Charles Bonvin Fils – 1858 – 2013 – Valais

Red wine with a medium deep ruby-red colour. Elegant nose here, with a sweet red berry fruit; like raspberry, red currants, there is also a lot of spicy things going on there, like fresh white pepper, ginger, and clove. Very nice palate. This is truly what I would call a mid-weight wine, but it has a very elegant and subtle texture here. Rounded tannins, still enough of them to give the palate a lift and freshness. Beautiful spiciness going on the finish; with freshly ground pepper, some of those gingerbread spices, with sweet red fruit, a bit more depth on the palate, I would call this a virtual mix of that Burgundian subtle texture, but also more of the spiciness of the Rhone in terms of style. Multi-layered with a good degree of complexity on the finish. I truly think, it is a wine that both offers that immediate drinkability, charm and juiciness to it, but with also the potential for further ageing and fair deal of complexity. Still youthful, but as I said I would happily drink it already, but I would keep some boxes in my cellar.

Tasted by the Best Sommelier of the World, Andreas Larsson.