What's New on Cru
At Cru World Wine, we're committed to bringing our customers the best possible selection of fine wines, and that's why we're constantly updating our "What's New on Cru" page with the latest releases and exciting new finds. Whether you're a seasoned wine collector or just starting out on your wine journey, we're sure you'll find something to love on our page.
One of the things that sets us apart from other wine retailers is our commitment to offering our customers unbeatable value. That's why we often offer special limited-time discounts on some of our most popular wines, and you can find these amazing deals on our "What's New on Cru" page. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get your hands on some stunning wines at incredible prices.
Our "What's New on Cru" page is also the perfect place to discover new and exciting wines from around the world. From classic Bordeaux and Burgundy to up-and-coming regions like South Africa and Australia, our selection is sure to delight even the most discerning wine lover. And if you're looking for something a little different, be sure to check out our collection of natural wines - these are wines made with minimal intervention, allowing the true expression of the grapes to shine through.
So whether you're looking for the latest vintage from your favorite winery or want to explore new and exciting wine regions, be sure to visit our "What's New on Cru" page. With our constantly evolving selection and unbeatable value, it's the perfect place to discover the world of fine wine.
Read More
What's New on Cru
Photo
AI Chat
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (IB) |
Inc. VAT
£410.44 |
|||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)Medium to deep purple, beautifully ripe, so much going on, plump lush raspberry but never losing its thread, more character in this warmer vintage rather than drying it. This is a very good Clos de la Barre, as good as I can remember. Tasted: November 2021 |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£901.24 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)So much blue fruit such as blueberries and blackberries; the purity of the fruit is incredible. Essence of cabernet sauvignon. Full-bodied yet with focused and fine tannins. Forceful but focused and polished. Needs two or three years to come around. And then enjoy for years afterwards. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 98 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. VAT
£867.64 |
|||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is a very beautiful wine, but also quite a departure from the style that made it famous years ago. Readers will find an especially polished Guado al Tasso, a wine that emphasizes finesse more than power. Silky tannins wrap around a core of black cherry fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Bright, saline undertones extend the exquisite finish. There's more Cabernet Franc in the blend these days, and that very much comes through in the wine's crazy aromatic presence and feel. The 2021 spent 16 months in wood, three months in used French oak barrels during the malolactic fermentation and then 14 months in barrel (80% new) for the rest of its aging. Gorgeous. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 93 (BH) |
Inc. VAT
£4,294.24 |
|||||
Burghound (93)A discreet application of wood frames pure aromas of red cherries, just turned earth and a floral top note. The supple but racy middleweight flavors aren't quite as concentrated but they're finer with retaining good power on the sour cherry-inflected finale that delivers excellent length. Lovely and a wine that should also repay mid to longer-term keeping. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 20 | - |
Inc. VAT
£618.04 |
|||||
|
Dive into the world of fine Burgundy wine with the exquisite Bertagna Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts 2016. Crafted in the prestigious vineyards of Vosne Romanée, Côte de Nuits, this elegant Pinot Noir is a worthy representation of Domaine Bertagna’s absolute commitment to organic viticulture and asymptotic pursuit of perfection for almost six decades. A jewel of Bertagna’s 18 appellations, this Premier Cru Les Beaumonts 2016 embodies the harmonious balance between power and finesse. The long, slow vinification process in oak barrels bestows its complex bouquet accentuated by scents of wild cherries, violets and spiced chocolate. The velvety tannins and ripe fruit nuances linger on the palate, creating a wine that is not only deeply satisfying, but also emblematic of its illustrious terroir. Its consistent depth and refinement undoubtedly affirm Bertagna Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts 2016 as a grand cru in all but name. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£481.22 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)What intense aromas of cherries and raspberries! Then it turns to flowers and orange peel. Roses, too. This is really full and powerful with layers of ripe tannins. It’s super fine-tannined, but shows wonderful length and intensity. A great expression of Lamole in Chianti Classico with ancient vines. Some older than 100 years. Best ever? Superb. Try after 2024 and onwards. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£604.84 |
|||||
James Suckling (98)A very beautiful and thoughtful Testamatta with aromas of earth, terra cotta, black tea, and lavender. Full-bodied, very layered and extremely polished with superb, soft tannins. Racy and very long. Muscular and formed but very, very balanced. Gorgeous richness and depth. Shows balance and wonder. Try in 2020. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 20+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£1,399.24 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (20+)08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 20+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£973.24 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (20+)08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (TS) |
Inc. VAT
£487.24 |
|||||
Tyson Stelzer (97)PN AYC18 is a showpiece for the expansive dimensions, intoxicating allure and purity of Aÿ pinot noir; a wonderfully characterful blanc de noirs that celebrates the sumptuous fruit generosity of 2018 and the purity and precision of this fabled cru. With the generous tones of a full straw hue and a blush tint, it ripples with grand fruit depth of red cherries and perfectly ripe plums. The magnificent depth of complexity that is Bollinger rumbles in deep reserves, reminiscent of fruit mince spice and dried nectarines. I love that it is so emphatically Aÿ, so intrinsically Bollinger, and yet all transposed with the transparency and delicious fruit generosity that is 2018. It holds fantastic, succulent allure on a very long finish; the ripeness of 2018 translating in supple, silky fruit generosity, yet in no way heavy or broad, beautifully energised by the fine chalk salinity and pure acid freshness that make Aÿ such a beloved place. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 93 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£445.24 |
|||||
Decanter (93)The nose is remarkably fine and complex, expressing scents of orchard fruit, white peach, apricot, and lemon with a touch of verbena. On the palate, the immediate impression is of a certain unctuosity providing great charm, and even the structure has round contours, but it seems to tighten on the chalky, airborne finish. The salinity that marked the previous two iterations of this PN series seems less present, with this one having more notes of pastry and hazelnuts as well as some zesty citrus, but airing adds an iodine-like tang. This is a Champagne that should pair well with fresh fish and shellfish dishes. 100% Pinot Noir. Dosage: 4 g/L. Disgorgement: January 2022. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 95 (RJH) |
Inc. VAT
£646.84 |
|||||
Richard Juhlin (95)The presentation is brilliant and is reminiscent of the house's legendary blanc de noirs Bollinger ’Vieilles Vignes Françaises’….. A Verzenay blanc de noirs with sprinkles of Aÿ, Bouzy and Tauxières, where 50% of the wine comes from 2015 with reserve wines on magnum dating from 2009. Verzenay and Aÿ are, as you know, the dominant villages in Bollinger's vintage wines. Verzenay is often the chalky and mineral-rich backbone of Bollinger's vintage build-up. The wine is vibrantly fresh, mineral-driven and extremely pure. There is a clarity and sharpness that is outstanding, where gunpowder notes and aroma of grilled meat develop as the glass warms up slightly. I love this wine as it is a perfect creation from one of the most important villages in the whole of Champagne dominated by the aforementioned minerality, but also with notes of violet and red grapefruit so typical of Verzenay of the highest class. On aeration the scent develops more and more notes of pears, figs and freshly baked baguette and the taste develops towards peach and apricot jam. Personally, though, I will wait as long as I can before opening my own bottles to get the increasing depth of caramel and grilled hazelnut flavour that only time in the cellar can provide. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 95 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£519.64 |
|||||
Decanter (95)Produced exclusively from vineyards owned by Bollinger, this takes advantage of the dynamic equilibrium between the structured, robust Pinot Noir grape and a terroir that is late-ripening. Picking began on 25 September and delivered a wine with plenty of concentration and impressive freshness and balance, with expressive green apple fruit accented with notes of toast and smoke and a creamy, supple, and open texture. Dosed at 6 g/l. Disgorged in November 2020. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 96 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£217.24 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (96)This red is all about finesse, delivering superb balance and complexity, with cherry, raspberry, earth and wild herb aromas and flavors. Succulent and charming, yet with a solid base of tannins and vivid acidity, this remains focused through the long aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2042. 4,575 cases made, 3,000 cases imported. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 11 | 92 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£277.24 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (92)Bottled in February 2021 (no, that isn't a typo), Defaix's 2009 Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet wafts from the glass with aromas of honeycomb, golden orchard fruit, apricot, spices and dried white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, broad and satiny, it's a lively, saline wine that concludes with a delicately nutty finish. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 3 | 97+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£17,109.62 |
|||||
Vinous (97+)The 2013 La Tâche Grand Cru is dazzling. Bright and nuanced, the 2013 sizzles with energy right out of the gate. The 2013 is just starting to open. Ideally, a few more years in the cellar would be helpful, but the 2013 is so inviting at this stage. This late-ripening year produced a La Tâche that bristles with tension. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 18 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£3,019.24 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Charmes and Mazoyères. Barrel sample – taken from a new barrel (70% new for the grands crus though they are starting to reduce this). Sweet oaky spice adding to the fruit spice. Thick texture from the oak but under that is a well of lovely fruit. Chewy texture. Not notably fresh but balanced and likely to ‘stretch’ and freshen with longer élevage. A powerhouse. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£738.29 |
|||||
|
Savour the exquisite Esprit Leflaive Pouilly-Fuisse Le Clos Reyssier 2019, an exemplary expression of craftmanship from the iconic estate of Domaine Leflaive. Hailing from Macon region in Burgundy, this wine is cultivated on a unique limestone and clay terroir in Le Clos Reyssier. The 2019 vintage captures the essence of the vineyard, with meticulous bio-dynamic farming and traditional vinification in oak barrels lending depth and complexity to this Chardonnay. Under the visionary leadership of Brice de La Morandière and the winemaking prowess of Pierre Vincent, Esprit Leflaive Pouilly-Fuisse Le Clos Reyssier 2019 offers a harmonious blend of floral notes, stone fruit accents, and minerality. The palate presents a vibrant acidity balanced gracefully with a rich texture and a long, luxurious finish. Esprit Leflaive continues the Leflaive heritage of producing world-class wines, and this vintage is no exception. A heavenly experience undeniably awaits with each sip of the Esprit Leflaive Pouilly-Fuisse Le Clos Reyssier 2019. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£670.84 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 20 | 94 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£323.09 |
|||||
Decanter (94)Great purity of fruit and a silky elegance on the palate that consistently surpasses the already-elevated norm for this village. This wine is a selection of the best parcels among the 26ha Faiveley owns in Gevrey (over 30 parcels). The wines that don't make the cut are sold to other négociants; the average ripeness of the wines that do are 13% alcohol. The grapes are mostly destemmed and fermented with very little punching down before being aged in cask (20% new). |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,777.22 |
|||||
Vinous (95)The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet of mixed red and black fruit and a faint touch of tomato vine. It becomes more floral with aeration. The palate has fine structure, and there’s some clever stem addition apparent here, lending this Clos Saint-Jacques a subtle leafy character. Focused with fine weight toward the finish, this is very persistent and quite saline on the aftertaste. Reserved, but the pedigree is undeniable. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 2 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£508.24 |
|||||
James Suckling (96)A full-bodied Brunello with lots of plums and cherries, as well as orange-peel character. It’s creamy and round-textured. Soft and chewy tannins. Shows the warmth and ripeness of the 2017 vintage. Drink after 2023. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£322.84 |
|||||
Vinous (92)The NV Esprit Nature is a fabulous introduction to this range. Creamy, open-knit and so expressive, the Esprit Nature captures all of the textural intensity that is such a Giraud signature, but in an approachable style. The Esprit Nature is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay done mostly in oak, with a bit of sandstone amphora. This release is based on 2017, 50% reserve wines. Readers should note that the "Nature" is used here as part of the wine name, rather than an indication of dosage, which is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 21, 2020. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£963.62 |
|||||
Vinous (92-94)The 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches, matured in one-third new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet of cranberry and raspberry fruit with veins of cassis; later, brown spices emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, good depth and fine grip, perhaps just missing a little precision toward the finish but still very fine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 91-93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£251.09 |
|||||
Vinous (91-93)The 2021 Marsannay Es Chezots has a lively, vibrant bouquet with pure Dorset plum and bilberry scents, light iris petal aromas. Very detailed. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-chiselled tannins, quite chalky in texture, perhaps a little compact but I feel this has something up its sleeve for later. Fournier's spiciest Marsannay. Great potential. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£607.24 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17.5)Despite being in its infancy, there is a lot to love about this already: perhaps the nose is reticent, but the palate has beautiful crunchy cherry and cranberry fruit with just a touch of black olive on the finish. There's dark chocolate and lovely hedgerow notes too, giving plenty of interest beyond fruit. Certainly not at its best just yet, but full of promise. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£151.24 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17.5)Panzano in Chianti. 100% Sangiovese grown at 450 m above sea level. Spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks and aged in large oak casks. Lustrous, youthful crimson. Deep dark and minerally cherry nose with hints of raspberries. Compact tangy cherry and raspberry fruit that really deepens on the palate while keeping its nervy intensity. Coating tannins complement the whole. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 99 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£6,961.24 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (99)In this great year for white Burgundy, Bâtard-Montrachet shines out as the epitome of balance between superb fruit and intense mineral and terroir characters. Its subtle touch of wood highlights the unctuous surface texture while just hinting at the steel sharpness of the structure beneath. Age this superb wine for at least 10 years. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£391.24 |
|||||
|
|
Champagne | 3 | 99 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£1,375.24 |
|||||
Decanter (99)Created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II, Louis Roederer’s Cristal has since become a symbol of luxury all around the world. Produced only during the best years, it’s made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, the grapes coming from 45 of the finest lieux-dits in the region. 2013 was a late bloomer, with flowering only taking place in July after a cool spring. The summer was ideal with long periods of dry and warm weather. One third of the wine is aged in oak and there’s no malolactic fermentation. Vincenzo Arnese: Packed with elegant yet powerful aromas of ripe orchard trees that merge with brioche and dry cookies. This is a harmonious and well-defined Champagne with integrated residual sugar and astonishing acidity. Divine! Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW: Lemon coloured with a pink hue. Like a blanc de noirs, with cherries and white fruit aromas. Balanced and suave. Goes from less to more, with an exceptionally long and complex finish. Amanda Barnes: Appealing notes on the nose of pastry dough and apple tart that are very open. On the palate there’s beautiful concentration with lingering savoury notes. Minerally and sophisticated. Nominated by Peter Liem |
|||||||||
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (IB) |
In Bond
£326.00 |
|||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)Medium to deep purple, beautifully ripe, so much going on, plump lush raspberry but never losing its thread, more character in this warmer vintage rather than drying it. This is a very good Clos de la Barre, as good as I can remember. Tasted: November 2021 |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
£735.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)So much blue fruit such as blueberries and blackberries; the purity of the fruit is incredible. Essence of cabernet sauvignon. Full-bodied yet with focused and fine tannins. Forceful but focused and polished. Needs two or three years to come around. And then enjoy for years afterwards. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 98 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
£707.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is a very beautiful wine, but also quite a departure from the style that made it famous years ago. Readers will find an especially polished Guado al Tasso, a wine that emphasizes finesse more than power. Silky tannins wrap around a core of black cherry fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Bright, saline undertones extend the exquisite finish. There's more Cabernet Franc in the blend these days, and that very much comes through in the wine's crazy aromatic presence and feel. The 2021 spent 16 months in wood, three months in used French oak barrels during the malolactic fermentation and then 14 months in barrel (80% new) for the rest of its aging. Gorgeous. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 93 (BH) |
In Bond
£3,562.50 |
|||||
Burghound (93)A discreet application of wood frames pure aromas of red cherries, just turned earth and a floral top note. The supple but racy middleweight flavors aren't quite as concentrated but they're finer with retaining good power on the sour cherry-inflected finale that delivers excellent length. Lovely and a wine that should also repay mid to longer-term keeping. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 20 | - |
In Bond
£499.00 |
|||||
|
Dive into the world of fine Burgundy wine with the exquisite Bertagna Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts 2016. Crafted in the prestigious vineyards of Vosne Romanée, Côte de Nuits, this elegant Pinot Noir is a worthy representation of Domaine Bertagna’s absolute commitment to organic viticulture and asymptotic pursuit of perfection for almost six decades. A jewel of Bertagna’s 18 appellations, this Premier Cru Les Beaumonts 2016 embodies the harmonious balance between power and finesse. The long, slow vinification process in oak barrels bestows its complex bouquet accentuated by scents of wild cherries, violets and spiced chocolate. The velvety tannins and ripe fruit nuances linger on the palate, creating a wine that is not only deeply satisfying, but also emblematic of its illustrious terroir. Its consistent depth and refinement undoubtedly affirm Bertagna Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts 2016 as a grand cru in all but name. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£393.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)What intense aromas of cherries and raspberries! Then it turns to flowers and orange peel. Roses, too. This is really full and powerful with layers of ripe tannins. It’s super fine-tannined, but shows wonderful length and intensity. A great expression of Lamole in Chianti Classico with ancient vines. Some older than 100 years. Best ever? Superb. Try after 2024 and onwards. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£488.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (98)A very beautiful and thoughtful Testamatta with aromas of earth, terra cotta, black tea, and lavender. Full-bodied, very layered and extremely polished with superb, soft tannins. Racy and very long. Muscular and formed but very, very balanced. Gorgeous richness and depth. Shows balance and wonder. Try in 2020. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 20+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£1,150.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (20+)08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 20+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£795.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (20+)08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (TS) |
In Bond
£390.00 |
|||||
Tyson Stelzer (97)PN AYC18 is a showpiece for the expansive dimensions, intoxicating allure and purity of Aÿ pinot noir; a wonderfully characterful blanc de noirs that celebrates the sumptuous fruit generosity of 2018 and the purity and precision of this fabled cru. With the generous tones of a full straw hue and a blush tint, it ripples with grand fruit depth of red cherries and perfectly ripe plums. The magnificent depth of complexity that is Bollinger rumbles in deep reserves, reminiscent of fruit mince spice and dried nectarines. I love that it is so emphatically Aÿ, so intrinsically Bollinger, and yet all transposed with the transparency and delicious fruit generosity that is 2018. It holds fantastic, succulent allure on a very long finish; the ripeness of 2018 translating in supple, silky fruit generosity, yet in no way heavy or broad, beautifully energised by the fine chalk salinity and pure acid freshness that make Aÿ such a beloved place. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 93 (DC) |
In Bond
£355.00 |
|||||
Decanter (93)The nose is remarkably fine and complex, expressing scents of orchard fruit, white peach, apricot, and lemon with a touch of verbena. On the palate, the immediate impression is of a certain unctuosity providing great charm, and even the structure has round contours, but it seems to tighten on the chalky, airborne finish. The salinity that marked the previous two iterations of this PN series seems less present, with this one having more notes of pastry and hazelnuts as well as some zesty citrus, but airing adds an iodine-like tang. This is a Champagne that should pair well with fresh fish and shellfish dishes. 100% Pinot Noir. Dosage: 4 g/L. Disgorgement: January 2022. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 95 (RJH) |
In Bond
£523.00 |
|||||
