Brézème: Walls’ wines to look out for
Domaine des Quatre Cerises, Côtes du Rhône Brézème 2019 92
N/A UK ymengin@hotmail.fr
Still very young, this MarsanneRoussanne-Viognier blend is more about texture and structure than exuberant flavour for now. It has a pleasing freshness and is lightbodied for a Rhône white. A touch of creaminess on the finish and a hint of almond; well balanced, but needs a little time to unwind. Good sense of tension, precise and very drinkable. Might score even higher with time. Drink 2022-2026 Alcohol 12.5%
1 Domaine de Bréseyme, Côtes du Rhône Brézème 2018 91
£27.99 (2019) Blanco & Gomez, Liberty Wines, Nicholson’s Wines, Theatre of Wine
A domaine recently purchased by Maison & Domaines Les Alexandrins. 70% Viognier, 30% Marsanne. There’s orange blossom and subtle lime. The oak is bold but integrated and lends a little cashew and silkiness to the palate, as well as extending the finish. Not overly rich in fruit, the keen acid line also helps bring balance. Very fresh. Lovers of oaked Condrieu may enjoy this. Drink 2021-2024 Alc 13%
Domaine des Quatre Cerises, Côtes du Rhône Brézème 2020 95
N/A UK ymengin@hotmail.fr
Enticing smoky char – from the terroir. A savoury nose, reminiscent of a good St-Joseph. Light- to mediumbodied, this has a thrilling impact; tension and intensity on the palate, and no heaviness or overextraction. A menthol touch brings interest, and it has a very dry finish with a slatey mineral note and impressive acidity. Though delicious now, it could do with more time to knit together.
Drink 2022-2030 Alc 12.5%
Domaine Martin Texier, Vigne de la Carrière, Côtes du Rhône Brézème 2018 93
N/A UK martintexier.fr
Martin is the son of Eric Texier, one of the earlier pioneers in the rebuilding of Brézème. This unfiltered wine has a complex nose, containing a touch of dried meat and a little struck flint. Full-bodied, but not heavy, it is soft and succulent on the palate. This has soul – you can feel the upright liveliness of Brézème, packed with energy and freshness. Feels honest and nourishing, made without artifice. Drink 2021-2026 Alc 12.5%
2 Domaine Lombard, Rouge, Côtes du Rhône Brézème 2020 92
N/A UK domaine-lombard.com
Tasted from tank. Another one of the founding estates of the new Brézème. Intense violets and liquorice, fresh and aromatic, with blueberries and a touch of lavender. Medium-bodied, this has some satisfying weight on the palate. The alcohol feels a little raised compared to some, but it isn’t out of balance. A graceful, measured style; a touch of salinity on the finish, with soft, padded tannins. Good length. Drink 2022-2028 Alc N/A
Domaine Charles Helfenbein, Côtes du Rhône Brézème 2018 91
N/A UK @domainehelfenbeincharles
A soft, juicy style of Brézème, some cinnamon and orange peel beneath the plummy black fruits. Has a nice weight of succulent, pliable tannin, and decent length. Elevage is deftly handled, bringing some softness to the structure and further complexity. Hearty but not excessive. Mature already, taking on a black olive note.
Drink 2021-2024 Alc 13.5% 1