The Wines of This Week's Tasting:
Too Much of Good Things
October 14, 2026
White
Babylonstoren
A winery in South Africa's Stellenbosch is little known here but consistently praised in the South African wine press for its quality and intensity. We have two.
2024 Candide
Named for Voltaire’s pleasure-loving character, it’s a bouquet of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, and Viognier. They work well together, with zingy acidity complementing a fruit salad of flavors, comparable to a Riesling without the hum petrol notes. Lively and uplifting, it's a pleasure to sip. Very Good Plus. Was $19.95, now $ 15.95; case $13.95
2024 Viognier
This is softer and mellower than the Candide. It flows smoothly over the palate and echoes the classic floral and almond notes that the grape can produce. Very Good Plus. Was $22.95; now $16.95, Case $14.95
Red
2022 Aurelien Burgaud Regnie La Nouvelle Monde
Renee is one of the 10 Beaujolais crus; these communes produce wines head-and-shoulders above the norm, likened in style, if not flavor, to Burgundy. Aurelian Burgaud makes organic, Biodynamic wines bordering on natural. This Regnie starts a bit tannic, but with a little air it opens into a full-fruited, rounded, and proportionate wine that rivals many more expensive ones in quality. It is a beautiful Beaujolais Cru. Very Good Plus. Three cases only. Was $35; now $23.95, Case $19.95
Maison Neuve Cotes De Blaye, Bordeaux
Alexia Eymas, the 4th-generation woman winemaker at her family's property, makes fun, lively, delicious wines that aren't everyone's cup of claret. They use a high proportion of Malbec, which adds a full-bodied, ripe, sexy fruit to their blends. More lively than staid, these wines are pretty, sexy, and full. Highly recommended for everybody and those Bordeaux lovers who don't fear the different.
2020 Ch. Maison Neuve KV
Color: very dark black; Aroma: forward fruity, rounded , heady and full, , lightly menthol aromatic; Mouth: clean sweet rounded fleshy , very smooth with bright clean acid note, very fine tannins on the finish, rounded fruit on the finish; Very Good Was $21, Now $16.95, case 14.95
2020 Ch. Maison Neuve Alexia
Len found this delicious.
Color: very dark; Aroma: heady and rich very sexy, spicy, and full; Mouth: light darkly fleshy with nice malbec spice , clean fine, fleshy and full, very very satisfyingly sexy ; Very Good Plus Was $24.99; Now 19.95, case 16.95
2024
Collina Serragrilli Alessandro II Dolcetto D’Alba
100% Dolcetto sourced from their estate vineyards in Barbaresco; a lovely red wine destined for your dinner table. A food-friendly wine that pairs well with most dishes and is equally enjoyable on its own.
Aroma: Ripe plum, black raspberry, kirsch, fennel, tarragon, orange peel, and baking spices. Mouth: Medium body, fine tannins, balanced acidity, anise, crunchy blue and black fruits, velvety smooth texture, crushed stone minerality, and a satisfying dry finish. Very Good. Was $26.95, now $ 18.95; case $15.95
2018 Celler Comunica ‘Suc de Saulo’ Montsant Tinto
A robust and spicy red blend of Garnacha and Carinyena from a Catalonian region next to and like Priorat. The wine has a firm structure with grippy tannins and pairs well with prime rib roast, beef short ribs, or ribeye steak.
Aroma: Bing cherries, red currants, blackberries, Mediterranean herbs, spices, and earthy forest floor. Mouth: Ripe red and blue berry fruit, peppercorns, balsamic spices, balanced acidity, firm tannins, medium body, and a fresh peppery finish. Very Good. Was $24.95; now $18.95; case $15.95
Mix any twelve at their case prices
Attendees at the tasting can purchase any at its case price
Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: order@federalwine.com
Please pass this on to any friends who are wine enthusiasts!
- Len Rothenberg
FREE DELIVERY!
in Greater Boston on orders more than $250
