VM-94
2019 Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2019 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is a rich, powerful wine. Lemon confit, dried flowers, marzipan, sage and mint all open. In 2019, the Blanc has a distinct orchard fruit and savory character.... Ultimately, it feels a bit heavy and lacking in freshness. That said, the Blanc has a track record for developing beautifully for decades, so let's see what happens. I must say I expected more energy and delineation." 92 pts., Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£360 / Case£60 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine Anne et Herve Sigaut, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Les Noirots 6x75cl
"The 2020 Chambolle-Musigny Les Noirots ler Cru, from 0.5-hectares of 40-year-old vines, feels slightly more stemmy on the nose, yet it is well defined, and the pepperiness complements the darker... fruit compared to the Les Chatelots. The palate is framed by fine tannins, this Chambolle is well-structured with a Morey-like, mineral-driven finish that fans out wonderfully. Excellent. " 94 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£375 / Case£62.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2018 Chateau Giscours 3eme Cru Classe, Margaux 6x75cl
"The 2018 Giscours was tasted alongside the 2019 for comparison. This is more extravagant on the nose, delivering slightly more red fruit, black pepper and touches of graphite. This has opened since... I last tasted it. The palate is medium-bodied with bold tannins, very smooth and more sensual than the 2019, and more flamboyant, though perhaps without the same precision. Still, this is very fine." 94 pts., Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£270 / Case£45 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2019 Le Petit Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2019 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc is bright, airy and effusive. Even with 20% Sémillon, the Le Petit Blanc is light on its feet. Lemon peel, white flowers, crushed rocks mint and chalk are... beautifully sculpted. This chiseled, nuanced white is all class. A bright, saline finish rounds things out in grand style. Gorgeous." 93 pts., Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£132 / Case£22 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2019 Le Petit Cheval, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
"The 2019 Le Petit Cheval has a vivid bouquet of raspberry, wild strawberry, black currant, and hints of fresh raisin and fig. The palate is medium-bodied with a granular texture and fine weight and... depth, delivering dark red berry fruit laced with brown spice and cracked black pepper. Enjoy this over the next 10 years." 90 pts., Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£744 / Case£124 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2019 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
The 2019 Malartic Lagravière Blanc has a taut, fresh nose of Granny Smith apples, kiwi fruit and touches of white peach that emerge with aeration. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry,... displaying good weight and delineation and a nice sour lemon note underlying the concentration. The almost clinical finish conveys superb tension. This will drink very well for the next 15–20 years.
£210 / Case£35 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2015 La Rioja Alta, Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja 12x75cl
Viña Ardanza 2015 is a blend of 78% Tempranillo from the La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards in the Rioja Alta region, and 22% Garnacha from La Perdriza in Rioja Oriental. Here, Garnacha is crucial... for Ardanza’s structure, aromatics and concentration as it comes from vines perfectly set on barren, puddingstone, free-draining soils situated at higher altitudes. Both varietals are harvested and vinified separately, ageing around three years in American oak barrels from La Rioja Alta S.A.’s own cooperage.
As for the vintage, the weather in 2015 has been described as ‘almost perfect’ with it being one of the highest-scoring vintages of the last 10 years amongst critics. It has been compared most closely with the perfect 2010. Canopy development and vine health were in excellent condition throughout the growing season, giving optimal ripening balance that resulted in silky wines with an intensity of fruit, finely tuned tannins; ones superbly poised for extensive aging.
£242 / Case£20.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate