Les Dégustations Ugo

A Languedoc white with character generous yet taut proving that sunshine can also yield finesse. . IGP Pays de l'Hérault white from Domaine Mas Jullien . Vintage: 2021 . 🍇: 50% Carignan Blanc, Chenin (approx. 20–30%), Grenache Blanc (approx. 10%). The blend is rounded out by Southern white varieties (approx. 5%) that add complexity to the cuvée, notably Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Viognier, and Gros Manseng. . 👀: In the glass, the wine displays a luminous golden-yellow hue, with highlights reminiscent of very pale olive oil caught in a sunbeam. It has a brilliant sheen. One anticipates a rather dense substance a texture that would coat the palate. . 👃: First swirl: the fruit is immediately apparent. Notes of ripe pear, yellow apple, and candied citrus emerge, conveying a sense of fully ripe fruit almost pastry-like. Then come touches of white flowers, fennel, and dried herbs. The Carignan Blanc adds a unique dimension, while the Chenin seems to introduce a cool b...

A Pinot Noir that relies more on charm than raw power. An elegant, lively bottle—and one that’s appetizing enough to make you want to move straight to the meal. . Santenay Rouge "Vieilles Vignes" (Old Vines) from Domaine Louis Lequin et Fils . Vintage: 2020 . 🍇: 100% Pinot Noir. Old vines aged 45 to 60 years. . 👀: First impression: a luminous ruby ​​red, with that characteristic Pinot Noir transparency. You don’t need an opaque, heavy red to realize there’s real substance here. The color looks almost light... yet it catches the light beautifully. . 👃: And here, the Pinot begins its performance. Red fruits appear immediately cherry, raspberry, redcurrant along with a riper note reminiscent of black cherry. Then come earthier tones: a hint of forest floor, damp leaves, and the scent of earth after the rain. With aeration, the bouquet gains depth. A slightly spicy touch emerges, accompanied by an almost floral quality. It’s the kind of nose that makes you want to ...

A rosé that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet takes the pleasure found in the glass very seriously. . Côtes de Provence Rosé, "Arpineh" cuvée from Bastide Le Soléou . Vintage: 2025 . 🍇: 80% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre . 👀: First glance: a pale, luminous, delicate pink hue, with glints that almost evoke a Provençal sunset viewed through tinted glasses. It sparkles; it’s crisp and precise. The wine makes an impression all on its own. . 👃: On the nose, the Grenache quickly takes center stage. There are notes of small red fruits fresh strawberry and raspberry offering that lovely sensation of just-picked fruit. Then come floral notes and a touch of citrus that adds a bit of zest. Underlying it all, the Mourvèdre makes a discreet appearance, adding structure and a hint of depth that keeps the wine from becoming just another simple "terrace strawberry juice." It’s fresh, luscious, and aromatic. It smells like a vacation before you’ve even booked the hotel....

A fully mature Saint-Émilion, shaped by time, boasting that lovely tertiary complexity that turns a simple tasting into a brief journey back to the 90s. . Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Clos des Menuts (Red) . Vintage: 1993 . 🍇: Merlot: 85% 🍇: Cabernet Franc: 10% 🍇: Cabernet Sauvignon: 5% . 👀: In the glass, the red has clearly moved past the stage of youthful fruitiness. The color leans towards a mature garnet, with brick-red highlights at the rim. Intensity remains, though time has gently softened the bold hues of youth. . 👃: And this is where things get serious. The initial nose immediately evokes very ripe red fruit, plum, and candied cherry, followed by more evolved notes: forest floor, fallen leaves, blond tobacco, fine leather, and sweet spices. It has that slightly dusty, earthy quality I love in old Bordeaux. Not "I forgot to dust" dusty, but rather the scent of an old wooden library, a leather chest, and a rainy Sunday. The fruit has receded into the backgr...

This is a wine that is perfect to drink right now, yet it also feels like it has more stories to tell with a bit more bottle age. . Pessac-Léognan Blanc, Château de France cuvée . Vintage: 2024 . 🍇: 80% Sauvignon, 20% Sémillon . 👀: Pale yellow hue with luminous highlights; it has a brilliance that immediately makes you want to swirl the glass. Visually, it is clean, crisp, and precise. . 👃: First impression on the nose: citrus, lemon, and grapefruit, with a lovely sense of freshness. Then come more vegetal and herbaceous notes. The Sémillon steps in to mellow things out a bit, adding a rounder, softer, almost slightly honeyed quality. Underlying it all is a subtle hint of wet stone and chalk. The oak is present, but it doesn't scream "BARREL!" with every sniff. And frankly, thank goodness for that. . 👄: The attack is crisp and fresh. The Sauvignon arrives with its citrus notes, tension, and that touch of acidity that makes you want another sip before you...

A rich, fleshy, and approachable Bordeaux Malbec that has enough character to stand out without veering into "over-muscled" red wine territory. . Château Haut-Grelot Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Red . Vintage: 2020 . 🍇: 100% Malbec . 👀: The color is a deep, dark red, possessing an intensity reminiscent of black cherries at the peak of ripeness.  One look at the glass and you realize this isn't a wine for the faint of heart. It is dense, glossy, and almost velvety. . 👃: Initial nose: black fruits. Blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, black cherry... The fruit is generous but avoids the "industrial jam" profile; there is a fresh quality underlying it. Then come spicier, slightly peppery notes, along with a subtle vegetal touch characteristic of Malbec in its Bordeaux guise. As the wine breathes, the fruit notes deepen and darken. . 👄: And then... BAM. The attack is bold and fruity, with a lovely sense of substance. The Malbec delivers juiciness, charact...

A full-bodied, rich, and elegantly oaked Chardonnay, yet with enough tension to avoid the pitfall of heaviness. . Domaine Louis Lequin et Fils – Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Morgeot" (White Burgundy) . Vintage: 2022 . 🍇: Chardonnay . 👀: The color is a luminous, brilliant golden yellow. Not the sort of shy yellow that stays in the background; here, the wine clearly announces it has something to say. You can sense the richness just by looking at it—suggesting a texture that is unctuous, enveloping, and almost creamy. . 👃: Initial nose: white-fleshed fruits, ripe pear, and peach, followed by richer, more indulgent notes. The oak is present but not in a "new IKEA furniture" kind of way. Instead, it complements the fruit with hints of vanilla, hazelnut, brioche, and pastry. It evolves in the glass, revealing fresh butter, a touch of dried fruit, and a slightly toasty quality. Above all, there is that distinctive Burgundian character: a streak of freshness...

Il y a des cépages qui entrent dans une pièce en claquant la porte.  La Marsanne , elle, arrive avec une assiette de fromages sous le bras. Elle s’installe,  elle regarde autour d'elle.  Et au bout de dix minutes, tout le monde parle d’elle. J’ai toujours trouvé que la Marsanne était un peu sous-estimée.  Pas vraiment oubliée.  Elle est là, bien installée dans le paysage rhodanien, mais elle vit souvent dans l’ombre de sa grande copine la Roussanne, du flamboyant Viognier ou, évidemment, de l’immense Syrah.  Et pourtant… Versez-moi un verre de belle Marsanne.  Attendez cinq minutes,  puis revenez me dire qu’elle est timide.  Une histoire de soleil, de cailloux et de patience.  La Marsanne est une enfant de la vallée du Rhône.  Plus précisément, son berceau est généralement situé autour du village de Marsanne, dans la Drôme, au nord-est de Montélimar.  Et pour une fois, l’étymologie ne nous emmène pas dans une enquêt...

An accessible, warm, and thoroughly enjoyable wine the kind that makes you want to share it with others. . AOP Malepère Red, La Tour du Fort cuvée, Domaine Le Fort . Vintage: 2024 . 🍇: Merlot, Grenache, Cabernet Franc . 👀: The wine displays a beautiful, deep red hue, with a sense of richness and lusciousness that immediately makes you want to take the next step. It’s glossy and dense. Visually, it promises fruit, sunshine, and likely a few adventures to come. . 👃: On the initial nose, the focus is clearly on red and black fruit. Cherry, blackberry, and fully ripe fruit... accompanied by that warm sensation typical of Southern reds. The Grenache brings a sunny, luscious quality; the Merlot plays up the fruit and roundness; while the Cabernet Franc adds a bit of depth and definition. Then there’s a subtle spicy note that draws you back to the glass. . 👄: The attack is supple and fruity, with a rather generous mouthfeel. The red and black fruit notes return, offering a del...