Modern French Collection by Steve Bennett MW (France)

Description

Dry, Oak, Spice

Produced by the highly acclaimed LGI wines. Originally the brainchild of Alain Grignon and UK Master of Wine Mark Lynton who had a vision of making affordable, modern French wines designed specifically for the international market. Now under the supervision of oenologist Xavier Roger with wines tailor-made to appeal to Kiwi tastes through local importer Steve Bennett, Master of Wine. 

Collection includes:

2 x Combe Rocher Reserve Pays d'Oc Grenache Rosé 2024 (France)

Awarded 93/100 Points & 5 Stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Awarded 92/100 Points: Paul Tudor, Master of Wine
Awarded 91/100 Points: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"It's delicately expressed on the nose, with nuances of cranberry, apricot, Gala apple, and oatmeal. The palate is equally charming with fine focus and linear mouthfeel, splendidly structured by beautifully pitched acidity, making it fabulously appealing. At its best: now to 2027 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Coral pink, just the optimum level of colour, with alluring aromatics, think strawberries and cream, candy floss, even a hint of fresh herbs.In the mouth, this is off dry, with creamy, berry fruit showing again in the flavour profile, followed by a firm, savoury finish. Great balance here, a wine that you could easily quaff on its own, but would equally be at home with light food and/or snacks. A benchmark example of French rosé, an outstanding buy that everyone deserves to try" Paul Tudor, Master of Wine

Alc: 12.5%

2 x Combe Rocher Reserve Pays d'Oc Chardonnay 2024 (France)

Awarded 93/100 Points & 5 Stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Awarded 90/100 Points: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier
Awarded 90/100 Points: Paul Tudor, Master of Wine

"It's finely scented on the nose, showing notes of apricot, rockmelon, nougat, and oatmeal, leading to an elegantly weighted palate that offers a creamy flow, backed by juicy acidity, resulting in excellent drinking. At its best: now to 2028" Wine Orbit

"I have been a fan of this Chardonnay for a while now and this new vintage does not disappoint. Light gold in appearance, with fine aromatics of candied citrus peel, honeysuckle and toffee apple. The fruit is delicate, and still rich and juicy too, but that is not what this wine is about. This is a textural, mouthfilling Chardonnay with balanced acidity, a lick of toasty oak and a clean, dry finish. Great food matching potential – ticks all the boxes that you may have for a French Chardonnay, and then some" Paul Tudor, Master of Wine

Alc: 13%

2 x Combe Rocher Reserve Pays d'Oc Pinot Noir 2023 (France)

Awarded 93/100 Points & 5 Stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Awarded 92/100 Points: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"It's splendidly fruited with stylish complexity, showing dark plum, wild strawberry, game, warm spice, and assorted nut characters with a hint of porcini. The palate delivers excellent weight and plump mouthfeel, well supported by fine texture and supple tannins, making it fabulously drinkable. At its best: now to 2029" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
 
"Excellent aromatics with dark plum and cherry scents framed by purple flowers and gentle barrel spices of clove and vanilla. A touch of earth and wood smoke add complexity, most of all this wine’s bouquet has charm. Polished and fresh on the palate with flavours that remain red berry based with a plum note then spice and wood. Fine tannins and medium+ acid line, a well made wine ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

Alc: 13%