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2022 South By South West SangioveseMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2024)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinSemi translucent dark red to brick red colour with a brick red hue. Aromas of dried cherries, earth and dried herbs mix with new leather notes. Light, herby and earthy with amaro like characters, bramble and some stewed cherry elements evident across the palate. Slightly grainy tannins and bright acidity with a tangy feel to the short finish.
Drink now.
Alc. 13% -
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2020 Small Boots Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2024-2025)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinIncludes 25% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in French oak for a period of 10 months. Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light brick red hue. Aromas of dark cherry and anise are followed by earth and dried herb notes with a whiff of amaro also evident. Making a smooth, supple entry are cherry, amaro, dried herb, earth and spice characters. Lively blood orange like acidity perks up the back half. Polished tannins with a tangy feel to the finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13.5% -
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2014 Chateau Meillac Bordeaux Superieur (375ml)Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, FRANCE$15. 99Bottle$191.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2024)ABV: 14%Closure: Diam CorkChateau Meillac is a Bordeaux Superior from Domaine Serisier vineyards running down the slope of the limestone plateau one kilometre from Chateau Cadillac. The limestone plateau is one in a series of riverside hills and plateaus where the appellations of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol sit. Chateau Meillac, is located on the site near to the town of St Romain la Virvée.
A blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark red core with black tinged edges and a dark red hue. Aromas of red currant and mulberry are intertwined with earth, old cedar, tobacco and spicy leather notes. Medium bodied with blackcurrant flavours to the fore, tertiary elements of earthy tobacco, dried herbs, leather and spice then move in. Dryish, slightly grippy tannins with an elegant aftertaste dominated by tertiary characters as the fruit dries out towards the finish.
Drink now.
Alc. 14% -
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2023 Tomfoolery Young Blood Shiraz - Last StocksBarossa, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $27.99$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2024-2028)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinDense pitch black heart with a dark purple black tinged hue. Pronounced liquorice, dark plum and freshly crushed blackberry scents flood the nostrils followed by some vanillin spice, subtle inky earth and peppered fennel notes. Juicy plum, liquorice and blueberry fruits have a fresh crunchy feel with some inky earth and peppered fennel characters ensuing. Bright lively acidity and polished tannins with an energetically fruity finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14% -
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2021 Mount Langi Ghiran Mast ShirazGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinMidnight black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Nosing offers up lifted top notes of blackberry and liquorice followed by dark plum, vanillin cedar and pepper scents with some earthy leather background nuances also evident. Rich with a silken feel across the medium bodied palate, red to dark plum and liquorice fruits are featured over a back drop of spicy vanillin cedar, peppered meats and faint earthy leather characters. Polished fine grained tannins with a refined feel to the long pepper laced finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Just the right edge of black pepper and a substantial base of juicy, engaging cherry-plum fruit. This is the Langi song sung true and proper. There are no rough edges here, and no signs that it's trying too hard either. It's a quality wine – it just is. It lays out everything in good measure and ties all the pieces together confidently through the finish.
95 Points
Campbell Mattinson – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionI think Trevor Mast would have been mighty pleased to see this wine under his name. It is a cracker, reflecting a very good vintage. It comes off the single Home Block 4 which is the coolest on the vineyard. The key to the flavour development here was the extra hang time on the vine which has contributed to its polish refinement, tremendous depth and concentration of fruit. Highly perfumed aromas with oodles of spices working neatly with the ripe plummy fruit. It’s a plush and sumptuous wine of great balance and poise. Drink 2024-2039.
96 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.comSoaring black pepper, anise and coltsfoot riffs beguile from the off, as does the fresh, agile blackberry, plum and blueberry fruit. The spice and petrichor granite minerality resonate on a lingering, retro-nasal finish of uncommon levity and intensity. Exuding class and charm, it is drinking beautifully now but has a couple of decades in hand. The harvest was completed on 23 April. Drink 2024-2044.
96 Points
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2019 Olivier Leflaive Chassagne-Montrachet RougeBurgundy, FRANCE$120. 00Bottle$1440.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2024-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkSourced from 36 year old vines with maturation taking place in French oak (30% new) for a period of 12 months.
Deep dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. Elevated red to dark cherry aromas mingle with earth, spicy cedar, subtle dried herb and delicate leather notes. Elegant and slightly rustic, the palate features generous spicy dark cherry flavours over an earth, old cedar, dried herb and rhubarb background. Dryish, grainy tannins finishing savoury and spicy with good freshness.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
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2022 Domaine des Perdrix Nuits-Saint-GeorgesBurgundy, FRANCE$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2024-2032)ABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkDark red core with black toned edges and a light red to red hue. Perfumed scents of violet are interwoven with red to dark cherry, winter strawberry, fresh herb, delicate earth, vanillin cedar and spice notes. Light in body and possessing an elegant feel, savoury red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits are featured over an earth, vanillin cedar, subtle dried herb and spice back drop. Good underlying freshness with slightly grainy tannins lending a gentle rustic feel to the long, deeply fruited yet refined finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years
Alc. 13.5% -
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2023 Toma! TintoNavarra, SPAIN$25. 99Bottle$311.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2024-2027)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA delicious unoaked blend of Spain’s two most important grape varieties Garnacha and Tempranillo. Both are farmed at high altitude in Navarra with exposure to both the Atlantic Ocean and Pyrenees mountain ranges to produce a fresh, succulent blend that delivers fantastic bang for your buck.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a vibrant red purple tinged hue. Jumping from the glass are intense black cherry, liquorice and dark raspberry aromas infused with a mix of clove and incense. Some scorched earth and pepper notes follow on. Juicy dark raspberry, cherry and liquorice fruits carry a fleshy feel across the mid weighted palate with notions of scorched earth, clove and pepper lying underneath. Possessing polished tannins and plenty of freshness it has a long succulent finish that’s infused with clove and pepper.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14% -
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2023 South By South West GrenacheSwan Valley, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2024)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinProduced from organically grown 68 year old bush vines picked early to retain natural acidity. Translucent bright ruby red colour. Raspberry and red liquorice aromas are followed by some earth, pomegranate and fresh herb notes. Light, bright and crunchy, this is just a shade above Rose territory with juicy raspberry, cherry and pomegranate fruits melding into a fresh herb infused back drop. Lively, crisp like acidity with an energetic finish of modest length. Could be served chilled.
Drink now.
Alc. 12% -
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Spike Island Spiced Rum (700ml)IRELAND$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%A medium-to-full bodied rum offering good spice flavour definition; Initially gingery, with fruit cake and cinnamon buns on the nose; Gingerbread is a keynote, the accompanying warmth is expected, however, the character of the rum is less apparent. 40% Alc./Vol.
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2022 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones ChardonnayMendoza, ARGENTINA$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenClosure: CorkThe Adrianna Vineyard, known as Catena Zapata’s "Grand Cru", lies at an altitude of about 1,500 meters and it's divided into several unique parcels, each with distinct soil profiles, microclimates and characteristics that contribute to the complexity of the wines.
The White Stones parcel is one of the most distinctive sections of the Adrianna Vineyard. This parcel gets its name from the large, white oval stones scattered throughout the soil. These stones, composed of alluvial deposits, play a vital role in the vineyard’s drainage and heat retention. The white stones reflect sunlight and store heat during the day, which helps maintain steady ripening conditions for the grapes, even in Mendoza’s high-altitude, cool-climate environment. This, combined with the calcareous subsoil, contributes to the parcel's hallmark minerality and precision. The wines from this parcel are known for their purity, focus, and long aging potential.
Other Reviews….
The 2022 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Stones hails from a cool and slightly dry vintage in the Uco Valley. Sourced from a small gravel and limestone plot in Gualtallary, it displays a green hue in the glass. Its aromas feature lime, green apple and herbs, with subtle notes of ginger and acacia. Dry, nimble and refreshing, the chalky texture enlivens the slightly lean palate, with a long-lasting, fruit-driven finish. A high-altitude wine, the 2022 growing season brought an extra layer of freshness to this Chardonnay. Drink 2024-2034.
97 points
Joaquín Hidalgo – VinousThis is always minerally and incisive and very different from White Bones. This is more classic chardonnay, with lots of freshly squeezed lemons, wet stone, flint and seashells. Brisk acidity on a medium- to full-bodied palate. Tense and intense, but this is acid-driven with a fine touch of salinity that lingers at the end. Drink or hold.
97 points
JamesSuckling.comAt almost 5,000-feet elevation in the cool of the region, growing deep in rocky soils, the light-bodied 2022 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Stones features compellingly grippy texture that excites the palate. Like its sister, White Bones, it sees 12-16 months in used French oak barrel, coaxing a light touch of spice from the wood. Herbal, earthy, and textural above all, it sings in buzzy acidity and yet retains a refined mouthfeel of length and complex angles, digging deep into ethereal flavors of lemon rind and wet stone. Drink now through 2042. This is incredibly delicious. Drink 2025-2042.
98 points
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2021 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River MalbecMendoza, ARGENTINA$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenClosure: CorkThe Adrianna Vineyard, known as Catena Zapata’s "Grand Cru", lies at an altitude of about 1,500 meters and it's divided into several unique parcels, each with distinct soil profiles, microclimates, and characteristics that contribute to the complexity of the wines.
The River parcel is composed of deep, gravelly soils with a high content of large river stones. These stones retain and reflect heat, aiding in grape ripening despite the cool climate. Notable for its expression of Malbec, this parcel produces concentrated wines with deep tannins, intense dark fruit, and earthy minerality.
Other Reviews….
The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River originates from a small stony plot nestled in an ancient riverbed in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in foudres and concrete vats. It displays a purple hue with a bright sheen. The nose offers enticing notes of sage and arugula, complemented by chamomile, lavender and huacatay, layered over a base of rosehip and crushed plums. This Malbec exhibits a dry and lean profile reminiscent of Pinot Noir, showcasing a nervous and taut sensation with a silky texture. The refreshing notes and juicy flow linger, creating a harmonious experience. This red wine combines precise harvesting timing with a beautiful 2021 vintage to accentuate its primary profile. Drink 2025-2040.
98 points
Joaquín Hidalgo – VinousA full package of red fruit with a hint of black olives, spice, wet stones and hibiscus. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, very pure, transparent and juicy. Really elegant and subtle, with a long finish. Very refined. Complex but discreet and pinot-esque for a malbec. 100% whole bunch. Drink or hold.
98 points
JamesSuckling.comThere is an usual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors and a sense of harmony that was moving. It's powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo! 3,400 bottles produced. Drink: 2024-2040.
100 points
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2022 Domaine Roland Lavantureux Vauprin ChablisChablis, FRANCE$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenClosure: CorkRoland Lavantureux founded his namesake Domaine in 1978 following completion of wine school in Beaune. Since then he has built a reputation for crafting some of the most consistent and reliable examples of Chablis from vineyards planted on the prized Kimmeridgian soils around the village of Lignorelles. The Domaine is now under the care of Roland's two sons Arnaud and David who have increased the family holdings to twenty-one hectares, adding single-vineyard cuvées while constantly striving for more complexity and layered texture in the mineral-driven wines they produce. Ferments are temperature controlled in stainless steel and all but the Petit-Chablis spends some time in 2 to 5 year old barriques. Whilst the Vaudesir is a mighty Grand Cru, the signature wine of the Domaine is the lieu-dit 'Vauprin' which is one of the highest vineyards in Chablis and gives remarkable mineral influence to the wine.
Other Reviews....
Coming from a 1.8ha plot, at one of the highest plantings of AP Chablis, this has more concentration than brothers David and Arnaud's 'straight' Chablis, with an additional mineral character balancing the concentration of fruit on the palate. Manages to have weight and force, yet remains light and delicate on its feet. A touch of wood adds a different type of complexity on the palate. Drink 2025 - 2029.
93 points
Andy Howard MW - DecanterThe 2022 Chablis Vauprin has another impressive nose: taut and delineated. The mineralité of a Premier Cru with a clever reduction suggests some astute winemaking. The palate is nicely balanced, with a citrus-fresh entry, lively and animated, and a bright and vibrant finish. This is irresistible. Chapeau! Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis. Drink 2024-2034.
92 points
Neal Martin - Vinous -
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2022 Domaine Roland Lavantureux Vau de Vey Chablis Premier CruChablis, FRANCE$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenClosure: CorkRoland Lavantureux founded his namesake Domaine in 1978 following completion of wine school in Beaune. Since then he has built a reputation for crafting some of the most consistent and reliable examples of Chablis from vineyards planted on the prized Kimmeridgian soils around the village of Lignorelles. The Domaine is now under the care of Roland's two sons Arnaud and David who have increased the family holdings to twenty-one hectares, adding single-vineyard cuvées while constantly striving for more complexity and layered texture in the mineral-driven wines they produce. Ferments are temperature controlled in stainless steel and all but the Petit-Chablis spends some time in 2 to 5 year old barriques. Whilst the Vaudesir is a mighty Grand Cru, the signature wine of the Domaine is the lieu-dit 'Vauprin' which is one of the highest vineyards in Chablis and gives remarkable mineral influence to the wine.
Other Reviews....
Brothers Arnaud and David have been making exciting, intriguing wines at the family domaine. Their Vau de Vey comes from 0.95ha of vines with an average age of 35 years. Plenty of power and complexity on nose and palate. A touch of oak evident but just needs a bit of time. Rich and luscious palate cut with vibrant citrus acidity and a long, pure finish. A very fine example. Drink 2025 - 2030.
94 points
Andy Howard MW - DecanterThe 2022 Chablis Vau de Vey 1er Cru was half-aged in a 5-year-old barrel and half in stainless steel. It takes time to settle on the nose, showing ample yellow fruit infused with crushed stone and light lanolin aromas. The palate is well-balanced, with mango and peach on the entry. It leans more towards the tropical side, though undeniably balanced with a deft touch of ginger on the finish. I'm intrigued to see how this will age in bottle. Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis. Drink 2025-2036.
91 points
Neal Martin - Vinous -
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2023 Home Hill Kelly's Reserve Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinThis Pinot has quickly become one of Tasmania’s most sought after wines with a string of accolades being awarded to past vintages including the Jimmy Watson Trophy for the 2014. The fruit for Kelly’s Reserve is sourced from the middle 12 rows of the vineyard which have had their trellising system modified. The aim is to reduce the yields as much as possible and in turn produce fruit with greater concentration. Each year the Kelly’s Reserve is made from a blend of only the top barrels from the vintage.
Awarded the James Halliday trophy for best Pinot Noir at the Melbourne Royal Wine Show.
Matured for 10 months in French oak (38% new). Deep red to dark red colour with black shaded edges and a bright red hue. Wonderfully perfumed, the nose offers up alluring scents of violets, rose petals, dark cherries, strawberries and anise trailed by whiffs of dried herbs, forest floor and delicate spicy cedar. Rich, expansive and supple, the palate is layered with delicious ripe red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits which seamlessly meld into a subtle anise, spicy cedar, dried herb and forest floor back drop. Possessing a tremendous power wave of flavour that unfolds across the palate like a peacock’s tail, it shows outstanding intensity and features silky smooth tannins. Finishes extraordinarily long and exceptionally polished.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews……
As I write this, I've just returned from judging at the 2025 Tasmanian Wine Show, where this particular wine put in a stellar showing at the pointy end of the trophy judging. Gee it's lovely. There's not a hair out of place. Beautifully pure red berry and raspberry fruits with great carry of aroma and flavour, spice, some distant undergrowth tones, some cured meats, everything in balance and true with a sapid, saline cadence and fine, powdery tannins. It is just a pleasure to drink. Drink by 2038.
96 points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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- Packaging may vary
Distilleries de Provence Elisir De M.P Roux Liqueur (500ml)Provence, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 47%An unusual and captivating liqueur made from a mix of plants and spices including marjoram, bitter almonds, ginseng, hyssop, damiana, star anise, lemon balm, fennel, costmary, coriander and more. After the ingredients have been macerated in alcohol for fifteen days, the elixir is rested for one to three months before bottling. Naturally its taste reflects the botanical composition: Vibrant and warm, with the essence of marjoram, lemon balm, mint and frail notes of aniseed. There are comparisons to be made with Yellow Chartreuse, Cuvee MOFS or sweeter styled absinthes. A wonderful digestif served chilled or straight over ice, it can also be used to enhance the complexity of cocktails. 47% Alc./Vol. Note: contains almonds.
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Cape Byron Peated Chardonnay Cask Single Malt Australian Whisky (700ml)New South Wales, AUSTRALIA$159. 99Bottle$1919.88 DozenABV: 51%A not-to-be-repeated special release from Cape Byron and also the first over 50% ABV. Initially created by the Cape Byron team specifically for an Australian whisky club, surplus stock is now being offered to a broader market. Most of the liquid was sourced from an unpeated Bourbon cask, then finished in a single re-charred Chardonnay cask, however there's also a choice amount of peated Bourbon cask matured whisky married in to give earthiness and complexity. 51% Alc./Vol.
- Three Foxes Organic Espresso Amaro (700ml)Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 23%
The distillery describes this as their "quiet sipper": a union of espresso, dark chocolate and earthy botanicals sets up a blissful journey for the discerning coffee addict. Subtly sweet with a smooth bitter finish. Savour the moment in your favourite armchair after a meal.
Gold Medal - San Francisco Spirits Competition 2024 -
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2023 Maude ChardonnayCentral Otago, NEW ZEALAND$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2024-2029)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinSourced from 30 year old vines, this generous Chardonnay is fermented with indigenous yeasts, matured in seasoned French oak and undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation.
Brilliant pale straw to straw colour with a subtle glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Aromas of white peach, dried honey and cashew fill the nostrils followed by some biscuity nougat and subtle butterscotch notes. Rich, creamy textured white peach, dried honey, crème brulee and cashew flavours flood the mouth, whilst biscuity nougat and gentle spice elements unfold across the back half. Medium to full in body it finishes long, refined and beautifully rounded.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
Complex, youthful, varietal and enticing bouquet. Aromas of grapefruit and sweet peach, lemon and vanilla, raw cashew nut butter and layers of lees complexities. Near full-bodied on the palate with fruit, oak and lees flavours reflecting the bouquet. The key with this wine is the acid line accentuating the citrus with grapefruit peel, then complexities from lees and development. The minerality is also a feature with a clay, stone and baking spice qualities. Lengthy, dry on the finish and delicious with best drinking from 2024 through 2030+.
94 points
CamDouglas.com -
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2014 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires Brut ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: CorkCharles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires is a rare gem among Champagnes, showcasing the house’s mastery of Chardonnay. Crafted only in exceptional vintages, its creamy texture and remarkable depth set it apart from the crowd.
Other Reviews....
The eighth rendition of this cuvée, the 2014 Brut Blanc de Blancs Blanc des Millénaires evokes a complex, sweet bouquet of candied lemon, confit citrus, blanched almonds, brioche, honeycomb and ripe orchard fruits. Full-bodied, broad-shouldered and ample, it features a velvety attack and a vinous, fleshy core of fruit, with a textural mid-palate that leads to a spicy, long and delicate finish. This is a stunning new release of this cuvée, showcasing its depth and elegance. Drink 2024-2044.
95 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Oct 25, 2024)A compacted, dense blanc de blancs with real intensity, showing tarte tatin and sliced white peaches. Full-bodied. A lovely combination of dried apples, pie crust and underlying acidity. Some subtle brioche. Hints of cream and salted butter. From the villages of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Vertus, Cramant and Avize. 8.5 years on the lees. Dosage 9 g/L. Disgorged 2023. Drink now.
97 points
James SucklingEntirely Chardonnay, the bright straw/silver-colored the 2014 Champagne Blanc Des Millénaires has light reduction with beautiful smoky framing as well as notes of white peach, tangerine, fresh flowers, and chalky salinity. Medium-bodied, it has a refined mousse, a silky texture, and a long, elegant finish. It’s not an obvious wine at this stage, but it’s pleasing. It will benefit from time in bottle and drink well over the next couple decades. I like the fruitiness and freshness on the palate. It should pair well with shellfish. Drink 2024-2044.
96 points
Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.comThe only Blanc des Millénaires made during Thierry Roset's brief tenure as cellar master of Charles Heidsieck before his untimely death after the 2014 harvest. The wine was blended by Cyril Brun. It has seen less time on lees than the previous 2007 and 2006 wines – between eight and nine years rather than 12 – but the decision feels apt for this beautifully delicate, bright and serene edition of one of Champagne's top, if lesser-known, prestige Blanc de Blancs, emphasising purity over creamy richness. There are plenty of ripe aromatics, with fuzzy fragrant apricots, mandarin and even some fresh mango playing with hazelnut and coffee macaron complexity just starting to fire up. There's a quiet, calm insistence to the palate, more similar to the 2004 than the tension and drama of the 2007 or the generosity of the 2006. It seems set to be one of the vintage's top performers. Chardonnay from Cramant, Avize, Oger, Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger and Vertus, entirely vinified in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation. Dosage: 9g/L. Drink 2025 - 2038.
95 points
Tom Hewson - DecanterChardonnay from the crus of Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Oger, Cramant, Vertus. Nine years on the lees, disgorged 2023. Only the 8th time this wine has been made in over 40 years. Dosage 9 g/l.
Masses of very fine bubbles on first pouring. Inviting, almost ethereal chalky citrus aroma. Masses of mouth-watering tension and freshness, with great precision. Tightly wound but not lean because it is so well balanced. Pure, chalky, crisp and very long. Elegant, gently complex, with only subtle creamy/yeasty autolytic character. The crisp citrus fruit still dominates after all this time on the lees, though the lees ageing shows in the rich texture. Drink 2024-2032.
18/20 points
Julia Harding MW - JancisRobinson.com -
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Muldoon Irish Whiskey Liqueur (700ml)IRELAND$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 25%A liqueur named after Tom Muldoon, a healer and herbalist who used Irish whiskey in many of his remedies to which he would add wild hazelnuts for their curative powers. The contemporary version is silky smooth and extremely sweet, boasting ‘Crunchie’ chocolate bar flavours and honeycomb galore, finishing with fairy floss, a dollop of honey and suggestions of hazelnut. Popular in vegan circles because it has all the texture of a cream liqueur without any of the dairy, if you find it too sugary, reserve it as an ingredient in dessert cocktails. 25% Alc.Vol.
Bronze Medal - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2020
- 2008 Adelphi Glen Elgin 15 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 55.6%
It’s unlikely that Glen Elgin will become a major brand anytime soon, given how important it is to blenders. A combination of long, slow ferments, and distillation coupled with worm tubs yields a particularly fruity spirit. Adelphi have seasoned this selection in a refill oloroso sherry butt. The outturn was 487 bottles at 55.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
"We are in sherry territory. Has anyone noticed/felt that there are not as many around as there once were? One tires of ‘sherry bombs’ when the strong influence of previous contents overpowers, though this being Adelphi, there are also highly commendable attributes. Though perhaps not my preferred style these days, that doesn’t stop me from admiring this as objectively as I can. It’s a reminder that Adelphi knows how to select a cask. Just don’t expect much [if any] Elgin to come through." - whiskybase.com
- 1992 Adelphi Longmorn 32 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$1699. 00Bottle$20388.00 DozenABV: 49.9%
This Longmorn from a refill bourbon hogshead is the oldest bottling in the latest Adelphi range. An appropriate choice, perhaps, as the distillery celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2024. It's also making a comeback, with a new core of age statements including an 18 and a 22 year old. Long ageing has tipped this cask strength gem just under the 100 proof mark landing it at 49.9% Alc./Vol. 222 bottles are on offer. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... a sublime, alluring and complex character, with notes of lavender and violets, apricot, custard cream, tart grapefruit, key lime pie and macadamia nut... floral and fruity, but with a pleasant liqueur-like bitterness and appropriate heft.
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2023 Strelley Farm ChardonnayTasmania, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with a distinct greenish tone to the edges and a watery hue. Nosing offers up a refined aromatic profile of pear, white peach and subtle dried honey followed by some wet stone, biscuit and subtle citrusy mineral notes. Nicely fleshed the palate features pear and nectarine flavours over subtle grapefruit, wet stone, delicate cashew and mineral elements. Good underling freshness finishing long and elegant.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 93
- 94
2021 Grace Koshu Toriibira VineyardYamanashi, JAPAN$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2024-2028)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinGrace Wine is one of Japan’s leading producers of Koshu, a delicate, dry white wine variety native to the Yamanashi region. Low in alcohol and softly aromatic, Koshu offers a clean, mineral profile that makes it an excellent alternative to other crisp whites like Albarino, Chablis, or dry Riesling.
Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge to the edges. Pronounced scents of pear and lime intermingle with green apple, infusions of fresh herbs and stony mineral notes. Refreshing lime, green pear and Granny Smith apple fruits have a light energetic feel across the palate with notions of wet stone, infusions of fresh herbs and minerals lining the back half. Crisp acidity with a dry, frisky finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews....
There’s just a fraction more ripeness to the 2021 vintage over 2020.
Lightly peppery, fennel, white peach, nori. Soft, a little more juiciness to flavour, fine peppery and chalky feel, cool crunch on a long clean finish. Fresh, but flavoursome (albeit in the subdued Grace style). Lovely. Drink 2022-2028.
94 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2018 Vinea Marson NebbioloHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2024-2027)ABV: 14%Closure: Diam CorkMatured for 2 years in large format French and Slovakian oak. Translucent cherry red colour with a light brick orange tinged hue. Fragrant rose petal, cherry and dried herb aromas lead the way followed by some leather and spice notes. Fleshy dried to dark cherry flavours intermix with amaro dried herb like characters, leather, tobacco and spice. Polished yet underlying sturdy tannins finishing a touch chewy with an amaro like bitterness.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 96
- 95
- 96
2021 Coriole Reserve Mary Kathleen Cabernet Sauvignon - Last StocksMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2024-2034)ABV: 14.2%Closure: StelvinMary Kathleen is named after Lloyd family matriarch, Mary Kathleen "Molly" Lloyd, one of Coriole’s founders. It is produced from three small, select vineyards on Coriole estate, planted between 1968 and 1986. The wine was first produced in 1992.
Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced red to black currant and mulberry aromas infused with bay leaf fill the nostrils trailed by some earthy tobacco, black olive and spicy cedar notes. Rich blackcurrant and mulberry fruits are concentrated and powerful yet beautifully refined in their feel. Cedary tobacco characters, subtle earthy black olive and infusions of bay leaf line the back half. Fine grained tannins provide great structure. Superb depth finishing long and detailed.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.2%Other Reviews….
After grenache, it is McLaren Vale cabernet that I enjoy the most of the Vale's reds. The iodine brininess that adds an additional element to the savoriness and gritty feel of the tannins is a winning regional stamp. The sage, bay leaves, black olives and lilt of garden herbs confer lift. There is ample power, yet good cabernet here is faithful to the variety with just a little more roundness. The case for drinking even more of it is a strong one. An excellent example. Drinkable now, but best from 2028. Screw cap.
96 Points
JamesSuckling.comFrom 35-year-old vines, 18 months in French oak (20% new). This is a relatively sumptuous rendition of cabernet, a wine with cascading mulberry, blackcurrant and plum fruit notes, but also one with bell-clear leafy and fragrant varietal definition. Cigar box notes, cassia, cedar, cracked pepper and black tea complex further. Eminently approachable, this also has the drive, verve and stuffing for a long life. Drink by 2038.
95 Points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
2022 Domaine William Fevre Montee de Tonnerre Chablis Premier CruChablis, FRANCE$180. 00Bottle$2160.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkBrilliant pale straw colour with a faint flash of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Aromas of pear, lime and wet slate evolve out of the glass followed by some green apple, faint dried honey and oyster shell like notes. Delicious pear, lime and oyster shell flavours are layered across the palate with a textural river stone like feel. Subtle green apple, infusions of fresh herbs and stony mineral characteristics lie underneath. Finishes dry with a refreshing feel to the long conclusion.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 96
- 96
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2021 Soul Growers Hampel Single Vineyard ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$130. 00Bottle$1560.00 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2024-2032)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkDense pitch black heart with a very deep black dark red hue. Heady ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and blueberry aromas waft through the nostrils trailed by some vanillin cedar, earthy fennel and blackpepper notes. Rich luscious dark plum, blackberry, blueberry and liquorice fruits are layered across the full bodied palate which possesses both freshness and a refined edge. Fennel, subtle scorched earth and blackpepper elements ensue. Sturdy yet velvet like tannin structure. Excellent power with a juicy blue to dark fruited conclusion.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Shiraz sourced from the Hampel family vineyard in the northern grounds of the Barossa Valley where they have farmed grapes for six generations. Super-plush satsuma plum and blackberry fruits underscored by hints of baking spices, cedar, creme de cassis, violets, roasting meats, olive tapenade, chocolate bullets and earth. A core of deep northern Barossa black fruits on the palate with chocolate-dipped cherry overtones, fine chocolatey tannins and a crashing swell of cassis fruit on the long finish. Impressive. Drink by 2040
96 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 93
- Biodynamic
2022 Domaine de Bellene Bourgogne Maison Dieu Pinot Noir Vieilles VignesBurgundy, FRANCE$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: Diam CorkFrom vines with an average age of 70 years old and aged in French oak. Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. A mix of sour to red cherry, violet and fresh herb scents greets the nostrils followed by hints of clove, earth and spicy rhubarb. Light in body, savoury red cherry, dried herb and rhubarb flavours are elegantly layered across the palate. Fresh and energetic it has some earth, subtle bramble and spice characters drifting across the back half. Fine grained tannins with a spicy red fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 First Drop Wines The Matador GrenacheBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2024-2028)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinDark red core with black shaded edges and a red hue. Restrained red raspberry, red liquorice and graphite aromas slowly evolve out of the glass with some scorched earth and pepper also evident. The juicy palate is more open for business with red raspberry and red liquorice fruits featured over vanillin confectionary, scorched earth and blackpepper elements. Lush mouth feel with polished tannins and energetic acidity. Red fruited, pepper laced conclusion.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 94
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2021 Lingua Franca Avni Pinot NoirWillamette Valley, Oregon, UNITED STATES$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: Diam CorkDeep dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Aromas of violet, red plum, sour to dark cherry and winter strawberries infused with fresh herbs sail out of the glass. Earth and spicy cedar notes are also evident. Rich spicy dark plum, strawberry and dark cherry fruits decorate the palate. Infusions of fresh herbs, forest floor and cedar lend further interest. A supple feel is counterpointed by lively acidity. Excellent power and concentration. Polished tannins finishing long, fresh and savoury.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
Elegant yet dynamic, this multilayered red reveals detailed cherry and red plum flavors that are laced with savory forest floor and mineral flavors, which build intensity toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2031.
94 Points
WineSpectator.com -
- 93
- 91
- 94
- 94
2022 Tenuta San Guido GuidalbertoTuscany, ITALY$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tenuta San Guido 2022 Guidalberto gives you a good taste of the same DNA that brings us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it's offered in a more immediate style here (thanks to the addition of the Merlot). This warm vintage opens to medium-dark concentration and very plump aromas that take you immediately to blackberry and blackcurrant sitting out in the sun at your local farmers market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a pretty level of elegance transmitted through the fruit freshness and the light oak spice that is discernible here but delivered with grace. Drink 2024-2030.
94 points
Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine AdvocateThe 2022 Guidalberto is a delicious, approachable wine with plenty of charm. Crushed flowers, red-toned fruit, cinnamon, licorice and a kiss of oak are all woven together in this gracious, mid-weight offering from Tenuta San Guido. Despite the torrid, dry vintage, Guidalberto retains lovely freshness to match its understated personality. The slender, lithe finish is quite attractive. Drink 2025-2032.
91 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousLots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to the currant and orange character on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crunchy tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crunchy and energetic personality. Give it a year or two to come together, but it’s showing brightness for the vintage. Drink after 2027.
94 points
James SucklingGuidalberto used to be great value for money, and even though it's a bit pricier these days, the quality has also improved dramatically in recent vintages as Tenuta San Guido seeks to remove the idea of Guidalberto as a ‘second wine’ by building a dedicated winemaking facility and adjusting the blend. The 2022 is loaded with herbal and sea breeze scents among bright, tangy berries. In the mouth it is saline and precise, with a succulence to the concentrated plum and black berry core, and a gracefulness to the tannic and acid structures which weave through it. Sapid and incredibly moreish, with a beautifully ripe red berry finish, this really does stand up on its own two feet. Drink 2024-2030.
93 points
James Button - Decanter - Twist'd Lemon SpritzAUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenABV: 8.5%Closure: Cork
Experience a burst of sunshine with Twist’d Lemon Spritz, a refreshing Prosecco-based drink perfectly balanced with zesty citrus notes and lively fizz. Bright and effervescent, it’s ideal for sunny afternoons, unwinding, or catching up with friends. Serve chilled over ice with a slice of lemon and mint, or use it as a base for your favorite cocktail. Twist, pop, pour, and enjoy!
Alc. 8.5% - Twist'd Blood Orange SpritzAUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenABV: 8.5%Closure: Cork
Experience a burst of sunshine with Twist’d Blood Orange Spritz, a refreshing Prosecco-based drink perfectly balanced with zesty citrus notes and vibrant blood orange fizz. Bright and effervescent, it’s ideal for sunny afternoons, unwinding, or catching up with friends. Serve chilled over ice with a slice of orange and a sprig of thyme, or use it as a base for your favorite cocktail. Twist, pop, pour, and enjoy!
Alc. 8.5% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Craigie Knowe Estate RieslingTasmania, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 12.8%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with a greenish tint to the edges and a watery hue. Elevated lime and red apple skin aromas carry a flinty overlay followed by some dried herb and smoky mineral like notes. Concentrated lime and red apple skin flavours intermix with hints of mandarin and smoky mineral like infusions. Finishes dry and bracing with crisp acidity and a long flinty aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.8% -
- 93
- Nick's Import
- Reduced
Lagavulin Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLANDReduced from $240.00$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 43%One of the highlights of the DE range. Try it with aged cheeses.
The idea behind Diageo's Distillers Editions (which started in 1997), is essentially, “...an annual release of Classic Single Malts, each double-matured in a different type of cask wood to complement the characteristics of the whisky." In short, start with a core distillery expression, then finish it for an unstated length of time in a novel cask. When it came to Lagavulin, there were doubters who thought nothing could be a match for its pungent character. Those sceptics were probably unfamiliar with Pedro-Ximenez (sweet) sherry. As the years went by, many came to consider this bottling as the benchmark for the other Distiller Editions. As of 2022, the label changed. Previously you could find details like 'lgv 4/510'. Now there’s no indication of the batch. Even the vintage and confirmed age have disappeared. That means this may (or may not be) ‘extra matured’ Lagavulin 16 Year Old, instead, it would be best described as a NAS (no age statement) whisky.
When we last visited this distinctive dram, it possessed all the classic Lagavulin notes matched by the sweet accents of sun-dried grapes derived from PX cask wood. Iodine, sea spray, kelp, lanolin and white pepper over sweeter scents of vanilla, cocoa and shortbread. Lighter bodied than the standard issue, but also more silky; mildly salty with peat infused raisin bread, honey, pepper and hints of liquorice bullets in the aftertaste. Superb balance. Ends kippery, dry, with the whisky almost taking back seat to the sherry. Like a mouthful of smoked-fruit'n'nut chocolate. Quite feminine by this distillery's standards, but one of the highlights of the DE range. Try it with aged cheeses. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Nose: I love how the sherry seems to amplify the smoke. Not that it’s the most smoky whisky around, but it gives it a more sooty character. Lacquered meat on the barbecue, hints of toffee and a herbal syrup. Dark bramble. Later it becomes more tart and it seems to thin out. A more vinous aroma comes out, as well as some iodine and olive brine. Mouth: fairly accessible and light, still a little vinous, but it does show a nice smokiness too. Lapsang tea, earthy liquorice, hints of dark chocolate. Then some grassy notes appear (slightly less impressive) with leather and roasted coffee. Also dried seaweed and a lightly acrid, medicinal and peppery note. Finish: medium long, with more of the medicinal ashes and sweet malty notes. Hints of baked apples and autumn leaves, with a fine bitter edge. Quite a nice dram, I still consider myself a fan of this Distillers Edition. - whiskynotes.be
...Double matured in PX seasoned casks and now coming without any age or vintage statements, while last year's still had one, 2006. Gulp! At least it lasted from the glorious vintage 1979 to vintage 2006. Colour: golden apricot. Nose: nice, fresh, not quite PX-y, rather on lapsang souchong and pu-her, old hunting jacket, Barbour grease, lanolin, with a little game, Maggi, lovage, soy sauce… Some camphor and cough syrup too. Sadly I haven't got any older vintages at hand, but I have the impression that this is fresher and less on coffee and chocolate than its ancestors. Mouth: the sherry feels a little more on the palate but it's still a refreshing and lively Lagavulin, pretty smoky, with a growing toffeeness and a little pipe tobacco. Would tend to get then heavier and a little leathery, but with good marmalade and jams (plums). Finish: medium, a little medicinal, with a feeling of sweet cough syrup. No meatiness that I can detect on the palate. The aftertaste is a notch too jammy and sweet for me, this sweetness being new. Comments: nutshell, they cancelled the vintage and age statements and seemingly raised the price to +/-125€, while bottling a fairly better and possibly younger juice. Loved the lovage in it. Crikey, I just don't know whether we should start to complain or not. 86 points - whiskyfun.com
...I cant believe I’m saying this, but this may have surpassed the 16 for the title of my favorite Laga. I was beginning to think I would never say that. But the PX sherry cask finish really gives it a balance unlike anything. That same mistifying and baffling cool, minty (eucalyptus?) finish is there. It still magically goes from deep dense smoke to a vaporous cooling note somehow. But now its almost as though its wrapped in yet another layer. It’s as dynamic and interesting as the 16, but it’s almost like it’s refined older cousin. Savoring this bottle for sure. My favorite Laga to date, and just a hair shy of a perfect rating for me. - distiller.com
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- Nick's Import
Chivas Brothers Royal Salute The Signature Blend 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 40%A recent addition to the Royal Salute family, with a similar release date to 'The Lost Blend'. Their 'Signature Blend' has been crafted with precious and scarce whiskies. Expect a spice driven, nutty, and rich expression backed up by heavy citrus character. A non-peated bottling, making it a guaranteed all-rounder.
Other reviews....
The nose is a little attenuated but shows off tarte au citron, cigar smoke, blood orange, and some gentle spices. The rich, fruity palate has a flawless, immaculate quality with tangy orange, spice, caramel, ground almond, vanilla, and orange sherbet, but what it gains in smoothness it loses in producing a substantial firework moment to really stimulate the palate. A polished blend in search of some perfect imperfections.89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2019)
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- 93
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- 94
- Biodynamic
2022 Wittmann Aulerde Riesling Grosses GewachsRheinhessen, GERMANY$160. 00Bottle$1920.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkIt's hard to quantify the impact and value of 350+ vintages the Wittmann family have under their belt in their hometown of Westhofen. As part of the 15th generation of ownership, current steward Philipp Wittmann has embraced the organic viticulture ethos started by his father Günter, even taking it one step further by converting their vineyards to biodynamic in 2004. He lays the foundation for wines of exceptional quality through intensive, year-round maintenance, low yields and the uncompromising selection of bunches by hand. These are superb dry Rieslings from this superstar Rheinhessen winery.
Other Reviews....
Wittmann's 2022 Aulerde Westhofen Riesling GG is super clear, refined and elegant on the deep and pure nose that is also intense due to fruit from old vines that were planted in 1949 and 1959. It's slightly reductive but attractively so and intermingled with discreet yeasty and mocha notes. On the palate, this is a very pure and mineral, firmly structured Riesling with concentration and power yet still a somewhat astringent finish. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in July 2023. Drink 2027-2040.
94 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)The 2022 Riesling Westhofener Aulerde Grosses Gewächs is made from the estate's oldest vines, planted in 1949 at an unusual density of 8,000 vines/ha in the rich marls of Aulerde. The vineyard still cannot be navigated by tractor in its narrow rows. The nose is vivid and direct with lifted lemon and flinty yeast. With air, the lemon attains all the richness of the ripest Amalfi lemon. The palate is concentrated but very fluid, compact, streamlined and rounded. Lemon freshness tingles around the edges as the wine transports you deeper and deeper into the soil. Phenolics lend structure to relative richness. The 2022 is concentrated, pure and shows subtle length. (Bone-dry) Drink 2028-2050.
93 points
Anne Krebiehl MW - VinousAll the spices of the bazaar are married to generous yet fresh exotic fruit. Only medium-bodied for a site that leans more towards the rich and full-bodied direction. And after the tsunami of fresh fruit comes a second wave of staggeringly fresh minerality. Great vitality right to the end of the long, super-straight road. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.
96 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com -
- 94
- 98
- 95
- Biodynamic
2022 Wittmann Kirchspiel Riesling Grosses GewachsRheinhessen, GERMANY$210. 00Bottle$2520.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkIt's hard to quantify the impact and value of 350+ vintages the Wittmann family have under their belt in their hometown of Westhofen. As part of the 15th generation of ownership, current steward Philipp Wittmann has embraced the organic viticulture ethos started by his father Günter, even taking it one step further by converting their vineyards to biodynamic in 2004. He lays the foundation for wines of exceptional quality through intensive, year-round maintenance, low yields and the uncompromising selection of bunches by hand. These are superb dry Rieslings from this superstar Rheinhessen winery.
Other Reviews....
Bottled earlier on the day I tasted it (!), the 2022 Kirchspiel Westhofen Riesling GG is pure, intense and refined but also untamed on the chalky nose. Silky, fresh and elegant on the palate, this is a rather lean, enormously saline Kirchspiel with a citric finish. This is a radiant and puristic limestone Riesling with salivating salinity and piquancy on the finish. The wine is tight, fresh and citric, or Wittmann's alternative to the purest Chablis. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in July 2023. Drink 2028-2045.
95 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)The 2022 Riesling Westhofener Kirchspiel Grosses Gewächs is from this east-facing site, with just 30cm of topsoil on limestone. A slight reduction marks the shy nose. The palate is slender but concentrated. A notion of green and yellow apple peel insinuates itself on the textured palate, presenting apple skin - perhaps this wine's guise of the phenolics - alongside the mouthwatering fruit that hovers between apple and citrus and a notion of lemon balm. The mid-palate is concentrated, very straight-shooting, linear and driven. The 2022 is cooling and has much energy. (Bone-dry) Drink 2028-2050.
94 points
Anne Krebiehl MW - VinousMind-blowing spiciness hits you when your nose enters the glass. Enormous flinty energy is married to a compact and super-chalky structure on the electrifying palate. Super-long and focused finish that doesn’t want to stop. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.
98 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com -
- 97
- 94
- 98
- 95
- Biodynamic
2022 Wittmann Brunnenhauschen Riesling Grosses GewachsRheinhessen, GERMANY$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkIt's hard to quantify the impact and value of 350+ vintages the Wittmann family have under their belt in their hometown of Westhofen. As part of the 15th generation of ownership, current steward Philipp Wittmann has embraced the organic viticulture ethos started by his father Günter, even taking it one step further by converting their vineyards to biodynamic in 2004. He lays the foundation for wines of exceptional quality through intensive, year-round maintenance, low yields and the uncompromising selection of bunches by hand. These are superb dry Rieslings from this superstar Rheinhessen winery.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Brunnenhäuschen Westhofen Riesling GG opens with a beautifully pure, refined and elegant bouquet from red-colored clay soils covering limestone rocks. The nose is deep, pure and saline, dense and intense but elegant, with yeasty notes intertwined with ripe and concentrated but lush fruit aromas. Very complex and pure on the palate, this is a full-bodied, refined, precise and elegant, seamlessly textured and enormously saline-finishing Riesling from limestone soils with marl layers. It's a fascinating complex and highly refined Riesling. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in July 2023. Drink 2026-2050.
95 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)The 2022 Riesling Westhofener Brunnenhäuschen Grosses Gewächs abuts the Morstein, but it is slightly more elevated with its limestone overlaid with terra rossa rich in iron oxide. Flinty reduction still holds sway on the nose. However, the palate comes with a smooth, serene and gentle texture of lemon zest bedded on soft, pillowy yeast, yet with many directions and zing, driving forward with gentle force. The finish tapers to beautiful, lemon-pervaded slenderness. The phenolic grip manifests on the finish with beautiful finesse and zesty, citric definition. The 2022 is a lovely and intriguing mix of obliqueness and directness. It's very long and very fine in the face of 2022. Wow. (Bone-dry) Drink 2028-2050.
94-96 points
Anne Krebiehl MW - VinousWhat a breathtakingly vibrant and delicate nose this great riesling GG has! A ray of light falls through a high window and falls on the floor at your feet. Super-focused and crystalline on the medium-bodied palate where the power is masterfully underplayed. This has an exotic side, but it is so restrained. Incredibly long, pure finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.
98 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.comThe Brunnenhäuschen site is directly adjacent to the more famous Morstein and has a similar soil structure: reddish, with clay marl, limestone and water-bearing layered limestone rocks in the subsoil, which showed great advantage in the warm and dry 2022. This gives the Riesling an almost cool-seeming brilliance, with a slight smokiness over the apple and citrus fruits. The acidity is smooth and ripe, but also powerful. On the palate, it also makes a strong impression: intensive and lasts incredibly long. Drink 2028 - 2050.
97 points
Caro Maurer MW - Decanter -
- 93
- 97
- Organic
2022 Donnhoff Hollenpfad im Muhlberg Riesling Grosse GewachsNahe, GERMANY$175. 00Bottle$2100.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkDonnhoff make the best wines in the Nahe region, and some of the finest anywhere in the world. While it was Helmut Donnhoff that launched this estate to worldwide attention, winemaking duties are now managed by his talented son, Cornelius. There's a deep understanding of the grand wines and grand vineyards that's been handed down through the generations. And given the enormous technical proficiency Cornelius has demonstrated so far, Donnhoff is sure to be at the top of the vinous hierarchy for years to come.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Riesling Roxheimer Höllenpfad im Mühlberg Grosses Gewächs is from a special, old parcel of 40-year-old Riesling within the stoniest, rockiest parts of the Permian sandstone of the Höllenpfad. A touch of yeast still plays with the ripe apricot fruit that shimmers shyly on the nose. A touch of white pepper later appears. The palate is stony yet rounded, structured by rockiness, with vivid glimmers of lemon oil, concentrated and increasingly zesty. It's pure yet has an increasingly insistent intensity, spraying with ripe lemon zestiness, white pepper and iron oxide. In the end, buffered lemon zest fills the mouth and mind. The 2022 is long, pure, zesty and insistent. (Bone-dry) Drink 2025-2050.
93-95 points
Anne Krebiehl MW - VinousWhat a dramatic wine this is, at once ripe and austere, super-stony and super-herbal with a touch of peppermint. Compact core in spite of the sleek and very focused body. Electric freshness at the vibrant finish although the acidity is anything but dominant. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.
97 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com -
- 95
- 99
- Organic
2022 Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosse GewachsNahe, GERMANY$210. 00Bottle$2520.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkDonnhoff make the best wines in the Nahe region, and some of the finest anywhere in the world. While it was Helmut Donnhoff that launched this estate to worldwide attention, winemaking duties are now managed by his talented son, Cornelius. There's a deep understanding of the grand wines and grand vineyards that's been handed down through the generations. And given the enormous technical proficiency Cornelius has demonstrated so far, Donnhoff is sure to be at the top of the vinous hierarchy for years to come.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Riesling Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Grosses Gewächs is from shale soils. The nose immediately expresses water on hot stone: warm and redolent of things that are not vegetal but mineral. The palate, however, holds Riesling's alluring citrus and stone fruit. The stony depth and dimension are undeniable, waiting patiently in the background to come to the fore. For now, citrus provides the top notes, but the heart and base note is of absolute stone: wet stone, shale that holds water, salt and centuries in its depth. The buffered citrus serenity is captivating. The finish is pure lemon linearity. (Bone-dry) Drink 2027-2050.
95-97 points
Anne Krebiehl MW - VinousThe restrained beauty of the peachiness in the nose is hard to describe, but easy to be overwhelmed by! On the compact palate this has staggering concentration yet still manages to be very light on its feet. The finish is blade-runner sharp, but the blade also flashes in the sun. Breathtaking drive and energy for the very warm and dry vintage. Then comes the remarkable wet-stone minerality and you can’t wait for the next sip. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.
99 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com -
- 94
- 98
- Organic
2022 Donnhoff Dellchen Riesling Grosses GewachsNahe, GERMANY$210. 00Bottle$2520.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkDonnhoff make the best wines in the Nahe region, and some of the finest anywhere in the world. While it was Helmut Donnhoff that launched this estate to worldwide attention, winemaking duties are now managed by his talented son, Cornelius. There's a deep understanding of the grand wines and grand vineyards that's been handed down through the generations. And given the enormous technical proficiency Cornelius has demonstrated so far, Donnhoff is sure to be at the top of the vinous hierarchy for years to come.
Other Reviews....
The 2022 Riesling Norheimer Dellchen Grosses Gewächs unites volcanic and shale soils. The site benefits from underground aquifers. The nose opens with a smoky slate note leading to the lemon- and lime-edged ripe stone fruit. The entire impression is one of yellow-fruited, ripe juiciness. This verges more and more into a yellow spectrum of citrus, perfumed and almost tender. The palate keeps this juicy fruit and dips it into tingling saltiness. Generosity, ripeness, saltiness and textural elements of pear peel and citrus zest unite into a very energetic, driven, almost urgent wine. The finish on the tongue is linear, but the aromas expand and take flight. (Bone-dry) Drink 2027-2050.
94-96 points
Anne Krebiehl MW - VinousWhat an exquisite stone fruit nose this super-fine and filigree dry riesling has! Yes, it is also very concentrated, but this and the power are completely underplayed. The result is an almost weightless palate that hangs like a white cloud in the still air. Extraordinary purity and precision at the almost endless finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.
98 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com -
- 91
- 96
- 94
- Organic
2022 Georg Breuer Pfaffenwies RieslingRheingau, GERMANY$195. 00Bottle$2340.00 DozenABV: 11.5%Closure: CorkGeorg Breuer estate was founded in 1880 as part of a wine merchant company, and has been owned by the Breuer family since the beginning of the 20th century. Georg Breuer enlarged the estate and increased the export of wines. His sons Bernhard and Heinrich and later Bernhard’s daughter Theresa expanded the vineyard size to 40 hectares in the best Rüdesheim, Rauenthal and Lorch sites. Theresa Breuer was thrust into the business after the sudden passing of her father in 2004, and through tireless work and dedication is now one of the most respected winemaking forces in Germany. The estate's focus is on top dry Riesling wines from the unique terroir of the Rheingau valley, and Breuer's flagship crus are Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg and the 12.5-acre monopole, Rauenthal Nonnenberg.
The vineyard site Pfaffenwies was initially mentioned as ‘pafenwies’ in documents from 1211, and later as ‘pfaffenwissen’ (1235). It was named after Pastor Dydo, also known as ‘Pfaffe’. This steep site has a gradient of up to 45% and is situated between 90 to 160m above sea level. The soil is a combination of stony Hunsrück slate and Taunus quartzite, with loess in the lower parts. Riesling from this area is characterised by great elegance as well as pronounced acidity and minerality.
Other Reviews....
Form Lorch, the 2022 Pfaffenwies offers a clear, refined and intense bouquet with clear, bright fruit aromas intertwined with delicate flinty notes of weathered slate. Full-bodied and mouthfilling on the palate, this is a pure, elegant, well-balanced but also tensioned and savory-finishing Riesling from the Pfaffenwies. 11.5% stated alcohol. Diam cork. Tasted at the domaine in September 2023. Drink 2024-2047.
94 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)The 2022 Riesling Lorcher Pfaffenwies was harvested across six different parcels within this southwest-facing site, dating to the mid-1960s, ranging from slate closer to the river and more quartzite toward the forest. Theresa calls it a “complete picture of the vineyard.” It's fermented in Stück and Halbstück. The nose opens with a juicy yellow plum, a frisson of crushed yarrow and rock dust. The palate is concentrated and has something salty, insistent, mouth-watering and savory. Lemony brightness comes with a slight sense of lemon pith and crushed yarrow spice. It's very clear-cut, subtly nutty on the finish with much brightness and understated substance. (Bone-dry)
91-93 points
Anne Krebiehl MW - VinousThis sleek and tightly wound beauty has the Amalfi-lemon, lime-zest and wild-herb aromas we associate with the top vineyard sites at the northern extremity of the Rheingau. Only medium-bodied, but intensely mineral, this is bristling with racy energy and wet-stone minerality through the long, very focused finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.
96 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com -
- 92
Isle of Raasay Gin (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 46%A Scottish island gin that's all about juniper, citrus peel and pepper, in that order. The character of the berries is reminiscent of freshly picked pine buds rubbed between the fingers. The malt-based spirit adds a richness to the mouthfeel, however the flavours tread on the drier side; Citrus peel and a peppery tingle invite another sip. It's relatively straightforward yet lovely London Dry with freshness as its strength. Mixing tends to subdue and simplify the profile, so reserve it for vibrant Martinis. Other botanicals include rhubarb, licorice, angelica and water from the distillery's well. 46% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
Other reviews... This Scottish island gin is made from a base of Raasay’s double distilled malt spirit, but it is reportedly lighter than the new make used for their single malt line. The gin bill uses Raasay juniper, selected with the help of a local botanist, along with a short list of other botanicals including lemon and orange peel, rhubarb, licorice, and angelica (the more delicate of which have been vapor infused). Thoughts follow. The aroma is bright and clean with an initial punch of sappy, resinous juniper and sharp citrus notes. Everything evens out pretty quickly, however, into a softer mix of orange oil, candied lemon peel, pine needles, and black licorice with faint traces of pepper and currants. It’s an inviting and enchanting aroma that only continues to bloom in the glass. The palate is dry and mild with notes of fresh cut pine, orange peel, and cut grass. It’s an extremely light-bodied gin, almost effervescent, with a clean, airy finish of lemon peel and powdered sugar. While elegant and approachable, it leaves me wanting just a bit more complexity. Ideal as a sipping gin and worthwhile in a martini, but it can get a bit lost in the wrong tonic or adventurous cocktail. - drinkhacker.com
4.5 stars - diffordsguide.com
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- 94
Don Fulano 20th Aniversario Sherry Cask Aged 100% Agave Anejo Tequila (750ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 44.4%9000 bottles of this limited edition, additive-free Añejo commemorating 20 years of Don Fulano are on offer globally. One third of that is dedicated to the U.S. market. Agaves grown in Los Altos form its basis, harvested from three ranches in Jalisco: La Tuna in Arandas, planted in 2014, Milpillas Cerro in Atontonilco, planted in 2014 and El Maguey in Atontonilco, planted in 2008. Each harvest was also distilled and matured separately: La Tuna agave in first-fill ex-Amontillado sherry butts for 1 year, 6 months; Millpillas Cerro agave in first-fill ex-Oloroso sherry butts for 1 year, 9 months, and the El Maguey agave, matured in French oak ex-Burgundy casks for exactly eight years. All were copper-pot-distilled then blended in April 2023 and re-barreled in a combination of first-fill Amontillado and Oloroso sherry butts. Like other Fulanos, this is not mainstream tequila; Sweet vanillla and smokey agave are present on the nose and palate - in a subtle fashion; There are suggestions of dried grass, peppercorns and (perhaps) papaya coming through, but the initial passes remain fairly muted. Given enough air contact it turns into a rewarding, contemplative spirit that keeps you coming back, the gently smokey agave gaining definition, becoming sweeter and riper with time in the glass. By anejo standards, it's unusually spritely, too. This grand assemblage was bottled in July of 2023 at 44.4% Alc./Vol. A small parcel has been imported to Australia. Tasted from a 20ml sample.
Other reviews... The nose is a heady mix of roasted agave, green bell pepper, grapefruit peel, roasted mushrooms, and toasted walnuts. The liquid has a luxuriously silky feel, with ample complexity that, like a good mole, hits savory, umami, spicy, and slightly sweet spots on the tongue. Flavors of porcini mushrooms mix with bell pepper, bittersweet chocolate, grapefruit and lime peel, cinnamon, chili pepper, earthy sage, and honeyed, roasted agave shine through. The finish is rich and slightly nutty—like roasted pumpkin and sesame seeds—with only a subtle sweetness. 95 points - distiller.com
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- 92
Isle of Raasay Quercus Humboldtii Virgin Colombian Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 50.7%Isle of Raasay released its namesake whisky back in 2021. Distilled on a tiny island north of Skye and only reachable via a ferry, they produce both peated and unpeated whisky from 100% Scottish barley and then blend the two to create a lightly peated style. While most single malt is aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, Isle of Raasay is harnessing the unique flavours and properties of first-fill rye, Chinkapin oak and first-fill wine casks from Bordeaux. Then there's this - part of the Oak Species Maturation Series showcasing how different woods interact with the spirit. Fully matured in Colombian oak (Quercus Humboldtii), it's a superbly vibrant malt that could be at least ten years old by Scottish standards. Mezcal-like in its smokiness, being earthy, slightly vegetal, and in moments, borderline rubbery, bittersweet dark chocolate, hints of salt and seaweed add to the complexity. It's young umami whisky with the presentation to match. 8500 bottles produced. 50.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
Notes from the producers... flavours of crème brûlée and heather smoke in a mix of peated and unpeated malts.
















































