Vignoble De Boisseyt Saint-Joseph Les Rivoires 2019
1) 15235793 | $62.50
I admit to having a weakness for wines with peppery notes that Increase the flavour and make one salivate. The molecule responsible for this savoury quality bears the name “rotundone”. It is hidden in some red wines made of Syrah, gamay and Graciano, as well as in the Grüner Veltliner whites.

The “Les Rivoires” vintage, from the Boisseyt estate, gave rise to this introduction. Made only from Syrah, this dark red wine with scents of cherry, blueberry, licorice and – unsurprisingly – pepper, tickles the nose. The mouth is a pool of juicy fruit with floating light tannins… in which frolics the aforementioned rotundone, to the delight of our tastebuds.

Well, mine, at least.

Domaine Denis Fouquerand & Fils Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune
Derrière Montbard 2022
2) 14084161 | $27.05
A new nugget for lovers of a pinot-style Bourguignon, this pinot noir from the Domaine Fouquerand, a 2022, is packed with fruity flavours such as cherry, strawberry, raspberry and black currant. The mouth contact is lively beside the slightly dominant tannins. This young wine needs to breathe. Aerate it for a good half-hour and serve it in large balloon glasses which will play the role of carafe, with a view to reducing the acidity and making the grainy tannins dissolve into the wine’s fruitiness… which will increase the wine’s richness.

Successfully done: pleasure guaranteed.

Siegel Naranjo Viognier Vallée de Colchagua 2023
3) 14703962 | $26.60
I enjoy making April’s light traverse a glass of wine, preferably orange. The Narango de Siegel (viognier grape) enhances the experience with its coppery glints.

The nose displays an aromatic parade of orange blossom, ground fruit, dried peach and apricot, thyme and oregano. The mouth is fresh, tasty and round without a hint of bitterness.

Wonderful with fish and shellfish having a crisp breadcrumb coating.