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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Immerse yourself in the sumptuous luxury of Twomey Merlot Napa Valley 2013, an exceptional vintage from the eminent Twomey Cellars. This merlot is a product of profound craftsmanship, utilising fruit picked from the Caldwell Vineyard in the notable region of Napa Valley. A masterful blend accentuates Twomey Merlot's exquisite character. The vinification process is conducted with extraordinary diligence, employing French oak barrels to augment the fruit's inherent complexity.
The wine exhibits a deep, lush ruby colour, accompanied by an alluringly intricate bouquet of red fruit aromas, sophisticatedly layered with hints of cocoa and roasted espresso. On the palate, Twomey Merlot Napa Valley 2013 uncovers layers of beautiful dark fruit and significant but soft tannins leading to an elegant, lingering finish. The harmonious balance between acidity and richness in this wine is a testament to Twomey's consistent commitment to creating premium wines that truly embodies the exceptional terroir of the Napa Valley.
Inc. VAT£618.82 -
Experience the unique elegance of Twomey Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2020, a refined representation of the Anderson Valley's cooler, coastal-influenced climate in California. Twomey, a recognized producer specialising in Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, bestows equal finesse upon their exceptional Pinot Noir series.
This distinguished Pinot Noir is a culmination of meticulous hand-harvesting and fermentation in open-top tanks, accentuating the lush, red fruit characteristics. The Twomey Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2020 is further enhanced by fourteen months' maturation in seasoned French oak barrels, bestowing a soft texture and multi-dimensional complexity.
Ruby-red in hue, it presents an irresistible bouquet of ripe strawberries, cranberries, and delicate wisps of cinnamon. On the palate, it unfolds with balanced acidity, showcasing nuances of red cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthiness, finishing with a lingering finesse.
Let the Twomey Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2020 elevate your wine journey, drawing you into a profound exploration of Anderson Valley terroir and Twomey's exceptional winemaking expertise.
Inc. VAT£400.61 -
(12x75cl) 2018Immerse yourself in the decadent world of Twomey Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2018, a splendid representation of delicate refinement and complexity from California's Santa Maria Valley. Born of the famed Bien Nacido Vineyards, Twomey's meticulous viticulture pays homage to traditional methods, fostering intensely flavourful Pinot Noir grapes in cool, maritime-influenced climates. The 2018 vintage is crafted with precision, its grapes hand-harvested at optimal maturity and fermented with a naturally-occurring yeast.
Aged for thirteen months in French Oak barrels, it possesses an opulent palette of black cherries, fresh raspberries, and robust spiciness, decoratively presented with hints of earthiness and toffee. The Twomey Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2018 reflects masterful winemaking from the illustrious Silver Oak family, upholding its commitment to excellence while showcasing the varietal's charm, elegance and versatility. Savour this extraordinary wine, and celebrate the allure of old-world class marrying new-world richness.
Inc. VAT£1,260.31 -
(12x75cl) 2015Exquisite and resplendent, the Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2015 is a breathtaking masterpiece from a laudable Californian vintner. Carefully sourced from the heart of Russian River Valley, its rich fruits are adroitly cultivated in the region's volcanic soils, offering a comforting silkiness to the tongue that only such providence can grant. Twomey, a part of the eminent Silver Oak family, endeavours to convey burgundian sophistication with assertive Californian expression.
Meticulously fermented using indigenous yeast, this wine not only promises intensity but also a captivating, structured wine narrative. Kept for 12 months in French oak barrels, it serenades with seductive undernotes of rosemary and sage, perfectly blended with luscious black cherry and wild strawberry varietals. This precise maturation induces an intriguing, nuanced palate. Expect a delicate ballet of supple tannins and elegant mineral undertones. Savour the opulent aftertaste invoking fresh bramble and enticing spice, a fitting curtain call for the Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2015.
Inc. VAT£617.21 -
(6x75cl) 2020Discover the decadence of the Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2020, a sophisticated vintage sourced from California's esteemed Russian River Valley. Handcrafted by the renowned Twomey Cellars, a boutique winery with a legacy of exquisite quality, this release epitomises their diligent approach to winemaking.
Each grape is hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest fruit enters the fermenting process. Ageing in French oak barrels imbues the wine with profound complexity. The result is an elegant wine with a fruitful bouquet of bing cherry and ripe strawberries, enveloped by notes of baking spice and forest floor. The Palate is lush with layered flavours, leading to a prolonged, polished finish.
A refined expression of the terroir, Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2020 seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Its balance of vibrant acidity and refined tannins make it a divine companion to a host of culinary delights.
Inc. VAT£426.78 -
Vinous (89)
The 2014 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) is a super-polished appellation-level Chardonnay. Pear, white flowers and mint give the 2014 its brightness and aromatic lift. This is an especially appealing, mid-weight Chardonnay built on freshness. I would prefer to drink the 2014 over the next few years. The key vineyard sites are Bien Nacido, Dierberg, La Rinconada, Zotovich and Sanford & Benedict, with an increasing reliance on Santa Maria fruit.Inc. VAT£457.00 -
Vinous (89)
The 2014 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) is a super-polished appellation-level Chardonnay. Pear, white flowers and mint give the 2014 its brightness and aromatic lift. This is an especially appealing, mid-weight Chardonnay built on freshness. I would prefer to drink the 2014 over the next few years. The key vineyard sites are Bien Nacido, Dierberg, La Rinconada, Zotovich and Sanford & Benedict, with an increasing reliance on Santa Maria fruit.Inc. VAT£86.65 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2018 Chardonnay La Rinconada Vineyard opens with crushed almonds and flint that segue to white peaches, allspice and pastry aromas. The palate is seamless and expansive, with waves of concentrated, savory fruit and pure floral accents, and it finishes with tremendous length and energetic acidity. Delicate yet intense, this 2018 has everything it needs for a long life in the cellar.Inc. VAT£580.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Wine Advocate (97)
The 2018 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard is expressive and powerful this vintage! Pale ruby-purple in color, it features rhubarb and raspberry preserves with nuances of tangerine, rooibos tea leaves and cast iron. The palate explodes with iron-laced fruits and offers flourishes of floral perfume. It has abundant, grainy tannins and bursts of fresh acidity that call you back for another sip on the long finish.Inc. VAT£444.12 -
A collaboration between winemakers Jess Jackson and Pierre Seillan, Vérité was launched with the aim of creating wines from Sonoma that could rival that of Pétrus. Since its inaugural vintage in 1998, Vérité has achieved colossal success, including being awarded seven 100 point scores from Robert M. Parker Jr. Guided by Pierre Seillan’s micro-cru philosophy and over 50 years of experience, Vérité produces 3 blends – La Joie, La Muse and La Désir, from a myriad of over 50 distinct plots spread across 4 appellations across Sonoma - namely Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Bennet Valley AVAs.
It contains one bottle of each:
1x75cl La Joie 2013 - 100 Points | Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Wine Advocate)
1x75cl La Muse 2013 - 100 Points | Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Wine Advocate)
1x75cl La Désir 2013 - 99 Points | Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Wine Advocate)
Inc. VAT£791.99 -
A collaboration between winemakers Jess Jackson and Pierre Seillan, Vérité was launched with the aim of creating wines from Sonoma that could rival that of Pétrus. Since its inaugural vintage in 1998, Vérité has achieved colossal success, including being awarded seven 100 point scores from Robert M. Parker Jr. Guided by Pierre Seillan’s micro-cru philosophy and over 50 years of experience, Vérité produces 3 blends – La Joie, La Muse and La Désir, from a myriad of over 50 distinct plots spread across 4 appellations across Sonoma - namely Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Bennet Valley AVAs.
It contains one bottle of each:
1x75cl La Joie 2015 - 99 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
1x75cl La Muse 2015 - 97 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
1x75cl La Désir 2015 - 100 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Inc. VAT£676.79 -
Jeb Dunnuck (La Joie) (100)
Another perfect wine is the 2016 La Joie, which is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot sourced all from the estate vineyards in the Pocket Peak portion of the Alexander Valley. This full-bodied, powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon couldn’t be better and has incredible purity, layers of crème de cassis, white flowers, tobacco leaf, and flowers, a deep, multi-dimensional texture, and loads of ultra-fine tannins. I’d confidently put this up against any Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. As with the La Muse, it has the balance, purity, and class to drink spectacularly well even today, but it’s another wine that will benefit from a decade of cellaring and keep for 40-50 years.Inc. VAT£693.18 -
LA MUSE 2017
100% Merlot
99 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
98 Points - James Suckling
96 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
LA JOIE 2017
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
98+ Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
98 Points - James Suckling
96 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
LE DESIR 2017
80% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 3% Malbec
98 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
98+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck
98 Points - James Suckling
98 Points - Antonio Galloni, VinousInc. VAT£693.18 -
Containing 1 bottle each of:
Vérité La Muse 2018 | 100 WA, 99 JD
Vérité La Joie 2018 | 98 WA, 98+ JD
Vérité Le Désir 2018 | 97+ WA, 98+ JD
Inc. VAT£695.50 -
Wine Advocate (Le Desir) (100)
The 2019 Le Désir is an exceptional blend of 83% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, offering complex, layered flavors, soaring aromatics and very detailed expression. Deep ruby-purple in color, its aromas unfold slowly and offer new nuances with each return to the glass: Morello cherries, warm chocolate, dried thyme, desiccated roses and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate offers concentrated, floral fruits, pixelated tannins, bursts of fresh acidity and a very long finish with layer after layer of detailed flavor. 2,500 cases were made.Inc. VAT£924.78 -
This assortment contains:
1x75cl Vérité La Joie 2021 |98-100 JD
Also inky black, the 2021 La Joie is packed with loads of licorice, blackcurrant, menthol, and polished leather. Full-bodied and plush, with a rocky texture, massive structure, and tremendous power, it will be a wine to cellar while you’re drinking the 2022s.1x75cl Vérité Le Désir 2021 |97-99 JD
Tasted as a tank sample and made from 87% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, and a splash of Malbec, the 2021 Le Desir is highly aromatic at this stage and opens to wild and savory aromas of black and blue fruit, with a mineral-tinged lift. Gripping in structure, it’s long on the palate with savory richness and the feel of a rugged landscape. Massive structured, while having reined in alcohol levels, this is going to be another one to lay down for some time.1x75cl Vérité La Muse 2021 |97-99 JD
Tasted as a tank sample, the 2021 La Muse is 91% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Malbec. It’s loaded with attractive ripe fruit, graphite, and lots of flowers. Offering ripeness as well as incredible structure, it has nothing heavy or heated about it. With alcohol levels at 14.2%, it’s unquestionably going to improve with significant age, so it will probably be best to stash this away for quite a few years before it reaches its peak drinking window. Scheduled to be bottled In February 2024, it’s showing the potential to be a truly stunning wine.Inc. VAT£1,318.60 -
(1x150cl) 2005Wine Advocate (100)
The myth perpetrated by Old World wine proponents is that California wines don’t age. Those critics need to taste Verité, because these wines are aging far slower than I imagined. The 2005 La Joie (67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec) tips the scales at 14.7% alcohol. It received the same 18 months in 100% new oak. It is interesting that Pierre Seillan said that he thought the high-elevation vineyards of Sonoma that go into Verité (self-serving, os course) are his greatest sites in the world for Bordeaux varietals. But remember – he’s from Bordeaux! This multidimensional wine, which enjoyed a 4-5 day cool, pre-fermentation maceration, has a provocative bouquet of blackberry, cassis, new saddle leather, Christmas fruitcake, graphite and high-quality unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is profound, extremely full-bodied and massive in the mouth, but not heavy or astringent in any way. This is perfection in a glass, and a tribute to what Sonoma can achieve. Give this wine another 4-5 years, and drink it over the following 30+ years.Inc. VAT£794.74 -
Wine Advocate (96)
A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, the 2009 La Joie sports a very deep garnet color. It opens with baked plums, licorice and blackcurrant cordial notes—on steroids—with an undercurrent of oolong tea, aged meats, fragrant earth and new leather plus a waft of black olives. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers mouth-filling evolved black fruits and earthy sparks with a foundation of firm, chewy tannins and soft freshness, finishing long with some herbal accents coming through. 2,400 cases were made.Inc. VAT£1,094.38 -
(1x150cl) 2011Vinous (93+)
(13.8% alcohol; a blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 3% malbec): Bright medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of crushed cassis, bitter cherry, licorice and leather. Youthfully tight yet already quite penetrating; today the wine's licorice and fresh herb notes dominate its underlying dark fruit flavors. More backward than the 2011 La Muse, even austere today.Inc. VAT£407.29 -
(6x75cl) 2011
Vinous (93+)
(13.8% alcohol; a blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 3% malbec): Bright medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of crushed cassis, bitter cherry, licorice and leather. Youthfully tight yet already quite penetrating; today the wine's licorice and fresh herb notes dominate its underlying dark fruit flavors. More backward than the 2011 La Muse, even austere today.Inc. VAT£1,333.55 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 La Joie, which is a blend of 76% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, blew me away. A profound effort, with 55% of it coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 31% from Knights Valley and the balance from Chalk Hill, the wine shows great minerality, oodles of crme de cassis fruit, incense, licorice, crushed rock, and a provocative full-throttle mouthfeel. A wine of great intensity, purity and equilibrium, this definitely begs for 4-7 years of bottle aging and should drink well for at least 30+ years.Inc. VAT£735.19 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 La Joie, which is a blend of 76% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, blew me away. A profound effort, with 55% of it coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 31% from Knights Valley and the balance from Chalk Hill, the wine shows great minerality, oodles of crme de cassis fruit, incense, licorice, crushed rock, and a provocative full-throttle mouthfeel. A wine of great intensity, purity and equilibrium, this definitely begs for 4-7 years of bottle aging and should drink well for at least 30+ years.Inc. VAT£1,246.78 -
(3x75cl) 2013Wine Advocate (100)
The 2013 La Joie, which is 46% from Knights Valley, 32% from Chalk Hill and 22% from Alexander Valley, is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Showing loads of graphite, cedar wood, charcoal, crème de cassis and forest floor, this may well turn out to be a 50+-year wine. It tastes like a great first-growth Pauillac and has an amazing amount of complexity and richness.Inc. VAT£833.54 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2013 La Joie, which is 46% from Knights Valley, 32% from Chalk Hill and 22% from Alexander Valley, is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Showing loads of graphite, cedar wood, charcoal, crème de cassis and forest floor, this may well turn out to be a 50+-year wine. It tastes like a great first-growth Pauillac and has an amazing amount of complexity and richness.Inc. VAT£1,373.98 -
Vinous (97+)
The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.Inc. VAT£599.92 -
Vinous (97+)
The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.Inc. VAT£1,146.43 -
Vinous (97+)
The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.Inc. VAT£438.78 -
Vinous (96)
Vérité's 2015 La Joie is deep, powerful and structured, with tons of Cabernet savoriness running through a core of intense, dark fruit. Grilled herbs, leather, menthol and licorice all develop in the glass. Sumptuous and yet also structured, La Joie is another winner from Vérité.Inc. VAT£568.12 -
Vinous (96)
Vérité's 2015 La Joie is deep, powerful and structured, with tons of Cabernet savoriness running through a core of intense, dark fruit. Grilled herbs, leather, menthol and licorice all develop in the glass. Sumptuous and yet also structured, La Joie is another winner from Vérité.Inc. VAT£1,146.43 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Another perfect wine is the 2016 La Joie, which is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot sourced all from the estate vineyards in the Pocket Peak portion of the Alexander Valley. This full-bodied, powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon couldn’t be better and has incredible purity, layers of crème de cassis, white flowers, tobacco leaf, and flowers, a deep, multi-dimensional texture, and loads of ultra-fine tannins. I’d confidently put this up against any Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. As with the La Muse, it has the balance, purity, and class to drink spectacularly well even today, but it’s another wine that will benefit from a decade of cellaring and keep for 40-50 years.Inc. VAT£1,204.03
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Immerse yourself in the sumptuous luxury of Twomey Merlot Napa Valley 2013, an exceptional vintage from the eminent Twomey Cellars. This merlot is a product of profound craftsmanship, utilising fruit picked from the Caldwell Vineyard in the notable region of Napa Valley. A masterful blend accentuates Twomey Merlot's exquisite character. The vinification process is conducted with extraordinary diligence, employing French oak barrels to augment the fruit's inherent complexity.
The wine exhibits a deep, lush ruby colour, accompanied by an alluringly intricate bouquet of red fruit aromas, sophisticatedly layered with hints of cocoa and roasted espresso. On the palate, Twomey Merlot Napa Valley 2013 uncovers layers of beautiful dark fruit and significant but soft tannins leading to an elegant, lingering finish. The harmonious balance between acidity and richness in this wine is a testament to Twomey's consistent commitment to creating premium wines that truly embodies the exceptional terroir of the Napa Valley.
In Bond£476.00 -
Experience the unique elegance of Twomey Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2020, a refined representation of the Anderson Valley's cooler, coastal-influenced climate in California. Twomey, a recognized producer specialising in Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, bestows equal finesse upon their exceptional Pinot Noir series.
This distinguished Pinot Noir is a culmination of meticulous hand-harvesting and fermentation in open-top tanks, accentuating the lush, red fruit characteristics. The Twomey Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2020 is further enhanced by fourteen months' maturation in seasoned French oak barrels, bestowing a soft texture and multi-dimensional complexity.
Ruby-red in hue, it presents an irresistible bouquet of ripe strawberries, cranberries, and delicate wisps of cinnamon. On the palate, it unfolds with balanced acidity, showcasing nuances of red cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthiness, finishing with a lingering finesse.
Let the Twomey Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2020 elevate your wine journey, drawing you into a profound exploration of Anderson Valley terroir and Twomey's exceptional winemaking expertise.
In Bond£314.00 -
(12x75cl) 2018
Immerse yourself in the decadent world of Twomey Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2018, a splendid representation of delicate refinement and complexity from California's Santa Maria Valley. Born of the famed Bien Nacido Vineyards, Twomey's meticulous viticulture pays homage to traditional methods, fostering intensely flavourful Pinot Noir grapes in cool, maritime-influenced climates. The 2018 vintage is crafted with precision, its grapes hand-harvested at optimal maturity and fermented with a naturally-occurring yeast.
Aged for thirteen months in French Oak barrels, it possesses an opulent palette of black cherries, fresh raspberries, and robust spiciness, decoratively presented with hints of earthiness and toffee. The Twomey Pinot Noir Bien Nacido 2018 reflects masterful winemaking from the illustrious Silver Oak family, upholding its commitment to excellence while showcasing the varietal's charm, elegance and versatility. Savour this extraordinary wine, and celebrate the allure of old-world class marrying new-world richness.
In Bond£1,014.43 -
(12x75cl) 2015
Exquisite and resplendent, the Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2015 is a breathtaking masterpiece from a laudable Californian vintner. Carefully sourced from the heart of Russian River Valley, its rich fruits are adroitly cultivated in the region's volcanic soils, offering a comforting silkiness to the tongue that only such providence can grant. Twomey, a part of the eminent Silver Oak family, endeavours to convey burgundian sophistication with assertive Californian expression.
Meticulously fermented using indigenous yeast, this wine not only promises intensity but also a captivating, structured wine narrative. Kept for 12 months in French oak barrels, it serenades with seductive undernotes of rosemary and sage, perfectly blended with luscious black cherry and wild strawberry varietals. This precise maturation induces an intriguing, nuanced palate. Expect a delicate ballet of supple tannins and elegant mineral undertones. Savour the opulent aftertaste invoking fresh bramble and enticing spice, a fitting curtain call for the Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2015.
In Bond£473.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020
Discover the decadence of the Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2020, a sophisticated vintage sourced from California's esteemed Russian River Valley. Handcrafted by the renowned Twomey Cellars, a boutique winery with a legacy of exquisite quality, this release epitomises their diligent approach to winemaking.
Each grape is hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest fruit enters the fermenting process. Ageing in French oak barrels imbues the wine with profound complexity. The result is an elegant wine with a fruitful bouquet of bing cherry and ripe strawberries, enveloped by notes of baking spice and forest floor. The Palate is lush with layered flavours, leading to a prolonged, polished finish.
A refined expression of the terroir, Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2020 seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Its balance of vibrant acidity and refined tannins make it a divine companion to a host of culinary delights.
In Bond£336.08 -
Vinous (89)
The 2014 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) is a super-polished appellation-level Chardonnay. Pear, white flowers and mint give the 2014 its brightness and aromatic lift. This is an especially appealing, mid-weight Chardonnay built on freshness. I would prefer to drink the 2014 over the next few years. The key vineyard sites are Bien Nacido, Dierberg, La Rinconada, Zotovich and Sanford & Benedict, with an increasing reliance on Santa Maria fruit.In Bond£345.00 -
Vinous (89)
The 2014 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) is a super-polished appellation-level Chardonnay. Pear, white flowers and mint give the 2014 its brightness and aromatic lift. This is an especially appealing, mid-weight Chardonnay built on freshness. I would prefer to drink the 2014 over the next few years. The key vineyard sites are Bien Nacido, Dierberg, La Rinconada, Zotovich and Sanford & Benedict, with an increasing reliance on Santa Maria fruit.In Bond£69.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2018 Chardonnay La Rinconada Vineyard opens with crushed almonds and flint that segue to white peaches, allspice and pastry aromas. The palate is seamless and expansive, with waves of concentrated, savory fruit and pure floral accents, and it finishes with tremendous length and energetic acidity. Delicate yet intense, this 2018 has everything it needs for a long life in the cellar.In Bond£447.50 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2018 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard is expressive and powerful this vintage! Pale ruby-purple in color, it features rhubarb and raspberry preserves with nuances of tangerine, rooibos tea leaves and cast iron. The palate explodes with iron-laced fruits and offers flourishes of floral perfume. It has abundant, grainy tannins and bursts of fresh acidity that call you back for another sip on the long finish.In Bond£351.50 -
A collaboration between winemakers Jess Jackson and Pierre Seillan, Vérité was launched with the aim of creating wines from Sonoma that could rival that of Pétrus. Since its inaugural vintage in 1998, Vérité has achieved colossal success, including being awarded seven 100 point scores from Robert M. Parker Jr. Guided by Pierre Seillan’s micro-cru philosophy and over 50 years of experience, Vérité produces 3 blends – La Joie, La Muse and La Désir, from a myriad of over 50 distinct plots spread across 4 appellations across Sonoma - namely Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Bennet Valley AVAs.
It contains one bottle of each:
1x75cl La Joie 2013 - 100 Points | Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Wine Advocate)
1x75cl La Muse 2013 - 100 Points | Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Wine Advocate)
1x75cl La Désir 2013 - 99 Points | Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Wine Advocate)
In Bond£650.00 -
A collaboration between winemakers Jess Jackson and Pierre Seillan, Vérité was launched with the aim of creating wines from Sonoma that could rival that of Pétrus. Since its inaugural vintage in 1998, Vérité has achieved colossal success, including being awarded seven 100 point scores from Robert M. Parker Jr. Guided by Pierre Seillan’s micro-cru philosophy and over 50 years of experience, Vérité produces 3 blends – La Joie, La Muse and La Désir, from a myriad of over 50 distinct plots spread across 4 appellations across Sonoma - namely Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Bennet Valley AVAs.
It contains one bottle of each:
1x75cl La Joie 2015 - 99 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
1x75cl La Muse 2015 - 97 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
1x75cl La Désir 2015 - 100 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
In Bond£554.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (La Joie) (100)
Another perfect wine is the 2016 La Joie, which is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot sourced all from the estate vineyards in the Pocket Peak portion of the Alexander Valley. This full-bodied, powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon couldn’t be better and has incredible purity, layers of crème de cassis, white flowers, tobacco leaf, and flowers, a deep, multi-dimensional texture, and loads of ultra-fine tannins. I’d confidently put this up against any Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. As with the La Muse, it has the balance, purity, and class to drink spectacularly well even today, but it’s another wine that will benefit from a decade of cellaring and keep for 40-50 years.In Bond£568.00 -
LA MUSE 2017
100% Merlot
99 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
98 Points - James Suckling
96 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
LA JOIE 2017
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
98+ Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
98 Points - James Suckling
96 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
LE DESIR 2017
80% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 3% Malbec
98 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
98+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck
98 Points - James Suckling
98 Points - Antonio Galloni, VinousIn Bond£568.00 -
Containing 1 bottle each of:
Vérité La Muse 2018 | 100 WA, 99 JD
Vérité La Joie 2018 | 98 WA, 98+ JD
Vérité Le Désir 2018 | 97+ WA, 98+ JD
In Bond£570.00 -
Wine Advocate (Le Desir) (100)
The 2019 Le Désir is an exceptional blend of 83% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, offering complex, layered flavors, soaring aromatics and very detailed expression. Deep ruby-purple in color, its aromas unfold slowly and offer new nuances with each return to the glass: Morello cherries, warm chocolate, dried thyme, desiccated roses and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate offers concentrated, floral fruits, pixelated tannins, bursts of fresh acidity and a very long finish with layer after layer of detailed flavor. 2,500 cases were made.In Bond£761.00 -
This assortment contains:
1x75cl Vérité La Joie 2021 |98-100 JD
Also inky black, the 2021 La Joie is packed with loads of licorice, blackcurrant, menthol, and polished leather. Full-bodied and plush, with a rocky texture, massive structure, and tremendous power, it will be a wine to cellar while you’re drinking the 2022s.1x75cl Vérité Le Désir 2021 |97-99 JD
Tasted as a tank sample and made from 87% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, and a splash of Malbec, the 2021 Le Desir is highly aromatic at this stage and opens to wild and savory aromas of black and blue fruit, with a mineral-tinged lift. Gripping in structure, it’s long on the palate with savory richness and the feel of a rugged landscape. Massive structured, while having reined in alcohol levels, this is going to be another one to lay down for some time.1x75cl Vérité La Muse 2021 |97-99 JD
Tasted as a tank sample, the 2021 La Muse is 91% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Malbec. It’s loaded with attractive ripe fruit, graphite, and lots of flowers. Offering ripeness as well as incredible structure, it has nothing heavy or heated about it. With alcohol levels at 14.2%, it’s unquestionably going to improve with significant age, so it will probably be best to stash this away for quite a few years before it reaches its peak drinking window. Scheduled to be bottled In February 2024, it’s showing the potential to be a truly stunning wine.In Bond£1,088.50 -
(1x150cl) 2005
Wine Advocate (100)
The myth perpetrated by Old World wine proponents is that California wines don’t age. Those critics need to taste Verité, because these wines are aging far slower than I imagined. The 2005 La Joie (67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec) tips the scales at 14.7% alcohol. It received the same 18 months in 100% new oak. It is interesting that Pierre Seillan said that he thought the high-elevation vineyards of Sonoma that go into Verité (self-serving, os course) are his greatest sites in the world for Bordeaux varietals. But remember – he’s from Bordeaux! This multidimensional wine, which enjoyed a 4-5 day cool, pre-fermentation maceration, has a provocative bouquet of blackberry, cassis, new saddle leather, Christmas fruitcake, graphite and high-quality unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is profound, extremely full-bodied and massive in the mouth, but not heavy or astringent in any way. This is perfection in a glass, and a tribute to what Sonoma can achieve. Give this wine another 4-5 years, and drink it over the following 30+ years.In Bond£656.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, the 2009 La Joie sports a very deep garnet color. It opens with baked plums, licorice and blackcurrant cordial notes—on steroids—with an undercurrent of oolong tea, aged meats, fragrant earth and new leather plus a waft of black olives. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers mouth-filling evolved black fruits and earthy sparks with a foundation of firm, chewy tannins and soft freshness, finishing long with some herbal accents coming through. 2,400 cases were made.In Bond£892.00 -
(1x150cl) 2011
Vinous (93+)
(13.8% alcohol; a blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 3% malbec): Bright medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of crushed cassis, bitter cherry, licorice and leather. Youthfully tight yet already quite penetrating; today the wine's licorice and fresh herb notes dominate its underlying dark fruit flavors. More backward than the 2011 La Muse, even austere today.In Bond£333.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011
Vinous (93+)
(13.8% alcohol; a blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 3% malbec): Bright medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of crushed cassis, bitter cherry, licorice and leather. Youthfully tight yet already quite penetrating; today the wine's licorice and fresh herb notes dominate its underlying dark fruit flavors. More backward than the 2011 La Muse, even austere today.In Bond£1,092.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 La Joie, which is a blend of 76% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, blew me away. A profound effort, with 55% of it coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 31% from Knights Valley and the balance from Chalk Hill, the wine shows great minerality, oodles of crme de cassis fruit, incense, licorice, crushed rock, and a provocative full-throttle mouthfeel. A wine of great intensity, purity and equilibrium, this definitely begs for 4-7 years of bottle aging and should drink well for at least 30+ years.In Bond£606.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 La Joie, which is a blend of 76% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, blew me away. A profound effort, with 55% of it coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 31% from Knights Valley and the balance from Chalk Hill, the wine shows great minerality, oodles of crme de cassis fruit, incense, licorice, crushed rock, and a provocative full-throttle mouthfeel. A wine of great intensity, purity and equilibrium, this definitely begs for 4-7 years of bottle aging and should drink well for at least 30+ years.In Bond£1,019.00 -
(3x75cl) 2013
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2013 La Joie, which is 46% from Knights Valley, 32% from Chalk Hill and 22% from Alexander Valley, is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Showing loads of graphite, cedar wood, charcoal, crème de cassis and forest floor, this may well turn out to be a 50+-year wine. It tastes like a great first-growth Pauillac and has an amazing amount of complexity and richness.In Bond£686.60 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2013 La Joie, which is 46% from Knights Valley, 32% from Chalk Hill and 22% from Alexander Valley, is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Showing loads of graphite, cedar wood, charcoal, crème de cassis and forest floor, this may well turn out to be a 50+-year wine. It tastes like a great first-growth Pauillac and has an amazing amount of complexity and richness.In Bond£1,125.00 -
Vinous (97+)
The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.In Bond£493.50 -
Vinous (97+)
The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.In Bond£942.50 -
Vinous (97+)
The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.In Bond£356.00 -
Vinous (96)
Vérité's 2015 La Joie is deep, powerful and structured, with tons of Cabernet savoriness running through a core of intense, dark fruit. Grilled herbs, leather, menthol and licorice all develop in the glass. Sumptuous and yet also structured, La Joie is another winner from Vérité.In Bond£467.00 -
Vinous (96)
Vérité's 2015 La Joie is deep, powerful and structured, with tons of Cabernet savoriness running through a core of intense, dark fruit. Grilled herbs, leather, menthol and licorice all develop in the glass. Sumptuous and yet also structured, La Joie is another winner from Vérité.In Bond£942.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Another perfect wine is the 2016 La Joie, which is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot sourced all from the estate vineyards in the Pocket Peak portion of the Alexander Valley. This full-bodied, powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon couldn’t be better and has incredible purity, layers of crème de cassis, white flowers, tobacco leaf, and flowers, a deep, multi-dimensional texture, and loads of ultra-fine tannins. I’d confidently put this up against any Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. As with the La Muse, it has the balance, purity, and class to drink spectacularly well even today, but it’s another wine that will benefit from a decade of cellaring and keep for 40-50 years.In Bond£990.50
