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Fresne-Ducret is rich in family history and has been rooted in the premier cru village of Villedommange since the mid 1800s. Originally growing grapes for the big champagne houses, it wasn’t until the end of the second world war that the family decided to make their own wine. The tradition carries on today with Pierre Fresne and his wife Daniella (an Oakville ex-pat). Their philosophy is to produce wines that best exemplify the terroir of Villedommange, and they do this with sustainability in mind.
In 2014, Pierre Fresne embarked on a new adventure by creating a limited series of champagnes based on his desire for experimentation. Since then, he has produced one or two of these wines each year. Each are unique, according to his wishes and the profile of the vintage. This unique collection is called Arquémie, the term for alchemy in the Middle Ages. In 2018 Pierre began converting the vineyards to organic viticulture, and 2021 will be their first organic certified vintage.
This is a very well aged, golden toned Champagne with a very lifted quite oxidative nose of barley sugar, caramelized walnut, burlap and almost turnip-like fruit/root veg aroma. It is medium weight with excellent acidity, a hint of caramelized sweetness and a nutty, bitter finish. Outstanding length. Last tasted July 2026
A sad situation when nearly six years passes before having the chance at another taste of this most excellent Champagne. A new level of toast and charm is on display today, and still that revitalizing feeling you get from just one glass. Better yet, make it two. ’Tis the sort to take one’s breath away. Last tasted July 2026.
When richness, yeasty and warm toasted brioche get together in Champagne the effect is comforting and potentially hypnotizing. From the Premier Cru village of Villedommange dating back to the mid 1800s, the pedigree is noted and the 48 months of lees aging a coup for creating both a creamy and a revitalizing Champagne. There is an oxidative aspect here and it's effectualness is one that imagines exotic spice cupboards, masala mixes and gingery tisanes. Quite the exotic bubble, lightly frothy, elegantly styled, complex and fine. Drink 2020-2026. Tasted October 2020.
Richly nutty and toasty, yet firm and balanced, with gently unfurling layers of dried fruit, this is a memorable Champagne. I like the finely balanced palate that is lifted and supported by bright yet harmonious acidity and subtle sense of richness. The length is abiding. I would pair this sparkling wine with rich foods like gougères, butter-poached lobster, or a creamy cheese like camembert. Tasted July 2026.
This Champagne shows some fine maturity. A blend based on the 2014 vintage, it now has toastiness while keeping intense freshness. Acidity and touches of minerality come through the spiciness. Drink now.
Cordero San Giorgio is a new beginning in Oltrépo-Pavese for three siblings who grew up surrounded by their family’s vines at the legendary Vietti Estate in Castiglione Falletto in Barolo. The siblings Francesco, Lorenzo, and Caterina Cordero, are grandchildren of Luciana Vietti & Alfredo Currado, one of the pioneers of the first Barolo crus and considered the “father of Arneis.” Their father is Mario Cordero, Alfredo and Luciana’s son-in-law, who was the company’s co-owner from the beginning of the ‘80s until 2016 when it was sold.
Cordero San Giorgio is located in Santa Giuletta, a village sitting on the first hilly belt of the territory, an area made up of valleys that fan out over the Po Valley with steep slopes and thick ridges. The composition of the soil makes their site particularly suitable for the production of Pinot Nero, making it possible to obtain wines with maximum varietal expression and a strong territorial identity.
The Oltrepò Pavese is a hilly triangle of land in Lombardy, embraced by Piedmont, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. A territory dedicated to the cultivation of vines and the culture of wine for centuries: a land of both cultural and gastronomic encounter and exchange. Cordero San Giorgio is in the town of Santa Giuletta, and focuses on working with Pinot Nero, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.
The Château Lamartine stands at the extremely west side of the Cahors Appellation, on the oldest of Lot Valley’s terraces. The terroir of the 37 hectares faces South on clay and limestone soils which guarantees a perfect maturity to the Malbec.The aromas here are not showy, but I do like the way they easily harmonize malbec's mulberry fruit with fine oak, cedar, violet and dried herbs/hay characteristics. There is a similar sense of equilibrium on the palate, balanced alcohol (13%), just right acidity and sandy tannin (in a region historically notorious for tannic reds). A bit dry on the finish, so you may want to age it a bit, but its evenness makes it approachable now. Very good to excellent length. Tasted August 2026
Lamartine's classic Cahors is lovely in the 2022 vintage, resolved and velvety at this stage, polished, with appealing floral-violet varietal character mingling with black and blue fruit and creamy, integrated barrel influence. I especially like the texture, the ripeness and resolve of the tannins and the gentle acid framing. Length is very good to excellent in the category. Serious, well-made wine for the money; drink or hold as deep as the mid-thirties. Malbec blended with 5% merlot. Tasted August 2026.
Crunchy cahors, munificent malbec, and what feels like a salty maritime influence involved. A step beyond basic to be sure, well integrated wood, quite resolved and ready for action. Drink 2026-2028. Tasted August 2026.
McArthur Ridge Wines is a family-owned winery in New Zealand’s Central Otago, renowned for crafting award-winning wines that reflect the rugged beauty and unique terroir of the Alexandra Valley. Established in the early 2000s, the estate has grown from its first 15 hectares of vines into one of the region’s largest single vineyards, now spanning 175 hectares of ancient glacial terraces. Drawing on Brassknocker soils, glacial-fed water, and a cool alpine climate, the winery focuses on producing expressive Pinot Noir and other small-batch wines with depth, elegance, and balance. Guided by Chief Winemaker Matt Connell and Vineyard Manager Murray Petrie, McArthur Ridge combines careful vineyard stewardship with a commitment to authenticity, innovation, and showcasing the character of Central Otago in every bottle.
