the editor’s top tips

Malbec

  • The Albesco, Château de Haut de Serre, a white 100% chardonnay, labelled “Vin de pays du Lot”, aged in oak barrels.
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  • La Réserve de Caillou, the premier red from Château Gaudou, a 100% Malbec from ancient vines, handpicked and ginned grapes, with notes of fruit and mocha.
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  • The GC at the Top and the Cèdre Blanc, gently wooded from the Château du Cèdre.
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  • The Sanguis Christi, from the Roques de Cana estate, an excellent wine for laying down.
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  • The Cigaralle, from the Château de Cayx, a fresh, fruity and elegant white chardonnay.
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  • The Cuvée A, from the Domaine les Hauts d’Aglan, gold medal 2005, an upmarket wine.

Madiran - Jurançon - Irouléguy

     
  • Cauhapé Estate in Monein. The Noblesse du Temps 2009 vintage is a Jurançon, made with 100% Petit Manseng grape and harvested early December. it appears in the mouth, complex and refined, a surprising freshness.
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  • Crampilh Estate in Aurions-Idernes. A Vic-Bihl Pacherenc 2007, dry with notes of citrus and white flowers. A wine that lends itself to parties during the summer evenings.
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  • Etxegaraya Estate. A Irouléguy rosé wine, amazing, elegant and fruity, which won a gold medal in 2011.
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  • Domaine de Souch. We have acclaimed the new wine, Le Sans Papiers, produced by Yvone Hegoburu. Classified as "Vins de France" bot not AOC. However, it has already a very powerful taste, full of fruit and crispness. This is a straight and delicious Jurançon.
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  • Ameztia Estate. Our beautiful discovery, that is not one for the connoisseur of Irouléguy! The dry white mineral wine produced by Jean-Louis Costes is a pure delight. End and chiseled, while claiming the typical Basque specificity, this is a great white wine with a soft heart.