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British Navy Pussers Rum 151 Overproof Navy Rum (700ml)GUYANA$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 75.5%Note: the cork is susceptible to breaking when removing the stopper from this product. You may need a cork screw to remove the remaining cork from the neck of the bottle. Have a substitute cork or stopper on standby.
Matured for three years in first-fill Bourbon barrels and released at an eye-watering strength - as it was traditionally shipped to the Royal Navy victualling yards in Deptford, Gosport, and Devonport for blending and dilution. The nose opens with pungent Indian spices and evolves to molasses-drenched fruit cake, papaya, peel-heavy marmalade, dates, coffee beans and dark chocolate in a punchy but classic Demerara whiff that's ultimately Armagnac-like. Tasted without dilution, the flavours are intense, alcohol-charged, bittersweet, tropical, estery, resiny and complex. Tactile and almost unctuous to finish, striking a deeply satisfying balance in spite of the extreme ABV, this high-octane, gorilla of a rum guarantees to blast tropical cocktails into the stratosphere. Nothing has been added before bottling. (We recommend tasting, but not drinking it straight). 75.5% Alc./Vol.
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Taittinger Les Folies de La Marquetterie ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$150. 00Bottle$1800.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
(55% pinot noir and 45% chardonnay, from a single vineyard in Pierry, due south of Epernay and near Cuis; L1202FC00100): Pale gold. Red berries, rose and orange peel on the fragrant, floral-accented nose and in the mouth. Sappy and broad, with very good depth and an energizing note of chalky minerals. Gains weight with air and finishes with excellent breadth, clarity and lingering mineral and honeysuckle notes.
92 Points
Josh Raynolds - Antonio Galloni's VinousThis is a fruity Champagne with cooked-apple, strawberry and pear flavors. Round and easy with freshness and softness. Opulent and lightly tannic. Crushed white pepper. Minerally. Tension. A higher percentage of pinot noir here. Drink now.
91 Points
JamesSuckling.com (January 2022)The latest release of Taittinger's NV Brut Folies de la Marquetterie is showing superbly, bursting from the glass with aromas of fresh bread, crisp stone fruit, buttered toast, citrus oil and mirabelle plums. Full-bodied, vinous and fleshy, with an enveloping core of fruit, racy acids and a pillowy pinpoint mousse, it's a gourmand, concentrated wine with the substance to evolve with grace in the cellar. Drink 2021 - 2038.
94 Points
William Kelley - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (September 2021)This special cuvée comes from the vineyards surrounding the Château de la Marquetterie in Reims. With a part aged in wood, the wine has fine bottle aging and toastiness giving it richness as well as bringing out the ripe lemon and red-apple flavors. It is a beautifully balanced wine that is ready to drink.
94 Points
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2019 Thierry et Pascale Matrot Meursault-Blagny Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Here the ripe aromas are completely dominated by sulfur which understandably blurs the nuance. More interesting are the super-sleek and beautifully well-detailed flavors that exhibit fine punch on the citrusy and agreeably dry but somewhat one-dimensional finish. This is awkward today though there does not appear to be any particular reason that it shouldn't properly clean up. Drink 2027+.
89-92 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe 2019 Meursault Blagny 1er Cru, which comes from the same climat as the red (though that cannot be stated on the label), has a well-defined, fragrant praline and almond-tinged bouquet. The palate is taut and fresh with a fine bead of acidity. Lightly spiced with ginger and a touch of rhubarb, it feels quite linear at the moment and does not quite kick on toward the finish. Give it the benefit of the doubt and afford it 2–3 years in bottle. Drink 2023 - 2034.
89-91 points
Neal Martin - VinousPale lemon and lime. A more restrained nose, far from the madding crowd of 2019, this Meursault-Blagny has kept its freshness. It offers greater tensile strength than the village Meursault, but not significantly more volume. Lemon apple finish.
90-93 points
Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy -
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Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - DAMAGED GIFT BOXIslay, SCOTLANDReduced from $129.99$124. 99Bottle$1499.88 DozenABV: 46.3%Other reviews... Toiteach A Dhà means ‘smoky two’ in Gaelic and follows the previously released Toiteach. The nose opens with aromatic smoke and brine, while red berries, caramel, nutmeg, and cloves develop. Significantly greater sherry wood influence on the palate compared to the last version, plus Jaffa oranges, pipe tobacco, nougat, cloves, black pepper, and smoked fish. Medium to long in the finish, with drying sherry, oak, pepper, salt, and dark chocolate. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith (Spring 2020)
A heavyweight malt which first thumps you as hard as possible with unreconstructed peat.... Eschews subtley and charm for impact. But have to say it's a great improvement on the previous Toiteach." 46.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 86 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021
Notes from the producers... Nose: Intriguing peatiness with hints of sherry and rich oak. Palate: Immediate warming peatiness drift to a sweet Oloroso sherry influence with rich oak, balanced with delicate pepper. Finish: Robust length for the discerning palate.
- Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen 13 Year Old A Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)UNITED STATES$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 46.5%
Widow Jane Distillery is located in the center of Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood. First offered under their private single-barrel program, the Lucky Thirteen label now joins Widow Jane’s core offerings at 93 proof. Cherry picked by President and Head Distiller, Lisa Wicker, no more than a handful of barrels of will make it to market at a given time. Wicker notes that the final blend consists of straight bourbons from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. “The resulting whiskey,” she adds, “has a rich mouthfeel and lingering finish.”
While Widow Jane have begun to distill in-house, a good portion of this was likely sourced from MGP (It should be noted, older MGP barrels are seeing increasingly high demand and less availability, so they're by no means cutting corners). Bottled non chill filtered. 46.5% Alc./Vol. * Batch numbers may vary without notice.Other reviews... [Batch 1 tasted] Aromas of dried herbs and new leather waft above grape jam, candied raspberries, and cherry cough drops, with more candied notes emerging over time. Water accentuates the cherry flavors, but also brings forth dry, earthy elements of hayloft and fresh-cut grass. Slightly abrupt on the finish, but this is certainly a concentrated and flavorful whiskey with luscious dark berry, cinnamon bun, café au lait, and loads of savory spice. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2021
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Laphroaig Port Wood Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 48%After closing for nine weeks during the 2020 pandemic, Laphroaig are back on track. The brand continues to be the most popular peated single malt in the world, as well as Islay's number one seller since it peaked at four million bottles in 2021. The in-house malt spec remains extremely high at 50-60ppm, while Port Allen maltings cover the shortfall delivering barley at 45ppm.
70% of Laphroaig's output is now dedicated to single malt with the remainder reserved for blends. No surprise that the core range has been steadily expanding over the last decade. Here's another, echoing its predecessor, 'Brodir' which it now replaces. This soft and well-rounded dram promises aromas and flavours of red berries, seaweed and smoky peat. So far as we know, it's the same liquid as was going into Brodir, which was originally a European Travel Retail exclusive. 48% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Probably one of the most old-fashioned Islay warehouse aromas I have ever encountered; that incomparable mix of smoke, oak and grape hanging thickly in a moist salty air...this is a big Laphroaig at its most brooding and taciturn. Not for when you are at your most frivolous. 91.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020
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2019 Castello dei Rampolla Liu MerlotTuscany, ITALY$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkCastello dei Rampolla is located in Panzano’s famous Conca d’Oro or ‘golden basin” district, an amphitheater of striking, pristine hillside vineyards in Tuscany. The di Napoli family has owned Rampolla since 1739, and Alceo di Napoli inherited the estate in 1965. At the time, Rampolla was essentially a summer residence. Wheat, olive trees and other mixed crops were cultivated, but there were no vineyards. With the assistance of Piero Antinori amongst others, Alceo began making and bottling wines under the Rampollo label in 1975. Rampolla are now a reference point for the highest level of quality that does not fit into Chianti Classico or Brunello for Tuscany.
Other Reviews....
The 2019 Merlot Liu' is another outrageously beautiful wine from Rampolla. Deep, inky and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous energy to match its purity of fruit. Blueberry, spice, leather, menthol and espresso build into the potent, tannic finish. Readers will find a serious Merlot packed with fruit and structure. Rampolla planted Merlot in 2000 and 2003 to soften Sammarco, but the vines turned out to be more productive than expected, giving birth to the Liu'. The 2019 was aged in cement and terracotta. I am not entirely sure how the Liu' will mature, but I also doubt that will be much a concern for the vast majority of readers. Drink 2022 - 2034.
94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe Castello dei Rampolla 2019 Liù is a relatively new wine (the first vintage made was the 2018) and a pure expression of Merlot. The wine is generously endowed with lots of fruit flavor and a distinctive punchiness that adds a bright and lifted quality to the bouquet. It sports a mid-weight approach with plenty of summer fresh cherry, plum and other purple fruits. It's hard not to feel immediately attracted to this wine, especially given its very vivid and bright personality. You'll have a lot of fun drinking Liù straight out of the gate or likewise waiting for it to complete its bottle evolution. Drink 2022 - 2038.
94+ points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (Oct 2021)Berries, cherries and violets with some black-olive and black-truffle notes. Very complex. Medium-to full-bodied with linear tannins that are polished and fine, running through the center palate. Tight at the end. Very pretty and racy,]. Merlot. Unfiltered. Drink after 2023.
93 points
James SucklingI put my nose in it and thought ‘This isn’t Sangiovese”. It’s 100% Merlot, spending nove mesi in tini di cemento/anfore di terracotta. No oak.
Love this wine. Earth, new leather, black olives, blueberry and fresh blackberry, with a dried flower perfume above. Medium-bodied, thick with brushed suede tannin, plum and earth, and again that floral perfume wafting about. It has fairly fresh acidity, but it’s all about those terracotta tannins and slightly wild ‘natural’ feel. Finish is long with rugged grip. Such presence and character here.
95 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front -
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Glenfarclas 185th Anniversary Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from $299.00$270. 00Bottle$3240.00 DozenABV: 46%As the label suggests, this special selection of casks from six different decades was bottled to celebrate Glenfarclas' 185th anniversary (1836 - 2021). Consistent with the classic distillery profile, being sherry-heavy and bottled at 46%, expect plenty of Christmas spices, fruit cake, stewed plums and a hint of chocolate. "High class" liquid, according to whiskyfun's review below. Just 6000 bottles were released, so we're unlikely to see it again.
Other reviews... The '175th Anniversary', back in 2011, had been excellent IMHO (WF 88) but I'm afraid I haven't heard much since back then, the last ten years seem to have been pretty quiet at Glenfarclas. Colour: gold. Nose: there is some sherry, but not a lot, it's a rather natural, pastry-like, fat-as-always Speysider, with quite some vanilla and cakes, then various herbal teas and a few raisins. I have to say balance is perfect, you just couldn't find fault with this one on the nose. I suspect some pretty older casks have been involved, as there isn't any single roughness. Mouth: yes, excellent, pretty fruity, as if it was at least 25 year old. We're talking guavas and mangos, pink bananas, then orange blossom water, custard, overripe apples and a wide range of softer spices, cinnamon and caraway first, then a few mentholy ones, pine liqueur, sultanas... All that works in sync. Finish: not the longest ever but this fruity freshness remains perfect. Mango cake. Comments: this one's probably been assembled with much care; I find it rather fruitier than your 'average' Glenfarclas. High class indeed, happy anniversary Glenfarclas (sorry if I'm late). 88 points - whiskyfun.com
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2022 Chateau Doisy DaeneBarsac, Bordeaux, FRANCE$115. 00Bottle$1380.00 DozenClosure: CorkOnce part of the original Doisy estate founded in 1704, Chateau Doisy Daene takes its name from Jacques Emmanuel Daane, an owner in the late nineteenth century who combined his surname with that of Doisy following the estate's division. After changing hands several times, the property was acquired in 1924 by the Dubourdieu family and gradually rebuilt and expanded to its current 18.2 hectares. The Barsac vineyard, located close to Chateau Climens, is planted predominantly to Semillon with a smaller proportion of Sauvignon Blanc, on red sand, clay and limestone soils. Alongside its Sauternes, the estate is notable for producing one of the appellation's earliest dry white wines, bottled as Doisy Daene Grand Vin Sec, as well as the rare and highly selective l’Extravagance de Doisy Daene in exceptional vintages.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Doisy-Daëne is all class. Rich, layered and super-expressive. Dried flowers, coconut, chamomile, apricot and dried ginger all grace this deep, beautifully layered Barsac. Drink 2027-2047.
93-95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousDried mangoes and persimmons with dried flowers and exotic spices. Full with vivid acidity and an attractive spicy edge. Long with beautiful fruit.
94-95 points
James SucklingVibrant, sweet, mineral-accented, pineapples, vanilla, lemon curd, yellow plum, and honey are on fire here! Perfectly balanced between its sweet and fresh side, this is a serious, sweet treat! Drink from 2025-2050.
94-96 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider100% Sémillon. RS 150 g/l. Cask sample.
Full, rich colour. Lifted and pure on the nose with floral, honeyed and white-fruit notes. Lovely weight and volume on the palate, the bitter-botrytised note adding freshness. Rich but not cloying. Lingers on the finish. Drink 2027-2045.
17.5/20 points
James Lawther MW - jancisrobinson.com - Sullivans Cove Double Cask Barrel DC100 Single Malt Australian Whisky (700ml)Hobart, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$599. 00Bottle$7188.00 DozenABV: 47.7%
Note: Box has come from a private collection and as such has some minor creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
In commemoration of their 25th Anniversary and the 100th release of the Double Cask range, Sullivans Cove have put together the DC100 using some of their oldest casks. Well presented in a handmade oak box, definitely one for collectors.
The latest releases from this distillery (established in 1994) mark a welcome departure from many previous expressions that were frequently sabotaged by hessian bag, burnt rubber and/or sulphur-like notes. All three bottlings (Double Wood, American Oak Single Cask and French Oak Single Cask) are clean, complex and come highly recommended. The Double Wood is two parts - one matured in a combination of French Oak (11 years), the other matured for 11 years in American Oak. It offers a wonderfully fruity whisky experience, particularly on the nose which finds comparison with Nant's Unpeated or Aberfeldy's 12 year old.
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St-Remy Signature Brandy (700ml)FRANCE$78. 99Bottle$947.88 DozenABV: 40%A russet, auburn-coloured NAS brandy made from a blend of 30 to 50 different varietals from around France. Maturation took place in two different types of casks: New oak (Quercus Petraea with a fine grain) and traditional casks (Quercus Robur with a large grain). The nose yields soft, semi-sweet aromas of dried apricots and prunes alongside vanilla and coffee-cake and follows with a medium-bodied, silky and rounded profile, the lush dried fruit notes enhanced by sweet spices. The finish is gently tannic, warming, balanced, medium-long. An attractive and easily recommendable style for flavoursome cocktails or serving neat. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... An initial rush of oak is balanced by fruit, some spice, and ample vanilla coming on strong. (Roudaut mentions coconut, but I don’t really catch much of that.) The palate is intensely fruity, apples and pears leading to lighter notes of dried raisins. Plenty of sweet vanilla here, the brandy becoming more candylike as it lingers on the palate. As the finish arrives, notes of milk chocolate arrive. The finish is spun sugar and Starburst, gentle notes of linen and incense lingering on the conclusion. There’s a lot of flavor in Signature but it’s not dramatic in complexity, nor is it really intended to be at this price level. I wouldn’t try to compare it to Cognac but put it up against American brandy, where the flavor profile is similar, and against which Signature acquits itself admirably. - drinkhacker.com
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2019 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve ChardonnayOregon, UNITED STATES$115. 00Bottle$1380.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2022-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkBright pale straw colour with a watery hue. Intense peach, nectarine and honeycomb scents fill the nostrils with lemon butter, crème brulee, citrusy nougat, bees wax and subtle bacon fat notes ensuing. The mid weighted palate combines rich nectarine, pear and dried honey flavours with a refined feel. Citrusy nougat, crème brulee, bacon fat and delicate hazelnut characters linger in the background. Finishes dry and fresh with a long elegant yet restrained aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
Enticing aromas of ripe apricots, peaches, golden apples, honeysuckle, nutmeg and caramel. It’s full-bodied, creamy, ripe and deliciously buttery, yet elegant, with a mineral and spicy edge. Hints of limes and apples. Why wait? Drink now.
94 points
JamesSuckling.com - L'Abricot du Roulot Apricot Liqueur (500ml)Burgundy, FRANCE$145. 00Bottle$1740.00 DozenABV: 25%Closure: Glass Stopper
Domaine Roulot are world famous for their exquisite wines from Meursault and surrounds, however lesser known is their expertise and passion for distilled spirits. The Roulot family have been making spirits since 1866, and Guy Roulot in particular had a love for the process of making fruit eau de vie. Guy's son Jean-Marc Roulot continues this tradition with production of a range of fruit liqueurs, along with eau de vie.
L'Abricot du Roulot is an apricot liqueur made using an infusion of Bergeron apricots from the Rhone valley orchards of Jean-Louis Chave. They are pitted and immediately left to infuse in a neutral spirit over the course of a few months. From the resulting infusion is defined a liquor relatively high in alcohol (25%) and low in sugar (180g/l).
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Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Batch 3Islay, SCOTLAND$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 46.2%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Last year's release was summed up by Head Whisky Creator Dr. Bill Lumsden as "The epitome of Ardbeg". Batch 3 continues that theme, with a lengthy maturation in a combination of American oak and oloroso sherry casks. Bottled in much smaller quantities than the rest of the core range, Batch 3 is also the first in the series to be signed by new Distillery Manager, Colin Gordon since Mickey Head's recent retirement, and the first release in Ardbeg's history to be bottled "in a lockdown", as noted on the front label.
Traigh Bhan is now firmly in collector-land. Consequently, few tasting notes are available (with the exception of Angus from whiskyfun.com who confirms a high standard has been maintained. See below). If you're looking to add to your collection or just want to find out what well-aged Ardbeg tastes like, don't hesitate on this offer. For those new to the label, the name is a reference to the local Traigh Bhan beach on Islay, which is known as the 'Singing Sands'. Each batch is intended to be slightly different from the last due to minor changes in cask selection. Lumsden comments, “The main difference with Batch 3 is that it has been imbued with an altogether more fragrant, spicy character.” Expect zesty lime and walnuts alongside bolder flavours of cayenne pepper and aniseed. 46.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill-filtered.
Other reviews... The latest batch I believe. Is it just me, or are these batch numbers are longer than Bill Lumsden's joke book? Colour: pale gold. Nose: a highly aromatic and scented type of peat smoke that feels quite wispy, soft and permeating with impressions of sandalwood, furniture polish and crushed sea shells. Also things like smoked tea, menthol tobacco, myrtle and heather beer. Even though I suppose this is early 2000s Glenmorangie produced batches now, it feels more reminiscent of the 1990s Allied style. Which is quite reassuring in many ways. Mouth: pepper, smoked olive oil, very tarry, a lot of hessian, smoked cereals and some struck flints and other rather punchy mineral touches. In time it evolves these big camphor aspects but also quite a lot of dried herbs, aniseed, dried lime peel and hardwood resins. Finish: medium and with this warming peppery and peaty side (which seems to be an increasing hallmark of these modern Ardbeg), leather, pine cones, wood smoke and a little more aniseed. Comments: excellent whisky, no doubt about it. But perhaps the 8 was a tad more impressive simply by virtue of its youthful zest. Anyway, we're splitting hairs - this is lovely. 90 points - whiskyfun.com
Notes from Ardbeg.... Nose: In this whisky, faint waves of scented woodsmoke mingle with sea spray and pine resin. Wisps of aniseed toffee and sweet lilies follow on the breeze while fresh citrus zest laps over notes of cayenne pepper. With a splash of water, waxy notes and charcoal flow into droplets of classic Sherry and linseed oil. Palate: A rush of rich, sappy textures is followed moments later by classic sweet smokiness. Tarry rope and treacle toffee plunge the palate into a second wave of soot and aniseed twists. Smoke bobs on the horizon, while smoked brown sugar, walnuts and spices gently dissolve away. Finish: A long, unhurried finish carries bitter almonds and clove in its wake, before slowly drifting away.
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2019 Yeringberg ShirazYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Screw CapOther Reviews....
It’s well powered and framed, it’s sealed under screw cap, and it’s from a farm noted for the longevity of the wine it produces, among other things, and yet still the back label calmly notes that “it will mature gracefully in the cellar for 5 or 6 years or more”. That’s a fair understatement I would have thought. Red berried fruit flavours edge gently into darker tones, gum leaf and floral aspects add lift, cedarwood oak – still in the process of fully integrating – adds seasoning, and dry, fine tannin, slightly woody tannin runs through the (sustained) finish. Everything is in good order here, and it will age well. Indeed it’s best left alone for a few years to start showing at its best. Drink 2023 - 2029+
93+ Points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front (November 2021)A lot of complexity and savouriness come out to play this vintage, alongside a wonderful coolness across the palate. Expect dark plums, licorice and menthol, juniper, a dash of pepper and roasted root vegetables. It's fuller- bodied, with a covering of textural tannins and bright acidity. Drink by 2033.
95 Points
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Babo Prosecco DOCFriuli, ITALY$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenABV: 11.5%Closure: CorkMade from 100% Glera grapes from a young vineyard in Friuli's San Martino al Tagliamento, a village that has only recently been granted Prosecco status.
A fluffy white mousse holds well over a watery base that shows subtle flecks of green around the outskirts and an exceptionally fine bead flows with good persistence. Pear and apple aromas mix with sherbet and citrus. Satiny and fresh in its feel, red apple and pear fruits are to the fore with lemon sherbet and talc characters lying underneath. Finishes dry and crisp with a refreshing aftertaste.
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Setouchi Lemon Japanese Craft Gin (700ml)JAPAN$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 47%An Asian craft gin blended with lemon and Japanese Green tea offering pungent, fresh, citrus-forward aromas and flavours accenting lemon peel, lemon cough lozenge and green tea cake. Unfolds in an intense, mouthfilling burst of lemon lozenge, citrus oils, light juniper, dried herbs and pickled ginger. Ends super-zesty, tangy, spicy and pleasantly tart with refreshing bittersweet balance. More of a lemon distillate than a gin, or a lemon equivalent to Cointreau, but very appealing. Distilled in Hiroshima; bottled at 47% after dilution with soft water from Haigamine well.
- Mezcal Union Uno Joven Mezcal (700ml)Oaxaca, MEXICO$105. 00Bottle$1260.00 DozenABV: 40%
Mezcal's bubble shows no sign of bursting. As demand increases, so does the call for an entry-level option. Enter Union Uno: The brand has been hugely popular in the US and Mexico where it's garnered a reputation as the affordable, quality, go-to choice for mixing. You might be sceptical, as most attempts to hit a lower price-point in this category have come at the expense of both flavour and the equality of those who craft it. Taking a people-first approach to their treasured local drink, the young founders behind Mezcal Union set out to change all that. Even though Pedro Hernandez is the Master Mezcalero, each bottle is produced by a group of local families - hence the brand's name. To date, the Union has brought together more than 50 families across 20 palenques, offering them all a fair-trade business model and a path to social and economic development.
Union's Joven expression is produced in San Baltazar Guelavila using farm-grown Espadin and wild Cirial magueys roasted for four days. Resulting in a combination of earthy, herbal and citrus notes, Uno starts out with soft layers of sweet citrus and panna cotta before moving toward archetypal Espadín notes of roasted tropical fruit combined with a little salinity and a hint of pepper. The level of smokiness is spot-on, confidently present without overwhelming. There's also an edge of citrus peel and a twist of green herbs in the mix- echoes of the wild Cirial. Perfectly primed for mixing, it's a great, well-priced Mezcal to have in the drinks cabinet.
Other reviews... The ripe, fruity style of this mezcal lends itself to making margarita variations and other cocktails. Look for tropical fruit flavors like lychee and banana, and a mild note of jalapeño on the finish. 92 points - wineenthusiast.com
...Made from agave espadin and cirial, plants ranging from 8 to 14 years old. Quite smeet and classically smoky on the nose, heavy with citrus notes. The palate offers few surprises, with notes of smoky barbecue sauce, black pepper, and smoked beef notes. There’s an edge of citrus peel and a tough of green herbs in the mix. The finish is fairly short, finding lingering smoke and a slight saline character. Soft and easygoing, it’s a wholly approachable mezcal, though not one heavy with complexity. B+ - drinkhacker.com
...Excellent value for the price point. This mezcal is commonly used in bars for mixing. It has a good smokey, medicinal, vanilla and sweet flavor to it. It’s not as complex as other top shelf mezcals, but it’s pretty good. This would make an excellent entry level Mezcal for those who want to differentiate from tequila. I tried this in a bar margarita and thought it was really good and expected it to be more expensive. Overall I’m impressed and I plan on keeping a bottle around for mixing. - mezcalreviews.com
Silver medal at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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Isle of Jura 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Isle of Jura, SCOTLAND$94. 99Bottle$1139.88 DozenABV: 40%Other reviews... Finished in oloroso sherry casks. Stewed plums and Raisinets on the nose, along with raspberry pastilles, dried pineapple, honeysuckle, lemon drops, and pear. The palate is creamy up front, offering notes of apple pie, vanilla fudge, and semi-sweet chocolate. On the finish there’s some cinnamon and other baking spices, hints of strawberries, and more chocolate. Shows good balance, with softer, lightly fruited flavors. 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Ted Simmons 2021
...Mid Europeans with the sulphur gene will devour this with joy. So much else to enjoy, though, especially yhat juicy delivery. 87.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022
- Specht Kirschwasser Cherry Brandy (700ml)GERMANY$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 40%
Kirschwasser is German for 'Cherry water'. This clear cherry brandy, traditionally produced by double distilling fermented cherry juice captures the flavours of the fruit in a classic German schnapps. 40% Alc./Vol.
- Specht Williams Christ Birne (700ml)GERMANY$82. 99Bottle$995.88 DozenABV: 40%
A Williams Pear based spirit from German distiller Specht. Expect lots of orchard fruit notes with a spicy finish. Enjoy chilled. 40% Alc./Vol.
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2018 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet SauvignonNapa Valley, California, UNITED STATES$699. 00Bottle$8388.00 DozenABV: 13.8%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Spottswoode explodes from the glass with bombastic notes of crushed blackcurrants, fresh blackberries and wild blueberries with hints of cardamom, lilacs, incense and fragrant earth, leading into wafts of pencil shavings and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, elegant and yet so, so intense, it has layers of bright crunchy fruit and mineral sparks galore, framed by exquisitely ripe, finely pixelated tannins, finishing very long and energetic. Wowsers. Drink 2023 - 2060.
100 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (Nov 2020)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is stunning, just as it was last year. A dark, ample, brooding Cabernet, the 2018 offers up the essence of black cherry, plum, mocha, spice, graphite, leather and incense. The 2018 has shut down considerably since I tasted it last year. That won't be a problem in a few years' time, but today the 2018 is decidedly brooding. Even so, it shows tremendous finesse and tons of pure breed. It is without question one of the epic, present-day wines for the estate. Drink 2026 - 2048.
99 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousOne of the wines of the vintage, as well as a legendary Napa Cabernet that will compete with anything out there, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate reveals a deep purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of pure crème de cassis and blackberry-scented fruits intermixed with lots tobacco leaf, lead pencil, spice, and hints of flowers. Reminding me of the 2016 with its purity as well as its balance, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, and a blockbuster of a finish. Based on 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, this is a wine you don’t want to miss! It’s going to take 7-8 years to hit its early drinking plateau and cruise for 30-40 years in cold cellars. Drink 2028 - 2068.
100 points
Jeb Dunnuck -
- Nicks Import
- Biodynamic
- Preservative Free
2018 Marie Courtin le Blanc du Tremble Coteaux ChampenoisChampagne, FRANCE$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkBased in the tiny hamlet of Polisot in the southern Cote des Bars region of Champagne, Dominique Moreau is producing some of the most dynamic and striking wines of the area. Naming her estate after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, Dominique has set out to craft Champagnes which emphasise how her specific terroir can be expressed in a given vintage. Her wines then are single vineyard and single vintage, made with meticulously grown fruit from biodynamically-grown grapes, see no dosage, and sulfur is used sparingly or not at all.
Along with her stunning Champagnes, Dominique has started making tiny quantities of Coteaux Champenois still wine. le Blanc du Tremble is 100% Pinot Noir from 40 year old vines that was direct pressed before being vinified in one clay and one sandstone amphora. Bottling occurred with no fining, filtration, or sulphur addition.
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Whistle Pig 10 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (700ml)UNITED STATES$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 50%Rye is a whiskey perhaps best known as the backbone of cocktails like the Manhattan, Sazerac and Old-Fashioned, however the last few decades has seen it re-gain traditional ground over bourbon and Tennessee whiskey as a standalone spirit. Among the more fanatical of the recent protagonists are the team behind Whistle Pig. First released in the summer of 2010 to great critical acclaim, their rye received 96 points from Wine Enthusiast, the highest rating ever for a rye whiskey, as well as a “highest recommendation” from Spirits Journal, plus accolades from The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Forbes, Maxim, Imbibe Magazine, and many others. For Australian rye whiskey enthusiasts, it became one the most awaited releases of the year.
The key figure behind production is David Pickerell. Fourteen years Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark in Loretto, Kentucky, a luminary of whiskey knowledge and one of the nation’s pre-eminent distillers, he arrived at Whistle Pig with a simple objective: To create the world's finest rye.
"You cannot get more flavour in whiskey than you can with rye", enthuses Pickerell.
"The bad news? From a business standpoint, it takes longer to age rye whiskey. Rye is stubborn and robust. It has spicy character, and a dark, rich flavour. To attain its signature smoothness, rye must be aged (a minimum of 9 years is ideal). Rye isn’t sweet. In fact, it contains less sugar than any other grain. The challenges involved in producing rye whiskey are many. But when handled properly, there is no comparison."Pickerell illustrates the difference between rye and bourbon in food terms. "Think of the sweet flavour of a fluorescent yellow cornbread that you nosh with BBQ", he explains. "Now imagine the earthy, spicy, powerfully brooding flavour of rye bread or pumpernickel used at a gourmet sandwich shop".
These differences that express themselves in bread also come across through the distillation process. We tend to agree. Pure, aged rye tends to be more flavourful and complex than almost any corn-based whiskey.Rye is also conducive to sustainable agriculture. It grows densely enough to exclude weeds, keeping the need for herbicides to a minimum, and it's an excellent scavenger of soil-bound nitrogen, rendering heavy fertilisation unnecessary.
Up until recently, Whistle Pig's rye was been distilled and matured in Western Canada (reputedly sourced from the Alberta Premium distillery), then bottled in Vermont, making them a ‘non-distiller producer’ or NDP like Willett, Jefferson's or Angel's Envy. In the summer of 2014, after a three year legal process, the company finally obtained a permit to construct a farm-style distillery, with all the rye grown on site. They continue to use new American Oak or early use bourbon barrels for all their maturation.
Retasted September 2020... Opens with orange zest developing aromas of oily rye, cumin, peppermint and anise ending with grainstore, new leather, vanilla and chocolate box. A full and oily attack; muddled mint and herbal tones combine with chewy grains; white pepper builds through the finish. Leaves you with peaches and cream. Oily, delicious, vibrant and long. Delivers the mouthfeel of a single malt while maintaining the distinctive qualities of rye. 50% Alc./Vol.
First tasted February 2015 [20ml sample] Bright gold. Somewhat muted with vanilla accents... more definitive aromas of rye bread and cigar box follow. Relatively sweet and sedate; juicy rye is beautifully harmonised with the oak. Love the texture. Fabulous balance. Cedar and cigar box, then hints of peppermint through the aftertaste. 93 points
Other reviews... Maturity meets verve with aromas of leather, dark berry fruit, and damp earth, lifted by lively spices—clove and cinnamon—along with vivid citrus and licorice nibs. The palate also sits in a sweet spot of maturity, as bright flavors of clove-studded orange and Creamsicle give way to bold peppery spice, before a finish of drying leather with fine oak tannins. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, Reviewed by: Jeffery Lindenmuth 2021
...First, a warning: this is only for those who like their rye big and brawny. It starts off innocuously with a maple-syrup color, and a pretty, complex and subtle scent: honey, vanilla, a sight medicinal tinge and faint clover notes. It feels silky on the tongue and at first, the flavors reflect caramel, burnt orange and a whisper of smoke, but then a mouth-warming wave of tannic bite sweeps over all and lingers for a good long time. Straight up or on the rocks. [Tasted 2010] 96 points- wineenthusiast.com
...had enough sharpness and rye freshness to make for a very pleasant and worthwhile experience.
88 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2015 -
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- Nicks Import
2019 Domaine Charles Audoin Pommard en MareauBurgundy, FRANCE$120. 00Bottle$1440.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkDomaine Charles Audoin was formed in 1972 by Charles and his oenologist wife Marie-Francoise, starting with three hectares in Marsannay. Their holding has now grown to around 14 hectares that captures some of the best parcels in Marsannay. Their son Cyril joined his father in 2000, and is now in charge of both vineyard and winemaking activities for the Domaine. Cyril is increasingly focused on vineyard health, to deliver wines with pure varietal expression and a sense of place. They are among the most serious wines from the area, and while juicy and approachable young, have the capacity to age gracefully for many years.
Other Reviews....
Very ripe, but also very fresh red-cherry nose. Bold and generous, as you expect from Pommard, but with gentle tannins on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Only at the finish do they show a hint of the dryness for which the appellation is renowned, but the texture remains wonderfully velvety.
94 Points
Stuart Pigott - jamessuckling.comThe 2019 Pommard En Mareau is very promising, wafting from the glass with notes of red berries, plums, dried herbs, spices and raw cocoa. Medium to full-bodied, bright and supple, with melting tannins and a lively core of fruit, much like Audoin's Fixin, this is a cuvée that has been more and more elegantly rendered in recent vintages.
89-91 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Jan 2021)Like the Fixin, this too is aromatically quite cool and restrained with its reticent aromas of herbal tea, red pinot fruit and discreet newly turned earth scents. The relatively suave and rounded medium weight flavors possess a lovely mouthfeel, all wrapped in a saline-inflected and youthfully austere finale. This too is quite good for its level and worth checking out. Drink 2026+.
89-91 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound - Inside Burgundy: The Second Edition by Jasper Morris MW$169. 00Bottle$2028.00 Dozen
There are many books about this most captivating of wine regions, but nothing comes close to Inside Burgundy for its comprehensive depth and detailed information on the vineyards, the wine, the vintages and the growers of this storied region. Since its first publication in 2010, this work has become indispensable for Burgundy lovers and the undisputed benchmark reference on the region.
This second edition takes things to another level, spanning 800 pages with expanded coverage of 1,200 vineyards, 300 wine villages and 700 domaines. It offers detailed insider knowledge on the places and people that make Burgundy such a special destination for wine lovers. Jasper doesn’t only cover the Côte d’Or, but also Chablis, the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune and Nuits, the Côte Chalonnaise and the Mâconnais.
The book includes 45 full-colour maps shining a powerful light on Burgundy’s complex network of vineyards and villages. In addition to the revised and updated maps since the first edition, it also includes six completely new ones, which illustrate the plot-by-plot holdings in individual Grand and Premier Cru vineyards.
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Nicks Secret Loire Valley Blanc de Blancs BrutLoire Valley, FRANCEReduced from $22.99$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2017)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkIt’s no secret that the Loire Valley is the largest producer of sparkling wine outside of Champagne and makes some of the worlds most affordable Sparkling wines. This Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes and employs the Methode Traditionelle production process made famous in Champagne. Its aged for a minimum of 9 months.
Like all of our secret offers this is the real deal – you will receive the genuine article not an unknown brand, export label or cleanskin. The only clue we can give you on this one is that it’s not Bouvet.
A frothy white mousse dissipates to reveal a pale straw colour with a very fine bead that shows excellent persistence. Citrus and pear aromas meld into some baked characters followed by subtle quince notes. On the palate pear and lemon sherbet like flavours combine over some subtle toast and lees characters. Fresh dry finish with a slight creaminess to the mid palate. Aftertaste of pear, citrus, some oily baked bread characters and lees. Limited stocks at this price.
Drink now.
Alc 12% -
- 95
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Billecart-Salmon Brut Nature ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkA blend of 30% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne, 30% Chardonnay sourced from some of the best Crus in the Champagne and 40% Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne and the southern slopes of Epernay. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks with 50% to 60% of the blend made up of reserve wines. Aged on lees for 48 months with no sugar added to the dosage.
An exuberant mousse holds well over a pale straw, pale gold tinged base that’s threaded by an ultra fine and very persistent bead. Heady baked bread and yeast lees aromas fill the nostrils with hints of citrus and pear fruits also present. Subtle oily toast and roasted almond like notes ensue. Racy yeasty baked bread and citrus flavours are both sculptured and tense. Oily toast like characters, chalky oyster shell and roasted almond characters fill out on the back half. Finishes very dry and crisp with a chiselled feel to the long aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc 12%
Other Reviews….
A dense, layered Champagne with a full body and lots of creamy texture. Lovely cooked apple and pie crust. 40% pinot meunier, 30% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir. The base was 2015, but in total it contains 10 harvests. It was bottled at the beginning of 2016 and disgorged in March 2020. Four years on lees. Fantastic release. Drink or hold.
94 points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 92
Dalmore Port Wood Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$164. 99Bottle$1979.88 DozenABV: 46.5%Great to see Dalmore being bottled at a decent ABV. Previously selling for $200 in Australia, this one's been finished in Port pipes and arrives at a super competitive direct import price.
Other reviews... One of the most dry port wood bottlings I have ever encountered. If James Bond insisted on a whisky for his Martini, then it would probably be this. 92 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022
...This was initially matured in American white oak barrels before spending an unspecified finishing period in port pipes. The nose is soft and fragrant, with vanilla, red berries, toffee, and ultimately, damsons. Viscous on the palate, with blackcurrants, plums, port wine, and cinnamon. Lively spices, coffee grounds, Seville orange, and dry oak in the finish. 89 points - Reviewed by: Gavin Smith 2019, whiskyadvocate.com
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Coates La Petite Cuvee Sparkling ShirazSouth Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2021-2026)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkFruit was sourced from McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills with maturation taking place in French oak. A fluffy dark mousse holds well over a dark red black core that’s threaded by a very fine, gentle bead. Aromas of dark plum and liquorice are trailed by subtle earthy leather and dark chocolate notes. Rich dark plum, liquorice and dark chocolate flavours meld into vanillin oak, delicate earthy dark chocolate and spice elements. Refreshing acidity finishing ripe and plummy.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13% -
- Nicks Import
2002 Ployez-Jacquemart Cuvee Liesse d'Harbonville Vintage ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$340. 00Bottle$4080.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: CorkCuvee Liesse d'Harbonville represents the flagship Champagne of the Ployez-Jacquemart range. Only produced in exceptional vintages, the composition is 65% Chardonnay (Cuis-Bisseuil-Ludes 1er Crus), 20% Pinot Noir (Mailly Champagne Grand Cru), and 15% Pinot Meunier (Ludes old vineyard 1er Cru). Following a strict selection at harvest, primary fermentation occurs in 2-3 year old barrels before being put to bottle 7-8 months after the harvest to age at least 10 years in the cellar before disgorgement. As with all wines of Ployez-Jacquemart dosage is very low at approximately 3 grams per litre.
Alc. 12% -
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- Nicks Import
2010 Ployez-Jacquemart Vintage Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$150. 00Bottle$1800.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkA 100% Chardonnay sourced from Premier Cru and Grand Cru districts with a minimum of 6 years on lees.
A lacy white mousse slowly dissipates to reveal a pale straw to pale gold coloured base that’s finely threaded by a steady stream of tiny bubbles. Rich baked bread, citrus and toasty yeast lees aromatics fill the nostrils with some almond and chalky notes also present. Full, generous and creamy, concentrated flavours of brioche, citrus and yeast lees meld into a back drop of honeyed cashew, ginger and roasted almond. Finishes dry with stimulating acidity and a long, richly textured aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12% -
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Balblair 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$999. 00Bottle$11988.00 DozenABV: 46%As of 2019, Balblair have abandoned their vintage dated bottlings, instead offering a range of age statements, all at a 46% minimum with zero chill filtering or colouring. The house style aims to maximise the esters at the start of the cut giving core characteristics of apricots, oranges, spices, floral notes and green apples. The heavier oils and lipids at the end of the cut are also captured, giving leathery, nutty and full-bodied characteristics. Initially matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, then refined over the years in Spanish oak for extra richness and complexity, the handsome new-look 25 year old promises a full-bodied malt with oily citrus, chocolate praline and a faint note of fresh tobacco leaf.
Other reviews... There has been hard work here to harmonise fruit and oak, and allow the barley a say too. But when the sherry is this ripe, not an easy stunt to pull off. Gets pretty close though! 91 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022
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Lost Farm Pinot Noir Chardonnay SparklingTasmania, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2021-2024)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkA fine lacy mousse dissipates leaving behind a very pale straw coloured base that’s finely threaded by a steady stream of bubbles. Pear and baked apple aromas intermingle with citrus and subtle bready notes. Racy pear, apple and citrus fruits drive the refreshing palate with some light sherbet characters lying underneath. Finishes dry and crisp with a scrumptious aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
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2017 M.Chapoutier Domaine Bila-Haut Occultum LapidemCotes de Roussillon Villages, FRANCE$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkMidnight black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. Nosing reveals barnyard like top notes with graphite, smoked meat, earthy leather and pepper notes also evident. The palate is much cleaner than the nose putting on a full show of rich chewy black fruits. Black cherry and liquorice infused with graphite overlay scorched earth, dried meats, dried herbs and blackpepper. Muscular tannin structure with a long firmly built aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%
Other Reviews….
The 2017 Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Latour De France Occultum Lapidem is ripe and sexy, with lots of blackberry, licorice, ground herbs, and pepper aromas and flavors. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful ripeness and character and a great finish. Drink 2020-2028.
92 points
JebDunnuck.com -
- 97
2018 Koomilya GT Block ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$115. 00Bottle$1380.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Screw CapOther Reviews....
This is a single parcel that has been made with 20% whole bunches and has a pure red plum and spiced fruit bread nose with hints of sarsaparilla, dark nuts, black fruits and iodine. Really complex. Intensely concentrated palate with ripe dark plum and panforte flavors. The tannins are subtly spiced and athletic, sturdy but pliable and hold the finish long. Striking wine. So polished and deep. Drink over the next decade. Screw cap.
97 Points
JamesSuckling.com (November 2021) -
- Packaging may vary
Highland Park Viking Heart 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 44%Highland Park had a 15 year old on the market over a decade ago, bottled at 43%. The age statement is being revived in this re-packaged version composed of a ‘high percentage’ of first-fill European oak sherry-seasoned casks. Complimenting this are first-fill American oak sherry casks, adding flavours of vanilla and crème brûlée. Meanwhile, a small proportion of refill casks give ‘gentle’ heather peat and ‘lightly fruity’ character. Perhaps what's most striking is the vessel itself. The whisky has been filled into heavily embossed 'ceramic' style bottles, made in partnership with UK-based Wade Ceramics. The design was inspired by ancient earthenware vessels, which would have been used to store whisky a century or two ago at the distillery. The new 15 year old is set to become a permanent edition to the core range. 44% Alc./Vol.
