Fine Wine

A classic Northern Rhône Syrah, aged for 24 months in 10% new oak barrels. Full of dark fruits, black pepper and toasty spice.

Perhaps the best known vineyard in the Saint Romain appellation, this shows a little oak on the nose with very good concentration and flashes of citrus. The palate too shows some toastiness with a sweet frame and the whole is very juicy with good energy. Long and concentrated with a silky finish. Alain Gras is the reference point for St-Romain. This extremely steep village was considered part of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune until 1947. The vineyards are set back from the main Côte and mostly at higher elevation and have unquestionably improved in quality by the changes in climate and no longer struggle to reach full physiological maturity. The domaine covers 12 hectares with 8ha being planted with Chardonnay and 4ha to Pinot Noir. There are 42 separate parcels but Alain prefers to blend the grapes into one cuvée.

Paul Vincent Avril at Domaine du Clos des Papes makes one of the most sought-after wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This Southern Rhône estate has been in the Avril family for three generations, gaining in reputation from wine critics and drinkers alike. Ripe and velvety, with a lithe, fresh feel. Leathery, earthy, licorice spice along with dark plum and cherry fruit. Red berry acidity and a garrigue note on the finish. "Leather and spiced notes, pure with good fresh vivacity on the nose. The palate is ripe and seductive, layered with forest fruits, dark spiced figs. Attractive refreshing acidity, red fruits and a wild garrigue savoury Mourvèdre note – the tannins are supple and silky – dark forest-fruits finish which is broad, ample and opulent but always with a finesse of tannins and a savoury liquorice mineral note." 2027-2042 18 Pts Alistair Cooper MW, JancisRobinson.com, September 2022 "While production was down 40% due to the frost, Vincent was able to make a beautiful 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape that readers will love to have in the cellar. All about finesse and elegance, it reveals a classic Clos des Papes nose of both red and black fruits as well as tons of floral, pepper, and spicy notes. These carry to a medium-bodied 2021 that has good ripeness (the alcohol is 15%), a supple, silky mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's not far off the style of the 2020, and while it doesn't have the density of a top vintage, it nevertheless has balance, complexity, and elegance, and will have 15+ years of longevity." 93/95 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, November 2022

Blended from various terroirs of the appellation across just over 3 hectares, the 2022 White Saint-Romain Les Cinq Climats is a pure delight of mastery and indulgence. It's an evocative white wine, with notes of ripe fruits complemented by a slightly exotic touch, draped in beautiful freshness and, most notably, a generous mouthfeel. Its rich and opulent character makes it simply irresistible. Alain Gras is the reference point for St-Romain. This extremely steep village was considered part of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune until 1947. The vineyards are set back from the main Côte and mostly at higher elevation and have unquestionably improved in quality by the changes in climate and no longer struggle to reach full physiological maturity. The domaine covers 12 hectares with 8ha being planted with Chardonnay and 4ha to Pinot Noir. There are 42 separate parcels but Alain prefers to blend the grapes into one cuvée.

The always excellent second wine of Ch Grand Puy Lacoste. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Lacoste-Borie gives up notes of warm cassis, Morello cherries and wild blueberries with hints of pencil shavings and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lively line and well-played, soft tannins with an herbal lift on the finish.

With a vineyard of 3.67 ha in an exceptional terroir, the Château Vray Croix de Gay is one of the top estates of the renowned Pomerol appellation, whose enormous potential and unique style has become world-renowned. The strength of Château Vray Croix de Gay lies in its vineyard. Located in the heart of the Pomerol gravel plateau, on the Right Bank of the Bordeaux region, the estate’s 9 plots are subdivided into micro plots and spread over 2 vineyards. One of these is located alongside Château La Fleur behind Pétrus, and the other is set just in front of the Château Trotanoy. 93/100 Wine Advocate "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Vray Croix de Gay opens with notes of warm blackberries, boysenberries and black raspberries with wafts of stewed tea, fragrant earth and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with expressive black fruit, framed by ripe, rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and spicy."

Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vibrant notes of crushed black raspberries, black plums and blackcurrant pastilles, plus hints of underbrush and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied with intense, pure black fruit flavors, the fruit is well-framed by ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with a skip in its step.

The Crepuscule Pinot Noir by Idun in Elgin shows a very light ruby colour with bricky tints to the rim. The delightful nose shows Brambles, rose petals, ripe cherries and strawberries. The palate is wonderfully fresh with red fruits and cherries that are delicate and integrated. Idun is a small, boutique winery run by a French-Danish family originating from Mauritius. They produce excellent varietals which are well-balanced, concentrated, and elegant. They produce mightily impressive, French-inspired wines which you would no doubt pay a lot more for if the grapes were from France.

Rolly-Gassmann is a domaine like no other and has a unique style. It is located at Rorschwihr, a sleepy village on the northern rim of Haut-Rhin. The vineyards are located in Rorschwihr and the neighbouring Rodern and Bergheim. The wines are small masterpieces with very good definition. They all carry the signature of Rolly-Gassmann, a certain shameless, velvety sweetness. The fruit is rich and manages to balance the fruit with a vibrant acidity to form wines that melt on the palate.

From its tempting aromas of ripe cherry and black raspberry to its sweet, dusty tannins and supple texture, this a lush and expansive expression of Napa Valley Merlot. Luxurious flavours of black plum, rhubarb crumble and chocolate-covered raspberry mingle with hints of graphite and clove on the long, vibrant finish.

While this claret still has serious layers of tannins, it also delivers considerable ripe black-fruit flavours. The estate in the Figeac sector of Saint-Emilion has produced a powerful wine that is firm and that will age further. Drink from 2025 Deep ruby. Pronounced aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, black plum, smoke, cedar, mint, clove, violet, capsicum. The palate is dry, high acidity, high tannins, medium alcohol, medium(+) body, pronounced flavours of black fruit, smoke, mint, cedar. The finish is long. This is an outstanding wine.

A testament to the ancestral terroir of Minervois La Livinière. This blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache highlights the characteristics of the appellation and the biodiversity of the terroir. Whilst respecting tradition, it is also in tune with the times. ‘La Petite Villa’ starts us off on the road to ‘Villa Mon Rêve’. On the nose, a bouquet of black fruit and spices reveals notes of black cherry, blackberry and clove. This initial nose is supported by fresh aromas of peppermint and sweet cocoa bean notes. On the palate, a fine structure emerges with a supple, intense attack, offering a pleasant velvety texture and a spicy finish with young but promising tannins. Aromas of black fruit, garrigue, cocoa, pink pepper and fresh tobacco unfold fully, offering a rich, complex taste experience.

Winemaker Vincent Chansault is particularly happy with this release of Gayda's top, single vineyard Syrah from a beautiful site high up in La Liviniere. Extrememly limited. One for Cote-Rotie lovers. The 'Dream House' in question was built by the owner in the vineyards for his ailing wife to spend her last days. She miraculously recovered and her story inspired Vincent to make his dream wine from Syrah in La Liviniere.

A seductive combination of white nectarine, pink grapefruit and candied orange rind mingles with the more savoury aromas of roasted chestnuts and hot buttered brioche – an elaborate concoction infused with linseed and woodsmoke. The savouriness carries through onto a wonderfully dry palate that has great texture and concentration, with distinct flintiness, tight structure and terrific ageing potential.

Triple Zero is the cuvee that used to be Jacky's standard Petillant Naturel. The title refers to the fact this sparkling cuvee is not chaptalised, dosed, and contains no residual sugar. Essentially it is as pure as fizzy Chenin gets, taut, finely-tuned, intense floral flavours of citrus, minerals, white peach and apple blossom, overlaying a creamy, supple texture. Justerini & Brooks.

Vicentini is a family business where Agostino works with his wife, Teressa, and their children Emanuele and Francesca. Based in San Zeno, a village at the mouth of the Val d‘Illarsi which resides inside both the Soave and Valpolicella DOCs, but is outside of their respective Classico zones. But don't let this last point cloud your vision to their outstanding wines produced in two distinct and great terroirs. The first terroir is on volcanic rock within the Valle dei Ciliegi, here the land is largely responsible for their "Valpolicella" and "Soave Casale". The second terroir is on limestone in the commune of Terrelunghe, where Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave are grown for the 'Terrelunghe' Soave. Select bunches of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara from the steep terraces in the valley of cherries. Macerated and wild fermentation takes place at controlled temperature for nearly three weeks with gentle pump overs. Softly pressed and put to tonneaux for 18 months. In bottle a further two years before release. This is really fine Valpolicella. The volcanic soils in the vineyards help produce a rich wine with elegance, purity and finesse. Cherry, dark red fruits with hints of cedar and dried fig are interwoven into a beautiful expression. Utterly wonderful.

It's here, the 'Coulsh-Rotie". Simon "The Coulsh'" Coulshaw's fabulous take on this iconic wine.

After Gian Luca completed his Masters in Viticulture and Oenology after 11 years of study and worked as a wine consultant across Italy in 2011 he started his own small winery in the heart of his native Langhe. Within 3 years he won the Gambelli award for Young Winemaker of the Year. His small Segni di Langa estate is located in Roddi in Barolo country and working sustainably he takes a very minimal interventionist approach allowing each vintage to showcase itself. Making his wines in the 'garage' beneath his house he typifies the small scale, high quality, personal style of winemaking. Magliano Alfieri village, 290m, 88y-old vines. Roddi village 200-250m, 45 to 60y-old vines. Part of this wonderful Barbera d'Alba comes from a vineyard by Gian Luca's house. The wines has so much lovely fruit and richness with such vibrant freshness. It isn't in the least bit 'blockbuster'. No heaviness, no 'make up'. Simply a beautiful drink that delivers sheer class and great pleasure. Not blockbuster, but it is knock-out good.

Cuvée 200 celebrates two centuries of history, passion and expertise at the heart of Joseph Perrier. Inspired by exceptional terroir and carefully crafted, this cuvée captures the essence of the family heritage. Jean-Claude Fourmon, with a vision deeply rooted in family history and heritage, has imagined an exceptional cuvée from the 2015 vintage. He has chosen to age it for 8 years, with the intention of passing it on to his son on the occasion of Joseph Perrier's bicentenary in 2025. This symbolic gesture embodies the transmission of family values and know-how, while celebrating two centuries of excellence and passion for Champagne. " To celebrate 200 years of family history, I've designed a cuvée that embodies heritage and transmission. Sharing this unique moment with my son Benjamin is more than a tasting; it's the emotion of two centuries of excellence transmitted through each bubble. "

From Yves Falmet: My ‘A Contre Courant’ label is made from grapes from the oldest Carignan and Grenache plots in my vineyard. But what makes this wine outstanding is its maturation under a veil of yeast for four years. Wines matured under a veil of yeast are characterised by the spontaneous development of yeasts which form a veil on the surface of the wine in contact with the ambient air (during its barrel ageing phase). This technique, which is uncommon for wine because of the risk of acetic souring when stored in containers with ullage, gives it specific aroma and flavour characters of fig, tobacco and candied cherry and a substantial finish on the palate. Of the very few wines matured this way, Vin Jaune from Jura is particularly renowned, but there are no red wines. By maturing a red wine using this technique, I am actually going counter to modern standardised winemaking, hence the name of the wine, which means "flying in the face" of established standards and the "tastefully correct". This is a wine I have created for true wine enthusiasts, those who do not resign themselves to the standardisation of taste, to stereotyped and uniform wines, in short, to the prevailing trend for ultra-conformism.

Francesco Giuntini created this single vineyard wine with Franco Bernabei in 1979. They wanted to produce a wine to best represent the character and quality of Rufina and Selvapiana Sangiovese. Only produced in the best vintages. This wine shows tremendous depth of colour with great intensity on the nose. The palate is powerful and fruit packed with ripe raspberry and spicy cherry fruit, supported by a touch of herbs and violets, robust tannins and a long, fine finish which is the hallmark of the Selvapiana wines.

After Gian Luca completed his Masters in Viticulture and Oenology after 11 years of study and worked as a wine consultant across Italy in 2011 he started his own small winery in the heart of his native Langhe. Within 3 years he won the Gambelli award for Young Winemaker of the Year. His small Segni di Langa estate is located in Roddi in Barolo country and working sustainably he takes a very minimal interventionist approach allowing each vintage to showcase itself. Making his wines in the 'garage' beneath his house he typifies the small scale, high quality, personal style of winemaking. 60% Barolo village, 370m. 40% Dogliani Village, 350 to 550m. North / North-East facing. From north facing vineyards that are well-protected from the hot sun. After fermentation with only natural, wild yeasts the wine is then aged in amphora and large Stockinger barrels. Gian Luca is a bit a dab hand with Pinot Nero, having started producing it prior to turning his hand to Nebbiolo and the rest. Truffley, with the scents of sous bois and woodland earth. Leading to spicy cinnamon and clove and piercing fruit - cherries, redcurrants and pomegranate. Fine, long, pure and vibrant Pinot Nero.