WA-94
2017 Chateau Lynch Bages 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 6x75cl
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Lynch Bages sashays out of the glass with flamboyant scents of baked blackcurrants, blackberry preserves and mulberries plus touches of lavender, dark chocolate,... star anise and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bags of class and finesse with firm, finely-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant." 94 pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
Original price was: £460.£390Current price is: £390. / Case£65 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Conti Costanti, Brunello di Montalcino 6x75cl
"When I tried Costanti’s 2020 Rosso in 2022, Andrea described the vintage as better suited for Brunello given the high dry extract and sturdy structure. Indeed, his 2020 Brunello is one of the... vintage’s anomalies. It possesses rare profundity and decisiveness of tannins. The nose invites with plum blossom, dark currants, mint and an earthy undertow. Upfront tannins are substantial, grainy and crisp, and the sour cherry and cranberry core soars from the depths bringing bitter cocoa, coffee and alpine herbs along for the ride. Juicy acidity rings out and a distinct saltiness permeates the finish. Nevertheless, it is that unwavering backbone that currently commands, promising a long life ahead."
97 points, Michaela Morris, decanter.com
£240 / Case£40 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2019 La Rioja Alta, Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja 6x75cl
"No 2018 was produced, so after the 2017 I tasted last year, we jumped to the 2019 Viña Ardanza Reserva, produced with a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. Is fermented destemmed in... stainless steel and aged in American oak barrels, 36 months for the Tempranillo and 30 months for Garnacha, and it was blended before bottling. 2019 is a very good year for them, a small crop of powerful and concentrated wines when they produced all their brands, an exception. This is spicy, structured, balanced and powerful in this warm year, reaching the customary 14.5% alcohol and keeping a pH of 3.54 and 5.5grams of acidity. It’s still very young and undeveloped, with the classical profile, generous in American oak aromas and flavors that should slowly integrate in the wine with years in bottle. For them, 2019 means a change in Ardanza, less spicy (but still quiet spicy, with clove, vanilla and tobacco leaves) and a more fresh fruit from the Garnacha. But the year is a modern version of 2015"
94 points, Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate, Feb 2025
£120 / Case£20 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate