California
California is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
One of the most famous vineyards in California is the Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, which produces a range of high-quality red and white wines, including the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the Fumé Blanc Reserve, and the Chardonnay Reserve. The estate is committed to sustainable farming practices and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques.
In California, there is also a strong focus on producing organic and biodynamic wines, with vineyards such as the Frog's Leap Winery and the Benziger Family Winery using these practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Overall, California is a region known for producing exceptional wines, with famous vineyards such as Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi and many others. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, and a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, wines from California are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
California
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£512.44 |
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Vinous (94)The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it. |
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California | 2 | 99 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£768.04 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)The 2021 Pinot Noir Elliott is packed with layered aromas of gravelly mineral earth, framboise, and wild herbs. Profound and balanced, with outstanding structure and gripping ripe tannins, it reveals notes of crunchy cherry, fresh earth, and a refined, elegant perfume on the finish. It continuously evolves in the glass and is an absolutely stunning and singular wine. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£817.24 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2020 Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard is savory with fresh mint and more masculine aromatics, including cherry fruit and dark minerality. The palate is structured and long, with a more iron-rich quality, pomegranate seed, red cherry, and spice. Hold 2-3 years and drink over the following 15 years. |
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California | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£921.89 |
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Introducing the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, valuable addition to the cellar of any discerning oenophile. This radiant Pinot Noir is produced by Ceritas, maestros of viniculture with a predilection for crafting small batch wines reflective of their unique terroir. Nestled within the-aesthetic cool-climate of Sonoma Coast, California, the Occidental vineyard's maritime influence enhances the grape qualities, cultivating distinctive flavours. The Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is an homage to artisan winemaking traditions - hand harvesting and indigenous fermentations lead to minimal intervention. This expression is marked by eloquent layers of red cherry, clove, wild herbs and orange peel, juxtaposed against a robust structure. The wine's finish is noted for its gripping minerality and liveliness, making it age-worthy and versatile. Its precise balance between rustic charm and sophisticated depth presents the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 as a pure expression of its prestigious origin, ready to tantalise the palette of the patient connoisseur. |
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California | 1 | 94+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£602.69 |
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Wine Advocate (94+)The 2018 Pinot Noir Senna is medium ruby in the glass and offers seductive aromas of dried lilac, black tea leaves and orange peel with an earthy, black berry core. Medium-bodied and silky, it's expansive and expressive in the mouth, with a broad, ever-changing spectrum of flavors and a long, nuanced finish. This is stunning already, but it will take a bit more time to show all it's got. |
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California | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£663.89 |
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Fine wine connoisseurs believe the Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 is a sublime testament to Californian viticulture. Famed producers at Ceritas have crafted this exquisite tipple from select Pinot Noir grapes, meticulously hand-picked from choice Sonoma Coast vineyards at the ideal maturity stage. Refined in French oak barrels, this intricately-made wine exhibits delicate, sustainable viticulture practices. Destined to be a collector's gem, Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 possesses an elegant allure. Its complex bouquet marries ripe red cherry notes with subtle undertones of oriental spices and wild herbs, suggesting a depth and richness befitting of its superb lineage. Notably, the Ceritas winery is renowned for their cold-soaking harvest technique and natural fermentation processes—enhancing the wine's layered complexity. With a silky texture and impressive finish, the Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 stands as a peerless example of fine winemaking tradition. |
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California | 3 | 94+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£671.02 |
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Vinous (94+)The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is rich and explosive, with tons of concentration, depth and structure. Dark blue and black fruit, mocha, smoke, menthol, licorice and spices all burst from the glass as this huge, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its pure class. Readers will have to be patient with the 2012, a wine that will blow the roof off the house with its unbridled power. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£2,915.09 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)Also inky colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill and spent 22 months in new French oak. It has a similar level of purity, as well as incredible minerality, to go with notes of crème de cassis, scorched earth, crushed rock, and graphite. Reminiscent of liking a rock with its insane level of minerality, this full-bodied beauty is tight and closed on the palate, yet is just loaded with potential. It’s only for those with cold cellars and needs forgotten for 7-8 years, but will keep for 4-5 decades. Bravo! |
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California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,491.24 |
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Wine Advocate (98+)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm cassis, wild blueberries and black raspberries, plus hints of chocolate box, menthol, tapenade, smoked meats and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with vibrant black fruits, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
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California | 50 | 96 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£487.49 |
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Decanter (96)Heady and ripe, floral and open on the nose with aromas of cedar, sweet strawberries, spiced plum and herbal-edged raspberries. Crisp and juicy, tight and tense - the tannins have a firm aspect to them really giving this a coiled, concentrated, knitted texture and frame where the dark, ripe fruit drives through the centre but there's lots of liquorice, dark chocolate and clove spice giving the angles and nuance, almost overtaking the fruit. Still, it's well constructed, smooth and long with lovely integrity of juiciness. Lots of Petit Verdot character also gives the singularity and signature. A fine wine with lots to like. Stylish, sophisticated and suave. 3% Merlot completes the blend. Winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus. 3.78pH. |
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California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,418.44 |
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Vinous (95)Dark ruby-red. Knockout nose combines black fruits, spices, volcanic minerality and earth, plus a sexy note of coffee torrefaction, all lifted by a violet topnote; reminded me of a ripe-year Pauillac. Wonderfully silky and concentrated on entry, then tactile and solid yet juicy as well in the middle palate, conveying terrific sweetness of sun-baked dark fruits complicated by licorice and exotic spices. This compellingly rich, deep wine displays the sappiness of a fruit reduction. The wine's saline minerality contributes to its impression of energy and a note of juicy cranberry enhances its current appeal. But this beauty is just embarking on what should be a multi-decade plane of peak drinkability. Uncommon flavor intensity here--and still just 30% new oak. Incidentally, this is the first year that Calistoga appeared on the front label, along with Napa Valley. (It was actually Bo Barrett who initially proposed AVA status for Calistoga, but it wasn't officially granted until 2009. (14.1% alcohol) |
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California | 7 | 94+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,254.04 |
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Vinous (94+)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is dark, ample and totally seductive. Black cherry, mocha, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco all meld together. Pliant and supple, the 2016 is already incredibly delicious. This is an especially mid-weight wine and style. Accordingly, the 2016 Estate will drink well with minimal cellaring. The Estate was bottled just two months before this tasting. I imagine it will put on some weight with further time in bottle. All the elements appear to be in the right place for that to happen. |
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California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,004.46 |
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Vinous (93)The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first commercial release from Christian Moueix's Oakville property. Sensual and alluring, yet with striking depth, the 2012 is full of sweet red cherry, raspberry jam, wild flowers, all pushed forward in a sexy, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers terrific depth for a wine from this generally uneven vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. I imagine the 2012 will reward readers with a good two decades of fine drinking. |
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California | 2 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£772.84 |
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Vinous (93)The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first commercial release from Christian Moueix's Oakville property. Sensual and alluring, yet with striking depth, the 2012 is full of sweet red cherry, raspberry jam, wild flowers, all pushed forward in a sexy, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers terrific depth for a wine from this generally uneven vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. I imagine the 2012 will reward readers with a good two decades of fine drinking. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,009.49 |
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James Suckling (98)Fabulous subtle aromas of black currants, violets and lilacs with a hot stone undertone. Full-bodied and dense, it shows such wonderful energy and synergy that delivers a firm yet gentle tannin backbone and complex mouthfeel that seduces you. Evolves wonderfully. Second wine from this new estate, which is owned by Christian Moueix of Dominus and Bordeaux. Release is March 2017. |
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California | 3 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£461.21 |
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James Suckling (98)The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£825.64 |
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James Suckling (98)The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release. |
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California | 3 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£876.29 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Possessing mere splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautifully expressive crème de cassis nose with underlying black cherries, chocolate box, star anise and violets plus touches of pencil shavings and beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a quiet intensity of black fruits and restrained earthy layers supported by chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with mineral and savory nuances. It has lovely elegance and depth. It needs another 2-3 years in bottle, then it should cellar gracefully over the next 20+ years. 1,000 cases were made. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£879.64 |
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James Suckling (99)Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold. |
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California | 3 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£347.29 |
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James Suckling (96)Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£798.29 |
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James Suckling (96)Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now. |
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California | 3 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£860.44 |
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Vinous (97)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix's Oakville ranch so far. Deep, creamy and generous, the 2018 captures the unqiue blend of fruit in a savoriness that is typical of the southern sector of Oakville where cooling winds from the south lend palpable freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish. |
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California | 10 | - |
Inc. VAT
£1,067.09 |
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Immerse yourself in the opulence of Christian Moueix Ulysses 2019, a testament to the charm Napa Valley wines boast. Crafted by renowned wine connoisseur Christian Moueix, this wine reflects his meticulous attention to detail. French-born Moueix showcases his decades-old expertise, previously revealed through his Bordeaux estates, now radiating through this Californian creation. Full-bodied, this wine continues Ulysses Vineyard's legacy of producing vibrant, textural wines in the mesmerising Oakville AVA. Hand-harvested and meticulously selected, the grapes undergo traditional vinification, maturing in French oak barriques to enhance backbone and complexity. The result? A wine featuring refined tannins with an exquisite melange of black fruits, cherries, and a hint of truffle. Marvel at the sophistication of Christian Moueix Ulysses 2019. A balanced, powerful testament to classic winemaking techniques fused with New World panache, truly a collector's pride and a hedonist's delight. |
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California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,733.09 |
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Vinous (94)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is another gorgeous wine from Cliff Lede. Crème de cassis, lavender, cloves, graphite, chocolate, sweet French oak and torrefaction notes infuse this sumptuous, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Lede's Poetry block in Stags Leap. This is another full-throttle wine endowed with a ton of character. |
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California | 3 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,051.46 |
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Wine Advocate (93)One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, a beautiful example of this AVA, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color, floral notes intermixed with crème de cassis , graphite and forest floor. It is full bodied, but with the elegance, finesse and lightness of being, despite its intensity. The wood is pushed to the background, and the wine is beautifully pure and long. Drink it over the next 20 years. |
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California | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,090.80 |
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Vinous (91)The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Cliff Lede wine with rich fruit, tons of intensity and plenty of medium-term appeal. Savory notes add an attractive upper register, but the tannins are a touch firm, so readers will be best off cellaring the 2014 for at least a few years. This is a solid mid-tier offering from Cliff Lede. |
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California | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£545.09 |
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Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation. Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse. |
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California | 2 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,993.86 |
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Wine Advocate (100)The 2010 Proprietary Red Cariad reveals great intensity along with abundant notes of unsmoked tobacco leaf interwoven with blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, charcoal and coffee bean nuances as well as a Pauillac-like lead pencil shaving character. This blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc is one of the finest wines I tasted over the 12 days I spent tasting in Napa Valley in late August and early September. This remarkable 2010 should drink beautifully for 20 or more years. |
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California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,479.06 |
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Vinous (98)The 2013 Cariad is fabulous. Pliant, expressive and nuanced in the glass. Here, the tannins are suave and supple, which makes the wine unusually accessible today. There is plenty of delineation in the dark, mineral-laced flavors, but the 2013 impresses for most of its superb textural depth. Cariad is made mostly from fruit sourced from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch vineyard in St. Helena. |
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California | 1 | 98+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,661.62 |
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Vinous (98+)The highlight among these 2015s, the Cariad is a total knock-out. Dark, vibrant and powerful in the glass, the 2015 offers notable energy to balance the bold flavors of the year. In this vintage, the Cariad has quite a bit more Franc than is typically the case, a decision that has paid off beautifully. I very much like the sense of energy here. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£411.00 |
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Vinous (94)The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it. |
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California | 2 | 99 (JD) |
In Bond
£624.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)The 2021 Pinot Noir Elliott is packed with layered aromas of gravelly mineral earth, framboise, and wild herbs. Profound and balanced, with outstanding structure and gripping ripe tannins, it reveals notes of crunchy cherry, fresh earth, and a refined, elegant perfume on the finish. It continuously evolves in the glass and is an absolutely stunning and singular wine. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JD) |
In Bond
£665.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2020 Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard is savory with fresh mint and more masculine aromatics, including cherry fruit and dark minerality. The palate is structured and long, with a more iron-rich quality, pomegranate seed, red cherry, and spice. Hold 2-3 years and drink over the following 15 years. |
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
£749.00 |
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Introducing the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, valuable addition to the cellar of any discerning oenophile. This radiant Pinot Noir is produced by Ceritas, maestros of viniculture with a predilection for crafting small batch wines reflective of their unique terroir. Nestled within the-aesthetic cool-climate of Sonoma Coast, California, the Occidental vineyard's maritime influence enhances the grape qualities, cultivating distinctive flavours. The Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is an homage to artisan winemaking traditions - hand harvesting and indigenous fermentations lead to minimal intervention. This expression is marked by eloquent layers of red cherry, clove, wild herbs and orange peel, juxtaposed against a robust structure. The wine's finish is noted for its gripping minerality and liveliness, making it age-worthy and versatile. Its precise balance between rustic charm and sophisticated depth presents the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 as a pure expression of its prestigious origin, ready to tantalise the palette of the patient connoisseur. |
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California | 1 | 94+ (WA) |
In Bond
£483.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94+)The 2018 Pinot Noir Senna is medium ruby in the glass and offers seductive aromas of dried lilac, black tea leaves and orange peel with an earthy, black berry core. Medium-bodied and silky, it's expansive and expressive in the mouth, with a broad, ever-changing spectrum of flavors and a long, nuanced finish. This is stunning already, but it will take a bit more time to show all it's got. |
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California | 2 | - |
In Bond
£534.00 |
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Fine wine connoisseurs believe the Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 is a sublime testament to Californian viticulture. Famed producers at Ceritas have crafted this exquisite tipple from select Pinot Noir grapes, meticulously hand-picked from choice Sonoma Coast vineyards at the ideal maturity stage. Refined in French oak barrels, this intricately-made wine exhibits delicate, sustainable viticulture practices. Destined to be a collector's gem, Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 possesses an elegant allure. Its complex bouquet marries ripe red cherry notes with subtle undertones of oriental spices and wild herbs, suggesting a depth and richness befitting of its superb lineage. Notably, the Ceritas winery is renowned for their cold-soaking harvest technique and natural fermentation processes—enhancing the wine's layered complexity. With a silky texture and impressive finish, the Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 stands as a peerless example of fine winemaking tradition. |
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California | 3 | 94+ (VN) |
In Bond
£556.00 |
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Vinous (94+)The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is rich and explosive, with tons of concentration, depth and structure. Dark blue and black fruit, mocha, smoke, menthol, licorice and spices all burst from the glass as this huge, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its pure class. Readers will have to be patient with the 2012, a wine that will blow the roof off the house with its unbridled power. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
£2,410.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)Also inky colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill and spent 22 months in new French oak. It has a similar level of purity, as well as incredible minerality, to go with notes of crème de cassis, scorched earth, crushed rock, and graphite. Reminiscent of liking a rock with its insane level of minerality, this full-bodied beauty is tight and closed on the palate, yet is just loaded with potential. It’s only for those with cold cellars and needs forgotten for 7-8 years, but will keep for 4-5 decades. Bravo! |
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California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£2,060.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98+)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm cassis, wild blueberries and black raspberries, plus hints of chocolate box, menthol, tapenade, smoked meats and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with vibrant black fruits, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
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California | 50 | 96 (DC) |
In Bond
£387.00 |
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Decanter (96)Heady and ripe, floral and open on the nose with aromas of cedar, sweet strawberries, spiced plum and herbal-edged raspberries. Crisp and juicy, tight and tense - the tannins have a firm aspect to them really giving this a coiled, concentrated, knitted texture and frame where the dark, ripe fruit drives through the centre but there's lots of liquorice, dark chocolate and clove spice giving the angles and nuance, almost overtaking the fruit. Still, it's well constructed, smooth and long with lovely integrity of juiciness. Lots of Petit Verdot character also gives the singularity and signature. A fine wine with lots to like. Stylish, sophisticated and suave. 3% Merlot completes the blend. Winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus. 3.78pH. |
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California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,166.00 |
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Vinous (95)Dark ruby-red. Knockout nose combines black fruits, spices, volcanic minerality and earth, plus a sexy note of coffee torrefaction, all lifted by a violet topnote; reminded me of a ripe-year Pauillac. Wonderfully silky and concentrated on entry, then tactile and solid yet juicy as well in the middle palate, conveying terrific sweetness of sun-baked dark fruits complicated by licorice and exotic spices. This compellingly rich, deep wine displays the sappiness of a fruit reduction. The wine's saline minerality contributes to its impression of energy and a note of juicy cranberry enhances its current appeal. But this beauty is just embarking on what should be a multi-decade plane of peak drinkability. Uncommon flavor intensity here--and still just 30% new oak. Incidentally, this is the first year that Calistoga appeared on the front label, along with Napa Valley. (It was actually Bo Barrett who initially proposed AVA status for Calistoga, but it wasn't officially granted until 2009. (14.1% alcohol) |
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California | 7 | 94+ (VN) |
In Bond
£1,029.00 |
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Vinous (94+)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is dark, ample and totally seductive. Black cherry, mocha, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco all meld together. Pliant and supple, the 2016 is already incredibly delicious. This is an especially mid-weight wine and style. Accordingly, the 2016 Estate will drink well with minimal cellaring. The Estate was bottled just two months before this tasting. I imagine it will put on some weight with further time in bottle. All the elements appear to be in the right place for that to happen. |
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California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,649.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first commercial release from Christian Moueix's Oakville property. Sensual and alluring, yet with striking depth, the 2012 is full of sweet red cherry, raspberry jam, wild flowers, all pushed forward in a sexy, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers terrific depth for a wine from this generally uneven vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. I imagine the 2012 will reward readers with a good two decades of fine drinking. |
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California | 2 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£628.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first commercial release from Christian Moueix's Oakville property. Sensual and alluring, yet with striking depth, the 2012 is full of sweet red cherry, raspberry jam, wild flowers, all pushed forward in a sexy, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers terrific depth for a wine from this generally uneven vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. I imagine the 2012 will reward readers with a good two decades of fine drinking. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£822.00 |
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James Suckling (98)Fabulous subtle aromas of black currants, violets and lilacs with a hot stone undertone. Full-bodied and dense, it shows such wonderful energy and synergy that delivers a firm yet gentle tannin backbone and complex mouthfeel that seduces you. Evolves wonderfully. Second wine from this new estate, which is owned by Christian Moueix of Dominus and Bordeaux. Release is March 2017. |
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California | 3 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£379.00 |
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James Suckling (98)The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£672.00 |
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James Suckling (98)The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release. |
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California | 3 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
£711.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Possessing mere splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautifully expressive crème de cassis nose with underlying black cherries, chocolate box, star anise and violets plus touches of pencil shavings and beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a quiet intensity of black fruits and restrained earthy layers supported by chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with mineral and savory nuances. It has lovely elegance and depth. It needs another 2-3 years in bottle, then it should cellar gracefully over the next 20+ years. 1,000 cases were made. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£717.00 |
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James Suckling (99)Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold. |
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California | 3 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
£283.00 |
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James Suckling (96)Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
£646.00 |
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James Suckling (96)Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now. |
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California | 3 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£701.00 |
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Vinous (97)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix's Oakville ranch so far. Deep, creamy and generous, the 2018 captures the unqiue blend of fruit in a savoriness that is typical of the southern sector of Oakville where cooling winds from the south lend palpable freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish. |
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California | 10 | - |
In Bond
£870.00 |
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Immerse yourself in the opulence of Christian Moueix Ulysses 2019, a testament to the charm Napa Valley wines boast. Crafted by renowned wine connoisseur Christian Moueix, this wine reflects his meticulous attention to detail. French-born Moueix showcases his decades-old expertise, previously revealed through his Bordeaux estates, now radiating through this Californian creation. Full-bodied, this wine continues Ulysses Vineyard's legacy of producing vibrant, textural wines in the mesmerising Oakville AVA. Hand-harvested and meticulously selected, the grapes undergo traditional vinification, maturing in French oak barriques to enhance backbone and complexity. The result? A wine featuring refined tannins with an exquisite melange of black fruits, cherries, and a hint of truffle. Marvel at the sophistication of Christian Moueix Ulysses 2019. A balanced, powerful testament to classic winemaking techniques fused with New World panache, truly a collector's pride and a hedonist's delight. |
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California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,425.00 |
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Vinous (94)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is another gorgeous wine from Cliff Lede. Crème de cassis, lavender, cloves, graphite, chocolate, sweet French oak and torrefaction notes infuse this sumptuous, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Lede's Poetry block in Stags Leap. This is another full-throttle wine endowed with a ton of character. |
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California | 3 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
£838.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, a beautiful example of this AVA, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color, floral notes intermixed with crème de cassis , graphite and forest floor. It is full bodied, but with the elegance, finesse and lightness of being, despite its intensity. The wood is pushed to the background, and the wine is beautifully pure and long. Drink it over the next 20 years. |
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California | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,090.80 |
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Vinous (91)The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Cliff Lede wine with rich fruit, tons of intensity and plenty of medium-term appeal. Savory notes add an attractive upper register, but the tannins are a touch firm, so readers will be best off cellaring the 2014 for at least a few years. This is a solid mid-tier offering from Cliff Lede. |
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
£435.00 |
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Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation. Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse. |
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California | 2 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,652.00 |
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Wine Advocate (100)The 2010 Proprietary Red Cariad reveals great intensity along with abundant notes of unsmoked tobacco leaf interwoven with blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, charcoal and coffee bean nuances as well as a Pauillac-like lead pencil shaving character. This blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc is one of the finest wines I tasted over the 12 days I spent tasting in Napa Valley in late August and early September. This remarkable 2010 should drink beautifully for 20 or more years. |
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California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,223.00 |
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Vinous (98)The 2013 Cariad is fabulous. Pliant, expressive and nuanced in the glass. Here, the tannins are suave and supple, which makes the wine unusually accessible today. There is plenty of delineation in the dark, mineral-laced flavors, but the 2013 impresses for most of its superb textural depth. Cariad is made mostly from fruit sourced from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch vineyard in St. Helena. |
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California | 1 | 98+ (VN) |
In Bond
£1,375.00 |
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Vinous (98+)The highlight among these 2015s, the Cariad is a total knock-out. Dark, vibrant and powerful in the glass, the 2015 offers notable energy to balance the bold flavors of the year. In this vintage, the Cariad has quite a bit more Franc than is typically the case, a decision that has paid off beautifully. I very much like the sense of energy here. |
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