There 517 products in this category
80
610
20
Domaine des Soulanes
A very special wine from ancient plants of two of the rarest and very best vines for Soualnes terroir, Grenache Gris and Carignan Gris. This really does have everything. It's floral, honeyed orchard and citrus fruits added to its sumptuousness, its layers of texture and bright but not too spiky acidity. Very long with great balance and so much interest. Divine stuff that is here in tiny quantities.
80
610
10
Domaine des Soulanes
Grenache Noir and Carignan Noir from a single vineyard in a lieu-dit in Maury that is aromatic, expressive, lifted and pure. Seamless but focussed Maury Rouge from the master Daniel Laffite.
80
475
90
Vignoble Thomas & Chansault
All of our parcels of land are scattered up to 300m in the foothills of the Montagne Noire whose cool summer winds have a positive effect on the maturing of our grapes. The ground is a mixture of compact limestone and limestone marl. The appellation AOP Minervois La Livinière was the first premier cru to be created in Languedoc, in 1999. It covers 6 villages, 40 wineries and 350 hectares scattered within the garrigue of the foothills of the Massif Central. The terroir is a stony mix of limestone, pebble sand sandstone and the region has a particularly dry climate with large temperature variations between day and night. Of our 17 hectares of land, six are currently producing Grenache, Syrah, Carginan, Cinsault and Mouvèdre with vines ranging from 20 to 70 years of age. The vines are either bush vines or Cordon de Royat and are planted on rock strewn limestone. Our vineyards are certified organic and produce a low yield. We have a further three hectares of newly planted vines and the remaining hectares are filled with olive and fruit trees and the wild plants of the garrigue. This encourages biodiversity and offers soil protection. Our wines, Les Parcelles, are created from our parcellaire vineyards. At the very essence of our wines is the concept that we create individual wines that reflect the best combination of grapes for any particular year from across the 15 different unique parcelles. This means each year our wines will always be unique and original. Our production is limited because of our desire to make only the best wine each year. Each Parcelles release will have a different combination from within our vineyards. #5 is 70% Grenache Noir and 30% Syrah raised in older foudre and large sandstone jars. Our labels reflect our vineyards and the coloured area the parcels that are used in the wines each vintage.
80
475
90
Vignoble Thomas & Chansault
All of our parcels of land are scattered up to 300m in the foothills of the Montagne Noire whose cool summer winds have a positive effect on the maturing of our grapes. The ground is a mixture of compact limestone and limestone marl. Of our 17 hectares of land, six are currently producing Grenache, Syrah, Carginan, Cinsault and Mouvèdre with vines ranging from 20 to 70 years of age. The vines are either bush vines or Cordon de Royat and are planted on rock strewn limestone. Our vineyards are certified organic and produce a low yield. We have a further three hectares of newly planted vines and the remaining hectares are filled with olive and fruit trees and the wild plants of the garrigue. This encourages biodiversity and offers soil protection. Our wines, Les Parcelles, are created from our parcellaire vineyards. At the very essence of our wines is the concept that we create individual wines that reflect the best combination of grapes for any particular year from across the 15 different unique parcelles. This means each year our wines will always be unique and original. Our production is limited because of our desire to make only the best wine each year. Each Parcelles release will have a different combination from within our vineyards. #6 is 80% Grenache Noir and 20% Mourvedre raised in older foudre and large sandstone jars. Our labels reflect our vineyards and the coloured area the parcels that are used in the wines each vintage.
80
610
20
Domaine Laguerre
Another great but unsung white wine of the Roussillon. A blend of Grenache Blanc and Maccabeu. Outstanding wine that is intense and tangy from the high elevation vineyards. This cuvee ages gracefully for 10++ years. A bargain bottle from breath-taking vineyards that are beautifully worked by the master Eric Laguerre.
80
610
20
Domaine Odyssee
Natural, organic Macabeu from a beautiful vineyard in Calce, Roussillon. Grown with great care and wildly fermented and aged in old oak barrels. Floral, racy and minerally with soft texture and generous apple and apricot fruit. Just lovely. Vincent Carreras has been working in wine industry for 13 years. For nine years he worked for a winery in the south of the Roussillon, Andy Cook’s Mas Cristine and Coume del Mas. Working in the vineyard, cellar and commercial activities - the whole shebang! For four years now he has been employed by a family winery based in Maury - Clos des Vins d'Amour. Who work 25 hectares organically in the west of Roussillon. Mostly in commercial activities, but also working in the cellar. Alongside this, in 2016, Vincent started a new project - Domaine Odyssée. The 3.5ha of vineyards are in Calce and Baixas, in a heart of Roussillon. The sites are small, but unquestionably some of the most beautiful we have seen. Vincent draws on the experiences mentioned above and his time in New Zealand (2011), Argentina (2012) and Bordeaux 2011 to help fully realise what he has there in his exceptional terroir. Vincent works organically, using no weedkillers, no chemical products. He works by hand and with organic fertilizer (he is in conversion right now). He harvests his parcels by himself with friends and family. In the cellar, Vincent’s philosophy is a minimum of intervention "To keep the fruit and the terroir.". The wines are extracted gently with just a little pump over. No filtration, no fining. The only preservative is a little dose of sulphites in very low quantities at bottling "It is important for me the stabilise the wine in respect of the future customers".
80
225
24
Domaine Gaëlle et Jérôme Meunier
A project of impassioned labour built from the ground up by husband-and-wife team Gaëlle and Jérôme Meunier, this tiny Chalonnaise estate offers the opportunity to enjoy artisanal wine in the big-money world of Burgundy. The Domaine was born in 2005 when the pair rented their first parcel of vines in Bouzeron, selling to negociants and slowly expanding their holdings to include several parcels in Mercurey. From 2007 they began vinifying and bottling under their own name, and purchased winemaking premises. In the present they now cultivate 30 acres of land ranging from Puligny-Montrachet in the north down to their core holdings in Rully and Mercurey. About a third of these grapes are still sold to cooperatives, with Domaine Meunier retaining the rest for their own wines. Gaëlle and Jérôme pride themselves on harvesting early for freshness, and their wines are defined by a fruit-forward, easy-going style aimed at immediate enjoyment. Interventions in the vineyard and during winemaking are minimised to maximalise sustainability and preserve terroir character. Harvesting and sorting is all done by hand, with natural yeast fermentation and a highly judicious approach to oak influence, which is never overbearing or obtrusive, even in youth. The wines are generally unfined, with only light filtration. Yield restriction is rigorous, and although production is always small, at 2,000 cases in a good year, their desire to maintain quality and concentration irrespective of conditions means that in lean vintages total quantity can be significantly less than this. Indeed, their punctiliousness with selection means that their Chalonnaise wines often meet the far more stringent yield requirements of the Côte d’Or. Although volumes are low, the sheer quality of the wine speaks volumes of its own. Another of our producers in high demand, reliably selling out every year. Please contact us for inquiries regarding allocation and en primeur sales.
80
605
90
Le Grand Cros
Victoria Moore " Crisp and fresh with a bit of sinew and a sublte twist of bitter orange and orange flower water alongside the notes of white peach. This is quite a mineral rose and beautiful with food."
80
475
90
Domaine des Trinités
Pech Mege is a silky, focussed wine showing deep red fruits and the fresh minerality which is a characteristic of the schist soil of their vineyards.
80
475
90
Domaine des Trinités
This Syrah blend with soft black fruits and spice has been shaped by the sunbaked rocky soils of the Languedoc hinterland. A herbal, spicy bouquet is followed by youthful red cherries and supple mineral character derived from the schist rich soils.
80
295
28
Chateau de Fesles
Known as the Ch Yquem of the Loire, Ch de Fesles' Bonnezeaux is an astonishing wine made from Chenin Blanc. 100% botrytis affected grapes picked over 6 'tries' or passes through the vineyard. Unctuously sweet with 175g/lt residual sugar, yet fresh and tangy acidity makes it incredibly long and satisfying.
80
615
20
Domaine Vendome
100% Marsanne from loess soils at Larnage that abut Hermitage. Vendome's name for plot is "Chapelle". Grapes are hand-harvested then destemmed, pressed, steel vat fermented until specific gravity 1040, then new 228-litre oak (steamed not toasted) cask fermented, raised 10 months, malo blocked, first year 2023, wide bottle, organic wine, 2,500 bottles produced. "Yellow robe; the nose has a walnut aroma up front, a peach, infused herbal tea backdrop, discreet cooked lemon. The palate opens with elegance, holds attractive gras, is a little locked away for now, but the quality of the gras - its relaxed nature - bodes well for the future. The length works well, is refined and sure. This is classy, serene. Decant it. 13°. 100% Marsanne. 2030-31 Oct 2024 ****(*) on Drink Rhone, John Livingstone-Learmonth "Pure Marsanne grown on loess next to the Hermitage Hill. Fermented in 500 litre new French oak, but this is steamed, not toasted. Bold pear and peach fruit with lovely density, showing richness but also freshness. Has a fine spicy dimension with beautiful weight and balance. Amazing texture to this wine". 95/100 Jamie Goode on wineanorak.com
80
615
20
Domaine Vendome
Syrah 50% from Mercurol (1970s) & 50% from Larnage (early 2000s), destemmed, 21-25 day concrete vat vinification at 26°C, pumping overs, 2 x part vat empting/refillings, concrete vat raised until March, then raised 1-2 year 600-litre oak casks another 9-10 months, unfined, filtered, 2,000 bottles made. "This is from loess soils in Larnage and granitic soils in Erôme, aged 6 months in concrete and 1 year in barrel. Fresh and vivid with nice brightness to the juicy red fruits. There’s also some red cherry and a bit of plum. Hints of olive and black cherry, too. Very fine and expressive". Jamie Goode on wineanorak.com 94/100
80
615
20
Domaine Vendome
From a breathtaking 0.5 hectare site on Chaban at 400+ metres altitude that was passed on to the Roudier family by the retiring Jean-Marie Teysseire, a legendary figure in Cornas and Saint-Peray. The Syrah vines are 80++ yrs of age on granitic soils including a portion of the mineral baryte, a clear crystal/quartz looking mark that gives the wine its mysterious sounding name. The vines are deeply established on this steep hillside, cut into terraces and oriented East/South-East. An utterly beautiful, natural granite amphitheatre that protects the vines from the cold winds. Wow, if the 2021 showed some of the extraordinary potential of this incredible Cornas site, this 2022 shows it a good deal more - it is without doubt, an outstanding wine. This time the wine has been aged in 500l. demi-muids, with 25% new. Beautiful floral aromatics on the nose with glorious lifted fruit. on the nose. Dense and multi-layered fruit on the palate that finishes with mineral and iron notes. Beautifully knit tannins wrap all this up wonderfully. Huge potemtial here.
80
615
20
Domaine Delhome
"Of all our vineyards, the kaolin on Château de Larnage is the top site - it’s a unique terroir, maybe 20 hectares of it, giving wines with real style, breeding, powerful and good finesse for both red and white, the whites there more recently planted. Our neighbours there are Desmeure (Remizières), Belle, Olivier Dumaine, Dard & Ribo, Sorrel, the Cave de Tain". Gérald Delhome "This is an interesting newcomer to the ranks in the northern sector of Crozes-Hermitage, with vineyards in the communes of Crozes itself, Larnage, Gervans and Erôme. There are almost 11.5 hectares of Crozes across 20 plots. Romain is the fifth generation; his great-grandfather Flavien Delhome had vineyards, while, on his mother’s side there were vineyards under her family in the shape of Severin Habrard, so there are two old roots at play here". 100% Syrah (1950s) from kaolin, white clay soils on Château de Larnage at Larnage, hand harvested, destemmed, 25 day steel vat vinification at 24°-28°C, pre-fermentation cold maceration at 8°-10°C "to seek red fruits", 20-25 day steel vat vinification at 24°-28°C, pumping overs, part vat emptying/refilling, raised 5% new, 95% 3-10 year 228-litre oak casks 11-12 months, wide bottle, 4,700 bottles produced". John Livingstone-Learmonth, Drink Rhone Outstanding Crozes Hermitage from a wonderful site on kaolin (bright white clay) at 330m elevation on Château de Larnage at Larnage. A beautiful, elegant nose but with plenty of concentration - quite a dark style with a gorgeous floral lift. The fruit is pure and direct, and the balsamic note gives the wine real character which is quite unexpected in a wine so young. This 2022 shall do really well a few years down the line, but it is undoubtedly utterly delightful right now. Again, outstanding.
80
615
20
Domaine Gerard
From a beautiful northern site of Saint-Joseph on beaitiful granitic soil. This wine is the geeks secret. We have a little more allocation in 2023, so grab it now before it gets snapped up soonest.
80
225
26
Domaine Dujac
This wine is available for ordering Under Bond, En-Primeur to be delivered Summer 2025. When you buy wines Under Bond they can either be transferred, under bond, to an account in a Bonded warehouse or delivered duty paid. We will enquire by email whether you wish the wine to remain under bond or be delivered duty paid. For Under Bond deliveries. We will ask you to provide the details of the bonded warehouse address and the account you would like it held under. Excise and VAT taxes are not payable for wines transferred under bond. A charge for the transfer will be made at the time of delivery, and varies from Bond to Bond. We will let you know what that charge is in advance, when you confirm the address, and issue an invoice for the transfer charge. For Duty Paid Deliveries. We will ask for the delivery address by email. All Under Bond prices exclude HM Excise, Customs and VAT. Current Excise rates are £29.54 per ltr of pure alcohol, Customs are Zero and VAT is currently charged at 20%. These taxes are liable to change, and will be charged at the prevailing rate when the goods are removed from Bond. At that time, a new VAT invoice will be issued, including a charge for onward delivery. The balance between what has already been charge Under Bond and the new VAT invoice will be payable. N.B. Our website currently does not automatically charge for these additional costs and may even suggest that the wines qualify for Free National Delviery. We apologise that is not the case with Under Bond and En Primeur.
80
225
26
Domaine Dujac
This wine is available for ordering Under Bond, En-Primeur to be delivered Summer 2025. When you buy wines Under Bond they can either be transferred, under bond, to an account in a Bonded warehouse or delivered duty paid. We will enquire by email whether you wish the wine to remain under bond or be delivered duty paid. For Under Bond deliveries. We will ask you to provide the details of the bonded warehouse address and the account you would like it held under. Excise and VAT taxes are not payable for wines transferred under bond. A charge for the transfer will be made at the time of delivery, and varies from Bond to Bond. We will let you know what that charge is in advance, when you confirm the address, and issue an invoice for the transfer charge. For Duty Paid Deliveries. We will ask for the delivery address by email. All Under Bond prices exclude HM Excise, Customs and VAT. Current Excise rates are £29.54 per ltr of pure alcohol, Customs are Zero and VAT is currently charged at 20%. These taxes are liable to change, and will be charged at the prevailing rate when the goods are removed from Bond. At that time, a new VAT invoice will be issued, including a charge for onward delivery. The balance between what has already been charge Under Bond and the new VAT invoice will be payable. N.B. Our website currently does not automatically charge for these additional costs and may even suggest that the wines qualify for Free National Delviery. We apologise that is not the case with Under Bond and En Primeur.
80
225
26
Domaine Dujac
This wine is available for ordering Under Bond. When you buy wines Under Bond they can either be transferred, under bond, to an account in a Bonded warehouse or delivered duty paid. We will enquire by email whether you wish the wine to remain under bond or be delivered duty paid. For Under Bond deliveries. We will ask you to provide the details of the bonded warehouse address and the account you would like it held under. Excise and VAT taxes are not payable for wines transferred under bond. A charge for the transfer will be made at the time of delivery, and varies from Bond to Bond. We will let you know what that charge is in advance, when you confirm the address, and issue an invoice for the transfer charge. For Duty Paid Deliveries. We will ask for the delivery address by email. All Under Bond prices exclude HM Excise, Customs and VAT. Current Excise rates for wines are £29.54 per litre of alcohol, Customs are Zero and VAT is currently charged at 20%. These taxes are liable to change, and will be charged at the prevailing rate when the goods are removed from Bond. At that time, a new VAT invoice will be issued, including a charge for onward delivery. The balance between what has already been charge Under Bond and the new VAT invoice will be payable. N.B. Our website currently does not automatically charge for these additional costs and may even suggest that the wines qualify for Free National Delivery. We apologise that is not the case with Under Bond and En Primeur.
80
235
26
Charles Heidsieck
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs is a pale, crystalline gold colour. The nose is characterised by aromas of mature Chardonnay; white peach, candied citrus with notes of lime, honeysuckle and fresh hazelnuts giving way to subtle hints of tangerine and lemon. On the palate, the Blanc de Blancs bears all the hallmarks of a Charles Heidsieck Champagne: boldness, generosity and elegance. Embracing yet light, it displays appealing mineral, slightly salty, iodine notes, and has a silky, creamy texture – unexpected from a Chardonnay – that leaves a lasting impression.
80
475
90
Domaine des Trinités
Possibly the last Rosé to be produced at Trinités? The wine has always been produced for the home market, for the restaurants and bars, in all the major cities. But since the market for such in the last few years has dried up/been somewhat difficult, vigneron Simon Coulshaw has decided to take a break for a while. This 2020 is unlike any previous effort, mostly explained below in Tamlyn Currin's note for jancisrobinson.com. It really is truly wonderful Rosé with real minerality, precision and class. an absolute stunner. 40% Cinsault, 40% Grenache Noir, 20% Mourvèdre. Hand-picked, organically and biodynamically farmed grapes. 100% saignée ie no pressing, just bleeding from the tanks. Winemaker Simon Coulshaw points out that the distinct difference in colour between the 2019 and 2020 (the latter being distinctly lighter in colour) is purely down to the maturity of the anthocynanins in the grapes. In 2019 he left the grapes for an hour and the colour was already dark; in 2020 it spent three or four hours and still didn't throw much colour. Bone dry (less than 0.5 g RS). "This is an outstanding rosé. If only Languedoc producers would sit up and take notice – this is what you can do with rosé. Real wine. Real depth, real texture, acidity so full and exciting and ripe that it made me want to helter skelter, go boogie on Brighton Pier, lick seashells dipped in raspberry sherbet, make cherry bombs filled with lime sorbet and eat them sitting fully clothed in the sea with salt on my tongue and fingers and toes. All of which sounds like fun fun fun, but don't be deceived. This is a serious wine, framed in spice and pink-grapefruit-peel bitterness. Very Good Value (TC)". Score 17/20 jancisrobinson.com When to drink 2021 - 2023 Published on 29 Nov 2021 Date tasted 29 Nov 2021
80
610
10
Domaines des Lampyres
Francois Xavier AKA 'FX' worked with Tom Lubbe at Domaine Matassa for five years. He spent a further year with Domaine Danjou-Banessy. After such time this local lad set up in Espira to make his own wholly exciting wines which we are introducing the UK for the first time. Ninety percent Syrah (thirty years old) and ten percent Carignan (eighty years old) on schist terroir. Skin macération for seven days followed by whole-bunch fermentation in cuve and then bred in a 10hl Amphora for eight months. Just 2g/hl sulphites added just before bottling.
80
195
20
Chateau Suduiraut
A blend of 52% Semillon and 48% Sauvignon Blanc harvested from the 4th to the 16th of September, the 2019 Le Blanc Sec de Suduiraut is aged for six months, 25% in nearly all new French oak barrels, 75% in vats. The alcohol came in at 13.2%. The nose is redolent of uncomplicated poached pears and lemon meringue pie scents with touches of nutmeg and powdered white pepper. The medium-bodied palate has plenty of citrus and spice intensity with a lively line of freshness and a spicy finish.
80
235
26
Billecart-Salmon
Created in 1988 as a tribute to one of the House’s founders, Elisabeth Salmon, this cuvée distinguishes itself through its refined purity of grandeur and unique character. This great, rare and sought-after wine subtly offers the signature of our top Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroirs. Elisabeth Salmon 2012 highlights the full breadth of the savoir-faire required to blend the House’s rosé in an exceptional year. The aroma dispalys a refreshing, sensual expression of the senses, redolent of red and black berries. The exquisite feel of a rich and complex aromatic amplitude (bilberry, gooseberry, peony). Beautifully refined, mature olfactory notes, respectfully running the gamut of the inimitable scent of fragrant roses and crystallised violets. On the palate, a tactile impact of restrained yet bewitching power and, at the same time, finesse. The harmonious fulfilment of delicious flavours and pastries (panettone, cherry clafoutis). A delicate mouthfeel progressing towards a hint of chalkiness in a long finish redolent of cedarwood and blood orange jelly. A wine of remarkable refinement that signals its personality with an immense delicacy of texture and flavours. An aromatic charm of a rare mineral kind to accompany lovely poultry with crayfish or a few royal langoustines.
80
615
22
Clos des Papes
"The medium lemon-colored 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is full-bodied and rich. Swirling the glass unfurls enticing spring flower, yellow apple, orange peel and white peach aromas with a tropical splash of melon. This oily-textured 2021 is framed by moderate levels of bright acidity, keeping everything balanced. It shows superb purity and concludes with a complex finish." [Nicolas Greinacher, 29/06/2023]
80
615
20
Domaine Delhome
"I knew our terroirs very well, and knew that we could exploit them to the full. With Romain’s experience of vinifications all around the world, I was happy to launch the domaine". Gérald Delhome "This is an interesting newcomer to the ranks in the northern sector of Crozes-Hermitage, with vineyards in the communes of Crozes itself, Larnage, Gervans and Erôme. There are almost 11.5 hectares of Crozes across 20 plots, Romain is the fifth generation; his great-grandfather Flavien Delhome had vineyards, while, on his mother’s side there were vineyards under her family in the shape of Severin Habrard, so there are two old roots at play here. Father Gérald took over the domaine in 1993, and concentrated on apricots and vines, the grape harvest sent to the Cave de Tain. Son Romain came on to the domaine in 2018; he had worked locally at Gigondas and in the Ventoux at Chêne Bleu, as well as in Virginia in the USA. The cellar was built in 2019. The domaine is HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) registered, a green credential, and the 2022 harvest will be officially organic. A 100% Viognier from a south-facing granite hillside sheltered from the north wind, in the commune of Larnage to the north of the Crozes-Hermitage AOC. Grown organically, picked by hand, grapes directedly pressed in whole bunches. A slow and low temperature fermentation takes place at 14c. Afterwards, the wine is left to age on fine lees in stainless steel for 6 months. Malolactic fermentation is blocked. In the glass the wine shows a pale yellow colour with sparkly, pearly highlights. On the nose, we find fresh and bright stone fruit, citrus hints and fresh white flowers. The palate is fleshy, round, with a nice acidity, making for a delicious and true Viognier. A fresh style, but a serious one. A lovely wine.
80
615
22
La Reserve Saint Dominique - Eric Bonnet
80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre and 3% Cinsault. Vinified in stainless-steel tanks. 30% aged in stainless-steel tanks for six months, and 70% in concrete tanks for nine months. "Tasted blind. Sweet red-fruit and mulberry notes. Some peppery notes on the palate. Sweet mid palate and an earthy note underneath. Dense and tight on the mocha-infused finish". Score 16/20 jancisrobinson.com When to drink 2030 - 2040 Date tasted 5 Oct 2023 92/100 Vinous 91-93/100 Jeb Dunnuck
80
615
22
Dom. des Cazaux
Jancisrobinson.com 16.5/20 Pure and vibrant with lovely freshness too, crushed red fruits. Firm and fine tannins with a silky purity. Quite effortless in style, rounded and should drink well young. (AC)
80
505
22
Domaine de Lispaul
Grown and made by David and Shirley Maudry at their dynamic young estate, Maison Lispaul. This premium Pouilly-Fumé spends 8 months in French oak barrels and an extra year in bottle resulting in a richer, creamier wine, with delicate tropical fruit on the finish.
80
615
20
Domaine Gerard
The Le Mollard leu-dit produces elegant, refined and Burgundian styled wines. Very fine wines indeed. For those that love lifted Syrah with real class and elegance. Bravo Xavier!
80
235
20
Billecart-Salmon
This cuvée was named in tribute to Louis, Elisabeth Salmon’s brother, who was passionate about oenology and highly involved in winemaking from the earliest creation of the House. Originating from the best parcels of the Côte des Blancs, the Blanc de Blancs vintage is endowed with purity and minerality. Distinguished elegance of a mineral and exceptionally precise Chardonnay with a natural balance that is a harmonious representation of the best parcels of grand crus of Côte des Blancs: Cramant, Chouilly for the finesse, Avize for the force of character and Mesnil-sur-Oger for the structure and longevity. A creamy sensation in the mouth with a beautifully chiselled finesse. Lovely refreshing balance with natural flavours (zest of citron, almond biscuit and white pepper). This powerful wine with a majestic typicity prolongs its finish towards an aromatic persistence of incredible length (flesh of sweet citrus fruits, cardamom and vanilla-flavoured cream puffs). The unique dimension of a great Blanc de Blancs, pure and intense, with a directness perfectly associated with its low dosage. Its potential and its balance express a remarkable finesse worthy of the most sophisticated food pairings (a casserole of whole calf sweetbread from Corrèze, a creamy shellfish risotto).
80
195
34
Chateau Pierre 1er
Nicely balanced, refreshing acidity with plenty of lush fruit and richness. A good value and successful wine in this vintage.
80
475
90
Domaine Gayda
A very special wine. Winemaker Vincent comes from the Loire Valley so knows about Chenin from there and time making wine in South Africa. Chenin originated in the Languedoc so bringing it back is exciting. The wine is fermented in egg shaped concrete fermenting tanks, which allows better movement of liquid during and after fermentation than in stainless steel. Some barrel ageing too for texture. Well balanced with a purity of fruit enhanced by its roundness and length.. Highly recommended.
80
610
20
Domaine Danjou-Banessy
Natural, biodynamic and vegan. Grenache, Carignan and Mourvedre from 80 year old vines, Made without filtering or fining. Pale but gorgeous mid red colour. At first on the nose, you are like "What even is that?". Whatever it is, you know that you like it. Elegant, subtle fruit is intermixed with gentle herb, earth and savoury characters. Deep and wonderful. On the palate the wine is elegant and deep again, but not heavy in the slightest. Ruffled fruit and savoury notes with minerality and real finesse. These wines are like no other from the Roussillon. Outstanding.
80
615
22
Domaine les Pallieres
Not only is the magnificent Gigondas estate 500 years old, it's owned by Daniel and Frédéric Brunier. Know the name? They are behind Châteauneuf's leading estate, Vieux Télégraphe. Meting out the same care, they produce this rich, old-vine Gigondas. And Daniel reckons that 2019 is his best vintage to date. A perfectly balanced wine, finely poised and with great length.
80
715
30
Antech
M 3.0 Le Mauzac is a traditional method sparkling wine with no added sugar at any of the 3 stages of production. The only thing fermented and added (twice more) is organic Mauzac juice. This cuvée is without doubt the finest representation of Limoux's indigenous grape variety. First planted by the Romans, it is particularly well adapted to the climate and requires much less water than Chardonnay. This pure Mauzac has been aged for 36 months in bottle, then disgorged. It is a particularly impressive and very elegant take with fine, persistent bubbles. A real 'wow' that you NEED to know about. "A remarkable balance is revealed on the palate between a full, mellow body, fine tension and the freshness of the fruit, with the added bonus of a long finish of green apples that is the hallmark of Mauzac." Two Stars in Guide Hachette 2025
80
235
26
Charles Heidsieck
An opulent Champagne with the perfect balance of freshness and generosity, from the smallest and arguably the best of the Grande Marques. The Brut Réserve NV is a radiant pale gold colour with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is characterised by complex pastry aromas, with an opulent combination of ripe apricot, mango, greengages, dried fruits, pistachio and almond. The palate begins with a silky-smooth sensation, developing into ripe fleshy apricot, melon and enticing plum pastry notes and delicate spice. There is perfect balance of freshness and generosity.
80
225
90
Domaine de Montille
Great producer, crafting top quality wines at not-too-silly prices. From two plots in Puligny-Montrachet, this is a great introduction to both Burgundy and the Montille style. A wine of purity, elegance and finesse.
80
615
20
Domaine Gerard
Made from two lieu dits, high up on the slopes overlooking the majestic Rhone. The wine has classic Viognier nose of peach, apricot, toasted spice and honey. Medium-bodied with good fruit and texture and shows a more mineral character than the richer Le Chatillon Condrieu cuvee.
80
610
20
Domaine Danjou-Banessy
Natural, biodynamic and vegan. Grenache, Carignan and now (for the first time) Mourvedre from 80 year old vines, Made without filtering or fining. Pale but gorgeous mid red colour. At first on the nose, you are like "What even is that?". Whatever it is, you know that you like it. Elegant, subtle fruit is intermixed with gentle herb, earth and savoury charachters. Deep and wonderful. On the palate the wine is elegant and deep again, but not heavy in the slightest. Ruffled fruit and savoury notes with minerality and real finesse. These wines are like no other from the Roussillon. Outstanding. Magnum sized.