Latest news with #redwine
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
China's wine market uncorks consumption vitality
YINCHUAN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 June 2025 - In an exhibition hall at an expo in Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the rich aroma emanating from a copper hot pot is gaining the attention of visitors. The dish of tender mutton cooked in red wine-added broth is a perfect blend of two of Ningxia's most famed products. "Using spring water, red wine and nourishing ingredients removes unpleasant smells, making the mutton delicious and flavorful," said Tian Feng, who manages the hot pot restaurant operating the booth. The popularity of its red wine hot pot ensures the restaurant is often fully booked on weekends, Tian added. Across China's evolving consumer landscape, wine is undergoing a subtle transformation. No longer restricted to formal banquets and professional tasting events, wine is becoming accessible as various consumption scenarios and wine products are created. This shift in accessibility is evident at the ongoing Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Ningxia, which is a renowned wine production region that is promoting a "tipsy economy." Ningxia boasts a unique terroir for the production of top-class wine, with prolonged sunshine hours and a cool, dry climate aiding the cultivation of grapes. After four decades of development, it has become China's largest wine-producing region. The eastern foot of Helan Mountain is widely regarded as a "golden zone" for grape cultivation and high-end wine production. By the end of 2024, the region had more than 600,000 mu (about 40,000 hectares) of wine grape plantations and an annual wine output of 140 million bottles. Its wines were exported to over 40 countries and regions. At the expo, brightly colored canned wines from the Ningxia State Farm Winery have won the favor of many. Compared to bottled wines, canned wines are more convenient to drink and can more easily meet the demands of diverse scenarios such as camping and picnics, said Li Shuang, the winery's sales manager. In addition to its canned wines, which have been popular since their launch last year, the company offers innovative products such as creamy jasmine wine, lemon oolong tea wine, black coffee wine and alcohol-free options. These products drove 20 percent of the company's sales growth in 2024, Li said. Cheeks rosy after tasting a dozen wines at the expo, local visitor Lu Ting is a tourism professional and sommelier who enjoys buying wines to share with family and friends. "Chardonnay with meat skewers, reds with hot pot -- it's about sharing joy," said Lu, 42. The four-day event will run until Thursday and is slated to include a world wine tasting event, a wine and winery exhibition, an innovation competition and an art biennial. Last month, Yinchuan also hosted a marathon that saw 43 local wineries offer 28,000 runners free vineyard tours, tastings and exclusive discounts for wine purchases. This event-driven approach has created a powerful synergy between tourism and viticulture, resulting in a surge in hotel bookings in the city. "We're transforming the entire city into a living wine museum," said Li Bingjie, director of Yinchuan's wine industry development service center. "Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the journey from grape to glass." Speaking at the expo's opening ceremony on Monday, Yvette van der Merwe, president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, said that the organization has for many years observed and supported the rise of China's grape and wine industry, with the country being an important wine consumer and table grape producer. "I see the energy that the growth of Ningxia Helan Mountain's east foothill region has contributed to the Chinese wine industry, and I am confident that it will bring new inspiration and opportunities to the global wine community," she said. Hashtag: #AdministrativeCommitteeofWineIndustryZoneofNingxiaHelanMountainsEastFoothill The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Administrative Committee of Wine Industry Zone of Ningxia Helan Mountain's East Foothill
Malay Mail
13-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
China's wine market uncorks consumption vitality
A staff member prepares a serving of tender mutton cooked in red wine-added broth during the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on June 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen) People visit the Global Wineries Exhibition during the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on June 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) YINCHUAN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 June 2025 -In an exhibition hall at an expo in Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the rich aroma emanating from a copper hot pot is gaining the attention of visitors. The dish of tender mutton cooked in red wine-added broth is a perfect blend of two of Ningxia's most famed products."Using spring water, red wine and nourishing ingredients removes unpleasant smells, making the mutton delicious and flavorful," said Tian Feng, who manages the hot pot restaurant operating the booth. The popularity of its red wine hot pot ensures the restaurant is often fully booked on weekends, Tian China's evolving consumer landscape, wine is undergoing a subtle transformation. No longer restricted to formal banquets and professional tasting events, wine is becoming accessible as various consumption scenarios and wine products are shift in accessibility is evident at the ongoing Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Ningxia, which is a renowned wine production region that is promoting a "tipsy economy."Ningxia boasts a unique terroir for the production of top-class wine, with prolonged sunshine hours and a cool, dry climate aiding the cultivation of grapes. After four decades of development, it has become China's largest wine-producing region. The eastern foot of Helan Mountain is widely regarded as a "golden zone" for grape cultivation and high-end wine the end of 2024, the region had more than 600,000 mu (about 40,000 hectares) of wine grape plantations and an annual wine output of 140 million bottles. Its wines were exported to over 40 countries and the expo, brightly colored canned wines from the Ningxia State Farm Winery have won the favor of many. Compared to bottled wines, canned wines are more convenient to drink and can more easily meet the demands of diverse scenarios such as camping and picnics, said Li Shuang, the winery's sales addition to its canned wines, which have been popular since their launch last year, the company offers innovative products such as creamy jasmine wine, lemon oolong tea wine, black coffee wine and alcohol-free options. These products drove 20 percent of the company's sales growth in 2024, Li rosy after tasting a dozen wines at the expo, local visitor Lu Ting is a tourism professional and sommelier who enjoys buying wines to share with family and friends."Chardonnay with meat skewers, reds with hot pot -- it's about sharing joy," said Lu, four-day event will run until Thursday and is slated to include a world wine tasting event, a wine and winery exhibition, an innovation competition and an art month, Yinchuan also hosted a marathon that saw 43 local wineries offer 28,000 runners free vineyard tours, tastings and exclusive discounts for wine purchases. This event-driven approach has created a powerful synergy between tourism and viticulture, resulting in a surge in hotel bookings in the city."We're transforming the entire city into a living wine museum," said Li Bingjie, director of Yinchuan's wine industry development service center. "Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the journey from grape to glass."Speaking at the expo's opening ceremony on Monday, Yvette van der Merwe, president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, said that the organization has for many years observed and supported the rise of China's grape and wine industry, with the country being an important wine consumer and table grape producer."I see the energy that the growth of Ningxia Helan Mountain's east foothill region has contributed to the Chinese wine industry, and I am confident that it will bring new inspiration and opportunities to the global wine community," she #AdministrativeCommitteeofWineIndustryZoneofNingxiaHelanMountainsEastFoothill The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Forbes
07-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
What's The Difference Between Pinot Noir And Cabernet Sauvignon?
Bunches of various grapes ready to be harvested If you've ever stared blankly at a wine list, wondering whether you're more in a Pinot Noir mood or a Cabernet Sauvignon mood, you're not alone. They're two of the most famous red wines on the planet—but they couldn't be more different once you get to know them. Think of Pinot and Cab like siblings at opposite ends of the family reunion: one's charming and a little high-maintenance, the other's bold and probably playing backyard football. Here's your friendly guide to what really separates these two classic reds—and how to choose the right one for your glass. Someone's hand pouring red wine into a wine glass in a home environment. Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape that's famously delicate, which means it needs cooler climates and a lot of love (and luck) to thrive. It's light-bodied, often pale in color, and it tends to highlight fresh, pretty fruit flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is basically the golden retriever of grapes: strong, adaptable, and happy almost anywhere, especially in warm climates. It's full-bodied, darker in color, and typically comes with a bigger flavor punch. If Pinot Noir is ballet, Cabernet Sauvignon is a heavyweight boxing match—graceful versus powerful, but both seriously impressive. mostly empty wine glass on top of freshly harvested pinot noir grapes in a bin Pinot Noir tends to be lighter and brighter. Expect flavors like: Good Pinot is all about elegance, balance, and subtlety. It's like a conversation at a fancy dinner party—you listen carefully and appreciate the nuance. Cabernet Sauvignon goes bigger. It brings flavors like: Good Cab is bold, structured, and often feels like it's laying out its argument in a booming voice. (And spoiler: it usually wins.) Photo of red wine poured into glasses from bottle on blurred background of a vineyard right before ... More harvest, with hanging branches of grapes. With cork and vintage corkscrew If you want something smooth and easygoing, Pinot's your pal. If you want something with serious structure that you can practically chew on (in a good way), go for Cab. wine pour. Cheese and grapes in the background Pinot Noir shines with lighter foods: roasted chicken, salmon, mushroom risotto, even a good old mushroom pizza. It's incredibly food-friendly because it's not trying to muscle over the meal. Cabernet Sauvignon is built for big flavors: think grilled steak, braised short ribs, rich cheeses, and anything else that could use a strong, tannic hug. One quick test: if the dish is delicate, reach for Pinot. If it's hearty enough to survive a medieval banquet, grab the Cab. Shelves with a variety of quality wines in a store, restaurant or wine shop Pinot Noir can be pricey because it's hard to grow and even harder to get just right. (Thanks, heartbreak grape.) Cabernet Sauvignon tends to offer more reliable options at a range of prices, especially from places like California, Chile, and Australia. That said, there's plenty of affordable Pinot out there—you just might have to hunt a little harder. (And maybe make friends with your local wine shop staff.) Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon may both be red, but they're really two very different drinking experiences. Go for Pinot when you're feeling elegant, a little contemplative, or when dinner is more about subtlety and finesse. Reach for Cab when you want something bold, hearty, and unapologetically full of flavor. Either way, you're winning—because the only real mistake is not having a second glass ready.
Wall Street Journal
15-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wall Street Journal
10 Juicy Red Wines to Drink Now
Juicy is such an irresistible word, whether applied to a bit of gossip or a delicious red wine. Juicy reds are so luscious and ripe, they're practically buoyant, and they're the kind of red wines I'm drinking this spring. With supple fruit, soft tannins and a bright but balanced acidity, these wines are light in the mouth and flexible enough to pair with a wide range of foods, from fish to chicken to meat.
Forbes
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Bordeaux Vintage 2024 - Tasting Notes For Right Bank Red Wines
Selected tasting notes below are for right bank Bordeaux red wines and accompany a companion article titled titled Bordeaux Wine Vintage 2024 – Varied, Challenging, Aromatic, Precise, and another companion article titled Bordeaux Vintage 2024 Tasting Notes - Left Bank, EDM And White Wines. Château Monlabert. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 94 points. 75/25 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend aged 14 months in partially new oak. Firm structure, black cherry dominant aromas as well as a brew of fragrances of cocoa, tar and black licorice. Balanced and generous wine with supple tannins, rounded and black fruit and vibrant underlying acidity. Basket of dark grapes, Bordeaux, France Château Croix de Labrie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 95+ points. 80/10/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc from 60-year-old vines, and from 100-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines from which owners make their own massal selection. Aged in barriques as well as foudre. Initial aromas are brisk with slight minerality, light and bright red fruits such as raspberries and plums as well as cassis. Acidity dominants, as with many 2024 Bordeaux wines, but complexity is evident in this light juice with fine flavors of young red fruit. Tannins are low key but creamy; overall a light and fine wine with beautiful length. 14,000 bottles produced. Château Bellevue. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 95 points. This 100% Merlot includes a light perfume of red and black cherries and red plums. Beautiful soft and fine flavors of black berries; well integrated with tannins. Gentle and subtle complexity. Chateau Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 95 points. Perfume and aromas of violets, roses, black pepper, black berries. Smoky flavors with creamy tannins, bright acidity, complexity and some chocolate on the finish. Fantastic length. Château Angélus. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 97 points. 