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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(3x75cl) NVDiscover the exceptional Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV. Created by the renowned Pierre Seillan, this collection of fine wines offers unrestricted luxury encapsulated in every bottle. Each wine is assembled from the diverse micro-crus of the Sonoma county, California, employing traditional Bordelais winemaking techniques. The approach ensures the creation of singular, complex, and balanced wines that reflect their true terroir.
Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV is notable for its elegant composition. With each vintage expressing an opulent blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, they echo the fabled Pomerol wines in Bordeaux. Exhibiting intense fruit flavours, paired with refined tannins and impeccable structure, the collection sums up the craft of the iconic producer.
This assortment is the upshot of winemaking savoir-faire, superior vineyards and a visionary winemaker. Immerse yourself in the grand tradition of fine winemaking with the Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV.
Inc. VAT£1,442.88 -
(6x75cl) 2004Wine Advocate (98)
The first truly profound Le Desir, the 2004, a blend of 49% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits the deepest, most concentrated and multidimensional personality of the first five vintages of this cuvee. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, forest floor, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice and fruitcake. Full-bodied, layered and opulent, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10+ years.Inc. VAT£2,273.39 -
(1x150cl) 2006Vinous (94+)
Bright ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and cedar on the nose. Broad and round but backward, with a distinctly medicinal reserve to the flavors of black fruits, menthol and smoke. The middle palate is currently dominated by the wine's spine and yet the very long finish is lush and sweet. The least obviously minerally of these three 2006s today, but offers great potential.Inc. VAT£587.29 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The fruit for this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec came from Chalk Hill (58%) and Alexander Valley (42%). Pierre Seillan believes the Chalk Hill fruit provides a truffle-like character and the Alexander Valley gives minerality, structure, tannin and intensity. The 2008 will be fascinating to taste next to the 2007 over the next 30+ years. Sweet mulberry, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of black truffles, damp earth and forest floor emerge from this beauty of stunning intensity, purity and texture. The alcohol is 14.4% and the relatively elevated pH is 3.76.Inc. VAT£1,711.24 -
(1x150cl) 2011Vinous (93)
The 2011 Le Desir brings together the aromatics and red-toned fruit of La Muse, but with the slightly greater mid-palate volume of La Joie. Cedar, tobacco, smoke and crushed flowers add an attractive upper register to this soft, forward Cabernet Franc-based red.Inc. VAT£419.21 -
(1x300cl) 2012Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The wine has amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notes emerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.Inc. VAT£1,254.83 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The wine has amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notes emerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.Inc. VAT£796.78 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.Inc. VAT£1,301.03 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.Inc. VAT£969.58 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed.Inc. VAT£583.39 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed.Inc. VAT£1,116.98 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed.Inc. VAT£473.99 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.Inc. VAT£555.19 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.Inc. VAT£288.40 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.Inc. VAT£818.39 -
(3x75cl) 2016Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The 2016 Le Desir checks in as 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec. Readers looking for world-class Cabernet Franc should beg, borrow, or steal to get hold of a bottle of this. Incredible floral, violet, forest floor, lead pencil, and cassis notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied red that’s flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. More intellectual and elegant than the La Joie, it’s still a wine of incredible intensity and class that builds incrementally on the palate, has an exotic, singular character, and the class to evolve for 30 years or more.Inc. VAT£980.42 -
Vinous (94-97)
For the first time ever, Le Désir is 100% Cabernet Franc in 2018. Vivid and brilliant in the glass, Le Désir bristles with energy. A vivid array of dark fruit, leather, spice, licorice, chocolate and espresso captivates all the senses. The 2018 Le Désir is a very special wine in the making.Inc. VAT£802.30 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
There were 32 barrels of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley produced. It’s a great wine, offering full-bodied richness and depth in a rich, concentrated, satisfying package. Classic Cabernet notes of cassis, tobacco, and chocolate all emerge from the glass, and it has ripe tannins, no hard edges, and the purity that’s the hallmark of the vintage front and center. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, enjoy bottles any time over the coming 20 years or more.Inc. VAT£772.07 -
(1x150cl) 2019Bedazzle your palate with the exceptional Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, meticulously handcrafted in a biodiversity-friendly estate nestled in Oakville, Napa Valley. This exquisite wine owes its uniquely intense flavour-solid tannin integration and lengthy palate to a combination of hand-harvested clusters, indigenous yeast fermentation, and eighteen months in French oak barrels. The Phillips family, dedicated stewards of the terroir for three generations, meticulously tends seven blocks of rare vineyards to create this limited production, single-vineyard wine. Promising prominent red and black fruit elements interwoven with spice nuances, the Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is more than a vintage - it's a rich, layered expression of its distinctive terroir laced with impeccable elegance. A hidden gem for connoisseurs, it offers a vibrant and age-worthy experience that radiates the timeless authenticity of premium Californian wine.
Inc. VAT£830.84 -
Bedazzle your palate with the exceptional Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, meticulously handcrafted in a biodiversity-friendly estate nestled in Oakville, Napa Valley. This exquisite wine owes its uniquely intense flavour-solid tannin integration and lengthy palate to a combination of hand-harvested clusters, indigenous yeast fermentation, and eighteen months in French oak barrels. The Phillips family, dedicated stewards of the terroir for three generations, meticulously tends seven blocks of rare vineyards to create this limited production, single-vineyard wine. Promising prominent red and black fruit elements interwoven with spice nuances, the Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is more than a vintage - it's a rich, layered expression of its distinctive terroir laced with impeccable elegance. A hidden gem for connoisseurs, it offers a vibrant and age-worthy experience that radiates the timeless authenticity of premium Californian wine.
Inc. VAT£726.24 -
(6x75cl) 2013Experience the refined sophistication of Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013. Nestled in the serene environs of Napa Valley, this vineyard presents an exquisite fusion of Old World traditions with bold Californian style. This remarkable wine is a testament to the masterful, methodical approach of artisan winemaker Luc Morlet. Hand-picked during optimal ripeness and traditionally vinified with meticulous attention to detail, every bottle exudes exquisite complexity and depth.
The Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 showcases succulent dark fruit notes, underscored beautifully by hints of spice, exhibiting elegant tannins and a satisfyingly long finish. Maturing in fine-grained French oak barrels imparts a delicate nuance, grounding its robust character. Only the highest quality barrels, selected for their ability to amplify the character of the final wine, are used. This seamless blend of power and finesse heralds the Vineyard 7 & 8 signature style, making this highly collectable vintage a triumphant representation of Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest.
Inc. VAT£1,066.28 -
(6x75cl) 2019At the heart of Napa Valley, renowned for its exquisite wine production, lies the creator of the Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Chardonnay 2019, a fine testament to age-old tradition and modern ingenuity. This elegant varietal hails from the distinguished Spring Mountain District, where vines are meticulously nurtured in volcanic and sedimentary soil, fostering a remarkable complexity in their grapes.
The wine-making procedure is admirable in its precision; vine selection, hand-harvested at dawn, strictly barrel-fermented in French oak, and carefully aged sur-lees for twelve months. The result? An intoxicating symphony of vibrant fruit flavours, underscored by refined mineral undertones and a luxuriant creaminess.
Bright and intriguing on the palate, Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Chardonnay 2019 displays sophisticated layers of lemon peel, green apple, and a subtle hint of toasty oak, culminating in a flawlessly balanced finish. Unarguably, a delightful addition to the seasoned oenophile's collection.
Inc. VAT£832.16 -
Crafted with precision by the esteemed Volker Eisele Family Estate, the 'Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2015' emanates unparalleled elegance. Conceived from a vineyard in the Napa Valley's revered Chiles Valley District, the legacy of the creator, the late Volker Eisele- a meticulous cultivator who was a key crusader for organic farming- lives on in this exquisite libation. The 2015 vintage proffers captivating flavours redolent of blackcurrant, plum, and complex spice notes from the meticulous combination of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. Unsurprisingly, it ages gracefully in both French and American oak barrels for 21 months, intensifying its beguiling character. A harmonious balance of velvety tannins and vibrant acidity underscores its robust structure and profound finish. If you desire a sophisticated bottle that eloquently embodies Napa's rich winemaking tradition, 'Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2015', is a matchless selection for aficionados searching for something truly special.
Inc. VAT£1,358.80 -
Trust in the eloquence of Wayfarer Chardonnay Fort Ross Seaview 2020, an exceptional white wine rich in Californian heritage. Crafted in the esteemed Fort Ross-Seaview viticultural area along the Sonoma Coast, this Chardonnay is a testament to the patience and attentiveness of Wayfarer Vineyard's meticulous winemaking team. The Chardonnay is aged in French oak barrels, which offers layers of complexity to the palate. The 2020 vintage, remarkable for its mild growing season, has yielded a wine of exquisite sophistication. It is a symphony of lush orchard fruit flavours and citrus undertones, defined by a bright acidity and a long, elegant finish, showcasing the vineyard’s distinctive minerality. Each glass of Wayfarer Chardonnay Fort Ross Seaview 2020 evokes the salty sea breeze and cool climate terroir that give it its unique qualities. Dive in, and luxuriate in an unparalleled taste experience, emblematic of excellent viticulture and traditional craftsmanship.
Inc. VAT£531.24 -
Wine Spectator (94)
Offers an energetic mix of pomelo, lemon sherbet, pear and Honeycrisp apple flavors on a sleek, juicy frame. Pineapple, lime zest and orange blossom details add complexity and verve, with a touch of Himalayan sea salt on the finish. Drink now. 1,100 cases made.Inc. VAT£504.84 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2020 Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard is fragrant and layered with lemon verbena, toasted brioche, and white peach. It has detail and definition in its structure, with refreshing acidity and a stony, lifted finish. Drink it over the next 10 or more years.Inc. VAT£641.64 -
Exemplifying craftsmanship and devotion, the Wayfarer Pinot Noir Fort Ross Seaview 2019 is an exquisite connotation of the Wayfarer Vineyard's finesse. Nestled in California's rugged Sonoma Coast, the mesmerising terrains of Fort Ross-Seaview provides ideal terroir for the cool-climate varietal Pinot Noir.
Meticulously produced under the aegis of talented winemaker, Bibiana González Rave, the Wayfarer Pinot Noir Fort Ross Seaview 2019 demonstrates aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, rose petal, and bergamot. On the palate, the wine boasts layers of dark cherry, forest floor, baking spices, and Huckleberry.
Traditional French winemaking techniques are adhered to, tenderly aged in French oak barrels, lending an opulent texture and rich tannins. Reflecting the coastal locality's cool winds and coastal fog, this wine embodies the quintessence of terroir-expressive Pinot Noir from an exceptional vintage. Wayfarer Pinot Noir Fort Ross Seaview 2019 is indeed a unique masterpiece, ideal for the discerning oenophile who seeks the epitome of exquisite taste and sophistication.
Inc. VAT£438.80 -
Vinous (96)
The 2019 Pinot Noir Mother Rock is a blend from two east-facing blocks (clone 777 and Mount Eden) that are co-fermented in the winery. Pliant and supple, with silky tannins, the Mother Rock is so expressive today. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of savory and mineral inflections that perk up the finish.Inc. VAT£864.80 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
A bright red ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir The Estate is lifted in the glass and has a lot of fresh, bright notes of rosy perfume, grenadine, rosemary, and sweet earth. Medium-bodied, it has a vibrant energy and savory drive on the palate, with notes of salty earth and tea leaf, a light umami richness, ripe tannins, and evenly balanced acidity. It is lovely all the way through and is going to show its best if given more time in bottle. Drink 2026-2040.Inc. VAT£539.81 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
From an east and west-facing ridge, the 2022 Pinot Noir The Traveler is a deep magenta ruby hue and is entirely from a suitcase clone that is now referred to as the "Wayfarer Clone." In the glass, it reveals a complex and layered nose of ripe cherries, wildflowers, black raspberries, forest herbs, and blood orange. It’s driving on the palate, with refined tannins and coiled, bright acidity throughout, and it’s fully ripe but has a persistently long finish. Not a wine for the faint of heart, it’s built for the long haul and is going to show its best if given time in the cellar. Drink 2026-2046.Inc. VAT£1,040.04
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(3x75cl) NV
Discover the exceptional Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV. Created by the renowned Pierre Seillan, this collection of fine wines offers unrestricted luxury encapsulated in every bottle. Each wine is assembled from the diverse micro-crus of the Sonoma county, California, employing traditional Bordelais winemaking techniques. The approach ensures the creation of singular, complex, and balanced wines that reflect their true terroir.
Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV is notable for its elegant composition. With each vintage expressing an opulent blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, they echo the fabled Pomerol wines in Bordeaux. Exhibiting intense fruit flavours, paired with refined tannins and impeccable structure, the collection sums up the craft of the iconic producer.
This assortment is the upshot of winemaking savoir-faire, superior vineyards and a visionary winemaker. Immerse yourself in the grand tradition of fine winemaking with the Verite La Muse Assortment Case NV.
In Bond£1,192.78 -
(6x75cl) 2004
Wine Advocate (98)
The first truly profound Le Desir, the 2004, a blend of 49% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits the deepest, most concentrated and multidimensional personality of the first five vintages of this cuvee. A dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, forest floor, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice and fruitcake. Full-bodied, layered and opulent, it can be drunk now or cellared for 10+ years.In Bond£1,874.23 -
(1x150cl) 2006
Vinous (94+)
Bright ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and cedar on the nose. Broad and round but backward, with a distinctly medicinal reserve to the flavors of black fruits, menthol and smoke. The middle palate is currently dominated by the wine's spine and yet the very long finish is lush and sweet. The least obviously minerally of these three 2006s today, but offers great potential.In Bond£483.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The fruit for this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec came from Chalk Hill (58%) and Alexander Valley (42%). Pierre Seillan believes the Chalk Hill fruit provides a truffle-like character and the Alexander Valley gives minerality, structure, tannin and intensity. The 2008 will be fascinating to taste next to the 2007 over the next 30+ years. Sweet mulberry, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of black truffles, damp earth and forest floor emerge from this beauty of stunning intensity, purity and texture. The alcohol is 14.4% and the relatively elevated pH is 3.76.In Bond£1,410.00 -
(1x150cl) 2011
Vinous (93)
The 2011 Le Desir brings together the aromatics and red-toned fruit of La Muse, but with the slightly greater mid-palate volume of La Joie. Cedar, tobacco, smoke and crushed flowers add an attractive upper register to this soft, forward Cabernet Franc-based red.In Bond£344.00 -
(1x300cl) 2012
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The wine has amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notes emerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.In Bond£1,035.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The wine has amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notes emerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.In Bond£644.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.In Bond£1,073.50 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength.In Bond£788.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed.In Bond£479.50 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed.In Bond£917.50 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed.In Bond£385.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.In Bond£456.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.In Bond£237.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2015 Le Désir, Vérité's Cabernet Franc-based red, is racy and sumptuous in the glass. Bright floral notes give lift to the red-toned fruit as this silky yet powerful wine shows off its alluring personality.In Bond£672.00 -
(3x75cl) 2016
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The 2016 Le Desir checks in as 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec. Readers looking for world-class Cabernet Franc should beg, borrow, or steal to get hold of a bottle of this. Incredible floral, violet, forest floor, lead pencil, and cassis notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied red that’s flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. More intellectual and elegant than the La Joie, it’s still a wine of incredible intensity and class that builds incrementally on the palate, has an exotic, singular character, and the class to evolve for 30 years or more.In Bond£809.00 -
Vinous (94-97)
For the first time ever, Le Désir is 100% Cabernet Franc in 2018. Vivid and brilliant in the glass, Le Désir bristles with energy. A vivid array of dark fruit, leather, spice, licorice, chocolate and espresso captivates all the senses. The 2018 Le Désir is a very special wine in the making.In Bond£659.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
There were 32 barrels of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley produced. It’s a great wine, offering full-bodied richness and depth in a rich, concentrated, satisfying package. Classic Cabernet notes of cassis, tobacco, and chocolate all emerge from the glass, and it has ripe tannins, no hard edges, and the purity that’s the hallmark of the vintage front and center. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, enjoy bottles any time over the coming 20 years or more.In Bond£623.00 -
(1x150cl) 2019
Bedazzle your palate with the exceptional Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, meticulously handcrafted in a biodiversity-friendly estate nestled in Oakville, Napa Valley. This exquisite wine owes its uniquely intense flavour-solid tannin integration and lengthy palate to a combination of hand-harvested clusters, indigenous yeast fermentation, and eighteen months in French oak barrels. The Phillips family, dedicated stewards of the terroir for three generations, meticulously tends seven blocks of rare vineyards to create this limited production, single-vineyard wine. Promising prominent red and black fruit elements interwoven with spice nuances, the Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is more than a vintage - it's a rich, layered expression of its distinctive terroir laced with impeccable elegance. A hidden gem for connoisseurs, it offers a vibrant and age-worthy experience that radiates the timeless authenticity of premium Californian wine.
In Bond£685.57 -
Bedazzle your palate with the exceptional Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, meticulously handcrafted in a biodiversity-friendly estate nestled in Oakville, Napa Valley. This exquisite wine owes its uniquely intense flavour-solid tannin integration and lengthy palate to a combination of hand-harvested clusters, indigenous yeast fermentation, and eighteen months in French oak barrels. The Phillips family, dedicated stewards of the terroir for three generations, meticulously tends seven blocks of rare vineyards to create this limited production, single-vineyard wine. Promising prominent red and black fruit elements interwoven with spice nuances, the Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is more than a vintage - it's a rich, layered expression of its distinctive terroir laced with impeccable elegance. A hidden gem for connoisseurs, it offers a vibrant and age-worthy experience that radiates the timeless authenticity of premium Californian wine.
In Bond£595.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013
Experience the refined sophistication of Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013. Nestled in the serene environs of Napa Valley, this vineyard presents an exquisite fusion of Old World traditions with bold Californian style. This remarkable wine is a testament to the masterful, methodical approach of artisan winemaker Luc Morlet. Hand-picked during optimal ripeness and traditionally vinified with meticulous attention to detail, every bottle exudes exquisite complexity and depth.
The Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 showcases succulent dark fruit notes, underscored beautifully by hints of spice, exhibiting elegant tannins and a satisfyingly long finish. Maturing in fine-grained French oak barrels imparts a delicate nuance, grounding its robust character. Only the highest quality barrels, selected for their ability to amplify the character of the final wine, are used. This seamless blend of power and finesse heralds the Vineyard 7 & 8 signature style, making this highly collectable vintage a triumphant representation of Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest.
In Bond£868.04 -
(6x75cl) 2019
At the heart of Napa Valley, renowned for its exquisite wine production, lies the creator of the Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Chardonnay 2019, a fine testament to age-old tradition and modern ingenuity. This elegant varietal hails from the distinguished Spring Mountain District, where vines are meticulously nurtured in volcanic and sedimentary soil, fostering a remarkable complexity in their grapes.
The wine-making procedure is admirable in its precision; vine selection, hand-harvested at dawn, strictly barrel-fermented in French oak, and carefully aged sur-lees for twelve months. The result? An intoxicating symphony of vibrant fruit flavours, underscored by refined mineral undertones and a luxuriant creaminess.
Bright and intriguing on the palate, Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Chardonnay 2019 displays sophisticated layers of lemon peel, green apple, and a subtle hint of toasty oak, culminating in a flawlessly balanced finish. Unarguably, a delightful addition to the seasoned oenophile's collection.
In Bond£674.23 -
Crafted with precision by the esteemed Volker Eisele Family Estate, the 'Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2015' emanates unparalleled elegance. Conceived from a vineyard in the Napa Valley's revered Chiles Valley District, the legacy of the creator, the late Volker Eisele- a meticulous cultivator who was a key crusader for organic farming- lives on in this exquisite libation. The 2015 vintage proffers captivating flavours redolent of blackcurrant, plum, and complex spice notes from the meticulous combination of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. Unsurprisingly, it ages gracefully in both French and American oak barrels for 21 months, intensifying its beguiling character. A harmonious balance of velvety tannins and vibrant acidity underscores its robust structure and profound finish. If you desire a sophisticated bottle that eloquently embodies Napa's rich winemaking tradition, 'Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2015', is a matchless selection for aficionados searching for something truly special.
In Bond£1,122.00 -
Trust in the eloquence of Wayfarer Chardonnay Fort Ross Seaview 2020, an exceptional white wine rich in Californian heritage. Crafted in the esteemed Fort Ross-Seaview viticultural area along the Sonoma Coast, this Chardonnay is a testament to the patience and attentiveness of Wayfarer Vineyard's meticulous winemaking team. The Chardonnay is aged in French oak barrels, which offers layers of complexity to the palate. The 2020 vintage, remarkable for its mild growing season, has yielded a wine of exquisite sophistication. It is a symphony of lush orchard fruit flavours and citrus undertones, defined by a bright acidity and a long, elegant finish, showcasing the vineyard’s distinctive minerality. Each glass of Wayfarer Chardonnay Fort Ross Seaview 2020 evokes the salty sea breeze and cool climate terroir that give it its unique qualities. Dive in, and luxuriate in an unparalleled taste experience, emblematic of excellent viticulture and traditional craftsmanship.
In Bond£423.00 -
Wine Spectator (94)
Offers an energetic mix of pomelo, lemon sherbet, pear and Honeycrisp apple flavors on a sleek, juicy frame. Pineapple, lime zest and orange blossom details add complexity and verve, with a touch of Himalayan sea salt on the finish. Drink now. 1,100 cases made.In Bond£401.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2020 Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard is fragrant and layered with lemon verbena, toasted brioche, and white peach. It has detail and definition in its structure, with refreshing acidity and a stony, lifted finish. Drink it over the next 10 or more years.In Bond£515.00 -
Exemplifying craftsmanship and devotion, the Wayfarer Pinot Noir Fort Ross Seaview 2019 is an exquisite connotation of the Wayfarer Vineyard's finesse. Nestled in California's rugged Sonoma Coast, the mesmerising terrains of Fort Ross-Seaview provides ideal terroir for the cool-climate varietal Pinot Noir.
Meticulously produced under the aegis of talented winemaker, Bibiana González Rave, the Wayfarer Pinot Noir Fort Ross Seaview 2019 demonstrates aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, rose petal, and bergamot. On the palate, the wine boasts layers of dark cherry, forest floor, baking spices, and Huckleberry.
Traditional French winemaking techniques are adhered to, tenderly aged in French oak barrels, lending an opulent texture and rich tannins. Reflecting the coastal locality's cool winds and coastal fog, this wine embodies the quintessence of terroir-expressive Pinot Noir from an exceptional vintage. Wayfarer Pinot Noir Fort Ross Seaview 2019 is indeed a unique masterpiece, ideal for the discerning oenophile who seeks the epitome of exquisite taste and sophistication.
In Bond£345.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2019 Pinot Noir Mother Rock is a blend from two east-facing blocks (clone 777 and Mount Eden) that are co-fermented in the winery. Pliant and supple, with silky tannins, the Mother Rock is so expressive today. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of savory and mineral inflections that perk up the finish.In Bond£700.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
A bright red ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir The Estate is lifted in the glass and has a lot of fresh, bright notes of rosy perfume, grenadine, rosemary, and sweet earth. Medium-bodied, it has a vibrant energy and savory drive on the palate, with notes of salty earth and tea leaf, a light umami richness, ripe tannins, and evenly balanced acidity. It is lovely all the way through and is going to show its best if given more time in bottle. Drink 2026-2040.In Bond£430.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
From an east and west-facing ridge, the 2022 Pinot Noir The Traveler is a deep magenta ruby hue and is entirely from a suitcase clone that is now referred to as the "Wayfarer Clone." In the glass, it reveals a complex and layered nose of ripe cherries, wildflowers, black raspberries, forest herbs, and blood orange. It’s driving on the palate, with refined tannins and coiled, bright acidity throughout, and it’s fully ripe but has a persistently long finish. Not a wine for the faint of heart, it’s built for the long haul and is going to show its best if given time in the cellar. Drink 2026-2046.In Bond£847.00
