There are few people as respected in our wine trade as Robert Rolls. I have known him for more than 30 years, but I rarely taste his wines and I am not sure why this is. Perhaps it is that he keeps himself to himself, and his modesty and the scarcity of stock of many of his wines mean that he doesn’t make too much of a fuss about his business. We bumped into each other the other day and he said he would send me a case of samples – and every wine was not only superb, but they were also all stunning value, too.
Loires, Rhônes and Burgundies, and all under £25, it was this keenly priced Menetou that completely amazed me with its finesse and control. A couple of months ago I wrote up a Pouilly-Fumé, which was one of the most imposing, intense and age-worthy sauvignon blancs I have ever tasted.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Domaine de l’Ermitage is almost the complete opposite. It is vital, immediately appealing, open and giving, and perfectly flavoured from the bright citrus and herb nose to the cool, stony, mouth-watering finish. It is drinking right now and you are guaranteed to be amazed at the energy and pristine freshness of this wine.
I hope that you feel moved to buy it and then take a look at Robert’s collection of fascinating Domaines. I am sure he would be gracious enough to add a few MoneyWeek wine fans to his elite client list.
2017 Menetou-Salon, Domaine de l’Ermitage, Laurence et Géraud de la Farge, Loire, France – £15, Robert Rolls, 020-3215 0011, robertrolls.com
Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year (matthewjukes.com).
This article was originally published in MoneyWeek
-
August 31 editorial cartoonsCartoons Sunday’s political cartoons include FEMA's new scheme, Gavin Newsom's antics, and a clue in the Epstein files
-
Disarming Hezbollah: Lebanon's risky missionTalking Point Iran-backed militia has brought 'nothing but war, division and misery', but rooting them out for good is a daunting and dangerous task
-
Woof! Britain's love affair with dogsThe Explainer The UK's canine population is booming. What does that mean for man's best friend?
-
Rosorange: the chic 'love child' of orange wine and roséThe Week Recommends Peachy to look at and crisp to drink, here's to the wine of the summer
-
Friendship: 'bromance' comedy starring Paul Rudd and Tim RobinsonThe Week Recommends 'Lampooning and embracing' middle-aged male loneliness, this film is 'enjoyable and funny'
-
The best rosé wines to try this summerThe Week Recommends Warm weather means it's pink wine's moment in the sun
-
The jalapeño wine trend taking TikTok by stormThe Week Recommends Scatter a few chilli slices into your sauvignon blanc for a subtle and refreshing kick
-
Wine-tasting in TuscanyThe Week Recommends From biodynamic vineyards to historic cellars, the picturesque region is a wine lover's dream
-
A wine-themed tour of beautiful UruguayThe Week Recommends Secret paradise in South America boasts beautiful vineyards
-
Organic wines that won't cost the EarthThe Week Recommends From a 'zippy' muscadet to a 'dangerously drinkable' malbec
-
Mulled white wine: a 'quirky' Christmas hit?The Week Recommends Retailers are hoping to tempt shoppers with a 'lighter' version of the classic festive tipple
