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2016 Chateau Lafon RochetSaint Estephe, Bordeaux, FRANCE$145. 00Bottle$1740.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2016 Lafon-Rochet is very intense on the nose. A mixture of red and black fruit, crushed violet, wild mint and crushed stone unfolds with aeration. It's perhaps a little Barolo in style. The palate is beautifully balanced with supple tannins, very velvety smooth with lovely acidity and sensuality on the finish. Gorgeous. A high point for the estate. Tasted at the Lafon-Rochet vertical at the property. Drink 2022-2050.
95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous (June 2021)Aromas of smoke, incense, black currants and expressive dark fruit. Assertive yet sleek tannins. This will age well over the coming years. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
95 points
JamesSuckling.com (Feb 2026)A St-Estèphe fourth growth with a bright future, Château Lafon-Rochet has been going through a quiet renaissance under the Tesseron family and, since 2021, the Lorenzetti family, which also owns Lilian Ladouys (St-Estèphe) and Pédesclaux (Pauillac 5GCC). The vineyard covers 45ha of gravel and clay, planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 2016 is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, vinified in both concrete and stainless steel vats, and aged for 12 months in oak barrels, 50% new. Georgie Hindle: Blackcurrant and plum, fleshy and focused. Less demonstrative than some, but has definition and persistence. Juicy strawberries, cranberries and raspberries, tannic but not too dry, with sweetly spiced oak on the finish. Vincenzo Arnese: Fresh and young. A bit shy, but the palate is rich with good intensity. A powerful style, showing good integration of oak and a pleasant finish. Robert Mathias MW: Spice, incense and nutmeg aromas. Dark cherry and cassis fruit is very focused. Gravelly mineral core and bright acidity. Real balance and tension here. Drink 2025-2042.
95 points
Panel tasting - Decanter (Apr 2025) -
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Bauchet Contraste Blanc de Pinot Noir Extra Brut ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkMade from 100% Pinot Noir this is a racy, sculptured Champagne.
Made with a low dosage from 100% Pinot Noir, 20% being reserve wines, Contraste sees a minimum of 24 months ageing before being disgorged and is sourced from vineyards in the Côte des Bars and the Montagne de Reims.
Good foamy mousse with a pale straw, pale gold coloured base finely threaded by a very persistent bead. Rich, toasty yeast lees aromas merge into baked bread notes with subtle winter strawberry, citrus and brioche also evident. Slightly tighter and leaner as well as drier than the Origine, the palate features a complex flavour profile of oily baked bread, yeast lees, citrus, subtle toasty characters and pear within an elegant airy mouthfeel. Very dry, racy and tightly knit finish with a sculptured medium to long aftertaste.
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- Packaging may vary
Compagnie des Indes Jamaica 5 Year Old Navy Strength Rum (700ml) - 57%JAMAICA$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 57%Made from rums sourced from four different Jamaican distilleries. Opens with powerful aromas of creamy soda, fried banana, dried mango, fruit bread and white pepper. Second pass finds raw sugar, hints of white chocolate and banana cake added to the mix. Concentrated yet remarkably smooth and poised given the ABV; gentle bittersweetness at midpalate with banana peel, fruit loaf, white pepper, grassy/pineapple freshness and warming sweet spices lingering at length. Complex and never too sweet. Beautifully done. 57% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The Rum Masters 2016 | gold, Rhumfest Paris 2015 | gold.
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Parker's Heritage Original Batch Cask Strength 13 Year Old Wheat Whiskey (750ml) - Eighth ReleaseKentucky, UNITED STATES$2299. 00Bottle$27588.00 DozenABV: 63.4%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
From the United States’ largest independent family-owned spirits producer and marketer, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., Parker's Heritage Collection is a limited annual series of rare, aged American Whiskies that pays tribute to 6th Generation Master Distiller, Parker Beam's 45+ years of service.This unusual release was produced from soft Winter wheat paired with corn and malted barley. Bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration, this showcases wheat whiskey at its very, very best. Super limited.
Other reviews... ...a rock hard, brittle bourbon softened only by background oil and a manuka honey-cocoa mix;... So, so delicious.
95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016 -
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2018 Yarra Edge Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)ABV: 13.6%Closure: StelvinTwenty percent whole bunch inclusion, aged in French oak, 30% new, for 10 months. Semi translucent dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light crimson red hue. Fragrant aromatics of dark cherries and strawberries tinged with violets are followed by traces of anise, forest floor and spice. Delicious ripe cherry and strawberry flavours are wrapped up in a supple feel with a touch of anise, subtle game and spicy cedar characters also present. Velvet smooth tannins. Excellent power wave with a long savoury aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
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Belgrove Distillery Peated Rye Whisky (500ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 50%Those new to Peter's Bignell's exploits will be aware that he has taken the path less traveled; opting to steer away from many the commercial constraints faced with conventional distilling. Peter built and operates the world's only Biodiesel powered still (as of 2014), fuelled from local fish and chip oil collected from takeaway shops in Hobart. The still is direct fired, also used to run his tractors and heat his house - notably these skills were put to task in restoring the historic Nant Water Mill. Grains are grown on a nearby site, with the aim is to keep things self-sufficient and sustainable. The rye grain he uses is also from the family's Bothwell property, originally planted by Peter at the tender age of fifteen to feed the property's livestock, the same field now feeds his still.
This is a grain to glass model with the obvious benefit that all aspects are under his control. Previous releases have shown a great promise and a steady progression toward sheer brilliance. Have we seen the best of this man? We think not, but there's no doubting the intrigue and excitement that comes with every glass.
Peter elaborates further: "I love peated whiskies and I hadn't heard of any peated rye so I decided to make a barrel of it to see how it turned out. I dug some peat from the Central Highlands (Brown Marsh Bog) dried it then burnt it in my malting drum enclosure. The smoke infused into the wet grain and then the heat eventually dried it out. Only 20% of the grain was peat smoked, but it was heavily peated. (no idea of the ppm) The malt was then processed in the usual way by adding 80% unmalted rye grist to the mash. I will have to find a spare day very soon to go and dig some more peat to make a few more barrels. Then 3 years away there might be some more peated rye."
As mentioned, only one barrel of each release has been produced, with the next not due for another 3 years! Inaugural releases are always sought after so take advantage of this world whisky rarity while it lasts.
First release tasted October 2014... Bright straw gold. Initial inhalations reveal powerful scents of sour dough rye followed by cough lozenge. Shifts towards grain store, haystack and chicken shed in a fascinating farmyard twist. Middle-weighted, cough lozenge, granita biscuit and dried grass profile followed by a peppery surge. Dries with light rye bread and dilute vanilla flavours. Less peaty than the nose advertises. Idiosyncratic and unique. 92 points
- Old Rip Van Winkle 15 Year Old 107 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Squat BottleKentucky, UNITED STATES$8999. 00Bottle$107988.00 DozenABV: 53.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
A quasi-mythical bottling of the legendary wheated Bourbon that stems from the brand's earliest days - hence it was distilled at Stitzel-Weller. It was superseded by the Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old in 2004 / 2005, so stocks have been off the market for over a decade. Of all the wheated Bourbons out there, including Weller, Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Old Fitzgerald et al, the Van Winkle label is the most famous and sought after today. 53.5% Alc./Vol.
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Dark Matter Spiced Rum (700ml)SCOTLAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 40%Don't buy this if your idea of spiced rum is vanilla, vanilla, vanilla. The creators of Dark Matter use fresh ginger, fresh green peppercorn, long pepper and allspice berries, all hand prepared, and it shows. The rum is only very young, so it doesn't stand out in the flavour profile, but the spices are leaping out of the glass. Tasting note: Dull copper penny colour shows considerable viscosity. Up front with dense aromas of cinnamon, smoky cardamom, clove, liquorice root and gingery warmth. Follows through with a super silky, creamy, sweet burst of clove, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla; develops momentum with warming cinnamon and ginger heat. Finishes with sustained intensity. A robust, in-your-face example that's not ashamed to deliver what the label says. 40% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... Gold Medal. The Spirits Business Awards 2016 -
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Ardbeg An Oa Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 46.6%Named after a peninsula on the southernmost point of Islay, Bill Lumsden has mixed it up with this release employing a combination of casks: Pedro Ximénez, charred virgin oak and ex-bourbon. The liquid all goes into Ardbeg’s French oak "Gathering Vat". The concept seems to be that some of the spirits in the vat will get older as new casks are added, so it's a Solera of a kind. The age of the whiskies is never disclosed. An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is set as a part of the core range joining the 10 year old, Uigeadail, and Corryvreckan. Lumsden describes the whisky as "...smoky, sweet and rounded, with unusually, grilled artichokes in the finish." As always with Ardbeg, the aroma is deceptively complex developing with sherried oak aromas, lanolin, sooty vanilla and later, dark chocolate and suggestions of smoldering green pine. Entry is assertively salty, kippery, peppery. Mid palate is oily, medium dry, offering sherried richness along with piney juniper, over-baked sponge cake, black tea and hints of smoked meats at the finish. No shortage of peat, but loses some momentum in the final stages. Non chill filtered. 46.6% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Ardbeg at its driest and most sooty: a real acidic bite to the huge phenol...sublimely textured with an immediate roll call of sugars... effortless and easy like gear changes on an automatic car. It is also beautifully delicious. 95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2018
...Ardbeg's first standard release in nearly a decade, An Oa is matured in virgin oak, Pedro Ximénez, and bourbon barrels, with component whiskies married in the distillery's French oak 'Gathering Vat.' The nose offers sweet peat, smoky lemon rind, ginger, and angelica. A soft and sweet palate entry is followed by hot peat, black tea, peppery cloves, and aniseed. Black pepper lingers through the long, smoky finish. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...For now, anyway, in a lot of ways, this comes across a bit like “starter Ardbeg.” The peat is dialed back on the nose, which allows notes of crisp brine, toasted marshmallow, and hints of nutty sherry to emerge. The palate finds sherry-driven citrus dominating, with tea leaf and a rounded vanilla character creeping up behind it. Peat weaves in and out of all of this, along with notes of grapefruit, gingerbread, and some more raw petrol notes that linger on the finish. All told, it’s a bit of a melange of flavors that, if not exactly “starter Ardbeg” then at least comes across like “greatest hits Ardbeg” — a mix of this and that that feels at times like a blend of leftovers that didn’t get used in other expressions. That’s not totally a bad thing, really. Infinity bottles are fun for everyone! - drinkhacker.com
- Bob's Lavender Bitters (100ml)UNITED KINGDOM$38. 99Bottle$467.88 DozenABV: 33.2%This handmade lavender bitters offers up a fresh, sweet, floral flavour with lemon citrus aromas and traces of Rosemary wood. It sits well in any number of drinks using Gin, Vodka and Tequila. 33.2% Alc./Vol.
- Baitz Orange Curacao Liqueur (500ml)Victoria, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenABV: 28%Oranges, the exotic fruit that forms the basis of all Triple Sec, were originally from the Indies and China. The crusades introduced them to Europe from Palestine via Portugal. The original orange “curacao” was made with fruit from the Island of Curacao. However, the term now embraces a wide variety of liqueurs made from oranges and other produce as well. Amsterdam Curacaos are perhaps the most famous and highly regarded. (The Bols company comes to mind.)
Orange Curacao is created using only the peel of the orange, soaking it in water followed by distillation and rectification. Baitz produce a good example of the style. The colour is burnished orange, typical of the fruit, with a pleasant fruity, fragrant nose. The palate is luscious and juicy. 28% alc./vol.
- Darroze Les Grands Assemblages 40 Year Old Bas-Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$330. 00Bottle$3960.00 DozenABV: 43%Another exceptional price / age ratio for a wood aged spirit can be found in this majestic 40 year old Bas Armagnac (the age statement here refers to the youngest Armagnac in the blend). The diversity in crus, vintages, grape varieties and styles has allowed Marc Darroze to work on his "Les Grands Assemblages" (The Great Blends), chosen for their complementary characteristics, the selected armagnacs in each bottling are of different ages. After over four decades in 400 litre barrels, expect this to have evolved layers of sweet spices, candied fruits, rancio and super soft, round tannins. 43% Alc./Vol.
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Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur (700ml)MEXICO$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 40%Made with ancho chiles (aka dried poblano chiles) according to a recipe for a similar spirit enjoyed back in 1920s Mexico. One of very few chile infused beverages to hit the market. Tasting note: Deep copper penny colour with some sediment evident. Unusual aromas of Thai-chilli sauce, sliced zucchini and mild wasabi, but neither prickly or hot. Palate is more convincing - true to style with semi-sweet chilli-sauce flavours and genuine heat. Finishes broad, slightly flat, with hints of cinnamon and lingering chile pepper warmth. 40% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... Though it's made with ancho chiles, this liqueur is modest on the spice scale. Caramel-y brown in the glass, look for a lightly herbaceous aroma similar to root beer and rounded flavors that mix caramel and cocoa with raisin and cinnamon heat, with a faint smokiness on the finish. Particularly harmonious mixed in cocktails with brown spirits like whiskey.
91 points - www.wineenthusiast.com -
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Ardbeg Kelpie Committee Reserve Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$650. 00Bottle$7800.00 DozenABV: 51.7%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
A sought-after Committee Release Ardbeg from 2017, bottled at 51.7% Alc./Vol.
Great review from Jim Murray.Other reviews... As usual, this baby Ardbeg comes with some kind of ‘Celtic legend’, as well as some unlikely wood, in this case some new oak from around the Black Sea. Isn’t it funny that you’d need so many funny stories when you cannot or do not want to disclose the age of your whisky? Is it that young? Colour: straw. Nose: as simple as 1+1, almost elementary, and yet immediately appealing. I’m finding it very pure, very obvious in the best way, with a little lemon and custard, and then an ashy/coastal smokiness mixed with raw malt and, indeed, some kelp. A thin nose, yet a great nose. With water: fresh bread and a gingery smoke. Mouth (neat): very different, there’s perhaps a little too much spicy oak for me in the arrival. A little too much caraway, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for Ardbeg, at times it feels like some two-year-old American craft whiskey, really. Not that it’s bad, quite the opposite, it’s just kind of lost lost a wee chunk of the brand’s DNA, as they say in London. With water: rather better, water brings out more Ardbegness. Finish: better, fresher, lemony, smoky, rather gentle. Very nice spicy grapefruits in the aftertaste, as well as more spicy tannins again. Comments: very good but feels a little young and a wee bit doctored on the palate. The nose was really very nice, especially when unreduced, though.
86 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com -
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Beltion Amaretto Liqueur (700ml)ITALY$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 28%The Beltion brand was born after the second world war when Giacomo Gianandrea began selling his production of almond milk. The name (and the milk) soon became popular throughout Southern Italy. Fast forward to 1995, when his children set up a modern operation with a view to extend the brand to a wider range of cordials and spirits from the classic Italian repertoire. These include Sambuca, Anice, Amaro and an unusual expression of a liqueur standard, 'Opera Beltion White Amaretto'.
Tasting note: Deep polished copper appearance. Lifted notes of fresh marzipan and cocoa issue from the glass. Several minutes exposure accentuates milk chocolate along with hints of vanilla and manuka honey. A thick, creamy entry leads into a sweet, concentrated marzipan and manuka honey profile that's nicely balanced at the finish by drying spices. Cinnamon, vanilla and almond continue into the lengthy aftertaste. 28% Alc./Vol.
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Ardbeg Grooves Committee Reserve Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 51.6%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not shown.
A relatively hard-to-find Ardbeg Day bottling which Jim Murray enthused over, rating it 95.5 points.
Quite collectable. 51.6% Alc./Vol.For 'Grooves', director of whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden has employed heavily charred red wine casks, the heat creating grooves in the surface of the wood. The expectation was to release flavours and aromas accenting "smoked spices, distant bonfires and chilli-seasoned meats".
"Casks made with grooved wood aren’t entirely new" notes Whisky Advocate. "Dewar’s released “Scratched Cask” a few years ago, where it finished whisky in heavily charred casks that had been scratched at the char layer, while Maker’s Mark offers grooved “cuvée” staves in its Private Select barrel program. The grooves offer additional surface area for the spirit to come into contact with, meaning heavier wood influence in the final whisky’s flavor.”
The marketing team have followed through with packaging inspired by 1960s hippie culture. And if you're lucky enough to attend the festival, this year will see the distillery transport whisky fans back in time, to the Ardbeg village of the late 1960s. Manager, Mickey Heads, adds “It was a very different place – a groovy wee community, with its own post office, billiards hall, two choirs and even a football team." It sounds like fun, but we'll have to settle for the whisky.
- The Bitter Truth 24 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$24999. 00Bottle$299988.00 DozenABV: 69.2%
Note: Sourced from a private collection. There is a small crack to the wax seal and some very minor lifting to the labels, otherwise excellent condition.
One of the 1980s ryes from old Bernheim (or Willett Distillery, depending on your source) bottled by The Bitter Truth, a German bottler (est.2006) now better known for their bitters. This is a natural strength, non chill filtered and now extremely rare release. We were lucky enough to coax a very small sample from a private whisky enthusiast and collector - it certainly left a strong impression.
The bottlers describe it in their own words, "On the nose a decent dose of wood and leather, with a mild underlying sourness and a medium heat. In the mouth you get a hefty dose of wood which is followed by some sourness and then a mild sweet fruitiness. The finish is long with a lingering sourness, some leather and mild citrus notes, and a medium heat."
Other information...The old Bernheim Distillery in Louisville was not one of the more treasured distilleries of its time. Operated by the Schenley company after prohibition, it was the home to IW Harper and Old Charter bourbons until it was torn down in 1991 to make way for the new Bernheim distillery which is now Heaven Hill.
The Bernheim distillery also made rye, which is popularly referred to as Cream of Kentucky rye, though it was a very limited release and most of the rye they made went into various blends (Schenley was one of the largest whiskey companies of the time).
Midway through the first decade of the twenty-first century, a number of Kentucky Bourbon Distillers independently bottled ryes distilled in the mid-1980s started appearing on the scene and making waves. There were Willett bottles by Doug Phillips, the Velvet Glove and Iron Fist Willetts that are still available in DC, the Red Hook Rye bottled for LeNells in Brooklyn and Rathskeller Rye, bottled exclusively for the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville. These were huge, spicy, cask strength ryes. They are without a doubt, some of the best ryes I've tasted.
Eventually, it came out that many and possibly all of these whiskeys had their origination at the Old Bernheim distillery. What they were doing to the rye at Old Bernheim in the 1980s, I don't know, but it was something amazing.
- recenteats.blogspot.com.au -
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1989 Delord Bas Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$164. 99Bottle$1979.88 DozenABV: 40%Like most of Delord's vintage dated releases, only a tiny volume of the 1989 has made it to Australia. The brilliant copper penny colour shines from the glass and follows in a soft, well-rounded bouquet, balancing fruit and wood: Figs, dried apricot, prunes, vanilla…a touch of shellac, while more air contact accents pepper heat and increased oakiness, becoming mildly sappy, green-wood like. The style here is medium bodied with dried fruit flavours and a thrust of pepper. Muted clove, vanilla and cigar box through the finish. In a word, robust. 40% Alc./Vol.
Situated in Bas-Armagnac, Delord's distillery is to be found in the village of Lannepax, the ancestral home of the Delord family. They comment, "Our old Sier Armagnac alambics, that we wouldn't part with for all the gold in the world, produce less than 30 litres of eau-de-vie an hour. Our cellars contain our old treasured vintages and include more than 700 oak barrels that protect and age the Armagnac eau-de-vie dating from the 20th Century to the present day". This expression was made from Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Baco and Colombard harvested, pressed and vinified separately. 40% Alc./Vol.
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Bols Jonge Gin (Genever) (1000ml)Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 35%Jenever (also known as Genever or Jeniever) Dutch Gin is a full bodied malty spirit that was introduced to the Northern Netherlands in the 16th century by Southern Netherlanders who were fleeing the Spanish inquisition. Although it was originally created for purely medicinal reasons, (juniper berries being of diuretic value in flushing the urinary system) the popularity of this hardy new spirit spread so quickly that it soon was hailed as Holland’s national drink.
There are two types of Genever: ‘Oude’ (Old) and ‘Jonge’ (Young). This is not a matter of aging, but of distilling techniques. Around 1900 new technology made it possible to produce an almost neutral tasting high-grade alcohol, independent of the origin of the spirit. A worldwide trend towards lighter tasting spirits as well as lower prices, led to blended whisky in Great Britain, and its counterpart in the Netherlands was 'Jonge Genever'. During the World Wars, lack of imported cereals and hence malt, forced the continued promotion of this Gin. People started using the term ‘Oude’ for the old-style Genever and ‘Jonge’ for the new style, which contains more grain instead of malt and can even contain plain sugar-based alcohol.
Jonge Bols is one of the finest young Genevers of Holland, twice distilled from 100% pure grain. Fourteen ingredients such as, angelica root, aniseed, ginger root, apricot nuts, learwyt seed are then infused for flavouring. Typically consumed out of a shot glass, or, as preferred in Holland, a tulip glass, Jonge Gin is best served chilled. Or try a John Collins, a Cocktail which consists of Genever Gin (or Bourbon), lemon juice, sugar, and sodawater and made in the same way as a Tom Collins.
Tasting note: Clear. Mild aromatics reveal top notes of candle wax, talc and mineral over heavier scents of potpourri (especially lavender) citrus peel and juniper. Silky entry slowly builds in concentration offering mild, medium dry flavours of citrus, mineral and chamomile tea. Juniper takes back seat. White pepper back palate. Exceptionally pure, silky and very gently warming mouth feel. Turns dry, with a clean, refreshing aftertaste of citrus peel, mineral and a subtle juniper fade. A less assertive and very easy drinking alternative to London Dry’s. 35% Alc./Vol.
- Dolin Chamberyzette Strawberry Aperitif (700ml)Chambery, FRANCE$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 16%Closure: Stelvin
Dolin is among the few remaining independent producers of Vermouth and the last producing Vermouth de Chambéry, still made according to the principles which earned Chambéry France's only A.O. for Vermouth back in 1932.
Created in the 19th century, Chamberyzette is an aperitif made from dry vermouth infused with alpine strawberries. Still made in small quantities and drunk chilled, its light, fresh, not-too-sweet and perfect as a summer aperitif. 16% Alc./Vol.
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2016 Chateau Bellevue MondotteSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$370. 00Bottle$4440.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2016 Bellevue Mondotte is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 18 hectoliters per hectare because of the old vines and the shallow depth of the earth, 20-30 centimeters until the pickaxe hits limestone. It is matured in 100% new oak, and the alcohol level is 14.84% this year. It has an opulent bouquet with ravishing blueberry and black cherry fruit, crushed violets and a touch of glycerin. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, and whereas I had anticipated being overwhelmed by this Bellevue-Mondotte, it actually retains wonderful elegance and precision. You cannot help but be seduced by this Saint Emilion and its satin-like texture. This is not always my favorite wine from Gérard Perse, as my previous scores attest. However, this year the Bellevue-Mondotte has pulled off a very luxuriant 2016 with a greater sense of control, a wine that should drink beautifully for many years. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
95-97 points
Neal Martin eRobertParker.com #230 (Apr 2017)Very, very solid, showing a core of delicious blackberry and dark plum fruit laced with anise and light bramble notes. Has a dose of toast, but it's integrated and the finish has drive, thanks to a buried chalky spine.-J.M.
92-95 points
Wine SpectatorThere's a vibrance and brilliance that gives this wine focus and energy. Medium body, ultra-fine tannins and a long and beautiful finish. Very fine.
96-97 points
James SucklingThis wine is already well-balanced between the ample acidity, fruitiness and structure. There are bright aromas, plenty of good fruitiness on the palate and a solid background structure. A fine showing for this Gerard Perse estate, it has the freshness and elegance of the vintage.
92-94 points
Wine EnthusiastThe 2016 Bellevue Mondotte is striking. An explosion of fruit and mineral-drenched overtones make a strong first impression. Remarkably nuanced for such a big, powerful wine, the 2016 possesses exceptional balance from the very first taste. Graphite, smoke, crème de cassis, lavender and menthol are some of the many notes that build into the huge finish.
95-98 points
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Wild Turkey Longbranch Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$76. 99Bottle$923.88 DozenABV: 40%Another celebrity affiliated spirit arrives with Matthew McConaughey joining Wild Turkey as the company’s Creative Director in 2016 (making him one of the highest paid directors in the ad industry). With the new role comes the launch of Wild Turkey Longbranch, a small-batch Kentucky bourbon with a touch of Texas (McConaughey's homestate – hence the connection). McConaughey worked with Master Distiller, Eddie Russell from concept to bottle. It's an eight-year-old whisky distilled from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye and 10% malted barley. What sets it apart from standard Turkey is that it's further refined through a proprietary process involving two separate charcoal filtrations – the first uses charcoal made from American white oak and a second employs charcoal made from Texas mesquite wood, which adds notes of smoky sweetness. Will this be a stayer on the market, or a flash in the pan? It's anyone's guess, however collectors (and Turkey completionists) may want to snap it up early: Longbranch is marked by the fact that it’s the only Wild Turkey to be produced bearing the signature of someone other than the Master Distillers. Says McConaughey. , “Longbranch, in its simplest form, is an extended hand, inviting a friend into your family. So the branch that was extended to me from the Russells was a long one, one that reached from Kentucky to Texas and back again. I offered the mesquite from my great state to add to their legendary Kentucky whiskey and together we made Longbranch.” Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO at Campari Group, said “As a lover of Bourbon, and an integral part of the team, it was a natural next step for Matthew to partner with Eddie to create a new product for Wild Turkey. We are proud of the work they’ve done and have great expectations for this amazing new whiskey.” Tasting note: Brassy gold. Aromas of pencil shavings / fresh-sawn oak, sweetening with gobstopper, caramel, vanilla and a delicate peppermint lift. Kind of like "The Forgiven", this offers more rye than most other Turkeys. Youthful, medium dry flavours of caramel fudge, vanilla and orange zest are countered by a crisp, mint-fresh finish. The spices are low key, and its mildly oily, dry and faintly smokey through the aftertaste. A shame Australia gets a lower proof version than the States. 40% Alc.Vol. -
- ABV may vary
Absolut Vanilia (Vanilla) Flavoured Vodka (700ml)SWEDEN$62. 99Bottle$755.88 DozenABV: 38%Absolut Vodka was conceived as a pure product with its own peculiar Swedish identity. The distinctive bottle design was inspired by an antique medicine bottle, while the minimalist logo and absolutely clear glass emphasise the simplicity and purity of the product.
Flavouring vodka is an age old Swedish tradition. Absolut Vanilia is the latest addition to the Absolut flavoured vodka range. Experience the purest natural vanilla blended with the finest vodka distilled from grain grown in the rich fields of Southern Sweden.
Tasting note: Offers an intensely bean-like aroma that's assertive and properly bitter; with further time the fragrance turns plumper and sweeter. Palate entry is clean, acidic and bittersweet; by midpalate, the flavor profile displays focused, well-knit tastes of vanilla bean and cocoa bean. Aftertaste is long, semisweet and intensely vanilla-like. Rating: 90-95
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Click here to learn more about Vodka. -
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Arette 100% Agave Blanco Tequila (750ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$94. 99Bottle$1139.88 DozenABV: 38%Founded in the 1900s by the Orendain family and run by Eduardo and Jaime Orendain since 1976, Arette was the name of the horse that under Humberto Mariles won one bronze and two Gold Olympic medals in jumping. The brand was introduced in 1986 to commemorate this event, which at the time of writing were the only Gold medals for Mexico in the discipline. The Orendain brothers have always prioritised quality over quantity—they follow their grandfather’s footsteps by preserving the original artisanal practices. All their tequilas are made from 100% estate grown agaves. The Blanco is rested in steel tanks for six months and reveals a lifted bouquet that's sweet, sappy and briney in the opening stages evolving suggestions of grilled capsicum, pineapple and white pepper. Light to medium-weight and softly textured with an attractive juicy agave / wax / pickle profile and a gentle fade. Pure and accessible. 38% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... This blanco has a delectably sweet fragrance—honeyed agave accented by a slight floral note. On the palate, this is a fiery number, although the alcohol heat fades into a mellow, sweet agave finish with touches of vanilla and white flowers. 87 points - winenenthusiast.com
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2019 Chateau Beausejour Duffau-LagarrosseSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$290. 00Bottle$3480.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
Composed of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Beausejour (Duffau Lagarrosse) was harvested from the 24th of September to the 7th of October. Yields were 45 hectoliters per hectare this year with about 60% of production going into the grand vin. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is deceptively forward to begin, giving a wonderful intensity of Morello cherries, wild blueberries and boysenberries scents, soon unfurling to reveal more and more layers: pencil lead, cast-iron pan, wilted roses, oolong tea and charcoal with a hint of garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with energetic, crunchy black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and minerally. If this delivers on its promise, it should be very long-lived indeed! About 2,000 cases are anticipated to be made.
96-98 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine AdvocateThe 2019 Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse is shaping up to be magnificent. A wine of tremendous breadth and power, the 2019 has so much to offer. An infusion of scorched earth, gravel, spice, menthol and blackberry makes a strong first impression. Virile and potent, the 2019 offers remarkable persistence and yet retains quite a bit of finesse, especially given its size. The tannins are there, but they are matched by the intensity of the fruit. This is one of the most impressive wines of the year in the early going. Tasted two times.
95-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe 2019 Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse is endowed with precocious black cherries, kirsch and blueberry on the nose. Just a hint of menthol emerges with several minutes' aeration. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine precision, detailed and tensile with real quality stacked up towards the mineral-driven, lightly spiced and sophisticated finish. This year, it might just be pipped by Pavie Macquin, another Saint-Émilion managed by Nicolas Thienpont, nevertheless this has great potential and it should cellar for 30-40 years.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - VinousA smooth red, showing richness and strength. Blackberries, blueberries, hazelnuts and morel mushrooms. Full body and fine tannins. Solid length.
95-96 points
James SucklingAnother stunning vintage from this brilliant estate that is just delivering hit after hit. Concentration and intensity right from the initial aromatics, damson, cassis and blackberry fruits that you could almost drink now until the tannins build up across the palate and remind you that this is built to last. Velvety texture, black chocolate and crushed stone minerality on the finish. One of the wines of the vintage. Tasted twice, one week apart. 60% 1st wine. A yield of 45hl/ha.
98 points
Jane Anson - DecanterDeep in color, this is beautiful from start to finish. Elegant, full-bodied, sensual, sexy, fresh and sweet, there is ample concentration and length here. The fruit is ripe and clean with a fabulous sense of purity in its essence. The finish holds your attention, making you want to take another swirl, sniff and sip to see what else you can find here. The wine is made from blending 86% Merlot with 14% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place September 24-October 7. The production is well above last year with close to 2,000 cases produced. This is one of the stars of the vintage.
97-99 points
Jeff Leve - Wine Cellar Insider - G.E. Massenez Creme de Violettes (Violet) Liqueur (500ml)Alsace, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 25%
Uncompromising on quality, G.E. Massenez is today universally acclaimed for his 'eaux de vie' (fruit brandies) such as wild Rasperry and Williams Pear as well as his crème liqueurs. The company has won many awards at international exhibitions. 25% alc/vol
No tasting notes available.

Click here to learn more about Liqueurs
- British Navy Pussers Gunpowder Proof Navy Strength Rum (700ml)GUYANA$114. 99Bottle$1379.88 DozenABV: 54.5%A classic British Navy style, inspired by the recipe used to produce the tot given to sailors as their daily ration until Black Tot Day, 31 July 1970. The reference to Gunpowder Proof is explained by the following history snippet: Prior to the invention of the hydrometer, the Royal Navy ship’s “Pusser” shutdown claims of watering down sailors’ daily tots by dousing a bit of gunpowder in the rum and attempting to light it. If the mixture ignited, the rum was “at proof.” If it didn’t, the Pusser might find himself tossed to sea. Amongst x-seamen, the consensus is that Pusser's is about as close to the authentic British Royal Navy edition as you can get. A true sailor's delight! 54.5% Alc./Vol.
- Deau XO Cognac (700ml)Cognac, FRANCE$310. 00Bottle$3720.00 DozenABV: 40%Deau has earned a quiet reputation as high quality Cognac marque. As usual, it's also down to the skill of the Master Blender. Made using fruit from Petite Champagne (75%) and Fins Bois (25%) and aged for a minimum of ten years, this wows with a myriad of flavours: Think violets, lychee, nuts, coffee beans, and a long finish that intensifies with leather, cigar box, and musk. Deau Cognac claims a lineage back to 1655 with the birth of Louis Deau and the family has been in the wine business for centuries. The estate is owned today by Bru-Legaret and operates twelve traditional pot stills and maintains an inventory of over 2,000 barrels of aging eau-de-vie in six cellars near the Charentes River. Presentation is also an aspect in which the house of Deau excels with its beautiful asymmetrical bottles and contemporary designs. The house symbol is the griffin (half eagle, half lion), which is said to guard the vineyards. Other reviews... At first this mahogany spirit has just a fleeting honeyed fragrance, but with time it opens up to a deeper, sweet caramel aroma. Get past the initial dauntingly hot alcohol bite, and the reward is a sweet and nutty flavor, finishing with a pretty cinnamon spice and caramel note. Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2014
Gold Medal at the China Wine and Spirits Awards CWSA in 2013
Silver Medal with a special mention at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2015 -
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Marionette Mure (Blackberry) Liqueur (500ml)AUSTRALIA$63. 99Bottle$767.88 DozenABV: 20%Sourced from the Clark family's farm in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley. Thornless Loch Ness blackberries are harvested to create a bright, herbaceous liqueur. Tasting note: Deep crimson-black with brick red edges. Pure aromas of freshly crushed blackberries follow in a silky, viscous delivery, packed with luscious, ripe blackberries, cleansing acidity and a creamy finish. Like all the Marionette fruit liqueurs, this is very natural and pure, never overly sweet. Well done. 20% Alc./Vol. - The Bitter Truth Grapefruit Bitters (200ml)GERMANY$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenABV: 44%Closure: Cork
Grapefruit meets with hops to create a fresh, bright citrus note. Best friends with gin and tequila, these bitters play nicely with fizzy and fruity drinks as well.
The Bitter Truth Grapefruit Bitters reminds one of summer outdoors. These bitters are best friends to gin, white rum, silver tequila and most clear spirits. Delicate to the nose, these bitters can stand up to aggressive drinks. Give a modern twist to a classic Gin and Tonic with a couple of dashes of Maraschino and the Grapefruit Bitters – or add dashes to a Daiquri or Paloma to add a new layer of complexity to cocktails that traditionally didn’t include bitters.
A dominant grapefruit aroma and flavour mellows into the vegetal green flavours of hops. A great bitter for citrus-heavy drinks that may otherwise feel dull or overly sweet.
- Vedrenne Creme de Mure (Blackberry) Liqueur (700ml)Burgundy, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 15%
Vedrenne has been making its liqueurs since 1923 in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the heart of Burgundy in the middle of the Burgundian orchards. The company initially won recognition with the outstanding quality of its Crème de Cassis. Today its expertise combines with modern processing techniques and remains the third leading French producer of fruit and cocktail liqueurs. 15% Alc./Vol.
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Maxime Trijol XO Cognac (700ml)Cognac, FRANCE$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 40%Since the Trijol family originally settled as growers and distillers in St Martial Sur Né, in the heart of the Cognac region they have built on their expertise as growers and distillers, becoming full time distillers in 1962. An independent family firm, Maxime Trijol has twenty 2,500 litre charentais pot stills and is now one of the largest distillers of cognac supplying many of the larger houses. In recent times the company has concentrated on releasing more of its own cognacs which have been building a great reputation for quality.
Re-tasted June 2015 [New packaging] Perfect clarity, polished copper coin colour. Rich and robust with scents of roasted nuts, cocoa, cigar box and dates. This is super soft and elegant with dried fruit and sweet spice flavours unfolding with excellent length. Sits so lightly in the mouth yet without any compromise on depth and power – in a word, ‘graceful’. 40% Alc./Vol.
First tasted 2011: Deep copper / brass colour displaying good cling to the sides of the glass. First nosings offer restrained but attractive cocoa and dried fig notes. Ten minutes in the glass opens scents of orange peel, subtle vanilla, roast nuts and cedary oak. Entry is concentrated, soft and plush building with medium dry flavours of spicy dried fruits, raisin and fig. Good balancing acidity. Excellent length. Very long dried apricot / cedar aftertaste with a late dried fig burst. Great value.
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Alize Bleu Liqueur (750ml)Cognac, FRANCE$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 20%Alize Bleu is a harmonious blend of Premium French Vodka, Cognac, Passion Fruit, Cherry, Ginger and other natural exotic fruit juices.The presence of Premium French Vodka enlivens Alizé Bleu and raises any occassion to a whole new level. Enjoy Alizé Bleu on the rocks or with your favourite mixer. 20%Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Bouquet is properly snappy, tart and tropical. Palate entry is pleasingly sour and refreshing; by midpalate, a deft touch of sugary sweetness enters the picture. Finishes sour, fruity, delectable. Best Buy. Rating: 85-89 - wineenthusiast.com
Try a "Rocks". 3 parts Alize Bleu
Fill a large tumbler with ice
Pour Alize Bleu over ice
Garnish with lemon or lime peel -
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Sullivans Cove Single Cask XO Brandy (700ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 42.2%Following the ethos applied to their single cask whiskies, Sullivan's Cove brandy is bottled one barrel at a time. Various European and American oak casks are employed, each bestowing its own character. Production Manager, Heather Tillott comments “These single cask brandies will strike a chord with single malt whisky drinkers due to their intense depth, rich complexity and balanced elegance.”
Note: Batches may vary without notice so barrel numbers will not necessarily be the same as the tasting note below.
Tasting note: [Barrel TDB0029] Burnished copper colour - beams from the glass. The aroma opens mildly tart, gradually engaging with a soft, rich nose-feel. 3-4 minutes air contact evokes enticing scents of old muscat, crème caramel, sticky date pudding and vanilla. Slightly astringent on entry; bittersweet dark chocolate... builds body, intensity and richness, peaking at the finish in a delicious rush of sugars (dates, fruit-cake, vanilla and caramello). Sustained through the aftertaste. Youthful, big-hearted new-world brandy with plenty of personality. 47.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 473 bottles.
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Poli Marconi 46 Gin (700ml)ITALY$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 46%From the Poli distillery, located north of the Veneto region, otherwise known for their first class grappas. The family's gin is artisanally distilled in a vacuum bain-marie pot still and obtained from a unique infusion of juniper berries, muscat grape, mountain pine, cembra pine, mint, cardamom and coriander. Tasting note: Crystal clear / silvery blush. Outstanding lift and freshness to the bouquet with layered aromas of pine needle, lavender and juniper. Five minutes in the glass shifts the emphasis towards smoky cardamom, liquorice root and peppermint. Intense piney-juniper attack is moderately peppery, lively and super-fresh. Finish highlights cough lozenge and pine needle closing vibrant, peppery with late hints of cardamom in the fade. Effervescent, characterful and also beautifully presented. 46% Alc./Vol. - Vinhos Barbeito Sercial Old Reserve 10 Year Old MadeiraMadeira, PORTUGAL$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 19%Closure: Cork
Vinhos Barbeito is one of the most forward-thinking companies on Madeira as well as being one of the youngest, being founded in the 1940's by Mário Barbeito. Barbeito are attempting to redefine the popular notion of Madeira to a generally slightly drier, more food-oriented wine. As well as careful selection, long ageing and the absence of caramel, the wines are not de-acidified, so they retain much more freshness and tang than many Madeiras. At this level, Barbeito are leading the way in making complex, fine Madeiras as naturally as possible.
Sercial is the driest of the range from Barbeito, and is one of the best matches with food. You should serve this at 11-12 degrees celsius, and can be kept in a cool place for several months after opening. As this is filtered it does not require decanting.
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L'Entete Absinthe (700ml)Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 62%The name "L'Entêté" means "The Stubborn Absinthe", in reference to the reaction Combier's owner and distiller, Franck Choisne, had to the 1988 French law restricting the inclusion of fennel in absinthe. This expression includes Spanish green anise, large wormwood (cultivated in Beaufort) and, not surprisingly, Provencal fennel! Tasting note: The translucent pale green-yellow colour is slightly cloudy. Delicately bitter opening sniffs are pine fresh, with anise / liquorice, mint and trace cinnamon. Tasted undiluted, it presents a leaner styled absinthe with a concentrated, drying attack; mildly prickly at mid-palate, flavours of fennel, liquorice, pine needles and after dinner mints carry through to a medium long finish. 62% Alc./Vol. -
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Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake (1800ml)Yamaguchi, JAPAN$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 16%Closure: Plastic StopperDassai, brewed by Asahi Shuzo in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is dedicated exclusively to Junmai Daiginjo sake made with the highest level of rice polishing for purity and elegance. Using only Yamada Nishiki, the most prized sake rice, Dassai embraces a supremely modern approach, blending tradition with innovation. Unlike most breweries that follow a seasonal brewing cycle, Dassai operates year-round, refining their techniques to achieve precision and consistency. The result is a range of exceptionally smooth, fragrant, and expressive sake that has gained a global following.
Crafted with meticulous precision, Dassai 23 represents the ultimate pursuit of refinement, with an exceptionally high rice polishing ratio. Its ultra-smooth texture and purity make it a benchmark for modern Junmai Daiginjo.
Tasting Note: Pours a pale, water white colour in the glass. Supremely elegant on the nose, showing honeysuckle, white strawberry, watermelon rind, along with subtle cream and nougat. Likewise the palate is equally elegant and pure, with green melon and white strawberry sitting alongside pastry, nougat, panna cotta, and vanilla notes. Extremely refined, and with more than a passing resemblance to a crisp white wine, serve this sake chilled on its own or along with fresh dishes such as squid or red snapper sashimi.
Alc 16%
Rice Polishing: 23%Other Reviews....
The medium dry Asahi Shuzo NV Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo should be one of the lowest Seimaibuai (23%) sakes in Japan. It is pure and clean, with light but complex scents of white flowers, cherry, strawberry, banana and fresh rice. On the palate it is broad and smooth with a clean spicy finish. Rice: Yamada Nishiki. Alcohol: 16%.
93 points
Liwen Hao - Wine Advocate (Nov 2017)From Japan’s far west beyond Hiroshima, Dassai produces only junmai daiginjo in three main styles; 23, 39 and 50, reflecting their respective polishing ratios. This lovely aromatic daiginjo displays plenty of intense, fragrant floral and melon notes, fresh without the unpasteurised zing of nama sake. It is smooth and richly flavoured with melon, pear, peach and touches of coconut and cinnamon. There is a lovely rich texture and elegant, long dry finish.
94 points
Anthony Rose - Decanter -
- Packaging may vary
- Nicks Import
Ciroc Apple Flavoured Vodka (700ml)FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 37.5%A vodka infused with a distinctive blend of apple and other natural flavours. Expect bright, crisp green apple aromas and juicy green apple flavours.
Whereas most vodkas are produced from common starches such as wheat or potatoes, Ciroc is made from Ugni Blanc grapes left on the vine for extended ripening. The fruit is sourced from Gaillac in the Southwest of France, (nestled between Roussillon and the Pyrenees in the South and the Gorges of the Tarn in the East). After harvesting, the juice is pressed, cold fermented then distilled five times - the fifth time using specially-designed, traditional copper pot-stills. 37.5% Alc./Vol.
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Amacardo Black Amaro di Carciofino Selvatico dell'Etna (500ml)Sicily, ITALY$76. 99Bottle$923.88 DozenABV: 30%A delicious digestive from Sicily's oldest distillery made with indigenous wild artichokes grown on volcanic slopes. Translucent ochre / sienna brown. Engaging aromas of orange spice cake, fruit mince pie, sage, tarragon and oregano. A superb, semi-sweet, spiced orange cake burst; finishes drier, balanced, and super pure with a delicately bitter herbal, gingerbread, cinnamon and orange peel fade. Very moreish. 30% Alc./Vol.
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Jacopo Poli Vespaiolo Grappa (500ml)Veneto, ITALY$120. 00Bottle$1440.00 DozenABV: 40%The highly regarded Jacopo Poli distillery is an artisan operation solely owned by the Poli family, founded in 1898 in Schiavon, near Bassano del Grappa, in the hearth of Veneto, the most typical region for Grappa production.
This is young grappa produced from Vespailolo grapes.
Tasting note: [LOT 07174 tasted] Crystal clear with a glossy, silvery appearance. Moderate yet refined, the sensuous aromatics open with chocolate and marzipan; five minutes in the glass releases subtle citrus oil and orange blossom notes, followed by suggestions of sultana and plum with further aeration. Silky, delicate entry. The palate has ballerina like poise as cascades of sweet dried fruit, chocolate and honeycomb are beautifully defined against balancing acidity. Excellent length. Finish is delicate, fresh and citrus peel-like, leading into a long, subtle aftertaste of nuts and cocoa. Exceptional purity. The exuberant packaging adds to the allure. 40% Alc./Vol.
Click here to learn more about Grappa
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2018 Chateau ValandraudSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$450. 00Bottle$5400.00 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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2009 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon ShirazSouth Australia, AUSTRALIA$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 14.5%Closure: Screw CapTotally opaque black dark crimson red colour with very deep black crimson hue. Aromas of ripe blackcurrant and blackberry are at the fore, followed by some liquorice and cedary vanillin like characters showing good intensity. Full bodied the palate is very concentrated and delivers a ripe rich flavour profile of blackberry, cassis and liquorice followed by some vanillin confectionary like characters and spice. Displaying the richness of Shiraz and structural components of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a very well balanced and structured Bin 389. Fine grained, slightly dryish tannins. Long aftertaste of blackberry, liquorice and spice.
Alc 14.5%
Other Reviews….
There is true depth of aroma and flavour in this wine, ranging from fragrant florals to menacing black fruits, all offset by sweet spices and well-handled oak; full-bodied, with full-throttle tannins, bright acid and an exceedingly long finish. This will cellar brilliantly, but is not likely to get the chance. Drink by 2030.
95 Points
Ben Edwards - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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Overeem Distillery Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky (700ml) - Cask Strength 60%Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$270. 00Bottle$3240.00 DozenABV: 60%Not surprisingly, Overeem's cask strength sherry edition shows more intensity than its 43% sibling, though not by a huge margin. It maintains a similar finesse and poise, and despite the significant step up in alcohol, there's barely a trace of burn in the deliciously rich delivery - only a mild bittersweetness betrays the ABV. That feature bestows a high-cocoa dark chocolate character to the malt, infused with hazelnuts, tea biscuits, sponge cake and threads of honey through the creamy-yet-spicy-finish. Buxom yet balanced, it feels almost effortless at 60%.
[Cask 001 tasted 2012] Deep gold / burnished brass colour. The nose offers a degree of opulence in a fat, oily and ripe dimension but without being overly sweet. Beneath the rich fruit cake and sweet spices some confectionary notes emerge as bubblegum / dark chocolate. Is there a trace of peat in this bottling? The palate is intense, semi-sweet at first with cocoa, sweet spices and hints of dried fruit; by mid-palate the profile thins out as the high ABV kicks in. Finishes mildly bitter, spicy and warm but remarkably balanced. 92 points
- Branca Menta (1000ml)ITALY$109. 99Bottle$1319.88 DozenABV: 28%
Essentially a minted version of Fernet Branca, being based on the same recipe as the original including an assortment of 40 ingredients such as aloe, gentian, chamomile, angelica, chincona, colombo root, chinese rhubarb, myrrh, peppermint, saffron and iris. Branca Menta adds to the equation more sugar and peppermint oil. Recommended with a splash of soda over ice. 28% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... While Fernet-Branca dates to 1845, Branca-Menta was released in the 1960s, the result of younger drinkers who were putting mint syrup in their Fernet. Take standard Fernet-Branca and add peppermint and menthol, and you’ve got Menta. However, the current recipe is much lower in alcohol. The mint is immediately evident on the nose, and it brings out a cocoa character in the aroma that ultimately smells a lot like mint chocolate. Sweetness is evident as you take a sip — this is no ultra-bitter fernet but rather a more modern styling — and the palate hits like a mint-flavored glass of espresso, heavily dosed with sugar. That heavy sweetness makes Menta feel less refreshing than it should be, though the peppermint element is at least quite fun. - drinkhacker.com
"Combines rooty herbal bitterness with invigorating and cleansing mint freshness." 5 stars - diffordsguide.com
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- Nicks Import
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 40%"yesss! Spot on Pulteney character with the malt bristling the taste buds..." 91 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.
Suitably marketed as 'The Maritime Malt’, Pulteney’s sweet and fruity style comes with a lick of salt and sea air. It's one of a small number of coastal distilleries turning out a very distinctive style, further distinguished by its extreme northern location. Owned by a relatively small company without the promotional muscle of the major players, many whisky enthusiasts only 'discovered' Pulteney after Jim Murray named the now discontinued 21 year old World Whisky of the Year, (replaced by the superb 18YO). Choose any age statement and Pulteney promises a solid northerner, frequently matured in x Bourbon where you get the best feel for the distillate, but also suited to sherry when handled with care. Apart from the notable saline character, we often find hints of beeswax and light smoke that give it a Clynelish-like feel.
Established in 1826, for a long time the distillery was only accessible by sea. Barley was brought in by boat, the whisky shipped out and many of the distillery workers were also employed as fishermen. The herring fishing industry is no longer part of daily life in Wick, but the heritage of the region is referenced in the packaging of Old Pulteney, the labels incorporating the depiction of a traditional Wick herring drifter.
The twelve year old presents a pale gold colour in the glass and a minor sulphur note is evident beneath the light, salty, peppery malt that leaves one with an overall impression similar to fino or manzanilla sherry; it sweetens slightly with aeration releasing hints of fruit. The medium dry, biscuity palate has a pleasantly spicy burst - over all, dry and saline. The finish is crisp and fresh with delicate bready notes followed by a late coastal tang. In the spectrum of single malts, this belongs at the aperitif end, and is all the more refreshing for its individuality. 40% Alc./Vol. [2007 batch tasted].
Other reviews... Remarkably consistent.... The salt continues to ensure lustre, though this bottling has a little extra - and welcome - barley gristiness. 91 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022
...The only survivor from Old Pulteney’s core range shake-up of 2018, this has been matured in first and second-fill bourbon casks. The nose is delicate, with almonds, honey, and floral notes. Malt and toffee on the palate, with spicy oak and a hint of brine. The medium-length finish is nutty, with wood spices. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith (Winter 2018)
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- 97
- Not gift boxed
Cadenhead's Old Raj Dry Gin (700ml)$115. 00Bottle$1380.00 DozenABV: 55%Closure: Screw Cap"What's so impressive about this breathtaking gin is that from start to finish, the 110 proof acts only as a sublime foundation for the botanicals rather than as a star performer; as delicious and comely as I could ever imagine British gin".- F.Paul Pacault - 5 Stars, The Highest Recommendation.
Cadenhead's Old Raj Dry Gin is one of the most intensely flavoured Gins available on the market today. Gin lovers note, while Old Raj is bottled at 55%, and carries some heat, it is in harmony with the extra flavour that Raj offers. No doubt it will be too much for some.
Tasting note: Distinctive, yet very pale straw coloured tinge. Heavy, penetrating aromas exude out of the glass offering an exotic amalgam of coriander seed, saffron, white pepper, tumeric and clove with some citrus zest notes adding freshness. A rich, clean, oily mouth feel delivers an enormous attack of saffron, coriander seed, aniseed and lemon tart carried by a spicy power wave, with the flavour profile reverberating into an exceptionally long, off-dry aftertaste of indian spices and lemon tart. This extraordinary offering guarantees a stunning Gin experience. 55% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... This is the lower-proof version of the classic Old Raj. Lovely, complex gin bouquet offers aromas of coriander, juniper, anise, orris root, ground pepper, lemon peel, lead pencil, earth and tree bark. Palate entry is creamy, fruity, spicy and minty; midpalate offers layers of botanical complexity over the core juniper taste. Finishes with a wonderful rush of mint and baking spice. Fabulous. (2/1/2009)
96-100: Classic/Highest Recommendation - wineenthusiast.com -
- 91
Dos Maderas Luxus Rum (700ml)SPAIN$280. 00Bottle$3360.00 DozenABV: 40%Reportedly produced from rums sourced from both Barbados and Guyana, like its younger brother, Dos Maderas PX, this expression is also double aged: Ten years in the Caribbean followed by another 5 years at Williams & Humbert's facilities in Spain where it's finished in barrels that previously held wine at Don Guido. Tasting note: Burnished copper. High pitched marzipan in the opening pass. 3-4 minutes exposure adds cocoa butter, raisin toast, hazelnut and hints of chico lollies. A medium bodied, semi-sweet profile suggesting milk chocolate, caramel fudge, vanilla and raisin cake. Excellent sweet-dry balance. Finishes with late rancio and marzipan in the aftertaste. An elegant sipper in the tradition of lighter-bodied Venezuelan rums. 40% Alc./Vol.
















































