WineRegionNotesVintageUnitScorePriceBuyhf:categories
Aleatico di Puglia, Francesco CandidoPuglia

A lush, high-powered Aleatico dessert wine that converts the Puglian sunshine into red-cherry, dried-raisin sweetness and emits an intoxicating floral perfume that hints at the grape’s DNA links to Muscat. A very powerful wine, it stands up well to very mature, strongly flavoured cheeses and dry pastries.

20131x50N/A£19.00
puglia italy
Aleatico di Puglia, Francesco CandidoPuglia

A lush, high-powered Aleatico dessert wine that converts the Puglian sunshine into red-cherry, dried-raisin sweetness and emits an intoxicating floral perfume that hints at the grape’s DNA links to Muscat. A very powerful wine, it stands up well to very mature, strongly flavoured cheeses and dry pastries.

20136x50N/A£111.00
puglia italy
Armailhac, Grand Cru ClasséPauillac

The 2010 d’Armailhac seems to be opening nicely on the nose with scents of raspberry, cranberry, brown spices and an underlying ferrous element. Good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and well-judged acidity. This feels harmonious and smoother in texture than many of its peers, tobacco and black pepper towards the finish. This is ready for business and should drink well over the next decade.

20106x7591 Neal Martin£380.00
pauillac france
Armailhac, Grand Cru ClasséPauillac

Bright medium ruby. Subtle, vinous aromas of blackcurrant, sour red cherry, violet and minerals. Sweet and silky on entry, then tight in the middle, showing terrific purity and verve to the flavors of red fruits, sweet spices and flowers. Finishes sappy and lightly saline, with fine tannins and outstanding length. This terrific, perfumed wine is heavily marked by its cabernet franc presence.

20116x7590 Ian d'Agata£320.00
pauillac france
Aubert & Mathieu, Kate Organic Sauvignon Blanc IGP OcLanguedoc-Roussillon

Organic Certified, Kate is surprising, fresh and elegant. It develops notes of exotic fruits and a good length. With its fun and flirty side, it will charm your taste buds.

20211x75N/A£13.50
languedoc-roussillon france
Aubert & Mathieu, Kate Organic Sauvignon Blanc IGP OcLanguedoc-Roussillon

Organic Certified, Kate is surprising, fresh and elegant. It develops notes of exotic fruits and a good length. With its fun and flity side, it will charm your taste buds.

20216x75N/A£81.00
languedoc-roussillon france
Aubert & Mathieu, Terroir Minervois la LivinièreLanguedoc-Roussillon

Big, structure and flavour. Aniseed, inky deep fruit and menthol, gunflint. Fragrant lavender and high notes of spice and florals soar above the savoury density. Very much Minervois Rated 90/100 decanter & 16,5/20 by Jancis Robinson

20171x7590 Decanter£18.00
languedoc-roussillon france
Aubert & Mathieu, Terroir Minervois la LivinièreLanguedoc-Roussillon

Big, structure and flavour. Aniseed, inky deep fruit and menthol, gunflint. Fragrant lavender and high notes of spice and florals soar above the savoury density. Very much Minervois Rated 90/100 decanter & 16,5/20 by Jancis Robinson

20176x7590 Decanter£108.00
languedoc-roussillon france
Balassa, Tokaji Szamorodni, BombolyTokaj

Vegan. Woman’s wine and spirit award 2020 – Gold Medal. 5 star Decanter. Blind tasted by Ronan Sayburn MS Beth Willard Andy Howard MW(at Decanter’s Wines of the Year tasting, London, 15 Oct 2020) Part of Wines of the Year 2020: sparkling, sweet and fortified wines.

20171x505 star Decanter£33.00
tokaj hungary
Balassa, Tokaji Szamorodni, BombolyTokaj

Vegan. Woman’s wine and spirit award 2020 – Gold Medal. 5 star Decanter. Blind tasted by Ronan Sayburn MS Beth Willard Andy Howard MW(at Decanter’s Wines of the Year tasting, London, 15 Oct 2020) Part of Wines of the Year 2020: sparkling, sweet and fortified wines.

20176x505 star Decanter£198.00
tokaj hungary
Bibi Graetz, TestamattaTuscany

A stunning wine. This is the best Testamatta ever made. Fascinating aromas of red fruits, tea, bark and wet soil as well as fresh leather. Full body, silky tannins and a juicy finish. I love the tension and texture of this great red. So gorgeous to taste now but better in 2021.

20156x7599 James Suckling£390.00tuscany italy
Bibi Graetz, TestamattaTuscany

A stunning wine. This is the best Testamatta ever made. Fascinating aromas of red fruits, tea, bark and wet soil as well as fresh leather. Full body, silky tannins and a juicy finish. I love the tension and texture of this great red. So gorgeous to taste now but better in 2021.

20151x15099 James Suckling£140.00tuscany italy
Bollinger PN TX17Champagne

The NV PN TX 17, 100% Pinot Noir from Tauxières, is the next wine in Bollinger’s new series of single-village Champagnes. Bright and punchy, the 2017 is redolent of pear, dried flowers, mint, chalk and sage. Aromatically, the 2017 could easily be mistaken for a Blanc de Blancs such is its purity, but the richness and resonance of Pinot are unmistakable on the palate. This is an especially, vinous, layered Champagne that offers striking interplay between its intense fruit and the mineral, saline and savory-laced frame that holds it all together. The only thing this could use is a bit more body, as it is a touch austere. Disgorged: February, 2022.

20171x7593 Antonio Galloni£80.00
champagne france
Bollinger PN TX17Champagne

The NV PN TX 17, 100% Pinot Noir from Tauxières, is the next wine in Bollinger’s new series of single-village Champagnes. Bright and punchy, the 2017 is redolent of pear, dried flowers, mint, chalk and sage. Aromatically, the 2017 could easily be mistaken for a Blanc de Blancs such is its purity, but the richness and resonance of Pinot are unmistakable on the palate. This is an especially, vinous, layered Champagne that offers striking interplay between its intense fruit and the mineral, saline and savory-laced frame that holds it all together. The only thing this could use is a bit more body, as it is a touch austere. Disgorged: February, 2022.

20176x7593 Antonio Galloni£450.00
champagne france
Bollinger PN VZ15Champagne

Offering up aromas of green pear, honeycomb, rye toast, candied peel and buttery pastry, it’s medium to full-bodied, vinous and enveloping, with a creamy attack, fine depth at the core and ripe but racy acids, complemented by a pinpoint mousse. This is a charming, gourmand and elegantly balanced Blanc de Noirs that represents a fine addition to the Bollinger portfolio.

20151x7593 William Kelley£60.00champagne france
Bollinger R.D.Champagne

Big names do not help if you are not familiar with a certain house style, and so I can understand everyone who dislikes Bollinger’s 2002 RD Extra Brut, which at first sight reveals a matured if not an old wine displaying toffee, floral (hyacinths, narcissus, sage), vegetal and spicy aromas (oak, cannabis, frankincense, black bread) — but almost no fruit (at least no fresh fruit). This wine was disgorged in March 2014, but just needs a lot of time in the glass to develop its complexity. On the palate this is a very pure, fresh, lively, firmly structured and almost ascetic wine with complexity, but almost no sensuality. Very distinctive style.

20026x7596 Wine Spectator£960.00champagne france
Bollinger R.D.Champagne

Big names do not help if you are not familiar with a certain house style, and so I can understand everyone who dislikes Bollinger’s 2002 RD Extra Brut, which at first sight reveals a matured if not an old wine displaying toffee, floral (hyacinths, narcissus, sage), vegetal and spicy aromas (oak, cannabis, frankincense, black bread) — but almost no fruit (at least no fresh fruit). This wine was disgorged in March 2014, but just needs a lot of time in the glass to develop its complexity. On the palate this is a very pure, fresh, lively, firmly structured and almost ascetic wine with complexity, but almost no sensuality. Very distinctive style.

20021x7596 Wine Spectator£202.00
champagne france
Bollinger, La Grande AnneeChampagne

The 2002 Brut La Grande Annee is marvelous. The 2002 is an understated Grande Annee that caresses the palate with layers of effortless, weightless fruit. The mousse is exceptionally fine, which adds to the impression of total elegance. This is a relatively bright, floral Grande Annee with plenty of aromatic lift, inner perfume and no sense of heaviness at all. A rich, creamy finish adds the final note of complexity and pedigree. The 2002 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, 71% from Grand Cru villages and 29% from Premier Crus. Disgorged February 2011.

20026x7594 Wine Spectator£900.00champagne france
Bollinger, La Grande AnneeChampagne

From a bottle disgorged in March 2017, Bollinger’s 2007 La Grande Année is showing brilliantly, offering up a superb bouquet of lemon oil, confit citrus, almond paste, iodine, walnut oil and freshly baked bread. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, broad-shouldered and powerful in this frequently rather slender vintage, with excellent concentration, a deep and tightly wound core and a precise, chalky finish.

20076x7594 Wine Advocate£600.00champagne france
Bollinger, La Grande Annee RoseChampagne

The age shows in the onion-skin color of this wine. On the palate it reveals itself in the sort of toastiness for which this producer is famed. The fruit is ripe, still hinting at red berries while moving much more to spice, almonds and mature acidity. Drink this remarkable wine now.

20076x7594 Wine Enthusiast£570.00champagne france
Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Greves L'Enfant JesusCote de Beaune

Good bright deep red. Pure but tight nose offers black cherry and menthol lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy and vibrant in the mouth, with sharp delineation to the flavors of blueberry, flowers and spices. Sappy, energetic wine with lovely underlying minerality. Finishes crisp and vital, with fine-grained tannins and very good length. Nicely showcases its light soil.

20106x7590-93 Stephen Tanzer£1,100.00
cote-de-beaune france
Bouchard Pere et Fils Corton CharlemagneBurgundy

Good bright, pale yellow. Very pure, reticent aromas of lemon, lime and white flowers. Dry and penetrating to the point of painful, with pristine flavors of crushed stone, lime, lemon and ripe but lightly bitter pomelo. Pure energy: this makes the Cabottes seem almost creamy by comparison. Finishes with intense crushed stone flavor and outstanding cut and lift. For the cellar.

20106x7595+ Stephen Tanzer£740.00burgundy france
Bouchard Pere et Fils Le CortonBurgundy

Good medium bright red. Ineffable aroma of musky strawberry, iron, smoke and dried rose. Silky, full and deep, with a seamless texture and captivating soil tones. As creamy and lush as this is, the dominant impression is one of delicacy and focus. Highly complex, extract-rich flavors of strawberry, minerals, mocha, earth and underbrush. A compelling wine of terroir whose captivating sweetness, fine tannins and superb persistence makes it almost deceptively drinkable today. But this big boy will be around for at least a couple of decades.

200512x75Stephen Tanzer£3,155.00
burgundy france
Bouchard Pere et Fils Le CortonBurgundy

(aging in two-thirds new oak): Dark red. Black fruits, flowers, minerals and licorice on the vibrant nose, plus a whiff of truffle; I would have picked this blind as a Cote de Nuits wine. Dense, sappy and sweet but with a light touch and excellent definition thanks to its firm underlying minerality. At once delicate and strong, finishing spicy and long, with a flavor of crunchy berries. Not an earthy style of Corton.

20106x7592-94 Stephen Tanzer£740.00burgundy france
Bouchard Pere et Fils, Chevalier-MontrachetCote de Beaune

Grapefruit, lemon, floral and mineral scents pair well with round, fresh, soft, pure, lemon lime finish.

20106x7593 Jeff Leve£1,650.00cote-de-beaune france
Canon La Gaffeliere, 1er Grand Cru ClasséSaint-Emilion

The 2010 Canon-la-Gaffelière has quite a compact nose, backward and rather surly compared to its peers. It feels a little Left Bank in style with light pencil shaving aromas developing. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, a fine bead of acidity, nicely structured with a grippy, quite spicy and forthright finish that feels reassuringly persistent.

20106x7592 Neal Martin£620.00
saint-emilion france
Cantina di Soave, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva Rocca SvevaVeneto

Rich ruby red with garnet highlights, bouquet of rich fruit, with fragrant impressions of cherry, wild berry, spices, and chocolate. Full-volumed, warm, and smooth, with well integrated, silky tannins, and a long-lingering, tasty fnish.

20156x7593 Vinitaly£210.00veneto italy
Cantina di Soave, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva Rocca SvevaVeneto

Rich ruby red with garnet highlights, bouquet of rich fruit, with fragrant impressions of cherry, wild berry, spices, and chocolate. Full-volumed, warm, and smooth, with well integrated, silky tannins, and a long-lingering, tasty fnish.

20151x7593 Vinitaly£35.00veneto italy
Cantina di Soave, Ripasso Valpolicella DOC Rocca AlataVeneto

Forward aromas of raspberry and cherry, then subtle spice and vanilla. A slick, modern style with no rough edges and integrated oak. Ripe, full, and ready, yet still fresh.

20176x7590 Decanter£66.00
veneto italy
Cantina di Soave, Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore DOC Rocca AlataVeneto

Intense ruby red tending to orange with cellaring. Generous and fruit-rich, with prominent notes of cherry, blackberry, and vanilla. Long-lingering, elegant, with well-balanced, glossy tannins

20166x75N/A£93.00
veneto italy
Cantina di Soave, Soave Classico DOC Castelcerino Rocca SvevaVeneto

This wine is intense straw yellow in colour with gold reflections and has an elegant bouquet with scents of apple, quince and fresh almond and sage. The flavour is pleasantly crisp with an almond aftertaste.

20206x75N/A£78.00
veneto italy
Cantina Tani, Isola dei Nuraghi 'Sarranu'Sardinia

Red ruby intense color with lighter garnet reflections, long persistent bouquet, particularly fine. This is a full body Harmonious, soft, pleasant tannic wine. 

20166x75N/A£255.00
sardinia italy
Cantina Tano, Donosu Cannonau Di Sardegna DOCSardinia

It has a beautiful ruby red color with garnet reflections, the bouquet is intense, with hints of cherries and berries, the taste is soft, full and longlasting.

20176x75N/A£90.00
sardinia italy
Carbonnieux, Grand Cru Classè De GravesMedoc

(60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; 13.5% alcohol) Very deep ruby-purple color. Raspberry, smoke and a whiff of floral red cherry on the nose. Juicy, intense and almost sweet, with a lightly minty quality to the rich red fruit flavors. Nicely delicate, lively Pessac-Leognan, with a texture that’s more Burgundian than Bordeaux-like—at least at this stage of its development. The fresh finish features very good balance, smooth tannins and subtle length.

20106x7588-91 Ian d'Agata£380.00
medoc france
Castello di Ama, HaikuTuscany

A blend of mostly Sangiovese with Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the 2016 Haiku reveals a deep sense of inner power and strength. The wine opens to a dark appearance and immediately pleasing aromas of blackberry, plum, spice, tilled earth and tobacco. What I like most about this vintage is just how open and generous the bouquet is even at this young stage. You get some softly toned fruit, but you also get freshness at the back so everything balances itself out in the end.

20161x7595 Wine Advocate£42.00tuscany italy
Cerbaiona di Diego Molinari, Brunello di MontalcinoTuscany

The 2010 Cerbaiona Brunello di Montalcino brings the evening to a rapturous finish. The most anticipated wine of the night, the Cerbaiona shows why it belongs in the pantheon of the most epic wines ever made in Montalcino. A Brunello with no beginning and no end, the 2010 Cerbaiona just is. Every aroma, every shade of nuance, every texture is just…perfect. The 2010 has been nothing less than thrilling every time I have tasted it, going back to the days when it was a young wine in cask. It is every bit as magnificent on this night.  Drink 2018 – 2040.

20106x75100 Antonio Galloni£2,665.00
tuscany italy
Chapoutier, Ermitage l'ErmiteRhône

The 2010 Ermitage l’Ermite (454 cases produced) is another perfect wine. Completely different than Le Pavillon, l’Ermite is always slightly more austere. It comes from a 7.5-acre parcel of sandy, granitic soils at the top of the Hill of Hermitage that produces both red and white compelling Hermitages, somewhat unusual in this tiny appellation. The black/purple-colored 2010 l’Ermite exhibits a tight, more mineral-dominated set of aromatics offering up hints of blue and black fruits, charcoal, steak tartare and an unmistakable floral note. This full-bodied, more austere and tannic effort reveals extraordinary weight, palate penetration and purity. It represents the concentrated essence of a specific site as well as the Syrah grape planted in this magical appellation. Forgot it for 10-15 years, possibly two decades, and drink it over the following 50-75 years.

20101x75100 Robert Parker Jr£400.00
rhone-france france
Chapoutier, Ermitage l'ErmiteRhône

The 2010 Ermitage l’Ermite (454 cases produced) is another perfect wine. Completely different than Le Pavillon, l’Ermite is always slightly more austere. It comes from a 7.5-acre parcel of sandy, granitic soils at the top of the Hill of Hermitage that produces both red and white compelling Hermitages, somewhat unusual in this tiny appellation. The black/purple-colored 2010 l’Ermite exhibits a tight, more mineral-dominated set of aromatics offering up hints of blue and black fruits, charcoal, steak tartare and an unmistakable floral note. This full-bodied, more austere and tannic effort reveals extraordinary weight, palate penetration and purity. It represents the concentrated essence of a specific site as well as the Syrah grape planted in this magical appellation. Forgot it for 10-15 years, possibly two decades, and drink it over the following 50-75 years.

20106x75100 Robert Parker Jr£2,340.00rhone-france france
Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des MillenairesChampagne

Deep, pure and fresh on the fruit-intense and complex nose, the 1995 Blanc des Millenaires is still young and incredibly fresh on the palate. This is refreshingly pure, concentrated, fruity and perfectly round Champagne that reveals a great tension and mineral complexity. It also has a long and salty finish. Keep it for ten or 20 years. (Drink 2025-2034)

19956x7595+ Stephan Reinhardt£1,250.00champagne france
Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des MillenairesChampagne

Deep, pure and fresh on the fruit-intense and complex nose, the 1995 Blanc des Millenaires is still young and incredibly fresh on the palate. This is refreshingly pure, concentrated, fruity and perfectly round Champagne that reveals a great tension and mineral complexity. It also has a long and salty finish. Keep it for ten or 20 years. (Drink 2025-2034)

19951x7595+ Stephan Reinhardt£220.00champagne france
Charles Van Canneyt, Bourgogne Pinot NoirBurgundy

The 2017 Bourgogne Pinot Noir is soft, fruity and very easy to like. Crushed flower and raspberry notes give the 2017 lovely aromatic presence to match the wines gracious, mid-weight personality. This is an especially delicate, elegant style.

201712x7588 Antonio Galloni£240.00burgundy france
Charles Van Canneyt, Bourgogne Pinot NoirBurgundy

The 2017 Bourgogne Pinot Noir is soft, fruity and very easy to like. Crushed flower and raspberry notes give the 2017 lovely aromatic presence to match the wines gracious, mid-weight personality. This is an especially delicate, elegant style.

20171x7588 Antonio Galloni£20.00
burgundy france
Chateau BranonPassac-Leognan

This magnificent, dense plum/purple-colored Pessac-Leognan reveals notes of scorched earth, burning embers, blackberries and truffles. Composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from a vineyard gorgeously situated between Malartic Lagraviere and Haut-Bailly, it possesses full-bodied power, a stunningly intense, voluptuous, layered mouthfeel and abundant levels of fruit, glycerin and tannin. The 2009 ranks alongside the magnificent 2000, which is aging at a glacial pace. Unfortunately, proprietress Helene Garcin only produces around 500 cases of this somewhat cult-ish Pessac-Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040.

20091x7598 Robert Parker Jnr£110.00
passac-leognan france
Chateau Cos d'EstournelSaint-Estephe

Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Cos d’Estournel features a myriad of wonderfully intense notes, including blackcurrant pastilles, redcurrant jelly, kirsch and blueberry compote with hints of rose hip tea, sautéed herbs, underbrush, pencil shavings and Indian spices. Full-bodied, rich and opulently fruited in the mouth, it has beautifully plush tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and very spicy.

20051x75100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£190.00saint-estephe france
Chateau D' Esclans, Whispering AngelProvence

Pale peach in colour, this 2020 wine is very youthful with some pear drop character that will subside, a little cherry note and soft red berry fruits. On the palate, Whispering Angel’s trademark combination of elegant, cool precision with very easy-going, open and attractive fruitiness. Nicely textured, the raspberry fruit and edge of acidity is ripe but bone dry, and there’s a hint of stony minerality adding to the sophistication of the finish.

20201x7590 Tom Cannavan£15.00
provence france
Chateau d'Yquem, SauternesSauternes

Pale gold. Knockout aromas of creme brulee, coconut, vanilla bean, honey and orange peel. Lush and seductively silky in the mouth; its creamy, seamless texture makes it seem deceptively accessible today but sound acid structure should keep it going for 20 years or more. Not hugely sweet or tropical but very complex and fine. Firm, hazelnutty finish offers great length, if not quite the grip of the ’89.

19986x7595 Stephen Tanzer£1,850.00sauternes france
Chateau d'Yquem, SauternesSauternes

Pale gold. Knockout aromas of creme brulee, coconut, vanilla bean, honey and orange peel. Lush and seductively silky in the mouth; its creamy, seamless texture makes it seem deceptively accessible today but sound acid structure should keep it going for 20 years or more. Not hugely sweet or tropical but very complex and fine. Firm, hazelnutty finish offers great length, if not quite the grip of the ’89.

19981x7595 Stephen Tanzer£320.00
sauternes france
Chateau Haut-BaillyPassac-Leognan

N/A

20091x7597 Wine Advocate£180.00passac-leognan france
Chateau Haut-BrionPessac-Leognan

What a blockbuster effort! Atypically powerful, one day, the 2009 Haut-Brion may be considered to be the 21st century version of the 1959. It is an extraordinarily complex, concentrated effort made from a blend of 46% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc with the highest alcohol ever achieved at this estate, 14.3%. Even richer than the perfect 1989, with similar technical numbers although slightly higher extract and alcohol, it offers up a sensational perfume of subtle burning embers, unsmoked cigar tobacco, charcoal, black raspberries, wet gravel, plums, figs and blueberries. There is so much going on in the aromatics that one almost hesitates to stop smelling it. However, when it hits the palate, it is hardly a letdown. This unctuously textured, full-bodied 2009 possesses low acidity along with stunning extract and remarkable clarity for a wine with a pH close to 4.0. The good news is that there are 10,500 cases of the 2009, one of the most compelling examples of Haut-Brion ever made. It requires a decade of cellaring and should last a half century or more.

20096x75100 Robert Parker Jr£4,900.00pessac-leognan france
Chateau Lafite RothschildPauillac

The 2008 Lafite Rothschild is one of the most profound young wines I have ever tasted. From a taster’s perspective, it is reminiscent of a blend of the 1996 and 2003, but when you compare those vintages analytically, that makes no sense whatsoever. Representing only 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc boasts an opaque ruby/purple color (one of the darkest Lafites I have seen in 30 years) as well as an extraordinary, blockbuster aromatic profile of lead pencil shavings, forest floor, black fruits, licorice, and a hint of unsmoked, high-class cigar tobacco. In the mouth, a massive richness is accompanied by a freshness, delineation, nuance, delicacy, and mind-boggling density. Even after three decades of tasting, I am still astonished when tasting such a prodigious wine as this. Full, inky, and rich with creme de cassis and spice box characteristics as well as a length that I stopped measuring after a minute, the wine reveals a sweetness to the tannin and an opulence to the fruit that suggests a hot, sunny vintage, but again, that was not the case. This is a great, great wine.

200812x7598 Robert Parker Jnr£9,800.00pauillac france
Chateau Lafite RothschildPauillac

The deep, intense nose is a bit more forward than usual for Lafite, displaying classic, pure aromas of cassis, cedar and graphite. Enters the mouth beautifully pure and fresh, with laser-like precision to its deceptively light blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar and mineral flavors. The exceptionally refined tannins give this wine an utterly seamless quality on the pure, extremely long, mineral-driven finish. Though it will be drinking well sooner than usual, this truly remarkable wine will be enjoyed by your grandchildren as well. Is it lacking just a bit of flesh to reach a perfect score? This may yet turn out to be the wine of the vintage, and is an archetypical expression of the unique characteristics of great Bordeaux cabernet sauvignon.

20096x7596-99 Vinous£5,500.00pauillac france
Chateau Lafite RothschildPauillac

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Lafite Rothschild is a little mute on the nose at this stage, opening to reveal warm blackcurrants, baked plums and boysenberry scents with hints of chocolate mint, violets, cedar chest and pencil lead. Full-bodied, rich and densely packed with perfumed black fruit layers, it has a rock-solid backbone of fantastically ripe, grainy tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing very long and minerally.

20106x75100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£5,500.00pauillac france
Chateau Lafite RothschildPauillac

The 2016 Lafite Rothschild is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, with 15% of the press wine contributing to the blend this year. Deep purple-black in color, it slowly reveals the most gorgeous perfume of kirsch, lilacs, black raspberries and warm blackcurrants with underlying nuances of cigar box, rose hip tea, cloves, licorice and pencil lead plus a waft of garrigue. Medium-bodied and built like a brick house with a firm yet beautifully ripe, finely pixelated tannic backbone and seamless freshness supporting the amazing intensity of black fruits and floral layers, it finishes very long and provocatively perfumed. Anticipated maturity 2022 – 2066.

20166x7599 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£4,820.00pauillac france
Chateau Le PinPomerol

Medium garnet colored, the 2009 Le Pin comes charging out of the glass with exuberant notions of baked red and black cherries, mulberries and warm plums with touches of star anise, cigar box and lavender plus wafts of menthol and fragrant soil. Full-bodied and boldly fruited, it has tons of vibrant red and black fruit layers with wonderful mineral and floral sparks throughout the long, plushly textured finish.

20091x75100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£3,750.00pomerol france
Chateau Lynch-BagesPauillac

Still quite youthful, with a little effort in your swirling, you can find smoke, thyme, cigar box, tobacco, wet earth, spice and red fruits. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, sweet, powerful and yes, luscious. There is energy and density with length and freshness. Clearly not at its peak, for that you will need to wait. If you like young wines, this is worth popping a cork now. The wine is made from a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

200912x7596 Jeff Leve£1,560.00pauillac france
Chateau MargauxMargaux

Full, saturated red-ruby. Knockout nose combines redcurrant, tropical chocolate, leather, woodsmoke and nutty oak with exotic chocolate mint and coffee liqueur; still manages to retain floral lift even in this beastly vintage. Then wonderfully fat, sweet and full, even if it comes across as almost heavy following the ineffable 2005 and 2004 examples. But “relatively inelegant” for Margaux still suggests a degree of refinement that few chateaux can match in the greatest vintages. A hugely rich and dense wine that finishes with elevated but ripe tannins and great length, with a subtle suggestion of dry spices.

200312x7596 Stephen Tanzer£7,320.00margaux france
Chateau MargauxMargaux

From the moment it is opened, the 2005 Margaux takes things to another level. The bouquet alone is breathtaking in its beauty. Bright, delineated but also explosive, the 2005 takes hold of all the senses and never lets up. The flavors are vibrant and focused, with gorgeous lift and precision. The 2005 is a riveting, aristocratic Margaux that will drink well for several decades. Today the flavors are still remarkably youthful. The wine drinks well because of its magnificent balance, the 2005 Margaux is pure magic.

20056x7599 Antonio Galloni£4,700.00margaux france
Chateau MargauxMargaux

The 1996 Chateau Margaux, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, must be a strong contender for wine of the vintage. It offers everything you desire from this First Growth. It is blessed with breathtaking delineation and freshness on the nose, understated at first and then blossoming with mineral-infused black fruit, hints of blueberry, crushed stone and violet. The palate is perfectly balanced with filigree tannin, perfect acidity, a wine where everything seems to be in its right place. Blackberry, crushed stone at the front of the mouth, just a touch of spice towards the finish that shows supreme control. This is a Margaux that seems to light up the senses. It was outstanding in its youth…something that has not changed one bit over the intervening two decades. This may well turn out to be the Left Bank pinnacle of the 1990s. Tasted July 2016.

199612x75100 Neal Martin£8,435.00
margaux france
Chateau Margaux, Pavillon Blanc de Chateau MargauxMargaux

The 2016 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux features fresh grapefruit, white peaches and lemon juice scents springing from the glass, followed by lime leaves, wet pebbles and elderflower plus a touch of honeysuckle. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and fresh with loads of vivacity and a long, mineral-laced finish

20066x7594 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£1,400.00
margaux france
Chateau Mouton RothschildPauillac

The 2005 Mouton Rothschild is exceptional. Dark, powerful and explosive on the palate, the 2005 is endowed with magnificent depth and richness. Just at the early part of its drinking window, the 2005 is sure to drink well for many years from here, especially if it is given a little bit of air. The 2005 is a stunning Mouton,

200512x7598+ Antonio Galloni£8,000.00pauillac france
Chateau Mouton RothschildPauillac

The palate is beautifully balanced, very detailed and extremely fresh. This conveys so much energy and animation before reverting towards a more classic and structured, pencil lead finish. Those in the know will stash up on the 2008 Mouton Rothschild because it is destined to turn into one of the “dark horses” of the decade.

200812x7595 Neal Martin£6,300.00pauillac france
Chateau Mouton RothschildPauillac

Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Mouton Rothschild gives up bold earthy notions of underbrush, tilled soil and fungi over a core of crème de cassis, plum preserves and Indian spices with a waft of camphor. Full-bodied with a firm, velvety tannin texture and packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, it has seamless freshness and a very long, decadently fruited finish.

20096x7599 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£4,160.00pauillac france
Chateau Mouton RothschildPauillac

The 2014 Mouton-Rothschild has a really quite fantastic bouquet with intense blackberry, mint, graphite and tobacco aromas that could only come from Pauillac at the top of the pyramid. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, pure blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with cedar and a pinch of black pepper. There is mass and density to this wine that is uncommon in 2014, quite astonishing in length with that tongue tingling with spiciness long after the wine has departed. Contender for wine of the vintage? You bet.

20141x7597 Neal Martin£450.00pauillac france
Chateau Mouton RothschildPauillac

The 2014 Mouton-Rothschild has a really quite fantastic bouquet with intense blackberry, mint, graphite and tobacco aromas that could only come from Pauillac at the top of the pyramid. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, pure blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with cedar and a pinch of black pepper. There is mass and density to this wine that is uncommon in 2014, quite astonishing in length with that tongue tingling with spiciness long after the wine has departed. Contender for wine of the vintage? You bet.

20146x7597 Neal Martin£2,490.00pauillac france
Chateau PalmerMargaux

Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Palmer delivers a beguiling array of black fruit—warm plums, cassis and black cherry compote—with kirsch and wild sage sparks plus profound suggestions of fragrant earth, black truffles, iron ore and liquid licorice. Full-bodied, rich and decadently seductive in the mouth, the generous fruit is superbly framed with plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

200912x7598 Wine Advocate£3,995.00margaux france
Chateau Pape ClementPessac-Leognan

Showing the beginning of secondary aromatics with its forest floor, truffle, smoke, earth and dark red fruits, the wine is fleshy, rich, concentrated and still youthful. Give it a few more years to soften, allowing the wood to better integrate, as it still shows wood tones on the palate, and this should be markedly better

200612x7593 Jeff Leve£1,080.00pessac-leognan france
Chateau Pesquie, Le Paradou Cotes de Provence RoseProvence

Fresh and vibrant, red berries and citrus fruits. Lovely texture.

20191x75N/A£14.00
provence france
Chateau Pesquie, Le Paradou GrenacheRhône

N/A

201912x75N/A£120.00
rhone-france france
Chateau Pesquie, Terrasses RoseRhône

Rich and fruity, lingering hints of citrus and spice.

20201x7591£12.00
rhone-france france
Chateau Pesquie, Terrasses RougeRhône

A welcome return to form, the 2018 Ventoux Terrasses is a floral, herbal and red-fruited version of this unoaked cuvée. It’s medium to full-bodied, with ample concentration, velvety tannins and lovely hints of tea and spice on the long finish. It should drink well through 2024 or so.

20181x7591£12.50rhone-france france
Chateau Pesquie, Terrasses RougeRhône

A welcome return to form, the 2018 Ventoux Terrasses is a floral, herbal and red-fruited version of this unoaked cuvée. It’s medium to full-bodied, with ample concentration, velvety tannins and lovely hints of tea and spice on the long finish. It should drink well through 2024 or so.

201812x7591£150.00
rhone-france france
Chateau Pesquie, VentvriRhône

N/A

20171x75N/A£12.00
rhone-france france
Chateau Pesquie, VentvriRhône

N/A

201712x75N/A£144.00
rhone-france france
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse, Comtesse de LalandePauillac

The dark ruby/plum-colored 2011 Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande is an elegant, suave, medium-bodied effort with abundant black cherry and red and black currant fruit. Nearly St.-Julien-like in its texture and personality, this is a well-made, finesse-styled Pauillac to drink over the next 10-15 years.

20116x7589 Robert Parker Jr£620.00pauillac france
Chateau Pontet CanetPauillac

Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Pontet-Canet slips sensuously from the glass with opulent scents of crème de cassis, baked plums and Black Forest cake plus suggestions of Chinese five spice, potpourri, oolong tea and menthol. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, it has a fantastically velvety frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long.

20091x75100 Wine Advocate£165.00pauillac france
Chateau Pontet CanetPauillac

The spectacular 2003 Pontet Canet is still incredibly young and vigorous. This full-bodied classic boasts a dense purple color as well as a superb nose of graphite, creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice and a hint of truffles, low acidity, and extravagant richness. Most of the tannins have been resolved in this superstar of the vintage. It should continue to drink well for 10-15+ years.  Drink 2014 to 2029.

20031x7595+ Robert Parker Jr£115.00
pauillac france
Chateau Rieussec, SauternesSauternes

The 2010 Rieussec was missing a little intellect when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle it has become a contender for the finest Sauternes of the vintage. It is blessed with a pure and lifted bouquet with ripe peach, nectarine and honey, hints of shaved ginger poke their head above the surface with aeration. It is very subtle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, perfectly judged acidity and convincing harmony. This is a sophisticated Sauternes with superb mineralite and outstanding persistency. I will confess that I pinned this as “Yquem” and was both shocked and pleased when its identity was revealed. Go buy. Drink 2016-2035.

20101x7596 Neal Martin£60.00
sauternes france
Chateau Troplong MondotSaint-Emilion

Extremely young with an unbelievable deep purple color, the 2000 Troplong Mondot has hardly budged since I tasted it in 2003. Two recent tastings confirmed that this is the greatest Troplong Mondot between their profound 1990 and more recent vintages such as 2005, 2008, and 2009. Copious chocolate, graphite, blackberry, blueberry, cassis, and ink characteristics are present in this full-bodied, powerful, massive St.-Emilion. While the tannins are noticeable, they are better integrated than they were seven years ago, and the fruit, extract, and richness clearly outweigh the wine’s structure. This 2000 will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring (longer than I originally predicted), and has at least two decades of drinkability ahead of it.  Drink 2014 to 2034.

20001x7596 Robert Parker Jnr£170.00
saint-emilion france
Châteauneuf du Pape, Cuvée Les PierresRaul, Rhône

This ruby red wine is very complex and elegant with aromas of red currant, red cherries, black berries with spicy overtones such as lavender, thyme and rosemary. Excellent balance in the mouth, tannins are elegant and silky. Due to the combination of the sandy subsoil and the Grenache, the wine is showing finesse and elegance.

20191x75N/A£25.00
raul rhone-france france
Chris Ringland, Dimchurch ShirazBarossa Valley

Pencil shavings, date, prune and licorice notes abound. There’s awesome Christmas spice flavors and layers of fruitcake in this massive, full-bodied wine that definitely won’t be for everyone, but it represents one unique style of Barossa Shiraz.

20136x7594 Wine Advocate£840.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Chris Ringland, Hoffmann Vineyard ShirazBarossa Valley

Deep garnet colored with lingering hints of purple, the 2007 Hoffman Vineyard Shiraz reveals a lovely aromatic core of warm blueberries and plums with hints of dark chocolate-covered cherries, Christmas pudding and coffee. Full-bodied, rich and vibrant in the mouth, the mocha and baking spices flavors are married nicely to medium levels of velvety tannins plus enlivening and balanced acid through the long finish. Decadent.

20076x7597+ Wine Advocate£1,750.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Chris Ringland, Hoffmann Vineyard ShirazBarossa Valley

Deep garnet-black in color, the 2008 Hoffman Vineyard Shiraz has a seductive nose of prunes, dried mulberries, chocolate box and licorice with hints of sandalwood, incense, and cinnamon stick. The palate is bold and buxom, with a generously endowed full body and 17.5%-declared alcohol, with robust flavors to match and velvety tannins, finishing just a little warm.

20086x7595 Wine Advocate£2,100.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Chris Ringland, Hoffmann Vineyard ShirazBarossa Valley

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 Hoffman Vineyard Shiraz possesses an extraordinary nose of cassis, crushed blackberries, earth, Bovril and yeast extract with licorice, spice box and dried herbs hints. Full-bodied, rich and densely packed, with a lovely backbone of ripe tannins and great freshness, the long finish here is just incredible. A true “wow” wine, this complex beauty certainly has the potential to hit “perfection” with a little more time in bottle.

20106x7599+ Wine Advocate£2,100.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Chris Ringland, Hoffmann Vineyard ShirazBarossa Valley

2012 Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz is a tour de force. Between the mint and floral aromas, vanilla oak and deep, plummy fruit, you’ll forgive me if I didn’t notice this wine’s considerable alcohol (it’s 15.6%). Full-bodied, rich and supple, the long, licorice-tinged finish is swaddled in the softest, most-cuddly tannins imaginable. This is a beauty!

20126x7597 Wine Advocate£2,100.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Clarendon Hills, AstralisMcLaren Vale

Clarendon Hills’ flagship 2007 Syrah Astralis. Aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, tar, underbrush, meat, licorice, and blackberry lead to a burly finish. It has tremendous grip, plenty of fine-grained tannin, layers of savory fruit.

20071x7597 Wine Advocate£150.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, AstralisMcLaren Vale

Clarendon Hills’ flagship 2007 Syrah Astralis. Aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, tar, underbrush, meat, licorice, and blackberry lead to a burly finish. It has tremendous grip, plenty of fine-grained tannin, layers of savory fruit.

20071x15097 Wine Advocate£240.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, AstralisMcLaren Vale

Picked before the heat and weighing in at a reasonable 14.5% alcohol, the 2008 Astralis Syrah (tasted from magnum) is singing. Showing no bricking at the rim, scents of cracked pepper, mint, bay leaf, thyme, lavender and blueberries pour out of the glass, adding meaty notes and hints of espresso and black olive with air. Full-bodied, creamy-textured and supple on the long finish, this wine shouldn’t be missed. If you’ve got one, open it and see for yourself.

20081x15099 Wine Advocate£325.00mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, AstralisMcLaren Vale

Picked before the heat and weighing in at a reasonable 14.5% alcohol, the 2008 Astralis Syrah (tasted from magnum) is singing. Showing no bricking at the rim, scents of cracked pepper, mint, bay leaf, thyme, lavender and blueberries pour out of the glass, adding meaty notes and hints of espresso and black olive with air. Full-bodied, creamy-textured and supple on the long finish, this wine shouldn’t be missed. If you’ve got one, open it and see for yourself.

20086x7599 Wine Advocate£1,000.00mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, Blewitt Springs GrenacheMcLaren Vale

N/A

20076x7590£132.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, Brookman MerlotMcLaren Vale

N/A

20066x7590£168.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, Clarendon GrenacheMcLaren Vale

Blewitt + Grenache + 2007 = something magical, to judge from the two offerings tasted for this report. Clarendon Hills’s bottling is dense and powerful yet doesn’t lose its way. Potent plum pudding and spice cake notes offer plenty of complexity and richness, without excessive weight. Long and slightly warming on the finish. “

20066x7593£60.00mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, Hickinbotham SyrahMcLaren Vale

The 2006 Syrah Hickinbotham Vineyard combines a voluptuous flavor profile with enough ripe tannin to evolve for 6-8 years. Drink it from 2015 to 2031.

20061x7597+ Wine Advocate£35.00mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, Piggott Range SyrahMcLaren Vale

The exquisite 2006 Syrah Piggott Range is more structured yet. Thick, dense, and tightly wound, all the components are there for future greatness. Only patience is required.

20066x7598£360.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, Piggott Range SyrahMcLaren Vale

The 2007 Syrah Piggott Range offers a kinky, sexy bouquet of earth, bacon, game, incense, and assorted black and blue fruits. Rich and layered, this is a dense, packed, and impeccably balanced powerhouse that will require 8-10 years to reveal its full potential. This lengthy effort will easily provide pleasure through 2027.

20076x7595£180.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, Piggott Range SyrahMcLaren Vale

The 2008 Piggott Range Vineyard Syrah has a very deep garnet-purple color and intensely minty, ripe blackberry and fresh black currant aromas plus some forest floor, cinnamon and kirsch. Very crisp, very rich and concentrated, it gives a high level of fine-grained tannins and very long seductive finish

20086x7595£210.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Clarendon Hills, Piggott Range SyrahMcLaren Vale

The exquisite 2006 Syrah Piggott Range is more structured yet. Thick, dense, and tightly wound, all the components are there for future greatness. Only patience is required.

20061x7598 Wine Advocate£80.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Conti Formentini, Pinot Grigio Collio DOCFriuli Venezia Giulia

Straw-yellow. Nicely perfumed nose, fresh herbs, white-fleshed fruits (pear) and white flowers. Expressive, savoury palate.

20206x75N/A£72.00
friuli-venezia-giulia italy
D'arenberg, Dead Arm ShirazMcLaren Vale

D’Arenberg’s flagship is the 2006 The Dead Arm Shiraz. Opaque purple-colored, the nose is reticent but gives up aromas of meat, bacon, game, truffles, blueberry, and blackberry. Firm, layered, and complex, this beautifully rendered Shiraz demands a decade of cellaring. It will be superb from 2018 to 2036.

20066x7595+ Wine Advocate£240.00mclaren-vale-austalia
D'arenberg, Dead Arm ShirazMcLaren Vale

The 2005 The Dead Arm Shiraz is sourced from ancient head-pruned vines. It was aged for 22 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak. It is opaque purple/black with an expansive perfume of toast, smoke, spice box, mineral, pencil lead, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, opulent, and super-concentrated.

20056x15095 Robert Parker Jr£360.00mclaren-vale-austalia
D'arenberg, Dead Arm ShirazMcLaren Vale

The renowned 2004 Shiraz The Dead Arm, fashioned from ancient head-pruned vines, is stunning. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a glorious perfume of creosote/melted road tar, blackberry and cassis liqueur, pepper, and spice. This deep, rich, full-bodied, tannic Shiraz should be drinkable in 2-3 years, and will last for two decades or more. It is the finest Dead Arm since the 2001.

20046x15095+ Robert Parker Jr£360.00mclaren-vale-austalia
D'arenberg, Dead Arm ShirazMcLaren Vale

2003 The Dead Arm Shiraz appears to be better than the 2002. A deeper, richer, fuller-bodied offering that spent time in equal parts French and American oak, it possesses an opaque purple color, great intensity, and a fabulously sweet nose of blackberries, cassis, asphalt, earth, and oak. Powerful, super-concentrated, and obviously fashioned from low yields and old vines, this is a classic McLaren Vale old vine Shiraz.

20036x15095 Robert Parker Jr£360.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
D'arenberg, The High Trellis Cabernet SauvignonMcLaren Vale

The High Trellis is a wine of great presence, loaded with classic Cabernet Sauvignon characters of cassis, plums, cedar, red capsicum and violets. Despite the depth and complexity of the fruit, the palate remains true to Cabernet form, providing a sleek mouthfeel framed by a long line of fine, chalky tannins. Powerful, aromatic, persistent and charming all at once. While this wine offers enough fruit to be enjoyed in youth, expect 5-8 further years of careful cellaring to enhance its overall quality and enjoyment.

20171x7591 Wine Enthusiast£15.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
D'arenberg, The High Trellis Cabernet SauvignonMcLaren Vale

The High Trellis is a wine of great presence, loaded with classic Cabernet Sauvignon characters of cassis, plums, cedar, red capsicum and violets. Despite the depth and complexity of the fruit, the palate remains true to Cabernet form, providing a sleek mouthfeel framed by a long line of fine, chalky tannins. Powerful, aromatic, persistent and charming all at once. While this wine offers enough fruit to be enjoyed in youth, expect 5-8 further years of careful cellaring to enhance its overall quality and enjoyment.

20176x7591 Wine Enthusiast£90.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Devil Proof MalbecSonoma

This may be the finest Malbec I have ever tasted from California. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with a beautiful nose of blackberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with spring flowers and licorice. There is gorgeous sucrosity and fruit in this killer Malbec, which could easily rival the best from high elevation vineyards in Argentina.

20123x7592-94 Robert Parker Jr£490.00sonoma usa
Devil Proof MalbecSonoma

This may be the finest Malbec I have ever tasted from California. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with a beautiful nose of blackberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with spring flowers and licorice. There is gorgeous sucrosity and fruit in this killer Malbec, which could easily rival the best from high elevation vineyards in Argentina.

20121x7592-94 Robert Parker Jr£210.00sonoma usa
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Venezuelan RumVenezuela

A complex characterful nose of fruit cake, rum ‘n’ raisin ice cream, cocoa, and spices. The palate evokes rich dark chocolate sauce, with sweet vanilla and caramel notes, together with subtle tropical fruit flavours.

NV1x70N/A£40.00venezuela
Domaine Albert Grivault, Pommard 1er Cru 'Clos Blanc'Burgundy

N/A

201512x7516/20 La Revue du vin de france£576.00burgundy france
Domaine de ChevalierPessac-Leognan

The 2010 Domaine de Chevalier shows a little more amplitude compared to the Malartic-Lagravière, red and black fruit, undergrowth, pressed rose petals and a touch of crushed stone all beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins but demonstrating great depth. This feels saline, slightly marine-influenced in the mouth, with outstanding precision on the slightly peppery finish. Oliver Bernard oversaw a magnificent Grand Vin.

20106x7594 Neal Martin£425.00pessac-leognan france
Domaine de Montille, Beaune 1er Cru 'Sizies'Burgundy

Aromas of raspberry, cherries and dried herbs introduce the 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Sizies, a medium-bodied, chalky wine with a delicate core of tangy fruit and a moderately intense finish. A touch of asperity marks it out as one of de Montille’s less successful 2017s, though it may well flesh out in bottle.

20176x7588 Wine Advocate£255.00burgundy france
Domaine de Montille, Beaune 1er Cru 'Sizies'Burgundy

Aromas of raspberry, cherries and dried herbs introduce the 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Sizies, a medium-bodied, chalky wine with a delicate core of tangy fruit and a moderately intense finish. A touch of asperity marks it out as one of de Montille’s less successful 2017s, though it may well flesh out in bottle.

20171x7588 Wine Advocate£45.00
burgundy france
Domaine du Clos Frantin, Clos Vougeot Grand CruBurgundy

N/A

20116x7591 Wine Spectator£690.00burgundy france
Domaine du Clos Frantin, Clos Vougeot Grand CruBurgundy

N/A

20111x7591 Wine Spectator£120.00burgundy france
Domaine du Clos Frantin, Echezeaux Grand CruBurgundy

N/A

20136x7592 Wine Spectator£690.00burgundy france
Domaine du Clos Frantin, Echezeaux Grand CruBurgundy

Perfumed and juicy, this is an opulent wine. With its red-cherry flavors it also has freshness that makes it rich and generous while keeping a line of tight acidity and powerful tannins. Drink from 2024.

20146x7592 Wine Enthusiast£690.00burgundy france
Domaine Faiveley, Corton-CharlemangeCote de Beaune

Full yellow-gold. Deeply pitched, brooding nose hints at white peach, mirabelle and honey. Big, chewy, ripe and rich, with smoky soil tones currently dominating the wine’s primary fruit. This is tactile and surprisingly round for young Corton-Charlemagne but will need patience to express itself. Its sheer density and length suggest it will reward extended cellaring.

20086x7593+ Stephen Tanzer£1,449.00
cote-de-beaune france
Domaine Frederic Magnien, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, Frederic MagnienBurgundy

N/A

201412x7517/20 La Revue du vin de france£1,320.00burgundy france
Domaine Frederic Magnien, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, Frederic MagnienBurgundy

N/A

20141x7517/20 La Revue du vin de france£115.00burgundy france
Domaine Gilles Morat, Pouilly-Fuisse 'Aux Vignes Dessus'Burgundy

N/A

201612x75N/A£288.00burgundy france
Domaine Henri Gouges, Bourgogne Pinot BlancBurgundy

The 2017 Bourgogne Pinot Noir has a quite primal, slightly confit-like bouquet of macerated red cherries and strawberry fruit. The well-balanced palate offers fleshy red cherries mixed with orange peel and a light, fleshy finish. One to drink early. This was due to be bottled around January 2018.

20176x7586 Vinous£162.00burgundy france
Domaine Henri Gouges, Nuits-St-GeorgesBurgundy

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Village comes from eight different blocks instead of the usual nine, as the Les Crots has been bottled separately. It has a simple but effective bouquet of red cherries and cranberry jus aromas. The candied palate is well balanced, offering sappy red fruit, gentle grip and a lightly spiced finish. Fine.

20176x7593 Wine Spectator£252.00burgundy france
Domaine Henri Gouges, Nuits-St-GeorgesBurgundy

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Village comes from eight different blocks instead of the usual nine, as the Les Crots has been bottled separately. It has a simple but effective bouquet of red cherries and cranberry jus aromas. The candied palate is well balanced, offering sappy red fruit, gentle grip and a lightly spiced finish. Fine.

20171x7593 Wine Spectator£45.00
burgundy france
Domaine Henri Gouges, Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru 'La Parriere' BlancBurgundy

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru La Perrière Blanc offers up attractive aromas of fresh Anjou pear, wet stones, lemon oil, red apples and pastry cream. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, tangy and incisive, with an elegantly textural attack and a notably chalky, phenolic profile that this cuvée always seems to display. It’s a singular wine that is well worth seeking out.

20171x7593 The Wine Advocate£80.00
burgundy france
Domaine Henri Gouges, Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru 'La Parriere' BlancBurgundy

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru La Perrière Blanc offers up attractive aromas of fresh Anjou pear, wet stones, lemon oil, red apples and pastry cream. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, tangy and incisive, with an elegantly textural attack and a notably chalky, phenolic profile that this cuvée always seems to display. It’s a singular wine that is well worth seeking out.

20176x7593 The Wine Advocate£468.00burgundy france
Domaine Jean-Baptiste Ponsot, Rully RougeBurgundy

The 2017 Rully Village is a medium-bodied, lively red that offers up aromas and flavors of spicy berry fruit. It’s adapted to near-term consumption.

201712x7586 Wine Advocate£252.00burgundy france
Domaine Jean-Baptiste Ponsot, Rully RougeBurgundy

The 2017 Rully Village is a medium-bodied, lively red that offers up aromas and flavors of spicy berry fruit. It’s adapted to near-term consumption.

20171x7586 Wine Advocate£22.00burgundy france
Domaine Jean-Baptiste Ponsot, Rully Rouge 1er Cru 'Molesme'Burgundy

The 2014 Rully 1er Cru Molesme is more straightforward than the Village Cru “En Bas de Vauvry” and did not display the same level of complexity or personality. The palate is better with peach skin and green apple notes, a fine line of acidity, but I cannot help but think that the Village Cru slips past this Premier Cru in the slipstream. Still, this remains a commendable Rully.

201412x7588 Wine Advocate£264.00burgundy france
Domaine Jean-Baptiste, Rully Blanc 1er Cru 'Montpalais'Burgundy

N/A

201812x75N/A£270.00burgundy france
Domaine Matrot, MonthelieBurgundy

N/A

20161x75N/A£33.00burgundy france
DominusNapa Valley

Made in a more masculine style, the 2008 Dominus has all of that along with bigger body and more structure, fat, density and texture. Both are brilliant wines and they represent the finest back-to-back vintages for Dominus since 2001 and 2002 or 1990 and 1991. Both the 2007 and 2008 Dominus should drink well for 25-30 years.

20086x7599 Robert Parker Jr£1,465.00
napa-valley usa
E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie La LandonneCote-Rotie

A wine that’s certainly not for those seeking instant gratification, the 2010 Cote Rotie la Landonne is a powerhouse Cote Rotie that offers up deep, masculine notes of crushed rocks, smoked meats, game, espresso and assorted dark cassis and currant-like fruit. Full-bodied, tight, structured and backward, with fabulous mid-palate density and length, it needs to be forgotten in the cellar for a decade, but will have 40-50 years of overall longevity.

20106x75100 Jeb Dunnuck£3,150.00cote-rotie rhone france
E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie La LandonneCote-Rotie

A step up over the other two single vineyard releases, the 2011 Cote Rotie la Landonne is an incredible wine that knocks it out of the park in the vintage. Its inky purple/ruby color is followed by to-die-for notes of cassis, black olives, truffles, graphite and crushed rock. Full-bodied, massively concentrated, thick and unctuous, it has the vintage’s flamboyant fruit profile, yet backs it up with a stacked mid-palate, serious amounts of tannin and a finish that just won’t quit. It’s relatively approachable now due to its glycerin and fat, yet needs a decade of cellaring and will knock your socks off over the following two decades or more.  Drink 2015 – 2035

20116x7599 Jeb Dunnuck£1,520.00
cote-rotie rhone france
E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie La MoulineCote-Rotie

Incorporating a full 11% of Viognier and coming from the steep, terraced vines in the Cote Blonde lieu-dit, it sports a heavenly bouquet of spring flowers, incense, violets, cured meats and sweet cassis. Full-bodied, voluptuous and as seamless as they come, Syrah just doesn’t get any more alluring, sexy or impressive. Give it 5-6 years and drink bottles over the following 2 decades or more.

20106x75100 Jeb Dunnuck£3,100.00cote-rotie rhone france
E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie La TurqueCote-Rotie

Both the 2010 and the 2009 continue to blow me away every time I taste them, and to me, these represent the pinnacle of Cote Rotie—albeit in very different styles. The 2010 Cote Rotie la Turque is a much more masculine and edgy wine that’s going to reward cellaring. Its inky black color is followed by classic notes of smoked meats, scorched earth, licorice and ample black fruits. Big, rich, tannic and structured, don’t think about touching bottles until at least 2020.

20106x75100 Jeb Dunnuck£2,750.00cote-rotie rhone france
Elderton, Ashmead Cabernet SauvignonBarossa Valley

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Ashmead is a single vineyard selection aged for 18 months in new French 300-litre barrels (aka hogsheads). It offers up a superb bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, scorched earth, espresso, spice box, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. Opulent on the palate, it has gobs of succulent black fruit, well-concealed ripe tannins, impeccable balance, and a long finish. Cellar it for 5-7 years and drink it from 2014 to 2028.

20066x7595 Wine Advocate£390.00barossa-valley-austalia
Elderton, Command ShirazBarossa Valley

Elderton’s flagship is the single vineyard Command Shiraz, a wine with serious aging potential, and one with which all other South Australia Shiraz must be compared. The opaque purple/black 2005 Command Shiraz was aged in French and American oak puncheons (500-liter barrels). It offers up a sexy/kinky bouquet of wood smoke, lavender, leather, game, mineral, black raspberry, and blueberry pie. Voluptuous on the palate, complex, and dense, it demands a decade of cellaring after which it should offer hedonists much pleasure through 2035.

20056x7597 Wine Advocate£660.00barossa-valley-austalia
FRAM, Dry WhiteWestern Cape

Savoury, bone-dry white blend with a nutty flavour that blends almonds and walnuts and a refreshing saline note on the finish.

NV1x75£18.00
western-cape south-africa
GazinPomerol

2007 Gazin is spicy, but the oak component is more restrained than normal. It is a relatively big-styled wine for a 2007, with impressive richness, a dark ruby/purple color, notes of lead pencil shavings, ink, black currants, sweet dark plums, and balsamic. Cellar it for 1-2 years and consume it over the following 10-15.

20076x7589 Robert Parker Jr£450.00
pomerol france
GazinPomerol

Medium bright ruby. Sappy aromas of black cherry, blackberry, violet and sassafras. Fresh and juicy, with nicely textured, concentrated flavours of dark berries, bitter chocolate and spices. This solidly structured Pomerol finishes with firm but ripe tannins and lovely floral perfume. Well done.

20116x7590 Ian d'Agata£325.00
pomerol france
Giacomo Conterno, Barolo Cascina FranciaPiedmont

The 2007 Cascina Francia is unusually dark, rich and powerful. The floral, herbal notes that are typical in young Cascina Francia have been replaced by deeper notes of tar, smoke and licorice to match the layers of intense dark fruit. The 2007 is powerful and imposing from start to finish. It is going to be a fascinating Barolo to follow over the coming years and decades. Cascina Francia is often accessible for the first year or two after it has been bottled. That has not been my experience with the 2007. It seems already headed for a period of dormancy. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037.

20071x7596+ Antonio Galloni£265.00
piedmont italy
Giacomo Fenocchio, Barolo VilleroPiedmont

Woodland-berry, new leather, camphor and fragrant blue-flower aromas align in the glass. Showing youthful tension and depth, the palate is still immaturely austere but delivers juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry and licorice alongside firm, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it well balanced. Drink 2024–2041

20161x7596 Wine Enthusiast£38.00piedmont italy
Gramercy Celllars, Le Pre du Col Vineyard Pinot NoirOregon

N/A

201612x7590 Cellartracker£600.00
oregon usa
Gramercy Celllars, Le Pre du Col Vineyard Pinot NoirOregon

N/A

20161x7590 Cellartracker£50.00oregon usa
Greenock Creek, Roennfeldt Road ShirazBarossa Valley

The two Roennfeldt Road cuvees, from one of Barossa’s most esteemed addresses, appear to be the finest since the legendary 1998s The 2002 Roennfeldt Road Shiraz was aged in new French oak. Aromas of pain grille, truffle, mineral, violets, blackberry, and blueberry compote are ethereal and lead to a voluptuous, densely layered, succulent, complex Shiraz with 10-15 years of aging potential, This extraordinary effort should drink well through 2040.

20021x75100 Wine Advocate£420.00barossa-valley-austalia
Harlan Estate, Proprietary RedNapa Valley

The deep garnet-purple colored 2014 Harlan Estate offers up subtle cassis, black cherries and crushed blackberries notes with tons of savory and earthy layers: forest floor, black soil, charcoal and dried herbs, plus wafts of violets and rare beef. Full-bodied and built like a brick house in the mouth, it has loads of tense, muscular fruit with many layers of earth, savory and spice nuances emerging, finishing with epic length. Around 2,100 cases were bottled.  Drink 2019 – 2049.

20146x7598 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£5,600.00napa-valley usa
Henry's Drive, Reserve ShirazPadthaway

N/A

20056x7589£72.00padthaway
Henschke, Cyril Henschke Cabernet SauvignonEden Valley

Aged 18 months in French oak, the fabulous 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Cyril Henschke (a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot) is a blockbuster example of how well Bordeaux varietals can perform in the Barossa, in this case the cooler Eden Valley. Its dense purple color is followed by an extraordinary nose of black currants, smoke, high class cigar tobacco, cedar, spice, and subtle sweet oak. Deep, full-bodied, and intense with a multilayered mouthfeel, an explosive finish, and moderately high tannin, this cuvee will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades or more.  Drink 2008 – 2026.

20021x7594+ Robert Parker Jr£110.00
eden-valley
Henschke, Hill of GraceEden Valley

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 1999 Hill of Grace presents fragrant notes of warm blackberries and black cherries with hints of menthol, dried thyme and sage, licorice, dark chocolate and black olives. Full-bodied, rich and powerful, it has firm, chewy tannins, crisp acid and a long finish. It is still very youthful in the mouth with lots of flavor layers. It is drinking well now and should continue to cellar through 2035+.

19991x7597 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£450.00eden-valley
Hobbs of Barossa Ranges, Estate Shiraz ViognierBarossa Valley

N/A

20071x150N/A£50.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Hobbs of Barossa Ranges, Gregor ShirazBarossa Valley

N/A

20071x150N/A£50.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Hobbs, Estate ShirazBarossa Valley

Purple/black in color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of toast, smoke, violets, blueberry, blackberry, and Asian spices. Dense and layered on the palate, this well-balanced effort.

20066x7592 Wine Advocate£216.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Hobbs, Gregor ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2006 Gregor Shiraz is made from fruit dried on trays in the style of Amarone. It has a liqueur, Port-like character to its aromas and flavors although it is dry. Notes of licorice and chocolate as well as assorted black fruits make an appearance on the palate.

20066x7593 Wine Advocate£270.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Hobbs, Gregor Shiraz (Magnums) 1.5LBarossa Valley

The 2006 Gregor Shiraz is made from fruit dried on trays in the style of Amarone. It has a liqueur, Port-like character to its aromas and flavors although it is dry. Notes of licorice and chocolate as well as assorted black fruits make an appearance on the palate.

20061x15093 Wine Advocate£90.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Hobbs, Shiraz / ViognierBarossa Valley

The 2006 Shiraz-Viognier is noticeably lighter in color. It is more expressive aromatically because of the Viognier component but is less voluminous on the palate leading to a slightly compact finish.

20066x7590 Wine Advocate£216.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Hobbs, Shiraz / Viognier (Magnums) 1.5LBarossa Valley

The 2006 Shiraz-Viognier is noticeably lighter in color. It is more expressive aromatically because of the Viognier component but is less voluminous on the palate leading to a slightly compact finish.

20061x15090 Wine Advocate£80.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Il Marroneto, Brunello di MontalcinoTuscany

Il Marroneto’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful wine and one that invites you to partake in a long evening of good food and even better company. This is a deeply convivial expression of Sangiovese that offers just a glimmer of much-needed informality and coziness to guarantee comfort. But make no mistake, this Brunello reminds you of its pedigree and precision as well. The bouquet opens to white cherry, fragrant rose blossom and violets. The finish is smooth and pliable, with graceful endnotes of smoke and crushed mineral.

20131x7594 Wine Advocate£65.00
tuscany italy
Il Marroneto, Brunello di MontalcinoTuscany

Il Marroneto’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful wine and one that invites you to partake in a long evening of good food and even better company. This is a deeply convivial expression of Sangiovese that offers just a glimmer of much-needed informality and coziness to guarantee comfort. But make no mistake, this Brunello reminds you of its pedigree and precision as well. The bouquet opens to white cherry, fragrant rose blossom and violets. The finish is smooth and pliable, with graceful endnotes of smoke and crushed mineral.

20136x7594 Wine Advocate£390.00
tuscany italy
Il Marroneto, Brunello di MontalcinoTuscany

Il Marroneto’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful wine and one that invites you to partake in a long evening of good food and even better company. This is a deeply convivial expression of Sangiovese that offers just a glimmer of much-needed informality and coziness to guarantee comfort. But make no mistake, this Brunello reminds you of its pedigree and precision as well. The bouquet opens to white cherry, fragrant rose blossom and violets. The finish is smooth and pliable, with graceful endnotes of smoke and crushed mineral.

20131x15094 Wine Advocate£170.00
tuscany italy
Il Marroneto, Madonna delle GrazieTuscany

Sangiovese-whisperer Alessandro Mori has delivered another superstar wine with the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie. The bouquet is detailed and fine with bright accents of fragrant red rose, red currant, cola, licorice, grilled herb and crushed white peppercorn. The bouquet is loose, light and buoyant, with a smooth and natural progression of building aromas. The mouthfeel, however, is direct, important and determined. It’s that playful juxtaposition between the wine’s soft side and its stern side that makes this such an interesting and sensational wine to drink. Only 5,993 bottles were produced, and that’s the bad news.

20131x7597 Wine Advocate£160.00tuscany italy
Il Marroneto, Madonna delle GrazieTuscany

Sangiovese-whisperer Alessandro Mori has delivered another superstar wine with the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie. The bouquet is detailed and fine with bright accents of fragrant red rose, red currant, cola, licorice, grilled herb and crushed white peppercorn. The bouquet is loose, light and buoyant, with a smooth and natural progression of building aromas. The mouthfeel, however, is direct, important and determined. It’s that playful juxtaposition between the wine’s soft side and its stern side that makes this such an interesting and sensational wine to drink. Only 5,993 bottles were produced, and that’s the bad news.

20136x7597 Wine Advocate£960.00tuscany italy
Il Marroneto, Madonna delle GrazieTuscany

Sangiovese-whisperer Alessandro Mori has delivered another superstar wine with the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie. The bouquet is detailed and fine with bright accents of fragrant red rose, red currant, cola, licorice, grilled herb and crushed white peppercorn. The bouquet is loose, light and buoyant, with a smooth and natural progression of building aromas. The mouthfeel, however, is direct, important and determined. It’s that playful juxtaposition between the wine’s soft side and its stern side that makes this such an interesting and sensational wine to drink. Only 5,993 bottles were produced, and that’s the bad news.

20131x15097 Wine Advocate£480.00tuscany italy
Ixsir, AltitudesBatroun

A Cabernet-based blend of enormous charm, as warm in the mouth as its Lebanese homeland, with blackberries, blackcurrants, a dash of green pepper and a slice or two of strawberry.

20171x75N/A£16.00batroun lebanon
Joseph Faiveley Batard MontrachetBurgundy

Bright yellow. Deep aromas of pineapple, exotic herbs, clove oil and smoky oak, complicated by a leesy element. Large-scaled, glyceral and broad; less precise today than the Bienvenue but that’s due to this wine’s major baby fat. Very ripe peach and apricot flavors are lifted by lemon oil and chewy saline minerality. Finishes very long, with a light dusting of tongue-coating tannins. This wine held up well for days in the recorked bottle. I would not be surprised to see it merit an even higher score with seven or eight years in the cellar.

20106x7594+ Stephen Tanzer£1,580.00burgundy france
Joseph Faiveley Bienvenues Batard MontrachetBurgundy

Full yellow color. Musky aromas of ripe peach, lime and brown spices. Densely packed and lively; distinctly powerful for Bienvenue. Highly concentrated citrus and crushed stone flavors give the wine a vibrant, piercing back end. A very backward, long grand cru with terrific energy for aging.

20106x7593+ Stephen Tanzer£2,180.00
burgundy france
Joseph Faiveley Meursault CharmesBurgundy20106x7591 Cellar Tracker£680.00
burgundy france
Kaesler, Old BastardBarossa Valley

(from 114-year-old vines) Opaque purple. The nose offers a hypnotic array of dark fruit compote and floral scents, with complicating notes of incense, Asian spices and black pepper. Broad and sweet in the mouth, with palate-saturating boysenberry and mulberry flavors, seamless texture and uncanny depth. There’s an unlikely energy to this weighty, intensely flavored shiraz that gives it impressive precision. The spice and floral notes linger on the velvety, compellingly sweet finish

20076x7594+ Vinous£660.00barossa-valley-austalia
Kay Brothers, Hillside ShirazMcLaren Vale

The 2005 Amery Shiraz spent 18 months in American oak, 10% new. It is purple-colored with straightforward aromas of cedar, tobacco, damp earth, and blueberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, savory, spicy Shiraz that becomes slightly compact in the finish.

20056x7588 Wine Advocate£90.00mclaren-vale-austalia
Krug, Vintage BrutChampagne

The earliest harvest since 1922 when temperatures were on average 28ºC over growing season. Beautiful buttercup and emerald hints to the colour. There is creaminess and there is delicate honey and hazelnut, even a hint of toast. The palate shows ripeness but also extraordinary clarity, a very harmonious and rounded wine, lovely integration, with composed, precise flavours pushing through to a very long and elegant finish. Plush, yes, but citrus-tight and long. Whilst technically it has lower acidity than the 2000, it does not feel like it in the mouth.

20036x7595 Tom Cannavan£1,560.00champagne france
Krug, Vintage BrutChampagne

Combining subtleness with complexity, the coolish Krug 2004 Brut opens with a highly elegant, fascinatingly clear, bright and refreshing bouquet of ripe (apple) fruits. Dense and round, with a delicate mineral soul, the pure but perfectly balanced 2004 reveals great finesse and weightless elegance with a long and round finish. This is a gorgeous Krug vintage that is 14 years old but still on the rise. Tasted from ID 316034 in New York in November 2018.

20046x7597 Wine Advocate£1,320.00champagne france
Krug, Vintage BrutChampagne

As I reported when it was released, Krug’s 2006 Brut is clearly one of the vintage’s highlights. Offering up aromas of dried fruits, pear, freshly baked bread, caramelized apples, honeycomb and toasted sourdough, it’s full-bodied, deep and layered, with superb concentration, racy acids and an impressively tightly wound profile for this demonstrative vintage. I observed last year that this is surprisingly reserved for the vintage, and if anything, that quality is even more in evidence today. While many 2006 Champagnes are likely to be at their best in their demonstrative youth, this is one wine unquestionably built for the long haul.

20066x7597 Wine Advocate£1,800.00champagne france
Krug, Vintage BrutChampagne

Krug’s 1998 Brut Vintage is an excellent choice for drinking today, as the classic Krug style is rich, alive and totally vivid. Honey, almonds, smoke, graphite and dried apricots are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this rich, enveloping Champagne. A wine of texture and depth, the 1998 impresses for its vinous personality and terrific balance. Lively veins of underlying acidity suggest the 1998 will drink well for many years to follow. This is one of the best bottles of the 1998 I have ever tasted. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2038.

19983x15095 Antonio Galloni£3,025.00
champagne france
L'IfSaint-Emilion

N/A

20171x7596 Galloni (Vinous) / 97 Suckling£140.00
saint-emilion france
L'IfSaint-Emilion

N/A

20176x7596 Galloni (Vinous) / 97 Suckling£840.00
saint-emilion france
L'IfSaint-Emilion

The 2014 l’If has a pretty bouquet, quite intense with hints of licorice infusing the bright and vivid black cherry and blueberry fruit. With time, there is an intriguing melted tar scent. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin. This l’If seems to have tightened up since I tasted it from barrel, yet it retains impressive focus and energy, long and tender in the mouth with that licorice touch returning on the finish. Excellent

20141x7592 Neal Martin£120.00
saint-emilion france
L'IfSaint-Emilion

Aromas of black cherries, blueberries, licorice, dried lavender, nutmeg and grated milk chocolate. Pure raspberries, walnut husks and crushed peppercorns as well. It’s full-bodied with firm, racy tannins that go on for minutes. So sleek and polished with a long finish. Really amazing and perhaps the best wine ever from here. Same ownership as the legendary Le Pin from Pomerol. Slightly more cabernet franc (30% instead of 20%) in the blend may have made the difference. The rest is merlot. Clearly the best wine ever from here, since the official first vintage 2011.

20186x7599 James Suckling£1,000.00
saint-emilion france
La ConseillantePomerol

The 2000 La Conseillante is much broodier than the previous two vintages, 1998 and 1999. This demands encouragement from the glass, eventually opening with blackberry, briary, black truffle and terracotta scents. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly “furry” tannin. It is not as precise as say, the 2005 or 2010. There is impressive weight here, a concentrated and broad-shouldered La Conseillante, but what is missing is the finesse and poise that more recent vintages have shown.

200012x7592 Neal Martin£3,155.00pomerol france
La ViolettePomerol

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Violette sails out of the glass with expressive scents of baked plums, blueberry preserves and blackberry pie plus suggestions of spice cake, chocolate box and powdered cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruits with a firm, fine-grained frame and long, fragrant finish.

20171x7594 Wine Advocate£240.00
pomerol france
Ladyburn 40 Year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Private cask CollectionLowlands

This ultra-rare single malt Scotch whisky is a firm favourite for the enlightened collector and connoisseur. The distillery closed in 1975 making this offering a true chance to enjoy a piece of history, distilled in November 1974, matured in first fill bourbon cask bottled in November 2014.

19741x70N/A£2,200.00lowlands uk
Laurent Combier, Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée LaurentRhône

Sophisticated Rhône Syrah combines savoury fruit flavours with tar, leather and a touch of spicy oak. Outstanding with rich red meat dishes, game or even hard cheese at the end of a meal.

20201x75N/A£20.00
rhone-france france
Laurent Combier, Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée LaurentRhône

Sophisticated Rhône Syrah combines savoury fruit flavours with tar, leather and a touch of spicy oak. Outstanding with rich red meat dishes, game or even hard cheese at the end of a meal.

20206x75N/A£120.00rhone-france france
Leeuwin Estate, Art Series RieslingWestern Australia

N/A

20191x75N/A£16.00
western-australia-austalia
Litmus, Element 20Essex/Surrey

Complex, mature, elegant and stylish, this silky, rich, full bodied white has a balancing acidity that will ensure even further complexity is achieved in years to come. 35% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Gris and 30% Pinot Blanc.

20141x75N/A£16.00
essex-surrey-uk uk
Litmus, Orange BacchusKent

Pale gold in colour the wine displays hazelnut, fennel and marzipan characters on the nose. The palate has a touch of white pepper spice, is incredibly generous and complex and boasts a long broad palate with a gripping astringency and smooth, long finish. Enjoy with oily meats and spicy dishes.

20191x75N/A£14.00
kent uk
Litmus, Red PinotKent

Cherry red with vibrant translucency the wine displays raspberry and clove characters on the nose. The palate is elegant and rich, underpinned by an earthyspiciness and a long finish. The wine will gain further complexity with aging and reward the patient collector.

20181x75N/A£25.00
kent uk
Litmus, Red PinotKent

Cherry red with vibrant translucency the wine displays raspberry and clove characters on the nose. The palate is elegant and rich, underpinned by an earthyspiciness and a long finish. The wine will gain further complexity with aging and reward the patient collector.

20186x75N/A£150.00
kent uk
Litmus, White PinotEssex

Pale straw in colour with some evident peach, honeysuckle and smoky characters, this complex wine displays a fullness and roundness rarely found in English wines. The palate is structured, full bodied, rich and silky backbone of acidity and layered nuances of multifaceted almost red wines characters.

20166x75N/A£150.00
essex uk
Louis Roederer, CristalChampagne

Aromas of clear honey, crisp green orchard fruit, white peach, pastry cream and dried white flowers introduce the 2012 Cristal, a full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine that’s built for the cellar. Broader, more textural and more muscular than the 2008 Cristal, with seemingly even greater reserves of structuring dry extract, the 2012 is incisive and searingly chalky. This is the first Cristal produced exclusively from organically farmed fruit, and it marks the opening of a new chapter for Louis Roderer. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, vinified without malolactic fermentation and disgorged with 7.5 grams per liter dosage. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has once again excelled himself.  Drink 2022 – 2050.

20126x7597+ Wine Advocate£1,700.00
champagne france
Louis Roederer, CristalChampagne

The Louis Roederer 1990 Cristal is awesome! A classic of power and finesse, richness and delicacy, it may be the greatest Cristal I have ever tasted!

19906x7597 Robert Parker Jnr£4,700.00
champagne france
Louis Roederer, CristalChampagne

The 2006 Cristal shows rich and ripe (tropical) fruit on the nose along with delicate brioche notes. Round and textured on the palate, this is a generous but fresh, fine and salty Cristal with a very long and greatly finessed finish. Tasted in New York, November 2018.

20061x15095 Wine Advocate£640.00
champagne france
Louis Roederer, CristalChampagne

Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon calls Cristal “the first terroir cuvée of the Champagne.” He furthers, “It’s not just Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, but the chalk that brings the ultimate finesse, length and precision of Cristal.” Forty-five blocks with averaging age of 43-years-old, low-yielding vines form the base of Cristal, which is usually made of approximately 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. This Champagne comes along in a golden color and with a deep and matured, yet well-defined bouquet of ripe yellow fruits and honey notes. Full-bodied, round and very complex, the generous 2007 is a perfect mix of ripe fruit and precise minerality. It is a silky textured, pure and precise, as well as powerful and expressive Champagne. It has great tension and grip in the very long and persistent finish. Great expression of chalk.

20076x7595 Wine Advocate£1,530.00
champagne france
Louis Roederer, CristalChampagne

The 2009 Cristal is a blend of Grands Crus from the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs (a total of 33-34 parcels of which 40% were farmed biodynamically). Like the 2008 Cristal, the 2009 also blends 60% Pinot Noir with 40% Chardonnay, and 16% of the wine was vinified in oak casks. No malolactic fermentation was done. The 2009 was aged for six years in the cellars and was disgorged in March 2016 with a dosage of eight grams per liter. Released two years ago, the 2009 is just starting another, more “Burgundian” life. Tasted in May 2018, the bouquet was pretty reductive, with flinty and toasty/nutty notes and some potted ginger flavors. Full-bodied, round and rich on the palate, this is a stunningly pure, fresh and salty 2009 that is driven by its chalky terroir and the lingering salinity. Is it really 2009? It is ripe, yes, but driven by the strength of chalk. The finish is pure, clean, fresh, very complex and long yet delicate and endlessly salty. However, two years after disgorgement, the 2009 Cristal is closing down and in a pretty reductive stage right now. Tasted May 2018.

20096x7595 Wine Advocate£1,350.00champagne france
Louis Roederer, Cristal 'Gold Medallion' OrfevreChampagne

Roederer’s 2002 Cristal is a fabulous wine! Originally released in 2009, it was re-released in March this year—and was sold out in a very short time. The Cristal I tasted at Roederer in May 2018 was disgorged in 2010, after seven years sur lie. Its amazing richness and concentration makes it a forerunner of the 2015 and follows the 1999. Only two times—2002 and 2015—the fruit from all 42 plots reserved for Cristal was used for the Cristal. “I couldn’t do any better blend than the one assembling all the 42 plots,” says Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, stressing that at that time only two hectares were farmed biodynamically. As a result of the conversion to biodynamic farming, Lécaillon promised himself the production of even more beautiful, vital and balanced wines, and you can feel his satisfaction whenever he speaks of the cuvées that are yet to come such as 2012 and 2015, the latter of which he calls “the new 2002.” Back to history: the nose of the 2002 Cristal shows a deep, ripe and elegant fruit with aromas of white chocolate, wet chalk, wild vanilla and pepper (typical for 2002) as well as terroir-driven truffle notes. Intense and very elegant in the mouth, this is a ripe, rich and concentrated yet also pure and vital Cristal with great finesse, elegance and mineral complexity. It’s a sublime Champagne right now, although it’s more wine than Champagne. Drink 2018-2050.

20021x30098 Wine Advocate£18,895.00
champagne france
Louis Roederer, Cristal RoseChampagne

Beautifully pale in color, this is the latest release of Cristal Rosé. It is ripe and full in the mouth, packed with fruit and also with intense acidity that cuts through the soft texture. There is a hint of bottle age, giving the wine a toasty complexity that brings a balance to this great wine. Drink now, although this vintage will certainly last to 2020 and beyond.

20073x7596 Wine Enthusiast£1,485.00champagne france
Lynch Bages, 5ème Grand Cru ClasséPauillac

The 2010 Lynch-Bages has a stunning bouquet with pixelated black fruit, crushed stone and graphite aromas that soar from the glass. This is just amazingly focused. The palate is medium-bodied with concentrated black fruit curiously tinged with cough candy, which here I find just a bit out of place. The acidity is extremely well-judged and there is immense persistence on the finish. Bold, brassy and ambitious, this is an extremely impressive wine.

20106x7595 Neal Martin£870.00pauillac france
Mail Road Wines, Mt Carmel Estate Pinot Noir Blocks 3-5California

Fleshing out beautifully since I tasted it from barrel last year, the 2013 Pinot Noir Mt Carmel Vineyard 3 5 offers lots of minerality and saltiness to go with darker-based fruits, crushed violets and cassis. Slightly reserved aromatically, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a supple, expansive texture and a big finish. Fermented with a tiny 5% whole-cluster and aged 11 months in 48% new French oak, it’s an incredible Pinot Noir that has no problem standing beside the more expensive Mt Carmel bottling. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.

201312x7595 Wine Advocate£900.00
california usa
Mail Road Wines, Mt Carmel Estate Pinot Noir Blocks 3-5California

Fleshing out beautifully since I tasted it from barrel last year, the 2013 Pinot Noir Mt Carmel Vineyard 3 5 offers lots of minerality and saltiness to go with darker-based fruits, crushed violets and cassis. Slightly reserved aromatically, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a supple, expansive texture and a big finish. Fermented with a tiny 5% whole-cluster and aged 11 months in 48% new French oak, it’s an incredible Pinot Noir that has no problem standing beside the more expensive Mt Carmel bottling. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.

20131x7595 Wine Advocate£80.00
california usa
Malartic LagravierePessac-Leognan

The 2010 Malartic-Lagravière has a classic Left Bank bouquet with cedar and tobacco infused black fruit that unfurl nicely in the glass and gain intensity with every swirl. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, a satin textured Pessac-Léognan with well-judged acidity and an intense black cherry and blueberry finish, a tang of sea salt on the aftertaste. Excellent. 

20106x7595 Neal Martin£295.00
pessac-leognan france
Marcassin Pinot NoirSonoma

The 2012 Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard, which comes primarily from the Calera clone, always seems to remind me of a grand cru from Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, particularly Morey-St.-Denis. Dense ruby/plum, its sweet nose of strawberries, black cherry liqueur, fresh porcini mushrooms and forest floor is followed by a dark, full-bodied, rich and concentrated wine that is supple, dramatic, and even flamboyant. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.

201212x7597 Robert Parker Jnr£4,835.00
sonoma usa
Marchesi Antinori, TignanelloTuscany

The 2015 Tignanello is a wine that opens, like a fully blossomed rose, right in front of you. This vintage is immediately accessible, generous and opulent. The wine will surely flesh out and gain focus with more bottle age, but one of the best qualities of this vintage is just how beautiful the wine tastes straight out of the gate. The fruit is beautifully ripe with fresh blackberry and cherry nuances, spice, leather, sweet tobacco and smoke. Up until this vintage, the various blending components that make up Tignanello were vinifed in separate lots. Starting with 2015, the wine is blended sooner in order to achieve better overall integration. The entire Tignanello estate counts 130 hectares of vines, but the single-vineyard “Tignanello” that makes this wine is 57 hectares. Some 340,000 bottles were produced. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2040.

20151x7596 Monica Larner£180.00
tuscany italy
Marchesi Antinori, TignanelloTuscany

To hit the market in June, the 2016 Tignanello is a rock-solid wine and a stunning beauty. The wine offers an impeccable level of precision and laser-focus delivery of fruits, spices, tilled earth, espresso beans and Mediterranean herbs. This vintage follows the classic blending formula of 80% Sangiovese with about 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. The vines are now 15 to 20 years old. Compared to the 2015 vintage that ultimately appeared more chewy and succulent, this expression from the iconic 2016 vintage is more vibrant, nervous and jazzed. It shows more savory spice, saltiness and minerality, with a beautifully integrated quality of tannins. Some 320,000 bottles were produced. This wine is at the top of the list of some of the best Tignanello ever made, including the vintages 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2015.  Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045.

20161x7597 Monica Larner£170.00
tuscany italy
Marchesi Antinori, TignanelloTuscany

To hit the market in June, the 2016 Tignanello is a rock-solid wine and a stunning beauty. The wine offers an impeccable level of precision and laser-focus delivery of fruits, spices, tilled earth, espresso beans and Mediterranean herbs. This vintage follows the classic blending formula of 80% Sangiovese with about 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. The vines are now 15 to 20 years old. Compared to the 2015 vintage that ultimately appeared more chewy and succulent, this expression from the iconic 2016 vintage is more vibrant, nervous and jazzed. It shows more savory spice, saltiness and minerality, with a beautifully integrated quality of tannins. Some 320,000 bottles were produced. This wine is at the top of the list of some of the best Tignanello ever made, including the vintages 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2015.  Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045.

20166x7597 Monica Larner£1,040.00
tuscany italy
Marchesi Antinori, TignanelloTuscany

The 2009 Tignanello is quite beautiful. Cedar, graphite, sweet herbs, licorice and leather add complexity to a core of highly expressive red fruits. The 2009 impresses for its energy, drive and focus. Today, the 2009 comes across as slightly understated relative to many recent vintages, especially 2007 and 2008. There is a silkiness and polish that is reminiscent of the 2004. Tignanello is 75% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from vineyards in San Casciano Val di Pesa, one of the most evocative hillsides in all of Italy. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.

20091x7594 Antonio Galloni£100.00tuscany italy
Marchesi Antinori, TignanelloTuscany

The 2009 Tignanello is quite beautiful. Cedar, graphite, sweet herbs, licorice and leather add complexity to a core of highly expressive red fruits. The 2009 impresses for its energy, drive and focus. Today, the 2009 comes across as slightly understated relative to many recent vintages, especially 2007 and 2008. There is a silkiness and polish that is reminiscent of the 2004. Tignanello is 75% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from vineyards in San Casciano Val di Pesa, one of the most evocative hillsides in all of Italy. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.

20096x7594 Antonio Galloni£600.00tuscany italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Barbaresco DOCG, SerragrilliPiedmont

N/A

20156x75N/A£210.00piedmont italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Barbaresco DOCG, SerragrilliPiedmont

N/A

20151x75N/A£35.00piedmont italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Barbera d'Alba DOC, PeiragalPiedmont

100% Barbera, this wine is ruby red in color with brilliant garnet borders. Its fresh and lively nose has distinct traces of blackcurrant, berries, toasted hazelnut and vanilla. Immediately pleasant, balanced and harmonious, the taste is elegant with soft tannins. The spicy and woody notes blend together perfectly.

20186x7592 James Suckling£129.00piedmont italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Barolo DOCG, AbbonaPiedmont

Aromas of rose petal & dark berry. The full-bodied palate offers black plum, tobacco and star anise alongside firm tannins.

20156x7592 Wine Spectator£156.00piedmont italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Barolo DOCG, AbbonaPiedmont

Aromas of rose petal & dark berry. The full-bodied palate offers black plum, tobacco and star anise alongside firm tannins.

20151x7592 Wine Spectator£26.00piedmont italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Barolo DOCG, AbbonaPiedmont

The color is deep garnet red with ruby hues . The aroma is intense and persistent with clean scents of spices , cinnamon, absinthe, tobacco and rose bush. The taste is full and elegant, with soft tannins. The spicy and woody tastes blend perfectly.

20176x75N/A£168.00piedmont italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Barolo DOCG, CannubiPiedmont

100% Nebbiolo, ruby red color with garnet reflections. Intense aroma with clear hints of rose, vanilla, spices and toasted oak. The note of absinthe is faded. Full and elegant taste, full-bodied, with soft and enveloping tannins. Spice and the woody note that blend perfectly.

20161x7592 Wine Advocate£45.00
piedmont italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Barolo DOCG, CannubiPiedmont

100% Nebbiolo, ruby red color with garnet reflections. Intense aroma with clear hints of rose, vanilla, spices and toasted oak. The note of absinthe is faded. Full and elegant taste, full-bodied, with soft and enveloping tannins. Spice and the woody note that blend perfectly.

20166x7592 Wine Advocate£270.00piedmont italy
Marchesi di Barolo, Riserva della Casa DOCGPiedmont

N/A

20121x75N/A£48.00piedmont italy
Marco Bonfante, Gavi di Gavi DOCG, "I Ronchetti"Piedmont

100% Cortese, in the glass I Ronchetti shows a clear straw yellow colour. The aromas are intense and typical for the variety, with scents of banana and citrus fruits. On the palate it is extremely dry and elegant. The intense minerality and the typical aftertaste bitter almond makes this Gavi a wine of superior level.

20206x75N/A£82.80
piedmont italy
Marco Bonfante, Nebbiolo DOC ImmaPiedmont

100% Nebbiolo, in the glass IMMA shows a clear ruby red. The aromas are complex, notes of plum, spices, red berries and violet. On the palate it well integrated in it’s structure. It’s long and persistant with a fruity and spiced finish. Drink or hold a few years.

20176x75N/A£84.00
piedmont italy
Masca del Tacco, Piano Chiuso Primitivo di Manduria DOP RiservaApulia

Deep and bright ruby red with an idea of garnet shades, of great consistency. Very complex on the nose with sensations of wild berries and cherries in alcohol, then violet and fern, black pepper and cloves, on a bottom of graphite and cocoa powder, everything framed by a strong balsamic air. Great in the mouth, where power and elegance compete for the scene, where freshness and sapidity give it a fantastic drinkability, while tannins gently caress the palate preparing it for a neverending persistence.

20176x75N/A£138.00
apulia italy
Michel Rolland MRNapa Valley

A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with dollops of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon MR is very deep purple-black in color and gives up bold scents of baked blueberries, plum preserves, spice cake and mocha with hints of chargrilled meats, sandalwood and dusty soil plus a waft of garrigue. Full, concentrated and packed with black fruit preserves and savory layers, it has a solid yet plush frame and very long, spicy finish. 580 cases produced.

20131x7595+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown£140.00
napa-valley usa
Michel Rolland MRNapa Valley

A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with dollops of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon MR is very deep purple-black in color and gives up bold scents of baked blueberries, plum preserves, spice cake and mocha with hints of chargrilled meats, sandalwood and dusty soil plus a waft of garrigue. Full, concentrated and packed with black fruit preserves and savory layers, it has a solid yet plush frame and very long, spicy finish. 580 cases produced.

20133x7595+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown£420.00
napa-valley usa
Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon 'Tokujin Yoshioka'Champagne

The 2009 Dom Pérignon is open, seductive and radiant, as it has always been. Soft curves, mid-weight structure and tons of plain allure make the 2009 impossible to resist in its youth. This bottle, the best I have tasted so far, offers a distinc citrus and floral-driven profile that adds a good deal of brightness. Above all else, the 2009 is a gorgeous Champagne to drink now and over then next few decades. This is the first time in the house’s history that a vintage was not released sequentially.

20096x7594+ Vinous£1,158.00
champagne france
Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon 'Tokujin Yoshioka'Champagne

The 2009 Dom Pérignon is open, seductive and radiant, as it has always been. Soft curves, mid-weight structure and tons of plain allure make the 2009 impossible to resist in its youth. This bottle, the best I have tasted so far, offers a distinc citrus and floral-driven profile that adds a good deal of brightness. Above all else, the 2009 is a gorgeous Champagne to drink now and over then next few decades. This is the first time in the house’s history that a vintage was not released sequentially.

20091x7594+ Vinous£200.00
champagne france
Orin Swift, Blank StareCalifornia

Sauvignon Blanc plus a splash of Sémillon from California, perfumed with cedar, dried herbs and fresh straw, then delivering a juicy mouthful of ripe peach and passion fruit and finishing on a tangy shot of grapefruit and lemon zest.

20191x75N/A£35.00
california usa
Orin Swift, MacheteCalifornia

Rich red blend from California, ripe plums jostling with boysenberries and cherries, with a beguiling perfume of crème de cassis and vanilla.

20181x7593 Wine Advocate£48.00
california usa
Orin Swift, MannequinCalifornia

Powerful Californian white, highly perfumed with honeysuckle, jasmine and pineapple, the mouth a memorable blend of ripe stone fruit, wet stone and a splash of Meyer lemon.

20181x7591 Wine Advocate£36.00california usa
Orin Swift, PalermoCalifornia

Quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, juicy with raspberry, blackberry and ripe cherry and perfumed with star anise, five spice and black tea.

20181x7593 Wine Advocate£45.00
california usa
Orin Swift, Slander Pinot NoirCalifornia

Fragrant and forceful California Pinot, packed with red fruits, particularly cherries and raspberries and fragrant with dried rose petals.

20181x7591 Wine Advocate£48.00california usa
Ornellaia Bolgheri SuperioreTuscany

N/A

20141x7594 Wine Advocate£150.00
tuscany italy
Pakravan Papi, Cancellaia IGT ToscanaTuscany

Elegant and sapid taste with aromas of ripe fruits and a spicy, complex, long finish, spicy and complex.

20146x75N/A£120.00
tuscany italy
Pakravan Papi, Cancellaia IGT ToscanaTuscany

Elegant and sapid taste with aromas of ripe fruits and a spicy, complex, long finish, spicy and complex.

20141x75N/A£20.00
tuscany italy
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna ShirazSouth Australia

Aged 13 months in old American oak hogsheads, the deep garnet-purple colored 2012 Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz opens with a nose of baked blackberries, mulberries and crème de cassis with hints of licorice, baking spices and a touch of tar. Full-bodied with firm, rounded tannins and tons of fruit, it concludes with a very spicy, long finish.

20126x7591+ Wine Advocate£120.00south-australia-austalia
Penfolds GrangeSouth Australia

The 2010 Grange is a 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 96% Shiraz blend made from Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Magill Estate fruit that was aged 17 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Very deep purple-black in color, this is classic Grange – amongst the finest produced – replete with fresh, vibrant and youthful black fruit notes showing some blueberry aromas and accents of camphor, anise and the slightest floral hint plus a whiff of oak in the background to lend a cedar-laced lift to this textbook Shiraz nose. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, it is very taut and finely constructed showing typically firm, grainy, uniform tannins, great concentration and wonderful persistence on the finish. If I have any very slight complaint of this near-perfect wine it is that it seems a little too clinical and appears to speak less of the land and the heart of South Australia and more of the very skilled winemaking than did the Grange from the magical 2008 vintage.

20106x7599 Lisa Perrotti-Brown£2,450.00south-australia-austalia
Peyrassol, Cuvée des Commandeurs, Côtes de ProvenceProvence

Crisp, wild berries, gooseberry and raspberry, silky palace and a clear, light appearance.

20191x75N/A£11.00
provence france
Philipponnat, Clos des GoissesChampagne

The flagship 2002 Brut Clos des Goisses is simply stunning in this vintage. Seamless, ripe and beguiling, the 2002 is pure harmony in the glass. Dried pears, apricots, flowers, red berries and spices are some of the many notes that inform this towering, aristocratic wine. At once vertical yet endowed with serious length, the 2002 stands out for its breathtaking balance and overall sense of harmony. Layers of fruit built to the huge, creamy finish. This is a great showing from Philipponnat. The 2002 was disgorged in June 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032.

20021x7596 Antonio Galloni£316.00
champagne france
Philipponnat, Clos des GoissesChampagne

The flagship 2002 Brut Clos des Goisses is simply stunning in this vintage. Seamless, ripe and beguiling, the 2002 is pure harmony in the glass. Dried pears, apricots, flowers, red berries and spices are some of the many notes that inform this towering, aristocratic wine. At once vertical yet endowed with serious length, the 2002 stands out for its breathtaking balance and overall sense of harmony. Layers of fruit built to the huge, creamy finish. This is a great showing from Philipponnat. The 2002 was disgorged in June 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032.

20026x7596 Antonio Galloni£1,880.00
champagne france
Pichon Baron, Grand Cru ClasséPauillac

(a blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon and 18% merlot; 80% new oak; a 50% selection for the grand vin; cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare): Opaque inky-purple. Inky graphite and cedar notes complicate rich, deep cassis aromas on the refined nose. Youthfully chewy and tannic on the palate, with a saline mineral quality complicating the deep black fruit and smoky herb flavors. The long finish features a repeating mineral tang.

20116x7591-93 Ian d'Agata£680.00
pauillac france
Planeta, Dorilli Cerasuolo di Vittoria ClassicoSicily

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli represents for us the quintessence of this noble wine. It is produced from careful selection of the vines surrounding the unique and beautiful Dorilli estate, named for the nearby river Dirillo, landing place of brave Aeneas. A refined and elegant expression of the union of the noble Nero d’Avola with Frappato di Vittoria, the Iblean vine par excellence, lightly distinguished by maturation in wood. 

20171x7590 Wine Advocate£22.00
sicily italy
Planeta, Dorilli Cerasuolo di Vittoria ClassicoSicily

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli represents for us the quintessence of this noble wine. It is produced from careful selection of the vines surrounding the unique and beautiful Dorilli estate, named for the nearby river Dirillo, landing place of brave Aeneas. A refined and elegant expression of the union of the noble Nero d’Avola with Frappato di Vittoria, the Iblean vine par excellence, lightly distinguished by maturation in wood. 

20176x7590 Wine Advocate£132.00
sicily italy
Planeta, Etna Rosso DOCSicily

Soft red from the Sicilian Nerello Mascalese grape, packed with plums, raspberries and green tomato leaves.

20191x7592 Wine Advocate£20.00
sicily italy
Planeta, Etna Rosso DOCSicily

Soft red from the Sicilian Nerello Mascalese grape, packed with plums, raspberries and green tomato leaves.

20196x7592 Wine Advocate£117.00
sicily italy
Planeta, Plumbago Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOCSicily

Named for a pretty, purple Sicilian flower, this is a pretty, purple wine, its aromas of ripe plums, wild blackberries and jasmine surpassed in the mouth by chocolate, forest floor and black truffle.

20181x75N/A£14.00
sicily italy
Planeta, Plumbago Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOCSicily

Named for a pretty, purple Sicilian flower, this is a pretty, purple wine, its aromas of ripe plums, wild blackberries and jasmine surpassed in the mouth by chocolate, forest floor and black truffle.

20186x75N/A£84.00sicily italy
Planeta, Plumbago Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOCSicily

Named for a pretty, purple Sicilian flower, this is a pretty, purple wine, its aromas of ripe plums, wild blackberries and jasmine surpassed in the mouth by chocolate, forest floor and black truffle.

20191x75N/A£19.00
sicily italy
Planeta, Plumbago Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOCSicily

Named for a pretty, purple Sicilian flower, this is a pretty, purple wine, its aromas of ripe plums, wild blackberries and jasmine surpassed in the mouth by chocolate, forest floor and black truffle.

20196x75N/A£114.00
sicily italy
Planeta, Terebinto GrilloSicily

Aromatic, rounded white from a native Sicilian variety that’s full of tropical fruit: apricots, lychees and pineapples jostle for prominence on the tongue.

20201x75N/A£14.50
sicily italy
Planeta, Terebinto GrilloSicily

Aromatic, rounded white from a native Sicilian variety that’s full of tropical fruit: apricots, lychees and pineapples jostle for prominence on the tongue.

20206x75N/A£85.00
sicily italy
Quinta da Lixa, Signus Vinho VerdeVinho Verde

Mouthwatering Portuguese white, herbaceous and filled with apples and grapefruit, with the classic refreshing hint of spritz.

20201x75N/A£9.50
vinho-verde portugal
Quinta da Lixa, Signus Vinho VerdeVinho Verde

Mouthwatering Portuguese white, herbaceous and filled with apples and grapefruit, with the classic refreshing hint of spritz.

202012x75N/A£102.00
vinho-verde portugal
Redigaffi, Tua RitaTuscany

The 2012 Redigaffi jumps from the glass with explosive dark blue/blackish fruit. Rich, voluptuous and impeccably textured in the glass, the 2012 boasts massive depth and concentration, yet retains tons of freshness. Silky tannins round out a finish laced with melted road tar, herbs and leather. For such a big wine, the Redigaffi is remarkably complex and nuanced. Simply put, the 2012 Redigaffi is a stunner.

20121x7596 Antonio Galloni£125.00tuscany italy
Redigaffi, Tua RitaTuscany

The 2013 Redigaffi is a masterpiece from Coastal Tuscany. This is a phenomenal Merlot that offers so much intensity and generosity. These traits don’t come easy and great risk is taken to give the grapes as much time as needed to ripen on the vines before harvest. Aromas of dark cherry, spice, wet earth and grilled herb are developed with stunning focus and precision. This is a thickly layered wine that literally sticks to your gums with gripping presence and ample power. The alcohol is is high and so is the dry extract, but both elements are well balanced and integrated. Ultimately, more importance is given to the complexity of the bouquet and it’s fluid, ever-changing behavior. This wine just begs to be consumed, but bigger rewards await those who have the patience to wait. Don’t miss this beauty.

20133x7598 Monica Larner£420.00tuscany italy
Redigaffi, Tua RitaTuscany

Of the wines tasted in this historic retrospective, this is the bottle that most surprised and delighted me. The Tua Rita 2014 Redigaffi is a real showstopper with an assembly of fresh and especially aromatic fruit and floral details. The wine is medium lean in consistency, as you might expect from one of the coolest (and wettest) vintages that coastal Tuscany has seen in our lifetimes. There is wild cherry, cranberry, violet, lavender, mint, white pepper, dried spice and the list could go on. I’m giving it a higher score than I gave on the occasion of my first tasting many years ago.

20143x7595 Monica Larner£350.00
tuscany italy
Ridge, Monte BelloSanta Cruz Mountains

One of the highlights in this tasting, the 2016 Monte Bello has turned out just as beautifully as I hoped it would. Soaring aromatics, bright acids and mid-weight structure give the 2016 a super-classic feel. Clearly, the 2016 is very primary today, with plenty of bright red and purplish berry fruit. More than that, though, the 2016 pulses with energy and simply exceptional balance. Don’t miss it!

20161x15098£370.00
santa-cruz-mountains usa
Ridge, Monte BelloSanta Cruz Mountains

The 2017 Monte Bello continues to develop beautifully. A heady, opulent wine, the 2017 also has tons of supporting structure to balance things out. Layers of dark red/purplish fruit give the 2017 remarkable primary intensity, with hints of licorice, mocha, dried flowers and menthol that build over time, hinting at the wine’s ultimate potential. Sensual and exotic, but with plenty of tannic clout, the 2017 has a very bright future. Today, it is decidedly explosive. In 2017, the berries were small, and that high skin-to-juice ratio yielded a Monte Bello that is quite imposing in the early going.

20171x7597+ Vinous£195.00
santa-cruz-mountains usa
Ridge, Monte BelloSanta Cruz Mountains

The 2017 Monte Bello continues to develop beautifully. A heady, opulent wine, the 2017 also has tons of supporting structure to balance things out. Layers of dark red/purplish fruit give the 2017 remarkable primary intensity, with hints of licorice, mocha, dried flowers and menthol that build over time, hinting at the wine’s ultimate potential. Sensual and exotic, but with plenty of tannic clout, the 2017 has a very bright future. Today, it is decidedly explosive. In 2017, the berries were small, and that high skin-to-juice ratio yielded a Monte Bello that is quite imposing in the early going.

20176x7597+ Vinous£1,170.00
santa-cruz-mountains usa
San Guido, GuidalbertoTuscany

N/A

20196x75N/A£210.00tuscany italy
San Guido, GuidalbertoTuscany

N/A

20191x75N/A£35.00tuscany italy
San Guido, Le DifeseTuscany

N/A

20196x75N/A£120.00tuscany italy
San Guido, Le DifeseTuscany

N/A

20191x75N/A£20.00
tuscany italy
Scarecrow 'M. Etain' Cabernet SauvignonRutherford

N/A

20181x7593+ Wine Advocate£300.00
rutherford usa
Scarecrow 'M. Etain' Cabernet SauvignonRutherford

N/A

20182x7593+ Wine Advocate£590.00
rutherford usa
Scarecrow 'M. Etain' Cabernet SauvignonRutherford

N/A

20171x7593 Wine Advocate£200.00
rutherford usa
Schubert Estate, Gooseyard Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2006 Shiraz Goose Yard Block offers a full-throttle, room-filling aromatic array of violets, Asian spices, truffle, wild blueberry, and black cherry jam. On the palate it is already strikingly complex, incredibly dense and concentrated, and impeccably balanced with fully integrated oak, tannin and acidity. The finish lasts for well over a minute. It will have a lengthy drinking window beginning in 2011 and lasting though 2026.

20061x15095£35.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Schubert Estate, Gooseyard Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2007 Shiraz Goose Yard Block is a glass-coating opaque purple color. It emits a splendid aromatic array of mineral, earth notes, espresso, Asian spices, plum, and blueberry.

20071x15092£35.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Schubert Estate, Gooseyard Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2007 Shiraz Goose Yard Block is a glass-coating opaque purple color. It emits a splendid aromatic array of mineral, earth notes, espresso, Asian spices, plum, and blueberry.

20071x30092£65.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Shirvington, Estate Cabernet SauvignonMcLaren Vale

The deep ruby/purple-colored 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a restrained, elegant bouquet of black fruits, minerals, and toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, with excellent concentration, purity, and texture, it should be consumed over the next 7-10 years. Former winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis have left Shirvington and the wine is now being made by Kim Johnston. Little has changed, although the 2004s appear to be more streamlined and delicate than their 2003 and 2002 counterparts.

20046x7590£72.00mclaren-vale-austalia
Shirvington, Estate Cabernet SauvignonMcLaren Vale

Composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Shiraz, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 12 months in 60% new oak and 40% one-year-old oak, with 55% American and 45% French barrels. It presents a deep garnet color and aromas of black currant cordial, black cherry preserves and dried plums over spice box, cloves, pencil lead, toast plus a whiff of lavender. Very full bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the generosity of spicy berry flavors is well supported by a medium to firm level of very finely grained tannins and very crisp acid, finishing long and layered. Drinking nicely now, it should cellar to 2019+.

20081x7592£10.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Shirvington, Estate Cabernet SauvignonMcLaren Vale

Composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Shiraz, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 12 months in 60% new oak and 40% one-year-old oak, with 55% American and 45% French barrels. It presents a deep garnet color and aromas of black currant cordial, black cherry preserves and dried plums over spice box, cloves, pencil lead, toast plus a whiff of lavender. Very full bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the generosity of spicy berry flavors is well supported by a medium to firm level of very finely grained tannins and very crisp acid, finishing long and layered. Drinking nicely now, it should cellar to 2019+.

20081x15092£30.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Shirvington, Estate Cabernet SauvignonMcLaren Vale

Composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Shiraz, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 12 months in 60% new oak and 40% one-year-old oak, with 55% American and 45% French barrels. It presents a deep garnet color and aromas of black currant cordial, black cherry preserves and dried plums over spice box, cloves, pencil lead, toast plus a whiff of lavender. Very full bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the generosity of spicy berry flavors is well supported by a medium to firm level of very finely grained tannins and very crisp acid, finishing long and layered. Drinking nicely now, it should cellar to 2019+.

20081x30092£50.00
mclaren-vale-austalia
Shirvington, Estate Cabernet SauvignonMcLaren Vale

Composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Shiraz, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 12 months in 60% new oak and 40% one-year-old oak, with 55% American and 45% French barrels. It presents a deep garnet color and aromas of black currant cordial, black cherry preserves and dried plums over spice box, cloves, pencil lead, toast plus a whiff of lavender. Very full bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the generosity of spicy berry flavors is well supported by a medium to firm level of very finely grained tannins and very crisp acid, finishing long and layered. Drinking nicely now, it should cellar to 2019+.

20081x60092£70.00mclaren-vale-austalia
Smith Haut LafittePassac-Leognan

The finest wine ever made by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard, the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte exhibits an opaque blue/purple color in addition to a glorious nose of acacia flowers, licorice, charcoal, blueberries, black raspberries, lead pencil shavings and incense. This massive, extraordinarily rich, unctuously textured wine may be the most concentrated effort produced to date, although the 2000, 2005 and 2010 are nearly as prodigious. A gorgeous expression of Pessac-Leognan with sweet tannin, emerging charm and delicacy, and considerable power, depth, richness and authority, it should age effortlessly for 30-40+ years. Bravo!

20091x75100 Robert Parker Jr£240.00
passac-leognan france
Smith Haut LafittePessac-Leognan

The grand vin, the 2011 Smith-Haut-Lafitte is another great success (and that’s saying something after the remarkable duo of 2009 and 2010 as well as the brilliant 2008). This wine exhibits a dense purple colour along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, mulberries, liquorice and subtle background oak. Full-bodied with silky tannins, nicely integrated acidity, wood and alcohol, a multilayered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 45 seconds, this brilliant wine should drink well for 15-20 years. One of the best-run estates in Bordeaux, Smith-Haut-Lafitte’s owners, the Cathiard family, has produced a beautiful second wine in 2011.

20116x7594+ Robert Parker Jr£415.00
pessac-leognan france
Smith Haut Lafitte BlancPessac-Leognan

A stunning wine with hints of pineapple, caramelized citrus, mandarin oranges, smoky figs and hazelnuts, this is a full-bodied, rich, superb white Graves from the Cathiard family.

201012x7595 Robert Parker Jr£1,270.00
pessac-leognan france
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Artemis Cabernet SauvignonCalifornia

Voluptuous Cabernet-led red from a world-famous Napa Valley winery, breathing black cherry and plum, followed by a creamy mouthful of dark berries and vanilla.

20181x37.5N/A£35.00california usa
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Artemis Cabernet SauvignonCalifornia

Voluptuous Cabernet-led red from a world-famous Napa Valley winery, breathing black cherry and plum, followed by a creamy mouthful of dark berries and vanilla.

201812x37.5N/A£396.00california usa
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Artemis Cabernet SauvignonCalifornia

N/A

20196x75N/A£300.00california usa
Standish, The Relic Shiraz ViognierBarossa Valley

The 2006 Shiraz (97%)-Viognier (3%) The Relic was also sourced from 98-year-old vines with yields of 0.5 tons per acre. It spent 24 months in seasoned French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a fragrant perfume of smoke, violets, Asian spices, black cherry, and wild blueberry. On the palate this medium-bodied, elegant Shiraz has a silky texture, luscious fruit, and impeccable balance.

20066x7593£228.00barossa-valley-austalia
Standish, The Relic Shiraz ViognierBarossa Valley

The 2006 Shiraz (97%)-Viognier (3%) The Relic was also sourced from 98-year-old vines with yields of 0.5 tons per acre. It spent 24 months in seasoned French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a fragrant perfume of smoke, violets, Asian spices, black cherry, and wild blueberry. On the palate this medium-bodied, elegant Shiraz has a silky texture, luscious fruit, and impeccable balance.

20061x15093£80.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Standish, The Relic Shiraz ViognierBarossa Valley

The 2006 Shiraz (97%)-Viognier (3%) The Relic was also sourced from 98-year-old vines with yields of 0.5 tons per acre. It spent 24 months in seasoned French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a fragrant perfume of smoke, violets, Asian spices, black cherry, and wild blueberry. On the palate this medium-bodied, elegant Shiraz has a silky texture, luscious fruit, and impeccable balance.

20061x30093£150.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Standish, The Relic Shiraz ViognierBarossa Valley

The 2007 Shiraz-Viognier (4%) The Relic was sourced from the same parcel. Wild-fermented, it offers up a sexy bouquet of floral notes, bacon, smoked meat, incense, and blueberry. Dense, sweet and layered on the palate, it will offer much pleasure over the next 8-10 years. It does not get much better than this from the 2007 vintage.

20071x15094+£100.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Standish, The Standish ShirazBarossa Valley

The fruit for the 2005 Shiraz came from nearly 100 year old vines and spent 36 months in seasoned French barriques. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is vibrant and floral at this stage with notes of chocolate, creme de cassis, game, mint and anise. The palate is fine and complex, with a good backbone of high acid, medium level of fine-grained tannins and a long harmonious finish. It’s drinking now and should continue to do so until 2020+.

20056x7596£270.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Standish, The Standish ShirazBarossa Valley

The fruit for the 2005 Shiraz came from nearly 100 year old vines and spent 36 months in seasoned French barriques. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is vibrant and floral at this stage with notes of chocolate, creme de cassis, game, mint and anise. The palate is fine and complex, with a good backbone of high acid, medium level of fine-grained tannins and a long harmonious finish. It’s drinking now and should continue to do so until 2020+.

20051x7596£66.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Stepp, ScheurebePfalz

Dried flowers, peach, lime and oak on the nose. Medium bodied, a bit of weight from the residual sugar with the acidity to balance it out. Ends with lime and apricot.

20161x75N/A£11.00
pfalz germany
Tenuta Rapitala' Chardonnay Terre Siciliane IGT Conte HuguesSicily

Pale gold colour. The typical full, fruity, soft character of the chardonnay and the aromatic notes of the wood are evident on the nose. A round wine, with well-defined mediterranean scents, full-bodied and satisfying with along and lingering finish.

20206x75N/A£174.00
sicily italy
Tenuta Rapitala' Chardonnay Terre Siciliane IGT Conte HuguesSicily

Pale gold colour. The typical full, fruity, soft character of the chardonnay and the aromatic notes of the wood are evident on the nose. A round wine, with well-defined mediterranean scents, full-bodied and satisfying with along and lingering finish.

20201x75N/A£34.00
sicily italy
Tenuta Rapitala' Hugonis Sicilia IGTSicily

Powerful, pleasant and deep, characterized by a well-present tannic texture and reminiscent of velvet. It closes with an important, long finish that returns to vague hints of spices

20166x75N/A£138.00sicily italy
Tenuta Rapitala' Hugonis Sicilia IGTSicily

Powerful, pleasant and deep, characterized by a well-present tannic texture and reminiscent of velvet. It closes with an important, long finish that returns to vague hints of spices

20161x75N/A£23.00
sicily italy
Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri SassicaiaTuscany

The 2008 Bolgheri Sassicaia is a wine without a winemaker. The last vintage made by Giacomo Tachis was 2007 and incoming enologist Graziana Grassini claims 2009 as her first vintage. Within the context of this retrospective, the 2008 vintage opens a new chapter, because it is the first wine to show evident tertiary definition and complexity. In fact, the wine performs beautifully with an exalted performance and ethereal aromas. They include cassis, wild berry, crushed mineral, licorice, petrol and grilled herb. This wine is really coming together now and is entering a very exciting moment in its drinking life. It boasts finesse, elegance and grace. Yet, it also shows unmistakable richness and structure that gives the wine an enormous presence in terms of mouthfeel. This was one of the top highlights of the retrospective.  Anticipated maturity 2017 – 2035.

20081x15097 Monica Larner£630.00tuscany italy
Terre Stregate, Aglianico Sannio DOP 'Manent'Campania

Scent of berries, plums, liquorice and black pepper. The taste is enveloping with soft and silky tannins.

20156x75N/A£75.00
campania italy
Terre Stregate, Cara Cara Falanghina IGP BeneventanoCampania

This late harvest Falanghina wine is gold-Yellow in colour with amber reflection with a citrus and apricot nose. At the palate is soft and persistent.

20171x75N/A£35.00campania italy
Terre Stregate, Costa Del Duca Aglianico IGP BeneventanoCampania

Costa del Duca is produced exclusively with selected Aglianico grapes from the homonymous hill.Red color with ruby highlights, it’s elegant with aromas of berries , plum and licorice . It has a smooth taste and a long finish of balsamic and spicy notes .

20151x75N/A£35.00campania italy
Terre Stregate, Falanghina del Sannio DOP 'Svelato'Campania

Pale yellow in colour with greenish flex, scent of apple, pineapple with floral and mineral tones, smooth and aromatic.

20201x75N/A£12.50
campania italy
Terre Stregate, Falanghina del Sannio DOP 'Svelato'Campania

Pale yellow in colour with greenish flex, scent of apple, pineapple with floral and mineral tones, smooth and aromatic.

20216x75N/A£84.00
campania italy
The MascotNapa Valley

The Mascot is a small production wine label founded by Will Harlan. Consisting of just this one Bordeaux Blend wine produced from the young vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory. The popularity of this wine has increased considerably over the past year. Bold and structured, pairs well with beef and venison.

20131x75N/A£140.00napa-valley usa
The MascotNapa Valley

The Mascot is a small production wine label founded by Will Harlan. Consisting of just this one Bordeaux Blend wine produced from the young vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory. The popularity of this wine has increased considerably over the past year. Bold and structured, pairs well with beef and venison.

20141x75N/A£140.00napa-valley usa
Torbreck, Descendant Shiraz ViognierBarossa Valley

The 2005 Descendant is composed of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier which are co-fermented. The fruit is sourced from a relatively young vineyard in Marananga planted with 11-year-old cuttings from the Run Rig vineyards and aged for 18 months in 2.5-year-old French barrels previously used for Run Rig. Opaque purple, with glass-coating glycerin, it offers up a complex array of lavender, violets, blueberry, blackberry, and fresh road tar. Full-bodied, on the palate the wine has great concentration with a noticeable uplift from the Viognier, gobs of spicy black fruits, opulence, and well-concealed tannins which will carry this wine for 10-15 years of further evolution. Drink it through 2030.

20051x7597 Wine Advocate£80.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, Descendant Shiraz ViognierBarossa Valley

The 2005 Descendant is composed of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier which are co-fermented. The fruit is sourced from a relatively young vineyard in Marananga planted with 11-year-old cuttings from the Run Rig vineyards and aged for 18 months in 2.5-year-old French barrels previously used for Run Rig. Opaque purple, with glass-coating glycerin, it offers up a complex array of lavender, violets, blueberry, blackberry, and fresh road tar. Full-bodied, on the palate the wine has great concentration with a noticeable uplift from the Viognier, gobs of spicy black fruits, opulence, and well-concealed tannins which will carry this wine for 10-15 years of further evolution. Drink it through 2030.

20051x30097 Wine Advocate£280.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, Run Rig ShirazBarossa Valley

The flagship 2004 Run Rig is 96.5% Shiraz and 3.5% Viognier with the Shiraz component aged for 30 months in a mixture of new and used French oak. Yields were a minuscule 14 hl/ha (about 1 ton per acre). Saturated opaque purple/black, it has a remarkably kinky, exotic perfume of fresh asphalt, pencil lead, smoke, pepper, game, blueberry and black raspberry. Full-bodied and voluptuous in the mouth, the wine is dense and packed, with amazing purity, sweet tannins, and a complex collection of sensory stimuli. The wine demands 10 years of cellaring and will provide hedonistic delights through 2035+.

20041x15099+ Wine Advocate£250.00barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, Run Rig ShirazBarossa Valley

Torbreck’s flagship is the 2005 Run Rig, a 97% Shiraz cuvee sourced from 120- to 160-year-old vines with 3% finished Viognier added before bottling. It spent 30 months in 60% new French oak. Opaque purple/black in color, it has a kinky, exotic bouquet of fresh road tar, smoke, lavender, black pepper, game, blueberry, and black raspberry. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, the wine is dense, packed, and unevolved. It will continue to open up over the next 10-12 years and drink well through 2040 in the style of a Chapoutier Hermitage. If it develops as I think it will, it will be a candidate for perfection down the road.

20051x15098+ Wine Advocate£240.00barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, Run Rig ShirazBarossa Valley

Still tight and taut, the glorious 2006 RunRig looks capable of aging through at least 2030. Floral notes appear on the nose, along with ripe raspberries. This is surprisingly young, vibrant and fresh, with a long, silky finish.

20061x15097 Wine Advocate£220.00barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, Run Rig ShirazBarossa Valley

Torbreck’s flagship is the 2005 Run Rig, a 97% Shiraz cuvee sourced from 120- to 160-year-old vines with 3% finished Viognier added before bottling. It spent 30 months in 60% new French oak. Opaque purple/black in color, it has a kinky, exotic bouquet of fresh road tar, smoke, lavender, black pepper, game, blueberry, and black raspberry. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, the wine is dense, packed, and unevolved. It will continue to open up over the next 10-12 years and drink well through 2040 in the style of a Chapoutier Hermitage. If it develops as I think it will, it will be a candidate for perfection down the road.

20051x30098+£400.00barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, Run Rig ShirazBarossa Valley

The flagship 2004 Run Rig is 96.5% Shiraz and 3.5% Viognier with the Shiraz component aged for 30 months in a mixture of new and used French oak. Yields were a minuscule 14 hl/ha (about 1 ton per acre). Saturated opaque purple/black, it has a remarkably kinky, exotic perfume of fresh asphalt, pencil lead, smoke, pepper, game, blueberry and black raspberry. Full-bodied and voluptuous in the mouth, the wine is dense and packed, with amazing purity, sweet tannins, and a complex collection of sensory stimuli. The wine demands 10 years of cellaring and will provide hedonistic delights through 2035+.

20041x7599+ Wine Advocate£160.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, The Factor ShirazBarossa Valley

Made from 100% Shiraz that spent 24 months in French oak (30% new), the exuberant, flamboyant 2004 The Factor offers up gorgeously pure blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with smoke, bacon fat, camphor, and graphite. Silky smooth, and, as David Powell says, “the most Barossa-like” of all his wines, it represents Powell’s rendition of a Cote Rotie. It can be drunk over the next 15-20 years

20046x7597£300.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, The Factor ShirazBarossa Valley

Made from 100% Shiraz that spent 24 months in French oak (30% new), the exuberant, flamboyant 2004 The Factor offers up gorgeously pure blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with smoke, bacon fat, camphor, and graphite. Silky smooth, and, as David Powell says, “the most Barossa-like” of all his wines, it represents Powell’s rendition of a Cote Rotie. It can be drunk over the next 15-20 years

20041x30097£200.00barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, The Factor ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2005 The Factor is 100% Shiraz sourced from dry grown vines from six sub-regions of Barossa. It spent 24 months in 30% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers an expressive bouquet of pepper, smoke, espresso roast, blackberry, blueberry, and licorice. Full-bodied and voluptuous on the palate, nuances of saddle leather and mineral emerge to complement the layers of spicy blue and black fruits. The wine is beautifully integrated with enough well-concealed tannin to keep this wine evolving for a decade. The pure finish lingers for 60+ seconds to complete the experience of a totally hedonistic turn-on.

20051x15097£100.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, The SteadingBarossa Valley

David Powell takes pride in his Chateauneuf du Pape-styled The Steading, and the 2004 (a 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, and 20% Shiraz blend aged 22 months in old wood) is a superb example of this cuvee. Its deep plum/ruby color is accompanied by a big, rich bouquet of resiny pine forest scents interwoven with kirsch liqueur, blackberries, pepper, and spice. Full-bodied, pure, heady, complex, and nuanced, it should drink well for 7-10 years.

200412x7593£180.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, The StruieBarossa Valley

The 2006 The Struie is 100% Shiraz, sourced from cooler, hillside sites, 70% from Barossa Valley and 30% from Eden Valley with vine age ranging from 46 to 110 years. It was aged for 18 months in 20% new oak. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers a striking bouquet of lead pencil, game, mineral, blueberry compote, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a focused, elegant Shiraz with a plush texture, outstanding depth and grip, and 5-7 years of aging potential. It should drink well through 2026. Torbreck, under the leadership of owner/winemaker David Powell, remains a Barossa Valley benchmark as well as one of the world’s leading wine estates. The only cloud on the horizon concerns the winery’s ramped up production during a period of economic hard times.

20066x7592 Wine Advocate£180.00barossa-valley-austalia
Torbreck, The Struie ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2005 The Struie was sourced from cooler Eden Valley and Barossa Valley hillside vineyards. It is David Powell’s attempt to showcase the cooler side of the region. Vine age ranges from 46-110 years old. The wine was aged for 18 months in older French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. It delivers a splendid bouquet of lead pencil, game, blueberry muffin, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by an elegant Shiraz which is nevertheless full-bodied, dense, and richly flavored. Plush on the palate, it has superior depth and length and the structure to evolve for 6-8 years. Drink it through 2027.

20056x7594£138.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Ares ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2007 Ares is 100% Shiraz from Barossa and McLaren Vale aged for 24 months in barrel, the last 12 in 100% new French. A glass-coating opaque purple colour, it displays an aromatic array of toast, smoke, game, lavender, and blueberry. Dense, ripe, and savoury but slightly compact (a common trait in this vintage), this is a solid effort that does not come close to justifying its extravagant price.

20071x15091£100.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Ares ShirazBarossa Valley

N/A

20081x15096£100.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Barney's Block ShirazBarossa Valley

N/A

20071x30094£130.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Barney's Block ShirazBarossa Valley

N/A

20071x60094£250.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Bella's Garden ShirazBarossa Valley

N/A

20071x15094£50.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Coach House Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The purple/black-colored 2006 Shiraz Coach House Block Roennfeldt Road exhibits a brooding bouquet of blue and black fruits, Asian spices, and toasty oak. Supple, ripe, and more forward than the Zippy’s Block, this layered, pleasure-bent wine can be enjoyed now but will evolve for several more years.

20066x7596£240.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Coach House Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The purple/black-colored 2006 Shiraz Coach House Block Roennfeldt Road exhibits a brooding bouquet of blue and black fruits, Asian spices, and toasty oak. Supple, ripe, and more forward than the Zippy’s Block, this layered, pleasure-bent wine can be enjoyed now but will evolve for several more years.

20061x15096£90.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Coach House Block ShirazBarossa Valley

N/A

20071x15093£80.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, My Hands ShirazBarossa Valley

From Two Hands’ Showroom Series, the My Hands Shiraz is an opulent and powerful Barossa shiraz that has been likened to both Henschke’s Hill of Grace and Torbreck’s Laird. A must-have for any lovers of big Aussie reds.

20041x75N/A£260.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Two Worlds Shiraz Cabernet SauvignonAustralia/USA

N/A

20081x150N/A£80.00
australia-usa
Two Hands, Two Worlds Shiraz Cabernet SauvignonAustralia/USA

The Two Worlds project is a collaboration between Australia’s Two Worlds Wines and Egelhoff Wines from the USA.  The Wine is a 50/50 blend of Bob Egelhoff’s Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Michael Twelftree’s Two Hands Barossa Valley Shiraz. Production is minuscule with only 480 etched Magnums produced each year. The Australian Barossa Valley Shiraz contributes a fresh blackberry component and the Egelhoff Napa Valley Cabernet delivers structure and depth which will allow this wine to age gracefully for 10-20 years.

20091x150N/A£185.00
australia-usa
Two Hands, Zippy's Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The Single Vineyard series begins with the 2006 Shiraz Zippy’s Block Roennfeldt Road, located in the Marananga sub-district of Barossa, an address made famous by Greenock Creek Vineyards and Cellar. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits a complex, expressive nose of pain grille, spice box, scorched earth, plum, and blueberry. This is followed by a mouth-filling, voluminous Shiraz with opulent blue and black fruits, savory flavors, and an exceptionally long, silky finish. Cellar it for five years and drink it from 2013 to 2026.

20066x7597 Wine Advocate£420.00barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Zippy's Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The Single Vineyard series begins with the 2006 Shiraz Zippy’s Block Roennfeldt Road, located in the Marananga sub-district of Barossa, an address made famous by Greenock Creek Vineyards and Cellar. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits a complex, expressive nose of pain grille, spice box, scorched earth, plum, and blueberry. This is followed by a mouth-filling, voluminous Shiraz with opulent blue and black fruits, savory flavors, and an exceptionally long, silky finish. Cellar it for five years and drink it from 2013 to 2026.

20061x7597 Wine Advocate£70.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Zippy's Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2007 Shiraz Zippy’s Block from Roennfeldt Road in the Marananga sub region of Barossa Valley, is a brooding, burly wine with a splendid nose of plum, tar, licorice, smoke, game, and blueberry. On the palate it is surprisingly restrained, bordering on elegant. Savory, ripe, and medium-long, it will be approachable in 1-2 years and drink well for a decade thereafter.

20071x15093£70.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Zippy's Block ShirazBarossa Valley

The 2007 Shiraz Zippy’s Block from Roennfeldt Road in the Marananga sub-region of Barossa Valley, is a brooding, burly wine with a splendid nose of plum, tar, liquorice, smoke, game, and blueberry. On the palate it is surprisingly restrained, bordering on elegant. Savoury, ripe, and medium-long, it will be approachable in 1-2 years and drink well for a decade thereafter.

20071x30093£130.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Two Hands, Zippy's Block ShirazBarossa Valley

N/A

20081x15095£90.00
barossa-valley-austalia
Valdicava, Madonna del Piano RiservaTuscany

Here is a big wine with lofty ambitions and an impactful presentation. The Valdicava 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano hits all the right buttons. The wine shows a profound sense of elegance and poise with subtle berry notes that blend into spice, licorice and tar. Those bright and lively aromatic components fold gracefully within the wine’s tight texture, its sheer power and the silky nature of the tannins. This wine promises a long and steady aging future ahead.  Anticipated maturity 2017 – 2035.

20101x7595+ Monica Larner£177.00
tuscany italy
Valdicava, Madonna del Piano RiservaTuscany

Here is a big wine with lofty ambitions and an impactful presentation. The Valdicava 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano hits all the right buttons. The wine shows a profound sense of elegance and poise with subtle berry notes that blend into spice, licorice and tar. Those bright and lively aromatic components fold gracefully within the wine’s tight texture, its sheer power and the silky nature of the tannins. This wine promises a long and steady aging future ahead.  Anticipated maturity 2017 – 2035.

20106x7595+ Monica Larner£1,060.00
tuscany italy
Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Nera BrandyItaly

A strong, dry taste on the palate with a complex character containing notes of coffee beans, cinnamon, honey & spice.

NV1x70N/A£25.00italy
Vinicola del Sannio, Falanghina del Sannio 'Insigne'Campania

N/A

20196x75N/A£54.00
campania italy
Wild Duck Creek Estate, Shiraz ReserveHeathcote

The 2005 Shiraz Reserve was aged in 100% new French oak for 24 months. It has a super expressive nose of pain grille, smoked meat, game, pencil lead, licorice, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. Voluptuous, full-bodied, and layered, this sexy wine is very intense and concentrated with enough structure to evolve for 10-12 years. Drink it through 2030.

20051x7597 Wine Advocate£130.00
heathcote
Wild Duck Creek, Springflat ShirazHeathcote

The blockbuster 2004 Shiraz Springflat’s inky/purple color is followed by a wine that pushes concentration to the limit. Made from tiny yields of 1.5 to 1.8 tons of fruit per acre, aged in 50% new and 50% 1 and 2 year old oak (half American and half French) barrels, it is a huge, rich, backward Shiraz that still assaults the palate and olfactory senses. Forget this big, structured, intense 2004 for 2-3 years and drink it over the following 15 or more.

200412x7594£180.00
heathcote