6x75cl
2022 Felton Road, Cornish Point Pinot Noir, Central Otago 6x75cl
"How can one not love that instant bath of flowers, fruits and spice that this wine delivers? No hold- ing back, no reticence at all, just a wash of Cor- nish Point indulgence - all leading to a... flowing silky finish. Through the entire palate there is a gentle mineral seam that stops anything from tipping over into excess, so it seduces rather than hollers. There will be no lack of complexity to come for those with patience, but it is very hard to resist now."
Felton Road tasting Note
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2022 Felton Road, Bannockburn Pinot Noir, Central Otago 6x75cl
"A vivid nose of deep florals: dark roses, violets, and an undertow of ripe red fruit. The palate really shows the best of each vineyard that makes up the cuve´e. A pure but powerful drive of fruit... on a perfect cusp of ripeness, with complexing notes of sandalwood and spice. This is all about harmony and balance with the transparency of fruit allowing the detail to shine through. Silken tannins finish the package."
Felton Road tasting note
£215 / Case£35.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2022 Felton Road, MacMuir Pinot Noir, Central Otago 6x75cl
"Sometimes it can be hard to find a word to match what seems so clear to the senses. The nose is dark, as is the colour, beguiling, but restrained. There is a stature to the palate here; a sort of... authority to the way it stands back and allows you to explore its detail. A definite sprig of herbs, chocolate notes, but still so transparent that every nuance is revealed. It seems extraordinary that this is just the second time we’ve made MacMuir as a single vineyard release: it’s Felton Road, to be sure, but in a different dimension."
Felton Road tasting Note
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2020 Catena Zapata, Nicolas Catena Zapata, Mendoza 6x75cl
Wonderfully aromatic and nuanced on the nose, so alive and open. Energetic and lively on the palate, this has so much spark and brightness to it. Really compelling from the first sip, the tannins... ample and cushioning the slick black fruit and accompanying savoury spices. Feels lean and taught, but with so much flair. Really a lovely expression, so generous and well defined. Youthful as you'd expect right now but when this softens it will be a beauty. Just gorgeous, with a minty fresh finish. Wine director Alejandro Vigil, winemaker Fernando Buscema.
97 pts., Georgina Hindle, www.decanter.com
£360 / Case£60 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Antinori, Tignanello, IGT 6x75cl
“The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon,... spice, dried flowers and mocha develop later. Time in the glass brings out striking dimensions. In 2020, Tignanello is wonderfully sleek and racy, with fine tannins that lie below a core of bright, sculpted fruit. The balance here is just sublime. I can’t wait to revisit the 2020 with age.” Drink 2028 – 2045.
96-100, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Feb 2023
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2021 Domaine William Fevre, Chablis 6x75cl
"The 2021 Chablis Village comes from 46-hectares of vines and was cropped at 2Ohl/ha, the vines converted to organic two years ago and due for certification next year. It has a steely nose at first,... opening nicely with hints of honeysuckle and wild peaches. The palate is well balanced with a fine thread of acidity, taut and focused, plenty of energy here with an added touch of spice that enlivens the finish. No doubt this will represent great value-for-money. " 89-91 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£110 / Case£18.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Domaine William Fevre, Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillons 6x75cl
"The 2021 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru, which comes from around 12 parcels, 3.5-hectares, two-thirds within the "Vaillons" climats in the heart of the appellation. This has a slightly yeasty nose at the... moment, not a million miles away from the Montmains in style. The palate is slightly different with a little more frisson and tension, just a touch more length on the finish. This should develop nicely in bottle." 91-93 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£245 / Case£40.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Domaine William Fevre, Chablis Premier Cru, Montee de Tonnerre 6x75cl
"The 2021 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre ler Cru comes from 2.2-hectares split over three climats with different orientations including the domaine's oldest vines planted back in 1936. This has quite an... aromatic bouquet with limestone, oyster shell and yellow plum aromas that blossom in the glass. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, harmonious with commendable weight matched with a countervailing saline element. Bright and sparky, enjoy this delicious Chablis over the next 15 years." 91-93 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£335 / Case£55.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Tollot Beaut, Chorey-les-Beaune 6x75cl
The 2021 Chorey-les-Beaune from Nathalie Tollot confirms once more why it has been a favourite of ours for many years now. Bursting out with lifted floral and summer fruit aromatics, this is bright... and perfumed pinot noir, offering succulent red berry and just a delicate hint of spice, all wrapped up in silky tannins. As ever, great freshness and poise and a wine that will evolve gracefully for the next 6 to 8 years. (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£155 / Case£25.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau Talbot 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
As Chateau Talbot’s third vintage under the direction of Jean-Michel Laporte (ex-La Conseillante) overlapped a trio of consecutive great years in Bordeaux, there was every indication that his 2020... would create as much anticipation as his 18’s and 19’s. That expectation was fully justified with the refinement and elegance this St Julien gem continues show.
A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, the vintage shows a floral and fruit spectrum on the nose, with blackcurrant, berry and cassis; lifted, concentrated and fresh, its palate is expansive with a delicious lick of minerality, one whose elegance is matched only by a terrific length.
£240 / Case£40 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Cheval des Andes, Mendoza 6x75cl
“The 2020 Cheval des Andes was harvested from the last of February for the first time ever. It was Gabillet's second vintage at Cheval des Andes, and that year, he had to start without waiting for... Pierre Olivier Clouet and Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc; when they arrived, they had finished picking the Malbec, which surprisingly was fresher in Las Compuertas (because of the higher percentage of clay?) than in Altamira (where the vines suffered more stress), saving the freshness. They now harvest using cold trucks (for the first time), and they also started earlier in the morning (six in the morning, impossible earlier in Mendoza...), which he reckons was very good for the precision of the wine. They used 40% 225-liter barrels, 40% 400-liter oak barrels and 20% 2,500-liter foudres, half of them new and with an élevage of 15 months on average, depending on the lots and varieties from 12 to 18 months. The final blend was 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, which makes a comeback as it was not used since 2016. The key was to finish the fermentation of the Petit Verdot without skins, and that way, they have been able to use it in the blends of 2021, 2022 and 2023 in small but increasing percentages. This is slightly riper than 2019, with a little more alcohol (14.5%) and with very good structural tannins but saving the freshness, and it has the spicy side from the Petit Verdot (Gabillet talks about white pepper). The wine has the ultra sleek and polished texture and the elegance and the balance that is the signature here; the wine is very clean and precise. I see very good regularity across the three vintages I tasted next to each other—this 2020 and the 2018 and 2019. Overall, this is a triumph over the adverse conditions of the vintage. They produced their usual 100,000 bottles (since 2018), as they are renewing their vineyards and want to keep the volume stable. They produce this volume from the 36 productive hectares they have in Las Compuertas and Altamira. There are some more changes: in 2020, they went for a lighter bottle, weighing 100 grams less than the one they used in 2018 and 2019, but close to 300 grams less than the bottle from before. It's also a slimmer bottle, always thinking about the environment. They are very focused on agroecology, accelerating the regenerative viticulture and using cover crops; they have planted 1,900 trees in the last three years, creating small clusters of biodiversity for birds. They have transplanted some centenary olive trees and keep their sheep and lamas on the property. Very green-minded. ”
98 pts., Luis Gutierrez, www.robertparker.com
£402 / Case£67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Kumeu River, Mates Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
" The flagship wine of the estate, Maté's was originally planted by Maté Brajkovich in 1990 with the first grapes from this exceptional, sheltered site in the clay foothills of Hunting Hill slopes... used in 1993. For a wine of this stature and tender years it is already surprisingly expressive on the nose. Butterscotch and toasted brioche to the fore, yet this this is balanced by beautifully textured, mineral lemon and lime fruit with an underlying elegance and minerality that will easily go head-to head with, and seduce lovers of the Grands Crus in Puligny and Chassagne. Patience is required in spades here; leave it for 7 to 10 years to really express the sense of place for this very special vineyard and you will not be disappointed. But also defend it judiciously with a few cases of the Estate or Ray’s Road so you can enjoy the wares of this fantastic estate whilst this masterpiece matures"
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
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2022 Kumeu River, Rays Road Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
" Rays Road is Kumeu River’s new vineyard site in Hawkes Bay. Hints of butter, fresh cream and white flowers on the nose lead you to the correct conclusion that this was exclusively fermented in... old oak barrels. Balance is the key here however, as the limestone soil of site has a profound effect on the style of the wine. Lime leaf and steely linearity provide the backbone to this fragrant and zesty expression, with the gentle oak maturation it undertakes for 11 months providing a delightful creamy wrapper around this complex and elegant wine"
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
£95 / Case£15.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Kumeu River, Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
"The most Puligny-like of the single vineyards opens up with a gorgeously elegant nose of citrus and acacia flower, followed on the palate by a crème fraiche texture and zesty lime notes, and the... tell-tale spine of incredibly fine acidity that characterizes this clay terroir. Pause to let the wine express itself and Wow! it build and builds, that structure carrying through the impressively long finish with layer upon layer of flavour. Absolutely stunning."
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
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2022 Kumeu River, Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
" The cuvée that built Kumeu River’s reputation in the 1980s, long before any of the single vineyards were ever produced, and to this day it is easy to see why. The consistency is simply... awe-inspiring, and the 2022 displays superb balance, subtle notes of very smart oak bringing a counterpoint to the gorgeous, creamy palate and zingy acidity. This oozes class and breeding, the acidity supplies perfect structure for medium to long-term ageing and carries the long finish. What a finish, too - rich and lifted all at once, with fabulous energy. Yum!"
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
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2020 Casa Lapostolle, Petit Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley 6x75cl
"“Bright, brooding and intense on the nose; dark, heady and ripe black fruits with spiced edges and a subtle florality. Smooth and succulent but punchy on the palate, tannins are silky and well... integrated and do well to underpin the fruitiness and liveliness of the expression. As usual Carmenere is the star with 40% of the blend alongside 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Youthful and exuberant, the team kept leaves on the vines and natural cover crops to cope with the sunlight, heat and lack of water in 2020, and despite the 15% alcohol this has 3.59pH with acidity that lifts the palate and avoids any heaviness. Rich but sleek, this is full of red cherries, cedar spice, soft herbal touches and finishes with a menthol freshness that is lovely. Will improve with age but great for mid-term drinking to enjoy the fresh vibrancy. Ageing 26 months in 225l French oak barrels, 53% new, 42% two years old. From this vintage, the bottles are now made in Chile and are 10% lighter in a bid to increase sustainability.” 93 pts., Georgina Hindle, decanter.com
£162 / Case£27 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
NV Krug, Grande Cuvee 170eme Edition 6x75cl
“A subtle nose of maple syrup and candied lemon opens up to reveal a hint of maize meal and shiitake. It leads onto a palate that is utterly streamlined and lemon-scented. This is serene but it... comes with beautiful depth and a lovely note of autolysis, expressed as lemony, creamy polenta, enhanced by fine mousse. There are highlights of grapefruit zestiness with the lovely signature savouriness of Krug, expressed in just a hint of salty, grilled shiitake mushroom, revealed on the long and mouth-watering finish. A most brisk, taut, bright, but also rather subtle and profound iteration of Krug.” 95 points, Anne Kriebehl MW, www.falstaff.com
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2020 Casa Lapostolle, Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley 6x75cl
"A great effort in the hot and dry 2020, COVID-19 vintage with the earliest harvest ever. The grand vin shows power, richness and tons of fruit but retains a sense of charisma and direction that is... so compelling. Bright, forward, sleek and silky, tannins enrobe the palate creating a cushion for the ripe blackcurrants and blueberries, bright acidity and underlying spice to meld together. A large percentage of Carmenere at 64% gives the fragrance and backbone while 19% Cabernet Sauvignon adds texture and depth, 13% Merlot bringing freshness and acidity and 2% Petit Verdot adding spice, colour and richness. Only just beginning to really express itself with liquorice, eucalyptus, figs, plums and a salty-wet stone minerality that comes in on the finish. Despite the intensity, this is layered and well sculpted with tons of pleasure to be had with a few more years ageing. Ageing 27 months in 225L French oak barrels, 85% new, 15% two years old. 3.7pH. Winemaker and viticulturist Andrea Leon kept more leaf coverage, a thicker and higher trellis and natural cover crops during the vintage to moderate the high temperatures. Bottles for this, and the second wine, are now made in Chile as of this vintage and have reduced in weight by 10% in a bid to increase sustainability. Clos Apalta now also featuring its name embossed in the glass at the bottom of the bottle.” 97 pts., Georgina Hindle, decanter.com
£474 / Case£79 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2017 Bollinger, PN TX17, Champagne 6x75cl
“The wine is almost completely dominated by the extremely exciting and rare Tauxières Premier Cru, which is one of two villages classified 99% on the Grand Cru scale. Despite an impressive... vineyard area of 237 hectares, it is extremely rare to come across champagnes dominated by this fantastic Cru. A cooler microclimate and a thinner soil layer with even more compact chalk than sunny Bouzy make the wines from here lighter and more elegant than Bouzy but stronger than Verzenay which is also part of this exciting Blanc de Noirs with predominantly base from 2017. Here is also a small splash of Avenay to give a little buttery roundness to the cuvée with its low dosage of 4 grams. The reserve wines that always come from magnum bottles under low pressure make up 48% from three vintages in 2016, 2009 and 2006. In total, half of the wine is made in oak barrels and the other half in steel tanks. The result is very beautiful and personal. The scent has features of lead pencil, juniper and freshly lacquered boat together with more classic coffee notes, rose petals, apricot and peach. The taste is vivid and multifaceted with a lively precision, lighter fruit aromas than you normally find in Bollinger's wines. Even cassis is one of the more unexpected aromas in this finely tuned complex symphony. Very impressive and exciting champagne that really makes me want to taste more and that I will look out for to my private cellar.”
92-94 pts Richard Juhlin
£310 / Case£51.67 / 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 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
2019 Chateau Moulin Saint-Georges, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
"The 2019 Moulin Saint-Georges is another wine in this range from the Vauthier family that shows decidedly mid-weight structure. Bright acids are especially present today. Moulin Saint-Georges is an... understated wine that isn't especially obvious today, but that appears to have quite a bit of potential once it fully comes together. I especially like the vibrancy here." 90 pts., Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£125 / Case£20.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2019 Taaibosch, Crescendo 6x75cl
"The 2019 Crescendo is a Cabernet Franc-based blend (65%) from 20-year-old vines or older, matured for 12 months in French oak then another year in foudres and concrete. That Cabernet Franc drives... the aromatics with wild strawberry, blackberry, cooked meat and brown spices, touches of bell pepper emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a slightly grainy texture, quite linear and redolent of a decent Saint-Emilion, exhibiting impressive weight and grip on the finish. Excellent." 93 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£115 / Case£19.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Chateau Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
"79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Highest percentage yet of Cabernet in the blend. Fruit-driven and structured. Plenty of drive from the word go. Builds on the... palate in persistent fashion, the refined tannins giving a long linear flow. Lovely fruit. Delicious now but has ageing potential." 17.5 pts., James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
£347.50 / Case£57.92 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate