VM-95
2017 Graham’s, Vintage Port 6x75cl
"The 2017 Graham's Vintage Port was picked from August 28 at Malvedos, though production is one-third less than the previous year. Here the Touriga Franca was particularly early ripening. It has an... expressive nose, a mélange of red and black fruit, fig jam, dates and touches of clove, aromatics that are very seductive if perhaps just missing the intellectual capacity of the Dow's. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, a gorgeous Graham's with hints of espresso and cloves that tincture the multi-layered fruit that veers towards black rather than red towards the finish that fans out without a care in the world. This is perhaps one of the more flamboyant Vintage Ports that is likely to drink earlier than the Dow's, yet that takes nothing away from what is a beautifully crafted Graham's. Total production is 5,250 cases." 95 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£336 / Case£56 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Future Arrival
2018 Domaines Barons de Rothschild & Nicolas Catena, Caro, Mendoza 6x75cl
Formed in 1999, Bodega Caro (precious in Spanish) represents a partnership between two of the wine world’s more elite profiles pursuing the supreme expression of their respective legacies and in... terms of Mendoza-based terroir. In more tangible terms, this means producing and blending the purest, most sublime Mendoza cabernet sauvignon and malbec their combined expertise and experience can accomplish. Authentic Argentinian identity with world-class Bordelais style.
In maturation, the wine generally spends 18 months in oak, 80% of which new, and interestingly, blending proportions can vary dramatically, depending upon vintage conditions. In the case of the 2018 Caro, it is 76% malbec and 36% cabernet sauvignon, both coming from Paraje Atlamira in the Uco Valley.
£190 / Case£31.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2019 Chateau Coutet Premier Cru Classe, Barsac 6x75cl
"The 2019 Coutet has a very intense bouquet of wild honey, saffron, dried pineapple chunks and a touch of cold, wet stones, all imbued with palpable joie-de-vivre. The taut, fresh palate is... underpinned by a silver bead of acidity (always one of this Barsac's leitmotifs), offering clementine, peach and nectarine toward the persistent finish. A joy." 95 pts., Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£173.34 / Case£28.89 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2018 Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2018 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has come together beautifully over the last two years. Rich and unctuous in feel, the 2018 offers terrific nuance to match its creamy, enveloping personality.... Dried pear, marzipan, lemon confit and white flowers all build as the 2018 blossoms in the glass. The poised, deeply resonant finish is striking. I am so impressed with the 2018, a wine that is far more convincing in bottle than it was from barrel. " 95 pts., Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
£378 / Case£63 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Kumeu River, Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu 3x150cl
"Possibly the most complete Hunting Hill Chardonnay I've tasted in youth, the 2020 provides harmonious, melt-in-your-mouth impression. It has breadth and concentration but retains a sense of... elegance on the midpalate before finishing with precision and length. Yes, there's a little bit of flint character too, but then Hunting Hill is known to be reductive; give it time. Like Forrest Gump, it runs through a finish line and keeps on going effortlessly. There's no box of chocolates here, though; it's all white nectarine, citrus, white flowers and o touch of smoked nuts." 95 pts., Rebecca Gibb MW, vinous.com
£225 / Case£75 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2018 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2018 Malartic Lagravière is every bit as compelling as it was en primeur. Inky dark fruit, dried herbs, licorice, lavender and chocolate are all kicked up in this sumptuous Pessac-Léognan.... Soft curves and silky tannins add to the wine's considerable appeal. The 2018 is undeniably flashy and alluring, I loved it." 95 pts., Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£198 / Case£33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate