Mixed Bag Vol. 17

This Sauvignon Blanc from Chablis is intriguing first and foremost because of where it comes from. Stylistically, it leans toward a more mineral, less in-your-face version of the punchy New World expressions. Green apricot, freshly cut grass, peach, gooseberries, and lemon. On the palate, it hits a vibrant and well-balanced note, with a structure that's almost buttery - but not soft. Just enough weight to carry the freshness.

Fun skin-contact blend of Pinot Gris, Early Muscat and Riesling. Feels like a gentle, slightly unsure take on psychedelic folk. Think orange peel, redcurrant, peach jam - some bitterness, a bit of minerality, all wrapped in something that tastes like a well-made fruit compote (in the best way). But damn, it's short. Lacks finish and structure. And the price? Brutal.

Bold and direct, but not flat - there's depth under that richness. It opens up beautifully in the glass, showing ripe peach, apricot jam, dried mango, and a touch of herbal dryness. Still very young, with high acidity and grippy tannins, it's bright and intense in a way that'll either charm you or push you away. Long, perfumed finish. A wine with presence.

Oh wow, what a beauty. It's developed so gracefully - brioche, acacia, honey, that cidery edge, baked apples and a touch of Jerez. Everything in its place and precise, and yet still so expressive. Structured, long, and deeply satisfying. There's real intensity now, but it never feels forced. I hadn't touched it in two years, just let it rest, and opening it now was absolutely the right call. Worth every moment of waiting.

A lovely and elegant entry point into Rosé des Riceys, with the warmth of the vintage clearly showing. Fragrant, delicate, and nuanced - red berries, wild strawberry, red plum, dried cherry, rose petals, a dusting of white pepper. The palate is round and silky, gently spiced, yet the expression remains strikingly pure - almost Champagne-like in spirit (lol). Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a graceful structure, the tannins are fine, never harsh. Still young, but honestly, there's no need to wait - it's already a joy to drink.

Now this is clearly a more serious affair (compared to Rosé des Riceys La Forêt 2020 by Alexandre Bonnet) - deeper, more layered, and far more engaging. The nose is subtle yet demands your attention: fermented cherries, hibiscus, a whisper of Wuyi oolong or Dan Cong, leather, tobacco, smoke. A touch of underbrush and barnyard rounds it out with just the right dose of wildness. Structurally, it's firmer than the Bonnet, but everything is in place - the dryness, the grip of the tannins, the tension. There's a fragile elegance to it, though - blink and you might miss it. Let it breathe and it turns into something quietly stunning. Ultra-fresh, tightly built, and beautifully composed.

Oh wow - this is just incredible. Watermelon bubblegum, hibiscus, rose petals, fermented berries, cornelian cherry. A striking mineral core runs through it all. It's bursting with energy, razor-sharp in its precision, and absolutely brimming with personality. The quality is undeniable - complex, layered, not quite fully ready but already captivating. Fresh, structured, and impossibly long. Honestly? This is something else.

Dried cherry, rosé jam, baked apricot, cinnamon, mountain herbs, Dominican cigars, and caramel. The bouquet feels both generous and intricate, never tipping into excess. On the palate, it's delicate yet structured, with near-perfect balance. The aftertaste lingers beautifully - chocolate, caramel, and that same haunting rosé jam. Remarkably composed, quietly seductive.