2022
2022 Felton Road, Cornish Point Pinot Noir, Central Otago 6x75cl
"How can one not love that instant bath of flowers, fruits and spice that this wine delivers? No holding back, no reticence at all, just a wash of Cornish Point indulgence - all leading to a flowing... silky finish. Through the entire palate there is a gentle mineral seam that stops anything from tipping over into excess, so it seduces rather than hollers. There will be no lack of complexity to come for those with patience, but it is very hard to resist now." (Felton Road tasting note)
Felton Road tasting Note
£270 / Case£45 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2022 Felton Road, Pinot Noir Calvert, Central Otago 6x75cl
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Felton Road, MacMuir Pinot Noir, Central Otago 6x75cl
"Sometimes it can be hard to find a word to match what seems so clear to the senses. The nose is dark, as is the colour, beguiling, but restrained. There is a stature to the palate here; a sort of... authority to the way it stands back and allows you to explore its detail. A definite sprig of herbs, chocolate notes, but still so transparent that every nuance is revealed. It seems extraordinary that this is just the second time we’ve made MacMuir as a single vineyard release: it’s Felton Road, to be sure, but in a different dimension." (Felton Road tasting note)
Felton Road tasting Note
£295 / Case£49.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2022 Chateau Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 6x75cl
"The 2022 Duhart-Milon underwent a short 15- to 18-day maceration and is raised in 50% new oak and the rest one-year-old barrels. It has a very graphite/mint-scented nose that is Pauillac through and... through. The palate is fresh and vibrant with fine tannins. This is beautifully sculpted with a vibrant pencil lead-tinged finish reminiscent of Grand Puy Lacoste. The 2022 is a fabulous Duhart-Milon that should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. It's a Pauillac a bit like the late Steven Spurrier insofar that it's a Pauillac always conservatively dressed in a pin-striped suit, but that's the essence of Duhart. 2030-2060"
93-95 pts, Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
£378 / Case£63 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Felton Road, Bannockburn Pinot Noir, Central Otago 6x75cl
"A vivid nose of deep florals: dark roses, violets, and an undertow of ripe red fruit. The palate really shows the best of each vineyard that makes up the cuvée. A pure but powerful drive of fruit... on a perfect cusp of ripeness, with complexing notes of sandalwood and spice. This is all about harmony and balance with the transparency of fruit allowing the detail to shine through. Silken tannins finish the package." Felton Road tasting note
£215 / Case£35.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2022 Reserve du Chateau, Chateau Meaume Reserve, Bordeaux Superieur 12x75cl
"Polished, savoury, black cherry and currant with earthy nuances on the nose; on the palate, super-juicy, fresh and savoury, bright cherry and dark fruit that is gently grippy, clean, and finishing incredibly long. " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£84 / Case£7 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Kumeu River, Village Chardonnay, Kumeu 12x75cl
" With fruit taken from six carefully selected sites in Hawkes Bay and Kumeu, the Village Chardonnay is simply a must have in the fridge. There are hints of butter on the nose with very delicate... apricot and pineapple notes wafting through as well. The zing of acidity on the palate immediately livens the mood, and it has a steely, linear and mineral style, not dissimilar to a fine Chablis from a good vintage. This is excellent wine made in a very classic style. Not fancy or blousy at all - just a clean citrus delight that will have you scrambling for the seafood and looking for your second bottle".
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
£120 / Case£10 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Kumeu River, Mates Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
" The flagship wine of the estate, Maté's was originally planted by Maté Brajkovich in 1990 with the first grapes from this exceptional, sheltered site in the clay foothills of Hunting Hill slopes... used in 1993. For a wine of this stature and tender years it is already surprisingly expressive on the nose. Butterscotch and toasted brioche to the fore, yet this this is balanced by beautifully textured, mineral lemon and lime fruit with an underlying elegance and minerality that will easily go head-to head with, and seduce lovers of the Grands Crus in Puligny and Chassagne. Patience is required in spades here; leave it for 7 to 10 years to really express the sense of place for this very special vineyard and you will not be disappointed. But also defend it judiciously with a few cases of the Estate or Ray’s Road so you can enjoy the wares of this fantastic estate whilst this masterpiece matures"
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Kumeu River, Rays Road Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
" Rays Road is Kumeu River’s new vineyard site in Hawkes Bay. Hints of butter, fresh cream and white flowers on the nose lead you to the correct conclusion that this was exclusively fermented in... old oak barrels. Balance is the key here however, as the limestone soil of site has a profound effect on the style of the wine. Lime leaf and steely linearity provide the backbone to this fragrant and zesty expression, with the gentle oak maturation it undertakes for 11 months providing a delightful creamy wrapper around this complex and elegant wine"
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
£95 / Case£15.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Kumeu River, Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
"The most Puligny-like of the single vineyards opens up with a gorgeously elegant nose of citrus and acacia flower, followed on the palate by a crème fraiche texture and zesty lime notes, and the... tell-tale spine of incredibly fine acidity that characterizes this clay terroir. Pause to let the wine express itself and Wow! it build and builds, that structure carrying through the impressively long finish with layer upon layer of flavour. Absolutely stunning."
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
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2022 Kumeu River, Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu 6x75cl
" The cuvée that built Kumeu River’s reputation in the 1980s, long before any of the single vineyards were ever produced, and to this day it is easy to see why. The consistency is simply... awe-inspiring, and the 2022 displays superb balance, subtle notes of very smart oak bringing a counterpoint to the gorgeous, creamy palate and zingy acidity. This oozes class and breeding, the acidity supplies perfect structure for medium to long-term ageing and carries the long finish. What a finish, too - rich and lifted all at once, with fabulous energy. Yum!"
Mr Wheeler tasting note.
Duty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur 2022 Chateau Gloria, Saint-Julien 6x75cl
“The 2022 Gloria was picked from 12-26 September and matured in 40% new oak, slightly less than the Saint-Pierre. It has a perfumed, floral nose with crushed violet infusing the black cherry and... blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous tannins that belie the structure underneath. With pure fruit and well-judged acidity, this 2022 is sensual with a persistent and lightly spiced finish. Superb.” 94-96 pts., Neal Martin, vinous
£189 / Case£31.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Chateau Chantalouette, Pomerol 12x75cl
"Seductive on the nose, floral and perfumed. Gently cushioning tannins give the frame and structure, both chewy and quite stern in terms of minerality, they set the tone for the wine with liquorice,... wet stone, slate and graphite elements all the way through with a chalky velvety texture on the tongue. Feels quite serious but polished, fruit is clean and pure and this feels like it will be easy to enjoy when ready. Retains coolness and freshness, acidity a touch on the low side in relation to the richness and intensity of the fruit and tannins, this is a big broad wine but lots to enjoy." 93 pts., Georgina Hindle, decanter.com
£200 / Case£16.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Domaine de Chevalier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl
"The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from 5-30 September and represents the 40th vintage under the irrepressible Olivier Bernard, who celebrates with a one-off label. It soars from the glass... with take-no-prisoner aromatics: perfumed mineral-rich red berry fruit, incense and black truffle. Pessac-like earthiness with an opposing airiness defines many a great wine from this estate. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. Slightly powdery in texture and saline in the mouth, this gets the saliva flowing. However, the arching structure on the finish suggests it will require considerable bottle age. Cellar this for a couple of decades, and you'll be repaid handsomely. 14% alcohol." 95-97 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£340 / Case£56.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Claudie Jobard, Rully, La Chaume 6x75cl
"A little more savoury character here; still ripe and pretty, but a little more reserved and complex. On the palate more savoury, spicy character dominating with a juicy background. Great length; drinking well already. Again, delicious. " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£105 / Case£17.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Claudie Jobard, Rully, Montagne la Folie 6x75cl
"More new oak and less 1-year-old due to volumes difference between ‘21 and 22 – all barrel fermented. Some pear-drop flavours on the palate; juicy, and some dry extract, so texturally a little... hint of pithy grapefruit lifting the riper citrus notes. Recognisably Rully, with its buttery and citrus edge and energy. Elegant and delicious, ready to drink now and for the mid-term (3-4 years). " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£110 / Case£18.33 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Claudie Jobard, Rully Premier Cru, Les Cloux 6x75cl
"Markèd increase in intensity; ripe and concentrated. Juicy acidity, this is seductive, mellow and ready to drink now and for the next 3-4 years. Lovely texture again with just a hint of beeswax and... winter spice lifting the lemon curd notes. Closest to Meursault in style this year, and a very handy doppelganger at a fraction of the price. " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£175 / Case£29.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Claudie Jobard, Pommard, Vieilles Vignes 6x75cl
"Vineyard on the Volnay side of Pommard. Superb structure and balance; gently extracted tannins and quite powerful energy through the mid palate and into the quite long finish. Again, ripe red fruit with a hint of spice and savoury character, very harmonious already. " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£235 / Case£39.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Claudie Jobard, Pommard Premier Cru, Les Charmots 6x75cl
"Vineyard just above Grands Epenottes, a couple hundred yards from Beaune Les Epenottes up the Côte. On the nose more cherry, but neither black nor morello. Just juicy, ripe, fleshy red. This... follows through on the palate with a gorgeously fleshy, succulent texture and superbly integrated, fruit-coated velvety tannins. Very elegant indeed, and with all the power and energy de rigueur in this appellation. Simply superb. " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£295 / Case£49.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Claudie Jobard, Beaune Premier Cru, Les Epenotes 6x75cl
(Almost) next to Pommard’s own Les Epenotes. Slightly more timid on the nose then followed by superb explosive energy in the mid-palate; red-fruit dominate the flavour profile with a velvety finish... and long, finish driven by deliciously ripe juicy acidity. The structure comes through almost as an afterthought, but is very much there, again very gently extracted by Claudie, yet enough to see this safely into a second decade of ageing. (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£265 / Case£44.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Claudie Jobard, Bourgogne Côte d’Or Milliane 6x75cl
"All Pommard fruit, single vineyard by the main road. 100% Destemmed. On the nose superb purity of fruit, glorious raspberry leading the charge on the palate. Lovely mouthfeel, soft and medium bodied... with zingy acidity percolating through. Utterly delicious, commendable length, and very lightly grippy structure. Gorgeous. " (Mr.Wheeler tasting note)
£100 / Case£16.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Chateau Figeac Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 3x75cl
“The 2022 Figeac was picked between 1-26 September with the pH of 3.7 and 14% alcohol. This wine combines both Left Bank and Right Bank traits due to its blend (as usual), but this year leans more... to the Right Bank despite a slightly lower contribution of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is very well defined, fresh and shows lively black fruit, incense and nuanced Chinese tea aromas. The palate is beautifully balanced with a lightly spiced entry, fine depth and with plenty of concentration counterbalanced by finesse toward the graphite-infused finish. Its saline aftertaste beckons you back for another sip. An appropriate way to start your tenure as a Grand Cru Classé "A".” 97-99 pts., Neal Martin, vinous.com
£759 / Case£253 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Alter Ego de Palmer Margaux 6x75cl
"Dense fruits, violet reflections, with a hit of iris, peony and roses. This is a serious wine, with intense phenolics and full extraction that just walks the line, edges of ripe cassis, fig, saffran... spice, cocoa bean, grilled campfire notes, dark bitter chocolate and fennel. High drama, maintains estate signature, keeping its own imprint and personality. Harvest September 7 right through to October 5. Blend done by December, yield 23hl/h. 3.73ph. Thomas Duroux director." 92 points, jane Anson, www.janeanson.com
£402 / Case£67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2022 Chateau Beaumont, Haut-Medoc 6x75cl
"Typically pretty, perfumed and floral on the nose, followed on the palate by a lovely medium weight, juicy fruit at the core, excellent level of refreshing acidity with a firm yet gentle tannis structure. A firm favourite and Star Buy among both our clients and our Staff, and the 2022 delivers once again" Mr Wheeler tasting note. Drink 2027 - 2037
£60 / Case£10 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur