We list ten top stands to visit at February's Decanter Fine Wine Encounter. Buy tickets here LAST WEEK: Top 10 Low alcohol wines NEXT WEEK: Top 10 white Burgundy (current release)
Château Camplazens
After several years of searching for a wine property, British couple Peter and Susan Close found their dream vineyard in Les Clape in 2000. Yann Claustre, with the help of 2 local consultants, looks after all the winemaking. The Syrah is their signature wine, along with the small production of Viognier.
Cambon la Pelouse
This is a very reliable Cru Bourgeois wine which, year on year, always performs well at our panel tastings. Recently the 2006 was awarded 4 stars at our Crus Bourgeois panel tasting (February 09). The property is located just outside the Margaux appellation between Château Giscours and Cantermerle. This is a great opportunity to try the outstanding 2005 and the classic 2001 vintages.
Château de Tigné
This is a newcomer to our Decanter Fine Wine Encounter. Iconic French actor Gérard Depardieu bought the Château in 1989 and spent the first few years investing in the vineyard and cellar. Philippe Polleau, who has worked with Depardieu for 20 years, looks after the Domaine but Depardieu is still very much involved with all the decisions, including harvest and assemblage. We recently tasted the Anjou blanc Les Maillones 2007 and the red Confidence 2003 at his restaurant in Paris and they are the two wines to try.
Château Climens
Château Climens belongs to the Lurton empire and it’s one of the leading names in Barsac. Often described as one of the most elegant wines (stylistically) in Barsac, Bérénice Lurton will be showing 2 excellent vintages: 2002 and 2005
Domaine Maestracci
Corsica is definitely an up and coming region and the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter is a great opportunity to discover tomorrow’s stars. Dating back to 1850, this Domaine was originally a mill for the production of olive oil. Today, it’s a 29ha vineyard planted with local varieties and run by Dominique and Michel Raoust. The Corse Calvi Clos Reginu Blanc 2008 is a must.
Delas Frères
This néciant house was bought by Champagne Roederer in 1993. The big turnaround for Delas came when Jacques Granges, formerly at Chapoutier and Jean-Luc Columbo, took control of the vineyards and cellar in 1997. Don’t miss out on the Marquise de la Tourette Hermitage red from the outstanding 2006 vintage.
Château la Nerthe
One of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château la Nerthe is always a reference in the region. Their wines always perform well at our tastings. Don’t miss the Red 2005 which recently was awarded 4 stars at our 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape panel tasting (May 08).
Château de la Roulerie
Located in Anjou, this is a Bernard Germain’s property (Château de Fesles) which is now run by sons Philippe & Thierry. Philippe will be showing the sweet wine Chaume from the exceptional 2007 vintage.
Château Carbonnieux
Our recent Decanter Award (5-star) winner at our Graves & Pessac tasting (December 08), Eric Perrin will be showcasing the classic red 2006 vintage and the wonderful ’07 white. The Château Carbonnieux Blanc ’06 is the one not to be missed.
Château de Fuissé
Known as the jewel of Pouilly Fuissé this family estate dates back to 1852 and is now in the hands of Jean-Jacques Vincent. In 1985 Vincent created a négociant business and he is now able to offer a range of wines from across the Maconnais region.
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