Americas
The North American wine producing reputation can largely be attributed to the global fame and success of Napa Valley and Sonoma County in the United States. Although technically ‘new world’, its wines have the same devoted fan base (and often first-growth prices) as many classic European wines. Free from the shackles of European winemaking law, one can find a variety of cooler climate Cabs, Merlots, Pinots, Chardonnays and Rieslings that will entice all wine lovers.
South America is an exciting new melting pot of styles and flavours with a range of soils types and altitudes – taking international varietals and finishing with French winemaking techniques, or in the case of Argentinian Malbec, adopting a largely unloved grape and making it their own.
Americas
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Mendoza | 2 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£579.64 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2018 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in small lots in 3,000- to 8,000-liter tanks and matured 40% in 225-liter oak barrels, 40% in 400-liter oak barrels and the remaining 20% in 2,500-liter oak vats for 13 months. Ninety percent of the oak used was French and the rest a blend of Austrian, Slovenian and German oak, 50% of it new. 2018 has been one of the best vintages in recent times in Mendoza, and the wine shows it. It's a cooler vintage, and the wine has improved in freshness and elegance without losing any clout. It's 14.5% alcohol and has a pH of 3.73. This is young, juicy, elegant and balanced and still has some herbal and toasted notes; it's medium to full-bodied, with the creamy and luxurious texture of the modern Bordeaux, ultra fine tannins and a long, dry and precise finish. It's still undeveloped and seems to have all the components and the balance between them for a long and positive development in bottle. With wines like this, I sometimes wish I had a time machine so I could see them in 20 years from now... I think this is the finest Cheval des Andes I've ever tasted. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2020. |
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Mendoza | 2 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£466.24 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2018 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in small lots in 3,000- to 8,000-liter tanks and matured 40% in 225-liter oak barrels, 40% in 400-liter oak barrels and the remaining 20% in 2,500-liter oak vats for 13 months. Ninety percent of the oak used was French and the rest a blend of Austrian, Slovenian and German oak, 50% of it new. 2018 has been one of the best vintages in recent times in Mendoza, and the wine shows it. It's a cooler vintage, and the wine has improved in freshness and elegance without losing any clout. It's 14.5% alcohol and has a pH of 3.73. This is young, juicy, elegant and balanced and still has some herbal and toasted notes; it's medium to full-bodied, with the creamy and luxurious texture of the modern Bordeaux, ultra fine tannins and a long, dry and precise finish. It's still undeveloped and seems to have all the components and the balance between them for a long and positive development in bottle. With wines like this, I sometimes wish I had a time machine so I could see them in 20 years from now... I think this is the finest Cheval des Andes I've ever tasted. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2020. |
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California | 3 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£860.44 |
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Vinous (97)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix's Oakville ranch so far. Deep, creamy and generous, the 2018 captures the unqiue blend of fruit in a savoriness that is typical of the southern sector of Oakville where cooling winds from the south lend palpable freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish. |
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California | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£545.09 |
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Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation. Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WI) |
Inc. VAT
£2,051.70 |
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The Wine Independent (100)The 2018 IX Estate is deep purple-black in color. It gives up crushed blueberries, fresh blackcurrants, and black cherry preserves with an evocative undercurrent of licorice, sandalwood, clove oil, and cumin seed plus a waft of iron ore. The full-bodied palate is firm, tightly wound, and so, so intense, featuring exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and opulent. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£1,280.26 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2018 Syrah from this estate is another majestic example of the variety and actually reminds me of the 2010. Gorgeous blackberry and blue fruits, notes of bacon fat, bouquet garni, and peppered game, full-bodied richness, and flawless balance all make for a captivating Syrah that can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years. It’s as good as anything out there. |
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Coquimbo | 1 | 97 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£320.44 |
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Tim Atkin MW (97)Right up there with the best Chardonnays Chile, and South America, has ever produced. This stunning wine comes from five specific blocks within the Quebrada Secain Limarí. Tangy, chiselled and refined, with very stylish oak. It’s the kind of thing that could embarrass a range of Puligny-Montrachet Premiers Crus in a blind tasting. Simply stunning |
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California | 1 | 100 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,198.93 |
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James Suckling (100)This has incredible nuances and delicacy with power. It’s full-bodied with lots of gentle tannins that spread across the palate. The character is full of blackberry, blackcurrant and lead pencil. Some conifer and pine needles. Sage at the end, too. Savory. So long-lasting and layered. Such purity. It’s so complex and changes all the time in the glass. Goes on for minutes. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 31% cabernet franc, 9% petit verdot and 6% merlot. Organically grown grapes. So drinkable now, but will age beautifully. |
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California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£435.64 |
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Vinous (95)The 2018 Syrah Hawkes Butte is once again one of the most distinctive wines in the range. Inky dark fruit, black pepper, sage, lavender and spice all run through this super-expressive Syrah. The 2018 is rich and unctuous but also not at all heavy. It is incredibly singular and full of character. |
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California | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£1,428.58 |
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Experience the singular elegance of Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, a result of meticulous viticulture and precise winemaking. This exquisite wine is a testament to the skills of Costanzo Farella, renowned vintner located in the hallowed soil of the Coombsville appellation in Napa Valley, California. The 2018 vintage is a symphony of flavours, expressing dark berry fruit and delicate spice, with polished tannins and balanced acidity courtesy of a near-perfect growing season. This Cabernet Sauvignon is hand-harvested, fermented on indigenous yeasts, and aged for two years in French oak, ensuring the perfect blend of power and plushness that marks an exceptional Cabernet. With the longevity to age gracefully yet equally approachable in its youth, Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a testament to the potential of the Coombsville region. This is a remarkable wine, luxuriously textured and notable for its sublime layers of complexity. |
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California | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,588.93 |
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Vinous (100)The 2018 MDV is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the best of the Maya blocks. Inky, rich and explosive, the MDV possesses breathtaking elegance and beauty. Crème de cassis, graphite, lavender, mint and espresso all build in a sumptuous, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that dazzles from start to finish. Sadly, there are just five barrels of this magical Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The Dalla Valles only bottle the MDV in the very best years. Since its first release in 2013, it has become a clear reference point for Eastern Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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California | 2 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£1,460.93 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)A smaller production cuvée from a single parcel of the estate vineyard, the 2018 Maya Proprietary Red Wine is the normal 60/40 split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Incredibly perfumed with complex notes of blue fruits, flowers, loamy earth, graphite, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. While this is a rich, concentrated wine, it’s the complexity, elegance, and finesse that define this cuvée, which is going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for 2-3 decades. |
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California | 3 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£808.93 |
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Vinous (93)The 2018 Collina Dalla Valle is a flat out gorgeous wine. Racy and sumptuous to the core, the 2018 captures all of the natural radiance of this eastern sector of Oakville. Soft contours and silky tannins make the 2018 an absolute delight to taste today. Readers will have a very hard time finding a Napa Valley wine that delivers this much sheer pleasure for the money. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,528.82 |
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James Suckling (99)Sweet white chocolate with currant, plum and subtle hazelnut on the nose. Some other spices, such as nutmeg and cloves. Floral. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that go on and on. Beautiful center plate that is dense yet polished and fine and continues on. Exceptional. Fantastic finish. Drinkable now, but needs four or five years to show it’s true greatness. |
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California | 1 | 18+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£512.47 |
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Matthew Jukes (18+)The Fifty Finest Wines 2020 I tasted a large number of Californian wines this autumn and I found many of the wines (whites and reds) over-oaked, sweet, far too high in alcohol and generally out of balance. So, when successful wines put their hands up it was very encouraging. This amazing Cabernet had the very traits I associate with exceptionally expensive Californian red wines and yet, when I discovered its price, I couldn’t believe it. I far prefer this cuvée to the ‘Reserve’, which is £55. The key to this wine’s success is its balance. Every element is in perfect harmony. The fruit is pure and resonant, the tannins are classy and there is no weird-tasting oak whatsoever. Profound balance + a delicious flavour = a mention in the Finest Fifty |
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California | 1 | 92 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£532.18 |
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Wine Advocate (92)The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish. |
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California | 1 | 92 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£582.07 |
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Wine Advocate (92)The 2018 Chardonnay opens with apple pie, baked quince, lemon curd and melon touches with notes of guava, dried hay, toast and a lovely underlying spiciness. Medium to full-bodied and rounded in the mouth, it has intense, ripe, savory fruits with honey-nut accents, lifted by mouthwatering freshness and finishing long. |
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California | 2 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£628.34 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)The 2018 Soul Of A Lion is an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, made exclusively from free-run juice, blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, the nose opens slowly, segueing from graphite and tobacco leaves, to violets and blue fruit preserves, to cinnamon, potpourri and dark spices. The palate is seamless and cashmere-like, with expansive, pure, mineral-laced fruits enlivened by a burst of freshness that highlights the perfectly ripe fruit character this vintage. The finish is very long, offering violet perfume and iron tones that linger in the mouth. This is a gorgeous wine that combines unique personality with expert craftsmanship. It drinks well now but has all it needs for a long life in the cellar. |
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California | 4 | - |
Inc. VAT
£881.38 |
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Produced by the distinguished winemaker, Massimo di Costanzo, the di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 stands as an epitome of artisanal mastery. Sourced from the prized terroirs of Napa Valley, California, one is immediately taken by the balance of opulent dark fruit flavours and polished, understated earthiness. Each vineyard block was hand-harvested separately, meticulously allowing for the expression of individuality and nuance. Subsequently, the winemaking process, taking place in 100% French oak barrels, further underscores the wine's exceptional finesse. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 exudes deep intense garnet hues, encapsulating assertive flavours of blackberry, plum, and mocha, underpinned by hints of graphite and sage. The medium-bodied palate couples refined tannins with a vital acidity, leading to a long invigorating finish. This accomplished blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc epitomises the very spirit of its revered producer. |
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Mendoza | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£272.44 |
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The DiamAndes De Uco Grande Reserve Chardonnay 2018, a product of meticulous craftsmanship, embodies the unparalleled quality of Argentine wines. Originating from the esteemed DiamAndes winery located within the prestigious Uco Valley, the vines benefit from an exceptional terroir and an altitude of 1,100 metres. The grapes are handpicked and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest are selected. This wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months to cultivate a unique blend of richness and complexity. The result is a wine of remarkable elegance with pristine apple and citrus flavours, beautifully balanced with minerality and a refined finish. The DiamAndes De Uco Grande Reserve Chardonnay 2018 stands as a testament to the expertise and commitment of its creators to promote the timeless tradition of fine wine-making. A must-have for any connoisseur, the DiamAndes De Uco Grande Reserve Chardonnay 2018 evokes an unparalleled tasting journey rivalling the world’s top Chardonnays. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£2,148.04 |
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James Suckling (98)Crushed stone fruit, blackcurrants, bay leaf, iodine and seaweed. Full-bodied with blue fruit, firm tannins and super length. It’s austere and so focused. Great length. Needs time to open and show its true self. Harkens back to the late 1970s. Try after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£2,269.49 |
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James Suckling (96)Blackberries, blueberries, crushed stones, tile and violets. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Tight, polished and lightly austere. Sweet fruit in the mid-palate. This needs at least four to five years to open and come together. Best after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,498.84 |
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James Suckling (100)This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, blackcurrants, iodine and wet earth. Full-bodied with a tight center palate, then it opens with a tannin structure that is weightless and spreads across the palate. Totally integrated on the palate. This is a magic-carpet wine. Really incredible. One of the reference points for the vintage. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but it’s one for the cellar. |
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California | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£266.42 |
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Central Valley | 1 | 100 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£680.44 |
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James Suckling (100)This is amazing. The vibrancy and energy in this wine is stunning. The complexity of aromas are breathtaking with flowers, blackcurrants, raspberries and peaches. Full-bodied, yet ever so refined and polished with impeccable texture and beauty. The length is marvelous. This is a testimony to balance, harmony and transparency in a great red. Drink after 2023. |
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Washington | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£424.48 |
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Duckhorn Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 embodies the opulence and complexity of the famed Duckhorn winery in Napa Valley. A treasure trove for the fine wine connoisseur, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the fusion of the dynamic Red Mountain terroir and an unwavering commitment to winemaking excellence. With careful selection from respected growers, the grapes are harvested at the exact point of maturation, in order to capture perfect ripeness and full-bodied complexity. Aged in premium French oak barrels, Duckhorn Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 emits a spectrum of layered flavours, graced by notes of cherries, blackberries and rich cocoa. The finish is long and captivating, enhanced by structured tannins and a refined minerality. As with all Duckhorn wines, this particular Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a seductive, sophisticated expression of the Red Mountain region's best qualities. A glorious indulgence for any discerning palate. |
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California | 10 | - |
Inc. VAT
£963.89 |
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Crafted by the esteemed Duckhorn Vineyards, the Duckhorn Discussion 2018 is a masterful blend of the finest red varietals, evoking a profound complexity inherent to Napa Valley. This exquisite wine represents the epitome of the winemaker's expertise and the unique terroir of their estate vineyards. The tasting notes, infused with flavours of ripe plums, black cherries and equanimous layers of sweet spices, are crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine, aged in new French oak barrels, presents a rich and tannic structure, balanced with a beautiful depth and lengthy finish. The Duckhorn Discussion 2018 personifies Napa Valley's optimal climate and the Duckhorn's unwavering dedication to the creation of wines of distinction. As such, the wine is indeed worthy of discussion, appreciated by novices and wine enthusiasts alike. Truly, the Duckhorn Discussion 2018 is a testament to the art of fine blending. |
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California | 4 | - |
Inc. VAT
£759.89 |
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Hailing from the prestigious Duckhorn portfolio, the Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a sophisticated embodiment of its famed terroir. Intense yet impeccably balanced, this Californian wine, crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, boasts luxurious depth and layered complexity. True to Duckhorn's philosophy, it has undergone a traditional winemaking process, involving cold soaking, in-barrel malolactic fermentation and aging in 100% French Oak barrels, resulting in a captivating, full-bodied vintage. Radiating nuances of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate, this refined red is well-structured with velvet tannins and an eloquent echo of volcanic minerality unique to the Howell Mountain vineyards. It culminates in a hauntingly long finish, revealing the exquisite quality that Duckhorn is synonymous with. Perfect to savour now or cellar, the Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is indeed a stunning testament to the vinicultural prowess of this Napa Valley vintner. |
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California | 10 | - |
Inc. VAT
£455.09 |
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Expertly produced, the Duckhorn Paraduxx 2018 exemplifies the layered complexity of Napa Valley vintage. Crafted by Duckhorn Vineyards, this exquisite blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thrives in the optimal growing conditions of the estate vineyard in Howell Mountain, California. Using traditional co-fermentation practices, this wine weaves together the unique characteristics of each grape varietal creating a seamless harmony of flavours. This stellar 2018 vintage exudes aromatic notes of ripe black cherry, spicy plum and cedar, wrapping the palette with a velvet touch of lush tannins and pristine balance. The Duckhorn Paraduxx 2018 is not merely a luxurious wine, but a narrative of the artisanal winemaking tradition and the outstanding terroir of Napa Valley. As an indulgent treat or an impressive gift, this creation from the renowned Duckhorn Vineyards elevates any affair to a realm of timeless elegance. |
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California | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£793.24 |
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Swirl your senses with the Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot 2018, a paramount example of a Californian Merlot with an unrivalled finesse and depth. From the emblematic Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley, this distinct vintage is enriched by the heralded volcanic soils of the renowned Three Palms Vineyard. Helmed by winemaker Renee Ary, the grapes are hand-harvested and matured for eighteen months in French oak barrels, 75% being new. The resulting Merlot sensitively balances fruity richness and savoury complexity. The Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot 2018 masterfully weaves in flavours of red and black fruit, underscored by notes of sweet spice, rhubarb, and sage, leading to an exquisitely layered finish. It is a wine that showcases the elegance and power of pristine Napa fruit. Exemplifying their 40-year reputation, Duckhorn sets the benchmark for American Merlots with this captivating vintage. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Mendoza | 2 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£467.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2018 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in small lots in 3,000- to 8,000-liter tanks and matured 40% in 225-liter oak barrels, 40% in 400-liter oak barrels and the remaining 20% in 2,500-liter oak vats for 13 months. Ninety percent of the oak used was French and the rest a blend of Austrian, Slovenian and German oak, 50% of it new. 2018 has been one of the best vintages in recent times in Mendoza, and the wine shows it. It's a cooler vintage, and the wine has improved in freshness and elegance without losing any clout. It's 14.5% alcohol and has a pH of 3.73. This is young, juicy, elegant and balanced and still has some herbal and toasted notes; it's medium to full-bodied, with the creamy and luxurious texture of the modern Bordeaux, ultra fine tannins and a long, dry and precise finish. It's still undeveloped and seems to have all the components and the balance between them for a long and positive development in bottle. With wines like this, I sometimes wish I had a time machine so I could see them in 20 years from now... I think this is the finest Cheval des Andes I've ever tasted. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2020. |
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Mendoza | 2 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£372.50 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2018 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in small lots in 3,000- to 8,000-liter tanks and matured 40% in 225-liter oak barrels, 40% in 400-liter oak barrels and the remaining 20% in 2,500-liter oak vats for 13 months. Ninety percent of the oak used was French and the rest a blend of Austrian, Slovenian and German oak, 50% of it new. 2018 has been one of the best vintages in recent times in Mendoza, and the wine shows it. It's a cooler vintage, and the wine has improved in freshness and elegance without losing any clout. It's 14.5% alcohol and has a pH of 3.73. This is young, juicy, elegant and balanced and still has some herbal and toasted notes; it's medium to full-bodied, with the creamy and luxurious texture of the modern Bordeaux, ultra fine tannins and a long, dry and precise finish. It's still undeveloped and seems to have all the components and the balance between them for a long and positive development in bottle. With wines like this, I sometimes wish I had a time machine so I could see them in 20 years from now... I think this is the finest Cheval des Andes I've ever tasted. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2020. |
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California | 3 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£701.00 |
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Vinous (97)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix's Oakville ranch so far. Deep, creamy and generous, the 2018 captures the unqiue blend of fruit in a savoriness that is typical of the southern sector of Oakville where cooling winds from the south lend palpable freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish. |
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
£435.00 |
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Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation. Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WI) |
In Bond
£1,700.00 |
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The Wine Independent (100)The 2018 IX Estate is deep purple-black in color. It gives up crushed blueberries, fresh blackcurrants, and black cherry preserves with an evocative undercurrent of licorice, sandalwood, clove oil, and cumin seed plus a waft of iron ore. The full-bodied palate is firm, tightly wound, and so, so intense, featuring exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and opulent. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
£1,057.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2018 Syrah from this estate is another majestic example of the variety and actually reminds me of the 2010. Gorgeous blackberry and blue fruits, notes of bacon fat, bouquet garni, and peppered game, full-bodied richness, and flawless balance all make for a captivating Syrah that can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years. It’s as good as anything out there. |
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Coquimbo | 1 | 97 (TA) |
In Bond
£251.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (97)Right up there with the best Chardonnays Chile, and South America, has ever produced. This stunning wine comes from five specific blocks within the Quebrada Secain Limarí. Tangy, chiselled and refined, with very stylish oak. It’s the kind of thing that could embarrass a range of Puligny-Montrachet Premiers Crus in a blind tasting. Simply stunning |
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California | 1 | 100 (JS) |
In Bond
£980.00 |
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James Suckling (100)This has incredible nuances and delicacy with power. It’s full-bodied with lots of gentle tannins that spread across the palate. The character is full of blackberry, blackcurrant and lead pencil. Some conifer and pine needles. Sage at the end, too. Savory. So long-lasting and layered. Such purity. It’s so complex and changes all the time in the glass. Goes on for minutes. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 31% cabernet franc, 9% petit verdot and 6% merlot. Organically grown grapes. So drinkable now, but will age beautifully. |
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California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£347.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2018 Syrah Hawkes Butte is once again one of the most distinctive wines in the range. Inky dark fruit, black pepper, sage, lavender and spice all run through this super-expressive Syrah. The 2018 is rich and unctuous but also not at all heavy. It is incredibly singular and full of character. |
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California | 3 | - |
In Bond
£1,152.00 |
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Experience the singular elegance of Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, a result of meticulous viticulture and precise winemaking. This exquisite wine is a testament to the skills of Costanzo Farella, renowned vintner located in the hallowed soil of the Coombsville appellation in Napa Valley, California. The 2018 vintage is a symphony of flavours, expressing dark berry fruit and delicate spice, with polished tannins and balanced acidity courtesy of a near-perfect growing season. This Cabernet Sauvignon is hand-harvested, fermented on indigenous yeasts, and aged for two years in French oak, ensuring the perfect blend of power and plushness that marks an exceptional Cabernet. With the longevity to age gracefully yet equally approachable in its youth, Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a testament to the potential of the Coombsville region. This is a remarkable wine, luxuriously textured and notable for its sublime layers of complexity. |
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California | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,305.00 |
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Vinous (100)The 2018 MDV is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the best of the Maya blocks. Inky, rich and explosive, the MDV possesses breathtaking elegance and beauty. Crème de cassis, graphite, lavender, mint and espresso all build in a sumptuous, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that dazzles from start to finish. Sadly, there are just five barrels of this magical Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The Dalla Valles only bottle the MDV in the very best years. Since its first release in 2013, it has become a clear reference point for Eastern Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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California | 2 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
£1,207.50 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)A smaller production cuvée from a single parcel of the estate vineyard, the 2018 Maya Proprietary Red Wine is the normal 60/40 split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Incredibly perfumed with complex notes of blue fruits, flowers, loamy earth, graphite, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. While this is a rich, concentrated wine, it’s the complexity, elegance, and finesse that define this cuvée, which is going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for 2-3 decades. |
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California | 3 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£655.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2018 Collina Dalla Valle is a flat out gorgeous wine. Racy and sumptuous to the core, the 2018 captures all of the natural radiance of this eastern sector of Oakville. Soft contours and silky tannins make the 2018 an absolute delight to taste today. Readers will have a very hard time finding a Napa Valley wine that delivers this much sheer pleasure for the money. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,266.00 |
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James Suckling (99)Sweet white chocolate with currant, plum and subtle hazelnut on the nose. Some other spices, such as nutmeg and cloves. Floral. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that go on and on. Beautiful center plate that is dense yet polished and fine and continues on. Exceptional. Fantastic finish. Drinkable now, but needs four or five years to show it’s true greatness. |
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California | 1 | 18+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£395.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (18+)The Fifty Finest Wines 2020 I tasted a large number of Californian wines this autumn and I found many of the wines (whites and reds) over-oaked, sweet, far too high in alcohol and generally out of balance. So, when successful wines put their hands up it was very encouraging. This amazing Cabernet had the very traits I associate with exceptionally expensive Californian red wines and yet, when I discovered its price, I couldn’t believe it. I far prefer this cuvée to the ‘Reserve’, which is £55. The key to this wine’s success is its balance. Every element is in perfect harmony. The fruit is pure and resonant, the tannins are classy and there is no weird-tasting oak whatsoever. Profound balance + a delicious flavour = a mention in the Finest Fifty |
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California | 1 | 92 (WA) |
In Bond
£405.00 |
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Wine Advocate (92)The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish. |
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California | 1 | 92 (WA) |
In Bond
£453.00 |
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Wine Advocate (92)The 2018 Chardonnay opens with apple pie, baked quince, lemon curd and melon touches with notes of guava, dried hay, toast and a lovely underlying spiciness. Medium to full-bodied and rounded in the mouth, it has intense, ripe, savory fruits with honey-nut accents, lifted by mouthwatering freshness and finishing long. |
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California | 2 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
£514.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)The 2018 Soul Of A Lion is an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, made exclusively from free-run juice, blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, the nose opens slowly, segueing from graphite and tobacco leaves, to violets and blue fruit preserves, to cinnamon, potpourri and dark spices. The palate is seamless and cashmere-like, with expansive, pure, mineral-laced fruits enlivened by a burst of freshness that highlights the perfectly ripe fruit character this vintage. The finish is very long, offering violet perfume and iron tones that linger in the mouth. This is a gorgeous wine that combines unique personality with expert craftsmanship. It drinks well now but has all it needs for a long life in the cellar. |
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California | 4 | - |
In Bond
£696.00 |
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Produced by the distinguished winemaker, Massimo di Costanzo, the di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 stands as an epitome of artisanal mastery. Sourced from the prized terroirs of Napa Valley, California, one is immediately taken by the balance of opulent dark fruit flavours and polished, understated earthiness. Each vineyard block was hand-harvested separately, meticulously allowing for the expression of individuality and nuance. Subsequently, the winemaking process, taking place in 100% French oak barrels, further underscores the wine's exceptional finesse. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 exudes deep intense garnet hues, encapsulating assertive flavours of blackberry, plum, and mocha, underpinned by hints of graphite and sage. The medium-bodied palate couples refined tannins with a vital acidity, leading to a long invigorating finish. This accomplished blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc epitomises the very spirit of its revered producer. |
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Mendoza | 1 | - |
In Bond
£211.00 |
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The DiamAndes De Uco Grande Reserve Chardonnay 2018, a product of meticulous craftsmanship, embodies the unparalleled quality of Argentine wines. Originating from the esteemed DiamAndes winery located within the prestigious Uco Valley, the vines benefit from an exceptional terroir and an altitude of 1,100 metres. The grapes are handpicked and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest are selected. This wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months to cultivate a unique blend of richness and complexity. The result is a wine of remarkable elegance with pristine apple and citrus flavours, beautifully balanced with minerality and a refined finish. The DiamAndes De Uco Grande Reserve Chardonnay 2018 stands as a testament to the expertise and commitment of its creators to promote the timeless tradition of fine wine-making. A must-have for any connoisseur, the DiamAndes De Uco Grande Reserve Chardonnay 2018 evokes an unparalleled tasting journey rivalling the world’s top Chardonnays. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,774.00 |
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James Suckling (98)Crushed stone fruit, blackcurrants, bay leaf, iodine and seaweed. Full-bodied with blue fruit, firm tannins and super length. It’s austere and so focused. Great length. Needs time to open and show its true self. Harkens back to the late 1970s. Try after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,872.00 |
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James Suckling (96)Blackberries, blueberries, crushed stones, tile and violets. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Tight, polished and lightly austere. Sweet fruit in the mid-palate. This needs at least four to five years to open and come together. Best after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,233.00 |
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James Suckling (100)This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, blackcurrants, iodine and wet earth. Full-bodied with a tight center palate, then it opens with a tannin structure that is weightless and spreads across the palate. Totally integrated on the palate. This is a magic-carpet wine. Really incredible. One of the reference points for the vintage. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but it’s one for the cellar. |
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California | 3 | - |
In Bond
£205.99 |
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Central Valley | 1 | 100 (JS) |
In Bond
£551.00 |
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James Suckling (100)This is amazing. The vibrancy and energy in this wine is stunning. The complexity of aromas are breathtaking with flowers, blackcurrants, raspberries and peaches. Full-bodied, yet ever so refined and polished with impeccable texture and beauty. The length is marvelous. This is a testimony to balance, harmony and transparency in a great red. Drink after 2023. |
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Washington | 1 | - |
In Bond
£315.00 |
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Duckhorn Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 embodies the opulence and complexity of the famed Duckhorn winery in Napa Valley. A treasure trove for the fine wine connoisseur, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the fusion of the dynamic Red Mountain terroir and an unwavering commitment to winemaking excellence. With careful selection from respected growers, the grapes are harvested at the exact point of maturation, in order to capture perfect ripeness and full-bodied complexity. Aged in premium French oak barrels, Duckhorn Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 emits a spectrum of layered flavours, graced by notes of cherries, blackberries and rich cocoa. The finish is long and captivating, enhanced by structured tannins and a refined minerality. As with all Duckhorn wines, this particular Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a seductive, sophisticated expression of the Red Mountain region's best qualities. A glorious indulgence for any discerning palate. |
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California | 10 | - |
In Bond
£784.00 |
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Crafted by the esteemed Duckhorn Vineyards, the Duckhorn Discussion 2018 is a masterful blend of the finest red varietals, evoking a profound complexity inherent to Napa Valley. This exquisite wine represents the epitome of the winemaker's expertise and the unique terroir of their estate vineyards. The tasting notes, infused with flavours of ripe plums, black cherries and equanimous layers of sweet spices, are crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine, aged in new French oak barrels, presents a rich and tannic structure, balanced with a beautiful depth and lengthy finish. The Duckhorn Discussion 2018 personifies Napa Valley's optimal climate and the Duckhorn's unwavering dedication to the creation of wines of distinction. As such, the wine is indeed worthy of discussion, appreciated by novices and wine enthusiasts alike. Truly, the Duckhorn Discussion 2018 is a testament to the art of fine blending. |
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California | 4 | - |
In Bond
£614.00 |
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Hailing from the prestigious Duckhorn portfolio, the Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a sophisticated embodiment of its famed terroir. Intense yet impeccably balanced, this Californian wine, crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, boasts luxurious depth and layered complexity. True to Duckhorn's philosophy, it has undergone a traditional winemaking process, involving cold soaking, in-barrel malolactic fermentation and aging in 100% French Oak barrels, resulting in a captivating, full-bodied vintage. Radiating nuances of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate, this refined red is well-structured with velvet tannins and an eloquent echo of volcanic minerality unique to the Howell Mountain vineyards. It culminates in a hauntingly long finish, revealing the exquisite quality that Duckhorn is synonymous with. Perfect to savour now or cellar, the Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is indeed a stunning testament to the vinicultural prowess of this Napa Valley vintner. |
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California | 10 | - |
In Bond
£360.00 |
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Expertly produced, the Duckhorn Paraduxx 2018 exemplifies the layered complexity of Napa Valley vintage. Crafted by Duckhorn Vineyards, this exquisite blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thrives in the optimal growing conditions of the estate vineyard in Howell Mountain, California. Using traditional co-fermentation practices, this wine weaves together the unique characteristics of each grape varietal creating a seamless harmony of flavours. This stellar 2018 vintage exudes aromatic notes of ripe black cherry, spicy plum and cedar, wrapping the palette with a velvet touch of lush tannins and pristine balance. The Duckhorn Paraduxx 2018 is not merely a luxurious wine, but a narrative of the artisanal winemaking tradition and the outstanding terroir of Napa Valley. As an indulgent treat or an impressive gift, this creation from the renowned Duckhorn Vineyards elevates any affair to a realm of timeless elegance. |
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California | 2 | - |
In Bond
£645.00 |
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Swirl your senses with the Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot 2018, a paramount example of a Californian Merlot with an unrivalled finesse and depth. From the emblematic Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley, this distinct vintage is enriched by the heralded volcanic soils of the renowned Three Palms Vineyard. Helmed by winemaker Renee Ary, the grapes are hand-harvested and matured for eighteen months in French oak barrels, 75% being new. The resulting Merlot sensitively balances fruity richness and savoury complexity. The Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot 2018 masterfully weaves in flavours of red and black fruit, underscored by notes of sweet spice, rhubarb, and sage, leading to an exquisitely layered finish. It is a wine that showcases the elegance and power of pristine Napa fruit. Exemplifying their 40-year reputation, Duckhorn sets the benchmark for American Merlots with this captivating vintage. |
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