Colour |
New |
Name |
Vintage |
Size ▼ |
Available Cases |
In Bond per case |
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Reviews |
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Louis Jadot Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru |
201010 |
3 × 1.5L |
2 |
£609.00 |
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92/100 ST +
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92/100
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar,
Sep 2012
“Pale, bright yellow. Lemon and a whiff of apple on the nose. Then concentrated and densely packed, with harmonious acidity contributing to the impression of inner-mouth floral perfume. Finishes juicy and long, with a firm edge that will require five years of cellaring. This displays the power and thrust of the vintage.”
92/100
Wine Advocate, eRobertParker.com,
Aug 2012
“In contrast, Jadot’s 2010 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Clos de La Chapelle, from deeper soils on the back of the Abbaye de Morgeot, possesses gorgeous depth, but it is also tightly wound and inward. Cool, saline notes dominate today, but there is more than enough fruit to allow the 2010 to develop beautifully in bottle over the coming years. The huge, textured finish leaves a lasting impression. It would be fascinating to taste both of the Jadot wines from the Abbaye de Morgeot in ten years’ time. Anticipated maturity: 2015+.”
89-91/100
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com,
Jun 2012
“There is good intensity to the powerful large-scaled flavors that possess a distinct malic acid tang on the energetic finish. This seems to have the richness and mid-palate concentration to eventually stand up to the firm acid spine but for the moment, the acidity has the upper hand.”
17/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Jan 2012
“Very full and round, ripe and easy to love. Lots of creamy appeal. Then vitality and energy on the finish. Very nice wine, but maybe not for the very long term.”
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Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel |
201414 |
3 × 1.5L |
2 |
£554.00 |
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94+/100 AG +
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94+/100
Antonio Galloni, VinousMedia.com,
Jul 2016
“The 2014 Lytton Springs is another absolutely gorgeous wine. Perhaps because of its relatively recent bottling, the 2004 feels a bit compressed, but there appears to be plenty of complexity and depth hiding behind the acidity and tannin. Far from an easygoing Zinfandel, the 2014 Lytton is a wine to buy and cellar for at least a handful of years. The wine's richness, persistence and vertical intensity all lead me to believe it will be special in time. Black cherry, pomegranate, mint and sweet spices meld into the resonant finish. A kick of tannin from the Petite adds personality, something the 2014 has in spades.”
91+/100
Jeb Dunnick, The Wine Advocate,
Oct 2016
“More fresh and elegant than the Geyserville, with a touch more focus, the 2014 Lytton Springs is another beautiful wine from this estate. Made from 69% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah and the rest Carignan and Mourvèdre, aged in 20% new American oak, it boasts fabulous notes of plums, blackberry jam, toasted spice and licorice as well as medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate depth and notable tannin. The Geyserville is a touch sexier, but this will be longer lived. Give bottles 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
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Louis Jadot Moulin-A-Vent La Rochelle |
201515 |
3 × 1.5L |
1 |
£187.00 |
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Louis Jadot Morgon Cote de Py |
201515 |
3 × 1.5L |
1 |
£187.00 |
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Contino Vina Del Olivio |
201515 |
3 × 1.5L |
2 |
£376.00 |
|
94/100 JR +
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94/100
Josh Reynolds, Vinousmedia.com,
Feb 2019
“Brilliant violet. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe dark fruits, potpourri and incense are complicated by exotic spice and woodsmoke nuances. Sweet, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed blackberry, cherry-vanilla and rose pastille flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes sweet and impressively long, showing outstanding clarity and fine-grained tannins that blend smoothly with the wine's sappy fruit.”
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La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 |
200505 |
1 × 1.5L |
4 |
£330.00 |
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19/20 FC +
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19/20
Ferran Centelles, Jancisrobinson.com,
Aug 2019
“95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 2% Mazuelo. 40-year-old vines from Rodezno (La Rioja). Hand-harvested with bunch selection. After the alcoholic fermentation, the wines are selected for the assemblage. Ageing for 72 months in American oak barrels, 20% new. No filtration. 15,900 bottles.
A classic rioja. Endless sweet spices and very marked aromas of vanilla, coconut, nutmeg and cinnamon. Wood dominates, but that is the delicious soul of rioja. The palate is exciting: deep, long, elegant, delicate, complex, with great class. What delicacy and softness of the palate! Its scent never ends and is at a precious stage of maturity. Very impressive. (FC)”
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Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Tuscany |
201616 |
1 × 1.5L |
4 |
£483.00 |
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98/100 ML +
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98/100
Monica Larner, WineAdvocate.com,
Apr 2019
“The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is a wine of extreme complexity and precision. It offers monumental depth with profound layers of black fruit, coffee, licorice and baking chocolate. I tasted this 2016 vintage beside the less-impactful 2015 vintage (which was reviewed last year). These two editions are very different when compared side to side, and this 2016 release is clearly superior in terms of the quality, clarity and intensity of its offerings. This Ornellaia delivers glossy shine and a polished texture that segues to important richness, concentration and textural fiber. It wraps thickly over the palate, imparting waves of sweet dark fruit and dark spice that linger for many long minutes. This beautiful wine is hitting the market now, but collectors will want to put it straight into their cellars for safekeeping.”
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Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec |
201717 |
1 × 1.5L |
6 |
£140.00 |
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93/100 ST +
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93/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinousmedia.com,
Sep 2019
“Sexy scents of red and black fruits, coffee and herbs. Dense, juicy and fine-grained, conveying terrific energy to its flavors of currant, chocolate and mocha. This is less thick than some of the new Malbec releases from Catena but it's still a bit youthfully imploded and in need of more time in bottle. But it has the dusty tannins and fresh supporting acidity to reward aging. In the early going, its penetrating character reminds me a bit of Cabernet. (60% from Nicasia Vineyard in Paraje Altamira and 40% from Angelica Vineyard in Lunlunta; Vigil describes this wine as "an old-vine blend--a mix of new and old _terroirs")”
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Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Domaine du Duc de Magenta Clos de la Garenne 1er Cru |
201818 |
3 × 1.5L |
2 |
£473.00 |
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Whispering Angel Rose |
202121 |
3 × 1.5L |
9 |
£101.00 |
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92/100 JS +
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92/100
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com,
Dec 2021
“With pretty aromas of lavender, rosehip, strawberries, cherriers and cloves. It's medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a supple, creamy palate. Perfumed and elegant. Drink now”
90/100
Josh Raynolds, vinous.com,
May 2021
“Brilliant peach skin. Red berries and pit fruits on the nose, and a floral nuance in the background. Silky and open-knit, showing good depth as well as energy to the red currant and nectarine flavors, which pick up a refreshingly bitter orange zest quality on the back half. Finishes long and juicy, with a repeating floral note and subtle grip. Don't hate on this wine just because it’s popular.”
92/100
Ulrich Sautter, Falstaff.com,
May 2020
“Pastel colours. Sweet cherry, almond milk, marzipan. Taut and juicy on the palate with good density, delicately sweet fruit, racy acidity, a rosé with a lot of traction and tension and with very good mineral underpinning, fresh, pithy finish, and above all, a very good length.”
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Louis Jadot Moulin-A-Vent Clos de Rochegres |
201515 |
1 × 3.0L |
3 |
£191.00 |
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16/20 JR +
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16/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2016
“Tank sample. Bright crimson (darker than most of the red burgundies) with masses of obvious tannin. Slightly dry end. Very youthful. Some sweetness.”
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Louis Jadot Moulin-A-Vent Clos de Grand Carquelin |
201515 |
1 × 3.0L |
1 |
£191.00 |
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16.5/20 JR +
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16.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2016
“Tank sample. Dark crimson. Much more appetising than the Clos de Rochegrès. Great freshness and energy on the end. But still lots of chew – and personality.”
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Louis Jadot Moulin-A-Vent La Rochelle |
201515 |
1 × 3.0L |
2 |
£191.00 |
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Louis Jadot Morgon Cote de Py |
201515 |
1 × 3.0L |
3 |
£191.00 |
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La Rioja Alta Marques de Haro Gran Reserva |
198989 |
1 × 3.0L |
5 |
£389.00 |
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Contino Vina Del Olivio |
201515 |
1 × 3.0L |
2 |
£304.00 |
|
94/100 JR +
|
94/100
Josh Reynolds, Vinousmedia.com,
Feb 2019
“Brilliant violet. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe dark fruits, potpourri and incense are complicated by exotic spice and woodsmoke nuances. Sweet, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed blackberry, cherry-vanilla and rose pastille flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes sweet and impressively long, showing outstanding clarity and fine-grained tannins that blend smoothly with the wine's sappy fruit.”
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NEW |
Whispering Angel Rose |
202121 |
1 × 3.0L |
5 |
£86.00 |
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92/100 JS +
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92/100
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com,
Dec 2021
“With pretty aromas of lavender, rosehip, strawberries, cherriers and cloves. It's medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a supple, creamy palate. Perfumed and elegant. Drink now”
90/100
Josh Raynolds, vinous.com,
May 2021
“Brilliant peach skin. Red berries and pit fruits on the nose, and a floral nuance in the background. Silky and open-knit, showing good depth as well as energy to the red currant and nectarine flavors, which pick up a refreshingly bitter orange zest quality on the back half. Finishes long and juicy, with a repeating floral note and subtle grip. Don't hate on this wine just because it’s popular.”
92/100
Ulrich Sautter, Falstaff.com,
May 2020
“Pastel colours. Sweet cherry, almond milk, marzipan. Taut and juicy on the palate with good density, delicately sweet fruit, racy acidity, a rosé with a lot of traction and tension and with very good mineral underpinning, fresh, pithy finish, and above all, a very good length.”
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Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1403.00 |
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Louis Jadot Batard Montrachet Grand Cru |
200909 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£1821.00 |
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95/100 WA +
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95/100
Wine Advocate, eRobertParker.com,
Sep 2011
“The 2009 Bâtard-Montrachet (from the Puligny side) is marvelously linear, textured and just plain beautiful. All of the elements come together in this striking, impeccable wine. The Bâtard blossoms on the palate with extraordinary finesse in its fruit, fabulous overall balance and terrific freshness, especially on the finish. It is breathtaking in every way. ”
95/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Aug 2012
“Jadot's 2009 Bâtard-Montrachet is rich, layered, sensual and totally beguiling. This is yet another 2009 Jadot white with stunning vibrancy and freshness. Slate, smoke and crushed rocks are some of the notes that develop in the glass, adding complexity to the highly expressive, nuanced fruit.”
93/100
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar,
Sep 2011
“(from vines on the Puligny side): Quite closed on the nose, hinting at creme caramel. A step up in intensity and structure from the Bienvenue, with stone fruit and mineral flavors enlivened by bright lemony acidity. Youthfully imploded wine with terrific steely cut. Impressively taut on the long, rising finish. An excellent Bâtard that should age well.”
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Louis Jadot Volnay Clos de la Barre Monopole 1er Cru |
201010 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£480.00 |
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90-93/100 AM +
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90-93/100
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com,
Apr 2012
“This is aromatically similar to the Clos des Chênes but with a touch of menthol. The suave, round and utterly delicious flavors are shaped by relatively fine tannins and plenty of sappy dry extract yet the finish is exceptionally firm, intense and highly persistent finish, that is at present overtly austere. Somewhat curiously, this is not quite as refined as the Clos des Chênes and is actually on the robust side at present. Note further that this will require a very long cellar snooze before it is completely ready for prime time."”
90-93/100
Wine Advocate, eRobertParker.com,
Feb 2012
“The 2010 Volnay Clos de la Barre is a huge, implosive wine loaded with fruit. This explosive Volnay bursts onto the palate with black cherries, tar, licorice, smoke and incense. The aromas and flavors take on a decidedly exotic quality as the wine sits in the glass. This is another wine with a bright future. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.”
17/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2011
“Mid ruby. Scented and subtle on the nose. Very firm and fine with great precision. Great line of fruit, most impressive. Real delineation.”
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Catena Alta Malbec |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
16 |
£143.00 |
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93/100 LG +
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93/100
Luis Gutiérrez, RobertParker.com,
Mar 2021
“The 2018 Catena Alta Malbec shows more evolution and ripeness than the 2019. It's varietal and floral with a mixture of red and black fruit, sweet spices and aromatic herbs. It has moderate ripeness—in fact, it's a little lower in alcohol than the 2019—a medium body and fine-grained tannins, with good grip. 162,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2019.”
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Louis Jadot Domaine des Héritiers Beaune Clos des Ursules 1er Cru |
201212 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£471.00 |
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90-93 AM +
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90-93
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com,
Apr 2014
“This is aromatically quite similar to the Boucherottes with perhaps just a bit more floral influence. The mouth feel is also comparable because while there is excellent volume and intensity, the texture of the medium-bodied flavors is notably refined, all wrapped in a moderately austere, concentrated and driving finish. This is an interesting exercise in contrasts with a polished mid-palate juxtaposing against a robust, serious and old school finish. This will require ample patience.”
92-94
Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com,
Jan 2014
“The 2012 Beaune Clos des Ursules is the most lifted and refined of the Beaune 1er Crus from Jadot. Sweet raspberries, tobacco, freshly cut flowers, mint and cinnamon meld together gracefully in the glass. The Ursules is distinguished from the other Beaunes by its silky tannins and fabulous length. There is plenty of richness in the glass, but without the excess weight or extraction found in some of the other wines.”
91-93
Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com,
Dec 2013
“The 2012 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules is one of their premier holdings with a propensity to age with class. It has a fragrant, more floral bouquet with fine delineation - perhaps more feminine than the other Beaune premier crus. The palate is ripe and generous on the entry. This has good substance and breeding, the quality of the terroir really coming through on the persuasive finish that lingers long in the mouth. This Clos des Ursules is brimming over with confidence and class. Bravo!”
17.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2013
“Smudgy crimson. Heady sweetness. Really exciting depths to this. Very serious. Racy, punchy and super clean and bracing on the finish. Impressively persistent.”
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Louis Jadot Chambolle Musigny Les Baudes 1er Cru |
201212 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£633.00 |
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91-93/100 AM +
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91-93/100
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com,
Apr 2014
“This is also notably cool and pure with a bit more complexity to the array of red and blue Pinot fruit suffused nose where floral and wet stone nuances add breadth. Like any number of the wines in the range the supporting tannins are quite fine and this is particularly true within the context of a more robust appellation like Les Baudes. There is excellent intensity to the muscular but sleek flavors and finish that displays fine persistence.”
90-92/100
Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com,
Jan 2014
“The 2012 Chambolle-Musigny Les Baudes stands out from the rest of this range of Chambolles for its rich, broad-shouldered personality. Savory herbs, licorice, new leather and black fruit inform a Chambolle laced with elements of structure and power that recall Bonnes-Mares, which lies just below. Savory herbs, licorice, new leather and black fruit linger on the firm, tannic finish.”
90-92/100
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar,
Jan 2014
“Dark red. Ripe, brooding aromas of smoky soil and roasted herbs with fruit in the background reminded me of Bonnes-Mares. Quite backward and restrained in the middle palate, but with a sappy quality to the black cherry, saline and herb flavors. Best today on the serious finish, which features round, ripe, fine-grained tannins and noteworthy building length. This will need time to reveal its personality.”
17.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2013
“Juicy and haunting nose. Lots of fruit before the structure. Very beguiling. Complete. Long.”
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Louis Jadot Echezeaux Grand Cru |
201212 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£1171.00 |
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94-96/100 AG +
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94-96/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Jan 2014
“Dark red cherry, plum, menthol, licorice and new leather explode from the glass in the 2012 Echézeaux. A rich, layered wine, the 2012 boasts superb depth and pure power, with tons of richness, breadth and volume. Today, the Echézeaux is simply magnificent. However, it will require bottle age to show at its best. Jadot's Echézeaux emerges from parcels in Les Rouges du Bas.”
93-95/100
Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com,
Dec 2013
“The 2012 Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru is more mild-mannered and serious on the nose when compared to the Echezeaux - poker-faced black fruit hand in hand with tertiary aromas. The palate is very refined with silky smooth tannins. This is very harmonious with impressive weight and sensuality towards the finish that fans out with more precision and grace than the Echezeaux, retaining tight control at every moment. Excellent.”
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Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Clos St Jacques 1er Cru |
201212 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1071.00 |
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19/20 JR +
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19/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2013
“Such exciting intensity and purity. It's just lovely! Depth plus transparency and raciness. No surprise it has an 'Allocation Exhausted' sign on the bottle. Long and pure. What burgundy is all about. You really could, but should not, drink this now.”
92-94/100
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar,
Feb 2014
“Bright dark red. Deep aromas of black cherry and chocolatey torrefaction show an almost candied ripeness. Broad, sweet and large-scaled, with a saline quality and impressive medicinal reserve to the floral and spice flavors. A rather powerful and ripe yet sappy Clos Saint-Jacques with a slowly mounting, seamless, horizontal finish featuring big, ripe tannins and terrific tactile length. As impressive as this is, it shows the vintage more than the cru today.”
93-95/100
Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com,
Jan 2014
“One of the highlights of the range this year, the 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques is utterly magnificent. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and violet notes flesh out in a voluptuous, racy Burgundy endowed with stunning depth and pure pedigree. With time in the glass the flavors flesh out beautifully. The Clos Saint-Jacques is voluptuous and supple, yet also backed up by plenty of structure. Drinking window: 2022 - 2042”
92-94/100
Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com,
Dec 2013
“The 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques has a fragrant bouquet: floral at first with touches of violet, later revealing a stony scents, hints of chalk dust and flint surfacing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and impressive focus. It feels composed in the mouth with good matiere, yet it remains sophisticated and tense right to the finish. There is nothing flash here, just pure quality.”
92-95/100
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com,
Apr 2014
“A beautifully complex and airy nose features ripe aromas of exuberantly spicy plum, violet, sauvage and essence of red currant. There is a very round and velvety mouth feel to the delicious medium weight flavors that somehow manage to retain a good sense of delineation and energy on the overtly mineral-inflected and wonderfully long finish. I very much like the sense of harmony where the fine-grained tannins add to that impression. This should be excellent in time though note that it will require a minimum of 10 years of cellar time before this is approachable and another 5 to 7 before it arrives at its peak.”
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Louis Jadot Meursault Charmes 1er Cru |
201212 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£566.00 |
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91/100 ST +
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91/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Sep 2014
“(two of the five barrels were new): Healthy bright lemon-yellow. Slightly high-toned aromas of lemon liqueur and vanillin oak, with hints of tropical fruits. Lovely sweetness to the flavors of white peach and nectarine complicated by oak notes of vanilla and char. The wine's sucrosite is nicely counterpointed by healthy acidity. Finishes juicy, brisk and quite long, dusty but not phenolic and enlivened by an edge of lemony acidity. Very nicely balanced, and not a particularly austere version of Charmes.”
17/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Jan 2014
“Actually, the acidity overrides the charm at this point. This is clearly made for the long term. It's a little more open and broad than the Tillets but it's playing its cards close to its chest. Very well judged. Drink 2015-2021??”
87-89/100
Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com,
Dec 2013
“The 2012 Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes has an attractive lifted nose, a little leesy at the moment with a spicy core developing in the glass. The palate is nicely balanced with a rounded, generous, quite rich opening - very charming as the name suggest, though I would like more minerality to be in situ toward the finish.”
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Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Les Folatieres 1er Cru |
201212 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£477.00 |
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91-93/100 WA +
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91-93/100
Wine Advocate, eRobertParker.com,
Dec 2013
“The 2012 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres comes from vines on the upper reaches of the climat, just 50-meters from Chevalier-Montrachet. It has a very refined bouquet with subtle mineral scents, smoke and some pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with a fine line of acidity that neatly counterbalances the rounded, rich, lightly honeyed fruit, leaving the finish voluminous and satisfying. Excellent.”
17.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2013
“Very lifted, 'spiny' nose. Excellent palate weight without any heaviness. Sweetness and acidity seem well married. Such a charmer with some herbal notes. Really lovely wine with great energy. Long and neat. Drink 2015 to 2021”
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Chateau Cos d'Estournel - Bordeaux |
201010 |
6 × 75cl |
8 |
£1780.00 |
|
99/100 LP +
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99/100
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, WineAdvocate.com,
Mar 2020
“Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Cos d'Estournel unfurls slowly, measuredly, releasing delicate notes of dried mulberries, stewed plums and blackcurrant pastilles before giving way to notions of potpourri, black cherry compote and chocolate box plus touches of dried sage, tobacco and new leather. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid foundation of very firm, grainy tannins and very lively acidity supporting the remarkable intensity of tightly wound fruit layers, finishing very long and fragrant. Give it another 4-5 years in bottle and this will be stunning! 2024 - 2060.”
18/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Jan 2014
“Very healthy deep crimson. Luscious fruit. Very beguiling. Spreads right across the palate. Extremely seductive. Just slightly inky on the finish at the moment but there is masses of ripe fruit and tannin here.”
98/100
James Suckling , JamesSuckling.com,
Jul 2015
“Theres clarity and beauty to this wine as always with pure dark berry, stones and spices. Some clove too. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long finish. Pure and precise wine with so much class. Try in 2020.”
95/100
Roger Voss, WineEnthusiast.com,
May 2013
“This is a complex and rich wine dominated by superripe fruit. It is a wine of extremes, of fruit, of dark tannins allied to some bitterness from the black chocolate extract. Ripe plums and sweet black fruits are given a lift at the end with bright acidity.”
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Chateau Lynch Bages - Bordeaux |
200909 |
12 × 75cl |
1 |
£1613.00 |
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96/100 RV +
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96/100
Roger Voss, WineEnthusiast.com,
Feb 2012
“A dense, immense, solidly powerful wine. The ripest fruit overflows, paralleling the dark, solid tannins. As so often, Lynch-Bages is a blockbuster, dark and concentrated, with immense aging potential.”
98/100
Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com,
Dec 2011
“Performing even better from bottle than it did from barrel, this appears to be the finest Lynch Bages since the 2000, 1990 and 1989. According to the chateau, the 2009 has the highest level of polyphenols ever measured as well as high alcohol (nearly 13.5%). A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest largely Merlot with touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it is an expressive, voluptuously textured effort with unctuosity and powerful, juicy, succulent blackberry and black currant flavors, low acids, a layered, massive mouthfeel, but no sense of heaviness or fatigue. This exquisite Lynch Bages should drink well for 30+ years.”
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Chateau Lynch Bages - Bordeaux |
201010 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£940.00 |
|
95/100 NM +
|
95/100
Neal Martin, Vinous.com,
Apr 2020
“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, although I suspect that there are better bottles out there. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.”
96/100
Robert Parker, RobertParker.com,
Feb 2013
“Showing better from bottle than it did from barrel, where it was also impressive, but not quite at this level, the 2010 Beychevelle displays sweet black currant, black cherry, foresty notes, medium to full-bodied texture with impressive purity and moderately high tannins (although they’ve softened considerably during the wine’s upbringing in barrel). Layered and rich for a Beychevelle, this wine should easily withstand three decades of cellaring. I would give it another 3-4 years of bottle age, but this is a fabulous effort from the first chateau one sees upon entering the appellation of St.-Julien.”
92+/100
Stephen Tanzer, VinousMedia.com,
Jul 2013
“Bright ruby-red. Classic Pauillac aromas and flavors of cassis, black cherry, menthol, minerals and licorice lifted by a violet topnote. Intensely flavored and sharply delineated, with terrific fruit intensity to support its very bright acidity. This firmly structured, gripping wine is a bit dominated by its serious tannic spine today, but the dark berry fruit gained dramatically in creaminess with some time in the glass. Potentially one of the best vintages for this large property in many years.”
17.5/20
Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2013
“Potent blackcurrant and nettle scent. Loads of fruit power, but a savoury structure and high acidity that suggests Bordeaux. Long, firm tannins on the finish too – this is a serious, stately wine made generous by a ripe vintage. ”
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Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Domaine du Duc de Magenta Clos de la Garenne 1er Cru |
201313 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£507.00 |
|
90-92/100 NM +
|
90-92/100
Neal Martin, robertparker.com,
Dec 2014
“A blend of three vineyards, the 2013 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de La Garenne has a well-defined, elegant bouquet attired in dewy green apple, kiwi fruit and freshly sliced pear scents. The palate is clean and fresh, reserved on the entry, with bitter lemon and pink grapefruit, gradually building to a refined, lightly spiced finish. This has good potential.”
90/100
Stephen Tanzer, VinousMedia.com,
Sep 2015
“Straw-yellow. Peach, apple, pear and clove on the nose; cooler than the Meursault cuvées. Juicy and intense, offering sharply delineated, mineral-driven orchard fruit flavors. This wiry high-altitude wine is a bit austere on the back end.”
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Louis Jadot Chassagne Montrachet Caillerets 1er Cru |
201313 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£382.00 |
|
90/100 JCL +
|
90/100
Jeannie Cho Lee, LePanMedia.com,
Nov 2014
“Ripe, open and beautifully composed with mixed nuts, butter and tropical fruits. Expressive and approachable and fairly long on the finish. Tasted in: Burgundy, France. Maturity: Young.”
17/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2014
“Pale green-gold. Very sumptuous nose. Ripe and tense and gorgeous. This is more like it! Just a hint of smoke but no deliberate move to reduction. The first of these Jadot 2013 whites with a touch of creaminess. Although it is not notably persistent.”
93/100
Stephen Tanzer, VinousMedia.com,
May 2015
“(this fruit comes from three sources): Bright lemon-yellow. Subdued aromas and flavors of crushed stone, menthol, lemon-lime and pear, plus a whiff of metallic minerality. Penetrating and subtle, conveying a layered texture and lovely inner-mouth perfume and lift. Shows the richness of this stony high-altitude site, which has very little topsoil. This complex, very intense wine shows strong extract without any undue weight and will need a long time to unwind.”
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Contino Graciano |
201111 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£342.00 |
|
16/20 JR +
|
16/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2013
“They are particularly proud of Graciano in 2011 – much riper than usual. Blackish purple. Seems a tad raw to me, but maybe it's riper than usual. Very interesting but marked acidity. It does taste like a blending grape to me.”
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Louis Jadot Domaine des Heritiers Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru |
201010 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£341.00 |
|
89-91 AG +
|
89-91
Antonio Galloni, VinousMedia.com,
Feb 2012
“The 2010 Beaune Boucherottes, from a parcel on the lower part of the hill, emerges from the glass with sweet roses, red cherries, raspberries and white flowers. This is a relatively bright, focused style that shows the more feminine side of Beaune. Clean mineral notes give the finish an attractive element of pure energy. The Boucherottes should drink well upon release.”
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Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Domaine du Duc de Magenta Clos de la Garenne 1er Cru |
201414 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£484.00 |
|
93/100 ST +
|
93/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Sep 2016
“(these 80+-year-old vines, which Frédéric Barnier described as "near the end of their lives," produced just over half of a normal crop in 2014 as they suffered through a hot, dry flowering): Very ripe, inviting aromas of yellow peach, butter and clove. Wonderfully rich, plush and sweet, but the ripe yellow peach fruit and creamy old-vines texture are enlivened by mineral lift. Finishes tactile and very long, with a strong impression of dry extract. A superb vintage for this consistently excellent wine bottling.”
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Sancerre Domaine Vacheron Les Romains Organic |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
5 |
£209.00 |
|
94/100 SR +
|
94/100
Stephan Reinhardt, WineAdvocate.com,
Mar 2021
“From 20- to 50-year-old vines in a south/southwest-facing vineyard, the 2019 Sancerre Les Romains offers a pure yet intense and iodine-scented bouquet of shells and oysters along with algae aromas. Full-bodied, rich and powerful on the palate, this is an elegant, refined, balanced and refreshingly mineral Les Romains with a long, juicy, pretty aromatic, seriously structured and persistent salty finish with stimulating grip. Impressive, as always. Tasted in February 2021.”
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Louis Jadot Nuits St Georges Les Boudots Domaine Gagey 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
8 |
£520.00 |
|
92-94/100 ST +
|
92-94/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2018
“Bright medium red. Aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry, licorice, menthol and violet convey an impression of medicinal reserve. Then surprisingly plush and silky on the palate, display the inner-mouth floral lift that's lacking in some of Jadot's other premier crus from Nuits-Saint-Georges. Finishes firmly tannic, juicy and very long, with a repeating violet quality and no rough edges. Terrific potential here.”
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Louis Jadot Nuits St Georges Les Saint Georges Domaine Gagey 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£503.00 |
|
|
|
|
Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 1.5m |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
12 |
£173.00 |
|
92/100 TS +
|
92/100
Tyson Stelzer, Halliday Wine Companion 2022,
Aug 2021
“Tiers Vineyard replanted in 2003 to clones 76 and 95 at 1.5m row spacing. Close planting produces earlier ripening and fuller flavours, yielding a generous style in this warm year. Pristine white peach fruit glimpses at mandarin exotics, underscored by toasty, spicy, honeyed French oak. The signature tense acidity of this cool site defines a lively, long finish. Drink now. ”
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Louis Jadot Domaine des Héritiers Chambolle Musigny Les Fuées 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
7 |
£590.00 |
|
92-94/100 ST +
|
92-94/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2017
“Medium red. The nose suggests a more angular wine than the Baudes, offering scents of black cherry, cola and fresh flowers. Then wonderfully sweet and broad but firmly built, conveying superb density of texture and inner-mouth lift without any rough edges. The serious but refined tannins saturate the palate and leave the taste buds refreshed. Really captivating sweetness here.”
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Louis Jadot Domaine des Heritiers Grand Echezeaux |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1507.00 |
|
92-94/100 NM +
|
92-94/100
Neal Martin, ERobertParker.com,
Dec 2016
“The 2015 Echézeaux Grand Cru has a perfumed bouquet, a mixture of black and blue fruit, perhaps just a little smudged compared to others I have tasted, but with very impressive vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red berry fruit, rounded and velvety in texture, gently building to an assured finish. If it can muster a notch more precision on the nose, then it may well deserve a higher evaluation, but it remains a very delicious and enticing prospect. Drink 2020 - 2045”
17.5+/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2016
“Tank sample. Bright crimson. Nose seems more evolved than some, with some meat and two veg on the nose and very smooth tannins. Rather relaxed and glamorous somehow. Just a bit astringent on the end at present. Drink 2028 - 2040”
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Louis Jadot Clos Vougeot Grand Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£812.00 |
|
92+/100 ST +
|
92+/100
Stephen Tanzer , Vinous.com,
Jan 2018
“Full medium red. High notes of spices and flowers lift the aromas of cherry and licorice. A distinctly floral, saline style of Clos Vougeot, conveying a juicy quality to its cherry, redcurrant, menthol and mineral flavors. Still rather tightly wound and not yet showing the richness, fleshiness or sweetness of the vintage, this wine may be in the process of shutting down in bottle. Quite precise in the context of its vintage but very closed today, with a medicinal quality that calls for patience. But the tooth-coating tannins are refined and the wine's finishing salty minerality suggests that it will reward extended aging.
”
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Louis Jadot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1233.00 |
|
92-94/100 NM +
|
92-94/100
Neal Martin, ERobertParker.com,
Dec 2016
“The 2015 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has a voluminous and extravagant bouquet with blooms of red berry fruit, although I found myself more drawn to the complex and intellectual Clos Saint-Denis. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin. This is a masculine, assertive Clos de la Roche, quite saline in the mouth with a feisty, spicy finish. This is a fine grand cru from Louis Jadot, though not one of their top releases this vintage. Drink 2019 - 2035”
17+/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2016
“Tank sample. Pure, bright crimson. Racy ripe fruit – almost doesn’t try! Not one of the most concentrated, but impressive in a hands-off way. Lots of juice. Just the finish is a bit less distinct and long than some. Drink 2028 - 2042”
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Louis Jadot Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£1270.00 |
|
93-95/100 NM +
|
93-95/100
Neal Martin, ERobertParker.com,
Dec 2016
“The 2015 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru has an open red cherry, crushed strawberry and sea spray-scented bouquet that perhaps does not quite have the complexity, nor the intrigue of the Mazis-Chambertin at this stage. The palate is refined with grippy tannin and a commendable sense of energy and tension. The salinity comes through on the finish and lends this grand cru fine sappiness, urging you back for another sip. For those with patience...”
94/100
Wine Spectator, WineSpectator.com,
May 2018
“”
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Louis Jadot Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£940.00 |
|
90-92/100 NM +
|
90-92/100
Neal Martin, ERobertParker.com,
Dec 2016
“The 2015 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a rounded, generous bouquet with scents of red cherries, kirsch and incense. The palate is sweet and precocious on the entry with brown spices infusing the red cherry fruit, although I found the new oak a little conspicuous towards the finish. I would look for more refinement once this grand cru is in bottle.”
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Louis Jadot Domaine Gagey Beaune Les Bressandes 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
6 |
£235.00 |
|
90-92/100 NM +
|
90-92/100
Neal Martin, robertparker.com,
Dec 2016
“The 2015 Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes has a satisfying density and cohesion on the nose, a mixture of red and black fruit with just a slight reductive tinniness that will go before bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. This Bressandes has plenty of rondeur, a fine line of acidity with a slightly broody finish that should open up (eventually). This is a very capable Bressandes.”
89/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Sep 2017
“Bright light yellow. Vibrant aromas of lemon, lime, white peach, wild herbs and flowers. Juicy and nicely balanced, showing good freshness from the stony, high-altitude soil. (Jadot's Bressandes red actually comes from the lower part of the slope.) Not hugely rich but pliant and nicely balanced. Finishes with a salty element and an edge of bitter lemon. This will need a couple years in bottle to digest its oak.”
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Louis Jadot Meursault Perrieres 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£475.00 |
|
90/100 ST +
|
90/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Sep 2017
“Bright light yellow. Subtle scents of pineapple, peach and crushed stone. Very ripe, even a bit exotic, conveying a slightly aggressive quality and some warmth to its pineapple and lichee flavors. Broad and lively but doesn't have quite the definition or thrust of the Genevrières--or the balance. Incidentally, as of 2016 this will be an estate bottling as Jadot bought the vineyard; previously they worked with purchased juice.”
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Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Les Folatieres 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£427.00 |
|
91-93/100 NM +
|
91-93/100
Neal Martin , ERobertParker.com,
Dec 2016
“The 2015 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières, under the "Domaine Héritiers du Jadot" label, was more reserved than the Puligny Clos de la Garenne when I tasted them side by side, but it opens with attractive limestone and granitic aromas. The palate is crisp on the entry with vibrant acidity, well balanced with orange zest and a touch of tangy marmalade lending complexity on the taut and focused finish. Excellent - this is one of Jadot's best whites this vintage. Drink 2018 - 2028”
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Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Les Referts 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
11 |
£393.00 |
|
88-90/100 NM +
|
88-90/100
Neal Martin, ERobertParker.com,
Dec 2016
“The 2015 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts was more austere than the Puligny La Garenne on the nose and needed more coaxing before it offered pleasant, if not riveting grass-clipping and granite aromas. The palate is smooth on the entry with spicy citrus fruit, though I discern more mineralité and tension coming through on the La Garenne at this moment. Let's see how it plays out once in bottle. Drink 2018 - 2027”
16.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2016
“Tank sample. This seems to have better balance than most Jadot whites (no MLF apparently) with some real freshness as well as luscious fruit. Still lots to chew on, but it has energy.”
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Sena Aconcagua Valley Eduardo Chadwick |
201414 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£596.00 |
|
97/100 JS +
|
97/100
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com,
Jul 2016
“Complex aromas of blueberry, rose petal, licorice, and currant. Full body, ultra fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Balanced and very refined. A wonderful purity and beauty. Give it three to four years to come together but already a beauty. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 16% carmenere, 11% malbec, 8% merlot and 5% petit verdot.”
95/100
Luis Gutierrez, RobertParker.com,
Apr 2017
“The blend for the 2014 Seña was 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Carmenere, 11% Malbec, 8% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from their stony soils. The different grapes are carefully fermented separately and with different regimes of maceration and extraction but always looking for elegance within the natural power of the zone. The final blend was transferred to French oak barrels, 67% of them new (a percentage that seems to be slowly going down), for the élevage of 22 months. This time, some 5% of the volume carried out its aging in new Stockinger foudres. This is very much in line with the 2013 and the direction set by that cool year. The wine is very harmonious, elegant within the house style. Another superb vintage of Seña. This should age effortlessly in bottle. 60,000 bottles were filled in March 2016.”
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Vinedo Chadwick, Errazuriz |
201414 |
3 × 75cl |
5 |
£770.00 |
|
100/100 JS +
|
100/100
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com,
Nov 2016
“This is a wine that simultaneously defines elegance and power. Complex aromas of blueberry, black currant, and black licorice. Full-body yet refined and beautiful with stunning length and complexity. It has a transparency that shows such greatness and beauty. Half the normal production. Has an energy and brightness. Chile's first perfect wine and well deserved. Better in 2020.”
94/100
Luis Gutierrez, RobertParker.com,
Apr 2017
“The 2014 Viñedo Chadwick is their flagship pure Cabernet Sauvignon from the appellation Puente Alto in Maipo cropped from a low yielding year as the result of some frosts in September. The vines were planted in 1992 on alluvial soils with clay with a high content of stones. It has moderate alcohol and very good freshness and acidity and nicely integrated oak after the malolactic and 22 months in 75% new barriques. They did a super selection here and ended up producing almost half of the bottles they used to produce. The result is a more elegant and finer version of this bottling. A classical Maipo Cabernet with unusual elegance. 5,642 bottles were filled in February 2016.”
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Louis Jadot Moulin-A-Vent Clos de Grand Carquelin |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£170.00 |
|
16.5/20 JR +
|
16.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2016
“Tank sample. Dark crimson. Much more appetising than the Clos de Rochegrès. Great freshness and energy on the end. But still lots of chew – and personality.”
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Louis Jadot Moulin-A-Vent La Rochelle |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£170.00 |
|
|
|
|
Louis Jadot Morgon Cote de Py |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£170.00 |
|
|
|
|
Louis Jadot Domaine Gagey Beaune Les Theurons 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£287.00 |
|
90-93/100 AM +
|
90-93/100
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com,
Apr 2017
“Here the attractively layered nose is slightly less ripe and composed more of fruit from the red side of the fruit spectrum. The rich, supple and generously proportioned flavors possess an opulent mouth feel while also delivering equally good depth and length on the mildly rustic finale. This isn't elegant but it is impressive.”
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Louis Jadot Domaine des Héritiers Beaune Clos des Ursules 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£420.00 |
|
90-92/100 ST +
|
90-92/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2017
“Medium red. Pure but subdued aromas of medicinal cherry and smoky, spicy oak. The richest and broadest of these Beaune wines but reticent today and in need of more élevage to gain in precision. This very backward wine finishes with ripe, building tannins. Barnier noted that he probably won't bottle the "serious" 2015s until May.”
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Louis Jadot Domaine Gagey Volnay Clos des Chenes 1er Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£377.00 |
|
90-92/100 ST +
|
90-92/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2017
“(vinified with 50% whole clusters; one of the two barrels was new until the racking after the malolactic fermentation): Bright medium red. Reticent nose offers scents of medicinal dark cherry and dark chocolate, plus a suggestion of sweet oak. Dark fruit flavors are accompanied by exotic liqueur and chocolate notes. A rather serious style of Volnay, less red fruity and floral in character than most of the foregoing samples if a touch rustic in the early going. Already boasts very good palate presence but this will not be an early drinker.”
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Louis Jadot Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£1987.00 |
|
95-97/100 NM +
|
95-97/100
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate,
Dec 2016
“The 2015 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru, which lies adjacent to Philippe Charlopin's (in fact, both were bought at the same time), has a very impressive dark berry, sous-bois, incense and iris-scented bouquet that is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine balance and structure. There are layers of dark berry fruit here laced with chalk and a dash of black pepper, but what really elevates this is the precision and focus on the finish - one of the best amongst Louis Jadot's wines. This is an outstanding Clos Saint-Denis that will give 20-30 years of pleasure.”
92-95/100
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com,
Apr 2017
“**Note: from 90+ year old vines that are worked by horse**
Here the generous wood treatment is borderline intrusive as the menthol element all but dominates the markedly spicy and ripe dark berry fruit aromas. The medium-bodied flavors are even richer than those of the Clos de la Roche and more refined as well though, as one might reasonably expect, less powerful before culminating in a highly seductive and strikingly complex finale. This beauty isn't quite as structured but it should have no difficulty rewarding from 15 to 20 years of bottle age.”
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Verite Muse |
201313 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1894.00 |
|
100/100 RMPJ +
|
100/100
Robert M. Parker, Jr., RobertParker.com,
Oct 2015
“The 2013 La Muse, like all of the 2013s, comes about one-third from Alexander Valley vineyards, 40-plus percent from Chalk Hill, and the rest Knights Valley and Bennett Valley – all high-elevation hillside vineyards. A blend of 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec at 14.3% alcohol, the wine is amazingly like a great vintage of Petrus, with mulberry, black cherry, licorice, truffle and unctuous, thick, juicy fruit all present in this full-bodied masterpiece. The tannins are still present. The wine has purity and savory presence and is remarkable. The finish goes on for well past a minute. This wine would probably benefit from 5-8 years of bottle age and last 40-50 years.
I suppose the arguments against giving perfect scores far outnumber those for giving them, but after 37 years of tasting just about everything of quality that’s been produced, I believe I’m in a position to recognize truly world-class efforts that are as complete and compelling as good wine can be. And if that’s the case, then why hold back? I realize that it creates possibly unreal expectations among readers, and there is the argument that nothing really is perfect. But if a wine is as good as you think it can be made, then I have no reservations about offering accolades to those rare wines. When one considers the winemaking effort that goes into producing these cuvées of Vérité, from Bordelais Pierre Seillan, the fastidious attention to detail and the use of only the crème de la crème of fruit from some of the finest vineyards in the Jackson family empire, the results are not that surprising. The 2013s are the pinnacle of what Vérité has produced, and probably all wines that will be better at age 25 or 35 than they are showing today, but they are simply the essence of a vineyard site, a vine and a philosophy of no compromise. All of these wines, basically, are aged in 100% new French oak, given 3-4 day cold pre-fermentation, cold macerations, treated like spoiled children during élevage, and bottled with no fining or filtration. The entire philosophy is that La Muse is the Right Bank Pomerol look-alike from Vérité, La Joie the Medoc-like clone, and Le Desir a St.-Emilion in the style of Ausone.
These are legendary wines of great extract, richness and potential of longevity and complexity. No compromises are made and the credit goes certainly to the Jackson family for supporting the efforts of winemaker Pierre Seillan”
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Louis Jadot Domaine Gagey Beaune Aux Cras 1er Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£303.00 |
|
87-89/100 ST +
|
87-89/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2018
“Medium red. Aromas of musky redcurrant, cherry and coffee, plus an element of spicy oak. Medicinal cherry and spice flavors show good energy but modest flesh. Some oak tannins may be accentuating the skin tannins here. Frédéric Barnier noted that vineyards on the north side of Beaune were generally more frosted (Jadot made only tiny quantities of Cent-Vignes and Toussaints), but that there was also no Aigrots in 2016.”
88-90/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Dec 2017
“The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Aux Cras has a fragrant and floral bouquet with rose petal and peony scents infusing the red cherry and strawberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy mouthfeel, softer than the other premier cru Beaunes this vintage with an appealing, sorbet-fresh finish. Enjoy this Beaune premier cru in its youth after a couple of years.”
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Louis Jadot Chambolle Musigny Les Baudes 1er Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£550.00 |
|
87-89/100 NM +
|
87-89/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Dec 2017
“The 2016 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Baudes, which comes under the Domaine Gagey label, has a vibrant and fresh, rose petal-scented bouquet with plenty of Morello cherry and crushed strawberry scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, good tension even if it is just missing some complexity toward the finish, as if running out of ideas two-thirds of the way through.”
91-93/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2018
“(90% of a normal crop): Healthy dark red. Lively, precise aromas of dark raspberry, herbs, brown spices and red licorice. A saline, sappy wine with lovely flavor depth and intensity; possesses plenty of medicinal reserve but this is already much sweeter, saltier and showier than the Sentiers. Finishing notes of fruits, flowers and spices blow past the round, dusty tannins on the resounding finish. No dilution here! This premier cru stains the palate without leaving any impression of heaviness.”
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Louis Jadot Corton Greves Grand Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£587.00 |
|
17/20 JH +
|
17/20
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2017
“Cask sample. 18–20 months in French oak.
Mid crimson. Relatively dark-fruited and rocky on the nose but the fruit shows its sweetness as it opens. Firm, dry and very finely textured, more chalky than chewy. This has depth and, most noticeable of all, excellent persistence. Lingers on and on in its dark, embryonic state. Balanced now and so much more to come. (JH) ”
89-91/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2018
“Bright medium red. A bit less expressive and deep on the nose than the Pougets, dominated by medicinal dark fruits. Showing considerably less early sweetness, with the red berry and salty mineral flavors coming across as rather bit austere compared to the Pougets. Best today on the pungent, spicy, firmly tannic finish. This is from deeper soil than the Pougets.”
90-92/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Dec 2017
“The 2016 Corton Grèves Grand Cru was showing quite a bit of oak on the nose but there was more than enough fruit packed behind it. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity with a subtle marine influence surfacing toward the finish that just tapers in when I want it to fan out. But this is a pretty Corton Grèves in the making.”
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Louis Jadot Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1228.00 |
|
17/20 JH +
|
17/20
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2017
“Cask sample. Lightish crimson. Fragrant with sweet red cherry, charming and seductive. Relatively slight on the palate. The tannins are super-fine and the freshness is there but the density is less than I might have expected in the middle. (JH)
”
93-95/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Dec 2017
“The 2016 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru has a very well-defined bouquet, a melange of red and black fruit, truffle and smoke gently unfolding in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, quite tensile and focused but very precise and fanning out with confidence on the tender finish. As good, if not better than, the 2015 Chapelle-Chambertin from Jadot.”
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|
|
Louis Jadot Beaune Greves Le Clos Blanc 1er Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£262.00 |
|
16.5/20 JH +
|
16.5/20
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2017
“Cask sample. Some creamy oak here to offset the piercing lemon/grapefruit freshness. Just a very slight creamy note bringing harmony to the high acidity. Well balanced on the palate too, with grapefruit zest and pith but a rounded texture. Creamy, almost chewy. (JH) ”
88-90/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Dec 2017
“The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves Blanc was impacted by the frost so that it was cropped at just 15 hectoliters per hectare, one-third that of Bressandes Blanc. It has a pretty lime and white peach-scented bouquet with a little more detail than the Bressandes Blanc. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, here a subtle marine influence coming to play toward the finish with a touch of oyster shell on the aftertaste. Fine.”
|
|
|
Louis Jadot Meursault Perrieres 1er Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£477.00 |
|
87-89/100 NM +
|
87-89/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Dec 2017
“The 2016 Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières is the first vintage that is domaine, as Jadot now owns the vineyard instead of buying in the fruit. It has a straightforward bouquet with lime flower, smoke and walnut coming through with aeration. The palate is well balanced with good acidity, quite rich in style although I am seeking more stoniness, more mineralité to come through on the finish and define it as a Perrières. This is one where I feel it might have been better to pick a day or two earlier.”
92/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2018
“(2016 was the first year the Jadot team farmed this plot; the yield was full in 2016, as in Narvaux and other high sites in the village, noted Barnier; two of the five barrels were new): Bright lemon-yellow. Less fruity and floral on the nose than the Genevrières, hinting at almond and spicy oak. Then concentrated and harmonious in the mouth, showing a ripe pineapple flavor and a seductive balance of sweetness and acidity. The salty, palate-saturating finish boasts sneaky length and lift. This wine comes across as a bit riper than the Charmes, and will rely as much on its mineral underpinning as on its acidity for longevity. Barnier told me that the Jadot team will force the vines' roots deeper over the next several years in search of greater minerality.”
|
|
|
Louis Jadot Meursault Porusot 1er Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£387.00 |
|
89+/100 ST +
|
89+/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2018
“Bright yellow. Pure but reticent aromas of white peach and minerals come across as a bit riper than the Blagny. A step up in texture too, but still quite dry and salty, showing very good lemony cut and a tactile, salty aftertaste. Barnier blocked 80% of the malolactic fermentation here, noting that these vines often ripen quickly and can produce fatter wines than he likes. This rather austere Meursault displays a tactile, salty aftertaste with a faint stony edge. I'd give it at least two or three years of cellaring before pulling the cork.”
17/20
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2017
“Cask sample. Richly creamy on the nose, definite oak presence and a touch of clementine that for me is classic Meursault. Deep, mildly chewy and very fresh. Depth and length. Chewy and satisfying. (JH) ”
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|
|
Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Domaine du Duc de Magenta Clos de la Garenne 1er Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
5 |
£435.00 |
|
93+/100 ST +
|
93+/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Dec 2018
“(these very old vines produced just under 30 hectoliters per hectare in 2016): Pale yellow. Pure but reticent nose hints at white peach, menthol, mint and pungent fresh herbs. A step up in power and grip from the Combettes but not quite as expansive as that wine, at least in the early going. Finishes savory, dry and long, with excellent structure and grip.”
17/20
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2017
“Cask sample. Quiet and dusty on the nose. Cool and lightly cedary. Taut and zesty and utterly embryonic and with promise. Mouth-wateringly delicious. (JH)
”
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|
|
Louis Jadot Domaine des Héritiers Beaune Clos des Ursules 1er Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£395.00 |
|
16/20 JH +
|
16/20
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2017
“Cask sample. More sombre than Boucherottes, darker fruited in aroma. Chewy and red-fruited on the palate, a touch of strawberry sweetness. Dry textured but with juicy fruit at the core. (JH) ”
89-92/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Jan 2018
“Good dark red. Aromas of cherry and flowers are complemented by a hint of mocha. Plusher in texture than the Bressandes but also with good reserve to its flavors of dark cherry and menthol. Turns more imploded and medicinal on the back half, ultimately finishing with a firm tannic spine. This solidly structured wine is a bit less sweet and floral than the Bressandes and more dominated by soil tones in the early going.”
91-93/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Dec 2017
“The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules has a refined bouquet, probably the most mineral driven of the three Beaune premier crus under the "Domaine des Héritiers Jadot" label. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, an insistent grip in the mouth, more black fruit surfacing toward the structured, saline, marine-influenced finish. Excellent.”
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|
|
Opus One |
201313 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£1960.00 |
|
100/100 JS +
|
100/100
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com,
Jan 2016
“The greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink.”
97+/100
Robert Parker, WineAdvocate.com,
Dec 2016
“The 2013 Opus One, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, is a beauty. Velvety textured, without a had edge to be found, notes of crème de cassis, blueberry, subtle wood and floral notes gently rise from the wine’s dense purple color. Beautifully full-bodied and extraordinarily elegant and pure, this is certainly one of their great achievements over the last 37 years. The wine has an exquisite finish and can be drunk now or cellared for 25-30 years.”
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|
|
Sena Aconcagua Valley Eduardo Chadwick |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£599.00 |
|
98/100 JS +
|
98/100
James Suckling , JamesSuckling.com,
Mar 2018
“Aromas are lifted and bright in this wine with loads of blackberries and blueberries. Full body, velvety tannins. Gorgeous texture. Very pure fruit. A bright and more fundamental Seña than last vintages. Restrained at the end. 55% cabernet, 20% malbec, 12% petit verdot, 8% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc. September 2018 release. Needs three or four years of bottle age.”
97/100
Luis Gutierrez, RobertParker.com,
Oct 2018
“The truly excellent 2016 Seña could very well be the finest wine produced at this estate that started as a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Eduardo Chadwick and now continues under the guidance of Chadwick and the excellent hand of winemaker Francisco "Pancho" Baettig. The grapes were picked later in 2016, and the final blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Carmenere and 5% Cabernet Franc, with more Malbec and considerably less Carmenere than in the past. This is "only" 13.5% alcohol and has remarkable acidity and freshness, as well as overall balance and elegance that surpasses all previous vintages. Twelve percent of the volume matured in oak foudres, while the rest was aged in barrique (73% new) for 22 months. Even so, the wine is not oaky and comes through as harmonious and elegant within the house style. It's serious, dry and elegant, with zero concessions to sweetness. A mineral and profound red blend. 72,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2018.”
93/100
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous.com,
Mar 2020
“Seña 2016 is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Carménère and 5% Cabernet Franc, all from Aconcagua, that spent 22 months in French oak, 73% of it new. A ripe, complex nose of cassis and raspberry jam with sweet spices from the ageing. Fresh and juicy on the palate with a taut texture of firm, precise tannins and a bold, lengthy finish. Will age well in the bottle.
”
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|
|
Chateau Cos d'Estournel - Bordeaux |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1350.00 |
|
96/100 NM +
|
96/100
Neal Martin, Vinous.com,
Mar 2021
“The 2018 Cos d’Estournel showed a lot of promise when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle and given a 2–3-hour decant, it has a gorgeous and disarmingly pure bouquet, slightly high-toned with iodine scents infusing the lush blackberry and boysenberry scents. The oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is fresh and crisp on the entry, delivering silky-smooth tannins, perfect acidity and a sense of harmony than is very persuasive. I cannot recall a Cos d’Estournel in recent years with such fine tannins. It gently fans out toward the finish while retaining superb precision, completing what is a beautifully crafted Cos d’Estournel with a long future ahead. 2025 - 2060”
98+/100
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, WineAdvocate.com,
Mar 2021
“The 2018 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% new oak barriques. The alcohol weighs in at just over 14.5%. Sporting a deep purple-black color, it needs a lot of swirling to begin to unlock a powerful nose of crème de cassis, stewed plums, wild blueberries and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by nuances of Sichuan pepper, star anise, tree and clove oil, plus a waft of charcoal. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with taut, muscular black fruits and earthy layers, framed by super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and wonderfully earthy. A very impressive behemoth, this is going to need a good seven to 10 years to truly show its stuff and should drink for a good 40 years and beyond. 2028 - 2068”
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|
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Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello |
201313 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£1809.00 |
|
100/100 WK +
|
100/100
William Kelley, WineAdvocate.com,
May 2018
“The 2013 Monte Bello is a very special vintage for this great wine. Amazingly, it has yet to shut down, unfurling in the glass to reveal a bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, rich espresso roast, cigar wrapper, subtle black truffle and burning embers that has already integrated its 100% new oak remarkably completely. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, powerful and multidimensional, with a lavishly textural attack that segues into a stunningly layered, richly structured mid-palate endowed with incredible depth and concentration underpinned by succulent acids. The finish is long, vibrant and beautifully delineated. The 2013 is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, and it attained 13.6% natural alcohol. Analytically, this ranks as one of the most tannic vintages of Monte Bello ever produced, but the tannins are of such high quality and cloaked in such a wealth of fruit that Ridge forwent their habitual egg white fining this year—beginning a trend that has continued since. This profound Monte Bello will begin to blossom as it reaches age ten and should prove practically immortal.”
98+/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Jul 2016
“The 2013 Monte Bello is utterly spellbinding in its beauty. Finely sculpted and chiseled, with super-expressive aromatics and searing tannins, the 2013 is shaping up to be a modern-day classic. The 2013 is remarkably pure and vibrant for such a big wine. It will be years before the 2013 is close to being ready to drink. Even so, it is magnificent today. Where will the 2013 end up? The future seems limitless for now. Quite simply, the 2013 is a must-have wine. In 2013, Monte Bello is very heavy in Cabernet Sauvignon, partly because Merlot suffered in the drought-like conditions. The 2013 has already begun to shut down in bottle. Readers need to be in for the long haul.”
18/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
May 2015
“Cask sample. Very Cabernet nose, again with spice – great polish and depth. Firm acidity and much more obvious tannins than the 2014.”
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|
|
Louis Jadot Domaine Gagey Pernand Vergelesses Les Combottes 1er Cru |
201717 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£148.00 |
|
|
|
|
La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva |
198585 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£506.00 |
|
|
|
|
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 |
200404 |
12 × 75cl |
1 |
£584.00 |
|
96/100 LG +
|
96/100
Luis Gutierrez, WineAdvocate.com,
Dec 2013
“The 2004 Gran Reserva 904 is Tempranillo from Brinas, Labastida and Villalba balanced with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were fermented and macerated in inox vats for 14 days at 28º C, and malolactic fermentation lasted 28 days. The wine aged for 4 years in used American oak barrels averaging 4 years old, during which time it was manually racked 8 times. 150,000 bottles were filled. This 2004, from a superb vintage shows a beautiful light red color with a brick rim and a superb nose redolent of balsamic woods, spices, leather, well-hung meat, incense and truffles. The light to medium-bodied palate shows fully resolved tannins, great acidity and pure, pungent flavors that linger in the mouth forever and that can only be Rioja. This is a wine to smell over and over again. It might sound like an exaggeration, but this wine is still too young and you should wait a little bit and drink the superb 2001 vintage which should still be available on the market while this one matures in bottle. At this quality level the price is superb especially considering that the wine is being released 10 years after the vintage. Drink 2016-2024.”
18/20
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Jun 2014
“From an 'Excellent' vintage. 90% Tempranillo and 10% particularly successful Graciano from their own vineyards at least 40 years old in Briñas, Labastida and Villalba. Each plot is vinified separately. Aged for four years in four-year-old American casks. Manual racking 'by candlelight'(!) every six months. Barrel selection. Bottled February 2009.
Mid ruby. Intense strawberry fruit with very lively well-hung game notes. Super clean and fresh. Lovely energy and directness. Tannins receding but perceptible. Lots of life ahead of this. Very gentle finish. Real lift and briskness. Not a hint of soupiness! Like a particularly bright jewel.”
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|
|
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 |
199494 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£984.00 |
|
92/100 JSM +
|
92/100
Jay S Miller , The Wine Advocate,
Feb 2007
“The 1994 Gran Reserva 890, from an excellent vintage, exhibits a dark ruby/brick color. Its complex perfume is composed of nuances of scorched earth, cedar, mineral, red currants and cherry. On the palate, additional notes of toast, fungi, and floral scents emerge. This elegant wine has sufficient depth, concentration and weight to drink well for another 6-8 years.
”
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|
|
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 |
199595 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£983.00 |
|
96/100 NM +
|
96/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Aug 2012
“Tasted twice, the 1995 Gran Reserva 890 is a blend of 95% Tempranillo (from Brinas, Labastida and Villaba), 3% Graciano and 1% Mazuelo, all aged in American oak for six years and delivering a headache-avoiding 12.7% alcohol. It has a heavenly bouquet that soars from the glass with soy, marmalade, a touch of Seville orange marmalade and cloves, all with superb delineation. The palate is very well-balanced with crisp, finely-tuned tannins that lend it wonderful focus. One can find vivacious flavors of strawberry, orange sorbet and citrus lemon while the finish is incredibly youthful and displays a level of tension that Alfred Hitchcock would be proud of. Outstanding traditional Rioja pulled out from the top drawer. Why? Because it whisks the drinker from wherever they are to, where the wine was born. Drink now-2030+”
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|
|
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 |
200101 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£1139.00 |
|
95/100 LG +
|
95/100
Luis Gutiérrez, RobertParker.com,
Dec 2013
“2001 is a great vintage for all the wines from La Rioja Alta but the long-awaited 2001 Gran Reserva 890 is otherworldly. 2001 was a slow maturing vintage which produced smaller grapes especially in the old vineyards on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria in the villages of Brinas, Labastida and Villalba where the vineyards that make it into this wine are located. The final blend contains a majority of Tempranillo with 3% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo. The wine ferments with the natural yeasts attached to the grapes in stainless steel vats and is aged for six years in used American oak barrels with 12 manual rackings. A selection of the best barrels were blended together and bottled unfiltered in March 2008. Only 15,000 bottles were produced. It shows (even) younger and more concentrated than the 2004 904, a darker shade of red and a somehow backward and reticent nose (relatively speaking) of forest floor, cold bonfire, antique shop, truffles, game, sandalwood, nutmeg and clove. The fruit is also a little darker and the palate more austere, but still showing vibrant and supple, with clean flavors and a great finish. This is my favorite modern time 890. Bravo! Drink 2016-2026.
”
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|
|
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£1023.00 |
|
98/100 JC +
|
98/100
Joe Czerwinski, WineAdvocate.com,
Dec 2019
“Jaboulet's 2018 Hermitage La Chapelle features scents of crushed stone, violets and cassis. It's a classic trio, backed by a wine that's full-bodied, rich and powerful yet also airy, somehow carrying intense plum and black olive flavors without any sense of heaviness or excess weight. Then the wine finishes long and softly dusty, with tannins that accentuate its savory character, picking up delicious hints of licorice at the very end. The proportion of new oak has been trimmed back to a very reasonable 20% and is hardly noticeable in the wine. 2023-2045”
97-99/100
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com,
Dec 2019
“A deep, powerful, primordial wine (which is exactly what you’d expect for a great vintage of this cuvée), the inky hued 2018 Hermitage La Chapelle offers tons of crème de cassis as well as a liquid rock-like minerality, peppery herbs, burning embers, and graphite aromas and flavors. The palate mirrors the intensity of the bouquet and is full-bodied, concentrated, and tight, yet still packs a huge amount of baby fat. The 2018 is a beautifully pure, balanced, massively endowed La Chapelle that will need a decade of cellaring and keep for 3-4 decades with no problems.”
96-100
Josh Reynolds, Vinous.com,
Apr 2020
“Opaque ruby. Displays powerful, highly perfumed aromas of black/blue fruit preserves, licorice, cola, baking spices and potpourri, along with an exotic suggestion of incense. Utterly stains the palate with intense blackberry, cherry, cassis, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that deliver a suave blend of weight and energy. Youthfully solid tannins add shape and grip to an extremely long, mineral- and floral-accented finish that shows outstanding clarity and dark fruit thrust.”
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|
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Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva |
201212 |
3 × 75cl |
4 |
£1200.00 |
|
100/100 KO +
|
100/100
Kerin O`Keefe, Wine Enthusiast,
May 2020
“This is the final Riserva to benefit from the late Franco Biondi Santi`s masterful hand. It boasts enticing scents of rose, underbrush, red berry, new leather and crushed mint. The chiseled palate features succulent Morello cherry, pomegranate, orange zest, star anise and a hint of tobacco, all framed in taut, polished tannins. Firm acidity lends youthful tension and keeps it impeccably balanced.”
97/100
Monica Larner, robertparker.com,
Jun 2020
“You will notice the dedication printed below the label of the wine label. It reads: "Dedicato a Franco Biondi Santi." Indeed, the Biondi-Santi 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the last vintage made by the towering father figure of Brunello whom most everyone referred to as the "gentleman of Montalcino." Il Dottore, as he was also respectfully addressed, died at age 91 in April 2013, and he was very active in the winery as this magnificent wine took shape. This Riserva is a true work of beauty. It is released one year later than usual. The wine reflects the natural heft and power of the 2012 vintage, and it also shows that distinctive open-knit and accessible personality that characterizes this warm and sunny growing season. Il Dottore's magic touch is revealed in the level of fine detail and precision that transcends vintage, grape and territory. That extreme focus is an achievement of this estate alone located in the celebrated Il Greppo property. This Brunello pours from the bottle with a magnificent garnet color, and it evolves in the glass with dark fruit, candied orange peel, spice, licorice, anise seed, cola and balsam herb. The aromas are magical and ethereal, albeit slightly ripe and soft as expected of this vintage.”
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|
|
Marchesi Antinori Tignanello |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£836.00 |
|
98/100 AG +
|
98/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinousmedia.com,
Aug 2019
“The 2016 Tignanello is flat out stunning. Dark, dense and resonant, the 2016 is a wonderfully complete wine that will provide readers with decades of pure drinking pleasure. The 2016 is especially dark and brooding, and yet the tannins are incredibly polished to the point of being perceptible. In the glass, the 2016 is complete and regal, perhaps because of the super-classic blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The pedigree of the vintage comes through in the wine's extraordinary balance and total sense of finesse. I don't think there is another wine anywhere in the world made entirely from estate fruit that can match Tignanello for quality, consistency and value within its peer group of top-flight reds.”
97/100
Monica Larner, RobertParker.com,
May 2019
“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.”
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|
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Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec |
201010 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£424.00 |
|
93/100 ST +
|
93/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinousmedia.com,
Mar 2014
“(from 70-year-old vines): Bright, dark red-ruby. Superripe, slightly roasted aromas of kirsch, blackberry, licorice and minerals. Fat, velvety and rich; can't match the Adrianna Vineyard bottling for definition or lift but this is more opulent, glossy and sweet. Really stains the palate with dark fruits and licorice on the very long, smoothly tannic finish. Winemaker Alejandro Vigil describes this bottling as Catena's asado wine.”
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|
|
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon |
201717 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£1386.00 |
|
100/100 JD +
|
100/100
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com,
Dec 2018
“The inky colored 2017 Ermitage Le Pavillon comes from the biggest, baddest part of Hermitage and was brought up all in 20-25% new French oak barrels. Huge crème de cassis, crushed flowers, graphite, and liquid rock notes all dominate the bouquet, and this massively rich, powerful, yet pure and classic Hermitage builds incrementally on the palate, has a wealth of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Showing the sexy, expressive style of the vintage, it has some upfront charm, yet I suspect it will close down (as has the 2015) with a few years of bottle age and require a decade or more of cellaring. There are just 894 cases of this magical elixir.”
98/100
Joe Czerwinski, WineAdvocate.com,
Oct 2018
“Potentially perfect and quite likely a 30-year wine, Chapoutier's 2017 Ermitage le Pavillon makes a strong case for the vintage. From its compelling aromas of crushed stone, cassis, licorice and chocolate and the incredibly intense notes of salted licorice to the full-bodied, concentrated, chewy palate and tremendous length, there's absolutely nothing to find fault with. 2025 - 2045”
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|
|
M. Chapoutier Ermitage L'Ermite Rouge |
201717 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£1561.00 |
|
100/100 JC +
|
100/100
Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com,
Dec 2019
“The 2017 Ermitage l'Ermite is equally astounding but a completely different expression of Hermitage. Somehow this combines the reservedness of le Pavillon with the generosity of le Méal, resulting in a wine that I can only describe as perfect. The pristine cassis fruit is remarkably pure, joined by complex notes of crushed stone, salted licorice and the slightest hints of fine-grained oak. It's full-bodied, concentrated and velvety in texture, with oodles of chewy but ripe tannins and a finish that goes on for minutes.”
|
|
|
Contino Vina Del Olivio |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
6 |
£341.00 |
|
94/100 JR +
|
94/100
Josh Reynolds, Vinousmedia.com,
Feb 2019
“Brilliant violet. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe dark fruits, potpourri and incense are complicated by exotic spice and woodsmoke nuances. Sweet, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed blackberry, cherry-vanilla and rose pastille flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes sweet and impressively long, showing outstanding clarity and fine-grained tannins that blend smoothly with the wine's sappy fruit.”
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|
|
Contino Graciano |
201414 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£233.00 |
|
|
|
|
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel |
201818 |
12 × 75cl |
2 |
£473.00 |
|
96/100 AG +
|
96/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Sep 2020
“The 2018 Lytton Springs is magnificent. Elegant, layered and so complete, the 2018 has a lot to offer, but it needs time to fully come together. Sweet red cherry, red plum, blood orange, spice, mint and rose petal open up in the glass. Bright acids and beams of tannin give the wine its vibrant energy. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2018 for at least a few years. Wow!”
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|
|
Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel |
201818 |
12 × 75cl |
2 |
£473.00 |
|
94/100 AG +
|
94/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Sep 2020
“The 2018 Geyserville is an infant. That much is obvious, especially in this lineup of otherwise more settled 2018s. Ripe Zinfandel flavors drive the overall profile. A blast of wild cherry, leather, tobacco, smoke, licorice, menthol and spice hit the palate first, followed by swaths of tannin and a touch of new oak that suggest the wine still needs time to come together. Readers should be in no rush. I am not sure the 2018 will ever be truly refined, as it is quite burly today. Aeration helps to some degree. The fermentations at Geyserville were slow to start and slow to finish. That longer time of extraction comes through in potent tannins that will likely always mark the wine.”
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La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 |
200505 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£633.00 |
|
19/20 FC +
|
19/20
Ferran Centelles, Jancisrobinson.com,
Aug 2019
“95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 2% Mazuelo. 40-year-old vines from Rodezno (La Rioja). Hand-harvested with bunch selection. After the alcoholic fermentation, the wines are selected for the assemblage. Ageing for 72 months in American oak barrels, 20% new. No filtration. 15,900 bottles.
A classic rioja. Endless sweet spices and very marked aromas of vanilla, coconut, nutmeg and cinnamon. Wood dominates, but that is the delicious soul of rioja. The palate is exciting: deep, long, elegant, delicate, complex, with great class. What delicacy and softness of the palate! Its scent never ends and is at a precious stage of maturity. Very impressive. (FC)”
95/100
Luis Gutiérrez, RobertParker.com,
Jul 2018
“I tasted the 2005 Gran Reserva 890 again, and I liked it better this time than in my previous review, even if I normally like the Gran Reserva 904 better than this bottling, as I find it better balanced. I tend to feel less energy in this wine, as it spends a very long time in barrel, six years in this case. 2005 was an excellent vintage, and they implemented some improvements in the harvest, introducing 350-kilo boxes and refrigerated transport to the winery, which they think provides better grapes and potentially better quality of the wines. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins have mostly melted, and it has lively acidity that lift the wine up. This is a very classical and polished Rioja. 57,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2012.”
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|
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Catena Nicolas Zapata |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£450.00 |
|
94/100 ST +
|
94/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinousmedia.com,
Jul 2018
“(14.2% alcohol: made from vines in both Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo): Bright ruby-red. Pungent aromas of cassis, blackberry, herbs and grapefruit are pure and unadorned. Juicy and stylish in a European style, conveying an impression of delicacy and terrific penetration. This is sweeter and suppler than the 2015 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec but I'm not sure that it's deeper. Finishes with a powerful spine, strong supporting acidity and terrific length.”
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|
|
Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae Malbec |
201515 |
3 × 75cl |
4 |
£218.00 |
|
94+/100 ST +
|
94+/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinousmedia.com,
Jul 2018
“(14.5% alcohol; here the layer of calcaire lies underneath a meter of soil): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of black cherry, licorice, bitter chocolate and violet are currently showing a bit more oak influence than the River Stones Malbec. Denser on the palate than that wine as well, conveying a greater impression of power leavened by superb mineral energy. This wine always begins with about 1.5 grams per liter more acidity than the River Stones, noted winemaker Alejandro Vigil, despite the fact that in 2015 one of the components was picked with potential alcohol of 15.5%. Boasts an exhilarating balance of sweetness and acidity. Although the tannins are beautifully buffered, this wine will need aging to unfold.”
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|
|
Marchesi Antinori Tignanello |
201010 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£869.00 |
|
96/100 AG +
|
96/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinousmedia.com,
Aug 2013
“Antinori's 2010 Tignanello is stunning, as it has been since I started tasting the component wines in 2011. Firm yet sweet, silky tannins form the backbone for this gorgeous, vivid wine. Dark red cherries, plums, cloves, mint and sage inform a Tignanello that impresses for its delineation, nuance and power. Clean, saline notes support the mineral-drenched finish. The 2010 isn't huge, but rather is a vertical wine endowed with tremendous energy and vibrancy. I can't remember a Tignanello with this much crystalline tension and pure energy. Simply put, the 2010 Tignanello is a magnificent, towering wine from Antinori.”
94/100
Monica Larner, RobertParker.com,
Apr 2013
“Humming with energy and life from the very moment you put your nose in the glass, Marchesi Antinori’s 2010 Tignanello shows magnificent aromatic layering and an enormous capacity to peel back and reveal itself in beautiful slow motion. This is an articulate wine with a long story to tell about the quality of its profound 2010 fruit. This Tignanello has the elegance of 2004 and the structure of 2007. A brief note on the structure: The mouthfeel here is not broad and big. Instead, it shows a sharp and elegantly streamlined feel with impressive persistency. Compared to 2009, the Sangiovese component is slightly higher with 80% of the noble Tuscan variety followed by 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035.
”
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Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc |
202020 |
6 × 75cl |
22 |
£101.00 |
|
|
|
|
Villa Maria Ngakirikiri The Gravels |
201414 |
6 × 75cl |
6 |
£376.00 |
|
95/100 JC +
|
95/100
Joe Czerwinski, RobertParker.com,
Feb 2019
“The impressive 2014 Ngakirikiri is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pencil shavings frame notes of cassis liqueur in this medium to full-bodied wine that manages to be rich and creamy yet firmly structured and intense. It's downright embryonic at this stage, with layers of primary fruit, elegant French oak and a swirl of dusty tannins on the lingering finish. This luxury cuvée sets a new standard of excellence for Villa Maria.”
96/100
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous.com,
Mar 2021
“Following the vintage of a lifetime in 2013, along came another vintage of a lifetime: Hawke's Bay was starting to sound like Bordeaux. In 2014, it was slightly cooler but the conditions allowed Villa Maria to make its new flagship wine two years in a row. This displays a wonderful, silken texture; there's a sense of effortlessness as it glides quietly through your mouth. When it comes to aromas and flavors, expect classic but sweetly ripe Cabernet cassis and green capsicum with integrated oak-derived cedar notes adding complexity. Yields are tiny, reflected in the density within the elegant core. There's an abundance of resolved Cabernet tannins providing the frame for the delicate fruit. If you are lucky/wealthy enough to have a bottle of this and you were thinking about opening it soon, please don't: it is still an infant. It's a prodigious child but I'm sure it will be more satisfying in adulthood.”
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|
|
Marchesi Antinori Tignanello |
201717 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£728.00 |
|
96/100 JS +
|
96/100
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Jan 2020
“Full-bodied and very polished with fine, creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Shows real finesse for the vintage”
95+/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinousmedia.com,
Aug 2019
“The 2017 Tignanello is dense, exotic and flamboyant. Red berry fruit, cherries in liqueur, blood orange, wild flowers and sweet spice are front and center in this sumptuous, racy Tignanello that is likely to drink beautifully right out of the gate. The Antinori team has done a terrific job with the 2017, a year in which heat and dry weather took with them 30% of the production.”
96/100
Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate,
Jun 2020
“The Marchesi Antinori 2017 Tignanello (made with Sangiovese and smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) is a dark, exuberant and inviting wine. I tasted my sample after a double decanting and was pleased by the profound nature of the wine and the immediate openness of the aromas. There is a symphony of dark fruit with black cherry, plum, spice and sweet tobacco. I am particularly attracted by a distant hint of medicinal or menthol herb that I also discovered in other wines with fruit from the Tignanello estate in 2017. There's a drying mineral note of crushed chalk as well. The heat and dryness of the vintage has added to the aromatic intensity of the wine (yields were reduced by a third), but the mouthfeel is carefully crafted to maintain its softness and smoothness. Fruit comes from a 57-hectare section of the Tenuta Tignanello from a vineyard that is located 390 meters above sea level with Alberese limestone rock and soils of marine origin. The wine is fermented in conical oak tanks and is aged up to 16 months in a combination of mostly French and some Hungarian oak, both new and neutral. Some 300,000 bottles were released in April 2020 after one year of bottle age.”
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Les Forts de Latour |
201010 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1398.00 |
|
97/100 RP +
|
97/100
Robert Parker, WineAdvocate.com,
Mar 2013
“Bizarre as it may sound, the 2010 Les Forts de Latour is also the finest I have ever tasted from this selection, which comes from specific vineyards, not really so much a second wine as just another wine from estate holdings. A blend of 72.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27.5% Merlot that represents 40% of the production, this astonishing wine hit 14.3% natural alcohol. Extremely ripe and rich, it reminds me of the 1982 on steroids (and that wine is still drinking great 30 years after the vintage). Sensational notes of graphite, crushed rocks, black fruits, camphor and damp forest notes are present in this expansive, savory, full-throttle wine, which is better than many vintages of the great Latour itself from the past. (That may be a heretical statement, but it's the truth as I see it.) This wine needs a good 5-6 years of cellaring and should age for three decades at minimum, given the fact that the 1982 is in terrific form and wasn't this concentrated or prodigious.”
95/100
Neil Martin, robertparker.com,
Feb 2014
“Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. This is a very strong performance from Les Forts de Latour. It has a vivacious bouquet with ripe blackcurrant, raspberry, cedar and mint scents, very ripe and opulent with layers of discretely embroidered vanillary new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, well judged acidity and a sophisticated, graphite finish with a long cedar and sous-bois influenced tail. Excellent. Tasted January 2014.”
96/100
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Feb 2013
“Aromas of currants, blueberries and blackberries with a dark chocolate undertone. Perfumes and beautiful. Full body, with velvety tannins that are fine-tuned and tentative. It lasts for minutes. Gorgeous fruit and richness. Perhaps the greatest Les Fort ever? Try in 2018.”
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Reserve de la Comtesse |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
7 |
£296.00 |
|
94/100 AG +
|
94/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Jan 2019
“Sensual, racy and inviting, the Réserve de la Comtesse is one of the very finest wines readers will find in its peer group. Sweet dark plum, rose petal, spice and chocolate notes build into the silky, beautifully resonant finish. The 2016 has so much to offer. Moreover, it is flat-out delicious. Don't miss it!”
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Louis Jadot Nuits St Georges Les Boudots Domaine Gagey 1er Cru |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£453.00 |
|
91-93/100 NM +
|
91-93/100
Neal Martin, Vinous.com,
Jan 2020
“The 2018 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Boudots 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet of perfumed red berry fruit mixed with rose petals. The medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity. Well balanced, with a judicious dash of white pepper and clove toward the finish. A lovely Boudots.”
17+/20
Tom Parker MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Dec 2019
“Dark fruits on the nose, with white pepper and a lick of smoke. Silky, refined tannins and generous forest fruits at the core. Depth and breadth of fruit. The oak is currently sweet and smoky on the finish and will need time to integrate.”
92/100
William Kelley, robertparker.com,
Apr 2021
“The 2018 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Boudots (Domaine Gagey) is showing nicely in bottle, bursting with aromas of cherries, sweet berries, orange rind, plums and sweet soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, with an enveloping core of fruit, melting tannins and succulent acids, it's forward and giving out of the gates; indeed, this is unusually demonstrative for a young Boudots.”
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Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Combe Aux Moines 1er Cru |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£469.00 |
|
17+/20 TP +
|
17+/20
Tom Parker MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Dec 2019
“Brooding and slightly closed on the nose, starting to unfurl with a little time in the glass. Dark fruits, Sichuan pepper and cinnamon. The palate is more revealing but still structured, with exotic spices, black cherry and pithy, layered tannins. Bright acidity keeps everything in check and adds a moreish quality to the finish. Fantastic depth.”
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|
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Louis Jadot Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1903.00 |
|
95/100 WK +
|
95/100
William Kelley, robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“The 2018 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru (Domaine Gagey) is fulfilling all the promise it showed in barrel, unwinding in the glass with aromas of pomegranate, red berries, rose petals, sweet soil tones and warm spices. Full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with a vibrant core of fruit framed by fine, youthfully chalky tannins, this will repay extended cellaring.”
93-95/100
Neal Martin, Vinous.com,
Jan 2020
“The 2018 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has a cohesive, focused bouquet of intense red currant, wild strawberry and crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity and slightly angular tannins that will be softened with time. I appreciate the energy and backbone of this Grand Cru. Excellent.”
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Castello di Fonterutoli Siepi |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
6 |
£459.00 |
|
98/100 JS +
|
98/100
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Jun 2019
“What a beautiful nose of elderberries, freshly picked blackcurrants, citrus, herbs, licorice and crushed stones, amidst a backdrop of coffee beans, cedar and vanilla. Full-bodied and very subtle and refined with tightly wound tannins and an impressive balance of fruit and acidity. Long, grainy and elegant on the finish. A masterpiece. Drink in 2020.”
95/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Jul 2019
“A blend of Merlot and Sangiovese in equal parts, the 2016 Siepi is a luscious and soft wine that oozes forth with dark berry intensity. The fruit is compact and dense. This wine performs beautifully in terms of aromas, but the mouthfeel is especially fine-tuned and elegant in this classic vintage. Dark fruit is followed by spice, tar, rose bud and sharp mineral nuances that recall the gravel and limestone-rich soils of Chianti Classico. This is perhaps the best vintage of Siepi I have tasted thus far.”
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Chateau Cos d'Estournel - Bordeaux |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
6 |
£1370.00 |
|
100/100 NM +
|
100/100
Neal Martin, Vinous.com,
Aug 2020
“In my last sighted review of the 2016 Cos d’Estournel, I wrote: "I suspect it will close down for a period in its youth." Perhaps it is already beginning to shut down, because though this wine was deeply impressive, it fell just a notch short of ethereal previous bottles, despite its "pixelated black fruit" on the nose and "sublime balance" on the palate. I tasted the wine twice thereafter, though this time with a 4-6 hour decant, and this revealed the Cos d'Estournel that has amazed since I first tasted it out of barrel. 2030 - 2070”
100/100
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, WineAdvocate.com,
Nov 2018
“The 2016 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc aged in 65% new and 35% two-year-old French oak for 15 months. Bottled in July 2018, it is deep garnet-purple colored and starts off a little closed and reticent, opening out slowly and seductively to reveal beautiful lilacs, rose hip tea, crushed stones and camphor nuances over a core of crème de cassis, kirsch, wild blueberries and mocha plus wafts of incense and wood smoke. The palate is simply electric, charged with an energy and depth of flavors that seem to defy the elegance and ethereal nature of its medium-bodied weight, featuring super ripe, densely pixelated tannins that firmly frame the myriad of fruit and floral sparks, finishing with epic length. Just. Magic. Drink 2024-2068.”
100/100
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Feb 2019
“This is muscular yet so well defined and toned. Full-bodied with deep and dense fruit on the palate, yet powerful and rich at the same time. So much sandalwood and blackberry character. Chewy and rich at the finish. This is a warm and generous wine, but the alcohol is just over 13 degrees. Not that high. Love the finish. Extravagant. Magical. Try from 2025.”
96/100
Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com,
Apr 2017
““There’s a freshness in the wine and I’m not exactly sure where it came from,” admits Dominique Arangoits. And very tasty it is too. Graphite and orange zest aromas segue into a fine, elegant, leafy palate with stylish oak and filigree tannins. 2024-36”
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|
|
Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel |
201919 |
12 × 75cl |
2 |
£456.50 |
|
94/100 JS +
|
94/100
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Mar 2021
“A beautiful red with lots of blackberries, cloves, stone, spice and purple fruit. It’s full and balanced with a creamy texture and a flavorful finish. Some graphite to the black fruit. More zin this year in the blend. 71% zinfandel, 19% carignan, 7% petite sirah and 3% alicante bouschet. Drink now.”
94/100
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com,
Mar 2022
“The 2019 Geyserville marks a pretty huge step up in this range. What a wine! Black cherry, plum, chocolate, cloves, menthol and licorice blast across the palate. Deep and saturated, with tremendous concentration, the 2019 Geyserville is a wine to cellar for at least a few years. Today, it is positively stunning. ”
93/100
Tim Fish, WineSpectator.com,
Apr 2021
“Deeply structured, yet nimble on its feet. Blackberry, fresh fennel and brown baking spices build richness and layers toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2030.”
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|
|
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel |
201919 |
12 × 75cl |
2 |
£451.50 |
|
95/100 JD +
|
95/100
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com,
Jul 2021
“The 2019 Lytton Springs checks in as 73% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, and the rest Carignan and Mataro. Revealing a translucent ruby/plum hue as well as beautiful cassis and red plum fruits supported by lots of savory herbs, orange blossom, cigar, and spice-driven aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, moderate yet present tannins, and a great finish. While the Geyserville Cuvee has eclipsed the Lytton Spring in most vintages in the past decade, that’s not the case in 2019”
95/100
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com,
Mar 2022
“ The 2019 Lytton Springs is another embryonic wine in this range. Readers will have to be patient. Time in the glass brings out an exotic of mélange rose petal, blood orange, pomegranate and star anise, all wrapped together by plush, silky tannins. There is a lot of wine here. Healthy dollops of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro round out the blend, but the Zinfandel is pretty expressive in the leading role.”
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|
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Marchesi Antinori Tignanello |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£753.00 |
|
98/100 ML +
|
98/100
Monica Larner, robertparker.com,
May 2021
“This wine brought to mind precise imagery of tailcoats, striped dress pants, wingtip collar shirts and other gentlemen's fashion choices from the Roaring Twenties. Sporting a retro but classic personality, the Marchesi Antinori 2018 Tignanello is quite the dapper and jovial wine that hits the market just as much of the world is emerging from a dark chapter of lockdowns and coronavirus curfews. I love the optimism that springs bright with such clarity and detail from within this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2016 vintage was a benchmark for sure, but I prefer the 2018, thanks to that tinge of nostalgia or emotion that is so deftly rendered in this cool, long growing season.
The 2018 vintage offers a deconstructed Tignanello upon first inspection because you can clearly make out the varietal typicity of the grapes, especially the green spice and white pepper of the two Cabernets, along with aromas of crushed limestone that recall the white rocks carefully placed in the vineyards to protect the rows. The wine's fruit weight is contained and polished, and there are no exaggerations, excesses or loose ends. The results are calculated and exacting, especially if you consider the tannic management (with aging in both new and used Hungarian and French oak for up to 16 months) and the quality of the elegant mouthfeel. With time in the glass, those deconstructed elements converge to create unity and balance. The Tignanello vineyard is 57 hectares and sits at a breezy 390 meters above sea level with alberese and galestro soils. Those elevations proved important for shedding excess humidity at the end of this 2018 growing season. Production for this excellent wine is an impressive 345,000 bottles.”
97/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Feb 2021
“The 2018 Tignanello is a wine of breathtaking purity. Impossibly silky and persistent, the 2018 is all class, all the way. In many ways, the 2018 reminds me of the 2004 because of its finesse, but it has an extra degree of nuance that reflects important strides that have been made at the estate in the intervening years. Winemaking today is more gentle, while new oak is also less intrusive. The result is a Tignanello that bristles with class.
The purity of the flavors alone is mesmerizing. Bright red-toned berries, mocha, spice, cedar, new leather and liquorice are some of the many notes that linger on a finish framed by silky, perfectly ripe tannins.”
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Tenuta Tignanello Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
14 |
£179.00 |
|
93/100 ML +
|
93/100
Monica Larner, robertparker.com,
May 2021
“This wine is made exclusively with fruit from the gorgeous Tenuta Tignanello in San Casciano Val di Pesa (home to its namesake wine Tignanello, and Solaia) and sees mostly Sangiovese blended with a smaller part Cabernet Sauvignon and other complementary grapes. The Marchesi Antinori 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori vaunts a smooth and silky personality with ample berry definition and brightness. The previous 2017 vintage revealed more black and purple fruits because of the scorching hot and dry summer that year, but this wine from the cooler 2018 growing season focuses on red raspberry and cherry instead. That fruit is framed by light spice (from Hungarian and French oak) and licorice. Some 273,000 bottles were produced.”
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|
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Louis Jadot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
8 |
£816.00 |
|
18/20 JH +
|
18/20
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Nov 2017
“Cask sample. Tantalising aroma – so young but you can sense the potential. Deep, pure citrus, barely inflected by the creamy oak but given breadth and texture by it. Deep with richness that borders on just-ripe pear even though the lemon purity drives to the finish. It may well age longer but these days I am more cautious with white burgundy. (JH)”
93+/100
William Kelley, robertparker.com,
Jan 2019
“Aromas of yellow orchard fruit, waxy lemon rind, iodine and smoky new oak introduce the 2016 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru (Domaine des Héritiers Jadot), a full-bodied, satiny and nicely layered wine that's deep, concentrated and persistent. It's a youthfully reserved but decidedly impressive Corton-Charlemagne that will reward bottle age.”
94+/100
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com,
Sep 2018
“Charlemagne Grand Cru
(Jadot bottled 35 barrels, representing a normal yield; the harvest lasted into the beginning of October): Very pale, bright yellow. Knockout nose combines lemon, ginger, botanical herbs, shiso leaf and crushed-rock minerality. Seriously concentrated wine, showing the juicy side of the 2016 vintage and the impeccable balance that was possible when yields were normal. The sharply delineated citrus, spice and mineral flavors are framed and intensified by harmonious acidity ("which was easy to control because we had so many barrels," according to Barnier). Conveys an impression of outstanding density without weight and finishes with great palate-staining length, herbal lift and salty grip.”
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|
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La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 |
200505 |
6 × 75cl |
0 |
£0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Tuscany |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1019.00 |
|
97/100 AG +
|
97/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Jan 2021
“The 2018 Ornellaia is an introvert at this stage. Medium in body, with terrific persistence and impeccable balance, the 2018 is not in any mood to show all its cards today. Hints of red berry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and dried flowers emerge with a bit of coaxing. I won’t be surprised to see it put on weight with more time in bottle. There is certainly plenty to look forward to. Readers should expect a silky, aromatic Ornellaia in line with vintages such as 2004 that are more about finesse than raw power. This is the first time in which Merlot drives the blend in Ornellaia.”
95/100
Monica Larner, WineAdvocate.com,
May 2021
“The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is complete and seamlessly stitched together with extreme care and precision. This is an almost technical blend of Merlot (at 50% of the blend for the first time), 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot that offers a true sense of wholeness and consistency that speaks to the blending expertise and experience of the winemaking team. Finding harmony among the various vinous components of the wine was especially important in this vintage that prized early-ripening grapes like Merlot over the others. Blackberry and dried cherry segue to spice, tar, campfire ash and more sweet fruit. We're off to a great start, and this vintage of Ornellaia is surely destined to flesh out and grow more complex with age.”
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|
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Le Volte dell'Ornellaia Toscana Rosso IGT |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£133.00 |
|
91/100 AG +
|
91/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Apr 2021
“The 2019 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is terrific. Bold, juicy and wonderfully expressive, the 2019 will drink well right out of the gate. Juicy black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and chocolate are all kicked up a few notches. In 2019 Le Volte is especially dark and sumptuous, both of which add to its considerable immediacy and overall appeal. This is an especially fine vintage for the Ornellaia's entry-level bottling.”
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|
|
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello |
201212 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1769.00 |
|
98/100 AG +
|
98/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Jul 2015
“The 2012 Monte Bello is one of the most harmonious young Monte Bellos I can remember tasting. Seamless and voluptuous through to the finish, the 2012 is showing beautifully today. Raspberry jam, pomegranate, white flowers, mint and spices are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. A wine with a distinctly red-hued profile, silky tannins, no hard edges and exceptional overall balance, the 2012 Monte Bello is simply magnificent. The 2012 is racy but also impeccably balanced throughout, with shades of the 2001 that come through from time to time. I won't be surprised if the 2013 and 2014 both eventually surpass it, but there is no denying that the 2012 is simply stunning today. This is one of the best showings yet for the 2012.”
96/100
William Kelley, robertparker.com,
May 2018
“The 2012 Monte Bello is a beauty, wafting from the glass with complex aromas of plums, blackberries, bitter chocolate, black truffles, cigar tobacco and hints of crème de cassis. Its new oak is already well integrated. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, richly tannic and very deep, with a layered, concentrated core of fruit framed by chalky, fine-grained tannins. The 2012 is still quite youthfully chewy at this early stage, but there's a certain lavishness to its ripe blackberry fruit that suggests this will be a dramatic, even decadent Monte Bello in the style of the 2002 when it reaches maturity. Late September heat made for a record-setting harvest in only 16 days. The 2012 is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, and it saw a small water addition to finish at 13.8% alcohol.”
|
|
|
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello |
201717 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£1643.00 |
|
98/100 EB +
|
98/100
Erin Brooks, robertparker.com,
Feb 2021
“The 2017 Monte Bello is ultra powerful and concentrated, unfurling over the several days it was open to reveal rich cassis, roast plums, tar, aniseed and exotic spices. What sets the palate apart is its purity: though incredibly layered, it offers a kaleidoscopic journey from blackcurrant to tobacco and dried flowers, offering continual sparks of flavor long after the wine has been swallowed. Structurally, it has the firm but ripe tannins and seamless freshness to dictate a very long life in the cellar. This vintage is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. 3,750 cases produced.”
97+/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Sep 2020
“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.”
|
|
|
Tiano and Nareno |
201515 |
6 × 75cl |
19 |
£1068.00 |
|
92+/100 ST +
|
92+/100
Stephen Tanzer , Vinous.com,
Jul 2018
“(14% alcohol; vinified in stainless steel and aged for eight months in new and used Taransaud barriques): Bright medium ruby. Black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and minerals on the vibrant nose. Densely packed but wonderfully delineated and light on its feet. A very pure, clean, penetrating blend with terrific floral lift from the Cab Franc. This very classy, precise drink has the structure and power to age, and its firm tannins still need a year or two to harmonize with the fruit. I give this a slight edge for vibrancy over the 2014 bottling, which I rated 92 points last year but 91 next to the '15 in April, as this very complex, firm wine was going through an oaky phase. 80% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc”
|
|
|
Villa Maria Ngakirikiri The Gravels |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
6 |
£359.00 |
|
94/100 JC +
|
94/100
Joe Czerwinski, RobertParker.com,
Jun 2021
“The 2018 Ngakirikiri is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Malbec, all aged in 60% new French oak for 20 months. Despite the barrel regime, the concentrated fruit easily comes through, offering up pristine aromas of cassis and plum, later accented on the finish by hints of dark chocolate and vanilla bean. Richly concentrated and velvety in texture, with a long, plush finish, this medium to full-bodied wine should drink well for over a decade.
”
95/100
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous.com,
Mar 2021
“The third vintage of Villa Maria's flagship Cabernet (the others being 2013 and 2014) and the first in its new winery (the vintage's first grapes were picked while contractors were still on site). This has great concentration of fruit while remaining elegant and fresh. While the fruit is ripe with its dark black fruit, licorice and black olives, it still retains a green herbal character as if to remind you that this is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins build cumulatively, and while they are resolved, they are very much Cabernet-shaped, creating a square framing the rather delicate core. This is really classy stuff, as it should be at the price. Perhaps not as long-lived as the 2014 will be, but a decade or more in the cellar won't hurt.”
|
|
|
Domaines Ott Clos Mireille Rose |
202020 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£158.00 |
|
|
|
|
Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
8 |
£886.00 |
|
97/100 NM +
|
97/100
Neal Martin, Vinous.com,
Mar 2021
“The 2018 Pichon-Lalande was given an hour’s decant and then observed over the next 24 hours. It has clearly retained the showstopping nose that I encountered from barrel, those same “gentle waves" of black cherries and blueberry, incense and violets lending it a Margaux-like allure. The palate is vibrant and full of tension from the start, the acidity slicing through the layers of quite plush black fruit, judiciously laced with tobacco and mint. There is a beguiling sense of harmony conveyed by this Pichon-Lalande and although there is clearly plenty of structure, the tannins are so pixelated and pliant that it might well be broachable in 4–5 years’ time. Personally, however, I would prefer to cellar it for 8–10 years (by which time I hope that the new Cure album is finally released). However long you decide to keep it tucked away, this is a quite brilliant Pauillac. 2025-2055”
98/100
Jane Anson, Decanter,
Apr 2019
“This has to be up there with one of the most seductive Comtesses on record with layers of alternating softness and concentration combined with a lot of 2016’s elegance and power.
The nose on this stands out a mile, getting it right up on the podium before you even take a sip. Rich raspberries combine with peonies and curls of woodsmoke while the appellation’s signature slate, cedar, liquorice and tannic grip slowly builds up on the palate.
I’ve tasted this several times with each conveying a juiciness and elegance that is quite different in style to many in Pauillac this year - it's a 98-100 for me, and I'm already looking forward to re-tasting it in bottle. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 60% new oak used. 13% press wine. 3.75pH, 88IPT – higher even than the 80IPT in 2016. Drinking Window 2026 - 2040”
97+/100
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, WineAdvocate.com,
Mar 2021
“The 2018 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with a pH of 3.85, an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 87 and 14% alcohol. The grand vin represents 50% of the crop this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, it charges out of the gate with bold scents of baked plums, ripe blackcurrants and wild blueberries, followed by hints of cedar chest, pencil lead, bouquet garni and charcuterie, plus a waft of lilacs. The medium-bodied palate is beautifully crafted with its seamless freshness and firm, grainy tannins supporting the compelling, finely knit black fruits and savory nuances, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note. This will need a good 5 years to come around and should easily cellar for another 30 years or more. Drink: 2026 - 2056”
|
|
NEW |
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione |
201515 |
3 × 75cl |
6 |
£716.00 |
|
96+/100 AG +
|
96+/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Jul 2019
“The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, essentially a selection of the best barrels of Cepparello, is a gorgeous wine. More than anything, the 2015 is remarkable considering the challenges of a growing season in which rain during harvest created significant challenges. Nevertheless, Paolo De Marchi coaxed all of the potential out of his vines in 2015, adding a good dollop of Petit Verdot to the Sangiovese in crafting the Gran Selezione. Dense, powerful and beautifully textured, with intense underpinnings of saline minerality. The 2015 has a brilliant future, but it won't see the light until fall 2020 at the very earliest.”
|
|
|
Marchesi Antinori Cervaro Castello Della Sala |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£291.00 |
|
|
|
|
Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
5 |
£173.00 |
|
17++/20 TC +
|
17++/20
Tamlyn Currin, Jancisrobinson.com,
Sep 2021
“Already golden in colour. Already extraordinary on the nose, despite being so, so young. Mango and yuzu, tendrils of honeysuckle cling to the nose; the scent of lemon blossom and silky yellow roses bruised in the mist-fine patter of early-morning rain. Already, the smells curl out the glass, slow wide ribbons that shimmer from flowers to earth to the limpid pearl glow of harvest moonrise. Such a golden wine. Like tasting a metallograph of golden crystals in microscopic detail by honey-hazed candle light. Candied citrus peel, saffron, bergamot. Ice-pick stilettoes of acidity deliver spine-piercing precision. And a stony chew, clad in almost-transparent jasmine skin, brushing fingertip slips of gentleness over a structure so defiant it clangs with the mountain-valley echo of a Tibetan gong. This has only just begun. The kind of wine you need to buy 12 bottles of and taste one a year. Exquisite, already. But oh, such a long way to go.”
90/100
Eric Guido, Vinous.com,
Feb 2021
“The 2019 Soave Classico blends savory and sweet with a spicy flair that completes the expression nicely. Ripe pear and nectarine mix with hints of ginger and sour green melon. It’s soft and pliant upon entry yet enlivened by salty minerals and brisk acids, making for a wonderfully balanced expression. The palate sizzles with residual tension, as hints of sour citrus resonate throughout the finale.”
93/100
Alison Napjus, thewinespectator.com,
Sep 2021
“A toasty note on the nose underscores the palate's golden apple and pear, honeysuckle and lime blossom, pickled ginger and pineapple fruit flavours in this bright and buoyant white. Lightly chalky in texture, with smoke and spice notes playing on the well-cut finish. Alison Napjus”
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|
|
Shaw and Smith Shiraz Adelaide Hills |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
5 |
£139.00 |
|
16.5/20 AC +
|
16.5/20
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com,
Sep 2021
“Sandalwood and ashy note on the nose. Firm tannins that need to integrate but add structure – savoury notes alongside dark fruits and a touch of white pepper. Youthful.”
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|
|
Bruno Rocca Barbaresco Rabaja Piemonte |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£459.00 |
|
95/100 ML +
|
95/100
Monica Larner, RobertParker.com,
Jun 2021
“I always look forward to tasting the wines of Bruno Rocca and his family because they are always so expressive of vintage and territory. The 2018 Barbaresco gives us quite a few blanket descriptors that can be applied to the 2018 growing season. The wine is ethereal and delicate with cool-climate freshness, wild berry, fragolino di bosco and rose hip. There is a transparent and honest quality to the fruit that leaves plenty of room for those background tones of crushed limestone or white rock. To the palate, this Barbaresco is extremely fine and polished. About 14,000 bottles were released.”
17.5+/20
Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com,
Jan 2021
“Pale brick. Intense but lifted nose of leaf mould. Big impact on the nose and really muscular tannins on the palate. A baby! But with great potential.”
91/100
Bruce Sanderson, thewinespectator.com,
Jan 2021
“This light-bodied red is highlighted by cherry, strawberry, rose and mint aromas and flavours. Firm and linear, with a spicy, earth-tinged finish.”
|
|
|
Massolino Barolo Piemonte |
201717 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£228.00 |
|
92/100 AG +
|
92/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Feb 2021
“The 2017 Barolo is a gorgeous, harmonious wine. In this vintage, the straight Barolo is a bit lighter than normal, as most wines are, but it is so impeccably balanced. Pliant and inviting, the 2017 will be pleasurable to drink in another year or two. The purity of the flavors is just striking. Red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, cinnamon and crushed rose petal are some of the many aromas and flavors that grace this exquisite Barolo from the Massolino family. So many 2017s are marked by sinewy tannins, here, they are especially fine.”
92/100
Monica Larner, RobertParker.com,
Jun 2021
“Massolino's classic 2017 Barolo sees most of its fruit come from Serralunga d'Alba, although a small percentage of the blend comes from Castiglione Falletto. Compared to its peers from this hot and dry growing season, this wine is delicate and almost fragile. It softly reveals cassis, red berries and exotic plum. A second wave of aromas introduces spice, red earth and rusty notes. These results achieve very good balance overall.”
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|
|
Domaine Vrignaud Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume Les Cotes de Fontenay |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£193.00 |
|
91/100 NM +
|
91/100
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com,
Aug 2018
“The 2016 Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru has a well executed bouquet with fresh green apple and wet limestone scents, strict and linear, very Chablis. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, one of the more graceful and elegant Fourchaumes in this vintage with a precise, slightly nutty finish that lingers in the mouth. Enjoy this over the next 6 to 10 years. Tasted blind at the BIVB Chablis tasting.”
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|
|
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello |
200606 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£1819.00 |
|
18.5/20 JH +
|
18.5/20
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com,
Dec 2009
“68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, bottled May 2008. Though a cool October slowed ripening, all parcels were harvested within five weeks, and natural yeasts started the primary within three days. Those first fermentations alerted us to how rapidly colour and tannin were being extracted. We reduced pumpovers, and pressed at day 10. Uninoculated secondary began in tank; 80% of the 36 lots were racked to barrel for completion. 13 were selected for the first assemblage in late January. Four intense Cabernet lots required egg-white fining to soften tannins. Additions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc contributed depth.
Dark black cherry colour and almost a little purple at the rim. Similar aromas to the Santa Cruz 2006 but more fragrant still. There's some sweet oak (I hadn't even thought of oak up to this point, which shows how much of a support role it plays). Has red and black fruit, a hint of liquorice and a little peppery. So pure. Deep and concentrated with purity and density and yet light on its feet. The tannins are so supple they slide across the palate, even though the structure is tight and very firm – but it's lithe. Amazing to have such dense tannins with no astringency. With time, a touch of coffee. Succulent fruit even with all that ripe tannins. (JH)”
95+/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous,
Jul 2016
“A dark, brooding beauty, the 2006 Monte Bello is still very, very young. The aromatics alone are enticing, but the tannins still need time to soften. The 2006 is a masculine, vertical Monte Bello that demands cellaring. Even so, it is pretty impressive today. Scents of lavender, sage, mint and savory herbs add closing flourishes. The perfumed sweetness of the fruit - one of the hallmarks of the very late harvest - remains one of the signatures of the 2006. The 2006 can be enjoyed today or cellared for another 25+ years.”
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|
|
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello |
200808 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£1819.00 |
|
95/100 AG +
|
95/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Sep 2020
“The 2008 Monte Bello is in a gorgeous spot right now, as the aromatics are just starting to show the complex nuances that only develop in bottle. Worn-in leather, licorice, scorched earth, savory herbs and chocolate meld into a core of intense dark fruit. Slightly angular contours hint at a bit of rusticity. My impression is that the 2008 won’t be especially long-lived by Ridge standards, but it is a fine bottle to drink now, especially with a bit of time in the decanter.”
95+/100
William Kelley, RobertParker.com,
May 2018
“The 2008 Monte Bello is marked by the drought vintage, which not only made a more concentrated crop but also deprived the blend of all supporting varieties, as only Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot handled the dry conditions sufficiently gracefully to make the final cut. At age ten, this muscular Monte Bello is finally beginning to unwind, offering up rich aromas of black cherry, cassis, dried mountain laurel, loamy soil and burning embers. On the palate, it's full-bodied, expansive and powerful, its generous, sweetly fruited attack giving way to a taut, firm mid-palate that doesn't show as much finesse as the 2010 or 2012, concluding with a long, stony finish. Baugher observes that in its youth, the 2008 was "monolithic and more angular—a mouthful of tannin." A decade later, it's beginning to soften, but it still requires another 5 or 6 years of bottle age.”
18/20
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com,
Mar 2010
“We tasted two cask samples, A having the addition of just 9/10 of a 1% first-press wine. Eventually they decided the wine could take this addition and indeed it did make it firmer without in any way overwhelming the tannic portion. This was the first vintage with only Cabernet and Merlot in the final blend. 'We think press wines can really make all the difference.' Very firm and savoury with a trace of lively, savoury US oak on the nose at the moment. Beautiful texture, rich and round.”
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|
|
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello |
201010 |
6 × 75cl |
3 |
£1803.00 |
|
96/100 WK +
|
96/100
William Kelley, RobertParker.com,
May 2018
“The 2010 growing season was long and cool, reflecting the influence of an El Niño year, defined by a short but intense heat wave in late August. But whereas Ridge's Sonoma County vineyards experienced a high of 117 degrees Fahrenheit for two days, Monte Bello ridge only reached 105 degrees. The ensuing 2010 Monte Bello is very classic in profile, offering up aromas of crushed cassis, plums, cigar tobacco, rich loamy soil, black tea and dark chocolate. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a deep and concentrated core of vibrantly crunchy fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, tangy finish that's still youthfully chewy. Though the two vintages are very close in quality, the 2010 is very different in profile from the somewhat larger scaled 2012: it's less expansive, but built around a brighter vertical line. I'd recommend cellaring it for an additional three or four years and don't expect it to truly hit its stride until after 2025. The blend is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, and it attained 13.2% natural alcohol.”
97+/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Jul 2015
“The 2010 Monte Bello is just as stunning as it has always been. Today, the 2010 appears to be entering a closed phase, so it is best left alone for at least another 5-10 years, perhaps longer. The signatures are super-ripe, exotic fruit, sweet aromatics and firm tannins, all of which ensure the 2010 will be utterly magnificent in a few decades. The growing season was characterized by mostly cold weather, with an unexpectedly intense heat spike in mid-October that gave the fruit a final push. One of the things that makes this vintage so compelling is the interplay of firm structural elements from the cold year and a high level of ripeness that was achieved late. In my view, the 2010 is one of the most thrilling recent Monte Bellos, however it won't be ready to drink for a number of years and it won't peak for quite some time beyond that.”
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|
NEW |
St Aubin En Vesvau Domaine du Chateau Philippe le Hardi |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
10 |
£161.00 |
|
|
|
NEW |
Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5º |
201717 |
3 × 75cl |
12 |
£354.00 |
|
96/100 LG +
|
96/100
Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate,
Jan 2022
“2017 was marked by the frost of the night between April 27 and 28 that Vega Sicilia fought with their anti-frost towers. The end of the season was warm, and the overall rain was low, 235 liters. The 2017 Valbuena is marked by these circumstances, produced with 94% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 6% Merlot, with good ripeness (14.5% alcohol) and mellow acidity (4.65 grams of tartaric acid and a pH of 3.85). The grapes were cooled down and took three to four days of maceration to start fermenting with indigenous yeasts. The wine matured in a combination of new and used French and American 225-liter oak barrels and 21,000-liter oak vats for almost three years. The result, for whatever reason, was nothing short of spectacular. The wine is perfumed, floral, expressive and balsamic like few vintages before. It doesn't feel like a 2017 at all; it is harmonious, and the tannins were fine. It's an amazing Valbuena that clearly transcends the character of the vintage. What I see here is that since 2010, the wine has a very high consistency. And in 2017 it excels. 170,071 bottles, 5,516 magnums and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in June 2020”
96/100
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Aug 2021
“This shows wonderful aromas of blackberries, violets and sandalwood with vanilla undertones. Full-bodied with racy tannins and gorgeous fruit. Linear and very long. Slightly chewy. Needs time to come together, but already excellent quality. Drink after 2023.”
|
|
NEW |
Vega Sicilia Alion |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£383.00 |
|
96+/100 LG +
|
96+/100
Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.com,
Dec 2021
“The 2018 Alión follows the path of the 2016: it is fresh and elegant and from a cooler (more Atlantic) vintage with more rain than the average and a relatively late harvest between September 28th and October 12th. They used 80% new barrels, with up to 10% made of American oak looking to (in their own words) give more sucrosity and sweetness to the wine, as it's a more vertical, tense and elegant expression of Alión. Part of the wine matured in concrete (something they started in 2016), and in 2021 they are experimenting with a 4,000-liter Rousseau foudre, as they want to keep working the texture and freshness. The wine is ripe at 15% alcohol and has a pH of 3.8 and a mellow 4.6 grams of acidity, round and soft. The wine matured until it was bottled in June 2020. The truth is that the wine comes through as subtle, elegant and balanced, with very integrated oak and a nice texture. It's one of the finest vintages for Alión. 257,257 bottles, 7,005 magnums and some larger formats produced.”
|
|
|
Whispering Angel Rose |
202121 |
6 × 75cl |
9 |
£96.00 |
|
|
|
NEW |
Felsina Berardenga Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
5 |
£289.00 |
|
97/100 AG +
|
97/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Sep 2021
“The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is an absolutely stunning wine. The archetype of Rancia in the past has been of a big, potent Chianti Classico but in 2018, Rancia is a wine of mind-blowing elegance and finesse. Silky, perfumed and indescribably finessed, the 2018 dazzles from start to finish. It's a magical wine in every way.”
95/100
Monica Larner, RobertParker.com,
Oct 2021
“The 2018 is an unusual vintage that shows an especially austere character. Off the bat, it must be said that the Fèlsina 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia would certainly benefit from more cellar time and a long drinking window. The Rancia is elegant and streamlined with a medium-bodied style that breaks from some of the more concentrated vintages we've seen in the past. The bouquet reveals a lot of dark or black character with blackcurrant, tar, resin, iron ore and a dusty hint of dry graham cracker (which reminds us of the vintage heat). Structurally, the wine offers a solid and firm footing, but it would benefit from further evolution.”
|
|
|
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello |
201616 |
6 × 75cl |
1 |
£1544.00 |
|
|
|
NEW |
Vega Sicilia Unico |
201212 |
3 × 75cl |
8 |
£890.00 |
|
98/100 TA +
|
98/100
Tim Atkin MW, TimAtkin.com,
Dec 2021
“From a hot vintage & one of Spain’s greatest reds. 95% Tempranillo, the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon (which makes its presence subtly felt with an appealing graphite note), the nose is elegant, surprisingly dainty and floral, the fruit is ripe, yet not overly so, and this just exudes elegance from start to finish.”
96/100
Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.com,
Dec 2021
“The 2012 Único is released 10 years after the harvest. They produced it with the grapes from 40 of the 210 hectares of vineyards they have, with a total of 55 separate plots and 19 different soils. It's mostly 95% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are cooled down for 24 hours and then fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation was in stainless steel and the aging in 225-liter oak barrels and 20,000-liter oak vats for a long time as this was bottled in June 2018. 2012 is a concentrated year, warm and dry with some rain at the end of September that helped the end of the ripening process of healthy grapes with lots of color and ripe tannins. The wine has a ripe nose, with intoxicating notes of black fruit, fresh meat and blood, a spicy touch from the American oak and an earthy twist. It's a voluptuous and decadent vintage for Vega Sicilia, for those that favor years like 2006, a bit atypical, or 1999. The wine finished with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.88 and 5.1 grams of acidity (tartaric). 88,188 bottles, 3,537 magnums, 328 double magnums, 55 imperials and five Salmanazar produced.”
97/100
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Aug 2021
“Berry, smoke, violet and sandalwood aromas follow through to a full, layered palate that shows super polished tannins that are caressing and long. It’s tight and very long. Give it two or three years to soften. Drink after 2023.”
|
|
NEW |
Isole e Olena Cepparello |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
5 |
£469.00 |
|
96/100 ML +
|
96/100
Monica Larner, RobertParker.com,
Oct 2021
“A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2018 Cepparello is a beautiful expression that speaks to the classic and most exemplary side of this versatile and deeply expressive grape. This vintage is especially bright and ethereal with a true sense of luminosity and clarity that radiates from both the wine's appearance and its fragrant bouquet. Tart cherry and cassis segue to balsam herb and wild violets. To the palate, the wine shows muscle and determination with sweet tannins and impressive depth of favor. Cepparello remains true to its unique identity in this vintage. Production is 42,000 bottles.”
94+/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Sep 2021
“The 2018 Cepparello is a brilliant, tightly wound wine that is going to need a number of years to unwind. Today I very much like its energy and vibrancy. Readers will find a Cepparello that is more about persistence than volume. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, spice, lavender and menthol are laced into the silky finish.”
|
|
|
Louis Jadot Domaine Gagey Beaune Les Theurons 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
8 |
£199.00 |
|
90-92+/100 WK +
|
90-92+/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“Bursting with aromas of sweet red berries, rose hips, peonies, raw coca and spices, the 2019 Beaune 1er Cru Les Theurons (Domaine Gagey) is medium to full-bodied, bright and lively, its fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins. This has turned out nicely.”
89-91/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2020
“The 2019 Beaune Les Theurons 1er Cru (spelled or misspelled with an "h" instead of "Les Teurons”!) has a generous nose of morello cherries and orange blossom, a little airier than the Les Grèves. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins; not a deep or grippy Les Theurons. Lightly spiced with a pleasant bitter note that gets the saliva flowing on the finish. Not long-term but attractive. ”
|
|
|
Louis Jadot Domaine des Héritiers Beaune Clos des Ursules 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
12 |
£308.00 |
|
91-93/100 NM +
|
91-93/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2020
“The 2019 Beaune Clos des Ursules 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet featuring a mélange of red and black fruit intermingled with orange blossom and iodine aromas. Good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with a stocky opening, fine structure and symmetry and a fine bead of acidity. There’s a dark fruit flourish toward the finish, which leaves behind a subtle marine-themed aftertaste. Excellent. ”
92-94/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“Always one of the high points of the portfolio, the 2019 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules (Domaine des Héritiers Jadot) offers up aromas of berries and plums with hints of warm spices and orange rind, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, round and fleshy, with elegantly muscular structuring tannins and lively acids, this will age with grace.”
16.5+/20
Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com,
Nov 2021
“Cask sample. Bright garnet. Racy, rather sophisticated minerally note on the nose. Very fine-boned, juicy start on the palate with still a very light hint of oak but this should all settle down. More transparent and ethereal than the other Jadot 2019 Beaunes with no shortage of fine tannins on the end. Very creditable. ”
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Louis Jadot Volnay Clos de la Barre Monopole 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
12 |
£298.00 |
|
90-92/100 WK +
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90-92/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“The 2019 Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre Monopole (Maison Louis Jadot) is more structured than the Mitans, bursting with aromas of plums, candied peel, spices and toasty new oak. Medium-bodied, chalky and a little reserved on this showing, I expect it to round out nicely.”
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Louis Jadot Nuits St Georges Les Boudots Domaine Gagey 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
6 |
£409.00 |
|
92-94/100 WK +
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92-94/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“The 2019 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Saint Georges (Maison Louis Jadot) offers up notes of plums, orange rind, warm spices and sweet berry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, it's demonstrative, even dramatic in style this year, with a gourmand core of fruit and ripe structuring tannins. I suspect this will show well straight out of the gates.”
16.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com,
Nov 2021
“Cask sample. Mid to deep ruby. Textured nose somehow, with an almost powdery texture. A change of gear as we move from Côte de Beaune to Côte de Nuits. More savoury and less overtly sweet. Nicely managed tannins and a bit of a peacock’s tail on the end. The acidity is more evident than in the Côte de Beaune wines. ”
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Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Clos St Jacques 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£921.00 |
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16.5/20 JR +
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16.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com,
Nov 2021
“Cask sample. Bright red! Much less expressive nose than the Estournelles and much less concentrated. Almost as though they are not trying that hard with this exalted appellation. Nothing terribly wrong with it but it really suffers in comparison with the Estournelles at practically half the price. Just a bit ho-hum – as though the yield was a bit high?”
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Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Estournelles St Jacques 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£443.00 |
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92-94/100 WK +
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92-94/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“Opening in the glass with scents of cherries, cassis and blackberries complemented by hints of forest floor and raw cocoa, the 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Estournelles Saint-Jacques (Domaine Louis Jadot) is medium-bodied, bright and fine-boned, underpinned by lively acids and displaying a delicate, elegant profile. This is shaping up very nicely.”
90-92/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2020
“The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Estournelles Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has an arresting and very vanilla-y bouquet that is showing too much new oak at the moment. This is very high-toned, with orange blossom and bunches of violets rendering it Vosne-like in style. The palate is by far the sweetest and feels ostentatious in style, at the expense of terroir expression when juxtaposed against the Lavaux Saint-Jacques. Long and candied on the finish. I hope this will become more toned down with bottle age. ”
17/20
Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com,
Nov 2021
“Cask sample. Deep garnet. Intense ferny undergrowth on the nose and pretty exciting vivacity on the palate. More concentrated than most. Closer perhaps to the traditional view of red burgundy. There is so much fruit that you could, with murder in mind, drink this even sooner.”
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Louis Jadot Corton Greves Grand Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£428.00 |
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92-94/100 WK +
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92-94/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“Mingling aromas of sweet berry fruit and plums with hints of raw cocoa, warm spices and orange rind, the 2019 Corton Grèves Grand Cru (Domaine Louis Jadot) is medium to full-bodied, rich and chalky, with fine concentration and a youthfully tightly wound profile. This is promising, but it will require a bit of patience.”
90-92/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2020
“The 2019 Corton-Grèves Grand Cru was showing some reduction on the nose, although there appears to be fine compact red fruit here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, and lightly spiced with white pepper and sage toward the finish, which shows a little more elegance compared to the Clos du Roi this year. Fine.”
17/20
Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com,
Nov 2021
“Cask sample. Sweetly aromatic. Very lively and racy. Transparent and rather ethereal. Quite chiselled in structure, almost like a really good white wine. Pleasing balance and persistence. Nice minerally undertow. Cool and refreshing rather than sweet and flattering – tant mieux! ”
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Louis Jadot Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£1736.00 |
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93-95+/100 WK +
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93-95+/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“The 2019 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru (Domaine Gagey) offers up notes of cherries, red berries, rose petals, raw cocoa, espresso roast and sweet soil tones. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's rich and dramatic, with an enveloping core of fruit and ripe, refined tannins.”
95-97/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2020
“The 2019 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru demonstrates a little more amplitude than the Clos de la Roche because of the one-third stem addition. It is exquisitely defined, offering precise black fruit laced with melted tar and graphite notes, and wonderful focus. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins framing the judiciously spiced black fruit that segues into a very harmonious, grippy finish. This is one of Jadot’s best cuvées this vintage.”
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Louis Jadot Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£1069.00 |
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93-96/100 WK +
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93-96/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“One of the highlights of the range, the 2019 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru (Domaine Louis Jadot) mingles aromas of sweet red berries with hints of raw cocoa, spices, licorice, loamy soil and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's velvety and concentrated, with considerable depth and mid-palate amplitude despite its elegant, seamless profile.”
92-94/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2020
“The 2019 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru has a perfumed bouquet of raspberry coulis, wild strawberry and crushed limestone aromas and a little singed leather in the background; there is fine complexity and focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, soy-tinged red fruit and a slightly conservative, restrained finish. More cohesive than the Charmes-Chambertin, it doesn’t quite convey the complexity of the Clos-de-Bèze, yet it should still age with style. ”
16.5++/20
Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com,
Nov 2021
“Cask sample. Transparent garnet. Briary, demanding nose. Marked acidity. Not very happy in itself at the moment. Acid dominates fruit and there is a medium charge of well-handled tannins. Not the sweet charm of most Jadot 2019s but without the real gravitas of their best grands crus. ”
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Louis Jadot Savigny Les Beaune Clos des Guettes |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
10 |
£169.00 |
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90-92/100 NM +
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90-92/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Oct 2020
“The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Clos des Guettes Blanc 1er Cru has a more delineated and mineral-driven bouquet compared with the Haut Jarrons this year. The palate is very well balanced with a peachy opening, a fine bead of acidity and a touch of lemongrass spicing things up toward the finish. Enjoy this over the next decade. ”
91/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Guettes Blanc (Domaine Gagey) mingles notes of pear and peach with hints of white flowers and almond paste in an inviting bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and fleshy, it's round and enveloping, with a generous, charming profile this year.”
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Louis Jadot Meursault Charmes 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
4 |
£389.00 |
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16.5/20 JR +
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16.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com,
Nov 2021
“Cask sample. Nervy and lively with great appeal and a green-fruit juicy note that makes the wine much more refreshing than the Blagny. Really racy.”
89-91/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2021
“The 2019 Meursault Les Charmes 1er Cru was missing the degree of energy conveyed by the preceding Meursault Blagny, coming across a little static by comparison. The palate is rounded and honeyed on the entry, offering notes of dried honey, peach skin, nectarine and a dab of spice. What it needs is more tension to balance the richness; it just falls a bit short in that respect. ”
89-91/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“Offering up notes of pear, honeycomb, white flowers and struck match, the 2019 Meursault 1er Cru Charmes (Domaine Louis Jadot) is medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, its ripe core of fruit girdled by lively acids, concluding with a saline finish. As readers may remember, this derives from vineyards acquired with Jadot's Prieur-Brunet purchase.”
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Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Dom Duc de Magenta Clos de la Garenne 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
2 |
£419.00 |
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92-94/100 WK +
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92-94/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Garenne (Duc de Magenta) opens in the glass with scents of honeyed pear, white flowers, baking spices and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, it's fleshy and concentrated, with lively acids and a toasty, oak-inflected finish.”
92-94/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2021
“The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Garenne 1er Cru, which comes from cordon-trained vines up to 85 years old, has a very different bouquet from the La Garenne – more tropical tones here, powerful, with peach, grapefruit, and passion fruit. The palate is slightly honeyed on the entry with a waxy texture, spicier than the La Garenne. The weighty, concentrated finish lingers in the mouth. No shy retiring wallflower, this will be intriguing to watch evolve in bottle. Excellent. ”
16.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com,
Nov 2021
“Cask sample. Heady, almondy nose. Really quite concentrated but with an excellent level of acidity too. Finishes just a little suddenly but most of this wine is pretty impressive, and it will presumably continue to develop. Some chew on the end at the moment. Hint of banana!”
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Louis Jadot Chassagne Montrachet Abbaye de Morgeot 1er Cru |
201919 |
6 × 75cl |
6 |
£348.00 |
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91-93/100 WK +
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91-93/100
William Kelley, Robertparker.com,
Jan 2021
“Notes of orange oil, fresh pastry, pear and warm bread preface the 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Abbaye de Morgeot (Domaine Louis Jadot), a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping wine that's lively and charming, with a generous core of fruit girdled by lively acids.”
91-93/100
Neal Martin, vinous.com,
Dec 2021
“The 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet Abbaye de Morgeot 1er Cru has a lovely bouquet of orange blossom, freshly sliced pear and light nectarine aromas, plus a hint of praline in the background. The palate is well balanced with a honeyed opening, quite rich in style, and yet there is wonderful tension. Appealing tropical notes of passion fruit and guava on the finish. This will be irresistible once bottled. ”
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NEW |
Poggiotondo Chianti Riserva Vigna delle Conchiglie |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
5 |
£236.00 |
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NEW |
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve |
201818 |
6 × 75cl |
9 |
£818.00 |
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100/100 AG +
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100/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com,
Sep 2021
“The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.”
98/100
Monica Larner, Vinous.com,
Oct 2021
“Generally speaking, I have reservations concerning the 2018 vintage that saw intermittent periods of hot and cold with some rain thrown in at the end of the growing cycle. The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve blasted straight through any lingering doubt and is the result of a deft winemaking hand. This is a phenomenal and proudly confident vintage of the estate's top Sangiovese, which represents a blend of organic fruit from the best parcels. The wine's personality reveals brooding darkness and austerity, and these impressions are reinforced by savory tones of cigar smoke and earthy leather. The core of the wine is tight and richly concentrated with generous blackberry and plum. The velvety tannins are integrated but still youthful and grippy. You'll definitely need to give this elegant wine more time in the bottle. Production is an ample 60,000 bottles.
”
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NEW |
Ao Yun |
201717 |
6 × 75cl |
9 |
£1261.00 |
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94/100 ER +
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94/100
Edward Ragg, Wine Advocate,
Dec 2020
“The 2017 Ao Yun is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 4% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot (this latter used for the first time in Ao Yun). Although a relatively cool and wet growing season, the 2017 vintage benefited from a warm August with less cloud cover, and around 60% of the crop from 314 blocks of 28 hectares worked by 120 families from 4 different villages was deemed of Ao Yun quality. The precision of the viticulture is certainly paying dividends, providing winemaker Maxence Dulou with increasingly healthy, high-quality fruit. The 2017 Ao Yun has a very deep ruby appearance. It is extremely young on the nose and palate, with dark brooding cassis, black cherry and black plum fruit that is both perfumed and gently herbaceous (hints of green bell pepper and blackcurrant leaf). There is marked new oak (clove, toast, smoke) that marries impressively with the ripe core of fruit. On the palate, the wine has robust but refined, coating tannins, well-integrated high alcohol, some lifting acidity and a tremendous core of ripe, powerful fruit that harmonizes well with the savory new oak. This is undeniably long and polished and has that Ao Yun "puissance" that characterizes all vintages to date. 2017 shares with 2015 an impressive integration of ripe Cabernet-dominated fruit with robust structure, but the use of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Merlot has given a greater fruitiness and touch of spice to the 2017. This is certainly a vintage that is very young at present and will easily age for 15 years or more. Best approached from 2021 at the earliest. 2021 - 2032”
97/100
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com,
Apr 2021
“Another step up in quality from 2016. Lots of blackberry and blueberry aromas with plenty of richness and ripeness on the nose. Spicy notes, too with dried chili, sweet tobacco and some pine. Very aromatic. Full-bodied and round with creamy, ripe tannins and lots of ripe fruit. Yet, it remains fresh and vivid. A little bit of merlot in the blend for the first time Mostly cabernet sauvignon with cabernet franc, syrah, petit verdot and merlot. Delicious now, but will age nicely. It’s more approachable than the 2016 now. Superb length here. Give it time in the bottle. Better after 2025. 3,000 cases made.”
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NEW |
Domaines Ott Clos Mireille Rose |
202121 |
6 × 75cl |
10 |
£174.00 |
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