ALLOCATIONS BIG & SMALL 🧨

Heyy! Once again, you’ve got the pleasure of Fionn on a Thursday. First time in a while as I’ve been busy gallivanting around Europe. I’ll bring you a deep dive on my travels once the dust has settled and I’ve financially recovered from my shopping spree in Burgundy…

Plenty of top stuff to dive into in the meantime. We received a measly allocation from Etienne Seignovert a while back. It went in a blink of an eye. Managed to secure a few more, but I had to beg for these. 3 of each, so pls don’t dwindle.

These were in EVERY decent wine shop in France which is always a good sign. Sadly, very few made it across the channel. Rough, but again usually a good sign of the quality. Sadly, the French don’t often feel like sharing their very best and I for one can’t blame them.

Etienne’s work is all about light gentle extraction. Pretty blue-fruited Syrah with plenty of garrigue complexity already here. An even more lithe, silky take here. These both showcase the juicy, primary fruited side of Syrah we rarely see whilst still providing typicity to a tee. Even if Syrah isn’t your usual fav, I’d be giving these a good go.

New in and we have a collaboration with his good pal Thibaud Capellaro, who we also managed to get a small top-up of. Roughly a third each of Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier. This is juicy, full of strawberries and cherries but also with something tropical going on. This blend is something that I’d usually pass at. Don’t make that mistake. This is easily my favorite thing I’ve tasted in a minute. Elegance, you don’t see often this far south.

Also, small amounts of a laser-sharp white. Floral and citrus upfront before we move into the tropical side of the spectrum. Alpine freshness bolstered by some Southern soul. Tonic level of refreshment.

Whilst I love unearthing the new talent, it’s nice to be re-acquainted with old friends. At this point, Foillard is pretty much royalty. Thankfully, this allocation saw generous amounts of Cote Du Puy land. My desert island drink of choice. You die-hard winos will know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting this benchmark bottle, then there is no time like the present.

A little less, but still enough, of the Corcellete. This is a lieu-dit that you should get acquainted with. Old vines AKA precision and purity. See Bouland and Goddard for their equally delicious takes on this heavenly site.

The elusive Foillard Fleurie completes the hat trick. Age worthy but so good in its youth with a pretty side still showing despite the warm vintage! Timeless for a reason.

Anders Frederik Steen also has a cult-like following albeit not quite adored by the classicists. These are for those who live on the wild side. The wines can be quite divisive, often flirting that fine line between flawed and flawless. Personally, I love ‘em… Wild, rustic but some of the most captivating drinking you can have. Petit Sirah is again something I’d usually run a mile from but both of these have seen plenty of time to soften out. The ‘20 is fresher whilst the ‘19 is a riper ripper. These will age extremely well. Not for the faint-hearted or those adverse to a touch of VA, but who doesn’t love something boundary-breaking every once in a while?

Last but not least, v v limited L’Anglore has now been packed for your pleasure. You simply can’t find this bottle anywhere on our shores, except like right here!

Happy Shopping :)

FIONN
XOXO