2020
2020 Chateau Canon Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 6x75cl
The 2020 Canon is a wine of mind-blowing purity and nuance. It has been nothing less than thrilling on the three occasions I have tasted it so for. Intensely saline and chalky, the 2020 possesses... spellbinding finesse and nuance. Red-toned fruit, crushed rocks, white pepper, rose petal and mint all come alive in the glass, buttressed by clean saline notes that extend the mid-palate into the finish. There is simply nothing like great Canon. And the 2020 is unquestionably a great Canon.
100 pts, Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com
£800 / Case£133.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Chateau Haut-Brion, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 3x75cl
"A blend of 71.4% Sauvignon Blanc and 28.6% Semillon, harvested 20th to 27th August and with an alcohol of 13.9%, the 2020 Haut-Brion Blanc slowly unfurls to reveal notes of fresh pears, spiced apple... slices, orange zest and lemongrass, plus touches of wet pebbles, dillseed and baking bread. The medium-bodied palate wears its lightly spicy apple and pear layers with grace and sophistication, supported by a racy backbone and subtly creamy texture, finishing long and mineral laced. It will need time, but there's no doubting it's a knock-out." Drink 2028-2045. 95-97+ pts., Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Philippe Livera (Tilleuls), Marsannay 6x75cl
A new find for Mr.Wheeler in the 2018 vintage and one we are pleased to follow since then; Domaine Livera is widely considered the “next Burgundian star” tellingly both by consumers of their... exceptional wines together with their winemaking contemporaries. The Livera family have been settled on the Domaine for almost 100 years, but Damien, who has been in charge for 13 years now, has taken the wines to a different level altogether. His style is one of purity, precision of fruit and impressive depth, quite reminiscent of the wines produced by Arnaud Mortet (who is a close friend and advisor). This is an up-and-coming address and very much one to watch.
£170 / Case£28.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Philippe Livera (Tilleuls), Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 6x75cl
*ON ALLOCATION - £1150 per case of 6 bottles IB*
A new find for Mr.Wheeler in the 2019 vintage and one we are pleased to follow since then; Domaine Livera is widely considered the “next Burgundian... star” tellingly both by consumers of their exceptional wines together with their winemaking contemporaries. The Livera family have been settled on the Domaine for almost 100 years, but Damien, who has been in charge for 13 years now, has taken the wines to a different level altogether. His style is one of purity, precision of fruit and impressive depth, quite reminiscent of the wines produced by Arnaud Mortet (who is a close friend and advisor). This is an up-and-coming address and very much one to watch.
Such a complete wine the Domaine Livera Chapelle-Chambertin. Mind-blowingly powerful yet ever so precise, seamless harmony even at this early stage, and a finish that unfurls layer upon layer of flavour: notes of violets and raspberry, followed by cherry then more savoury hints of winter spice and an almost umami finish. Impossibly delicious.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Philippe Livera (Tilleuls), Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos Village 6x75cl
A new find for Mr.Wheeler in the 2019 vintage and one we are pleased to follow since then; Domaine Livera is widely considered the “next Burgundian star” tellingly both by consumers of their... exceptional wines together with their winemaking contemporaries. The Livera family have been settled on the Domaine for almost 100 years, but Damien, who has been in charge for 13 years now, has taken the wines to a different level altogether. His style is one of purity, precision of fruit and impressive depth, quite reminiscent of the wines produced by Arnaud Mortet (who is a close friend and advisor). This is an up-and-coming address and very much one to watch.
At the very centre of the Gevrey commune is Le Clos Village, a vineyard that enjoyed a particularly successful cuvée in 2020. In Philippe's hands, it is full of explosive energy with a depth of flavour to rival that of the better premiers crus, and a Gevrey easily meeting the expectations of a great village cuvée. And then some. Length is particularly impressive here, with real ambition and structure to see it safely through most of its second decade.
£250 / Case£41.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Philippe Livera (Tilleuls), Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Evocelles 6x75cl
A new find for Mr.Wheeler in the 2019 vintage and one we are pleased to follow since then; Domaine Livera is widely considered the “next Burgundian star” tellingly both by consumers of their... exceptional wines together with their winemaking contemporaries. The Livera family have been settled on the Domaine for almost 100 years, but Damien, who has been in charge for 13 years now, has taken the wines to a different level altogether. His style is one of purity, precision of fruit and impressive depth, quite reminiscent of the wines produced by Arnaud Mortet (who is a close friend and advisor). This is an up-and-coming address and very much one to watch.
Opened, approachable and again with a core of red fruit, suggesting a relatively early picking for preserving freshness and poise. Contiguous with the 1er Crus, it is widely thought that Evocelles was not included in that classification only because most of the vineyard is in Brochon rather than Gevrey. Certainly the complexity and mineral finish point to a terroir of some class, and the relatively high altitude serves it well in this warm vintage. Well worth considering as a great-value option to the premiers crus.
£245 / Case£40.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Philippe Livera (Tilleuls), Fixin, Rouge 6x75cl
A new find for Mr.Wheeler in the 2019 vintage and one we are pleased to follow since then; Domaine Livera is widely considered the “next Burgundian star” tellingly both by consumers of their... exceptional wines together with their winemaking contemporaries. The Livera family have been settled on the Domaine for almost 100 years, but Damien, who has been in charge for 13 years now, has taken the wines to a different level altogether. His style is one of purity, precision of fruit and impressive depth, quite reminiscent of the wines produced by Arnaud Mortet (who is a close friend and advisor). This is an up-and-coming address and very much one to watch.
Yet again, such a pretty wine and strong contender for our all-out best red buy of the last couple vintages. Lovely body and juicy, succulent black and red fruit with just a hint of spice; great salinity throughout a long finish, here's a cuvée having it all: approachable, thirst-quenching, yet serious and endowed with deep flavours for graceful ageing.
£170 / Case£28.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Philippe Livera (Tilleuls), Cote de Nuits-Villages 6x75cl
A new find for Mr.Wheeler in the 2019 vintage and one we are pleased to follow since then; Domaine Livera is widely considered the “next Burgundian star” tellingly both by consumers of their... exceptional wines together with their winemaking contemporaries. The Livera family have been settled on the Domaine for almost 100 years, but Damien, who has been in charge for 13 years now, has taken the wines to a different level altogether. His style is one of purity, precision of fruit and impressive depth, quite reminiscent of the wines produced by Arnaud Mortet (who is a close friend and advisor). This is an up-and-coming address and very much one to watch.
Crisp, savoury, fresh with a core of red fruit, a delightfully raspy tannic structure, this is so thirst-quenching and moreish, it will be hard not to follow the first glass with a second. Perfect lunchtime Burgundy.
£145 / Case£24.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Philippe Livera (Tilleuls), Bourgogne, Pinot Noir 6x75cl
A new find for Mr.Wheeler in the 2019 vintage and one we are pleased to follow since then; Domaine Livera is widely considered the “next Burgundian star” tellingly both by consumers of their... exceptional wines together with their winemaking contemporaries.The Livera family have been settled on the Domaine for almost 100 years, but Damien, who has been in charge for 13 years now, has taken the wines to a different level altogether. His style is one of purity, precision of fruit and impressive depth, quite reminiscent of the wines produced by Arnaud Mortet (who is a close friend and advisor). This is an up-and-coming address and very much one to watch.
Simply outstanding this year; so pretty, floral with a background of juicy black fruit that is gorgeously textured; joyful, sophisticated and poised on the finish. A very, very fine Bourgogne rouge from vines across Gevrey-Chambertin.
£110 / Case£18.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine Vieux Telegraphe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rouge 6x75cl
65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault and others. Cask sample.
Spicy, rather funky character on the nose. Sweet fruit but there is a hint of astringency here which takes away from... the whole. Acidity quite forward. Berry fruit on the palate. Firm tannins, less immediately appealing than many a 2020 Châteauneuf. 15.5+ pts., www.jancisrobinson.com
£235 / Case£39.17 / 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
2020 Sylvie Esmonin, Gevrey-Chambertin 6x75cl
Located in the old part of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, at the foot of the legendary Clos Saint Jacques vineyard, since 1988 the scrupulous Sylvie cultivates 7 ha under her own name. Her deep... knowledge of the vines and meticulous vinification techniques result in wines of great maturity and intensity, capable of great ageing potential. As you'd expect, these wines are in very high demand and Mr.Wheeler are delighted to be offering a selection of Sylvie’s wines for the third vintage in a row. We urge you to snap up a case or two of these sensational wines, whilst you can.
£270 / Case£45 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Sylvie Esmonin, Cote de Nuits-Villages, Rouge 6x75cl
Located in the old part of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, at the foot of the legendary Clos Saint Jacques vineyard, since 1988 the scrupulous Sylvie cultivates 7 ha under her own name. Her deep... knowledge of the vines and meticulous vinification techniques result in wines of great maturity and intensity, capable of great ageing potential. As you'd expect, these wines are in very high demand and Mr.Wheeler are delighted to be offering a selection of Sylvie’s wines for the third vintage in a row. We urge you to snap up a case or two of these sensational wines, whilst you can.
An altogether fuller-bodied, yet even more red fruit-dominated cuvée than the Bourgogne Rouge, Sylvie's Côte de Nuits villages is a poised, structured and balanced style of Burgundy that will age well - and indeed will require just a little patience, requiring a good 7 to 8 years to reach its drinking window where it should stay for another 7 years or so.
£190 / Case£31.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Sylvie Esmonin, Bourgogne, Cuvee Sylvie 6x75cl
Located in the old part of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, at the foot of the legendary Clos Saint Jacques vineyard, since 1988 the scrupulous Sylvie cultivates 7 ha under her own name. Her deep... knowledge of the vines and meticulous vinification techniques result in wines of great maturity and intensity, capable of great ageing potential. As you'd expect, these wines are in very high demand and Mr.Wheeler are delighted to be offering a selection of Sylvie’s wines for the third vintage in a row. We urge you to snap up a case or two of these sensational wines, whilst you can.
Sylvie delivers a fine Bourgogne Rouge in 2020 - for the first time the cuvée includes some Morey-St-Denis fruit, and it shows in the lightly spicy edge that lifts up the core of raspberry coulis with hints of black cherry. Early picking has once again given the spine of acidity making this so moreish. It will age well mid-term - but only if you manage to resist its youthful charm.
£135 / Case£22.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine du Tunnel, Cornas, Vin Noir 6x75cl
Another example of the new and refined direction in which Tunnel take Cornas. No longer the rusticity that had been typically associated with the appellation; rather, an enticingly elegant, polished... nose of black cherry and liquorice; an ultra silkiness on the palate, grippy, dense, dark black fruit and flavours of olive tapenade and corresponding sweet spice. Fresh, clean, powerful length. From 80-100-year-old vines.
£285 / Case£47.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine du Tunnel, Saint-Joseph 6x75cl
An enticing expression of this more 'rustic' of appellations, still starting with a beautifully refined nose of black pepper, spice, bay leaf and mineral notes. On the palate, invigorating streaks of... creamy minerality; juicy black bitter/sweet olive fruit and liquorice that is clean, grippy and lingering. It promises supreme drinking pleasure in 5-7 years' time.
£180 / Case£30 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine du Tunnel, La Chanson, Condrieu 6x75cl
Stéphane Robert will typically make only 2 barrels of La Chanson vineyard in a vintage. 100% viognier, that is vinified as is his St Péray to obtain a similar level of invigorating freshness. and... aged for 8 months. Pale yellow, with a gorgeous nose of apricot and white flowers that leads to an aromatic, expansive palate redolent of stone fruit, dried herbs, almonds and white honey. A fantastic foodie alternative to white burgundy.
£235 / Case£39.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine du Tunnel, Saint-Peray, Roussanne 3x150cl
This has always been one of our favourite wines from the Tunnel range – a real tour de force, and a great expression of the Roussanne grape. Perfumed and aromatic, with a little barrel-ageing... adding some toast and exotic spice. Rich and luscious, with rounded peach and pear fruit, but finishing with a mouth-watering citrus freshness. A delicious, characterful white Rhone.
£165 / Case£55 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine Gerard Thomas, Saint-Aubin, Champ Tirant 12x75cl
This single vineyard St Aubin is a real treat. It is a fresh, buttery citrus mouthful with a lovely racing acidity. It is very refreshing and joyful is a superb example of village St Aubin at it best.
£240 / Case£20 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine des Malandes, Chablis Premier Cru, Vau de Vey 6x75cl
Always a very approachable premier cru, Vau de Vey in 2020 shows delicious citrus peel and green apple, with a lovely richness to the mid-palate and a long, pithy finish. An excellent example from the village, and great value to boot.
£120 / Case£20 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine Albert Bichot (Long-Depaquit), Chablis Grand Cru, Moutonne 6x75cl
*ON ALLOCATION - £570 per case of 6 bottles IB*
Domaine Long-Depaquit can be traced back to 1791 when Jean Depaquit and his brother Simon moved to Chablis. They purchased vineyards and developed... their domaine into one of the most renowned producers of Chablis today. Now owned by Albert Bichot in Beaune, Domaine Long-Depaquit offers an impressive range of Premier and Grand Crus. A sustainable approach, limited yields and skilful winemaking creates incredibly invigorating and mineral-edged wines. ‘La Moutonne’, a monopole in the heart of the Grand Cru vineyards, between Vaudésir and Les Preuses is one of their most celebrated cuvées, known for its incredible precision, elegance and staying power. Whichever cuvée you choose, these are delicious, mineral rich Chardonnays of the highest order.
Opening the proceedings at a Bichot tasting in London, the 2020 La Moutonne quite simply blew us away. Crushed oyster shell and citrus on the nose, followed on the palate by a superb energy with an exquisite texture. Laser-like, yet with excellent weight and power on the long finish, this is very, very special.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Vieux Donjon (Michel Lucien), Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rouge 12x75cl
A beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, classic effort from this team, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape boasts a deeper ruby/purple color, traditional notes of ground pepper, Provençal garrigue,... smoked meat, and red and black fruits, a terrific mid-palate, ripe, silky tannins, and a great, great finish. This is an outstanding vintage for this cuvée that’s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 20 years or more" 94-96pts, Jeb Dunnuck
Drink 2023-2045
£330 / Case£27.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Comte Armand, Auxey-Duresses, Rouge 6x75cl
*ON ALLOCATION - £228 per case of 6 bottles IB*
One of the very finest producers in all of Burgundy, Domaine du Comte Armand is approaching its 200th anniversary very much at the top of its game.... After Pascal Marchant from 1985 to 1998, Benjamin Leroux from 1999 to 2013, Paul Zinetti is the third highly talented winemaker at the helm of this grand estate, and he is producing wines of rare depth, purity and character. The monumental Clos des Epeneaux, for a long time the only wine produced here, still gives the best Grands Crus a run for their money, but just as impressive is the unbeatable value delivered by the Auxey-Duresses cuvées and the delicacy and perfume of the Volnays. You can't go wrong at this address.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Kumeu River, Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu 3x150cl
"There's a sense of calm to the 2020 Chardonnay Estate, a blend of six different sites. It is mellow, offering a plump cushion of Chardonnay goodness on the midpalate but not becoming heavy nor... opulent, its youthful edge and fresh acidity tying it together into a precise finish. It offers classic subtle Chardonnay characters of Golden Delicious apple, white nectarine and a mere whiff of oak-derived smokiness. Well constructed, satisfying and elegant. " 91 pts., Rebecca Gibb MW, vinous.com
£105 / Case£35 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate