JA-98
2023 Cheval des Andes, Mendoza 6x75cl
"Even better than the 2022 release - and that's saying a good deal - this is a superb iteration of luxury group LVMH's iconis Argentinian red. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with support from 40%... Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, it's dominated by fruit from Las Compuertas, with 20% from cooler Paraje Altamira. Matured in 50% new French oak, it's a wine that's approachable young but will reward patience, with sculpted tannins, seamless layers of cassis, bramble and green herbs, a touch of cigar box and a fine, tapering finish. World class."
99 pts., Tim Atkin MW
£330 / Case£55 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2024 Rothschild & Concha Y Toro, Almaviva, Maipo Valley 6x75cl
"An exceptional vintage of Almaviva, this is fragrant and savoury, with wonderful lift through the palate, fennel, anis, raspberry puree, a succulent and balanced vintage of this wine. Michel Friou winemaker, Manuel Louzada director, jointly owned by Rothschild, Concha y Toro. 70% new oak for ageing. "
98 pts., Jane Anson, janeanson.com
£455 / Case£75.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2023 Opus One, Napa Valley 6x75cl
“The bouquet is utterly enticing, offering cool blue-fruit notes and a dusting of cocoa-powder freshness that stirs anticipation for the first sumptuous sip. On the palate, satiny richness unfolds,... imbued with crunchy red cherry and juicy blackberry fruit, alongside refined sagebrush and tobacco nuances. There is a sense of intricately fine-knit tannins – compact yet impressively integrated at this youthful stage – framed by subtle, refined oak spice. The finish is long and mineral, marked by graphite and a touch of black sea salt. The wine was fermented entirely with native yeasts in stainless steel, with a portion aged in amphora in this vintage, before maturing for 19 months in 95% new French oak. The blend is rounded out by small additions of Malbec and Petit Verdot. In 2023, the vines were farmed regeneratively for the first time, with harvest completed by mid-October.” Drink 2026-2050
98 pts., Jonathan Cristaldi, decanter.com
£1,410 / Case£235 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur