This week
2020 Lacoste-Borie, Pauillac 6x75cl
5th-growth, Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste describes 2020 as a more “classical in style” than 2018 and 2019, where, instead of the flamboyance evident in the preceding two vintages, here we're back to... classical lines, structure and finesse. The great Pauillac estate's second label is ever-charming with plenty of beautifully pitched, fragrant sweet red fruit. Classic, correct, and with enough weight to promise much pleasurable, early drinking. Mr.Wheeler Tasting Note
£112 / Case£18.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau La Pointe, Pomerol 6x75cl
One of the best offers of en primeur ‘20 and indeed an estate well on the up. Such that when a particular vintage renders the Right Bank the best merlot it has seen in living memory, La Pointe is... doubtless worthy of serious consideration for your drinking collection. 76% merlot, 24% cabernet franc. The vintage 2020 is just magnificent in Pomerol generally and at Château La Pointe in particular. We had rarely seen such fantastic Merlots : beautifully ripe yet not heavy, the fruit was vibrant. As for the Cabernet Francs, they were simply perfect! The 2020 vintage combines the opulence of the 2018 and the elegance of the 2019.
£180 / Case£30 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau d’Armailhac 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 6x75cl
"Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 D'Armailhac strides confidently out of the glass with classic scents of cassis, warm plums and cedar chest, plus wafts of pencil lead, bay leaves and... kirsch. The medium-bodied palate has a sturdy frame of chewy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the crunchy black and red fruits, finishing savory. The blend this year is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, with an alcohol of 13.3%." 90-92 pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
£198 / Case£33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau D’Aiguilhe, Castillon-Cotes de Bordeaux 6x75cl
"Violet reflections, great clarity of colour and immediate whoosh of salinity through the redcurrant fruits. Powerful and focused with bright berry flavours, it practically defines the term crunchy... fruit, then softens to show creamier black cherry purée as it relaxes in the glass. Really a very tasty d'Aiguilhe from Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg. Extremely moreish. Harvest September 17 – 28, 30% new oak." 93 pts., Jane Anson, decanter.com
£72.50 / Case£12.08 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau La Lagune 3eme Cru Classe, Haut-Medoc 6x75cl
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 La Lagune strides confidently out of the glass with bold, fantastically pure black fruit notes of crushed black plums, ripe blackcurrants and juicy blackberries,... plus hints of tar, dried Provence herbs, star anise and smoked meats, with a hint of black truffles. The medium-bodied palate delivers tightly wound, bright, crunchy black fruits with plenty of freshness and an approachable, grainy texture, finishing long with loads of earthy and herbal sparks." 92-94 pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
£162 / Case£27 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2022 Chateau Cissac, Haut-Medoc 12x75cl
“This Haut-Médoc stalwart continues its subtle stylistic evolution towards more charm and finesse with the 2022 Cissac, a strong effort evocative of graphite, tobacco, smoke, cassis and violets... mingled with well-integrated hints of oak. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and layered, it's classy and vibrant, concluding with a slightly austere finish. This long-lived red is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 5.5% Petit Verdot and the rest Malbec.” Yohan Castaing, robertparker.com
£102 / Case£8.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Chateau Cantemerle 5eme Cru Classe, Haut-Medoc 6x75cl
"This has the tight tannins of the vintage with damson and an edge of bitter dark chocolate, but it is a success all the same - confident, succulent, elegant and classic." 93 pts., Jane Anson, www.decanter.com
£109 / Case£18.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Chateau Yon-Figeac Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
A moreish, merlot-led blend from this delightful, 24-hectare estate in Saint-Emilion whose grand vin for us, at £200/case of 12 (en primeur), is an absolute steal on Right Bank class and value.... Château Yon Figeac will also give you the uncommon opportunity to savour petit verdot when grown on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, a varietal otherwise found more exclusively in the Médoc. In fact, with 6% of their overall hectarage, here is the largest coverage of the varietal in Saint-Emilion. The result? Freshness, spice, aromatic complexity and a superb compliment to the cuvée’s assemblage of merlot and cabernet franc that makes for an elegant, unique, everyday-drinking St-Emilion claret that is hugely gratifying.
£100 / Case£16.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau Haut-Brion, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 3x75cl
"A blend of 71.4% Sauvignon Blanc and 28.6% Semillon, harvested 20th to 27th August and with an alcohol of 13.9%, the 2020 Haut-Brion Blanc slowly unfurls to reveal notes of fresh pears, spiced apple... slices, orange zest and lemongrass, plus touches of wet pebbles, dillseed and baking bread. The medium-bodied palate wears its lightly spicy apple and pear layers with grace and sophistication, supported by a racy backbone and subtly creamy texture, finishing long and mineral laced. It will need time, but there's no doubting it's a knock-out." Drink 2028-2045. 95-97+ pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
£1,800 / Case£600 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Dupre Goujon, Cote de Brouilly, L’Heronde 6x75cl
Wow - what a wine. Crafted fro fruit grown on the Côte de Brouilly's famous pavé bleu (decomposed granite), the Lieu dit l'Héronde is so opened and expressive already, aromatic with raspberry and... black cherry fruit, hints of violets, spice, and on the palate it shows fabulous intensity and structure. Such a powerful wine, very much a Baby Hermitage lookalike, if there is such a thing. And what a back palate- stunning length, and such mineral linearity on that lingering finish. A Superstar, undoubtedly.
£125 / Case£20.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Domaine Billaud Samuel, Chablis, Grands Terroirs 12x75cl
From Les Pargues, Bas de Chapolot and Les Carts, this Grands Terroirs is primal on the nose, imparting aromas yellow flowers, grapefruit zest and a light flintiness. On the palate taut, vibrant and... fresh with a fine bead of acidity. There is momentum on the palate, leading to a fresh, sea-spray-tinged finish. 2021's steely concentration will make this a sublime pairing with seafood. (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£290 / Case£24.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau d’Issan 3eme Cru Classe, Margaux 6x75cl
From one of the Left Bank's oldest properties dating back to the 12th-century and now run by the Lorenzetti family and located within a kilometre of the Chateau Margaux itself. Subtle fragrances and... moreish fruit in the 2020 d'Issan, and a third of three consecutive, stellar vintages and again an absolutely expression of Margaux terroir. Precision and elegance here combine for a an intensity of flavour defined by harmonious tannins that gives way to a long, generous finish.
£254 / Case£42.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Pagodes de Cos, Saint-Estephe 6x75cl
"Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with pretty, open-knit scents of stewed black plums, boysenberries and warm cassis, plus savory hints of charcuterie, woodsmoke,... black truffles and bouquet garni. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with crunchy black fruit flavors and dried herbs accents, supported by bags of freshness and well-managed, grainy tannins, finishing with great length and a lively skip in its step." 91 pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
£186 / Case£31 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau Giscours 3eme Cru Classe, Margaux 6x75cl
"A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, the 2020 Giscours reveals a deep garnet-purple color and compelling notes of crushed redcurrants, plum preserves and Morello cherries, leading to... hints of lavender, wild sage, damp soil and black truffles with a touch of licorice. The medium-bodied palate bursts with vibrant red and black fruits and lots of savory accents, supported by soft, very well managed tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note." 92-94 pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
£246 / Case£41 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau L’Evangile, Pomerol 6x75cl
With a new winemaking team taking the reins, this property seems set to continue its upward trajectory and consolidate its rightful place amongst Pomerol royalty, alongside Vieux Château Certan or... L’Eglise-Clinet. Certainly its perfect terroir (in between Pétrus and Cheval-Blanc) demands it!
Truffle, flowers, cocoa and plums on the nose, it is rich, plush, and velvety on the palate, with an almost endless finish redolent of all the espresso, dark cherry and chocolate you would expect from a Pomerol of this calibre. With 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc, L’Evangile is a wine of exceptional character and structure, and one assuring many, many years of development in your cellar.
£1,110 / Case£185 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 La Dame de Montrose, Saint-Estephe 6x75cl
"A ton of dark fruits on offer in the form of cassis, bilberry, blackcurrant, brambles of blackberry and raspberry, a ton of spice and sinew. Bitter almond and chocolate notes come in on the finish... and add to the feel of a signature Dame de Montrose. Not the exoticism of 2018, this is more of a return to classicism, closer to the 2019 or 2016. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend." 92 pts., Jane Anson, decanter.com
£175 / Case£29.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau Saint-Pierre 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
"This is excellent, really the most gorgeous balance of power, with dark blueberry juicy fruits and lots of liquorice. Excellent balance and a seductive overall frame. Great stuff - the tannins are pretty fierce though, needs time, will reward ageing." 94 pts., Jane Anson, decanter.com
£231 / Case£38.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Echo de Lynch Bages, Pauillac 6x75cl
Produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the 2020 this superb value second wine of Chateau Lynch Bages has a firm spine of red fruit with an impressive freshness, intensity and lots of leafy cassis. Plenty of energy, here making for a good early drinking, affordable Pauillac.
£173 / Case£28.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
Ever known for its plush, ripe, pure and concentrated signature style, the 2020 upholds Poyferré’s consistency in producing one outstanding vintage after another: polished, silky, luscious, with... layers of textured fruit that follow an intoxicating nose of incense, smoked berry, cassis and tobacco leaf. Its finish is as seamless as it is intense, with an expanding freshness across the palate.
With 2021 completing 20 exemplary years under the expertise of the Cuvelier family, the 2020 vintage marks the occasion with a gold-etched, commemorative label. An exclusive bottle to enhance a special collection.
£432 / Case£72 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Samuel Billaud, Chablis Premier Cru, Les Fourneaux 12x75cl
"Côte de Pre-Girots. Pale lemon colour, the bouquet is not quite so fine as Vaillons but has class nonetheless. Fresh crisp white fruit with just a few mirabelles showing alongside. A softer finish... but still with some clean kimmeridgian touches to finish. Indeed, the finish as well as being long has the classical style of Chablis." 92-94pts, Jasper Morris MW, www.insideburgundy.com
£490 / Case£40.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Jean-Jacques Girard, Beaune Premier Cru, Clos du Roi Rouge 6x75cl
"Girard’s Clos de Roi has been consistently impressive since it was first made in 2007, and this vintage is no exception. Situated at the northern end of a strip of premier cru vineyards to the... west of Beaune it has produced a wine of ripe and forward dark cherry fruit that is entwined with a gentle and judicious use of oak and fresh acidity. The tannins are silky and refined boding well for a graceful future. " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£180 / Case£30 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Jean-Jacques Girard, Savigny-les-Beaune, Rouge 6x75cl
"This excellent Savigny les Beaune continues to be hugely popular and once again there is much to delight lovers of this wine in this vintage. There is an aromatic nose of crushed raspberries with... hints of sweet oak, leading to a deeply pleasing combination of broader hedgerow fruits that are elevated by a clean, fresh acidity and fruity tannins. A wine to bring so much pleasure to the dinner table. " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£115 / Case£19.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Jean-Jacques Girard, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru, Les Rouvrettes 6x75cl
"Beautifully fragrant with hints of cherry raspberry and blackcurrant driving this wine forward. It is superbly balanced with a precise acidity and refined tannins framing a very classy and elegant structure. It is already opening up but will undoubtedly continue to please for many years to come." (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£165 / Case£27.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Boyer Martenot, Meursault, Les Narvaux Blanc 12x75cl
The lieu-dit “Narvaux” sits just above the rump of Meursault’s Premier Cru vineyards and abuts the village border with Puligny. Vincent’s Narvaux expresses this location beautifully by... combining the power of Meursault with the silky elegance more commonly associated with wines from across the village track. It is rich and buttery with gentle hints of oak, but its precision and steeliness combine to give a wine of great class and fitness.
£520 / Case£43.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate