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
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(12x75cl) 2013The Chanin Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2013 offers an entrancing bouquet of red fruit, black tea and a dusting of spices. As a product of the acclaimed Santa Maria Valley, California, USA, it bears the hallmarks of its origin with aplomb. Hailing from Gavin Chanin, recognised in Forbes' 30 under 30 in the Food and Wine Category, this Pinot Noir boasts of elegance and longevity. Aged in French oak barrels for 15 months, this wine exhibits an elegant balance of fruit and structure with pronounced black cherry and wild strawberry notes.
Meticulously hand-sorted and fermented with native yeast, the Chanin Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2013 exudes the perfect combination of fresh acidity and ripe, concentrated flavours. Its nuanced mineral streaks underline its pedigree. Enjoy the Chanin Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2013 now or let it age gracefully, appreciating the evolution of its lush body and complex aromas.
Inc. VAT£625.78 -
(12x75cl) 2018Experience the premium sophistication of Chanin Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay 2018. An exquisite product from the famed Californian producer, Gavin Chanin, known globally for his artistic flair in viniculture. This masterly crafted wine originates from the revered Sanford & Benedict vineyard, Santa Barbara County, California's oldest, continuously producing Chardonnay vineyard.
The alluring Chanin Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay 2018 is created with grapes carefully hand-harvested, fermented using native yeasts, and aged in French oak barrels for a year – a traditional process exuding superior craftsmanship. This fine wine captivates with a remarkable balance of intense citrus fruits, structured minerality, and an underpin of delicate oak.
Your palate shall be enchanted by its vibrant acidity and nuanced complexity, promising an impressive evolutionary potential. Savour the Chanin Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay 2018, a harmonious fusion of Californian sunshine and world-class winemaking brilliance.
Inc. VAT£690.41 -
(12x75cl) 2020Jeb Dunnuck (94+)
From a site on the other (southern) side of the appellation, the 2020 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir saw quite a bit more stems and was fermented with 40% stems and brought up in 20% new oak. It has a wonderful nose of ripe red and black currants as well as subtle woodsmoke, dried herbs, and forest floor. This carries to a pure, medium-bodied, balanced Pinot Noir with ripe tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It opens up nicely with time in the glass and will no doubt benefit from another year or two of bottle age.Inc. VAT£948.41 -
(12x75cl) 2021Wine Advocate (95)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is scented of raspberry, cranberry, autumn leaves and spicy undertones. The palate is surprisingly powerful with concentrated, layered fruit, spice and floral character. It has abundant, grainy tannins, shimmery acidity, and a very long, perfumed finish. It deserves 3-5 years in bottle.Inc. VAT£836.64 -
(12x75cl) 2022Wine Advocate (95+)
The most fragrant and multidimensional wine of the range, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is floral, oceanic, mossy and graceful on the nose. The palate straddles lavish decadence with silky refinement, perfectly displaying how this vineyard doesn't show all its cards at once, ceaselessly gaining in amplitude and volume but never weight. The finish combines delicious richness, bracing acidity and admirable focus. A beautiful showing of a classic site in a challenging year, this should be a pleasure to follow over the next decade.Inc. VAT£800.64 -
(12x75cl) 2020Jeb Dunnuck (93+)
Much darker and more exotic, the 2020 Zotovich Vineyard Pinot Noir has more mulled red (and some black) fruits as well as roasted herbs, forest floor, and gamey nuances to go with a medium-bodied, supple, rounded, structured style on the palate. It's more firm, focused and tannic, and will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age.Inc. VAT£865.61 -
(12x75cl) 2021
Indulge in the depth and richness of the Chanin Zotovich Pinot Noir 2021 - boutique Pinot Noir produced on California's picturesque Central Coast. The acclaimed producer, Gavin Chanin, reverently combines time-honoured winemaking techniques with contemporary sophistication, resulting in a wine that is both full-bodied and refined. Produced in the famed Zotovich Vineyards located in Santa Rita Hills, the fruit is carefully hand-harvested, capturing the essence of the region's coveted terroir in every sip.
Meticulously cold fermented in small tanks before an extended period of ageing in French oak, the Chanin Zotovich Pinot Noir 2021 is distinguished by its exceptional balance, expressive palate of dark berries and savoury spices, and a long, silky finish that's sure to seduce the discerning oenophile. This limited production wine, renowned for its meticulously crafted elegance and allure, illustrates the potential for Pinot Noir in the New World. Savour the excellence of Chanin Zotovich Pinot Noir 2021 - a revelation in every bottle.
