VM-93
2019 Taaibosch, Crescendo 6x75cl
"The 2019 Crescendo is a Cabernet Franc-based blend (65%) from 20-year-old vines or older, matured for 12 months in French oak then another year in foudres and concrete. That Cabernet Franc drives... the aromatics with wild strawberry, blackberry, cooked meat and brown spices, touches of bell pepper emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a slightly grainy texture, quite linear and redolent of a decent Saint-Emilion, exhibiting impressive weight and grip on the finish. Excellent." 93 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£115 / Case£19.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2018 Chateau Batailley 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 6x75cl
The 2018 Batailley, matured in 60% new oak, is almost identical on the nose as I found it in barrel, decked out with attractive black cherries and cassis notes, the cedar element a little heightened... and freshly rolled tobacco notes developing with aeration. Very fine delineation here, and the oak is well integrated. The balanced palate offers fine tannins that frame the blackberry and bilberry fruit. The salinity comes through nicely on the finish, which is less silky than before, but it waves adieu with a long spicy aftertaste. Very fine and very Batailley. 93 pts., Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£202.50 / Case£33.75 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2018 Chateau Labegorce Margaux 6x75cl
£125 / Case£20.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2017 Paul Cluver, Seven Flags Chardonnay, Elgin 6x75cl
"The 2017 Seven Flags Chardonnay was matured in French oak barrels for nine months using 31% new oak, the rest second- and third-fill. The nose is a little more closed than the Estate Chardonnay at... this early juncture, although there is a brooding intensity here. This is well defined, displaying hints of dried honey and white peach with aeration. The palate is fresh and crisp with hints of Golden Delicious and orange peel, the oak very well integrated and with an almost Meursault-like, nutty finish. Give this two or three years in bottle. Excellent. " 93 pts, Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£280 / Case£46.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2020 Domaine Anne Herve Sigaut, Chambolle-Musigny, Les Bussieres Vieilles Vignes 6x75cl
"Vivid red. A high-pitched, spice-accented bouquet of ripe red and dark berries, peppery spices and minerals, accompanied by a strong potpourri quality. Supple and expansive, offering juicy black... raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that put on weight and become sweeter with air. In a plush, seamless style, displaying strong finishing thrust and smooth, slowly building tannins that add shape. " 93 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£295 / Case£49.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2018 Chateau Moulin Saint-Georges, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
"The 2018 Moulin Saint-Georges is packed with inky blue fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and licorice. Succulent and racy to the core, the 2018 offers tons of immediacy and charm. Silky tannins, soft... curves and tons of sheer allure make Moulin Saint-Georges a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next two decades. This joyous Saint-Émilion is a jewel of a wine." 92 pts., Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£156 / Case£26 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2018 Chateau Meyney, Saint-Estephe 6x75cl
"The 2018 Meyney is every bit as impressive as it was en primeur. Technical Director Anne Le Naour has done a terrific job in reining in some of the excess weight and power of previous vintages, but... without sacrificing richness. Classy and layered, Meyney boasts fabulous depth and tons of character. Ripe red/purplish fruit, spice, blood orange, smoke and incense are some of the many aromas and flavors that mesh together. The 2018 offers striking immediacy, but also has enough structure to develop well in bottle for 15-20 years, maybe more. The 2018 Meyney is a wine of immense pleasure. Best of all, it is a tremendous value." 93 pts., Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£126.66 / Case£21.11 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2019 Chateau Moulin Saint-Georges, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
"The 2019 Moulin Saint-Georges is another wine in this range from the Vauthier family that shows decidedly mid-weight structure. Bright acids are especially present today. Moulin Saint-Georges is an... understated wine that isn't especially obvious today, but that appears to have quite a bit of potential once it fully comes together. I especially like the vibrancy here." 90 pts., Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£132 / Case£22 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate