Availability:
Imported Red Wines
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2023 Chateau Rauzan-Segla Pre-Arrival OfferMargaux, Bordeaux, FRANCE$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 Rauzan-Ségla shows considerable promise, unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, dark berries and plums mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's deep and fleshy, with terrific purity of fruit, supple tannins and a long, resonant finish. This classic in the making is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot and 1.5% Petit Verdot.
94-96 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Rauzan-Ségla is fabulous. Rich, dense and explosive, the 2023 soars out of the glass with captivating aromatics. Readers will find a vertical, deep Margaux endowed with tremendous character and nuance. All the elements are so well-balanced. Crushed rocks, plum, blood orange, spice and leather are some of the notes that explode into the finish. In 2023, the Grand Vin is distinctly red-fruited and vibrant. Rauzan-Ségla is one of the most memorable wines of the vintage. It was nothing short of stellar on the four occasions I tasted it. Drink 2033-2063.
96-98 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousA Rauzan-Segla with solid tannins that are muscular, well toned and beautiful. Black currants, blueberries and flowers. Chewy finish. One for the cellar. Classic. The cabernet went to the gym. 85% cabernet sauvignon, one of highest percentages ever.
97-98 points
James SucklingThis estate continues to never put a foot wrong, and their 2023 Château Rauzan-Ségla is one class act. Deep purple-hued, with fabulous aromatics of cassis, smoky blue fruits, tobacco, spicy oak, and subtle floral notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a polished, incredibly elegant mouthfeel, and ripe, fine-grained tannins. It's not a blockbuster, but it shines for its flawless balance, complexity, and length.
93-95+ points
Jeb DunnuckBlue fruits, wax crayon on the nose, some soft floral notes, a little quiet aromatically. Intense and forward, this is bright and focussed, a little more velvety than Segla, this has a verticality but with a deep mid palate that really extends giving more of a feeling of controlled power. Certainly not shouting but this is very polished. Quite a serious take, more dark fruit, less lively crunchy red fruit, A great result with structure and volume. There's a balance between intensity and freshness but all delivered subtly and with class. More Margaux than some others in the vintage, soft tannins give a touch of voluptuousness. Touches of wet stone also linger on the finish. A lot to like here. Feels very Rauzan, very polished, a touch ‘less’ than 2022 of course, but this has great energy and a lot of drinkability. 3.61pH. 60% grand vin production. Drink 2029 - 2048.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterDark in color, the array of floral notes shoot out with violets, lilacs, and roses. From there you find truffle, red and black fruits, cigar box and cedar also come IT is It is the striking nose powered by violets, and lilacs that gets the wine going, before finding all the currants, black cherries, mint, and spice in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is lush, energetic, long, deep, and rich. There is purity, paired with opulence in the long, vibrant, velvet-textured finish, with just a hint of chalk that appears on the backend. The wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Once aging, this is a new, record-setting percentage of Cabernet in the blend. 14% Press wine. 13.5% ABV, 3.6 pH. The harvest took place September 7 - September 20. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced from 50% of the harvest. Drink from 2029-2065.
96-98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Rauzan-Segla Pre-Arrival OfferMargaux, Bordeaux, FRANCE$265. 00Bottle$3180.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Rauzan-Ségla is a beautifully sensual, charming wine, bursting with aromas of cherries, dark berries and plums mingled with hints of violets, sweet loamy soil and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's fleshy and enveloping, with an ample core of vibrant fruit, supple tannins and a long, succulent finish. The 2022 is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot; and in 2022, the east-facing sides of the vines, which see the afternoon sun, were picked separately, along with anything that showed signs of stress.
96-97 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Rauzan-Ségla is a classy, elegant wine. Even so, the 2022 very clearly lacks the immediacy of some surrounding vintages. Readers should be prepared to cellar this for a number of years The mid-weight, gracious presence of Rauzan-Ségla is very much present, and yet the tannins are pretty imposing. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, graphite and white pepper are all beautifully delineated in the glass. The 2022 is pure and total sophistication. This is a wine that may very well have more to say in the future. Tasted four times. Drink 2032-2062.
97+ points
Antonio Galloni - VinousAromas of blueberries and blackberries with walnuts and hints of tar that follow through to a medium to full body with plush and velvety tannins and a lovely, caressing mouthfeel. It closes up at the end. Extremely long, pure and structured. Classic 72% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot and 2% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Give this at least until after 2030 to open and come around.
98 points
James SucklingThis château has been firing on all cylinders of late, no doubt due to the talents of technical director Nicolas Audebert, and a wine that's going to flirt with perfection is their 2022 Château Rauzan-Ségla. Powerful notes of black cherries, currants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and leafy herbs all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated texture, ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish. This is a legit great wine that's going to rival the 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020.
97-99 points
Jeb DunnuckGorgeously fragranced on the nose with perfumed black fruits and pink flowers - smells very Margaux. Clean and crisp, a beautiful precision from the start with ripe and rich fruit but cool fresh acidity and sleek, fine tannins. A little shy, still compact and tightly knitted, but lovely detail, so well worked, almost delicate but there's still quite fleshy, plush fruit. Excellent concentration but delivered with an easy sleight of hand, expanding with time in the glass. Glamorous, scented, inviting, deep and seductive. A brilliant and totally moreish wine. Yield of 30hl/ha. 3.7pH. 17% press wine. Harvest 2-28 September. Ageing in French oak for 14-16 months, 15% new. In organic conversion. Tasted twice. Drink 2029 - 2048.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterDark in color, the array of floral notes shoot out with violets, lilacs, and roses. From there you find truffle, red and black fruits, cigar box and cedar also come through in the nose. While the perfume is catchy, it is on the palate where the wine takes off. Texturally, the wine is drenched in velvet. There is intensity, richness, and concentration, as well as weightlessness on the palate. With this wine, the seamless finish must be felt, as well as tasted. The wine is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot. This marks the highest percentage of Cabernet in the blend and with 17% press wine in the blend, it is the highest portion of press wine as well. 14.5% ABV, 3.7 pH. The harvest took place September 2 - September 28. This is the earliest start to a harvest for Rauzan Segla. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced from 50% of the harvest. Drink from 2027-2065.
96-98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2020 Chateau RochebelleSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Aromas of minty blackberries, cassis, bay leaf and licorice introduce the 2020 Rochebelle, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vibrant wine that's pure and precise, with a lively core of fruit, refined tannins and a long, mineral finish. It's another strong performance from this small estate on the edge of the Saint-Émilion plateau, sandwiched between Tertre Roteboeuf and La Mondotte. Drink 2025 - 2050.
93+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 07, 2023)Plum, tobacco, pine-needle and mushroom aromas with some wet earth. Full-bodied with juicy fruit and lots of creamy, round tannins that go on for minutes. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Need five or six years to soften.
94 points
James SucklingComing from vines near Tertre Roteboeuf, the 2020 Château Rochebelle is a brilliant wine that's well worth seeking out. Dark fruits, truffle, chocolate, tobacco, and some smoky, barbecue-like nuances emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, brings a wealthy of fruit and texture, and has ripe tannins as well as a great finish. This balanced, incredibly impressive Saint-Emilion is going to benefit from just a few years of bottle age and keep for 15+ if well stored. This is one of those hidden gems in a vintage that way over-delivers. Drink 2023 - 2038.
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck -
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2022 Chateau Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Julien, Bordeaux, FRANCE$145. 00Bottle$1740.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
A particular success for this estate, the 2022 Saint-Pierre offers up aromas of cassis, licorice and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy palate that's lively and sapid, with powdery structuring tannins and a penetrating finish. Its tannic weight tempers the wine's sweetness of fruit to deliver a classy, nicely balanced result.
93-94+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Saint-Pierre was picked 12-26 September at around 35hL/ha and matured in 48% new oak. It has an intense bouquet with black cherries, iodine and touches of blood orange. Delineated and focused. The palate is where the action is with gorgeous svelte tannins, perfectly judged acidity, harmonious, plush but not overbearing. Velvety toward the finish, yet there is real tenderness here. It actually is reminiscent of Las-Cases at the moment. Drink 2029-2065.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - VinousA real "wow" wine in the making, the 2022 Château Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) checks in as 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. This darker, powerful wine offers up loads of pure cassis and black cherry-like fruits as well as ample chocolate, graphite, and lead pencil nuances. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, it nevertheless stays pure, impeccably balanced, and shows a real sense of elegance. The alcohol here is 13.9% and the élevage is in 48% new French oak. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
95-97+ points
Jeb DunnuckSmells dark and deep; dark chocolate, savoury liquorice spice and ripe fruit. Joyously fruity and juicy on the palate with a salty tang that really carries the freshness and sense of minerality. I love the frame and the flavour with intensely grippy tannins but it works, excellently presented with flow and movement, direction and finesse. Cool and classic with great mineral markers of salt, liquorice and crushed stones. Feels sophisticated and really compelling, a great surprise and top buy. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Harvest 12-26 September. Yield of 34hl/ha. Drink 2029 - 2049.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterConcentrated, lush, deep, ripe, full, and intense, the fruits are elegant, creamy, ripe, and polished. There is a purity to the fruits, and a sensuality to the texture that really works here this year. The wine blends 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. 13.9% ABV. Drink from 2025-2045.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Sansonnet Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$94. 99Bottle$1139.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Sansonnet is a full-throttle, opulent Saint-Émilion. Blackberry jam, mocha, gravel, incense, licorice and bittersweet chocolate are all dialed up. Sansonnet is always a potent wine. In 2022, everything is dialed up to the maximum. This is not a shy wine. That much is obvious. Tasted three times. Drink 2028-2047.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousReally pure fruit here with blackberries and boysenberries. Some spice like white pepper. Medium-bodied with tight and fine tannins, and a fresh and bright finish. Terrific potential. 95% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon.
95-96 points
James SucklingWinemaker Marie Lefévère made a bevy of brilliant wines in 2022, and her 2022 Château Sansonnet is up there with the finest vintages to date. A blend of 92% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a pure, well-oaked, yet balanced and textured style carrying beautiful red and black fruits as well as some floral, spicy background nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the tannins are ripe and nicely integrated, the balance is spot-on, and it has a great finish. I was able to taste this on multiple occasions and it always impressed.
94-96+ points
Jeb DunnuckPlush, chewy, seriously tannic and concentrated but kept lively by the high acidity, cooling blueberry touches and herbal minty finish. Still tense and coiled, not yet widening but shows promise with polish and finesse narrowing the power into one funnel from start to finish. Sleek but serious. Yield of 34hl/ha. Ageing 16 months, 70% new French oak barrels 225l and 300l, 30% second fill 45hl wooden vats. Harvest young Merlot vines 12 September, 13-22 Merlot, 28 September for Cabernets. Same owners as Ch Moulin du Cadet, Soutard-Cadet and Harmonie. Rolland & Associés consultants. Drink 2025 - 2044.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterDeep, dark, rich, lush, full-bodied, and intense, this hedonistically-styled wine is packed with layers of black cherries, blackberries, chocolate, spice, vanilla, chocolate, black raspberries and plums. The wine coats your palate with waves of dark, pit fruits, espresso and chocolate from start to finish. Opulent in character, the wine should be a treat to drink with just a bit age and provide hedonistic pleasure for up to 2 decades after that. The wine blends 95% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2026-2045.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Siran Pre-Arrival OfferMargaux, Bordeaux, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Siran is a real success, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, cassis, licorice and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy palate. This charming, succulent Margaux is sure to be one of the commune's better value propositions.
90-92 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Siran is one of the best wines I have tasted from the property. Silky, aromatic and light on its feet, Siran is exceptionally polished. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, chalk and white pepper all grace this exquisite Margaux. Superb. Drink 2027-2047.
93-95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousAttractive berry fruit here with spices and orange peel undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with compact tannin structure. Deep. Long finish with stony minerality. Most structured yet fine Siran I have tasted for a long time.
95-96 points
James SucklingDense purple-hued with lots of darker, almost blue fruits as well as spicy oak and chocolate, the 2022 Château Siran is medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, has plenty of mid-palate density, and fine tannins. This classic, elegant Margaux will need 4-6 years of cellaring and keep for 15-20 years. It's another undeniable success in the Margaux appellation.
91-93 points
Jeb DunnuckLilacs, black raspberries, smoke, tobacco leaf, and cherries load the perfume. On the palate, the wine delivers fresh, red pit fruits, espresso, chocolate. blackberries and a fun, peppery, spicy note in the finish. The wine blends 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV. Harvesting took place September 13 - September 30. Drink from 2026-2050.
92-94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Pre-Arrival OfferPessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$360. 00Bottle$4320.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte opens in the glass with attractive aromas of cassis, spices, tobacco, graphite and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate that is deep and layered, with good depth and powdery structuring tannins that assert themselves on the finish. This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot will require some patience, given its somewhat extracted style.
94-95 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Smith Haut Lafitte is silky, elegant and nuanced. It's all there. A wine of precision and class, the 2022 is so impressive. Refined, supple tannins wrap around a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, espresso and mocha. I find the 2022 a bit buttoned up today, but that is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects. I look forward to seeing it age. Drink 2027-2047.
97+ points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe polish, texture, complexity and patina are very impressive and fascinating. So spicy and interesting with so much going on. Medium body with wonderfully integrated tannins that are cut and nicely chiselled already. Lemon and violet. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
97-98 points
James SucklingMoving to the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. This ripe, powerful, concentrated wine reminds me of the 2010 with its structure, concentrated mid-palate, and just sheer density and regal, full-bodied style on the palate. Despite its size, it stays balanced, has a beautiful perfume of sweet black fruits, graphite, scorched earth, and spring flowers, building tannins, and a great, great finish.
96-98 points
Jeb DunnuckA real success of the vintage that manages to deliver a bold, structured, concentrated and powerful wine with real terroir signature. You get the impression it’s from a warm vintage, but I love the fact you have texture, volume and weight but keeping the finesse. Fragranced black fruit and purple floral notes with soft medicinal herbal touches on the nose. Sleek and supple, tannins make the impression with juicy blackcurrants, black cherries and strawberries. Excellent tannin definition, they’re filling, massy and round, almost plush but accented by acidity and freshness. Strong signature, you know you're in gravel with Cabernet. Juicy, clean, pure, but with bite and intensity. I love the dark savoury notes too, the cough syrup, liquorice, clove, tobacco and cigar box elements, complex and captivating. 4% press. 3.65pH 30% whole bunch Petit Verdot in the blend. Potential upsore in bottle. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 60% new oak barrels. Drink 2029 - 2050.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanternky dark in color, the wine requests a bit of effort before jumping into its nose of spice, cigar wrapper, blackberries, black currants, flowers, wet earth, and smoke. On your palate, the purity in the fruit, elegance, and lift is there. But what stands out is the width in your mouth as the wine caresses every part of your palate with its silky textures, and richness. The finish seals the deal as the wine has real staying power, staying with you for over 50 seconds! Harvesting took place from September 5 - September 30. Yields were low at 28 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, and is aging in 60% New, French oak barrels for 18 months. 14.5% ABV. pH 3.55. Is this the best vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte ever produced? Maybe. Let's revisit when the wine is in the bottle. Drink from 2027-2055.
98-100 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau Smith Haut LafittePessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
A brilliant wine, the 2021 Smith Haut Lafitte offers up aromas of blackberries, violets, coniferous forest floor and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it's deep and impressively multidimensional, with good concentration, beautifully refined tannins and notable purity of fruit, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. The fruit of a severe selection, this blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot is testament to the Cathiard family's unwavering commitment to quality.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 Smith Haut Lafitte is fabulous. Rich and explosive in the glass, the 2021 possesses tremendous intensity, much of that the result of low yields of just 20-22 hectoliters per hectare, about half of what is typical here. The tannins are a bit firm today, but there appears to be more than enough fruit behind all of that structure. Vivid aromatics further suggest all the 2021 needs is time. I can't wait to see how it ages. Drink 2031-2051.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2021 Smith Haut Lafitte was picked from September 22 to October 14, and matured in 60% new oak. It has an open, expressive bouquet of blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco and subtle crushed rock aromas, well-defined though obviously not as flamboyant as the previous three vintages. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and mineral-driven, with fine tannins, a touch of chalkiness, and hints of seaweed on the estuarine finish, even though it lies a few kilometers from the Gironde! Classic in style, and maybe a little austere for some on the finish, yet it feels long in the mouth. Fabien Teitgen and his team have overseen a superb Smith Haut-Lafitte, even though I suspect that it will not reach the heights of the 2010 or the 2016. Drink 2026-2050.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - VinousLots of clove, black-licorice and cigar-box character. Already perfumed. Medium body with fine, chalky and precise tannins. Lead-pencil shavings. Well framed and structured with a fresh, lengthy and spicy finish. Extremely long and intense. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes.
96-97 points
James SucklingThe flagship 2021 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Petit Verdot. It's a rich, powerful wine, delivering lots of ripe black fruits (currants, some cassis), notes of scorched earth and graphite, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a great mid-palate. It shows the straight, focused style of the vintage yet brings plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, building tannins, and outstanding length.
93-95+ points
Jeb DunnuckDark in color, the wine opens with blackberry, boysenberry, flowers, cocoa, licorice, chocolate and black cherry. The wine is soft, polished, elegant and refined, with silky tannins, energy and purity to the fruit, which you can taste in the mid-palate. The finish delivers a precise note of chocolate-covered mint and cherries with a mineral, chalky endnote. Blending 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 13.5% ABV pH of 3.65. The harvest took place September 22 through October 14. Yields were low at only 22 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2047.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderGorgeous aromas on the nose, so expressive with blackcurrant, plum, damson, strawberry and red cherry all abounding out of the glass. This has style and substance on the palate, the sour cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry covered in the terroir markers of slate, graphite, pencil lead and liquorice which are the drivers on the palate, the fruit taking a backseat right now though there is cohesion with verticality and an undercurrent of freshness. The energy is there, almost latent, it’s under the surface, brimming, not yet ready to go but it will be there in time. This has refinement and you feel they haven't pushed too hard. It’s definitely got the markers of the vintage, the coolness of the year, showing the grapes and terroir even more clearly in the glass, especially the spiced Cabernet aspects. I love the style and the no frills effect. It’s got a super long length too with enough class on show you know it will age well. Drinking Window 2026 - 2038.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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- Nick's Import
2020 Chateau Smith Haut LafittePessac Leognan, Bordeaux, FRANCE$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aging in 60% new barriques, the very deep purple-black colored 2020 Smith Haut Lafitte makes an impactful entrance, opening with flamboyant notes of blackcurrant pastilles, chocolate-covered cherries and molten licorice, leading to nuances of ground cloves, woodsmoke, crushed rocks and dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with opulent black fruit preserves and shimmering mineral sparks, framed by exquisitely ripe and fantastically firm tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epically long-lasting earthy and savory layers. This is the singular voice of Smith Haut Lafitte at its finest, and wow-oh-wow is it worth a listen. This 2020 has an alcohol of 14.5% with a pH of 3.65. The tannins this year were a little higher than 2018 and 2019. A little less than a third of production went into this grand vin.
98-100 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (May 2021)The 2020 Smith Haut Lafitte is a thrilling wine of grandeur and spellbinding beauty. The aromatics literally soar out of the glass, perhaps driven by a touch more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. A vertical, explosive wine, the 2020 possesses tremendous energy. It is a rapturous wine that will delight readers for years to come. A move towards gentler extractions, with less oak impact, allows the purity of the fruit to come through loud and clear. Inky dark cherry, plum, mocha, dried herbs and lavender are all amplified in the 2020, but what I admire most is a total sense of harmony. I can't wait to see how it ages, as evolution has at times been the sole Achilles heel here.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousSo much blackcurrant, graphite and iodine character. Full-bodied. Incredible quality to the tannins. They are polished yet powerful. It’s so long and complete with such depth and toned muscles. Vertical. Very fresh and energetic. Will it be better than the famous 2015? Maybe the best ever. From organically grown grapes. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
99-100 points
James SucklingPossibly ranking with the top two or three wines of the vintage, the 2020 Smith Haut Lafitte is a blockbuster that reminds me of a hypothetical mix of the 2009 and 2010. Based on a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, its dense purple hue is followed by a monster bouquet of ripe black fruits, scorched earth, charcoal, and graphite. All of these carry to a full-bodied Pessac-Léognan with flawless balance, loads of ripe, polished tannins, a dense mid-palate, and a great, great finish. It’s one of the gems in the vintage and should be snatched up by readers. Give bottles just 4-6 years in the cellar, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 20-30 years.
97-100 points
Jeb DunnuckIncredibly dark in color, the aromatics spring from the glass with smoke, tobacco leaf, blackberry, cassis, licorice, flowers, cocoa and cigar box notes. The wine is full-bodied, rich, lush, opulent and intense. All that power is harnessed by freshness, intensity and lift. There is a beautiful sense of purity and vibrancy not found in previous vintages. With textures of silk and cashmere, with layers of perfectly ripe, seductive, black and dark red fruits accompanied by Valrhona chocolate, the seamless finish stays with you, expanding for close to 60 seconds! This is clearly the best wine Smith Haut Lafitte ever produced! The reason is simple. Previous vintages at times felt like they were made in the cellar. Here you taste a wine that was produced in the vineyard. Blending 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 14.5% ABV pH of 3.65. The harvest took place September 12 through September 30, yields were only 32 hectoliters per hectare. To celebrate 30 years of ownership at the estate, the 2020 will be produced with a special one-time-only black and gold label.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderPowerful on the attack, dense and concentrated at first then brighter on the retro-olfaction with layers of spice, liquorice and flowers. Intense but beautifully precise, with iris and peony aromatics coming in strongly as it opens in the glass. A ton of nuance and complexity, really takes its time, delivering a masterclass in restrained Pessac glamour. Average yields 30hl/ha for the reds. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 60% new oak. Harvest started on September 9 - 30.
97 points
Jane Anson - Decanter -
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2023 Chateau Sociando-Mallet Pre-Arrival OfferHaut Medoc, Bordeaux, FRANCE$71. 99Bottle$863.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 Sociando-Mallet is showing well, exhibiting aromas of cherries and cassis mingled with hints of pencil shavings and toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's lively and classically structured, with sweet tannins, bright acids and a penetrating finish. The blend is 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, which attained 14% alcohol.
90-92 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Sociando-Mallet is a deep, powerful wine. Black cherry, incense, blackberry, licorice and cloves add to an impression of somber gravitas. Unctuous and rich, the 2023 shows the natural intensity of the Merlot in this vintage.
Sociando is pretty heady in this vintage. Drink 2030-2043.
89-91 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis is very classic Sociando with brightness and linearity to the wine, as well as blackcurrants and a citrus undertone. Medium-bodied with refined tannins. Long, very crisp and fresh. Lower pH here of 3.55.
94-95 points
James SucklingDark fruit, violet notes, black cherries and touches of liquorice. Supple and lively, really tangy and zesty, bright but not over the top with such a creamy, chalky texture giving a soft grip. Generous but controlled, I like the style, there’s concentration but keeps such a cool blue fruit edge which gives freshness and the minerality doesn't stick out at all. Expressive and elegant, but with body and something to get your teeth stuck into. Lovely suppleness but finally ends grippy and stony with the salinity lingering on the very long finish with mint, liquorice and clove. Characterful. I like this a lot. A stand out wine and top buy! 60% grand vin production. 8% press wine. 3.55pH. Ageing 12-14 months, 80% new oak.
Drink 2027 - 2040.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterChewy black currants, blackberries, herbs, cedar, and tobacco show easily. The palate is juicy, and sweet, and chewy. The fruits are sweet, bright, and fresh, with lift, concentration, and energy in the fruit-filled, chalky finish. Drink from 2029-2055.
92-94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Sociando-Mallet Pre-Arrival OfferHaut Medoc, Bordeaux, FRANCE$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with hints of mint, violets and licorice introduce the 2022 Sociando-Mallet, a medium to full-bodied, supple and lively wine that's deep, fleshy and seamless, with powdery tannins that assert themselves with promising youthful grip on the finish. It's a blend of 63% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. Readers who remember how this estate acquitted itself in years such as 2003 and 1990 will not be surprised by its quality in 2022.
92-94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Sociando-Mallet was picked 7-23 September at just 22hL/ha. This is very concentrated and quite opulent on the nose, bit of a bravura bouquet, layers of black cherry, Christmas cake and light undergrowth scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Quite fresh, grippy in the mouth, my only quibble is that it feels a tad abrupt on the finish. Barrel maturation should address that. Drink 2030-2060.
91-93 points
Neal Martin - VinousIntensely fragrant on the nose, richly concentrated black fruits and cool freshness. Mouthwatering acidity adds to quite cool blue fruits with graphite edges giving more freshness than fruit concentration which is nice. Tannins are well integrated, present but supportive and not overwhelming. Keeps a sleek frame and intention from start to finish. A really appealing wine that feels well worked, but still with density and minerality. Harvest 7-23 September. Yield of 22hl/ha. Ageing in French oak for 12 months, 85% new. Drink 2028 - 2040.
92 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterBlackberries, black currants, flowers, cedar, mint, and tobacco fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, deep, and packed with layers of chalky, ripe, red fruits, spice, herb and cigar wrappers. This is among the best vintages of Sociando Mallet I have ever tasted. Drink from 2027-2050.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Soutard Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$107. 00Bottle$1284.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Soutard opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries and plums mingled with hints of licorice and orange zest. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, it's fleshy and enveloping, with a vibrant core of fruit, bright acids and sweet, powdery tannins. This revitalized estate's progress is thrilling to watch.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Soutard is a hugely promising wine. Rich, ample and statuesque in bearing, the 2022 is super impressive. Dark fleshed fruit, mocha, spice, licorice, menthol and espresso all build in a Saint-Émilion that shows tremendous delineation and class for such an extreme vintage. I very much admire the energy here. Tasted two times. Drink 2028-2047.
93-95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousMedium to full body with tight and polished tannins, with a chalky character to the whole thing. Blue fruit with blackberries and stones.
93-94 points
James SucklingThe deep purple-hued (it's almost blue) 2022 Château Soutard is going to be up there with the top vintages from this château, which has a great terroir just outside the village of Saint-Emilion. Candied violets, chocolate, crushed stone, and blue fruits define the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a great mid-palate, ripe yet present tannins, and a terrific sense of freshness that keeps this interesting and light on its feet. It's going to evolve gracefully.
93-95 points
Jeb DunnuckThe color is shiny black, purple. On the palate, the wine is powerful, concentrated, dark, and deep, with multiple layers of chocolate-coated plums, blackberries, licorice and spice. The wine is sensuous, opulent, and rich. The finish allows you to linger with all of its layers of chocolate and black fruits. This could be the finest vintage of Soutard ever produced! 76% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% whole-bunch, fermented Malbec makes the blend. Drink from 2026-2047.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2020 Chateau Soutard-CadetSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2020 Soutard-Cadet is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and (for the first time) 5% Petit Verdot. It is aging for approximately 16 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. The alcohol is 15%. Opaque purple-black colored, it charges out of the gate with powerful notes of blackberry preserves, blueberry pie and prunes, plus hints of fruitcake, Indian spices and garrigue, with a waft of licorice. The rich, concentrated, full-bodied palate is packed with juicy black fruits and exotic spices, supported by a rock-solid foundation of firm, ripe, rounded tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long with emerging earthy nuances.
93-95+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (May 2021)The 2020 Soutard-Cadet is a modern, full-throttle Saint-Émilion bursting at the seams with blackberry jam, chocolate, licorice, cloves and new leather. Unctuous and flamboyant in the glass, the 2020 builds effortlessly towards a crescendo of aromas and flavors that saturate the finish. I can't say this is my favorite style, but the 2020 is impeccably done.
93-95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousBlackberry with salt and white pepper. Very minerally. It’s full-bodied and polished with finesse and sophistication. Reminds me of the excellent 2018.
94-95 points
James SucklingAnother incredible wine from Marie Lefévère, the 2020 Château Soutard-Cadet boasts a dense purple hue as well as awesome cassis and darker, almost blue fruits to go with lots of tobacco leaf, graphite, crushed stone, and background oak. It’s another medium to full-bodied, pure, seamless wine in the vintage that stays focused and elegant on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins. The purity of fruit is terrific as well.
94-96 points
Jeb Dunnuck -
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Biodynamic
2019 Chateau Ste Anne Cotes de Provence RougeProvence, FRANCE$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkA blend of Mourvedre, Cinsault and Grenache from vines 30-55 years old aged for between 18-24 months in foudres. Dark red core with black toned edges and a dark red hue. Aromas of red currant infused with herb du Provence are trailed by red cherry, earth, rose petal and spicy cedar notes. Medium weighted juicy red currant and red cherry fruits infused with fresh Mediterranean herbs drive the palate which is shaped by chewy tannins. Notions of earth and spicy cedar lie underneath. Grainy feel with a long delicious red fruited conclusion laced with herbs.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% -
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2022 Chateau Ste Anne Bandol RoseBandol, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2024-2027)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkTranslucent salmon blood orange like colour. Elevated scents of blood orange, wild cherry and citrus aromas intermingle with hints of guava, mandarin and stony mineral notes. Beautifully fleshed in its texture and intensely flavoured, the palate is decorated with blood orange, mandarin and citrus fruits with stony mineral characteristics lingering through the back half. Finishes dry and tangy with refreshing acidity and a long supple, wet stone laced aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
High toned with a pleasing volatile tweak, strawberry, spice and toffee apple, aniseed, seaweed and stones. It’s medium-bodied, fleshy and well-appointed, stony texture with strawberry and peach flavour, also quite umami, a cinch of orange peel bitterness, and a dry and chalky finish of excellent length. Wild, but so distinctive and engaging. Drink 2023-2025+
93 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Biodynamic
2016 Chateau Ste Anne Cotes du Provence RougeProvence, FRANCE$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkFrom vines 49 years old this wine is a blend of 25% Mourvedre, 25% Carignan, 25% Grenache and 25% Cinsault aged for 18 months in 35 HL oak vats. Dark red in colour with a dark red hue. Aromas of red currants infused with provincial herbs emanate from the glass followed by some earth, black olive, tobacco leaf and spice notes. Savoury red currant and red cherry fruits decorate the elegant palate over a back drop of earth, herbs du Provence infusions, tobacco leaf and spice. Dusty fine grained tannins lend some gentle grip to the medium length fresh red fruited and provincial herb infused finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% -
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2022 Chateau Talbot Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Julien, Bordeaux, FRANCE$153. 00Bottle$1836.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Talbot is especially impressive, and if it fulfills all its promise, it is likely to emerge as this large Saint-Julien property's most exciting wine since the 1980s. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, blackberries and cassis mingled with hints of violets and pencil lead, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, with a layered core of fruit, rich structuring tannins and a long, lively finish. It's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot that's being matured in 60% new oak.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Talbot was picked September 9-28 at 40hL/ha, slightly higher than other estates, matured in 60% new oak. Jean-Michel Laporte told me that he did a slightly longer maceration than in 2019 and 2020 during its 3.5 weeks cuvaison. It has a fragrant bouquet, well-defined with black cherries, cassis, iris and touches of brown spice. The palate is well balanced with fine weight and depth, the 13% vin de presse landing backbone. Detailed and focused, it has the same mineral spine as Gruaud Larose nearby. Quite long and lively with a tingle of white and black pepper on the finish. This is a delicious Talbot, but it is the one Saint-Julien that needs a little more depth in the middle. Nevertheless, it should age for many, many years and appeal to those seeking classicism in this vintage. Drink 2027-2060.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - VinousThe tannins really are integrated and fill out across the palate. The texture is so beautiful and refined. Medium- to full-bodied and crunchy, with lovely texture and refinement.
94-95 points
James SucklingReaders will love the 2022 Château Talbot, one of the finest vintages from this château that I can recall. Possessing a gorgeous nose of pure cassis, blackberries, tobacco, and iron, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, and perfectly integrated tannins. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot that’s resting in 60% new French oak, this utterly classic, pure, lengthy Saint-Julien will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and have a broad drink window. Bravo.
93-95+ points
Jeb DunnuckA great effort in 2022 with such excellent precision and detail to the tannins and fruit. Cool blueberries, blackcurrants, cola, vanilla, tobacco and liquorice all give nuance and interest with fleshy tannins and bright acidity. Great balance of intensity and finesse with such energy from start to finish. Really quite approachable and enjoyable with impressive crystalline aspects and a lovely sense of place. Tasted twice. A yield of 40hl/ha. Ageing 16 months in barrels, 60% new. Harvest 9-28 September. 3.75pH. Drink 2029 - 2048.
95 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterSpice, flowers, currants, oak, cherries, and spearmint produce the aromatic profile. The palate is elegant, fresh, vibrant, and energetic. The red berries deliver lift, sweetness, length, and complexity. You can look at this as the perfect juxtaposition between classic, and modern, with age worthy structure, and sweet, ripe freshness in the fruits. The wine is produced from blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV, 3.75 pH. Yields were 40 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting took place September 9- September 28. Drink from 2024-2040.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Tour Saint-Christophe Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Exhibiting notions of dark berries, blackberries and licorice, the 2022 Tour Saint Christophe is medium to full-bodied and has an enveloping texture with a fleshy core of fruit and powdery tannins leading to a long, rather concentrated finish. This blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from vines planted on clay-limestone soil is a real success.
91-93 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Tour Saint Christophe comes across as quite laid back in this vintage. Beams of saline energy run through a core of dark-toned fruit, with spice, leather and licorice hints that add complexity throughout. The 2022 is very good, but not as exuberant as it has been in some years. Tasted three times. Drink 2028-2047.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousIodine, crushed stone, salt, oyster shell, ink pot. Fascinating. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a firm framing of fruit, with fine tannins and electric acidity. Exceptional. pH of 3.48 with just under 15% alcohol. Still thinking about this.
95-96 points
James SucklingAnother great wine from this château, the 2022 Château Tour Saint Christophe checks in as 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc brought up in 25% new French oak. It has a great nose of red plums, cassis, chalky minerality, and spice, and this full-bodied Saint-Emilion is impeccably balanced, with a pure, graceful mouthfeel, fine tannins, and outstanding length. The purity of fruit here is truly terrific.
94-96 points
Jeb DunnuckDeep purple in hue, the wine pops with blackberries, black cherries, licorice, flowers, wet earth, and blue fruit on the nose. The palate, is rich, lush, and packed with layers of chalk, black cherries, chocolate, espresso and 5 spice. The finish is creamy, vibrant, and loaded with sweet, ripe, dark red fruits that linger. The wine is made from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. 15% ABV, 3.45 pH. The harvest took place September 10-October 3. Yields were 39 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2026-2048.
95-97 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.
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2023 Chateau Tronquoy Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Estephe, Bordeaux, FRANCE$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Containing an unusually high 51% Cabernet Sauvignon this year (complemented by 38% Merlot and 11% Petit Verdot), the 2023 Tronquoy offers up aromas of dark berries, cherries, burning embers and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and refined palate with good depth at the core, lively acids and a persistent finish. Foudres are now complemented barriques for élevage.
91-93 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Tronquoy-Lalande was picked September 6 to 26 and contains more Petit Verdot in the blend this year. It matured in one-third new oak plus some newly-introduced foudres and amphorae. Blackberry and bilberry fruit surface the nose, plus a fresh punnet of strawberries. This is quite delightful and full of character. The palate is underpinned by fine acidity. Fresh and quite marine-influenced, this has a silky texture on the finish that lingers in the mouth, representing another superb Tronquoy from a rejuvenated estate. Drink 2030-2055.
93-95 points
Neal Martin - VinousA crunchy and velvety Tronquoy with blackberry, blackcurrant and chocolate aromas. Lots of blackcurrant, berry and cherry character on the medium-bodied palate, with solid tannins that have a powdery texture. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot and 11% petit verdot.
93-94 points
James SucklingThe 2023 Château Tronquoy is based on 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that will see 12 months in one-third new barrels, with a touch in foudre. Ripe red plums, blueberries, spring flowers, espresso, and liquid violets all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and outstanding length.
92-94 points
Jeb DunnuckQuite aromatic and perfumed on the nose, smells fresh and lively. Vivid purple colour to the rim. Smooth and silky, really tart and highly acidic, brightness and acidity is completely at the fore here, straight and well defined. Not lean in the sense that there’s too much minerality or any greenness - it’s not rustic at all, just the acidity is so high and it does keep quite a straight profile from start to finish. I like its punchy taste, upfront and confident, accessible and still with some finesse on the finish. Tannins are very well integrated and the Petit Verdot and oak is well incorporated too. Drink 2027 - 2036.
93 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterFlowers, mint, cherries, and a whisp of smoke fill the perfume. Medium-bodied, forward, fresh, supple, and focused on its sweet, vibrant, core of red fruit, you can enjoy this on release, and over the following decade with ease. The wine blends 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 11% Petit Verdot. 13.2% ABV. Drink from 2026-2038.
91-93 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2019 Chateau TronquoySaint Estephe, Bordeaux, FRANCE$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenCellar: 6 - 8 Years (2030-2032)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkOwned by Chateau Montrose who have put a great deal of work into reinvigorating the vineyards, Chateau Tronquoy is an estate on the rise and one to watch. A blend of 50% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Dense inky black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. The nose exudes aromas of black currant and liquorice infused with graphite which are followed by some earth, vanillin cedar, black olive, tobacco and spice notes. Rich and concentrated the palate is awash with black currant and liquorice fruits which are framed by a firm, muscular tannin structure. Earthy graphite, vanillin cedar, black olive and spicy tobacco elements linger underneath. Opulently fruited yet chiseled and stern in its feel it finishes long, deep and powerful.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews....
The 2019 Tronquoy-Lalande is made from 50% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly unfurls to offers fragrant notes of rose oil, Indian spices, and licorice over a core of creme de cassis and stewed plums, plus a hint of lavender. The full-bodied palate is firm and sturdy, with grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to match the muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy.
94 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine IndependentAs I wrote earlier this year, the 2019 Tronquoy-Lalande has turned out beautifully, and it continues to show very well, offering up inviting aromas of wild berries, spices, rose petals and cassis. Medium to full-bodied, layered and sensual, with lively acids, ripe tannins and a long, vibrant finish, it's reminiscent of a somewhat more sun-kissed and extroverted sibling of the terrific 2016 at this address. Drink 2025-2045.
93+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Nov 01, 2022)This is really complex and perfumed, with an extremely attractive bouquet of flowers and dark fruit, such as currants. Full-bodied with crushed stones and chewy tannins, yet there’s polish and sophistication to it. Serious bottle here. Try after 2025.
94 points
James SucklingSpicy, with tinges of wet earth, tobacco leaf, Asian spice, herbs and currants. The wine is rich, ripe, round, fleshy and packed with sweet, dark red pit fruits and wet earth, finishing with the right amount of dark chocolate, espresso, blackberries and currants. The wine should be allowed to age for a few years before popping a cork. Drink 2025-2040.
94 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider -
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2023 Chateau Troplong Mondot Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$280. 00Bottle$3360.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews.....
A blend of 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Troplong Mondot unwinds in the glass with aroma of black raspberries, mulberries and cherries mingled with notions of iris, licorice, black tea and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's textural and mouthfilling, with the mid-palate density so typical of this terroir, its concentrated core of fruit framed by beautifully polished tannins and succulent acids.
95-97 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Troplong Mondot is simply stunning. It's one of the best wines yet made under the direction of Aymeric de Gironde. Towering and statuesque, the 2023 explodes out of the glass with tons of vertical energy. Dark red-toned fruit, licorice, spice, lavender, mocha and pencil shavings are some of the many notes that infuse the 2023 with character. The combination of soaring aromatics, chiseled fruit and a limestone-infused finish is nothing less than captivating. What a wine. Aging is in 60% new oak, 22% 20hL foudre and 18% once-used oak. Tasted two times. Drink 2033-2063.
95-98 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2023 Troplong Mondot was harvested from September 5 to October 9, with 60-70% picked within nine or ten days; other parcels were "stragglers" that required more time. There is actually 4-5% whole clusters in the blend,and according to Aymeric de Gironde, it works like the vin de presse, glueing components of the wine together. Sulfur is only added when the wine is put into barrel. The 2023 has a very well-defined and focused bouquet with pure blackberry, raspberry, ground chalk and light sea cave scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a very crisp and mineral-driven entry. It's chalky in texture and quite tensile in the mouth, with a dash of black pepper on the finish. This is an individualistic Saint-Émilion that will fill out during its élevage. Very long. Drink 2028-2050.
95-97 points
Neal Martin - VinousA tight and very focused young Troplong with freshness and finesse that adds plenty. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a vivid finish. Lots of blackberry and blueberry character. It really opens and envelops your palate, caressing every square inch. Cashmere-like texture. The limestone comes through beautifully.
97-98 points
James SucklingThe Grand Vin 2023 Château Troplong Mondot checks in as 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, from healthy yields of 53 hectoliter per hectare, raised in 60% new wood, hitting 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.48. It brings another level of density and depth, with gorgeous notes of black cherries, hints of mulberries, graphite, and crushed stone. Medium-bodied on the palate, it shines for its beautiful purity of fruit and has plenty of background oak, a creamy, rounder mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish.
92-94+ points
Jeb DunnuckThe aromatics are incredible - so pure, clean and precise - sweet, sour and fresh with clear blue fruits, wax, crayon and pencil led on the nose alongside vanilla, blackcurrant and plum with blueberry too. Supple and agile, a lovely bounce and energy straight away, this has movement and direction. The fruit is pristine, gorgeous succulence and bright berries on the palate before some limestone wet stone elements come in giving a graphite tang. Has that sense of whole bunch fermentation, really racy and so electric. It’s not a 2022, it doesn’t have that velvetines and soft plush tannins that Troplong can do well, but this is extremely good. Straight, juicy, clean, poised, elegant and refined. Not shouting, it’s reserved and calm, but confident. You can taste the chalk on the finish alongside liquorice and graphite. I love the finesse and the terroir markers and in a change to 2021 it has ripeness, succulence and body. 6% press. Three tanks of whole cluster fermentation. 70 IPT. Ageing 14 months, 60% new oak. 3.45pH. Drink 2033 - 2049.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterDeeply colored, the wine is rich, deep, full-bodied, concentrated and intense. The wine is silky, lush, with its creamy textures which come across as gentle, vibrant, and elegant, with depth, and width. The lingering finish displays sweet, red, and black fruits, salted oranges, and a beautiful chalky character on the backend. The key for the vintage here was the terroir which allowed for ample water retention during the heatwaves, and the ability to harvest at their own pace. The wine blends 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc. 14.1% ABV, 3.45 pH. Harvesting started September 5 - October 9. Drink from 2029-2060.
96-98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Troplong Mondot Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$320. 00Bottle$3840.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Troplong Mondot has turned out brilliantly in bottle. Wafting from the glass with aromas of mulberries and blackberries mingled with notions of licorice, rose petals, incense and pencil shavings, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with huge mid-palate volume, superb integration and an ineffable sense of completeness. This site always delivers power, but I've never tasted a Troplong that's simultaneously quite so powerful or quite so harmonious and suave. Concluding with a broad, violet-inflected finish, the 2022 represents the essence of this remarkable site. Drink 2028-2055.
100 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Mar 07, 2025)A wine of elegance and precision, the 2022 Troplong Mondot is exquisite. Crushed flowers, red berry fruit, blood orange, spice and menthol race across the palate. Troplong Mondot is without question one of the silkiest, most refined wines of the vintage. Absolutely nothing is out of place. Tasted two times. Drink 2030-2052.
98+ points
Antonio Galloni - VinousHyper precision from the crushed-stone minerality here, with berries, spiced dark cherries, hibiscus and fresh plums. Extremely polished yet vivid, with fibrous, chalky tannins emitting vibrations before dissolving into a lengthy finish drenched with fruit. Concentrated but effortless. Already alluring but better in 3-4 years.
98 points
Zekun Shuai - jamessuckling.comClearly the finest wine to date under the new team and direction here, the 2022 Château Troplong Mondot reveals a vivid purple hue as well as sensational notes of black raspberries, cassis, acacia flowers, and graphite, with a beautiful underpinning of chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has flawless balance, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. The purity, precision, and just sheer class are something to behold.
97-99 points
Jeb DunnuckA supremely excellent Troplong in 2022 that has the hallmarks of a concentrated vintage but delivered with ultimate poise and precision. A joy to taste and once again one of my favourites. Sharp, sleek, sour, bright and cool - I love the instant freshness and drinkability of this, tannins are fresh and detailed with both a plush and cool texture underpinned by layers of flavour with depth and concentration. Clearly muscular but pixelated - it’s not tense, lean or austere but generous, charming and playful. Supple and succulent, still with ripe strawberry, cherry and raspberry fruit, a mix of bright red and black berries with wet stone, liquorice, dark chocolate and graphite giving the terroir. Silky, balanced acidity and overall so well controlled and presented. 3.5pH. Ageing 50% new oak, reduced by 5% plus 21% in 20hl foudre, 24% one wine barrels. Drink 2030 - 2050.
98-100 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterDeeply colored, the wine is rich, deep, full-bodied, concentrated, and intense The depth of flavor, the fullness on the palate, and the silky, lush, creamy textures come across as gentle, vibrant, and elegant, with a lot of depth and width. The lingering finish displays sweet, red, and black fruits, a salted, orange citrus tone, and a beautiful chalky character on the backend. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. 14.9% ABV, 3.48 pH. Harvesting started August 29 - September 26. Drink from 2027-2060.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau Troplong MondotSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$240. 00Bottle$2880.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2021 Troplong Mondot shows considerable promise, exhibiting aromas of plums and wild berries mingled with notions of sweet spices, rose petals, vine smoke and raw cocoa, followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless palate endowed with impressive intensity and texture. Built around beautifully refined, powdery tannins and lively acids, it concludes with a long, mouthwateringly saline finish. Macerations here were long but gentle, including a long cold soak before fermentation, and the blend, after much deliberation, is 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. Tasted four times.
93-96 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 Troplong Mondot is shockingly raw and untamed, but in the very best sense of those terms. A wine of energy and pure power, the 2021 is going to need a number of years to be at its best, but it is certainly very impressive in the early going. The 2021 clocks in at 13.5%, which has not been seen here since the 1990s. The 2021 is not an easy wine to taste at this stage, as it is not fully formed. I won't be surprised if the 2021 turns out even better than this note suggests. It is a dazzling wine by any measure, and a far cry from the wines of decade ago, when the malolactic fermentations were often not finished when en primeur samples were presented! Superb. Drink 2031-2051.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousAymeric de Gironde, who without exaggeration has revolutionized this Saint-Émilion estate, told me that in 2021, the Troplong Mondot comes exclusively from the heart of the original vineyard, mainly on molasse soils. It was picked from September 17 to October 18, unusually finishing with the Merlot, and has 13.5% alcohol without any chaptalization or saignée. The focused blackberry, raspberry and iris petal scented nose is very delineated, yet more reserved than recent vintages. (A second sample at the château had a little more chutzpah.) The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly chalky tannins and a fine bead of acidity that imports liveliness and verticality. This Troplong-Mondot is imbued with a palpably mineral-driven finish. I am full of admiration for this cerebral wine, though I wager that it will need several years in bottle. Drink 2028-2044.
93-95 points
Neal Martin - VinousLovely density here with a solid center-palate of fruit and fine tannins. Medium body. Underlying salinity and oyster-shell character in the finish. Well defined. Grows at the end.
95-96 points
James SucklingDeeply colored, the wine is rich, round, lush and fresh. Initially you notice, flowers, chocolate, truffle, espresso, cocoa, and black plums. There is a silkiness to the tannins, sweetness along with freshness on the palate, and a finish with black, blue and dark red fruits with a strong touch of chalk in the finish. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% ABV%, 3.44 pH. The harvest took place September 17 - October 19. The harvest date here was the key to the success of the wine here. Drink from 2025-2055.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderBright purple rim to the wine. So many aromas on the nose, really captivating and full - dark chocolate, pink flowers giving a soft perfume, cinnamon, raspberries, black cherries and liquorice too - all intensifying over twenty minutes in the glass. Super bright and charged on the palate, this is off like a firecracker from the initial impact, giving tangy strawberry, red cherry and raspberry fruit flavours. It's got power no doubt, but a delicate, light style, not so concentrated and intense more lifted and aerial with tension. So much energy here, the flavours come in waves on the palate, red fruits, cooling blue fruits, exotic spices, flowers and fresh minty, stone notes with a real mineral salinity on the finish. It's perhaps not so weighty or full in the mouth like previous more opulent vintages, but there is clarity and definition of elements on show. I love the mineral finish, so Troplong. Extremely refined. First vintage in the new cellar facilities which helped with precision. Drinking Window 2025 - 2050.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2021 Chateau TrotanoyPomerol, Bordeaux, FRANCE$580. 00Bottle$6960.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The most muscular, structured wine in the Mouiex portfolio is the 2021 Trotanoy, a medium to full-bodied, ample and layered Pomerol evocative of cherries, licorice, loamy soil, black truffles and spices. Impressively concentrated and tightly wound, it will reward bottle age.
93-95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 30, 2022)The 2021 Trotanoy was picked September 27 to October 4. This has one of the most marine-influenced aromatic profiles among the Pomerol wines tasted, very well defined and even uncompromising in some ways, revealing touches of iris flower and sea cave. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A typical Trotanoy structure: maybe aloof in some ways, yet compelling at the same time. Sappy on the persistent finish. This should turn into a very cerebral Pomerol that will appeal to those who adore this estate. Not for the first time, this is JP Moueix's star this year. Drink 2030-2065.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - VinousA very fine-tannined red with ultra-fine, polished and velvety tannins that run the length of the wine. Medium-bodied. Very classy.
96-97 points
James SucklingClassic Trotanoy austerity and structure define the 2021 Château Trotanoy, which is tight and reserved on the palate, with medium-bodied richness and ripe yet certainly present tannins. Offering solid aromatics of red and black fruits, graphite, liquid violets, and loamy earth, it has rock solid mid-palate depth, and while it's not massive, it's no lightweight either. It will benefit from bottle age.
94-96 points
Jeb DunnuckAsian spice, truffle, chocolate, espresso, fennel and dark red pit fruits are all over the place, on the nose and palate here. Classic, vibrant, refined, and also reticent at the moment, this reminds me in some ways of the best attributes from previous classic vintages that are now aged into maturity. The finish is filled with dark, red pit fruits, espresso, spice, and a touch of fresh mint with a hint of salted plums on the backend. The wine is produced from 100% Merlot. The harvest took place September 27-October 4. Drink from 2026-2055.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderSmoked wild berries, with fragrant cherries on the nose. The texture stands out straight away, smooth, broad, muscular but also sleek, refined and precise. Flavours of bright cherries and raspberries with smoked earth and liquorice nuances coarse across the palate lifted by the acidity but not overpowered by it. The gently gripping tannins have a chalky, liquorice tang to them, settling on the tongue and providing the support and frame. This feels well worked, quietly confident - extremely well delivered and charming. It has both the concentration and glamour that Pomerol does so well. A layered but also lifted take on the vintage with clear ageing potential. Drink 2027 - 2050.
95 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2022 Chateau Trotte Vieille Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$190. 00Bottle$2280.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The quality of the 2022 Trotte Vieille took me by surprise, but clearly more diligent viticulture, combined with a new winery equipped with fully 26 vats for the estate's 11 hectares of vineyards, is beginning to pay off, as this is the most complete, integrated young wine I have ever tasted at this address. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, rose petals, violets and incense, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with a deep core of vibrant fruit, beautifully refined tannins and a long, saline finish. A blend of fully 50% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, it derives exclusively from Trotte Vieille's historic clay-limestone walled vineyard.
94-96 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)The 2022 Trotte Vieille is a hugely intriguing wine. The aromatics alone are wonderfully alluring. Sweet red-toned fruit, mint, blood orange, spice, licorice and rose petal infuse the 2022 with compelling inner perfume. Layered and complex, with tons of character, Trotte Vieille is shaping up to be terrific. In 2022, Trotte Vieille is not as bombastic as it has been in some recent years, and that is a positive. Drink 2028-2052.
94-96 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe most structured and impressive Trottevieille I have ever tasted. It is full-bodied yet compacted with a fine velvet texture. Intense finish with super tension and focus. Could move up a notch.
98-99 points
James SucklingMy rough note on the 2022 Château Trotte Vieille included more than one expletive, and this beauty is straight-up gorgeous. Vivid blue fruits, violets, flowers, and chocolate all make an appearance on the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered texture, perfect tannins, and nicely integrated oak. Based on 50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it remains to be seen if this will ultimately match the magical 2020, but we're not far off. This is a château readers need to have on their radar.
95-97 points
Jeb DunnuckA striking and seriously impressive Trotte Vieille in 2022. Serious and strong aromatically, fully expressive with dark ripe bramble fruits, softly fragrant with gentle perfumed nuances. Bright and alive in the glass, has some tension, a sense of linearity and focus, with not much expansiveness at this point but the tannin detail and definition is exceptional with a soft creamy, chalky, powdery and firm texture. So refined, feels almost light in the mouth but there’s concentration and power underneath with mouthwatering acidity keeping the sense of life. Extremely well constructed with poise and a sense of definition to the overall frame. Very precise and totally moreish in a brooding way. A very complete wine with so much to like. 100% new oak. 60% grand vin. 30hl/ha. 3.70pH. First vintage fully operating in the new gravity fed cellar. Drink 2030 - 2050.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterAlmost opaque in color, the wine pops with black cherries, tobacco leaf, flowers, plums, smoke, and chocolate in the aromatics. The palate is silky, vibrant, and plush. The fruits are deep, intense, long, vibrant, and most importantly, pure. There is length, complexity, opulence, balance and a strong sensation of crushed stones, blackberries, chocolate, and plums in the finish you can taste and feel. TrotteVieille has been on an incredible roll lately. Perhaps, with the aid of their new cellars, this is the best vintage in the history of the estate! The wine blends 50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.14.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 8 - September 27. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2055.
96-98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2020 Chateau Trotte VieilleSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$190. 00Bottle$2280.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2020 Trotte Vieille is fabulous. Rich, inky and explosive, the 2020 offers up an exotic mélange of jammy dark fruit, espresso, bittersweet chocolate, cloves and incense. Sumptuous and flamboyant to the core, Trotte Vieille has a ton of personality. Big chocolaty tannins frame the sumptuous finish. This has come together very well. Drink 2027-2045.
95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousBlackcurrants and blueberries with some chocolate and hazelnut. Bark and mushroom undertones. Salt. Full-bodied with very fine tannins. Very structured. Muscular yet polished. The tannins go on and on. 50% cabernet franc, 49% merlot and 1% cabernet sauvignon. This needs lots of time because of the super tannin structure. Needs five or six years to soften. Try after 2029.
98 points
James SucklingThe 2020 Château Trotte Vieille has closed down since I tasted it as a barrel sample in 2021 and needs lots of air, but this is an incredibly gorgeous wine. Its dense purple hue is followed by powerful, inward bouquet of ripe, incredibly pure black and blue fruits, smoky oak, tons of minerality, and a kiss of violets that takes lots of air to shine. The palate is similar in style, with a concentrated, focused, almost austere edge that carries beautiful tannins, awesome extract, flawless overall balance, and a great finish. While it's unquestionably a brilliant wine, it's not for those looking for instant gratification and is much more reserved than the 2019 at this stage. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it should have 25 to 30 years of overall longevity. Drink 2030 - 2060.
98 points
Jeb DunnuckLiquorice, gorgeous floral notes and fragrance on the nose; roses, violets and jasmine with tobacco and cedar touches. Smooth and so supple, forward, bright and lively. Really great energy and life in the glass. Acidity lifts the expression straight away giving this a crunchy tang and bite to the fruit - a sharp thrill that counters the power that is evident underneath. Feels sleek and well worked. Lovely balance and length, the hint of sweetness and the minerality is so pleasing. A baby now but this feels like it will be equally as approachable as the 2016 and 2018. Smooth and captivating and gorgeous tannins. Succulence is great. This puts a smile on your face with the ripeness at the end mingling with the stoniness and fresh mint. Lots going on here. Drink 2029 - 2049.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2020 Chateau ValandraudSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 15.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2020 Valandraud is a stunner. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2020 possesses dazzling intensity from start to finish. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plush dark red/black fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Even with all of its intensity, the 2020 is bright and wonderfully focused. Sweet floral and blood orange accents liven up the explosive finish. Magnificent. Drink 2028-2060.
98 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousVery opulent and expressive aromas of black fruit and pine needles. So floral. Full-bodied with plush, velvety tannins and lots of fruit and texture. It goes on for minutes. Rich at the finish, but remains fresh and vivid. Superb. One of the great Valandrauds. Drink after 2027.
99 points
James SucklingOne of the wines of the vintage is Jean-Luc Thunevin's 2020 Château Valandraud, which comes from the cooler, eastern side of Saint-Emilion. Exhibiting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, new leather, and an almost Hermitage-like burning embers character, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ripe, seamless tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a finish that won't quit. A blend of 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it's clearly in the same league as the 2019, if not slightly more concentrated. Give bottles 5-7 years in the cellar, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 20-25 years or so. Drink: 2028 - 2053.
99 points
Jeb DunnuckJuicy and alive, a brightness to this even though the fruits are dark in profile - blackcurrant, black cherry, herbal-tinged blueberries - heady and seductive. Layers of acidity, mint, freshness and toast combine to give quite a full and complex palate with everything at the fore yet staying the right side of being too much. Strong and characterful but totally charming. I love the St-Emilion glamour and muscle, softly flexing with a salty minerality and unmistakable signature. Drink 2027 - 2046.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterThis 17-acre vineyard gives a wine with an explosion of black fruits. It offers sweetness balanced by acidity and impressive tannins. The wood aging gives a polished texture with richness and style in balance. Drink this wine from 2027.
97 points
Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast -
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2023 Chateau Valandraud Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$285. 00Bottle$3420.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2023 Valandraud delivers exactly what you expect on the nose from Jean-Luc Thunevin's crown jewel: very polished scents of black cherries, cassis and crushed violets. One sample had a soupçon of sur-maturité, although another at the château displayed more composure and coolness. The palate is rich and fruit-driven with layers of black fruit. The sample at the château showed more backbone and grip, a healthy sprinkling of cracked black pepper and a long and persistent finish. Give this three to five years, because it is a seriously good Saint-Émilion. Drink 2030-2055.
95-97 points
Neal Martin - VinousWow, this is really something. Very fruity, with dark blackberries and blueberries, as well as blood oranges. It’s full and layered with great depth of fruit and chewy, polished tannins. Turns lightly salty at the end. Power with precision. 84% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon.
97-98 points
James SucklingThe Grand Vin 2023 Château Valandraud checks in as a blend of 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the most Cabernet Sauvignon ever in the blend. Raised in new barrels, pure cassis, mulberries, spicy oak, chocolate, and graphite are just some of the nuances here, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, yet elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's a big, rich, undeniably sexy wine in the vintage that will be drinkable with just short-term cellaring.
95-97 points
Jeb DunnuckThe best barrel sample that I have tasted from this estate in a long time, as it reflects not only the dark ripe fruit one expects, but also an extra dimension of freshness, with blood red orange lift on the finish. Let's not get ahead of ourselves: the attack (with similar aromas) reflects beguiling blackberry liqueur and cassis creaminess, along with red liquorice and iodine freshness. I still get oak stave aspects from the 100% new oak (which begs some caution, given the 15% alcohol), but superb mid-palate depth combined with that fine finish augurs well for the future. Strong potential for a higher score after bottling. Drink 2026 - 2048.
94 points
Panos Kakaviatos - DecanterFlowers, black raspberries, licorice, smoke, espresso, black cherries, and chocolate aromas create the complex aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is supple, creamy, and more importantly, energetic, with freshness, and elegant, creamy tannins. Long, intense, and concentrated, yet, light on its feet, the lingering finish keeps on going with its layers of ripe, sweet, fruits, salty chocolate, and espresso notes. Blending 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% ABV, 3.5 pH. Harvesting took place September 21 - October 15. Drink from 2029-2055.
96-98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2022 Chateau Valandraud Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$370. 00Bottle$4440.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2022 Valandraud is magnificent. Rich and sumptuous to the core, the 2022 offers up inky red/purplish fruit, blood orange, spice, mocha and espresso, with nearly seamless texture and fabulous balance. Bright acids and beams of tannin lend shape and energy. Jean-Luc Thunevin and Muriel Andraud crafted a wine that captures the textural opulence that first turned heads here, but with an added kick of energy that reflects a more contemporary approach and also the style of the year. There is absolutely no sign of the 100% new oak, always a good measure of balance. I imagine this full throttle Saint-Émilion will need a number of years to shed some of its considerable baby fat. The 2022 showed beautifully at Thunevin, but showed even better in a large comparative tasting. Yields were a very generous 50 hectoliters per hectare, very much on the high side here. Jean-Luc Thunevin adds that he may opt for slightly shorter élevage in barrel than the norm of around 18 months. Drink 2032-2052.
96-98 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis is very rich and flamboyant yet it remains bright and vivid with a lovely fine tannin structure running through the wine. Bright acidity with a pH of 3.55 gives this energy and focus. 88% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 6% cabernet sauvignon.
97-98 points
James SucklingTasted on multiple occasions, the 2022 Château Valandraud is based on 88% Merlot and the balance an even split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has incredible purity in its cassis and darker, almost blue fruits as well as notes of candied violets, licorice, and spicy oak. Full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, it has perfect tannins, a great mid-palate, and flawless balance. It reminds me of hypothetical blend of the 2010 and 2009, with perhaps plenty of similarities to the 2020 as well.
97-99 points
Jeb DunnuckSmells intensely perfumed and fragrant on the nose. Keeps much more of a linear, tense and focussed palate, with tangy fruit that has both sharp and crystalline aspects as well as toasted spice, liquorice and clove giving some savoury aspects. Appealing detail and precision, you can feel each of the fine tannins and the fruit has clarity as well as concentration. Intense, texture and structure are great and this has good persistence. Feels young of course and a bit compact but there's lots to like with layers of flavour and a long finish. Wears its 15.5% alcohol well with freshness and cool, minty, wet stone touches on the finish. A stallion! Harvest 15 September - 5 October. Ageing 18-24 months in 100% new oak. 3.55pH. Drink 2026 - 2046.
96 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterInky dark in color, the wine explodes from the glass with its bouquet of wild flowers, violets, camphor, cinnamon, saffron, licorice and plum liqueur. The nose rocks, but the palate takes it to a new level. Opulent fruits drenched in velvet with intensity, purity, and electric vibrancy. The fruit caresses, and coats your palate with almost surreal levels of fruit, that magically remain light on its feet. The seamless finish lingers, builds, and expands for almost 60 seconds. It was 9am when I tasted this, and after making sure nobody was looking, I drained my glass with pleasure. This is a new level of quality for Valandraud, and that is saying something. Blending 88% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.5% ABV, 3.55 pH. Harvesting took place September 15 - October 5. Drink from 2027-2055.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2025.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2021 Chateau ValandraudSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$340. 00Bottle$4080.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Opening in the glass with inviting aromas of dark berries, baking chocolate, exotic spices and vanilla pod, the 2021 Valandraud is a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy wine that's seamless and layered, exhibiting impressive concentration, beautifully ripe tannins and a long, succulent finish. Bursting with fruit, this is an especially elegant Valandraud, with below-average alcohol at 13.5%, but it doesn't lack for anything. Tasted four times, twice at the château.
93-94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)The 2021 Valandraud is compelling. Bright acids give the 2021 terrific purity and cut. The style of the year is perhaps a bit unusual for Valandraud, which tends to be an opulent wine, but there is a ton of potential. Aeration brings out the wine's natural texture and breadth. Wild dark cherry, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice all build nicely. In most vintages, Valandraud offers tons of near-term appeal. The 2021, on the other hand, is a long distance runner. Drink 2031-2046.
93-95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2021 Valandraud was picked October 3–15 and matured for a planned 18–24 months entirely in new oak. Again, this has quite an intense bouquet of perfumed blackberry, briar and mineral scents, the latter distinguishing it from the Virginie. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe, supple tannins that frame the pure, lightly spiced red berry fruit. More linear than previous vintages, yet fresh, this is well-defined toward the finish, where a pleasant spiciness carries over on the aftertaste. Drink 2029-2045.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - VinousFull-bodied with a silky yet very firm and broad tannin structure. Lots of ripe, cool blue-fruit and stone character. Red tea, too. Textured. Well balanced and focused for the vintage. Lovely length.
95-96 points
James SucklingThe Grand Vin 2021 Château Valandraud checks in as 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's still resting all in new barrels. Deep purple-hued, with rocking bouquet of ripe black and blue fruits, chocolate, spicy oak, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, velvety, ripe tannins, terrific mid-palate depth, and one heck of an impressive finish. Despite the new barrels, this wine leads with its fruit, has everything in the right places, and delivers notable freshness as well as a great finish. I'd put it up with any of the top wines out there.
94-97 points
Jeb DunnuckPut your nose in the glass and smell all the chocolate, espresso, black plums, black raspberry, licorice and wet earth. Deep garnet in color, the wine is plush, polished, silky and loaded with sweet, dark, ripe, lusciously-textured red fruits. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% ABV, pH 3.5. The harvest took place October 3 - October 15. drink from 2025-2048.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderA rich and hedonistic nose full of perfumed black fruits that are so beguiling. Smooth, supple and generous on the palate in every way - tannins are present and mouthfilling but do well to give the blackcurrant and black cherry frame in the mouth. The fruit has quite a high tone to it, stopping short of being sharp but really vibrant with sparky edges from the acidity and liquorice, clove, toasted wood and cinnamon spice. It's characterful with lots going on - well presented with elegance and a cool freshness throughout. It's the detail that is just so excellent here. It's still got a lot of youthful excitement but this has beautiful intention, direction and understated power. A bold and more hefty style for the vintage with clear confidence. Drinking Window 2026 - 2045.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter -
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2018 Chateau ValandraudSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$430. 00Bottle$5160.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Valandraud develops slowly from a base of warm black cherries, blackberry compote and preserved plums with a perfume of sandalwood, Indian spices, lavender, wilted roses, mocha and fruitcake plus wafts of woodsmoke and camphor. Full-bodied, the palate is rich, ripe and flamboyant with tons of opulent black and blue fruit layers, wonderfully curtailed by a firm frame of velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and very seductive.
95-97+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine AdvocateThis is richly fruited, with waves of fleshy raspberry, boysenberry and red currant cruising through, inlaid with singed vanilla and apple wood notes along the way. Shows density and cut through the finish, with a tug of tobacco at the end. This is dialed up to 11.
96-99 points
James Molesworth - Wine SpectatorThis is a fantastic young Bordeaux with superb depth of fruit and complex tannin structure. Hints of smoke, spice and toasted oak. Full body and firm, dusty tannins. Very long finish.
97-98 points
James SucklingThe 2018 Valandraud is magnificent. Unctuous and super-concentrated on the palate, the 2018 possesses off the charts richness. Crème de cassis, bittersweet chocolate, hard candy, lavender, menthol, licorice, mint and dark spice all meld together. The 2018 is quite shut down at this stage, which is probably a good thing for its long term prospects. The blend is 90% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec. This is the first time since the early 1990s that Malbec has appeared in the blend. Yields came in at 48 hectoliters per hectare, a touch above the 45 or so that is more customary here.
94-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousAnother great vintage for Jean-Luc Thunevin’s flagship wine, the 2018 Château Valandraud sports a glass-staining purple color as well as a mammoth-sized personality in its blue and black fruits, liquid violets, and graphite aromas and flavors. Possessing incredible depth and richness, full body, sweet tannins, and a finish that won’t quit, it’s one of the most hedonistic wines in the vintage, yet also possesses purity, balance, and elegance. It’s a thrilling, blockbuster to drink over the coming two decades or more.
96-98 points
Jeb Dunnuck -
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2021 Cheval des AndesMendoza, ARGENTINA$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2024-2034)ABV: 14%Closure: CorkCheval des Andes is the brainchild of Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc with the dream to follow the original Malbec vines from Bordeaux to Argentina. Malbec was brought to Argentina in the mid-19th century, and having avoided the phylloxera epidemic that swept through Europe, the ungrafted vines here represent a unique opportunity to express Malbec in a way not possible with the grafted vines found elsewhere. With this aim, Chateau Cheval Blanc started a joint venture with Terrazas de Los Andes in 1999 and Cheval des Andes was born. Since then, a predominantly Malbec, Bordeaux-style blend has become the signature of Cheval des Andes. The 2021 vintage is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot.
Dense midnight black heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Alluring scents of blackcurrant, red liquorice, blueberry and violet captivates the olfactory senses. Lending further complexity are notions of earth, subtle tobacco, vanillin cedar, fresh herbs and spice. Delightfully refined in its feel, a gorgeous wave of red to black currant, blueberry, plum and red liquorice fruits are layered across the mid weighted palate. Showing beautiful polish and harmony it has fine grained tannins which contribute substantial structure. Dried herb, vanillin cedar, earth and spice elements lie beneath. Superb power with a long fruit loaded finish that shows a cool toned freshness and great finesse.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews…..
The finest vintage of this wine I've tasted, the 2021 Cheval Des Andes is based on 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, and the balance Petit Verdot. It has a decidedly Bordeaux-like nose of ripe currants, leafy tobacco, cedarwood, and a kiss of flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It has this remarkable sense of purity and class, and while it's incredible today (especially with a decant), I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve gracefully for two decades. Drink 2024-2044.
98 points
JebDunnuck.comComplex aromas of blueberries, pie crust, fresh flowers and currant bush with hints of baking spices like nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that are integrated and gorgeous. Graceful and refined, with super length. Interestingly, 20% of the wine was aged in large oak casks (2,500 liters), mostly from Slovenia. Try after 2027 but a joy to taste now.
98 points
JamesSuckling.comThe 2021 Cheval des Andes is seductive and savory on the nose, leading with pure, earth-tinged aromas of pipe tobacco, turned soil, dried herbs and rich yet composed dark fruits. Exotic, dark spice notes and a pleasantly integrated framing of new oak accents appear with further aeration. The palate is deliciously supple and impressively layered, with a harmonious, long and ever-expanding finish that highlights extreme delicacy. The tannins are persistent yet composed, gently yet persistently lengthening the finish and melding nicely with the vibrant acidity underneath—a beautiful combination of savory charm, serious depth and focused intensity. It's a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot that spent an average of 12-13 months in 50% barrique, 30% demi-muid and 20% foudre. Drink 2025-2033.
97 points
Matthew Luczy – Robert Parker’s The Wine AdvocateLight and elegant, the 2021 Cheval des Andes is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot. It achieves a feat that only cool years can provide: smooth texture, agile palate and just the right amount of freshness for a nuanced build. As it breathes, it begins to reveal notes of fresh cherry and plum, with a hint of menthol, maraschino cherries and a touch of pepper. It opens further with aromas of sandalwood and oak that complete the framework. This is a somewhat leaner, more ethereal Cheval than other years, but it has a higher level of precision. It's a wine inspired by Bordeaux, executed in a Bordeaux style, with Mendoza terroir. A wine without edges, it’s a polished red in the early stages of a long, balanced life. Drink 2026-2040.
97 points
Joaquin Hidalgo - Vinous -
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2020 Cheval des AndesMendoza, ARGENTINA$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2023-2033)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkCheval des Andes is the brainchild of Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc with the dream to follow the original Malbec vines from Bordeaux to Argentina. Malbec was brought to Argentina in the mid-19th century, and having avoided the phylloxera epidemic that swept through Europe, the ungrafted vines here represent a unique opportunity to express Malbec in a way not possible with the grafted vines found elsewhere. With this aim, Chateau Cheval Blanc started a joint venture with Terrazas de Los Andes in 1999 and Cheval des Andes was born. Since then, a predominantly Malbec, Bordeaux-style blend has become the signature of Cheval des Andes. The 2020 vintage is a blend of 49% Malbec, 49% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. A potent mix of black cherry, blackcurrant and liquorice scents greet the nostrils followed by hints of ripe blueberry, spicy vanillin cedar, dusty earth, provincial herbs and traces of graphite. Rich, mouthfilling and powerful, a tidal wave of black cherry, liquorice, blackcurrant and blueberry fruits engulf the palate. Beautifully integrated graphite like tannins lend polish and provide an exemplary framework. Earth, tobacco, vanillin cedar, black olives and spicy dried herbs form the underbelly. There’s a refined edge to the long, gorgeously seductive conclusion.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews....
The 2020 Cheval des Andes was harvested from the last of February for the first time ever. It was Gabillet's second vintage at Cheval des Andes, and that year, he had to start without waiting for Pierre Olivier Clouet and Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc; when they arrived, they had finished picking the Malbec, which surprisingly was fresher in Las Compuertas (because of the higher percentage of clay?) than in Altamira (where the vines suffered more stress), saving the freshness. They now harvest using cold trucks (for the first time), and they also started earlier in the morning (six in the morning, impossible earlier in Mendoza...), which he reckons was very good for the precision of the wine. They used 40% 225-liter barrels, 40% 400-liter oak barrels and 20% 2,500-liter foudres, half of them new and with an élevage of 15 months on average, depending on the lots and varieties from 12 to 18 months. The final blend was 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, which makes a comeback as it was not used since 2016. The key was to finish the fermentation of the Petit Verdot without skins, and that way, they have been able to use it in the blends of 2021, 2022 and 2023 in small but increasing percentages. This is slightly riper than 2019, with a little more alcohol (14.5%) and with very good structural tannins but saving the freshness, and it has the spicy side from the Petit Verdot (Gabillet talks about white pepper). The wine has the ultra sleek and polished texture and the elegance and the balance that is the signature here; the wine is very clean and precise. I see very good regularity across the three vintages I tasted next to each other—this 2020 and the 2018 and 2019. Overall, this is a triumph over the adverse conditions of the vintage. They produced their usual 100,000 bottles (since 2018), as they are renewing their vineyards and want to keep the volume stable. They produce this volume from the 36 productive hectares they have in Las Compuertas and Altamira. Drink 2024-2034.
98 points
Luis Gutierrez – Robert Parker’s The Wine AdvocateRipe, baked dark cherries with spices and some violets. Hints of graphite, cocoa powder, incense and black pepper. Dried rose petals. A slightly fuller Cheval des Andes with tense, silky tannins and a lingering, generous finish. Ripe, but still has lots of restraint and precision. 49% malbec, 49% cabernet sauvignon with a 2% petit verdot. 24% of the malbec comes from Altamira and all the rest of the fruit come from Las Compuertas. Drink or hold.
97 points
JamesSuckling.comThe 2020 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley and Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo. Aged in French oak barrels, it's purple in the glass with a garnet sheen. The nose reveals a well-judged approach to the warmth of 2020, featuring ripe plum, redcurrant, mint and hints of white pepper over a bed of bay leaf and cedar. It's dry and velvety on the palate, with rich, polished tannins that deliver a juicy, balanced mouthfeel. The balsamic notes and rich palate reflect the year's character, while the finish is dynamic and long-lasting. Drink 2025-2035.
96 points
Joaquin Hidalgo - Vinous -
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2019 Cheval des AndesMendoza, ARGENTINA$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenCellar: 8 - 10 Years (2031-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: CorkCheval des Andes is the brainchild of Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc with the dream to follow the original Malbec vines from Bordeaux to Argentina. Malbec was brought to Argentina in the mid-19th century, and having avoided the phylloxera epidemic that swept through Europe, the ungrafted vines here represent a unique opportunity to express Malbec in a way not possible with the grafted vines found elsewhere. With this aim, Chateau Cheval Blanc started a joint venture with Terrazas de Los Andes in 1999 and Cheval des Andes was born. Since then, a predominantly Malbec, Bordeaux-style blend has become the signature of Cheval des Andes. The 2019 vintage though is made of an equal blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, under the new French winemaker, Gerald Gabillet.
A 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Closed at first but becoming more expressive with time in the glass are blackcurrant and red cherry aromas infused with a mix of graphite and black olives which followed by some dusty pencil shaving like notes, tobacco and spicy herbs. Much more open for business than the nose, the medium to full bodied palate is immersed in rich red to black currant and black cherry fruits which are delivered with driving length. Notions of black olive, dried herbs, earthy graphite, tobacco and spicy cedar linger on the back half. Agile acidity and finely structured tannins tighten up the long refined finish.
Cellar 8-10 years plus.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews....
The 2019 Cheval des Andes had a more reductive vinification and élevage, making the wine a bit shy and in need of time to open up, as one of their objectives was to make it more age-worthy. Another objective is to get to a 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, which they achieved in this vintage for the first time, going back to the initial character of the wine that was the idea of Argentinean winemaker Roberto de la Mota; so, they are closing the circle and going back to the initial idea, with more implication from the Cheval Blanc team. This is the first vintage fully under the charge of the new French winemaker, Gerald Gabillet, who fermented by plot, isolating some specific parts of the vineyard, like the borders where you tend to get higher yields because of the irrigation. It matured in 225- and 400-liter oak barrels and in oak vats. They used more barrels and vats from Stockinger, which they like and rotate; the wine spends an average of 13 to 14 months in oak, but some lots get 11 months and others get 16. 2019 was a mild vintage, cooler than 2017 and warmer than 2018, with rain at the right time, which helped to avoid hydric stress, and without extremes (which they had in 2020 with three weeks of extreme heat). The wine is young and tender and a bit oaky, which Gerald attributed to the reductiveness; it's ripe without excess, with around 14.2% alcohol, mellow acidity and velvety tannins. There's more Cabernet here, so the aromatic expression can be something between 2017 and 2018, but Cabernet marks the palate a lot and makes the wine more age-worthy, as it provides the structure and length that the Malbec lacks. So, the wine might be less accessible when young and should develop slowly in bottle. It's tasty and supple and has the ingredients and the balance for what they are aiming for. In the following vintages, they follow this path, and Gabillet feels that having more precision allows the wines to reflect the differences between vintages better. They keep producing around 100,000 bottles. It was bottled in late January 2021. The way they want to describe the wine is the Argentinean expression of Cheval Blanc. And I can only agree. Drink: 2023-2035.
98 points
Luis Gutierrez - Wine AdvocateA refined but spicy Cheval, showing charcoal, blueberries, wild herbs, lavender and hints of bacon and cedar. Medium to full body with extremely fine tannins that get dialed into the fruit with violet, spices and sweet blue fruit at the end. Long and subtle. Drink or hold.
97 points
James SucklingThe 2019 Cheval des Andes is a 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira, Mendoza. The 2019 was 40% aged in 225-liter barrels, 40% in 500-liter barrels and 20% in foudres. It’s red with violet flecks in the glass. It has a fresh nose of plum and blackcurrant accompanied by hints of white pepper, mint and violets over a bed of cedar and sandalwood. On the palate, the feel is finely grained with a leaner, more agile flow than in previous years, while the freshness brings plenty of energy before the lengthy finish of fruit and country herb aromas. Drink: 2024-2035.
97 points
Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous -
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2022 Chevalier DelaudeLanguedoc, FRANCE$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 15%Closure: Diam CorkRich, dense and lush yet robust, this bold red delivers an authentic Languedoc experience at just $14.99.
A blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre sourced from an estate located between Corbieres and Minervois. Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Intense black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry scents intermix with scorched earth, pepper and herb du Provence notes. Rich, lush and bold, the weighty palate is a super concentrate of black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry fruits which are framed by ripe chewy tannins. Notions of scorched earth, infusions of herbs du Provence and pepper are interwoven throughout the back half. Boasting superb power and textural density it concludes long and deep with a robust feel.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15%Other Reviews…..
Succulent and concentrated with flawless blackberry fruit melded with black pepper and dried herbs. The lush richness is tempered by silky smooth tannins and clearly defined structure.
95 points
Decanter World Wine AwardsDepth of flavours and complexity in the wine - leads to notes of attractive cherry red fruit, black plum, white pepper. Inky, vibrant, vein of minerality. Opaque, intense damson and liquorice, sprinkle of herbs, plummy fruit and tightly structured.
95 points
International Wine ChallengeSuperbly ripe and richly expressed, the bouquet shows blackberry, smoked game, potpourri, and roasted hazelnut aromas. The palate is equally impressive with terrific weight and concentration, wonderfully framed by plump mouthfeel and beautifully melded tannins, making it highly enjoyable. At its best: now to 2037.
95 points
Sam KimThis is a wine that shows what can be achieved in the Languedoc. It's a generous wine chock full of rich, concentrated ripe black fruits complemented with a sprinkle of dried herbs and a little pepper. It's rich and has a juicy succulence which makes the palate so appealing with a combination of ripe plummy fruits, a little dark chocolate, and an edge of licorice. Fine tannins provide the core to support the fruit as it drives through to a sustained finish. An impressive wine offering great value for this quality.
94 points
Ray Jordan - WinePilot.com -
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2017 E. Pira (Chiara Boschis) Barolo MosconiPiedmont, ITALY$210. 00Bottle$2520.00 DozenABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkThe Boschis family purchased E.Pira & Figli in 1981, propelling the young Chiara into a role significantly different to that intended with her economics degree. The family were proprietors of Barolo’s historic Giacomo Borgogno estate, where Chiara originally learnt her winemaking skills. Her philosophy is to craft wines that marry the extraordinary power of Barolo with approachability and the Pira wines are all about elegance, great aromatics and lush textures. This has been achieved through strict vineyard management, careful selection and impeccable vinification techniques. In her vineyards, Chiara has always worked without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides and the wines have been certified organic since the 2014 vintage.
Other Reviews....
Made with organically grown clones of Michel and Lampia, the E Pira-Chiara Boschis 2017 Barolo Mosconi softly presents bright berry aromas, raspberry, wild cherry, crushed limestone and delicate floral tones of lilacs and violets. Like other wines from this hot vintage, this expression from the Mosconi cru in Monforte d'Alba has that unique floral signature that is precious and unexpected. The wine shows great depth and balance with a pretty intensity that spreads over the palate. The tannins are dry with some dustiness, but the mouthfeel is spot-on in terms of length and polish. Drink 2024 - 2042.
94 points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (June 2021)The 2017 Barolo Mosconi is a powerful, brooding wine. Black cherry, gravel, dried herbs, scorched earth, spice and leather add to an impression of gravitas. This is an especially somber, potent Barolo that needs time to soften. Even so, it will always be a brute. The substantial finish is a thing of beauty. The Barolo Mosconi emerges from the estates oldest vines, which are 70-80 years old, and is aged in barrique. Drink 2025 - 2037.
95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousVery fresh, sweet raspberries with some floral undertones follow through to a full body with fine, creamy tannins that flow long and linear through the middle of the palate. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2024.
95 points
James Suckling -
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2017 E. Pira (Chiara Boschis) Barolo Via NuovaPiedmont, ITALY$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkThe Boschis family purchased E.Pira & Figli in 1981, propelling the young Chiara into a role significantly different to that intended with her economics degree. The family were proprietors of Barolo’s historic Giacomo Borgogno estate, where Chiara originally learnt her winemaking skills. Her philosophy is to craft wines that marry the extraordinary power of Barolo with approachability and the Pira wines are all about elegance, great aromatics and lush textures. This has been achieved through strict vineyard management, careful selection and impeccable vinification techniques. In her vineyards, Chiara has always worked without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides and the wines have been certified organic since the 2014 vintage.
Via Nuova was originally made solely from the Terlo vineyard on the hill behind the winery that overlooks the village of Barolo. Since the 2009 vintage, Chiara decided to keep the name but blend this juice with the new parcels from Liste (also in Barolo), Mosconi and Ravera (Monforte) and Gabutti and Baudana (Serralunga).
Other Reviews....
This classic wine represents a traditional blend of sites including Barolo (Terlo and Liste), Monforte d'Alba (Ravera and Mosconi) and Serralunga d'Alba (Gabutti and Baudana). The organic E Pira-Chiara Boschis 2017 Barolo Via Nuova reveals ripe cherry and raspberry that greet you with a bright, fruit-forward bouquet. I feel the hot-vintage fruit ripeness more in this release than I did in the smaller releases of Mosconi or Cannubi. The wine is slender and elegant in terms of mouthfeel, with a good, polished feel and some subtle bite from the tannins on the close. There are some grassy notes and a spicy point of crushed black pepper as well. Drink 2024 - 2042.
93 points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (June 2021)The 2017 Barolo Via Nuova is stellar. In 2017, the Via Nuova is a bit nervous, the sign of a Barolo that is going to need a number of years to unwind. Bright red-toned fruit, chalk, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper add pretty aromatic top notes. As always, the Via Nuova is the most taut Barolo in the range. Via Nuova is a blend of seven vineyard sites; Terlo, Paiagallo and Liste (in Barolo); Ravera and Mosconi (in Monforte); and Gabutti and Baudana (in Serralunga). Drink 2025 - 2037.
94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousGorgeous aromas of dried flowers and strawberries with some cherries and hints of iron. Full-bodied. Chewy and creamy-textured at the same time. Attractive berry and walnut aftertaste. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2025.
96 points
James Suckling - 2019 E. Pira (Chiara Boschis) Barbera d'Alba SuperiorePiedmont, ITALY$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 14%Closure: Cork
The Boschis family purchased E.Pira & Figli in 1981, propelling the young Chiara into a role significantly different to that intended with her economics degree. The family were proprietors of Barolo’s historic Giacomo Borgogno estate, where Chiara originally learnt her winemaking skills. Her philosophy is to craft wines that marry the extraordinary power of Barolo with approachability and the Pira wines are all about elegance, great aromatics and lush textures. This has been achieved through strict vineyard management, careful selection and impeccable vinification techniques. In her vineyards, Chiara has always worked without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides and the wines have been certified organic since the 2014 vintage.
From Monforte (Mosconi and Ravera) and Serralunga (Gabutti), and aged in old barriques for 16 months, this is elegant and taut with classic Barbera acidity and bite.
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2021 Chionetti San LuigiPiedmont, ITALY$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2023-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA 100% Dolcetto farmed organically. Deep dark purple black colour with a youthful looking purple red hue. Attractive freshly crushed dark cherry, violet and red liquorice scents greet the nose with some earthy incense and fresh herb notes also chiming in. Fresh juicy cherry and red liquorice fruits sit over an inky back drop of earth, infusions of incense and fresh herbs. Dry, slightly chalky finish with vibrant acidity and a tightly knit tannin framework. Concludes youthfully fresh, elegant and inky.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Ciavolich Montepulciano d’AbruzzoMontepulciano D'Abruzzo, ITALY$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2024-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Synthetic CorkDeep black dark red core with a dark red hue. Freshly crushed dark cherry and liquorice aromas emanate from the glass trailed by some fresh herb, vanillin spice, delicate earth and cinnamon notes. Mid weighted with an appealing freshness the palate features dark cherry and liquorice characters over earthy vanillin spice and subtle cinnamon. Grainy, slightly dryish tannins with bright acidity and a generously fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 92
- Organic
- Biodynamic
2021 Cigliano di Sopra Chianti ClassicoTuscany, ITALY$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkDeep dark red black colour with a vibrant dark red hue. Spicy red currant aromas mix with Mediterranean herbs, subtle tobacco and earth. The fresh mid weighted palate features red currant and ripe red cherry flavours over a Mediterranean herb infused back drop of tobacco, earth and spice. Bright acidity and grainy tannins provide the structure. Spicy red fruited conclusion.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 92
2016 ClarendelleBordeaux, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkA blend of 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. Totally opaque black as night heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Lifted ripe blackcurrant and dark cherry aromas mix with vanillin cedar, dusty earth, faint tobacco and spice notes. Medium bodied the palate features red to dark currant and red cherry flavours over spicy cedar, dusty earth and tobacco characters. Slightly dryish finish with fine grained tannins and an elegant mid length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 98
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- Nick's Import
2021 Clos ApaltaColchagua Valley, CHILE$270. 00Bottle$3240.00 DozenClosure: CorkThe vineyard, planted in the 1910s using a unique French massal selection, is located in the Apalta Valley, near the town of Santa Cruz on the western side of the Colchagua Valley. In 1994 the property was acquired by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, with a vision to highlight the exceptional terroir of Apalta drawing upon their French expertise. Clos Apalta was born soon after, in 1997, as the iconic wine of the Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle in Chile. The team is currently led by Charles de Bournet, the son of the founders and 7th generation.
Other Reviews....
Extremely aromatic with red currants, blackcurrants, spices, iodine, paprika and subtle hints of white pepper. Fresh flowers, fresh sage, lavender and some pine needles and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with perfectly integrated tannins that go on for minutes with refined and harmonious fruit that integrates beautifully into the wine, giving it a weightless structure that shows class and verve. Endless balance and length. It’s so balanced that you could drink it now but it will age for decades. A blend of 75% carmenere, 18% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot. Best after 2028.
100 points
James SucklingThe 2021 Clos Apalta comprises 75% Carménère, with the remainder filled out by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, sourced from the eponymous Apalta Vineyard. It was aged for 24 months in oak barrels, two-thirds of which were new. This dark purple wine reveals nuanced aromas of graphite, herbs, dried plums and blackberry marmalade, complemented by mint, boldo and garrigue-like notes over a green bell pepper layer. Plush and ample on the palate, it is lifted by a mild refreshing quality that adds a rare nimbleness to its flow. This long-lasting red is a serious wine, less influenced by Michel Rolland's style than in other years, as the fresh vintage imparted a lighter, less ripe and more expressive character. Clos Apalta is one of those rare Chilean wines that reliably showcases the characteristics of each vintage while maintaining a consistent house style. That steadiness is a boon for consumers, as it allows them to appreciate the impact of different vintages, which is a significant part of the allure of high-quality wines. Drink: 2028 - 2040.
98 points
Joaquin Hidalgo - Vinous -
- 96
- 96
- Nick's Import
2021 Clos Apalta Le Petit ClosColchagua Valley, CHILE$94. 99Bottle$1139.88 DozenClosure: CorkLe Petit Clos, the second wine of Clos Apalta, was created with the vintage 2014 and originates from the same vineyard as its older sibling. As a result it benefits from the exact same care both in the vineyard and in the cellar.
Other Reviews....
A nice touch of baked cherries and dark chocolate to the deep blackberry fruit. Ink and a touch of graphite and dried herbs. Full-bodied and pretty powerful with fine-grained tannins and a long, extensive finish. 68% carmenere, 16% cabernet sauvignon,15% merlot and 1% cabernet franc. Give it two more years to let the fruit settle more. Drink or hold.
96 points
James SucklingEmbracing a Bordeaux-style approach, Le Petit Clos is the second wine of Clos Apalta. The 2021 Le Petit Clos combines 68% Carménère, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, all sourced from the Apalta Vineyard in Colchagua. Displaying a purple hue in the glass, it exhibits a ripe character mellowed by the fresh nature of the vintage. It offers plum and blackberry aromas along with bay leaf, boldo and menthol hints over an ashy marmalade core. Indulgent, plush and rich on the palate, the soft and overwhelming mouthfeel lingers long with a precise, juicy and slightly refreshing personality. The 2021 vintage is indeed a standout for Clos Apalta. Drink: 2024 - 2038.
96 points
Joaquin Hidalgo - Vinous -
- 92
2022 Clos Cibonne Tradition Tibouren RoseProvence, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkClos Cibonne, a distinguished estate in the Côtes de Provence AOP, is the southernmost of the 18 Cru Classé growers in the region. Its 15 hectares of vineyards are positioned just 800 meters from the coast, nestled within hillsides that open toward the sea. This unique location allows for excellent air circulation, extending the grape-growing season and cooling the vines. The soil here is a blend of schist and clay.
The Tradition Rose is produced from the most historic section of the Clos Cibonne estate, composed of 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache grapes, reflecting the traditional rosé-making methods from a century ago, before modernization took hold. Following fermentation, the wine is matured on the lees under a layer of flor-yeast for one year in 100-year-old oak (5000L) foudres.Other Reviews....
A blend of 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache, all matured in ancient barrels (some are over 100 years old), the 2022 Cotes de Provence Rose Tibouren Cuvee Tradition evokes aromas of tangerine, exotic fruits, rose petal, lychee, sweet spices, thyme, ginger and a delicate touch of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, with a succulent entry, the wine is perfectly balanced, fleshy and juicy on the palate, with a long, salty, mouthwatering finish. This well-made, forward, balanced beauty will drink well all summer long and much more. Drink 2023 - 2024.
92 Points
Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
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- 90
- Nick's Import
2023 Clos de l'Oratoire Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Aromas of cherries, dark chocolate, spices and violets introduce the 2023 Clos de l'Oratoire, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine that's charming and harmonious on the attack, displaying a touch of youthfully grippy tannin on the finish. The blend contains fully 25% Cabernet Franc.
90-92 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)The 2023 Clos de l'Oratoire is one of the most changed wines in the Neipperg portfolio. An increase in Cabernet Franc is immediately evident in the wine's explosive bouquet and overall energy. Rose petal, sage, mint, dried flowers and orange peel race across the palate. Clos de l'Oratoire is absolutely beguiling in 2023. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. Drink 2030-2043.
92-95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis shows tight tannins and a racy feel, with floral, black-cherry and dark-fruit notes in both the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied with a refined and complex nature. Long and true. Finesse with depth.
94-95 points
James SucklingThe 2023 Clos De L'Oratoire is another beautiful wine from this team. Black raspberries, cassis, spring flowers, spicy oak, and graphite all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, elegant, polished mouthfeel and outstanding length.
92-95 points
Jeb DunnuckSmooth and supple, great energy and movement, a lovely chalky but ripe body with textured tannins and a fresh crunchy plum, cranberry and cherry fruit presence. I like the styling, it’s full but equally quite tense and straight. Ends minty and lifted with elegance and finesse. Drink 2028 - 2040.
92 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterFlowers, black raspberries, incense, and licorice fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is supple, creamy, fresh, and vibrant. The fruits show the influence of the Cabernet Franc with their spice, and floral edge. There is lift to the sweet, ripe, round berries on the mid-palate, and in the finish. The wine blends 75% Merlot, with 25% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% ABV. Drink from 2027-2042.
93-95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page. -
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2020 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du PapeChateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Proprietor Paul-Vincent Avril expects to bottle 100,000 bottles of something approximating this "final blend," tasted out of foudre. A blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah and other permitted varieties, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape looked exceptional on this day, offering up scents of framboise and kirsch alongside dried flowers and Asian spices. Full-bodied yet weightless, silky and long, this is special stuff, complex and balanced. Drink: 2022-2040.
96-98 points
Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (May 2022)The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape showed brilliantly and is certainly one of the stars in the vintage. Based on 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah and other permitted varieties, it shines for its elegance and purity, offering a wonderful core of red and black fruits, medium to full body, silky, incredibly polished tannins, flawless balance, and already complex notes of flowers, sappy garrigue, Provençal spice. It has the estate's incredible ability to bring wonderful intensity and richness while staying graceful and seamless. It reminds me slightly of the 2012, possibly the 2006, and while it already offers pleasure, it will evolve for 20+ years in cold cellars. Drink: 2022-2044.
96 points
Jeb DunnuckBeguiling, with a plume of black tea and incense leading off, followed by black cherry reduction, cassis, melted black licorice, warm earth, singed tobacco and garrigue accents. Offers breadth and depth with a seamless feel, capped by a subtle mineral edge that lingers lengthily amid the beautiful fruit. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2040.
97 points
James Molesworth - Wine SpectatorA very Clos des Papes vintage,' says Vincent Avril, and I know what he means - a vintage that naturally delivers the kind of fresh, elegant wines that this estate is famous for. A tasting of several foudres point to a wine with natural, easy balance. The Mourvèdre is excellent here this year, and adds great depth to the fresh and delightful Grenache that has notes of black tea, black cherry and iron. Elegant and very fine. Drink: 2023-2042.
98 points
Matt Walls - Decanter -
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- 95
2018 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du PapeChateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 15%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Bursting with striking red-fruit aromas and delicate cinnamon, clove and star anise notes, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is another terrific vintage from this estate. While certainly full-bodied and powerful, it's also lithe and silky, with an almost airy feel on the palate that translates into great elegance on the lengthy finish.
95 points
Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Sep 2020)Deep magenta. Intensely perfumed, mineral-tinged raspberry and cherry preserve scents are complicated by garrigue and Moroccan spice nuances. Juicy and appealingly sweet, displaying fleshy red fruit liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Smoothly balances richness and energy and finishes extremely long and sappy, with smooth, harmonious tannins and a strong echo of candied flowers.
94-96 points
Josh Raynolds - VinousDue to devastating yields, there’s not much of the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape to go around, but it’s going to be worth the extra effort to track down. Based on 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah (and a splash of other permitted varieties), it offers a textbook, classic Châteauneuf du Pape nose of mulled red and black fruits, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, and saddle leather. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied Clos des Papes that has thrillingly polished tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Made in a style similar to the 1999, 2004, and maybe a kiss of the 2006, it has the beautiful elegance (again, a Grand Cru Burgundy comes to mind) paired with plenty of intensity and length. I doubt it will shut down and it’s going to evolve nicely for 15-20 years or more.
96 points
Jeb Dunnuck