LOTS OF TASTY NEW BITS

Hey,

Fionn on a Tuesday? Better get used to this. Hope you’re all feeling fresh-faced after a glorious 4-day weekender. Me? Anything but… Anyhow, it’s still business as usual round here and as ever with plenty of nice bits to see us through the hangover.

If your weekend, like mine, has put a dent in the cash flow whilst we await payday, then fear not. I bring you this ultra-reliable Italian. Montepulciano that has been handled gently to highlight its fresher side. Not too ripe, not too heavy, not a sight of oak. What’s not to like? Whatever the occasion or vibe this has you covered.

Now, onto some very special new arrivals! We just received a decent chunk of Santini, who is IMO one of the most underrated winemakers we stock. Without his influence, we probably wouldn’t have the feverish hype around Arnuad Lopez, Dandelion, Vin Noe and the whole new cohort of ex-pat Burgundians. It was Chris’s cellar in Auxey that was the incubator for these now cult status winemakers. Thanks Chris. Whilst the aforementioned producers’ stock skyrocketed, he took a little break from production for a few years. Since his return last year, the wines have weirdly flown under the radar. Shame, because there is no one really doing what he does. What does he do? Thought-provoking yet vin de soif style bottlings from a range of top sites across the region. He was also heading up the Beaune office for Kermit Lynch, so it’s safe to say he has access to some very nice parcels. These are wines that I will never tire of drinking. Wines where bouquet is favoured over body and where freshness and drinkability are put front and center.

Bon Vin has lots of nerdy bits on the product page that I won’t bore you with here and is such a nice starting point into the fragrant house style. How could things get even more refreshing? Sub in Chardonnay for the Gamay obviously! Blouge par excellence. Lithe and lifted, destined for a chill. This is going to be my wine of SS25. The Cote Chalonnaise is probably the most typical of the trio yet offering way more fun and enjoyment than you usually find in young wines from the region. Again, gently macerated and expressive on the fruit front. A bottle that is good to go now but also good to cellar.

Speaking of, there is still a bit of Lopez kicking about: Think longer macerations, single-site fruit, whole bunchy, serious burgundy. These will reward the patient.

Elsewhere, there’s a new white from Envínate that does not disappoint. Salt and citrus with a bit of a creamy texture. It’s versatile, vital, and very on-brand. Also, Fugazi is back after skipping the 2023 vintage! Huge news. This cult Aussie Grenache basically redefined the genre. Ahead of its time, this is channeling as much pinosity as it can muster. Impossible not to love.

Catch you soon,

Fionn
xoxo