100% Roussanne
I usually prefer Marsanne, but this actually worked out pretty good. I like it better than the 2016 rouge version of this wine, which I thought was a tad oaky.
https://cluboenologique.com/story/wine-photographer-of-the-year-2026-shortlist/
Jean-Michel Deiss Foot-Treading his Pinot Noir in Bergheim, Alsace
Please, oh lord, let him be wearing a speedo or something under there! 😲
This showed just flat out elegant and delicious. Probably the most refined Ovello I've ever had... lighter in color, clear ruby translucence in the glass.. a joy to drink.... still good to cellar for another few years but I think it's at peak now. I love these wines.
Interesting, but a ponderous (not uplifting fruit) finish for this particular bottle... glad I had a chance to try it... pretty good paired with BBQ sandwich and greens...
It's just not elegant, really...
I suppose I discovered Vorberg Riserva through @"Mark Scudiery" and @"Ian D'Agata" .
The 2021 is beautiful now. Seriously. Pop one.
Popped and decanted to get some air. Unfolded graciously, but clearly young.... structured red fruit, suave tannins and a tight savoriness that loosens up over a few hours that, to me, speaks of some whole cluster inclusion. This my first experience with this Santa Barbara producer. Two thumbs up. Enjoyed with chicken and sausage jambalaya.
Enjoyed the 2009 Aubert Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard alongside the 2010 Michel Mallard Corton Le Rognet Grand Cru. Aubert was double decanted back into bottle.... some very fine sediment.... really a wow wine.... haven't had one in ages. Mallard was slow-o'd in bottle for a couple of hours. Both wines paired deliciously with Creole BBQ grilled oysters, grilled octopus and charcoal grilled whole branzino.
I was focused on the Aubert until I tasted the Corton Le Rognet and was riveted to how on point it was.... a beautifully elegant showing. In reality, I've never had a pinot noir from the Hill of Corton that was ready. This was my first encounter with Le Rognet Grand Cru, and oh boy is it good stuff. My favorite of any of the Corton GC reds. Lengthy savory finish... surprisingly approachable for a 2010 ....
We've got a 2010 Michel Mallard Corton Maréchaudes waiting in the wings to compare to the 2010 Corton Le Rognet! Will report back 👍🍷
The 2010 Corton Le Rognet was crazily approachable! I've never had anything like it from Corton before!
I found a bit of background info on Maréchaudes... look forward to trying it... ...
"...The name "Maréchaudes" is derived from the name of a vineyard mentioned in the 13th century as "En Mareschaut", which comes from the Old French "maresche" (marshland). The lower part of Aloxe-Corton was indeed marshy due to its proximity to the source of the Lauve river. Major work was undertaken to drain the soil to make it suitable for viticulture..."
I found some notes on a 2010 Michel Mallard Aloxe-Corton La Toppe Au Vert 1er Cru we enjoyed about a year ago that showed well, with Maréchaudes being located just next door to La Toppe... indeed, upon closer examination of the maps, a small corner of La Toppe Au Vert may be classed as Grand Cru, with the rest being 1er Cru...
http://lestastevinsdulac.blogspot.com/2025/03/2010-domaine-michel-mallard-aloxe.html
Based on comments by @"Neal Martin", Mallard uses anywhere from 60% to 80% whole cluster in his Grand Cru wines and up to 50% bunches for the 1er Cru wines.