Inc. VAT£742.01 -
(12x75cl) 2022Wine Advocate (93)
As with the Chardonnay bottling, the 2022 Pinot Noir Zotovich Vineyard falls in the stylistic center of the Chanin Pinot Noir roster. It leads with elegant and reserved aromas of dried flowers, dark spices and oolong tea leaves. The palate offers the most velvety concentration of the Chanin Pinot Noirs, leading to a rich yet energetic finish framed with subtly drying tannins and increasing tension with time in the glass.Inc. VAT£691.00 -
(12x75cl) 2018Showcasing the mastery of winemaker Gavin Chanin, the Chanin, Schock Family Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2018 is, quite simply, a vinous tour de force. Carefully crafted at the Chanin Winery in one of California's most renowned winemaking regions, this Syrah exemplifies the truly expressive varietal character that Santa Barbara can bring.
The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts, before maturing for almost two years in French oak barrels. The result is a beautifully balanced red wine, boasting a bouquet of dark cherries and violets, underscored by subtle pepper and spice. The grounded earthiness is gracefully bridged by a delicate acidity, leaving a truly memorable finish. The minimal intervention during vinification pays homage to old-world methodologies, and displays Chanin's commitment to highlighting the terroir's natural charm.
The passion of the Schock family amplifies through the bottle's elegance, making the Chanin, Schock Family Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2018, a crown jewel in any true connoisseur's collection.
Inc. VAT£690.41 -
(1x75cl) 2012Vinous (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.Inc. VAT£595.15 -
Vinous (96)
A deep, inky wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill exudes richness and concentration. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, graphite, mocha, smoke and spices meld together as this ample, structured Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its personality. The Pritchard Hill is made in a ripe, concentrated style that is quite typical of the vintage. At the same time, the impact of heavier extractions and more new oak also shapes the wine to a significant degree. I am not sure the Pritchard Hill is meaningfully more complex than the Signature, but it is quite striking just the same. As good as the 2013 is today - and it is terrific - my sense is that it would be even better with less oak influence. This is an especially somber, virile Cabernet Sauvignon from Chappellet.Inc. VAT£1,811.98 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Drinking beautifully, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill boasts classic aromas of mint, sage and ripe cherries. I don't see it as being quite as long-lived as previous reviewers, but the quality is definitely at an extremely high level. Full-bodied, it's supple, creamy and lush on the palate yet still shows ample freshness and vivacity and a long, silky finish.Inc. VAT£1,501.49 -
(6x75cl) 2015Jeb 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!Inc. VAT£2,861.09 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Cut from the same cloth with the intensity turned all the way up, but with no loss of purity or elegance, the heavenly 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy follow up to the otherworldly 2015. Awesome notes of crème de cassis, gamey blueberries, sappy underbrush/mountain scrub brush, flowery incense and crushed rocks all literally soar from the glass of this full-bodied beauty. Hitting the palate with awesome intensity and depth, it stays magically weightless and seamless, with both structure and considerable opulence. Don't miss this wine. I followed this wine for multiple days and it never budged an inch with regard to evolution and oxidation. It's going to keep for 3-4 decades.Inc. VAT£3,018.80 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (99)
This is a great example of mountain fruit Cabernet, from celebrated winemaker Philip Corallo-Titus and director David Frankie. Glass-staining ruby in colour; intense and concentrated, with inky waves of blueberry and cassis fruits, blocks of bitter black chocolate, velvety tannins that take their time to let the fruit out. This is a tiny production wine from the wonderful 2019 vintage (for me, flying against some of the American critics). Delicious. First time on the Place de Bordeaux, and a standout in the year's wines. 100% new French oak.Inc. VAT£557.80 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (99)
This is a great example of mountain fruit Cabernet, from celebrated winemaker Philip Corallo-Titus and director David Frankie. Glass-staining ruby in colour; intense and concentrated, with inky waves of blueberry and cassis fruits, blocks of bitter black chocolate, velvety tannins that take their time to let the fruit out. This is a tiny production wine from the wonderful 2019 vintage (for me, flying against some of the American critics). Delicious. First time on the Place de Bordeaux, and a standout in the year's wines. 100% new French oak.Inc. VAT£1,241.00 -
Decanter (99)
Such an attractive and alluring bouquet of violet florals, blue fruit aromatics, sagebrush, bay laurel, and toasty cedarwood. Medium to full-bodied with a wonderfully rich fruit-forward palate of succulent blackberry, plums, and black cherry, nuanced by an inviting minerality with an ironstone quality laced by dried sage. The tannins are palate-etching and crisp and resolve with a fineness that leaves an overall impression of total harmony. Best from 2025; ideally, you'd hold off until near 2030 and enjoy until 2050.Inc. VAT£264.48 -
Decanter (99)
Such an attractive and alluring bouquet of violet florals, blue fruit aromatics, sagebrush, bay laurel, and toasty cedarwood. Medium to full-bodied with a wonderfully rich fruit-forward palate of succulent blackberry, plums, and black cherry, nuanced by an inviting minerality with an ironstone quality laced by dried sage. The tannins are palate-etching and crisp and resolve with a fineness that leaves an overall impression of total harmony. Best from 2025; ideally, you'd hold off until near 2030 and enjoy until 2050.Inc. VAT£630.84 -
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.Inc. VAT£428.60 -
Decanter (96)
It is a marvellously compact and coiled-up wine with a towering structure. Very beautifully fragrant dried purple flowers and herbs. Full-bodied with loads of succulent ripe blackberry, creme de cassis, graphite, and loamy earth. Very firm, tight-grained tannins form the base note of this wine, and the finish is long and rich in wild herbs and spices. Cellar worthy. It will release internationally in September 2024. It is rounded out with 6% Merlot.Inc. VAT£428.11 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94+)
Montelena's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Rich, ample and generous, but very much within the Montelena style, the 2012 captures the essence of the year in its pure resonance and sikiness. Dark red stone fruits, plums, menthol and tobacco with bramby undertones emerge over time, but the flavors are quite primary and undeveloped, all of which bode extremely well for the future. I expected the 2012 will offer a long and broad drinking window of pure pleasure.Inc. VAT£896.00 -
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.Inc. VAT£1,007.32 -
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.Inc. VAT£1,863.17 -
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.Inc. VAT£687.58 -
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.Inc. VAT£848.00 -
(1x150cl) 2014
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.Inc. VAT£338.81 -
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.Inc. VAT£469.58 -
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.Inc. VAT£639.58 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Always a more powerful, gravelly, graphite-driven expression compared to the seductive Dominus, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, lead pencil, and smoke that give this a Pauillac-like style. Based on primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, it's full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with a great mid-palate and outstanding length. It has aged beautifully and will continue drinking well over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. VAT£758.00 -
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.Inc. VAT£661.18
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(12x75cl) 2013
The Chanin Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2013 offers an entrancing bouquet of red fruit, black tea and a dusting of spices. As a product of the acclaimed Santa Maria Valley, California, USA, it bears the hallmarks of its origin with aplomb. Hailing from Gavin Chanin, recognised in Forbes' 30 under 30 in the Food and Wine Category, this Pinot Noir boasts of elegance and longevity. Aged in French oak barrels for 15 months, this wine exhibits an elegant balance of fruit and structure with pronounced black cherry and wild strawberry notes.
Meticulously hand-sorted and fermented with native yeast, the Chanin Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2013 exudes the perfect combination of fresh acidity and ripe, concentrated flavours. Its nuanced mineral streaks underline its pedigree. Enjoy the Chanin Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2013 now or let it age gracefully, appreciating the evolution of its lush body and complex aromas.
In Bond£483.00 -
(12x75cl) 2018
Experience the premium sophistication of Chanin Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay 2018. An exquisite product from the famed Californian producer, Gavin Chanin, known globally for his artistic flair in viniculture. This masterly crafted wine originates from the revered Sanford & Benedict vineyard, Santa Barbara County, California's oldest, continuously producing Chardonnay vineyard.
The alluring Chanin Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay 2018 is created with grapes carefully hand-harvested, fermented using native yeasts, and aged in French oak barrels for a year – a traditional process exuding superior craftsmanship. This fine wine captivates with a remarkable balance of intense citrus fruits, structured minerality, and an underpin of delicate oak.
Your palate shall be enchanted by its vibrant acidity and nuanced complexity, promising an impressive evolutionary potential. Savour the Chanin Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay 2018, a harmonious fusion of Californian sunshine and world-class winemaking brilliance.
In Bond£534.00 -
(12x75cl) 2020
Jeb Dunnuck (94+)
From a site on the other (southern) side of the appellation, the 2020 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir saw quite a bit more stems and was fermented with 40% stems and brought up in 20% new oak. It has a wonderful nose of ripe red and black currants as well as subtle woodsmoke, dried herbs, and forest floor. This carries to a pure, medium-bodied, balanced Pinot Noir with ripe tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It opens up nicely with time in the glass and will no doubt benefit from another year or two of bottle age.In Bond£749.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is scented of raspberry, cranberry, autumn leaves and spicy undertones. The palate is surprisingly powerful with concentrated, layered fruit, spice and floral character. It has abundant, grainy tannins, shimmery acidity, and a very long, perfumed finish. It deserves 3-5 years in bottle.In Bond£660.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022
Wine Advocate (95+)
The most fragrant and multidimensional wine of the range, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is floral, oceanic, mossy and graceful on the nose. The palate straddles lavish decadence with silky refinement, perfectly displaying how this vineyard doesn't show all its cards at once, ceaselessly gaining in amplitude and volume but never weight. The finish combines delicious richness, bracing acidity and admirable focus. A beautiful showing of a classic site in a challenging year, this should be a pleasure to follow over the next decade.In Bond£630.00 -
(12x75cl) 2020
Jeb Dunnuck (93+)
Much darker and more exotic, the 2020 Zotovich Vineyard Pinot Noir has more mulled red (and some black) fruits as well as roasted herbs, forest floor, and gamey nuances to go with a medium-bodied, supple, rounded, structured style on the palate. It's more firm, focused and tannic, and will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age.In Bond£680.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021
Indulge in the depth and richness of the Chanin Zotovich Pinot Noir 2021 - boutique Pinot Noir produced on California's picturesque Central Coast. The acclaimed producer, Gavin Chanin, reverently combines time-honoured winemaking techniques with contemporary sophistication, resulting in a wine that is both full-bodied and refined. Produced in the famed Zotovich Vineyards located in Santa Rita Hills, the fruit is carefully hand-harvested, capturing the essence of the region's coveted terroir in every sip.
Meticulously cold fermented in small tanks before an extended period of ageing in French oak, the Chanin Zotovich Pinot Noir 2021 is distinguished by its exceptional balance, expressive palate of dark berries and savoury spices, and a long, silky finish that's sure to seduce the discerning oenophile. This limited production wine, renowned for its meticulously crafted elegance and allure, illustrates the potential for Pinot Noir in the New World. Savour the excellence of Chanin Zotovich Pinot Noir 2021 - a revelation in every bottle.
In Bond£577.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022
Wine Advocate (93)
As with the Chardonnay bottling, the 2022 Pinot Noir Zotovich Vineyard falls in the stylistic center of the Chanin Pinot Noir roster. It leads with elegant and reserved aromas of dried flowers, dark spices and oolong tea leaves. The palate offers the most velvety concentration of the Chanin Pinot Noirs, leading to a rich yet energetic finish framed with subtly drying tannins and increasing tension with time in the glass.In Bond£540.00 -
(12x75cl) 2018
Showcasing the mastery of winemaker Gavin Chanin, the Chanin, Schock Family Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2018 is, quite simply, a vinous tour de force. Carefully crafted at the Chanin Winery in one of California's most renowned winemaking regions, this Syrah exemplifies the truly expressive varietal character that Santa Barbara can bring.
The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts, before maturing for almost two years in French oak barrels. The result is a beautifully balanced red wine, boasting a bouquet of dark cherries and violets, underscored by subtle pepper and spice. The grounded earthiness is gracefully bridged by a delicate acidity, leaving a truly memorable finish. The minimal intervention during vinification pays homage to old-world methodologies, and displays Chanin's commitment to highlighting the terroir's natural charm.
The passion of the Schock family amplifies through the bottle's elegance, making the Chanin, Schock Family Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2018, a crown jewel in any true connoisseur's collection.
In Bond£534.00 -
(1x75cl) 2012
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.In Bond£492.78 -
Vinous (96)
A deep, inky wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill exudes richness and concentration. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, graphite, mocha, smoke and spices meld together as this ample, structured Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its personality. The Pritchard Hill is made in a ripe, concentrated style that is quite typical of the vintage. At the same time, the impact of heavier extractions and more new oak also shapes the wine to a significant degree. I am not sure the Pritchard Hill is meaningfully more complex than the Signature, but it is quite striking just the same. As good as the 2013 is today - and it is terrific - my sense is that it would be even better with less oak influence. This is an especially somber, virile Cabernet Sauvignon from Chappellet.In Bond£1,490.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Drinking beautifully, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill boasts classic aromas of mint, sage and ripe cherries. I don't see it as being quite as long-lived as previous reviewers, but the quality is definitely at an extremely high level. Full-bodied, it's supple, creamy and lush on the palate yet still shows ample freshness and vivacity and a long, silky finish.In Bond£1,232.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
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!In Bond£2,365.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Cut from the same cloth with the intensity turned all the way up, but with no loss of purity or elegance, the heavenly 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy follow up to the otherworldly 2015. Awesome notes of crème de cassis, gamey blueberries, sappy underbrush/mountain scrub brush, flowery incense and crushed rocks all literally soar from the glass of this full-bodied beauty. Hitting the palate with awesome intensity and depth, it stays magically weightless and seamless, with both structure and considerable opulence. Don't miss this wine. I followed this wine for multiple days and it never budged an inch with regard to evolution and oxidation. It's going to keep for 3-4 decades.In Bond£2,495.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (99)
This is a great example of mountain fruit Cabernet, from celebrated winemaker Philip Corallo-Titus and director David Frankie. Glass-staining ruby in colour; intense and concentrated, with inky waves of blueberry and cassis fruits, blocks of bitter black chocolate, velvety tannins that take their time to let the fruit out. This is a tiny production wine from the wonderful 2019 vintage (for me, flying against some of the American critics). Delicious. First time on the Place de Bordeaux, and a standout in the year's wines. 100% new French oak.In Bond£454.50 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (99)
This is a great example of mountain fruit Cabernet, from celebrated winemaker Philip Corallo-Titus and director David Frankie. Glass-staining ruby in colour; intense and concentrated, with inky waves of blueberry and cassis fruits, blocks of bitter black chocolate, velvety tannins that take their time to let the fruit out. This is a tiny production wine from the wonderful 2019 vintage (for me, flying against some of the American critics). Delicious. First time on the Place de Bordeaux, and a standout in the year's wines. 100% new French oak.In Bond£1,013.50 -
Decanter (99)
Such an attractive and alluring bouquet of violet florals, blue fruit aromatics, sagebrush, bay laurel, and toasty cedarwood. Medium to full-bodied with a wonderfully rich fruit-forward palate of succulent blackberry, plums, and black cherry, nuanced by an inviting minerality with an ironstone quality laced by dried sage. The tannins are palate-etching and crisp and resolve with a fineness that leaves an overall impression of total harmony. Best from 2025; ideally, you'd hold off until near 2030 and enjoy until 2050.In Bond£217.00 -
Decanter (99)
Such an attractive and alluring bouquet of violet florals, blue fruit aromatics, sagebrush, bay laurel, and toasty cedarwood. Medium to full-bodied with a wonderfully rich fruit-forward palate of succulent blackberry, plums, and black cherry, nuanced by an inviting minerality with an ironstone quality laced by dried sage. The tannins are palate-etching and crisp and resolve with a fineness that leaves an overall impression of total harmony. Best from 2025; ideally, you'd hold off until near 2030 and enjoy until 2050.In Bond£515.50 -
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.In Bond£336.50 -
Decanter (96)
It is a marvellously compact and coiled-up wine with a towering structure. Very beautifully fragrant dried purple flowers and herbs. Full-bodied with loads of succulent ripe blackberry, creme de cassis, graphite, and loamy earth. Very firm, tight-grained tannins form the base note of this wine, and the finish is long and rich in wild herbs and spices. Cellar worthy. It will release internationally in September 2024. It is rounded out with 6% Merlot.In Bond£336.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94+)
Montelena's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Rich, ample and generous, but very much within the Montelena style, the 2012 captures the essence of the year in its pure resonance and sikiness. Dark red stone fruits, plums, menthol and tobacco with bramby undertones emerge over time, but the flavors are quite primary and undeveloped, all of which bode extremely well for the future. I expected the 2012 will offer a long and broad drinking window of pure pleasure.In Bond£726.00 -
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.In Bond£820.00 -
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.In Bond£1,526.00 -
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.In Bond£553.00 -
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.In Bond£686.00 -
(1x150cl) 2014
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.In Bond£277.00 -
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.In Bond£378.00 -
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.In Bond£513.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Always a more powerful, gravelly, graphite-driven expression compared to the seductive Dominus, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, lead pencil, and smoke that give this a Pauillac-like style. Based on primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, it's full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with a great mid-palate and outstanding length. It has aged beautifully and will continue drinking well over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.In Bond£611.00 -
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.In Bond£531.00
