DE-97
2025 Chateau Montrose 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe 6x75cl
"The 2025 Montrose only comes from the Terrace IV, as has been the way since the 2023 vintage. It was picked from August 29 and finished not until September 20, so quite a long harvest, 16 days of... picking between those dates. This vintage is matured in 60% new oak. This has another very intense nose with a potent graphite element that infuses the black fruit, beautifully defined but unapologetically classical in style. Wow. The purity of fruit is exceptional. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, very chiselled tannins, exquisite black fruit loaded with minéralité. So much freshness and vibrancy, gentle but insistent grip, very precise and refined on the finish, this is a Montrose that will rank as one for the ages. Wow (again). "
98-100 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£618 / Case£103 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Chateau Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 6x75cl
The 2020 is yet another superb wine from an estate that has hardly put a foot wrong since the mid-1990s. A Château that delivers quality to equal and often surpass that of the super seconds, yet is... available at a much more palatable price tag.
60% cabernet, 32% merlot and 4% cab franc and petit verdot apiece, here is essential Pauillac: lifted, lilac-floral, chocolate and cherry nose; fresh, full-bodied cassis, plum and licorice palate, with layer upon layer of finely grained tannins with a terrific minerality and finish. It’s set for a glorious ageing.
£278 / Case£46.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2016 Ornellaia, Bolgheri 6x75cl
£1,040 / Case£173.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Conti Costanti, Brunello di Montalcino 6x75cl
"When I tried Costanti’s 2020 Rosso in 2022, Andrea described the vintage as better suited for Brunello given the high dry extract and sturdy structure. Indeed, his 2020 Brunello is one of the... vintage’s anomalies. It possesses rare profundity and decisiveness of tannins. The nose invites with plum blossom, dark currants, mint and an earthy undertow. Upfront tannins are substantial, grainy and crisp, and the sour cherry and cranberry core soars from the depths bringing bitter cocoa, coffee and alpine herbs along for the ride. Juicy acidity rings out and a distinct saltiness permeates the finish. Nevertheless, it is that unwavering backbone that currently commands, promising a long life ahead."
97 points, Michaela Morris, decanter.com
£240 / Case£40 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2022 Massetino 3x75cl
Gorgeously lifted on the nose, this merlot and cabernet franc blend shows fabulous energy on the palate, truly explosive and characterful, with glorious spice and warmth on the long finish. Stunning!
£600 / Case£200 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2021 Chateau Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2021 Haut-Brion has a more extravagant, charming bouquet compared directly with the La Mission at the moment, offering copious blackberry, black truffle, undergrowth and menthol scents. The... palate is very well balanced, harmonious and poised, with fine-grained tannins and an almost pixelated finish. This Haut-Brion seems to have reveled in the cooler growing season, and at 13.8% alcohol, there is almost a degree less than recent vintages. Jean-Philippe Delmas has fashioned a contender for wine of the vintage." 95-97, Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£2,550 / Case£425 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur