ORGANIC DELIGHTS
Some of the world’s best wines come from environmentally sustainable wineries that employ biodynamic principles— organic methods in growing vines and making wine without the use of synthetic chemicals. The winemakers look at the vineyard as a complete ecosystem, treating the environment with a deep respect and refraining from artificial manipulation. A big supporter of such wineries, James Suckling nominates 10 of his favourite biodynamic wines
1 SEÑA VALLE DE ACONCAGUA 2015
Stunning aromas of blackcurrant, stone, blueberry and liquorice. Iodine, too. Floral. Perfumed. Full body, fantastic density of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes on for minutes on the palate with such energy and focus. Touch of chewiness on the finish. A complex and complete wine that delivers a generosity with firmness. Drink in 2021 but already a classic to drink. 100 points
2 CHÂTEAU LATOUR PAUILLAC 2014
Violet, liquorice, pencil, flowers and currant define this on the nose before it moves to fresh mushrooms. It’s full-bodied yet compacted with tension and a compressed centre palate. Incredible fine-grained tannins and energy. The length is truly great. Should be even more beautiful in 2024. Give it time. 99 points
3 DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT RIESLING ALSACE GRAND CRU RANGEN DE THANN CLOS SAINT URBAIN 2016
Super smoky with enormous depth, but also incredibly precise and pristine with a saltysavoury-mineral finish that doesn’t want to stop. In spite of that unique personality and a couple of decades of ageing potential, it’s so easy to enjoy right now. 99 points
4 CHÂTEAU MONTROSE SAINT-ESTÈPHE 2015
Intensity and clarity of fruit is so insane. Blackberry, spices such as clove, blueberry, sandalwood and dried lavender. Full body and such a beautiful, dense centre palate with perfectly polished tannins. Extremely long and beautiful. One of the best young Montroses in a long, long time. Drink in 2024. 98 points
5 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015
This has a dark fruit, blueberry and blue plum nose with wide-swinging tannins. Some white-peppery elements, violet, brooding dark spices, blue fruit and dark plum. Builds from the ground up. Dark stone. Impressive, powerful wine. Drink from 2025. 97 points
6 QUINTESSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2015
Aromas of blue fruit, blackberry, tile and lead pencil. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Layered and intense with white pepper and salt undertones. Love the finish to this racy young wine. Beautiful blue fruit. Drink in 2020 and onwards. 97 points
7 DUEMANI CABERNET FRANC COSTA TOSCANA 2015
The dried flowers are wonderful in this, with a violet and rose petal character. Dark fruit, too. Full body, dense and chewy, with dusty texture from the ripe tannins. This has an energy and focus that keeps your attention. Better in 2020 but great to taste already. 97 points
8 DOMAINE VALENTIN ZUSSLIN PINOT NOIR ALSACE BOLLENBERG 2015
Very fine bouquet with so many subtle berry and herbal notes. A super-elegant wine that charms you into thinking it doesn’t have a super-firm backbone, then announces its greatness at the stunning finish. You could drink it now, but it will give so much more pleasure in five, 10 or more years. 95 points
9 CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRISSON SAINT-EMILION 2015
This is the best Haut-brisson ever, showing ripe dark plum and chocolate on the nose, which is so seductive. The palate is all about the silky tannins and beautiful fruit. Full body, gorgeous fruit and a complex aftertaste. So precise and impressive. Texturally complete. Drink or hold. 95 points
10 CHÂTEAU PALMER MARGAUX 2014
This really develops wonderfully in the glass, starting out earthy with mushrooms and spices and then turning to dark fruit such as blackberry and blackcurrant. Full-bodied, very intense and minerally. Firm and silky tannins and a long, long finish. Drink in 2022. 95 points
To see the full list of wines from sustainable wineries, visit jamessucking.com