Château Vermont

Elisabeth Dufourg and David Labat area an ambitious couple. She is a fourth generation family winemaker; he has amassed 20 years’ experience as a négociant. Looking to put their corner of the Entre-Deux-Mers on the map, they built a new winery in 2010 and in 2012 restructured their vineyard to identify parcels suitable for a special cuvée. They have succeeded in crafting atypical, commanding wines that punch well above their weight. They farm sustainably, use zero herbicides, and are bee-friendly. David is also the current Président du Syndicat de l’Entre-deux-Mers.

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris

$ 31 $ 186

This has a coastal nose of prairie grass, petit pois, green beans and gooseberry. The palate is medium-bodied and direct, with additional notes of sweet conference pear. This is a simple, easy quaffer suitable for all occasions. Drink now – mp

12.5%

Prairie grass, petit pois, green beans, gooseberry

Prairie grass, petit pois, gooseberry, conference pear, [0.00]

Spring vegetable focaccia

$ 180 $ 540

This has a concentrated nose of blackcurrant, cigar box, and pencil shavings. The pallet bursts with ripe cassis, pomegranate and leather, plus cooler forest floor and damp earth. The tannins are robust. Exceptionally well-made at this price, this is Bordeaux wizardry of the highest calibre. 2026-2030 mp

Moroccan-seasoned

A somewhat atypical nose of ripe cassis with mint, crushed black pepper and cooked plum. The pallet offers an intense and beguiling profile with more ripe cassis, blueberry, graphite, and nuanced oak. The tannins are for the long haul: ripe and firmly structured and this could well go the distance. 2025-2030 –mp

14.5%

Ripe cassis, mint, crushed black pepper, cooked plum

Ripe cassis, blueberry, pencil shavings, damp earth

Wild mushroom galette with thyme

2018 was a knockout vintage best savoured in the slow-maturing magnum format. The appealing nose reveals ripe blackcurrant, wet stone, and cedar. There is a bold, concentrated palate of cassis, blueberry, cinnamon, enhanced by a solid tannic backbone. As a Bordeaux Supérieur, this is unbeatable. 2023-2028–mp

15%

Blackcurrant, wet stone, vanilla, cedar

Cassis, blueberry, sandalwood, cinnamon

Balsamic-glazed roasted vegetable medley

Ch Teau Roquefort

$ 28

$ 168

Château Les Tuileries does not profess to be a first growth, but what it does, it does very well. There is definition in the ripe blackcurrant on the nose, and just enough oak to add balance. Blackberry, damson, bramble, and clover follow on the palate. The oak notes – cedar and liquorice – are in welcome harmony. Fine tannins and fresh acidity are the framework for this classically poised, mid-life Bordeaux. 2023-2028 – mp

13.5%

Ripe blackcurrant, cassis, redcurrant, cedar

Ripe blackcurrant, damson, clover, liquorice

Spice-crusted ahi tuna

Merlot,

156

Robust, easy-going, and mature. A hearty nose of stewed plums, forest fruits, and a whiff of dark chocolate. A medium-bodied palate of baked raspberry and black plum framed by ripe tannins. Medium finish. 2023-2024 – mp

13%

Stewed plums, blackberry, raspberry, dark chocolate

Baked raspberry, black plum, bramble, redcurrant

Gigot d’agneau with maple glaze

Ch Teau Du Clos Du Pr V T

The Gadras family are the longterm owners of this estate in the far north of Entre-Deux-Mers, at Naujan-et-Postiac, just a few miles south of the Dordogne confluence. The house style is lean, forward, and immensely drinkable. Traditionally farmers, they have been making wine for over 200 years, and, of late have focused more on the vineyards as climate change necessitates changes in management.

4271

CHÂTEAU DU CLOS DU PRÉVÔT BLANC AND ROSÉ CASE3 BOTTLES EACH:

$ 26 $ 156

This mixed case from our friends at Clos du Prévôt is just the ticket for seasonal entertaining. There is a zingy white ideal with smoked salmon and a delicatelyflavoured rosé that will put a smile on the face of any veggie or vegan as it’s perfect with pasta and vegetable dishes.

FOLLOW THE TREND: PUT WHITE AND ROSÉ ON YOUR TABLE

CHÂTEAU DU CLOS DU PRÉVÔT, SAUVIGNON SÉMILLON, AOC BORDEAUX, FAMILLE GADRAS, 2022

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

A delicate nose revealing nectarine, elderflower, and orange. There are flavours of lemon pith and zest, fresh gooseberry, quince and apple on the delicate palate. Both the Sauvignon and Sémillon show well. This has spring to it, with a good swirl of citrus to finish. 2023-2024– mp

CHÂTEAU DU CLOS DU PRÉVÔT, CABERNET FRANC-MERLOT, ROSÉ, AOC BORDEAUX, FAMILLE GADRAS, 2022

Cabernet Franc, Merlot

This would go down a treat on a hot summer’s day. It has a delicate, strawberryscented nose. Hints of candy floss add a playful dimension. Jasmine plays foil to just-picked summer fruits on the wispy palate. A simple, honest rosé of charming disposition. 2023-2024– mp

12.5%

Nectarine, elderflower, candle wax, orange

Lemon zest, gooseberry, quince, apple, [0.00]

Pasta primavera

12.5%

Strawberry, candyfloss, raspberry, jasmine

Strawberry, candyfloss, raspberry, jasmine, [0.00]

Herbed turkey en papillote