60/40 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc from this 40th vintage of Hubert de Boüard, and the tenth vintage of his working with Benjamin Laforet. Supple, delicate, charming aromas of cassis tart, black cherry sorbet, as well as woodland trail. A spider's web that includes with both tension and delicacy. Ethereal fine tightrope between cassis, silky tannins and acidity. Harmoniously balanced, with brimming acidity. Molten flavors of black cherries and blueberries. No matter the vagaries of vintage, Angélus always pulls through with balance and quality. Château Angélus. Carillon d'Angélus. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 94+ points. 90/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Supple cloud of light and elegant aromas of fudge, red and black cherries, cassis. Beautifully integrated dark red fruit dominating, as well as chocolate flavors. Slight spices of ginger and nutmeg on the finish. Balanced with elegant and supple tannins and bristling supporting acidity. Delicious package. Harvest team at work at Château Angélus, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France Château Rochebelle. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 91-92 points. Balanced aromas that include florals, raspberries and cherries. Supple tannins, keen acidity. Still needs integration of components, but flavors verge on harmonious. Château Tour Saint-Pierre. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 91+ points. From technical director David Caillaud, this wine aged in French oak barrels is a 89/11 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc that includes 13% alcohol and has fresh, sparky aromas of spring red fruit. Flavors include cassis and black cherries with balanced acidity. Château Petit Val. Rosé. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 90-91 points. 50/50 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Aromas of florals, candy cane, pineapple and shortcake. Expressive fruit and easy drinking rosé with pronounced structure and minerality. Bien-Aimée de Fleur de Lisse. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 92+ points. Made, as with all red wines from Vignobles Jade, with indigenous yeast. Bright and light plumes of aromas of red plums, red cherries, and bright black cherries in this wine aged in cement. Light, bright, scintillating fruit flavors that include raspberries. Spring brilliance. Château La Marzelle. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 93+ points. 80/13/7 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 30-year-old vines. Aromas include violets, red plums, cocoa, cassis, cookie dough, some green grass. Fine and precise flavors with balanced acidity. A tightrope vintage—fine line of tension between light fruit and acidity. Easy drinking. Château Monlot. Heritage de Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 93-94 points. Red fruit aromas dominant, including plums and raspberries. Also peaches and some gorse in this 13.5% alcohol wine. Good fruit and acidity although it needs a few years to integrate. Long finish on this year's somewhat Beaujolais version of Bordeaux. Easy drinking. Pair with chicken or pigeon. Château Saint Georges. Côte Pavie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 94+ points. 85/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged 16 months in oak. Delicate, profound and complex perfumes of hibiscus, queen of the night, violets as well as some mocha and mint. Dynamic acidity melded with soft fondant tannins. Flavors include black and red cherries and blueberry tart on a sparky finish. Incredibly well assembled for this vintage. 13% alcohol. Château La Gaffelière. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 94 points. 60/40 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend aged partially in new oak. 13.5% alcohol. Lively expressive aromas that include candy cane and After Eight mints as well as blueberries, red cherries and violets. Intensely suave integration of textured berries. Château Angélus. No. 3. Saint-Émilion. 2024. 91+-92 points. 85/20/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh, clean, direct, focused and brilliant aromas of florals and raspberries. Light wine with acidity dominant; flavors of young red fruit, some herbaceousness. Supple tannins, semi complex, easy drinking. Cabernet Franc vines at Château Angélus, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France Château Grand Mayne. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 95-96 points. 70/25/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/ Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months in oak. 13.7% alcohol. Fresh sea spray of aromas that include violets, cocoa, tobacco and red cherries. Fondant suave tannins and succulence in this soft and layered gem. Complex layer cake of flavors that include German chocolate cake and red cherries. Château Mangot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 96 points. A 64/34/2 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Fantastic value for this biodynamic wine from the Todeschini brothers. Deep dark purple color, beautiful aromas of violets, florals, red cherries and some mocha/cocoa. Light acidity is a reminder of a Fleurie from Beaujolais—though this Bordeaux includes requisite tannins and structure. Concentrated and rich flavors from a basket of light fruit that includes cassis, strawberries, raspberries. Excellent integration of components give a fresh and light fruit expression. Relais de La Dominique. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 93-94 points. 100% Merlot from the coolest locations on the estate and from both older and younger vines. Bright and festive aromas include wet earth and red cherries. Tightly integrated dense mid palate that is a cherry explosion with some menthol as well as black cherries and morels. Bright acidity on the finish. A well-integrated and easy drinking package with succulent and suave tannins. Château La Dominique. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2024. 94+ points. 85/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in new and used French oak and amphorae. 13.5% alcohol. Buoyant, festive, succulent, fine, light aromas of red and black cherries. Flavors include cassis, chocolate cake. Light as a Fleurie from Beaujolais but with a firm tannic backbone. Easy drinking and well made wine from technical director Yann Monties. Château Petit Val. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 94-95 points. From the Alloin family, this 70/30 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged in new oak has an intense perfume of lavender and violets and aromas of gingerbread, spice, salinity and black pepper. Well integrated flavor components include candy cane and raspberries in a generous juice. Supple tannins, fine and light acidity; well balanced and easy to drink now. Château Petit Val. Muse du Val. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 93+ points. 50/50 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend vinified in barrels. Pronounced perfumes and aromas of bon bons, raspberries, orange rind, violets and slight menthol. Complex and festive layer cake of red and black cherries, chocolate and nutmeg. Soft, light, fluid tannins in this well made and classic wine. Pair with sashimi or a dessert of strawberry tart. Wines from Château Petit Val, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France Château Fleur de Lisse. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 94+ points. 70/30 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged in barrels, amphorae and cement. Aromas of violets, red cherries, some lava cake. A wine for food that includes flavors of red cherries in a textured mid palate with heft and elegance. Château L'Etampe. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 94+ points. Creamy aromas of mocha, raspberries and cassis. Mid palate with heft, finesse and fine tension between acidity and red fruit. Pair with mushroom velouté. Vignobles Jade. Fontfleurie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 93 points. Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Light, fine, dominant and gorgeous aromas of black cherries. Crackling acidity, supple tannins, waves of light spring fruit flavors such as raspberries as well as some morels and black licorice. Château Du Parc. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2024. 90-91 points. 100% Merlot aged up to 18 months in new oak. Aromas of light red fruit and some greenery. Attack and finish lacking but mid palate creamy and rich acidity. Château Montviel. Pomerol. 2024. 92 points. Clean and clear aromas that include violets, sultanas and some green grass. Fine and precise flavors with acidity dominant. Pleasant mouth feel and heightened taste of black and red fruit including cassis and red plums. Subtle and elegant tannins. Château Fayat. Promesse. Pomerol. 2024. 91-92 points. This 100% Merlot includes easy and approachable aromas of florals that include violets, as well as red cherries and toast. Somewhat peppery in the mouth with flavors that include cherries and spices. Bright acidity and slightly complex. Clos René. Pomerol. 2024. 91-92 points. Herbaceous and wild aromas followed by supple tannins with flavors of mocha and blackberries. Crackling acidity on the finish. Château Beauregard. Pomerol. 2024. 94-95 points. 67/24/9 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon aged up to 18 months in partially new French oak. Crisp, brittle and fresh perfume of violets and roses and aromas of light red fruits that include raspberries and strawberries. Soft and melted tannins and heightened acidity suavely integrated with fruits and alcohol before a lovely long finish. Merlot grapes at a château in Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Château Saint-Pierre. Pomerol. 2024. 94-95 points. 85/15 Merlot/Cabernet Franc from an eight acre plot that has been in the family for over a century. Vinified with 10% stems in amphorae. Generous perfume of violets and aromas of red and black cherries that are fine, precise and light. Beautiful spice, black currants, chocolate and herbs of Provence in this deliciously complex wine well integrated with suave tannins and slight salinity. A hint of peaches and red licorice on the finish. Château La Violette. Pomerol. 2024. 94 points. Slightly herbaceous aromas followed by violets. Delicate and suave tannins in this chewy and textured mouthful that includes flavors of brownies and blue fruit. Brilliant, uplifting and creamy finish. Clos Bel Air. Pomerol. 2024. 92+ points. Thin aromas of raspberries in this 95/5 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc with 12.5% alcohol. Gorgeously creamy mid palate with supple blue and red fruit flavors. Château Renaissance. Pomerol. 2024. 93-94 points. This 85/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc is aged in both old and new oak as well as in terracotta amphorae. Beautiful aromas of violets, roses as well as mocha, coffee, black pepper and allspice. Light, delicate and slightly spicy flavors include red plums. Château Le Gay. Pomerol. 2024. 93-94 points. Making this wine required 280 barrels used for microvinification. Prim aromas of violets, tobacco and slight mocha. Crisp tension between acidity, tannins and blue and red fruit in the mouth. Textured with a crisp finish. Flavors include dark plums, dorp licorice and slight salinity on the finish. Balanced, light, fine and delicate wine. Château Petit-Village. Pomerol. 2024. 94 points. 60/31/9 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 55+ year old vines. Aged up to 16 months in partially new French oak barriques as well as in 500 liter barrels. 13% alcohol. Organic wine includes young perfumed aromas of black cherries, red cherries, florals, some herbaceousness. Rich, supple and suave tannins as well as ripe, lambent, dominant acidity. Subtle flavors include strawberries, raspberries. Deft tannins and some chocolate on a silky finish. Keep this for a few years before opening. Château Plain Point. Fronsac. 2024. 94-95 points. 90/8/2 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon that spends over a year in barrel and includes an alcohol level of 13.5%. Supple, sweet, well integrated aromas that include minerality, gorse, strawberries, blackberries. These turn more supple after five minutes in the glass. Gorgeous balanced and precise flavors include red plums, red cherries, raspberries, blueberries, cinnamon and mocha. Lovely, fine, supple and creamy tannins well integrated with fruit. Interior of Château Plain Point, Fronsac, Bordeaux, France Château de Carles. Fronsac. 2024. 92-93 points. 100% Merlot. Some Provence herbs and young red fruit aromas. Heightened acidity, supple tannins, bright fruit. Long finish to this well integrated wine. Château de Carles. Haut-Carles. Fronsac. 2024. 93 points. Merlot dominant wine with one fifth Cabernet Franc that aged in both barrels and amphorae. Slightly smoky aromas include dark and ripe blackberries. Supple tannins, bright fruit that is lightbur lacks density. Château Gaby. Canon-Fronsac. 2024. 92+ points. 80/10/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of black pepper, brownies and red cherries. Acidity dominant and flavors include light red fruit such as raspberries. Needs time for integration of flavors. Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard. Lalande-de-Pomerol. 2024. 93+ points. 100% Merlot that will eventually age for 33 months in French oak. Fresh, zesty and pronounced aromas of granite, black pepper and licorice. Supple tannins, sparky acidity, dark fruit flavors that bolt in the mouth. Well integrated components. Château La Brande. Castillon. 2024. 92+ points. The Todeschini brothers are still generating wines of great value both in Saint-Émilion and Castillon. This wine lacks the characteristically indelicately chalky characteristics of many wines from that appellation and the aromas are fine and precise and include raspberries and red cherries. Flavors of light red fruit, cherry tart and sparking acidity with a lovely finish and pronounced length. 13.5% alcohol. Château Le Virou. Vielles Vignes. Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux. 2024. 92 points. From winemaker Pauline Gentet, this 70/15/15 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon from 35-year-old vines ages partially for 12 months in American oak. Crackling aromas of red and black fruit. Crisp acidity in this young but delicious wine that is a bargain. Winemaker Pauline Gentet at Château Le Virou, Blaye, Bordeaux, France Château Mangot. Rosé. 2024. 90-91 points. 100% biodynamic Merlot with 12% alcohol. Fresh aromas of pineapples, mangoes, peaches. In the mouth—tension and minerality. Famille Todeschini. Préface. Vin de France. 2024. 92+ points. Made from white Merlot, a 'lost grape' that is a hybride of Folle Blanche and Merlot. Aromas of white pears, guavas, honeysuckle and lavender. Deliciously fresh with beautiful acidity. 2,700 bottles produced. Unique and uplifting. Château Moya. Vin de Bordeaux. 2024. 93 points. 93/7 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas reminiscent of a Beaujolais with florals such as roses dominant. Also aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, black cherries. Complex wine with beautifully taut tension, flavors of light red fruit, belle acidité and an enjoyable tangy snap on the finish.
