrac), and l'Ermitage was the property of their great-uncle Roger Thomas. A very high percentage of Petit Verdot (20% in this case, and in Reverdi even 30 to 35% of the blend), with 50% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. In my blending experience, Petit Verdot tends to quickly dominate a blend, hence the peppery violet nose, with a little underlying greenness. In the mouth, it starts out as a smooth operator with a round, soft mouthfeel, until the finish where a vegetal note kicks in, making me wonder whether the Petit Verdot was fully ripe. Still, there is a lot to like about this 13,50 euro Listrac, especially in combination with some food to cover the rough edges with the cloak of charity. Abv. 14%. — 4 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2023 vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (5,5%), and Petit Verdot (3,5%). Very seductive nose with cassis, blackberries, and a panoply of flowers, intertwined with the most delicate touch of oak. This is the second wine produced in the new stunning cellar, and the purity of the fruit is exemplary. While it doesn't lack power, it is also amazingly delicate. It may not have the weight on the mid palate of the 2022, but the finish is particularly impressive. The length is incredible. This can be enjoyed already, but it will age gracefully. Moreover, it is a bargain for the quality. Abv. 13%. — 13 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2022 vintage. Another good value Bordeaux around 11 euro. The tannins are a little rough, but no complaints for that price. Abv. 14%. — 2 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2020 vintage. Cru Bourgeois. A light, honest, fresh, easy drinking Bordeaux. It could do with a bit more concentration, but no complaints at 10 euro. Abv. 12,5%. According to the website they also produce 2 other ( more expensive) Listrac wines: Tradition de Lalande Cuvée Prestige and Maison Lalande ( the latter representing the best barrels, but no information on the website about the difference between those 2. They also produce a cheaper Haut-Médoc under the Château Lalande label. — 6 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2015 vintage. This is a very impressive second wine that outperforms the grand vin from lesser vintages. More proof of the ageing capacity of even affordable Bordeaux. Terrific value at less than 20 euros. — 11 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.5

2020 vintage. I prefer this to the 2022 Laroze Labatisse from the same producer. According to the back label it is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot from vines close to the Pauillac appellation. A decent 6 euro petit Bordeaux. Abv. 13%. — 15 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

7.3

2019 vintage. I've tasted this before, and it was gorgeous. Unfortunately, this bottle tastes harsh and drying. Another DD (Diam disaster). Diam 10 cork. 😢 — 3 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2020 vintage. The second wines of the Grands Crus have never been better, and they offer great value for money. Cassis, blackberries, violets and a hint of graphite. Juicy, fresh black fruits and ripe tannins. Very good value at 25 euro. Abv. 13%. Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (48%), and Petit Verdot (2%). — 6 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2022 vintage. Canon Chaigneau was the property of the Marin family, with Louis Marin being the vineyard manager, and longtime Cheval Blanc winemaker Thierry Garnaud making the wine. They sold the estate to 2020 to Marine Fontana and Romik Arconian, but the Marin family remained shareholders and apparently Thierry is still in charge of the winemaking. The new owners wanted to try something different, and Cuve 8A is just that. Aged in concrete vats only, it is a gorgeous, seriously concentrated, fruit-driven Lalande-de-Pomerol, with a floral nose and a soft tannic bite. Abv. 14%. Another great Bordeaux value. — 10 days ago