VM-92-94
2020 Chateau Siran, Margaux 6x75cl
From one of Margaux's most iconic producer that has been family-run for over 160 years, the 2020 vintage is an assemblage of 47% merlot, 43% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc... grown on the classic gravel, clay and pebble soils that defines this exclusive terroir. The 2020 vintage is the third of three consecutive, exceptional vintages and one in which this estate once again finds its ultimate expression.
£123 / Case£20.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron, Pauillac 6x75cl
This second wine of Pauillac's Pichon Baron de Longeville is an elegant and easy drinking cuvée blended with 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot with delightful black fruit flavours on the palate... and ripe, unobtrusive tannins to balance. Though produced primarily for early drinking, it retains all the substance and structure to see it through a good twenty more years of graceful ageing.
£173 / Case£28.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion offers more red fruit on the nose than the La Chapelle de La Mission, perhaps more vibrant and expressive at this early stage. Touches of orange sorbet come... through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and forward. A hint of dark chocolate appears towards the generous finish that develops more structure after three or four hours in the glass." 91-93 pts., Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£593.34 / Case£98.89 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Alter Ego de Palmer Margaux 6x75cl
"Palmer’s 2021 Alter Ego is fabulous. Dense and rich in the glass, with positively explosive energy, the 2021 dazzles from start to finish. A rush of dark cherry, plum, spice, blood orange,... menthol, and licorice infuses the palate with tremendous intensity. Hints of rose petal and pomegranate appear later to round things out. The 2021 possesses tremendous textural richness that is evident from the very first taste. The aromatics alone are especially present today.”
92-94 pts, Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£330 / Case£55 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
"The 2020 Beau-Séjour Bécot was picked 8 September until 30 September, but mostly between 8-12 September, around 70% of the production. It is one of the highest percentages of Merlot in recent... years partly due to restructuring of the vineyard and also higher yields (47-48hl/ha) compared to the Cabernets. With no SO2 used during fermentation and matured in 55% new oak (20hl Stockinger and Taransaud foudres and regular barriques) it is tightly wound on the nose, so I afforded the sample an hour to really open. It offers predominantly red berry fruit, wild mint and traces of dried honey, more floral scents emerging, violet and iris flower blossoming with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, very well judged acidity, a very graceful and unpretentious Saint-Émilion, harmonious with a touch of white pepper enhancing the precise finish. This is a classically styled Beau-Séjour Bécot that conveys a brooding intensity, so I would give it several years in the cellar." 92-94 pts., Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£258 / Case£43 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron, Pauillac 6x75cl
This second wine of Pauillac's Pichon Baron de Longeville is an elegant and easy drinking cuvée blended with 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot with delightful black fruit flavours on the palate... and ripe, unobtrusive tannins to balance. Though produced primarily for early drinking, it retains all the substance and structure to see it through a good twenty more years of graceful ageing.
£173 / Case£28.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Comte Armand, Volnay Premier Cru, Fremiets 6x75cl
*ON ALLOCATION - £408 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.
£408 / Case£68 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur