95 RP
1995 Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
The 1995 and 1996 Las-Cases are both monumental wines and the former does not disappoint here. It has a spellbinding nose of blackberry, cassis, melted tar and sous-bois with so much vibrancy and... vivacity. The palate is full-bodied with succulent, rounded tannins, enormous depth and power. The finish is beautifully poised and minerally, much more feminine than the ’96. This is a Las-Cases with guile and grace, but it deserves at least 2 hours decanting to open up. Tasted February 2011. 96 pts., Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate
£1,200 / Case£200 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2021 Penfolds, Bin 798 RWT Shiraz, Barossa Valley 6x75cl
“The 2021 RWT Bin 798 is layered with wheat-y/biscuity oak on the nose with blackberry compote, black earth, black olive tapenade ... black, black, black. Tannic and muscular in the mouth and so... much of everything: fruit, oak and tannin. A dense wine of monstrous proportions, those who love this gritty, hedonistic style will be incandescent with pleasure. Positively glowing. This 2021 RWT is like the heart and soul of the RWT style. Barossa, Barossa, Barossa. Big! Matured for 14 months in French oak (80% new).” 95 pts., Erin Larkin, robertparker.com
£483 / Case£80.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2019 Paul Jaboulet Aine, Hermitage, La Maison Bleue 6x75cl
"A superb Maison Bleue, the 2019 Hermitage La Maison Bleue seamlessly blends cherries and cassis into a purple mashup of fruit carried on rich, velvety waves of texture. Full-bodied and intense, it... finishes complex and savory, adding notes of olive, clove and cedar on the long, luxurious finish. Already approachable, it should drink well through 2040." 95 pts., Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
£215 / Case£35.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2018 G.D. Vajra, Barolo, Bricco delle Viole 6x75cl
"The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is not super intense, but it is balanced in its own way. The wine is subdued but complete with softly yielding tannins to support an elegantly streamlined... mouthfeel. Bricco delle Viole is a high and cool growing site in Barolo at 400 to 480 meters in elevation with characteristic Sant'Agata marl soils with fossils. The wine represents a selection of fruit from over seven hectares. With fermentation in steel tank and aging in large Slavonian oak, you are invited to a silky, lifted and beautifully delicate experience with an accessible personality."
95 points, Monica Larner, www.robertparker.com
£345 / Case£57.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2019 Paul Jaboulet Aine, Hermitage, La Maison Bleue 3x150cl
£240 / Case£80 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2017 Henschke, Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley 6x75cl
"Hung deli meat, star anise and blackberry adorn the nose of the 2017 Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz. Discerning this is akin to peering over the counter at an Italian deli, with meat, cheeses and... garlic hanging from the ceiling: it's enveloping and welcome. On the palate, the wine is bright and concentrated, with layers of salted blueberry, licorice and staunch (yet fine) tannins. It has flexibility and pliability, but it also has shape and form—all of it encased in a medium-bodied shell. It is savory and lean above all else, with bacon fat adorning all edges." 95+ pts., Erin Larkin, robertparker.com
£675 / Case£112.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate