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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(6x75cl) 2013Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is an exquisite expression of elegance and complexity, a vintage celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide. Crafted by master vintners in the prestigious Napa Valley of California, USA, this bottle showcases the rigorous, superlative viticultural practices that Accendo Cellars has become renowned for.
Distinguished by its plush, polished textures, this fine wine exudes an intricate melody of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry, all underscored with a hint of spice and tobacco. Its intricately layered palate, achieved through a 22-month maturation period in French oak barrels, is balanced by an impressive structure and depth of flavour. The Cabernet essence of this wine is gracefully complemented by Petit Verdot and Merlot's accents, contributing to its rich, fulfilling finish.
A splendid realisation of passion and craftsmanship, Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 mirrors the winemaker's expertise, reflecting both tradition and innovation for an unrivalled tasting experience.
Inc. VAT£1,721.33 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is in the zone right now. Crushed flowers, red-toned fruit, mint, mocha and cedar grace the bouquet. Still vibrant and fresh, the 2014 has aged impeccably. It shows the mid-weight style of the year nicely. The 2014 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This was only the third vintage for Bart and Daphne Araujo's Accendo, a winery that is now run by their children, Jaime and Greg.Inc. VAT£344.33 -
Hailing from Napa Valley’s historical vineyards, Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a testament to the craftsmanship of esteemed vintner, Bart and Daphne Araujo. The encompassing 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 8% Petite Verdot varietals have been expertly blended to unfold a wine of exquisite depth and elegance. Aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, this masterpiece reveals a luscious array of blackberries, cassis, and plum notes, with subtle essences of tobacco and cedar.
Acquiring a 98+ rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 showcases the extraordinary Araujo methodologies, reminiscent of a Bordeaux quality, but with Californian accents. Limited in production and crafted from organically farmed vines, it presents a unique opportunity to savour the Araujo's legacy. Choose Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 for an experience of luxurious refinement and unparallelled stature in winemaking.
Inc. VAT£1,372.07 -
(6x75cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Moving to the reds, the 2019 Patrina offers lots of smoky red and black fruits as well as violets, pepper, and graphite notes. It's forward, charming, textured, and balanced, with plenty of classic Alban character. I'd be happy to drink it.Inc. VAT£587.60 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Pure perfection in Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Alejandro Bulgheroni is all varietal and comes two-thirds from Oakville with the balance from sites in St. Helena and Rutherford. Aged 20 months in 70% new French oak and put together by Philippe Melka and Michel Rolland, it has an incredibly pure, full-bodied, massive yet weightless style that I suspect couldn’t be achieved anywhere outside of Napa Valley. Cassis, blackberries, leafy herbs, lead pencil shavings, and tobacco leaf are just some of the nuances here, and it’s full-bodied, deep, and concentrated on the palate while maintaining an ethereal, seamless, utterly perfect balance between its fruit, alcohol, tannins, and acidity. As good as it gets, it needs just 2-4 years in the cellar and will evolve gracefully for at least 20-25 years.Inc. VAT£1,102.42 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
A flagship best barrel selection, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Alejandro Bulgheroni checks in as 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc from a mix of Oakville and St. Helena fruit that spent 22 months in 72% new barrels. It's another inky-hued, glass-staining wine revealing incredible aromatics of pure crème de cassis, black raspberries, flowery incense, new leather, and chocolate. These all carry to a full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, utterly heavenly 2021 that has ripe, polished tannins, no hard edges, incredible purity, and a great, great finish. finish. It needs 4-5 years to show its full potential but will be a 30+ year wine.Inc. VAT£1,388.88 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Possibly the wine of the vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is another incredible wine from this estate that has everything: stunning complexity, full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and incredible length. Revealing a dense purple color as well as Graves-like notes of blackcurrants, cold fireplace, graphite, chocolate, and smoked tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and ultra-fine tannins. Based on 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc that was brought up 20 months in 70% new French oak, this thrilling 2018 offers pleasure today yet will evolve for 30-40+ years. Hats off to the team at Alejandro Bulgheroni!Inc. VAT£839.62 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
Also a classic expression of its terroir, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard boasts a ripe, opulent, powerful style as well as notes of darker currants, tobacco, lead pencil, chocolate, and gravelly earth. I always find a Graves-like richness as well as a sense of earth from this site, and this beauty has it all in spades. Full-bodied, ripe, and polished on the palate, it stays relatively compact and will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age.Inc. VAT£927.22 -
Decanter (99)
Winemaker Matt Sands has turned out perfection from the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena with his Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in 2021. Here, a barrel sample offers Cabernet Sauvignon as 92% of the blend, with Cabernet Franc filling out the rest. In the typical Lithology style, this is an inky black wine with a sumptuously silky and satiny profile, but in 2021, there is freshness, lift, and tension. The full-bodied palate offers fine, intricate tannins that are assertive yet harmonious with the dark berry fruit. At the same time, a rich vein of iron-like minerality and earth mingles with fragrant cedarwood, herbs and slivers of dark chocolate on a long and satisfying finish—polished, expressive, and delicious, all from an exceptional site in a terrific vintage. I am absolutely a candidate for a 100-point wine and will taste it again in the early months of 2024.Inc. VAT£1,099.76 -
Decanter (100)
It is an absolute stand-out wine that is just seamless, with a purity of dark fruit flavours and spices balanced by threads of distinct minerality, freshness, and tension. Pure blackberry and black cherry fruit notes are tinged with bright capsicum. The depth and intensity of this wine are just as bewildering as the freshness conveyed on the palate. The dusty tannin backbone, a classic quality of the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane vineyard in St. Helena, frames a panoply of savoury spices, crushed herbs, liquorice and black ironstone minerality, delivering a perfect Cabernet Franc in the heady, rich, opulent and mineral-driven style Lithology is known for, but with tremendous energy in the 2021s, which conveys a real elegance to match this wine’s intensity.Inc. VAT£1,326.32 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is more closed aromatically, yet still offers impressive red, blue, and black fruits as well as savory herbs and dried flower nuances. It too is full-bodied, with a focused, tight, straight style on the palate that warrants 4-5 years of cellaring.Inc. VAT£1,000.42 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Pure perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a nuclear fruit bomb of a wine, offering massive richness and depth while being as graceful as a ballerina, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Classic To Kolan crème de cassis, black raspberries, flowery incense, spice, and tobacco notes all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It has another 2-3 decades of prime drinking ahead of it. This cuvée is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from four blocks in To Kalon, aged 20 months in 82% new French oak.Inc. VAT£1,071.22 -
Decanter (100)
Proprietor Alejandro Pedro Bulgheroni established this label in 2014. Entirely estate fruit, comprising beautiful rich berry scents, oak, crushed rocks and a saline minerality tinged with dark chocolate. Enveloping, full and broad-shouldered. Saturated dark berry fruit, chocolate layer cake, vanilla and dried herbs de provence round out this Cabernet with its fierce tannins that are nicely integrated.Inc. VAT£1,278.82 -
Decanter (99)
Lithology’s Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc is a riveting, opulent, flashy red, embodying everything there is to love about a full-flavoured California red wine. Loaded with blue fruit that will surely mellow with age, but for classicists looking forward to a finesse-driven Cabernet Franc, look elsewhere. This is larger-than-life Cabernet Franc, and there’s no denying the delicious factor, fueled by layers of blueberry, plum, and boysenberry fruit tinged with sweet cedar spices. A generous dose of minerality overtakes the mid-palate, and dusty tannins build on the finish, which gains in savoury saline edges. One can see a window into the future of this wine, which is bright and more refined as it will eventually shed some of its youthful exuberance.Inc. VAT£978.56 -
Introducing the exquisite Alma Fria Campbell Ranch Chardonnay 2021, a stellar creation from the cool coastal climes of California's Sonoma County. Made by Alma Fria, a family-owned winery with a robust dedication to sustainability and nuanced wine craftsmanship. They masterfully cultivate their vines on the edge of the Pacific, with deft hands and insightful practices that extol respect for the land.
The 2021 vintage encapsulates this philosophy effortlessly. It is a beautifully complex blend, expressive of its surroundings and the particularly challenging yet rewarding weather conditions of that year. The Alma Fria Campbell Ranch Chardonnay 2021 captures the essence of the Campbell Ranch vineyard's unique terroir, delivering vibrant orchard fruit notes and hints of brioche.
They've produced a brilliant Chardonnay of subtle power, laced with hints of citrus, which develops a profound mineral freshness on the palate. The delicate use of oak adds a compelling creaminess and toasty finish. A distinguished choice for discerning wine connoisseurs.
Inc. VAT£686.98 -
Discover the luxurious Alma Fria Holtermann Pinot Noir 2022, a distinguished spectacle of the Alma Fria range. This wine is sourced from California’s reputable Sonoma Coast, renowned for producing some of the world's exceptional Pinot Noir grapes. Deeply rooted in the fog-cooled hills, the vineyards provide a distinctive maritime influence, creating a complex and balanced wine.
Meticulously crafted, the Holtermann Pinot Noir 2022 is an expressive amalgamation of dark cherries, roses, forest floor, and spice. Aged tastefully in French oak for 14 months, this premium wine showcases the Drew family’s commitment to viticultural professionalism, fine-tuned over several vineyard generations.
Revel in the garnet-toned, medium-bodied Alma Fria Holtermann Pinot Noir 2022, a testament to sustainable cooling climate viticulture, with its layers unveiling a symphony of savoury woodland fruit with an elegant hint of minerality. A wine that gratifies both the palate and spirit, it is truly a magnificent exhibit of winemaking brilliance.
Inc. VAT£941.38 -
(3x75cl) 2016Dive into the depths of fine wine experience with the exceptional Aloft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016. Produced by Marchesi Antinori, this exquisite Californian wine is sourced from the alluring vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA, renowned for its volcanic soils and unique microclimate. The painstaking crafting of this wine begins with careful hand harvesting and sorting, followed by 25 days of maceration. Thenceforth, it is meticulously aged in new French oak barrels for 20 months, providing a complex structure. This results in a Cabernet Sauvignon, profound in its opulence, revealing powerful notes of black cherry, cacao and an intriguing touch of minerality on the finish. Boasting balanced acidity and firm, ripe tannins, the Aloft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a paragon of harmony and elegance. With limited production each year, it’s a prestigious addition for the discerning oenophiles, providing a sensory exploration that echoes the very essence of luxurious sipping.
Inc. VAT£915.88 -
(6x75cl) 2019James Suckling (95)
Aromas of spice, tar and cedar on the nose, following through to a full-bodied palate with lots of chewy tannins, yet it follows through fresh and lively. Stones at the end with purple fruit. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 16% syrah, 10% petite syrah, 8% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Mostly field-blended. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£954.74 -
(6x75cl) 2014Vinous (94)
The 2014 Amuse Bouche, the flagship Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is absolutely delicious. Dark cherry, mocha, spice and leather open up nicely in the glass. Fleshy, supple and radiant, with silky tannins underpinning the fruit, the 2014 has a lot to offer, even in the early going. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so.Inc. VAT£1,467.85 -
(6x75cl) 2016Vinous (92)
The 2016 Amuse Bouche is very delicate and polished in this vintage, with lovely aromatics from the Franc adding nuance to a core of Merlot fruit. Crushed rose petal, espresso, plum, sweet red cherry, menthol and mocha meld together in this understated, polished wine from Amuse Bouche.Inc. VAT£1,456.14 -
(6x75cl) 2019Vinous (96)
The 2019 Amuse Bouche, a Right Bank-inspired Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend is superb. Expansive, sweet aromatics are immediately seductive. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plum fruit, sweet tobacco, chocolate, spice and leather. This wonderfully expressive, elegant Napa Valley red hits all the right notes in a mid-weight, nuanced style that is all class.Inc. VAT£1,297.13 -
Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2016 exemplifies the pinnacle of Californian viticulture. Crafted in the esteemed vineyards of Napa Valley, this exquisite wine is produced by the renowned Amuse Bouche winery, celebrated for its meticulous approach to winemaking. The 2016 vintage benefits from a precise blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, handpicked from sustainably farmed estates. Fermented in French oak barrels, Vin Perdu undergoes an extended ageing process, enhancing its complex flavours of dark berries, cassis, and subtle hints of tobacco. The terroir of Napa Valley imparts a distinct minerality and elegance, resulting in a velvety texture and a long, refined finish. Perfectly balanced, Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2016 is a testament to the producer’s dedication to excellence and passion for creating exceptional fine wines. This vintage is an ideal choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and depth in their wine collection.
Inc. VAT£100.13 -
(6x75cl) 2018Elevate your palate with the refined Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2018. Produced in the majestic Napa Valley in California, this wine exemplifies the beautiful love affair between art and viniculture. This harmonious blend consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, offering a graceful, full-bodied wine.
Amuse Bouche, known for their craftsmanship and dedication to artful vinification, once again demonstrates their mastery with Vin Perdu 2018. The grapes undergo meticulous sorting and fermentation techniques, allowing the unique Napa terroir to radiate through the wine's character. With aging in French oak barrels, the resulting flavour profile exhibits a stunning balance between robust fruity notes and earthy undertones, complemented by velvety tannins.
Bask in the ambrosial pleasure of Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2018 - an authentic experience of Napa Valley in a bottle.
Inc. VAT£833.05 -
(6x75cl) 2021Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2021 is a remarkable gem from the heart of Napa Valley, California. Master-crafted by esteemed vintner, Heidi Barrett, this exceptional release embodies the superior winemaking practices synonymous with the Amuse Bouche label. The term 'Vin Perdu' translates to 'lost wine' - a fitting name for this limited-availability, one-of-a-kind blend.
The wine is comprised of a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering an opulent, yet balanced flavour profile. With meticulous care, each grape variety is hand-harvested, then aged separately in French oak barrels to perfect their unique character before blending. This wine showcases vibrant red fruit aromas, spread across a luxuriously deep, velvety canvas, with notes of plums and blackberries, balanced by subtle earthy undertones.
A noteworthy addition to any collection, Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2021 is a testament to the marriage of innovative winemaking and exceptional terroir. A luxurious libation worth discovering.
Inc. VAT£581.60 -
(6x75cl) 2014Amuse Bouche Richard G Peterson Brut Rose 2014 is an exceptional sparkling wine, hailing from the distinguished Napa Valley in California. This masterful creation is born from the meticulous selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, conveying a wine laden with complexity and elegance. This exquisite Brut Rose undergoes a meticulous process of manual riddling and a tirage of 5 years, solidifying its cherished character.
Richard G. Peterson, Ph.D., a celebrated winemaker, brings over six decades of experience to the crafting of this remarkable wine. He's a true pioneer of the wine industry and is renowned for his phenomenal sparkling wines. The Amuse Bouche Richard G Peterson Brut Rose 2014 is a splendid illustration of his skilled craftsmanship. Displaying an inviting salmon hue, it enchants with vibrant notes of bright berry, layered with subtle undertones of rich brioche. A creamy and sustained finish further elevates the symphony of flavours. A truly captivating experience for fine wine enthusiasts.
Inc. VAT£656.96 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota (445 cases) is absolutely magnificent. Opaque black/purple in color, it comes across like a Château Montrose from a great vintage – a very earthy St.-Estèphe-inspired wine with the essence of loamy soil and crushed rocks interwoven with blackberry and cassis fruit. Some oak makes an appearance, but it is pushed to the background by the extravagance and enormous body and extract of this wine of phenomenal intensity. This is a classic Pierre Seillan style of wine meant for 25-40 years of cellaring.Inc. VAT£671.98 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard has a compelling savoriness of char-grilled meat and roasted nuts on the nose with a core of crème de cassis, violets and crushed plums plus a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied and tautly structured with firm, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it has a incredible depth of primary fruit and earthy layers, finishing with incredible length and a lovely mineral hint. 432 cases produced.Inc. VAT£711.62 -
James Suckling (97)
This is stunning on the nose with crushed cassis, like creme de cassis, and violets. So beautiful to smell. Medium to full body. Compact, refined tannins flow across the palate to the borders of the wine. All about balance, freshness and purity. One of the best ever. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£691.55 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard was aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a profound yet slightly broody nose to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal wonderfully fragrant notes of wild blueberries, black cherries, dark chocolate and warm cassis, followed by nuances of garrigue, violets, tar and licorice plus a touch of wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has gorgeous velvety tannins and finely knit freshness supporting generous black and blue fruits, finishing very long and achingly fragrant. Wow. 1,000 cases were made.Inc. VAT£710.38 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Fruit for this was harvested on September 8th, and the wine was bottled six months ago. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard gives up exuberant notions of warm blueberries, crème de cassis, lilacs and chocolate box with hints of fertile loam, licorice and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant, very fresh and juicy, the palate has beautifully ripe, fine-grained tannins supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and perfumed. 1,200 cases produced.Inc. VAT£711.20
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(6x75cl) 2013
Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is an exquisite expression of elegance and complexity, a vintage celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide. Crafted by master vintners in the prestigious Napa Valley of California, USA, this bottle showcases the rigorous, superlative viticultural practices that Accendo Cellars has become renowned for.
Distinguished by its plush, polished textures, this fine wine exudes an intricate melody of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry, all underscored with a hint of spice and tobacco. Its intricately layered palate, achieved through a 22-month maturation period in French oak barrels, is balanced by an impressive structure and depth of flavour. The Cabernet essence of this wine is gracefully complemented by Petit Verdot and Merlot's accents, contributing to its rich, fulfilling finish.
A splendid realisation of passion and craftsmanship, Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 mirrors the winemaker's expertise, reflecting both tradition and innovation for an unrivalled tasting experience.
In Bond£1,415.46 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is in the zone right now. Crushed flowers, red-toned fruit, mint, mocha and cedar grace the bouquet. Still vibrant and fresh, the 2014 has aged impeccably. It shows the mid-weight style of the year nicely. The 2014 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This was only the third vintage for Bart and Daphne Araujo's Accendo, a winery that is now run by their children, Jaime and Greg.In Bond£283.50 -
Hailing from Napa Valley’s historical vineyards, Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a testament to the craftsmanship of esteemed vintner, Bart and Daphne Araujo. The encompassing 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 8% Petite Verdot varietals have been expertly blended to unfold a wine of exquisite depth and elegance. Aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, this masterpiece reveals a luscious array of blackberries, cassis, and plum notes, with subtle essences of tobacco and cedar.
Acquiring a 98+ rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 showcases the extraordinary Araujo methodologies, reminiscent of a Bordeaux quality, but with Californian accents. Limited in production and crafted from organically farmed vines, it presents a unique opportunity to savour the Araujo's legacy. Choose Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 for an experience of luxurious refinement and unparallelled stature in winemaking.
In Bond£1,123.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Moving to the reds, the 2019 Patrina offers lots of smoky red and black fruits as well as violets, pepper, and graphite notes. It's forward, charming, textured, and balanced, with plenty of classic Alban character. I'd be happy to drink it.In Bond£470.10 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Pure perfection in Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Alejandro Bulgheroni is all varietal and comes two-thirds from Oakville with the balance from sites in St. Helena and Rutherford. Aged 20 months in 70% new French oak and put together by Philippe Melka and Michel Rolland, it has an incredibly pure, full-bodied, massive yet weightless style that I suspect couldn’t be achieved anywhere outside of Napa Valley. Cassis, blackberries, leafy herbs, lead pencil shavings, and tobacco leaf are just some of the nuances here, and it’s full-bodied, deep, and concentrated on the palate while maintaining an ethereal, seamless, utterly perfect balance between its fruit, alcohol, tannins, and acidity. As good as it gets, it needs just 2-4 years in the cellar and will evolve gracefully for at least 20-25 years.In Bond£908.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
A flagship best barrel selection, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Alejandro Bulgheroni checks in as 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc from a mix of Oakville and St. Helena fruit that spent 22 months in 72% new barrels. It's another inky-hued, glass-staining wine revealing incredible aromatics of pure crème de cassis, black raspberries, flowery incense, new leather, and chocolate. These all carry to a full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, utterly heavenly 2021 that has ripe, polished tannins, no hard edges, incredible purity, and a great, great finish. finish. It needs 4-5 years to show its full potential but will be a 30+ year wine.In Bond£1,147.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Possibly the wine of the vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is another incredible wine from this estate that has everything: stunning complexity, full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and incredible length. Revealing a dense purple color as well as Graves-like notes of blackcurrants, cold fireplace, graphite, chocolate, and smoked tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and ultra-fine tannins. Based on 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc that was brought up 20 months in 70% new French oak, this thrilling 2018 offers pleasure today yet will evolve for 30-40+ years. Hats off to the team at Alejandro Bulgheroni!In Bond£689.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
Also a classic expression of its terroir, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard boasts a ripe, opulent, powerful style as well as notes of darker currants, tobacco, lead pencil, chocolate, and gravelly earth. I always find a Graves-like richness as well as a sense of earth from this site, and this beauty has it all in spades. Full-bodied, ripe, and polished on the palate, it stays relatively compact and will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age.In Bond£762.00 -
Decanter (99)
Winemaker Matt Sands has turned out perfection from the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena with his Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in 2021. Here, a barrel sample offers Cabernet Sauvignon as 92% of the blend, with Cabernet Franc filling out the rest. In the typical Lithology style, this is an inky black wine with a sumptuously silky and satiny profile, but in 2021, there is freshness, lift, and tension. The full-bodied palate offers fine, intricate tannins that are assertive yet harmonious with the dark berry fruit. At the same time, a rich vein of iron-like minerality and earth mingles with fragrant cedarwood, herbs and slivers of dark chocolate on a long and satisfying finish—polished, expressive, and delicious, all from an exceptional site in a terrific vintage. I am absolutely a candidate for a 100-point wine and will taste it again in the early months of 2024.In Bond£906.00 -
Decanter (100)
It is an absolute stand-out wine that is just seamless, with a purity of dark fruit flavours and spices balanced by threads of distinct minerality, freshness, and tension. Pure blackberry and black cherry fruit notes are tinged with bright capsicum. The depth and intensity of this wine are just as bewildering as the freshness conveyed on the palate. The dusty tannin backbone, a classic quality of the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane vineyard in St. Helena, frames a panoply of savoury spices, crushed herbs, liquorice and black ironstone minerality, delivering a perfect Cabernet Franc in the heady, rich, opulent and mineral-driven style Lithology is known for, but with tremendous energy in the 2021s, which conveys a real elegance to match this wine’s intensity.In Bond£1,095.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is more closed aromatically, yet still offers impressive red, blue, and black fruits as well as savory herbs and dried flower nuances. It too is full-bodied, with a focused, tight, straight style on the palate that warrants 4-5 years of cellaring.In Bond£823.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Pure perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a nuclear fruit bomb of a wine, offering massive richness and depth while being as graceful as a ballerina, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Classic To Kolan crème de cassis, black raspberries, flowery incense, spice, and tobacco notes all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It has another 2-3 decades of prime drinking ahead of it. This cuvée is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from four blocks in To Kalon, aged 20 months in 82% new French oak.In Bond£882.00 -
Decanter (100)
Proprietor Alejandro Pedro Bulgheroni established this label in 2014. Entirely estate fruit, comprising beautiful rich berry scents, oak, crushed rocks and a saline minerality tinged with dark chocolate. Enveloping, full and broad-shouldered. Saturated dark berry fruit, chocolate layer cake, vanilla and dried herbs de provence round out this Cabernet with its fierce tannins that are nicely integrated.In Bond£1,055.00 -
Decanter (99)
Lithology’s Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc is a riveting, opulent, flashy red, embodying everything there is to love about a full-flavoured California red wine. Loaded with blue fruit that will surely mellow with age, but for classicists looking forward to a finesse-driven Cabernet Franc, look elsewhere. This is larger-than-life Cabernet Franc, and there’s no denying the delicious factor, fueled by layers of blueberry, plum, and boysenberry fruit tinged with sweet cedar spices. A generous dose of minerality overtakes the mid-palate, and dusty tannins build on the finish, which gains in savoury saline edges. One can see a window into the future of this wine, which is bright and more refined as it will eventually shed some of its youthful exuberance.In Bond£805.00 -
Introducing the exquisite Alma Fria Campbell Ranch Chardonnay 2021, a stellar creation from the cool coastal climes of California's Sonoma County. Made by Alma Fria, a family-owned winery with a robust dedication to sustainability and nuanced wine craftsmanship. They masterfully cultivate their vines on the edge of the Pacific, with deft hands and insightful practices that extol respect for the land.
The 2021 vintage encapsulates this philosophy effortlessly. It is a beautifully complex blend, expressive of its surroundings and the particularly challenging yet rewarding weather conditions of that year. The Alma Fria Campbell Ranch Chardonnay 2021 captures the essence of the Campbell Ranch vineyard's unique terroir, delivering vibrant orchard fruit notes and hints of brioche.
They've produced a brilliant Chardonnay of subtle power, laced with hints of citrus, which develops a profound mineral freshness on the palate. The delicate use of oak adds a compelling creaminess and toasty finish. A distinguished choice for discerning wine connoisseurs.
In Bond£534.00 -
Discover the luxurious Alma Fria Holtermann Pinot Noir 2022, a distinguished spectacle of the Alma Fria range. This wine is sourced from California’s reputable Sonoma Coast, renowned for producing some of the world's exceptional Pinot Noir grapes. Deeply rooted in the fog-cooled hills, the vineyards provide a distinctive maritime influence, creating a complex and balanced wine.
Meticulously crafted, the Holtermann Pinot Noir 2022 is an expressive amalgamation of dark cherries, roses, forest floor, and spice. Aged tastefully in French oak for 14 months, this premium wine showcases the Drew family’s commitment to viticultural professionalism, fine-tuned over several vineyard generations.
Revel in the garnet-toned, medium-bodied Alma Fria Holtermann Pinot Noir 2022, a testament to sustainable cooling climate viticulture, with its layers unveiling a symphony of savoury woodland fruit with an elegant hint of minerality. A wine that gratifies both the palate and spirit, it is truly a magnificent exhibit of winemaking brilliance.
In Bond£746.00 -
(3x75cl) 2016
Dive into the depths of fine wine experience with the exceptional Aloft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016. Produced by Marchesi Antinori, this exquisite Californian wine is sourced from the alluring vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA, renowned for its volcanic soils and unique microclimate. The painstaking crafting of this wine begins with careful hand harvesting and sorting, followed by 25 days of maceration. Thenceforth, it is meticulously aged in new French oak barrels for 20 months, providing a complex structure. This results in a Cabernet Sauvignon, profound in its opulence, revealing powerful notes of black cherry, cacao and an intriguing touch of minerality on the finish. Boasting balanced acidity and firm, ripe tannins, the Aloft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a paragon of harmony and elegance. With limited production each year, it’s a prestigious addition for the discerning oenophiles, providing a sensory exploration that echoes the very essence of luxurious sipping.
In Bond£753.61 -
(6x75cl) 2019
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of spice, tar and cedar on the nose, following through to a full-bodied palate with lots of chewy tannins, yet it follows through fresh and lively. Stones at the end with purple fruit. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 16% syrah, 10% petite syrah, 8% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Mostly field-blended. Drink or hold.In Bond£775.50 -
(6x75cl) 2014
Vinous (94)
The 2014 Amuse Bouche, the flagship Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is absolutely delicious. Dark cherry, mocha, spice and leather open up nicely in the glass. Fleshy, supple and radiant, with silky tannins underpinning the fruit, the 2014 has a lot to offer, even in the early going. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so.In Bond£1,203.09 -
(6x75cl) 2016
Vinous (92)
The 2016 Amuse Bouche is very delicate and polished in this vintage, with lovely aromatics from the Franc adding nuance to a core of Merlot fruit. Crushed rose petal, espresso, plum, sweet red cherry, menthol and mocha meld together in this understated, polished wine from Amuse Bouche.In Bond£1,192.78 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Vinous (96)
The 2019 Amuse Bouche, a Right Bank-inspired Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend is superb. Expansive, sweet aromatics are immediately seductive. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plum fruit, sweet tobacco, chocolate, spice and leather. This wonderfully expressive, elegant Napa Valley red hits all the right notes in a mid-weight, nuanced style that is all class.In Bond£1,060.82 -
Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2016 exemplifies the pinnacle of Californian viticulture. Crafted in the esteemed vineyards of Napa Valley, this exquisite wine is produced by the renowned Amuse Bouche winery, celebrated for its meticulous approach to winemaking. The 2016 vintage benefits from a precise blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, handpicked from sustainably farmed estates. Fermented in French oak barrels, Vin Perdu undergoes an extended ageing process, enhancing its complex flavours of dark berries, cassis, and subtle hints of tobacco. The terroir of Napa Valley imparts a distinct minerality and elegance, resulting in a velvety texture and a long, refined finish. Perfectly balanced, Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2016 is a testament to the producer’s dedication to excellence and passion for creating exceptional fine wines. This vintage is an ideal choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and depth in their wine collection.
In Bond£80.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Elevate your palate with the refined Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2018. Produced in the majestic Napa Valley in California, this wine exemplifies the beautiful love affair between art and viniculture. This harmonious blend consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, offering a graceful, full-bodied wine.
Amuse Bouche, known for their craftsmanship and dedication to artful vinification, once again demonstrates their mastery with Vin Perdu 2018. The grapes undergo meticulous sorting and fermentation techniques, allowing the unique Napa terroir to radiate through the wine's character. With aging in French oak barrels, the resulting flavour profile exhibits a stunning balance between robust fruity notes and earthy undertones, complemented by velvety tannins.
Bask in the ambrosial pleasure of Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2018 - an authentic experience of Napa Valley in a bottle.
In Bond£674.23 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2021 is a remarkable gem from the heart of Napa Valley, California. Master-crafted by esteemed vintner, Heidi Barrett, this exceptional release embodies the superior winemaking practices synonymous with the Amuse Bouche label. The term 'Vin Perdu' translates to 'lost wine' - a fitting name for this limited-availability, one-of-a-kind blend.
The wine is comprised of a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering an opulent, yet balanced flavour profile. With meticulous care, each grape variety is hand-harvested, then aged separately in French oak barrels to perfect their unique character before blending. This wine showcases vibrant red fruit aromas, spread across a luxuriously deep, velvety canvas, with notes of plums and blackberries, balanced by subtle earthy undertones.
A noteworthy addition to any collection, Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Vin Perdu 2021 is a testament to the marriage of innovative winemaking and exceptional terroir. A luxurious libation worth discovering.
In Bond£464.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014
Amuse Bouche Richard G Peterson Brut Rose 2014 is an exceptional sparkling wine, hailing from the distinguished Napa Valley in California. This masterful creation is born from the meticulous selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, conveying a wine laden with complexity and elegance. This exquisite Brut Rose undergoes a meticulous process of manual riddling and a tirage of 5 years, solidifying its cherished character.
Richard G. Peterson, Ph.D., a celebrated winemaker, brings over six decades of experience to the crafting of this remarkable wine. He's a true pioneer of the wine industry and is renowned for his phenomenal sparkling wines. The Amuse Bouche Richard G Peterson Brut Rose 2014 is a splendid illustration of his skilled craftsmanship. Displaying an inviting salmon hue, it enchants with vibrant notes of bright berry, layered with subtle undertones of rich brioche. A creamy and sustained finish further elevates the symphony of flavours. A truly captivating experience for fine wine enthusiasts.
In Bond£526.80 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota (445 cases) is absolutely magnificent. Opaque black/purple in color, it comes across like a Château Montrose from a great vintage – a very earthy St.-Estèphe-inspired wine with the essence of loamy soil and crushed rocks interwoven with blackberry and cassis fruit. Some oak makes an appearance, but it is pushed to the background by the extravagance and enormous body and extract of this wine of phenomenal intensity. This is a classic Pierre Seillan style of wine meant for 25-40 years of cellaring.In Bond£540.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard has a compelling savoriness of char-grilled meat and roasted nuts on the nose with a core of crème de cassis, violets and crushed plums plus a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied and tautly structured with firm, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it has a incredible depth of primary fruit and earthy layers, finishing with incredible length and a lovely mineral hint. 432 cases produced.In Bond£574.00 -
James Suckling (97)
This is stunning on the nose with crushed cassis, like creme de cassis, and violets. So beautiful to smell. Medium to full body. Compact, refined tannins flow across the palate to the borders of the wine. All about balance, freshness and purity. One of the best ever. Drink or hold.In Bond£557.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard was aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a profound yet slightly broody nose to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal wonderfully fragrant notes of wild blueberries, black cherries, dark chocolate and warm cassis, followed by nuances of garrigue, violets, tar and licorice plus a touch of wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has gorgeous velvety tannins and finely knit freshness supporting generous black and blue fruits, finishing very long and achingly fragrant. Wow. 1,000 cases were made.In Bond£572.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Fruit for this was harvested on September 8th, and the wine was bottled six months ago. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard gives up exuberant notions of warm blueberries, crème de cassis, lilacs and chocolate box with hints of fertile loam, licorice and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant, very fresh and juicy, the palate has beautifully ripe, fine-grained tannins supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and perfumed. 1,200 cases produced.In Bond£572.00
