WE-96
2016 Michele Chiarlo, Barolo, Cerequio Riserva 6x75cl
"Fragrant purple flower, dark-skinned berry, chopped mint and pipe tobacco are just some of the aromas you'll find on this captivating red. The delicious palate combines structure, finesse and... earthiness, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, black raspberry, licorice and truffle framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it youthfully focused and well balanced." Drink 2024-2036. 96 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast
£745 / Case£124.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2016 Rizzi, Barbaresco, Pajore 6x75cl
"Treiso. Tasted blind. Mid to deep ruby with orange tinges. Concentrated, complex nose with hints of cardamom and nutmeg. Elegant, lively fruit followed by bags of coating, bitter-sweet tannins that... are still a little tough and with marked acidity on the finish, but this has the bones for ageing." 17.5pts., Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com, 14/5/2019
£171 / Case£28.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 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
£210 / Case£70 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2018 Domaine de Chevalier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 12x75cl
"A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, aged for approximately 18 months in oak barriques, 35% new, the 2018 Domaine de Chevalier has a deep garnet-purple color, pouncing... out of the glass with energetic scents of crushed blackcurrants, fresh, juicy blackberries and ripe plums, with suggestions of crushed rocks, bay leaves, unsmoked cigars and lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with muscular black fruits, framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and great tension, finishing long and mineral laced. Give it another 4 years in bottle to flesh out and drink it over the next 25+ years." 95+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com [31/03/2021]
£650 / Case£54.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate 2017 G.D. Vajra, Barolo, Bricco delle Viole 6x75cl
"Transparent pillar-box red. Powerful nose of dried something. Cherries? Rose petals? Perhaps both. Super-fresh, despite the alcohol, with such great presence in the mouth. It's not nearly ready but... it's clearly destined for great things. Sweet and chewy with a strong mineral undertow. Jewel-bright fruit. Real lift but more powerful than ethereal. Even slightly pungent with a whiff of cordite. Really refreshing health juice. Great stuff." 17.5 pts., Jancis Robinson, 10/3/2021
£330 / Case£55 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate