There 330 products in this category
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. 100% Roussanne planted (only 0.3ha) on the very special and unique white Kaolin soils of Chateau de Larnage. This is phenomenal wine from such a young vine (planted in 2018). When looking at the 2022 vintage of this wine our senior buyer Stewart Travers thought the vines need to come on a little to show the terroir a little more to stand up in the market. We were literally knocked straight off of our feet on tasting the 2023 vintage, the vines and the fruit from this wonderful terroir have come on LEEPS and BOUNDS. Deep golden yellow colour, full, rich nose of flowers, quince and a touch of warm spice. Juicy and impressively deep on the palate with the fine acid brilliantly and elegantly holding everything finely in tune on the utterly delightful finish. What a wine, and simply another reason why we so look forward to following Dom. Delhome. Young Romain is a star!
80
115
26
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
A very Alsatian-styled Chardonnay, and really racy, clean and pure in 2022. The Clos Windsbuhl vineyard was acquired by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht at the end of 1987. They realized quickly that some parts needed to be replanted in order to choose either a better suited grape variety/root stock combination and/or change the density of plantation. The part of the Clos the nearest to the forest had to be replanted. While considering the options, they decided to choose slightly earlier ripening cultivars to compensate for the cooling effect of the nearby forest. Instead of planting the classic combination of Auxerrois/Pinot-Blanc, they replaced the latter with Chardonnay. Unfortunately, Chardonnay isn’t permitted for still wines in Alsace, so we have to declassify this wine to Vin de France every year. Chardonnay is part of the Pinot family, but compared to Pinot-Blanc can produce lower yields and retain beautiful acidity on limestone geology of the Windsbuhl. In 2019, production was actually quite small, so we also added a small percentage of Pinot-Gris in the blend that fermented bone dry. Pale yellow colour. The nose shows the strong limestone influence: mineral, stone driven, citrus fruits and some white fruits (peach) after some aeration. The wine fermented in a large recent oak cask (foudre) and was on full lees until bottling. The palate is quite strict, bone dry, with a racy sapid acidity that gives a juicy texture on the finish. The wine has a nice concentration, but because it is bone dry with a ripe acidity, it feels elegant and delicate.
80
315
73
Chateau Cantelys
This wine is available to order En Primeur. When you order wines En Primeur you buy wines that are as yet not available for physical delivery but are available for purchase. They are sold without Excise and VAT taxes and an invoice is issued soon after order, for payment. Excise and VAT may become payable when the wine physically arrives in the UK. When a wine arrives in the UK is a matter of when it becomes available from the producer and when we are able to import it. Normally wines will be shipped 2-3 years after harvest, but it can take longer or less than that. When the wines are shipped to the UK they can either be transferred, under bond, to an account in a Bonded warehouse or delivered duty paid. For Under Bond deliveries. Please indicate by return if you wish the wine to remain under bond and before the wine arrives provide details of the bonded warehouse address and the account you would like it held under. A charge for the under bond transfer will be made at the time of delivery, and varies from Bond to Bond. For Duty Paid Deliveries. All prices exclude HM Excise, Customs and VAT. Current Excise rates are £29.54 per litre 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 shipped and delivered. At that time, a refund will be issued for the value of the amount paid En Primeur and a new VAT invoice issued, including a charge for onward delivery. Only the balance of the two will be payable on delivery. Contact orders@cambridgewine.com with any further enquiry.
80
225
24
Dureuil Janthial
High praise indeed for this genuine, superstar Burgundy domaine: “If I see his name on a wine list, I don’t give it a second thought and simply order his wine.” – Jean-François Coche (of £500-£1000 a bottle Meursault fame, ranked by Parker as one of the best winemakers in the world).
80
755
20
Ridge Vineyards
Petite Sirah is most frequently a complementary variety to Zinfandel in traditional field blends. At Lytton Estate, since 1992, we have made it as a standalone wine. Here, in the loamy-clay soils, it thrives, producing compact clusters of very small, concentrated berries. True to the nature of this grape, the 2023 is deeply coloured, concentrated and capable of ageing for at least ten years.
80
475
90
Chateau Rives-Blanques
This domaine's showpiece wine is made using the best Chardonnay grapes, fermented and matured in French oak. Burgundian and silky in style, "Lemon zest and lemon juice to the fore here, a bright, zesty expression, with pear and apple too, lightly on its feet....it has lovely freshness". Natalie Earl, Decanter Magazine From jancisrobinson.com Certified organic. From four plots of 26 to 46-year old vines grown amongst oak trees at 350m and on rolled pebbles and limestone. Hand-picked and hand-sorted, low-pressure pressing, free-run juice only. Malolactic fermentation is in 225-litre oak barrels, which is where the wines are aged. Gentle lees stirring for the first four months. Unfined. Château Rive-Blanques now belongs to Pierre Bories’ Artisans & Partisans group of estates. "Rich, nutty (even a little caramelised) and streaked with fresh garrigue. As with their Dédicace Chenin, the acidity feels softer and more muted than I’ve come to expect with R-B wines, but there is a firm hazelnut and walnut framework around the fruit, so the texture and structure is there. Touch of liquorice on the finish gives it a nice twist". 16.5/20
80
455
22
Rivetto
Barbaresco DOCG Nervo is 100% Nebbiolo grown 350 meters in Treiso, with exposure to the south (three-fourths of the vineyard is surrounded by the Mazzalupo forest, providing great biodiversity). The soils are Lequio (the oldest type of soil found in Piedmont), comprised of layers of marl and sand, cultivated organically. The plot of Nervo appears in the municipal maps dated 1906, as evidence of presence of vineyard in this area in past times. The hill, in even more ancient times, was "protected" by anthropomorphic stones, depicting human faces, found among the rows of vines. After the stalk and grape seeds removal and pressing, the natural fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures of 28-30° C in steel tanks. Maceration for 20 days, malolactic is completed. The wine is then bred in large Slavonian/Hungarian/Swiss oak barrels for 30 months. Pale ruby red with orange tones - it appears stunningly clear and utterly beautiful to the eye. Clean and clear aromas of gorgeous forest fruits with high floral notes. Beautiful structure and finesse, with gently kicking tannins typical of the area. An absolutely gorgeous Barbaresco that seems ready now, but we're sure can be enjoyed for at least 10++ years. "Treiso. Just mid ruby. Lifted, aromatic raspberry fruit on the nose. Fresh acidity and ripe red fruit on the palate with supple tannins. A hedonistic whole but with real zip and style". 17+/20 Walter Speller on jancisrobinson.com "This wine opens with a medley of warmed fruits - boysenberries, wild strawberries, and raspberries - in a luscious compote. Notes of herbs, dried leaves, and flowers quickly add a juxtaposition to the lush fruit aromas. The palate is delightful, with juicy cherry-jam and mulberry-pie flavors, accented by nutmeg and clove. A touch of fennel leads to a finish adorned with light floral hints that lift the finish of the wine. Drink from 2026" 91/100 Jeff Porter in Wine Enthusiast
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. 100% Marsanne (1950s-late-1990s) from sandy-loess soils on Les Védias at Erôme & Gervans, hand harvested, whole bunch pressing, 3-4 day pre-fermentation maceration at 6°-8°C, vinification in steel vat until 1060-1050 specific gravity, then transferred to 3-10 year 228-litre oak casks, lees stirred at the end of fermentation, raised 9-10 months. 5,500 bottles produced". Wonderfully idiosyncratic. A lovely delicacy and intricacy, one is almost unsure the varietal is Marsanne, such is its elegance. The aftertaste is really delicious and where the wine really comes into its own - savoury, saline, nutty with a note of marzipan and, oddly, a touch of aromatic hops. Brilliant from the young star Romain!
80
455
28
Azienda Agricola Vicentini Agostino
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.
80
455
22
Azelia
A great value offer. A superb 'Classico' Barolo wine in the superb 2019 vintgage that is still under £40. A LOT of wine for the money. You really cannot go wrong here. "The 2019 Barolo has a pretty bouquet that is laced with light fruit, licorice and lots of blue flower. On the palate, the wine is mid-weight and lively. This is a nice expression of classic Nebbiolo that shows depth and elegance. It ferments with ambient yeasts and sees 40 days of extended maceration with submerged cap. This 29,400-bottle production represents a blend of fruit from seven sites: Altenasso and Solanotto in Castiglione Falletto, a part of Cerretta, the younger part of Bricco Voghera where the vines are from 55 to 60 years old, part of San Rocco, and Cerrati and Broglio in Serralunga d'Alba". Wine Advocate 93/100 "From 5.5 hectares in Castiglione Falletto, including a selection from Bricco Voghera - from which Luigi and Lorenzo Scavino usually pick the grapes for their Riserva. Here is a Barolo full of details: intense sweet violet and cinnamon aromas with smoky minerality, pomegranate and red currants. The freshness on the nose is allied to a lot of sucrosity on the palate, with lifted acidity and firm, dusty and even slightly rustic tannins. Good concentration for a village Barolo, and one of the greatest price-quality ratios". Decanter 92/100
80
235
26
Champagne Joseph Perrier
54% Pinot Noir, 46% Chardonnay 3g sugar Dosage Expressive notes of white peach, honeysuckle and quince on the nose, followed by some brioche and exotic fruits. On the palate the champagne is full and quite open, beautifully balanced and with real richness, with touches of ginger and apricot jam.
80
235
24
Pierre Bertrand
This 2015 is a fantastic vintage, with its equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The nose is delicate, subtle, powdered with pastry tones. On the palate, the attack is somewhat lively, with beautiful bitter notes that gradually melt. Serve as an aperitif or with poultry and game.
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
365
22
Von Hövel
From some of the best Riesling territory, anywhere on earth or otherwise. This is soul-crushing stuff, it'll leave you bloody and broken but gagging for more. Multidimensional, ultra-complex yet ultimately welcoming. It lasts for days on the tastebuds. Bloody oath mate.
80
195
36
Chateau Beau Site
74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. Low yields of 17 hl/ha following the hail storm in June and the deep gravels the Cabernet is planted on. 14.0% ABV. 40% new oak. What is made is very good, clean and long with precise extraction and ripe but not overripe fruit. It derives from a gravel "croupe" near Calon-Ségur. "Beau-Site" means beautiful site and lies just behind Grand Cru Château Calon-Segur on one of Medoc's highest points with fantastic views over the river Gironde. It was originally classified as a Cru Bourgeois Superieur in 1932 but in 1966 Beau Site was reclassified as a Cru Grand Bourgeois Exceptionnel. The Castéja family, who also own Château Batailley and Château Trotte Vieille, bought the château in 1955. The château has nearly 100 hectares of vines with an average age of 35 years. Beau-Site's 18th century underground cellar is one of the oldest in the Médoc and presents the perfect maturing conditions for a wine that is vinified with the same care and technique as a Grand Cru Classé. Beau-Site's wine is full of power and temperament, a typical Saint-Estèphe with tannins allowing for keeping this wine for some years.
80
610
20
Domaine Danjou-Banessy
Energy is a word used a lot by the finest Roussillon growers. We don't think there has been a finer example than this extraordinary wine from the freres Danjou. The 2019 is more 'Cote-Rotie' than the 'Crozes like' 2018. A thrilling wine.
80
145
42
Moorooduc Estate
Kate McIntyre is the queen of Mornington, consistently turning out the most critically acclaimed wines from this famous area near Melbourne. Pale gold in colour with a lovely fragrant nose of yellow pear, chamomile, elderflower, blossom and a touch of honey. On the palate the pear and quince fruit characters are rich and mouth filling with lovely textural phenolics. The wine is long and full flavoured with a tangy seaspray saltiness on the finish. A great match to a warm goats cheese salad, with a touch of quince jelly.
80
195
36
Chateau Capbern
Jancisrobinson.com 17/20 "62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. pH 3.75, 60% new oak. Barrel sample. Deepest purple. Dark and stony, lovely slaty nose. Firm, chalky, dense and still with lovely freshness. Not the same richness as the 2009 but with great purity and definition. More serious, less seduction. Long and great structure. So pure in its dark cassis fruit. Cool with a touch of liquorice on the finish. (JH)" Parker 91-93/100 "Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with vibrant scents of black raspberries, kirsch and fresh blackcurrants with nuances of cedar chest, pencil lead and forest floor plus a waft of lavender. Full-bodied, rich and packed with juicy fruit, it has a firm line of grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing with a herbal lift."
80
145
42
Moorooduc Estate
Kate McIntyre is the queen of Mornington, consistently turning out the most critically acclaimed wines from this famous area near Melbourne. Pale gold in colour with a lovely fragrant nose of yellow pear, chamomile, elderflower, blossom and a touch of honey. On the palate the pear and quince fruit characters are rich and mouth filling with lovely textural phenolics. The wine is long and full flavoured with a tangy seaspray saltiness on the finish. A great match to a warm goats cheese salad, with a touch of quince jelly.
80
755
20
Ridge Vineyards
Deep garnet in colour with rich raspberry, fig, exotic clove spice, and notes of fresh mint. Layered briary fruit on the palate with cocoa and a slight crushed granite minerality. Supple tannins and a long, lingering finish
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
100% Gamay (mid-1980s now grubbed up), from galet stone on red-brown clay soils at 350 metres at Givors, 50-100% destemmed, 15-16 day vinification, a little pumping over, then cap punching, aged 1-6 year 228-litre casks 12 months, unfined. 2023 is the very last vintage produced of this lovely, unique take on Gamay from Givors. Grab it while you can, it's a great vintage and shall last 10-15 years (as is usual). A real charmer. Wine to enjoy with friends. Dark red, purple tints; has a strawberry jam aroma. This has a good, firm attack, holds dark red, mulberry fruit with life in it, and a late saline note. There’s crunch in the tannins (this is 50% whole bunch) and it’s very drinkable, shows a touch of late power, is good for la table. Its length sustains on red fruit, raspberry, is good and upbeat.
80
455
22
Luigi Oddero
Bright, ruby-red coloured with a gentle orange tinge. Delicate, but intense aromas of dried rose petal and sweet spice. Dry, soft and near velvety on the palate with great balance, finesse, and elegance. "This elegant red has enticing scents of wild berry, blue flower, botanical herb and baking spice. Savory and focused, the palate features sour cherry, cranberry and star anise framed in taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2024 - 2031". 95/100 Kerin O’Keefe in Wine Enthusiast "Treiso. Just mid ruby. Cool, yet concentrated raspberry fruit on the nose. Elegant, supple full raspberry palate that is still a little tight. Rich coating tannins that fit the fragrant full fruit like a glove. Stunning balance and depth, and still light of touch. Just at the beginning of its development". 18/20 Walter Speller on jancsirobinson.com
80
610
10
Domaine Danjou-Banessy
A blend of Genache Blanc, Gris and Noir, from ancient 90 year old vines in the ancient and quite amazing 'C|os des Escounils' that the brothers are developing and working on re-establishing it's other potential vineyard areas. This is beautiful, racy, elegant wine that is softly textured and very ‘modern’ in its freshness and balance.
80
705
46
Dominio Romano
Produced from 100% Tinto Fino from vines age 30 years, aged 12 months in French Oak with minimal filtration. The result is a wine with a beautiful ruby colour with deep and intense aromas of red and black fruit with hints of liquorice and spice. The palate elegant and fresh with predominant fruit structure balanced by soft tannins and a lovely expressive finish. Dominio Romano was established in 2005 when the Pares Balta family decided to to initiate a project in Ribera del Duero. Selecting the finest old and wild Tinto Fino vines in the best terroirs of the region, and farming with the utmost respect for the environment and tradition, the family produces wines that transmit the character of the autochthonous grape.
80
610
20
Domaine Danjou-Banessy
100% Carignan Gris that was raised in older barrels. It offers that classic cold steel-like character I always find in Carignan Gris, as well as plenty of citrus blossom, bright apple fruit - steely and penetrating. A real one-off. Utterly beautiful wine. This 2022 is simply thrilling, honey. Simply ELECTRIC! Buy now. That's the only advice you need.
80
235
24
Champagne Autreau de Champillon
Classically made Champagne with grapes sourced from Grand Cru vineyards on the Cotes de Blanc, a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This wine spends 36 months ageing prior to disgorgement. Top quality Grand Creu Champagne with full flavoured intense developed citrus and floral aromas. There is a joie de vivre about this wine that makes it very easy to drink and enjoy. Very good value.
80
335
32
Fonseca
In the mouth the rich, delicious fruitiness of this wine combines with grainy, beautifully integrated tannins to produce an unbridled eruption of texture and flavor. Similarly to the Fonseca Vintage Ports and the Guimaraens Vintage Ports, blended from the wines of its three estates, the company also offers rich, velvety Single Quinta Vintage Ports produced entirely from the produce of Quinta do Panascal. These are the pure expression of the estate's terroir. Like the Guimaraens Vintage Ports, these are made in years that produce smoother, more accessible wines that do not need to be stored for a long time before being enjoyed. Situated on the steep right bank of the river Távora, Quinta do Panascal is one of the most renowned vineyards in the Douro region. In the words of a saying, "From Roncão and Panascal come the best wines of Portugal".
80
195
20
Château Doisy-Daene
80
455
26
Il Palazzone
Walter Speller on jancisrobinson.com October 2023 17++/20 (Walter Speller) "Mid to deep ruby. Compact, youthful, perfumed red-fruit nose with hints of spice and minerally, salty notes. Focused, sleek, tangy fruit with jewel-like acidity and tightly knit tannins on the palate". Decanter November 2023 94/100 (Michaela Morris) "This Brunello is an assemblage of plots in two distinct sectors: fruit from Montalcino’s warmer, southeastern reaches near Castelnuovo dell’Abate gives density and mid-palate weight with grainy, mouth-filling tannins, while the cooler, more elevated sites around the town of Montalcino itself seem to brighten and lift the whole. From start to finish, the enchanting perfumes of the vintage pervade. Juniper, cedar, pressed rose and candied mint follow through to the palate, where juicy watermelon and strawberry take hold. It finishes with an appetizing bitter herbal twist, and while this is hard to resist, another year in the bottle will bring further cohesion". Kerin O’Keefe November 2023 95/100 & #62 Top 100 Wines of 2023 "Forest floor, camphor, new leather and wild rose aromas come to the forefront on the lovely 2019 Brunello from Il Palazzone along with whiffs of spice. Smooth and juicy, the savory palate features ripe raspberry, cherry, star anise, hints of chocolate and a cool graphite note alongside enveloping, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2028-2039". Abv 14% Kerin O’Keefe November 2023
80
705
28
Cellers Grifoll
Aged 9 months in French oak barrels. Ripe dark fruit, spiced oak, licorice, cloves and wet rock here. Full-bodied with creamy tannins, dense structure and a mellow, sweetish finish. Rich and ripe, yet soft and somewhat easy to drink. 45% garnache noir, 45% carignan and 10% merlot.
80
455
22
Fontanassa
A fascinating interpretation of Gavi. Hand picked and fermented in amphorae creating a textural, intense and concentrated style. A touch of skin-contact, but not quite full orange wine! Tasting note from the winery: Straw yellow colour, aromas of citrus fruits and grapefruit, white melon, peach, almonds and white flowers, full body, intense flavour and long persistence. One for explorers and/or lovers of something a little different. Impressive and intriguing.
80
615
20
Domaine Delhome
"I like wines that are direct, with tension, a vertebral column, for both the reds and the whites". Romain 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. 100% Syrah (average age 40 years) from south-facing sanded granite soils on Les Sourdets at 300 metres at Larnage next to the cellars, granite fragments on flat ground at bottom of Le Caire at Gervans, hand harvested, destemmed, pre-fermentation cold maceration at 8°-10°C "to seek red fruits, especially from Gervans", 20-25 day steel vat vinification at 24°-28°C, pumping overs, part vat emptying/refilling, raised 75% 3-10 year 228-litre & 600-litre oak casks (85% 228-litres, 15% 600-litres), 25% steel vat 11-12 months". This is excellent Crozes Hermitage with good structure with what feels like perfect extraction - wonderful texture and depth. But the Boreal is ultimately all about the fruit, though, which is charmingly wild in character and quite dark. Blackberry, the beginnings of mulberry and a bit of liquorice in there too. A wonderful offering.
80
115
26
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
Pale yellow colour. Expressive Riesling nose typical from limestone origin: citrus, light mineral notes, stony flavours, honey. Vivacious palate, crisp, amazing acidity and freshness. This is a very classic Roche Calcaire that finishes bone dry with a lacy texture. This wine will still need some time to open up and it is highly recommended to decant it in the first years after bottling.
80
295
28
Rolly-Gassmann
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.
80
335
28
Blandy's
"The non-vintage 10-Year-Old Verdelho has a delightful, resinous bouquet with touches of mahogany bureau and hazelnut. The palate is crisp and taut on the entry, with vibrant acidity, and demonstrates more depth and chutzpah than its counterpart Sercial. The finish is focused with a subtle smoky note lingering after the wine has departed" (Robert Parker Wine Advocate).
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
195
26
Chateau Sénéjac
34 hl/ha. 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot. Very deep ruby, with lots of fruity, spicy and chocolatey aromas, this is a fleshy, ripe and glossy Sénéjac, that has an ethereal quality for such a big wine. It is polished, yet structured and shows elegance and power. Sénéjac is owned by the Cordier family, owners of Ch. Talbot in Saint-Julien.
80
705
38
R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
80
295
42
Chateau Liot
90/100 Georgia Hindle, Decanter "Creamy, honeyed and citrus flavours, lemon and grapefruit rind giving the spiced frame with flint and salt giving some mineral touches too. It has a nice weight and density with cool, apple, pear, mango and lemon fruit on the finish. Feels supremely clean and well worked if lacking a little more unctuousness. 115g/l residual sugar. 3.52g total acidity. 3.88pH."