Richard Juhlin (95)The presentation is brilliant and is reminiscent of the house's legendary blanc de noirs Bollinger ’Vieilles Vignes Françaises’….. A Verzenay blanc de noirs with sprinkles of Aÿ, Bouzy and Tauxières, where 50% of the wine comes from 2015 with reserve wines on magnum dating from 2009. Verzenay and Aÿ are, as you know, the dominant villages in Bollinger's vintage wines. Verzenay is often the chalky and mineral-rich backbone of Bollinger's vintage build-up. The wine is vibrantly fresh, mineral-driven and extremely pure. There is a clarity and sharpness that is outstanding, where gunpowder notes and aroma of grilled meat develop as the glass warms up slightly. I love this wine as it is a perfect creation from one of the most important villages in the whole of Champagne dominated by the aforementioned minerality, but also with notes of violet and red grapefruit so typical of Verzenay of the highest class. On aeration the scent develops more and more notes of pears, figs and freshly baked baguette and the taste develops towards peach and apricot jam. Personally, though, I will wait as long as I can before opening my own bottles to get the increasing depth of caramel and grilled hazelnut flavour that only time in the cellar can provide. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 95 (DC) |
In Bond
£417.00 |
|||||
Decanter (95)Produced exclusively from vineyards owned by Bollinger, this takes advantage of the dynamic equilibrium between the structured, robust Pinot Noir grape and a terroir that is late-ripening. Picking began on 25 September and delivered a wine with plenty of concentration and impressive freshness and balance, with expressive green apple fruit accented with notes of toast and smoke and a creamy, supple, and open texture. Dosed at 6 g/l. Disgorged in November 2020. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 3 | 96 (WS) |
In Bond
£165.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (96)This red is all about finesse, delivering superb balance and complexity, with cherry, raspberry, earth and wild herb aromas and flavors. Succulent and charming, yet with a solid base of tannins and vivid acidity, this remains focused through the long aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2042. 4,575 cases made, 3,000 cases imported. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 11 | 92 (WA) |
In Bond
£215.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (92)Bottled in February 2021 (no, that isn't a typo), Defaix's 2009 Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet wafts from the glass with aromas of honeycomb, golden orchard fruit, apricot, spices and dried white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, broad and satiny, it's a lively, saline wine that concludes with a delicately nutty finish. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 3 | 97+ (VN) |
In Bond
£14,250.00 |
|||||
Vinous (97+)The 2013 La Tâche Grand Cru is dazzling. Bright and nuanced, the 2013 sizzles with energy right out of the gate. The 2013 is just starting to open. Ideally, a few more years in the cellar would be helpful, but the 2013 is so inviting at this stage. This late-ripening year produced a La Tâche that bristles with tension. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 18 (JR) |
In Bond
£2,500.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Charmes and Mazoyères. Barrel sample – taken from a new barrel (70% new for the grands crus though they are starting to reduce this). Sweet oaky spice adding to the fruit spice. Thick texture from the oak but under that is a well of lovely fruit. Chewy texture. Not notably fresh but balanced and likely to ‘stretch’ and freshen with longer élevage. A powerhouse. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
£596.00 |
|||||
|
Savour the exquisite Esprit Leflaive Pouilly-Fuisse Le Clos Reyssier 2019, an exemplary expression of craftmanship from the iconic estate of Domaine Leflaive. Hailing from Macon region in Burgundy, this wine is cultivated on a unique limestone and clay terroir in Le Clos Reyssier. The 2019 vintage captures the essence of the vineyard, with meticulous bio-dynamic farming and traditional vinification in oak barrels lending depth and complexity to this Chardonnay. Under the visionary leadership of Brice de La Morandière and the winemaking prowess of Pierre Vincent, Esprit Leflaive Pouilly-Fuisse Le Clos Reyssier 2019 offers a harmonious blend of floral notes, stone fruit accents, and minerality. The palate presents a vibrant acidity balanced gracefully with a rich texture and a long, luxurious finish. Esprit Leflaive continues the Leflaive heritage of producing world-class wines, and this vintage is no exception. A heavenly experience undeniably awaits with each sip of the Esprit Leflaive Pouilly-Fuisse Le Clos Reyssier 2019. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
£543.00 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 20 | 94 (DC) |
In Bond
£250.00 |
|||||
Decanter (94)Great purity of fruit and a silky elegance on the palate that consistently surpasses the already-elevated norm for this village. This wine is a selection of the best parcels among the 26ha Faiveley owns in Gevrey (over 30 parcels). The wines that don't make the cut are sold to other négociants; the average ripeness of the wines that do are 13% alcohol. The grapes are mostly destemmed and fermented with very little punching down before being aged in cask (20% new). |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,473.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95)The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet of mixed red and black fruit and a faint touch of tomato vine. It becomes more floral with aeration. The palate has fine structure, and there’s some clever stem addition apparent here, lending this Clos Saint-Jacques a subtle leafy character. Focused with fine weight toward the finish, this is very persistent and quite saline on the aftertaste. Reserved, but the pedigree is undeniable. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 2 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
£407.50 |
|||||
James Suckling (96)A full-bodied Brunello with lots of plums and cherries, as well as orange-peel character. It’s creamy and round-textured. Soft and chewy tannins. Shows the warmth and ripeness of the 2017 vintage. Drink after 2023. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£253.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92)The NV Esprit Nature is a fabulous introduction to this range. Creamy, open-knit and so expressive, the Esprit Nature captures all of the textural intensity that is such a Giraud signature, but in an approachable style. The Esprit Nature is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay done mostly in oak, with a bit of sandstone amphora. This release is based on 2017, 50% reserve wines. Readers should note that the "Nature" is used here as part of the wine name, rather than an indication of dosage, which is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 21, 2020. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) |
In Bond
£795.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92-94)The 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches, matured in one-third new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet of cranberry and raspberry fruit with veins of cassis; later, brown spices emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, good depth and fine grip, perhaps just missing a little precision toward the finish but still very fine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 91-93 (VN) |
In Bond
£190.00 |
|||||
Vinous (91-93)The 2021 Marsannay Es Chezots has a lively, vibrant bouquet with pure Dorset plum and bilberry scents, light iris petal aromas. Very detailed. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-chiselled tannins, quite chalky in texture, perhaps a little compact but I feel this has something up its sleeve for later. Fournier's spiciest Marsannay. Great potential. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£490.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17.5)Despite being in its infancy, there is a lot to love about this already: perhaps the nose is reticent, but the palate has beautiful crunchy cherry and cranberry fruit with just a touch of black olive on the finish. There's dark chocolate and lovely hedgerow notes too, giving plenty of interest beyond fruit. Certainly not at its best just yet, but full of promise. |
|||||||||
|
|
Tuscany | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£110.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17.5)Panzano in Chianti. 100% Sangiovese grown at 450 m above sea level. Spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks and aged in large oak casks. Lustrous, youthful crimson. Deep dark and minerally cherry nose with hints of raspberries. Compact tangy cherry and raspberry fruit that really deepens on the palate while keeping its nervy intensity. Coating tannins complement the whole. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 99 (WE) |
In Bond
£5,785.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (99)In this great year for white Burgundy, Bâtard-Montrachet shines out as the epitome of balance between superb fruit and intense mineral and terroir characters. Its subtle touch of wood highlights the unctuous surface texture while just hinting at the steel sharpness of the structure beneath. Age this superb wine for at least 10 years. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
£310.00 |
|||||
|
|
Champagne | 3 | 99 (DC) |
In Bond
£1,130.00 |
|||||
Decanter (99)Created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II, Louis Roederer’s Cristal has since become a symbol of luxury all around the world. Produced only during the best years, it’s made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, the grapes coming from 45 of the finest lieux-dits in the region. 2013 was a late bloomer, with flowering only taking place in July after a cool spring. The summer was ideal with long periods of dry and warm weather. One third of the wine is aged in oak and there’s no malolactic fermentation. Vincenzo Arnese: Packed with elegant yet powerful aromas of ripe orchard trees that merge with brioche and dry cookies. This is a harmonious and well-defined Champagne with integrated residual sugar and astonishing acidity. Divine! Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW: Lemon coloured with a pink hue. Like a blanc de noirs, with cherries and white fruit aromas. Balanced and suave. Goes from less to more, with an exceptionally long and complex finish. Amanda Barnes: Appealing notes on the nose of pastry dough and apple tart that are very open. On the palate there’s beautiful concentration with lingering savoury notes. Minerally and sophisticated. Nominated by Peter Liem |
|||||||||
