Organic, fleshy, luscious.
Established in 1815, Fonseca belongs in the first rank of Vintage Port houses and is regarded as one of the most stylistically consistent of the classic Vintage Port houses.
It's Ports have been made by five generations of the Guimaraens family since its foundation and it's wines are made from the estates of Panascal, Cruzeiro and Santo Antonio.
In 2006 it became the first house to offer a Port made entirely from organically produced grapes.
The Terra Prima suggests dried strawberries and cherries, molasses, chocolate and a notable earthy undertone. It's slick with a beautiful supple texture and flavours of chocolate, caramel, baking spices and dried fruits. Still notably fresh it has a long cedary finish.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 31st, 2022

Crunchy, piquant, nervy
The name Greywacke is derived from the soils of the same name. They are found in Marlborough (and elsewhere) - a type of compact dark sandstone with clay and quartz matter, which comprises the alluvial river stones in Greywacke's Rapura vineyard. Owner Kevin Judd is known as a pioneer in the region - his wines applauded for their complexity and substance.
A sublime version with verdant nettle and elderflower, piquant lime, grapefruit and green apple, and a mineral core with a dollop of honey. Crunchy and precise on the palate; nervy and razor sharp it has distinct mineral character and a creamy edge to soften the angles. Lengthy and simply outstanding.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 20th, 2018

Amazing levity and generosity of fruit; juicy raspberry, cherry, vanilla, violet pastilles and star anise aromas levitate above forest floor undertones. High-toned red fruit is grounded with tealeaf and spice flavours. Seductive, and complete.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 14th, 2018

Fresh, delightful, elegant
Named for the historic Moulin de Vaudon, built in the 18th century, which is the headquarters of Maison Joseph Drouhin, this elevated Chardonnay comes from estate vineyards mainly situated in the Valley of Vauvillien near the Grand Crus. Vines (average 24 years) are grown on kimmeridgian limestone soils and it is aged 7-8 months in stainless steel.
This elegant wine delves into hazelnuts and yellow apples, wet stone, lemon zest and orange blossom aromas. Fresh and slick, on the tongue it offers creamy golden fruit, roasted nuts and citrus peel flavours. A lovely Chablis, balanced and persistent; a delight to drink.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 1st, 2021

Luxurious, slick, creamy.
Named for the historic Moulin de Vaudon, built in the 18th century, which is the headquarters of Maison Joseph Drouhin, this luxurious Chardonnay comes from estate vines planted in kimmeridgian limestone soils in the valley of Vauvillien; it was aged in stainless steel for 7-8 months.
It boldly delivers aromas of quince and lemon meringue, marzipan and coriander, yellow apples and fresh mountain stream. A lovely palate is creamy yet exuberant; it has a slick texture and long finish trailing flavours of almond paste and praline.
Outstanding.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 22nd, 2021