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De Saint-Gall Le Tradition Champagne Premier CruChampagne, FRANCE$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkA delightful entry level Champagne with well meshed flavours, an airy feel and refreshingly crisp finish.
The largest vineyard owners in the Cote des Blancs, Champagne de Saint-Gall is the creation of the Cooperative Union Champagne, founded in 1966, which consists of growers who only hold Premier & Grand Cru Vineyards. Produced from a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir.
A buoyant and fluffy mousse holds well over a pale straw coloured base that has flecks of gold around the edges. A very fine bead showing good persistence. Excellent aromatics with baked bread, citrus and yeast lees leading the way. Subtle toast and almond notes ensue. Well meshed flavours of yeast lees, baked bread and citrus overlay an oily toast and almond back drop. Airy feel with good tension, crisp acidity and a refreshingly savoury aftertaste.
Alc. 12.5%
Other Reviews....
De Saint-Gall is a grower-led Champagne house founded in 1966 and now the largest vineyard owner in the Côte des Blancs, with holdings in both premier and grand cru sites. This is a blend of 70% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir.Light straw-gold colour. Rich nose of bruised pears, honey and butter on toast. A full style, quite weighty with its rich golden fruits and toasty lees development all on show. Great length; there’s ample acidity to keep it driving while the fine mousse ensures both creaminess in texture along with refreshing lift to the dry finish. A complex delight to enjoy and will be equally at home with food as without. (Diam)
95 points
Stuart Knox - The Real Review
Mineral and tense with chalky, stony aromas, green apples and lemon peel with butter. Light-bodied, zesty and polished with fine and persistent mousse. Chalky again in the finish. Drink or hold.
93 points
JamesSuckling.com - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022$29. 99Bottle$359.88 Dozen
This is the most comprehensive and thoroughly researched guide to the world’s whiskies ever produced. Honest, forthright and proudly independent, Jim Murray has, for this 19th edition, tasted and rated over 4,300 whiskies, shedding light on more than 1,800 Scottish single malts, nearly 400 blended Scotches and in excess of 900 American whiskies.
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- Limit One per customer
2011 Ardbeg Single Cask No.2323 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$2499. 00Bottle$29988.00 DozenABV: 58.2%Exclusively allocated to Ardbeg embassies with just 304 bottles available globally. This is one for the lucky few.
Considering the cult following Ardbeg has developed over the last few decades, it's almost unbelievable to think that the distillery was closed on and off for fifteen years until 1996, when it was purchased by Glenmorangie. Part of the huge upsurge in popularity has been driven by a steady stream of new releases, targeting both drinkers and collectors. The latest super-premium addition is this all-natural expression matured in a first-fill x-Cote Rotie wine cask, sourced from the Northern Rhone Valley in France (the exact estate is not disclosed). Filled on the 22nd August 2011 and bottled on the 28th of July 2020 exclusively for Ardbeg embassies around the world, cask #2323 is also reported to be one of the last to be signed by Distillery Manager, Mickey Heads before retiring. The new Manager, Colin Gordon is set to take over the helm and drive the company forward to even greater success. Instantly snapped up in global markets, this is certain to show considerable future upside for ardent investors and promises a full-throttle Islay tasting experience. Official notes by Dr Bill Lumsden below.
Notes from the producers... Nose – Deep, pungent and salty, with medicinal notes, dark chocolate, brambly fruit and the tiniest hint of vanilla. A splash of water brings out a flinty minerality, along with pungent floral notes like narcissus or lilies. As the bouquet continues to open up, the classic, smoky Ardbeg character starts to build. Palate – The mouthfeel is full and rounded. The primary flavour is bold and svaoury, with deep peat smoke, a curious rubbery note, and the suggestion of smoked cocoa powder. There is a soft oiliness throughout, with crunchy oak tannins and a touch of clove and nutmeg. The aftertaste lingers with salted peanuts, dark chocolate cream and a touch of coal tar. Non chill filtered. 58.2% Alc./Vol. Strictly limited to one bottle per customer.
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- Biodynamic
2019 Clemens Busch Marienburg Riesling AusleseMosel, GERMANY$145. 00Bottle$1740.00 DozenABV: 7.5%Closure: CorkClemens and Rita Busch are one of the pioneering organic, and now biodynamic, producers working in Germany. As the fifth generation winemaker at this estate, Clemens stopped using herbicides in 1976, then in 1984 he and wife Rita converted to organics. They were among the first in Germany to commit to organic viticulture and led the movement establishing an association of organic growers in 1986. The estate converted to biodynamics entirely in 2005, earning certifications from the EU and Respekt-Biodyn.
Based in Pünderich, almost all of the vines they work are on the slopes of the Marienburg, and unique for the Mosel, feature parcels planted on the three main colours of slate; blue, red, and grey. In the winery Clemens works with wild yeasts, and ferments mostly in very old 1000-litre barrels. Nothing is added to the wines at any stage, apart from a touch of sulphur at bottling. Most of the wines at the Busch estate are vinified dry, and they are rich, complex and often powerful. They age very beautifully, gaining in complexity and texture. However, the sweet and noble sweet wines from the estate are also impressive, ranking among the finest wines made anywhere on the Mosel.
- Coravin Sparkling CO2 Capsules 6pk$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 Dozen
Coravin Pure™ Sparkling CO2 Capsules power your Coravin Sparkling™ System. These replacement Capsules are filled with pure CO2, the same gas that creates bubbles in sparkling wine, to preserve its taste and effervescence for up to 4 weeks. Each Capsule preserves up to 7 standard bottles of sparkling wine.
Only compatible with the Coravin Sparkling™ Sparkling Wine Preservation System.
- Coravin Sparkling Stoppers 2pk$154. 99Bottle$1859.88 Dozen
Additional Coravin Sparkling™ Stoppers allow you to preserve even more bottles with your Coravin Sparkling™ System, so you will never have to pick between your favorite champagnes or other sparkling wines. Sparkling Stoppers fit on all standard sparkling wine bottles, up to magnums.
Only compatible with the Coravin Sparkling™ Sparkling Wine Preservation System.
- Coravin Sparkling Unit$699. 00Bottle$8388.00 Dozen
Coravin Sparkling™ is the sparkling wine preservation system that allows you to open a bottle one weekend, then finish it at brunch the next. Whether it’s a pre-dinner glass of bubbly, celebrating the end of a long day, or kicking off the weekend, now you can pop any bottle of sparkling wine without hesitation. The Coravin Sparkling™ Sparkling Wine Preservation System preserves the crisp flavor and effervescence of your favorite sparkling wines for up to 4 weeks, guaranteeing that the last glass will taste just as amazing as the first.
This pack contains:
Coravin Sparkling™ Charger
2 x Coravin Sparkling™ Stoppers
4 x Coravin Pure™ Sparkling CO2 Capsules
- 1993 Maison Leroy Saint-Aubin RougeBurgundy, FRANCE$1899. 00Bottle$22788.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Cork
Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy started out as a négociant working for Maison Leroy, which was founded in Auxey-Duresses in 1868 by her great grandfather, François. Since then, her fame has spread right across the world of fine wine as part-owner and former co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. She is also the formidable driving force behind Domaine Leroy and Domaine d'Auvenay, this latter her personal domain based in Saint-Romain. In 2015 she celebrated her 50th vintage of choosing the wines for the family négociant business, and continues to show the prowess and judgment that earned her the moniker "Guardian of Great Wines".
Maison Leroy is a central part of the Leroy portfolio providing a wealth of wines hand-selected by Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy herself. Her lifetime of experience as a winemaker producing wines from almost every appellation in the Côte d'Or makes her one of the most experienced vignerons and tasters in the region. Lalou selects the Maison wines by blind tasting hundreds of wines each year and selecting from the top wines presented. She does this with no ties or obligations to buy from growers, allowing her to select wines purely based on quality. It is well known that she pays a premium for the wines she chooses, to allow herself to cherry-pick the greatest expressions of each terroir. She stakes her considerable reputation on her expert palate and market knowledge, selecting all the Maison’s out-turn entirely from what she has tasted. Following the initial selection process the wines are then aged at the domaine and selected for release when she believes the wines are ready. This is one of a few houses that can offer twenty, thirty or forty year-old wines that have lain unmoved in the cellar since bottling.
1993 Maison Leroy Saint-Aubin Rouge was released from the winery in 2021. While we do everything possible to ensure back vintage wines are of the finest provenance, old wines are not guaranteed in any way. Be aware that flavour profiles can change dramatically in older wines. If you are unsure that you will enjoy the flavours that come with older wines, we recommend you don't buy them. "I don't like it" does not qualify for a refund.
- 2014 Maison Leroy Chambolle-MusignyBurgundy, FRANCE$2799. 00Bottle$33588.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Cork
Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy started out as a négociant working for Maison Leroy, which was founded in Auxey-Duresses in 1868 by her great grandfather, François. Since then, her fame has spread right across the world of fine wine as part-owner and former co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. She is also the formidable driving force behind Domaine Leroy and Domaine d'Auvenay, this latter her personal domain based in Saint-Romain. In 2015 she celebrated her 50th vintage of choosing the wines for the family négociant business, and continues to show the prowess and judgment that earned her the moniker "Guardian of Great Wines".
Maison Leroy is a central part of the Leroy portfolio providing a wealth of wines hand-selected by Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy herself. Her lifetime of experience as a winemaker producing wines from almost every appellation in the Côte d'Or makes her one of the most experienced vignerons and tasters in the region. Lalou selects the Maison wines by blind tasting hundreds of wines each year and selecting from the top wines presented. She does this with no ties or obligations to buy from growers, allowing her to select wines purely based on quality. It is well known that she pays a premium for the wines she chooses, to allow herself to cherry-pick the greatest expressions of each terroir. She stakes her considerable reputation on her expert palate and market knowledge, selecting all the Maison’s out-turn entirely from what she has tasted. Following the initial selection process the wines are then aged at the domaine and selected for release when she believes the wines are ready. This is one of a few houses that can offer twenty, thirty or forty year-old wines that have lain unmoved in the cellar since bottling.
2014 Maison Leroy Chambolle-Musigny was released from the winery in 2021. While we do everything possible to ensure back vintage wines are of the finest provenance, old wines are not guaranteed in any way. Be aware that flavour profiles can change dramatically in older wines. If you are unsure that you will enjoy the flavours that come with older wines, we recommend you don't buy them. "I don't like it" does not qualify for a refund.
- 1978 Maison Leroy Puligny-Montrachet Champ Gain Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$4699. 00Bottle$56388.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Cork
Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy started out as a négociant working for Maison Leroy, which was founded in Auxey-Duresses in 1868 by her great grandfather, François. Since then, her fame has spread right across the world of fine wine as part-owner and former co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. She is also the formidable driving force behind Domaine Leroy and Domaine d'Auvenay, this latter her personal domain based in Saint-Romain. In 2015 she celebrated her 50th vintage of choosing the wines for the family négociant business, and continues to show the prowess and judgment that earned her the moniker "Guardian of Great Wines".
Maison Leroy is a central part of the Leroy portfolio providing a wealth of wines hand-selected by Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy herself. Her lifetime of experience as a winemaker producing wines from almost every appellation in the Côte d'Or makes her one of the most experienced vignerons and tasters in the region. Lalou selects the Maison wines by blind tasting hundreds of wines each year and selecting from the top wines presented. She does this with no ties or obligations to buy from growers, allowing her to select wines purely based on quality. It is well known that she pays a premium for the wines she chooses, to allow herself to cherry-pick the greatest expressions of each terroir. She stakes her considerable reputation on her expert palate and market knowledge, selecting all the Maison’s out-turn entirely from what she has tasted. Following the initial selection process the wines are then aged at the domaine and selected for release when she believes the wines are ready. This is one of a few houses that can offer twenty, thirty or forty year-old wines that have lain unmoved in the cellar since bottling.
1978 Maison Leroy Puligny-Montrachet Champ Gain Premier Cru was released from the winery in 2021. While we do everything possible to ensure back vintage wines are of the finest provenance, old wines are not guaranteed in any way. Be aware that flavour profiles can change dramatically in older wines. If you are unsure that you will enjoy the flavours that come with older wines, we recommend you don't buy them. "I don't like it" does not qualify for a refund.
- 1982 Maison Leroy Chassagne-Montrachet Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$4499. 00Bottle$53988.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Cork
Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy started out as a négociant working for Maison Leroy, which was founded in Auxey-Duresses in 1868 by her great grandfather, François. Since then, her fame has spread right across the world of fine wine as part-owner and former co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. She is also the formidable driving force behind Domaine Leroy and Domaine d'Auvenay, this latter her personal domain based in Saint-Romain. In 2015 she celebrated her 50th vintage of choosing the wines for the family négociant business, and continues to show the prowess and judgment that earned her the moniker "Guardian of Great Wines".
Maison Leroy is a central part of the Leroy portfolio providing a wealth of wines hand-selected by Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy herself. Her lifetime of experience as a winemaker producing wines from almost every appellation in the Côte d'Or makes her one of the most experienced vignerons and tasters in the region. Lalou selects the Maison wines by blind tasting hundreds of wines each year and selecting from the top wines presented. She does this with no ties or obligations to buy from growers, allowing her to select wines purely based on quality. It is well known that she pays a premium for the wines she chooses, to allow herself to cherry-pick the greatest expressions of each terroir. She stakes her considerable reputation on her expert palate and market knowledge, selecting all the Maison’s out-turn entirely from what she has tasted. Following the initial selection process the wines are then aged at the domaine and selected for release when she believes the wines are ready. This is one of a few houses that can offer twenty, thirty or forty year-old wines that have lain unmoved in the cellar since bottling.
1982 Maison Leroy Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru was released from the winery in 2021. While we do everything possible to ensure back vintage wines are of the finest provenance, old wines are not guaranteed in any way. Be aware that flavour profiles can change dramatically in older wines. If you are unsure that you will enjoy the flavours that come with older wines, we recommend you don't buy them. "I don't like it" does not qualify for a refund.















































