RP-96
2016 Ben Glaetzer, Amon Ra, Barossa Valley 6x75cl
"Dramatic, intense and powerful, the 2016 Amon Ra Shiraz recalls the 2004 in its youth, crammed with layers of fruit, complex, savory elements and rich, velvety tannins. It's full-bodied,... characterized by notes of grilled meat, espresso, black olive, cassis, vanilla, baking spices and an undercurrent of loamy earth. Yes, it's unapologetically big and bold, the product of a warm, sunny climate and ripe grapes, but it does show a sense of decorum, restraint and elegance on the long finish." 96 pts., Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
£335 / Case£55.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2015 Catena Zapata, Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec, Uco Valley 3x75cl
£385 / Case£128.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2018 Catena Zapata, Nicolas Catena Zapata, Mendoza 6x75cl
“... The results are breath-taking. Purple in the glass with garnet flecks, this wine delivers layers of aroma, beginning with black currant and moving on to intense, precise notes of lavender and... mint along with hints of black tea, sage and cigar box. In the mouth, austerity vies for supremacy with sheer power, a balance overseen by polished, grippy tannins placed into relief by a well-judged freshness that keeps the whole package light on its feet. This is a wine of tension foregrounded by the blend: the Malbec smooths out the Cabernet Sauvignon, which in turn brings energy to a red with an extremely long finish.” 96 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, www.vinous.com
£300 / Case£50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2019 Mazzei, Siepi, IGT 6x75cl
"Now on the market, the Mazzei 2019 Siepi is a special achievement and a delight to taste at the exciting conclusion of this historic retrospective spanning 26 vintages. This edition of Marchesi... Mazzei's celebrated blend of Merlot and Sangiovese benefited from ideal growing conditions, with warm days and cool nights throughout the summer season. The clusters were healthy and full. The fruit is crisp and fresh, and the tannins serve to softly support the wine's generous texture and fiber. The 2019 vintage also achieves balance with a pretty assembly of dark fruit, mineral and spice aromas." 96 pts., Monica Larner, robertparker.com
£342 / Case£57 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2019 Kumeu River, Mates Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
"Scents of hazelnut, mocha and lime-custard crème brûlée appear on the nose of the 2019 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay. Complex and compelling, it's undoubtedly one of Kumeu River's top recent... efforts. Medium to full-bodied, plump and generous on the palate, yet marked by zesty acids and a bright, citrusy finish, it's wonderfully balanced and drinkable now, yet it should age effortlessly for at least a decade." 96 pts., Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
£275 / Case£45.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2020 Penfolds, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, South Australia 6x75cl
"Looking in on the 389 can be "'can be," she says, parenthetically) a good insight into what we can expect from the upcoming Grange. Now, they are very different wines, no question, however,... stylistically they have much in common and the illumination into the season that birthed the wines in each instance. Here, the 2020 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz has consummate polish and sleek tannins, imbued as they are with graphite, black tea, licorice and resin. The fruit is pure and black and chewy... gorgeous wine. And it lives for decades. This has always been a collector's dream and continues so through this vintage. Highly recommended." 96 pts., Erin Larkin, robertparker.com
£207 / Case£34.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2020 Petrolo, Galatrona, IGT 6x75cl
"The Petrolo 2020 Galatrona is a pure expression of organic Merlot and the estate's headline wine. It was first created in 1994 when Luca Sanjust's second child, Lucia, was born. Despite the summer... heat that became a challenge for winemakers in many corners of Tuscany, Galatrona shows terrific results in 2020. The vineyard is located in a cool and thickly forested position almost exactly between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The vintage has a classic quality with a subtle bouquet that grows in intensity as the wine opens in the glass. Aromas of cherry, toasted almond and dried mint fuel a long and very elegant finish. The oak tannins are soft and sweet, and the wine boasts long-lasting flavors."
96 pts, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Issue #261 (June 2022)
£360 / Case£60 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2016 Henschke, Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley 6x75cl
"The 2016 Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz is steeped in complexity, with aromas ranging from camphor, bay leaf and sage to smoke and grilled beef and from blueberries and blackberries to plums laced... with spice. Full-bodied, rich and intense, it's ripe and velvety textured, with a long, licorice-tinged finish and dusty tannins that bode well for the cellar. From vines planted in 1912, I suspect this will come close to the quality of the Hill of Grace at a fraction of the price. Tasted again the following day from the open bottle, this was even better, seamless, flowing and harmonious in the mouth." 96 pts., Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
£570 / Case£95 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2018 Chateau Troplong Mondot Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
"The 2018 Troplong Mondot is blended of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, with 15% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, with considerable coaxing and swirling it slowly... emerges from the glass like a waking giant, building to a towering bouquet of preserved plums, blueberry pie and Morello cherries with gentler wafts of violets, star anise, fruitcake and cast-iron pan. The concentrated, full-bodied palate possesses impressive purity and brightness of fruit commingled with richer, riper elements and supported by firm, velvety tannins, finishing with lovely freshness and on a lingering ferrous note. It's a wine that's not just delicious, it's seriously interesting too."
96 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, www.robertparker.com
£424.98 / Case£70.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur