A year of full paradoxes for winemaking. 2012 gave birth to a great vintage, surmounting multiple challenges. Nature proved unpredictable and implacable as a series of climate events descended upon the vineyards: frost in the winter and spring, torrential rains, hailstorms and cold spells while the vines were flowering, plus intense heat waves over the summer. A warm and dry climate alleviated any concerns as to the health of grapes, favouring the maturation of the fruit. The beginning of the harvest stretched from September 10 to 26, depending on the parcels. Tasting the grapes revealed tremendous promise, with a balance between freshness and generosity.

The creation of the 2013 vintage reveals the resonance between the pinots noirs and chardonnays, between acidity and full-bodied. The precise, elegant and tactile bouquet blooms in an extremely delicate powdery aromatic braid around three nuances: first citrus, then a more vegetal facet and lastly, spices. This precision reveals a simple and evident elegance where the wine, after an ethereal attack, amplifies and blossoms before ceding to an ineffable sensation of clarity.

Situated north of the village, at the entrance to the Combe, the parcel covers 0.3 hectare and was planted in 1943. Matured in 40% new oak barrels made from wood from the Allier and Nivernais regions. On the nose, aromas of red fruit and violet. The palate is sound, lively and fruity from morello, conveying delicacy and gourmandise. A discrete woody nose suggests elegance while the tannic structure reveals the majestic quality. Match with Foie gras bruschetta and fig jam, chicken with black mushrooms.

The Volnay 1er Cru Carelles 2021 is a classic Burgundy that combines elegance with refreshing fruit. It is a wine that shows the finesse of Volnay while offering a clean, vibrant profile that will continue to evolve in the bottle. Not to be missed by anyone who enjoys the charm of a high-quality Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy's finest appellations.

Intense aromatics, very expressive, dominated by fresh fruit aromas (red currant, raspberry) blended with discreet notes of oak. Structured, round and easy, nicely oaked on the palate, with firm but silky tannins and a long, fresh and fruity finish.

Complex aromas combining matured fruity notes with spices and balsamic hints from its aging. The palate is soft and well structured with harmonic tannins from the oak.

This 10 Year Old Port is smooth, well balanced and mature and is ready for drinking now. Dow's 10 Years Old Tawny has a bright tawny colour. On the nose brimming with aromas of candied fruit and toffee, beautifully combined with some mature ripe fruit. On the palate vibrant nutty flavours, perfect balance and with a lovely long finish.

Light amber and tawny colour, showing mature raisiny fruit aromas with hints of honey and caramel. Dow's Twenty Years Old Tawny has a rich and nutty palate, with wonderful balance. A clean crisp finish and a soft lingering aftertaste.

Dow's Fine Ruby was aged in seasoned oak casks at our lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia for an average of 3 years, and bottled when ready to drink. Exuberant youthful fruit flavours make it perfect for informal drinking.

A superb Tawny from a leading Port house. Dow's Tawny is a very fine and delicate style, with pretty red fruits balanced by nutty depth derived from an average of three years aging in small oak casks. Owned by the historic and also very modern Symington family stable of Ports, the Dow's has both pedigree and sheer quality on its side.

Made from red slate estate vineyards found primarily in the south-facing stretch of river that encompasses the villages of Ürzig, Erden, Lösnich and Kinheim, this dry Riesling has an intense minerality that is warm and enveloping. It has floral, spicy, citrus blossom aromas and harmonious flavors with a full, expansive texture. Very expressive.

Along the Marlborough shore, holding fast to the rocks at low tide, is the seaweed Durvillea, named after the captain of the Astrolabe, Dumont d'Urville. This Chardonnay is a full-bodied, creamy and oaky Chardonnay made in a round, mouth-filling style. In the glass find complex aromas of citrus fruit, hazelnut meal, crème caramel and sweet oak vanillin. A full-bodied palate with nectarine, honeydew melon, fine oak and a long ripe citrus finish. Match with roasted hazelnuts, creamy pasta and poultry dishes, smoked salmon and miso-glazed eggplant with toasted sesame seeds.