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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
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2020 Philippe Livera (Tilleuls), Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 6x75cl
*ON ALLOCATION - £1150 per case of 6 bottles IB*
A new find for Mr.Wheeler in the 2019 vintage and one we are pleased to follow since then; Domaine Livera is widely considered the “next Burgundian... star” tellingly both by consumers of their exceptional wines together with their winemaking contemporaries. The Livera family have been settled on the Domaine for almost 100 years, but Damien, who has been in charge for 13 years now, has taken the wines to a different level altogether. His style is one of purity, precision of fruit and impressive depth, quite reminiscent of the wines produced by Arnaud Mortet (who is a close friend and advisor). This is an up-and-coming address and very much one to watch.
Such a complete wine the Domaine Livera Chapelle-Chambertin. Mind-blowingly powerful yet ever so precise, seamless harmony even at this early stage, and a finish that unfurls layer upon layer of flavour: notes of violets and raspberry, followed by cherry then more savoury hints of winter spice and an almost umami finish. Impossibly delicious.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2020 Domaine Albert Bichot (Long-Depaquit), Chablis Grand Cru, Moutonne 6x75cl
*ON ALLOCATION - £570 per case of 6 bottles IB*
Domaine Long-Depaquit can be traced back to 1791 when Jean Depaquit and his brother Simon moved to Chablis. They purchased vineyards and developed... their domaine into one of the most renowned producers of Chablis today. Now owned by Albert Bichot in Beaune, Domaine Long-Depaquit offers an impressive range of Premier and Grand Crus. A sustainable approach, limited yields and skilful winemaking creates incredibly invigorating and mineral-edged wines. ‘La Moutonne’, a monopole in the heart of the Grand Cru vineyards, between Vaudésir and Les Preuses is one of their most celebrated cuvées, known for its incredible precision, elegance and staying power. Whichever cuvée you choose, these are delicious, mineral rich Chardonnays of the highest order.
Opening the proceedings at a Bichot tasting in London, the 2020 La Moutonne quite simply blew us away. Crushed oyster shell and citrus on the nose, followed on the palate by a superb energy with an exquisite texture. Laser-like, yet with excellent weight and power on the long finish, this is very, very special.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2020 Comte Armand, Auxey-Duresses, Rouge 6x75cl
*ON ALLOCATION - £228 per case of 6 bottles IB*
One of the very finest producers in all of Burgundy, Domaine du Comte Armand is approaching its 200th anniversary very much at the top of its game.... After Pascal Marchant from 1985 to 1998, Benjamin Leroux from 1999 to 2013, Paul Zinetti is the third highly talented winemaker at the helm of this grand estate, and he is producing wines of rare depth, purity and character. The monumental Clos des Epeneaux, for a long time the only wine produced here, still gives the best Grands Crus a run for their money, but just as impressive is the unbeatable value delivered by the Auxey-Duresses cuvées and the delicacy and perfume of the Volnays. You can't go wrong at this address.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2018 Chateau Laroque Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
"The 2018 Laroque fulfills the promise it showed from barrel last year. It has an irresistible bouquet of layered black cherry and blueberry fruit, fresh and lively with beautifully integrated oak.... The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and a spicy, black-pepper-tinged finish that feels ever so slightly attenuated. Give this 3–4 years in bottle if you can." 92 pts., Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2019 Fontodi, Flaccianello delle Pieve, Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 6x75cl
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2019 Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 6x75cl
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2017 Bruno Giacosa, Barolo, Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 6x75cl
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2019 Bruno Giacosa, Barolo, Falletto Vigna Le Rocche 6x75cl
A shy nose, first revealing distinctive wild herbs and crushed rock notes. The fruit expands in the glass enhancing the complexity of this truly blessed site. Ample texture and with an expansive... palate, this offers a lingering and profound freshness that gives harmony and depth to this elegant, precise vintage. The 2017 is comparable to the legendary 2016, but it needs time to be enjoyed at its prime.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2019 Bruno Giacosa, Barolo, Falletto 6x75cl
Ripe and generous, featuring an array of dark fruits and sweet spice with a distinctive smoky character, typical of this terroir. The palate is dense and round, still quite closed but the effortless... freshness of the vintage provides length and true depth. A wine that needs time to settle but will provide true joy for those who have the patience to wait.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2019 Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 6x75cl
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2019 Gaja, Barbaresco 6x75cl
"2019 Barbaresco has glaring vivid colors thanks to a good presence of anthocyanins. It immediately brings out notes of rose and wild strawberries followed by lighter notes of marzipan, wild fennel... and a hint of juniper. Tasting saline, the wine has good length and a perception of crisp red fruits balanced by bright acidity. Together with the freshness and a tense structure, they define the main characteristics of the 2019 vintage." (Winemaker's tasting note)
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2018 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Cask 23, Napa Valley 6x75cl
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2016 Bollinger PNVZ 6x75cl
"Disgorged in January 2021, Bollinger's newly released NV Brut Blanc de Noirs PN VZ16 offers up notions of pear, apple blossom, jasmine, orange zest and fresh pastry. Medium to full-bodied, precise... and elegantly vinous, it's layered and charming, with racy acids and a pretty pinpoint mousse, and it concludes with a sapid finish. It's based on the 2016 vintage, complemented by older reserve wines matured in magnum, and derives, once again, largely from the village of Verzenay." 94 pts., William Kelley, robertparker.com
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate