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Vinous (92)
Light, bright yellow. Sexy aromas of orange, poached pear and violet, with a hint of vanilla bean. Juicy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy orchard and pit fruit flavors and a refreshingly bitter note of quinine. Finishes on a smoky note, with very good clarity and precision.Inc. VAT£2,597.50 -
Vinous (94)
Saturated magenta. Expansive aromas of ripe red and blue fruit, potpourri, incense and smoky minerals pick up a spicy nuance as the wine opens up. Broad and seamless in the mouth, displaying fine delineation to the sappy, mineral-drenched black raspberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors. Shows a distinctly elegant character and finishes extremely long and sweet, with discreet tannins framing lingering blue fruit and floral notes.Inc. VAT£303.20 -
(6x75cl) 2018Vinous (95-96)
Mineral- and smoke-accented red and dark berries, candied licorice and pungent flowers on the intensely perfumed nose. Densely packed, appealingly sweet cherry, blueberry, mulberry and spicecake flavors are supported by an undercurrent of smoky minerality that provides back-end lift and cut. Shows a suave floral quality on the impressively persistent finish, which is shaped by smooth tannins. There's a deft mix of power and finesse here.Inc. VAT£1,277.92 -
(6x75cl) 2019Decanter (100)
To attempt to describe the aroma, star anise and sandalwood would be suitable descriptors - but this is so pure and harmonious that this really smells of nothing other than itself. Perfectly weighted, perfectly balanced, with the most incredibly elegant tannins. This wine gave me goosebumps to taste, it’s hauntingly beautiful, the soul of Côte-Rôtie in a glass. It has everything you could hope for in a Côte-Rôtie, it’s pure perfection. It's rare for young wines to deliver such emotion.Inc. VAT£1,439.98 -
Indulge your senses with a rare taste of the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990. A superb vintage from an esteemed producer, this French delight is beautifully matured in oak barrels, boasting complex aromas of ripe fruit and spices that give way to subtly earthy undertones. Hailing from the prestigious Crozes-Hermitage appellation in Northern Rhone Valley, the wine features Syrah grapes that are meticulously hand-harvested.
This stimulating vintage is a testament to Alain Graillot's exceptional winemaking methodology. Founded in 1985, Graillot's winery quickly gained acclaim for producing high-quality, distinctive wines. This offering, the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990, truly embodies the Graillot house style - it is robust yet approachable, with elegant tannins and fullness of flavour.
Painstakingly vinified and patiently aged, the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990 is indeed a luscious specimen, deserving a place in the finest of cellars.
Inc. VAT£790.54 -
(6x150cl) 2016Vinous (94)
Opaque ruby. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, olive, potpourri and incense, and exotic spice and mineral notes build steadily with air. Sweet, focused and penetrating on the palate, offering intense, spice-tinged boysenberry, cherry preserve and violet pastille flavors braced by a core of juicy acidity. Blends concentration and energy with a deft hand and finishes with superb, gently tannic persistence.Inc. VAT£676.40 -
(12x75cl) 2017Vinous (94)
Opaque ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, olive and allspice aromas are energized by a suave floral overtone. Fleshy, juicy and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black currant, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors that tighten up with aeration. Densely packed yet energetic as well, finishing with sharp delineation, steadily building tannins and excellent persistence.Inc. VAT£612.77 -
Vinous (94)
Inky ruby. Heady blackberry, cherry and olive scents show excellent definition and a smoky mineral flourish. Densely packed but energetic black and blue fruit liqueur flavors are complemented by a candied violet flourish; an exotic spice nuance emerges with air. Shows excellent concentration and no excess weight, finishing with bright mineral cut, harmonious tannins and floral-driven persistence.Inc. VAT£637.44 -
(12x75cl) 2019Vinous (95)
Glass-staining ruby. Cassis, cherry-cola, olive paste, exotic spices and pungent flowers on the highly expressive nose. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to its sweet black and blue fruit, allspice, salty olive and candied violet flavors, which take on a mineral aspect with air. Youthfully chewy tannins add grip to an impressively long and focused finish that emphatically repeats the floral and mineral notes. I've no doubt that this wine will reward patience, and my drinking window is probably overly conservative.Inc. VAT£581.54 -
(6x150cl) 2019Vinous (95)
Glass-staining ruby. Cassis, cherry-cola, olive paste, exotic spices and pungent flowers on the highly expressive nose. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to its sweet black and blue fruit, allspice, salty olive and candied violet flavors, which take on a mineral aspect with air. Youthfully chewy tannins add grip to an impressively long and focused finish that emphatically repeats the floral and mineral notes. I've no doubt that this wine will reward patience, and my drinking window is probably overly conservative.Inc. VAT£850.02 -
Vinous (94)
The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude outperforms the 2022 in a landslide. Precise black cherry, red plum, cedar and pencil shaving come alive in the glass. Full-bodied, polished and complex, the 2020 engages the palate with ample personality and spot-on balance. It terminates with outstanding length on the fresh, savory finish. This is Crozes-Hermitage at its finest.Inc. VAT£587.80 -
Vinous (94)
The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude outperforms the 2022 in a landslide. Precise black cherry, red plum, cedar and pencil shaving come alive in the glass. Full-bodied, polished and complex, the 2020 engages the palate with ample personality and spot-on balance. It terminates with outstanding length on the fresh, savory finish. This is Crozes-Hermitage at its finest.Inc. VAT£681.67 -
(6x75cl) 2015Vinous (92)
Brilliant violet. A complex bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits and floral pastilles, along with licorice, cracked pepper and olive accents. Fleshy and energetic in the mouth, offering intense boysenberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors supported by a spine of zesty acidity. Rich yet surprisingly lively in style. Finishes gently sweet and very long, revealing slow-building tannins and a late jolt of cracked pepper.Inc. VAT£364.32 -
(12x75cl) 2016Vinous (93)
Brilliant purple. Fresh black currant and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cracked pepper, smoky bacon, olive and succulent flowers. Supple, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors show very good depth and turn livelier with air. A bright mineral element adds lift and vibrant cut to the long, floral-dominated and youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a hint of candied violet behind.Inc. VAT£611.04 -
(6x75cl) 2016Vinous (93)
Brilliant purple. Fresh black currant and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cracked pepper, smoky bacon, olive and succulent flowers. Supple, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors show very good depth and turn livelier with air. A bright mineral element adds lift and vibrant cut to the long, floral-dominated and youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a hint of candied violet behind.Inc. VAT£309.12 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Made by Emmanuelle Verset and coming from a mix of Mazard, Champelrose, La Côte, Les Côtes, and Reynard, the 2021 Cornas was not destemmed and spent 15 months in a mix of used barrels and larger vessels. Coming from a cooler year, it has a semi-opaque ruby hue as well as a classic perfume of juicy darker berries, peppery herbs, underbrush, violets, and assorted floral nuances. All about finesse and elegance on the palate, it's medium-bodied, has supple, refined tannins, beautiful overall balance, and outstanding length. I wasn't able to taste this estate during my trip through the Rhône but was able to source a bottle (magnum no less) stateside. This impeccably made Cornas will evolve for 15+ years if well stored.Inc. VAT£504.41 -
Inc. VAT£787.61 -
Vinous (92)
Opaque ruby. Vibrant and sharply focused on the nose, displaying intense dark berry and floral scents complicated by suggestions of olive, pungent flowers and smoky minerals. Juicy, concentrated and gently sweet, offering sappy cherry and black currant flavors that become more lively and spicy with air. Shows excellent power and spicy thrust on an impressively long, youthfully tannic finish, leaving notes of dark berry liqueur and allspice behind.Inc. VAT£743.80 -
Vinous (93)
(no new oak) Opaque ruby. Ripe dark berries, cherry cola, olive and candied flowers on the highly perfumed nose; a smoky element adds complexity. Energetic blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors show excellent clarity, and a hint of licorice gains strength with air. The floral-accented finish shows impressive clarity, and supple tannins fold quickly into the intense dark fruit.Inc. VAT£107.33 -
Vinous (93)
Lurid ruby. Aromas of ripe dark berries and pungent flowers are lifted by intense mineral and peppery spice flourishes. Spicy and focused on the palate, offering intense blackberry and violet pastille flavors and salty olive and violet nuances. Puts on weight with air while maintaining vivacity. Finishes bright, smooth and impressively long, displaying excellent clarity, harmonious tannins and building spiciness.Inc. VAT£102.12 -
Decanter (95)
This smells liked the baked slopes of Cornas; sun-warmed pine needles and dusty herbs, with a dab of tarry black fruit within. It has that raw, blood and iron Cornas character, backed by some slightly earthy, resinous scents. Full-bodied, it has a lovely freshness on the palate. It's mineral and tannic, bristling and writhing, with significant but not oversized savoury tannins on the finish. A good pick this year, especially as it will be good in its youth but also age well.Inc. VAT£612.70 -
Decanter (95)
This smells liked the baked slopes of Cornas; sun-warmed pine needles and dusty herbs, with a dab of tarry black fruit within. It has that raw, blood and iron Cornas character, backed by some slightly earthy, resinous scents. Full-bodied, it has a lovely freshness on the palate. It's mineral and tannic, bristling and writhing, with significant but not oversized savoury tannins on the finish. A good pick this year, especially as it will be good in its youth but also age well.Inc. VAT£92.66 -
Vinous (93)
Glass-staining ruby. Mineral-accented cherry and dark berry scents, along with hints of smoked meat, violet and cracked pepper. Broad, fleshy cassis and bitter cherry flavors show very good depth and take on a smoky nuance on the back half. In an ample but lively style, with solid floral thrust and smooth tannins that frame the persistent finish.Inc. VAT£873.10 -
Vinous (94)
Bright purple. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice and pungent flowers pick up a floral nuance as the wine opens up. Plush cassis and blackberry flavors are braced by a spine of juicy acidity, and a cracked pepper flourish adds spicy cut to the back half. Becomes sweeter with air and features a hint of cola on the long, smoky finish, which features harmonious tannins and lingering florality.Inc. VAT£553.44 -
(3x150cl) 2020Vinous (94)
Deep, brilliant ruby. Vibrant, smoke-accented dark berries, candied flowers, licorice and olive are showcased on the perfumed nose. Sappy, penetrating and chewy in the mouth, offering gently sweet blackberry, cherry-cola and baking spice flavors that show sharp definition and mineral lift. Expressive and lively in style, with polished tannins building steadily on a very long, floral-accented finish. Roughly 20% whole clusters.Inc. VAT£268.32 -
(6x75cl) 2020Vinous (94)
Deep, brilliant ruby. Vibrant, smoke-accented dark berries, candied flowers, licorice and olive are showcased on the perfumed nose. Sappy, penetrating and chewy in the mouth, offering gently sweet blackberry, cherry-cola and baking spice flavors that show sharp definition and mineral lift. Expressive and lively in style, with polished tannins building steadily on a very long, floral-accented finish. Roughly 20% whole clusters.Inc. VAT£274.84 -
Wine Advocate (97)
I was thrilled to see the 2012 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines still showing so well as I was blown away by it last year. A sensational effort and one of the top wines in the vintage, it offers beautiful black raspberry and cassis notes to go with ample chocolate, violets, licorice and hints of minerality. Big, full-bodied, sexy and voluptuously textured, with awesome purity of fruit, it will seem more classic Cornas with short-term cellaring and have 20+ years of overall longevity.Inc. VAT£156.53 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Only produced in top vintages (this is the first since 2012), the 2015 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines comes from 80-year-old vines within the La Fontaine lieu-dit. It's a tough wine to evaluate at this stage, as it's quite closed and reticent on the nose, showing some crushed-stone notes and typical granite-based austerity, but on the palate it shows great purity of fruit and vigor. It's full-bodied but tight-laced, focused on driving through the long finish like a thoroughbred down the stretch. Give it at least 5 years in the cellar.Inc. VAT£801.58 -
Vinous (96)
Opaque ruby. Powerful, spice- and mineral-accented black and blue fruit preserve scents show superb focus and pick up smoked meat, olive and potpourri nuances with air. Sappy, deeply concentrated and energetic as well, offering juicy, spice-driven cassis, blueberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that are firmed by a core of smoky minerality. Blends power and finesse with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and minerally, with steadily building tannins and resonating blue fruit and floral notes. Made with one-third whole clusters.Inc. VAT£162.53 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
Derived from the lieu-dit La Fontaine, which boasts multiple orientations—northeast, east and south—this cuvée is not produced every vintage; for example, 2021 was blended into the Vieilles Vignes. The 2022 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines evokes a complex, dense and vibrant bouquet of spices, dark wild berries, mulberries and flowers. Full-bodied, satiny and dense, the wine features a deep, fleshy core of fruit, velvety tannins and a long, aromatic and lively finish. Fermented with 30% whole bunches and matured in new barrels, I suspect it will emerge as the king of the cellar after 10 to 15 years of aging.Inc. VAT£140.52
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Vinous (92)
Light, bright yellow. Sexy aromas of orange, poached pear and violet, with a hint of vanilla bean. Juicy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy orchard and pit fruit flavors and a refreshingly bitter note of quinine. Finishes on a smoky note, with very good clarity and precision.In Bond£2,126.00 -
Vinous (94)
Saturated magenta. Expansive aromas of ripe red and blue fruit, potpourri, incense and smoky minerals pick up a spicy nuance as the wine opens up. Broad and seamless in the mouth, displaying fine delineation to the sappy, mineral-drenched black raspberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors. Shows a distinctly elegant character and finishes extremely long and sweet, with discreet tannins framing lingering blue fruit and floral notes.In Bond£250.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Vinous (95-96)
Mineral- and smoke-accented red and dark berries, candied licorice and pungent flowers on the intensely perfumed nose. Densely packed, appealingly sweet cherry, blueberry, mulberry and spicecake flavors are supported by an undercurrent of smoky minerality that provides back-end lift and cut. Shows a suave floral quality on the impressively persistent finish, which is shaped by smooth tannins. There's a deft mix of power and finesse here.In Bond£1,045.36 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Decanter (100)
To attempt to describe the aroma, star anise and sandalwood would be suitable descriptors - but this is so pure and harmonious that this really smells of nothing other than itself. Perfectly weighted, perfectly balanced, with the most incredibly elegant tannins. This wine gave me goosebumps to taste, it’s hauntingly beautiful, the soul of Côte-Rôtie in a glass. It has everything you could hope for in a Côte-Rôtie, it’s pure perfection. It's rare for young wines to deliver such emotion.In Bond£1,180.00 -
Indulge your senses with a rare taste of the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990. A superb vintage from an esteemed producer, this French delight is beautifully matured in oak barrels, boasting complex aromas of ripe fruit and spices that give way to subtly earthy undertones. Hailing from the prestigious Crozes-Hermitage appellation in Northern Rhone Valley, the wine features Syrah grapes that are meticulously hand-harvested.
This stimulating vintage is a testament to Alain Graillot's exceptional winemaking methodology. Founded in 1985, Graillot's winery quickly gained acclaim for producing high-quality, distinctive wines. This offering, the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990, truly embodies the Graillot house style - it is robust yet approachable, with elegant tannins and fullness of flavour.
Painstakingly vinified and patiently aged, the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990 is indeed a luscious specimen, deserving a place in the finest of cellars.
In Bond£645.00 -
(6x150cl) 2016
Vinous (94)
Opaque ruby. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, olive, potpourri and incense, and exotic spice and mineral notes build steadily with air. Sweet, focused and penetrating on the palate, offering intense, spice-tinged boysenberry, cherry preserve and violet pastille flavors braced by a core of juicy acidity. Blends concentration and energy with a deft hand and finishes with superb, gently tannic persistence.In Bond£527.84 -
(12x75cl) 2017
Vinous (94)
Opaque ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, olive and allspice aromas are energized by a suave floral overtone. Fleshy, juicy and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black currant, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors that tighten up with aeration. Densely packed yet energetic as well, finishing with sharp delineation, steadily building tannins and excellent persistence.In Bond£472.16 -
Vinous (94)
Inky ruby. Heady blackberry, cherry and olive scents show excellent definition and a smoky mineral flourish. Densely packed but energetic black and blue fruit liqueur flavors are complemented by a candied violet flourish; an exotic spice nuance emerges with air. Shows excellent concentration and no excess weight, finishing with bright mineral cut, harmonious tannins and floral-driven persistence.In Bond£494.00 -
(12x75cl) 2019
Vinous (95)
Glass-staining ruby. Cassis, cherry-cola, olive paste, exotic spices and pungent flowers on the highly expressive nose. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to its sweet black and blue fruit, allspice, salty olive and candied violet flavors, which take on a mineral aspect with air. Youthfully chewy tannins add grip to an impressively long and focused finish that emphatically repeats the floral and mineral notes. I've no doubt that this wine will reward patience, and my drinking window is probably overly conservative.In Bond£447.42 -
(6x150cl) 2019
Vinous (95)
Glass-staining ruby. Cassis, cherry-cola, olive paste, exotic spices and pungent flowers on the highly expressive nose. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to its sweet black and blue fruit, allspice, salty olive and candied violet flavors, which take on a mineral aspect with air. Youthfully chewy tannins add grip to an impressively long and focused finish that emphatically repeats the floral and mineral notes. I've no doubt that this wine will reward patience, and my drinking window is probably overly conservative.In Bond£676.29 -
Vinous (94)
The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude outperforms the 2022 in a landslide. Precise black cherry, red plum, cedar and pencil shaving come alive in the glass. Full-bodied, polished and complex, the 2020 engages the palate with ample personality and spot-on balance. It terminates with outstanding length on the fresh, savory finish. This is Crozes-Hermitage at its finest.In Bond£454.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude outperforms the 2022 in a landslide. Precise black cherry, red plum, cedar and pencil shaving come alive in the glass. Full-bodied, polished and complex, the 2020 engages the palate with ample personality and spot-on balance. It terminates with outstanding length on the fresh, savory finish. This is Crozes-Hermitage at its finest.In Bond£536.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Vinous (92)
Brilliant violet. A complex bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits and floral pastilles, along with licorice, cracked pepper and olive accents. Fleshy and energetic in the mouth, offering intense boysenberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors supported by a spine of zesty acidity. Rich yet surprisingly lively in style. Finishes gently sweet and very long, revealing slow-building tannins and a late jolt of cracked pepper.In Bond£285.00 -
(12x75cl) 2016
Vinous (93)
Brilliant purple. Fresh black currant and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cracked pepper, smoky bacon, olive and succulent flowers. Supple, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors show very good depth and turn livelier with air. A bright mineral element adds lift and vibrant cut to the long, floral-dominated and youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a hint of candied violet behind.In Bond£472.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016
Vinous (93)
Brilliant purple. Fresh black currant and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cracked pepper, smoky bacon, olive and succulent flowers. Supple, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors show very good depth and turn livelier with air. A bright mineral element adds lift and vibrant cut to the long, floral-dominated and youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a hint of candied violet behind.In Bond£239.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Made by Emmanuelle Verset and coming from a mix of Mazard, Champelrose, La Côte, Les Côtes, and Reynard, the 2021 Cornas was not destemmed and spent 15 months in a mix of used barrels and larger vessels. Coming from a cooler year, it has a semi-opaque ruby hue as well as a classic perfume of juicy darker berries, peppery herbs, underbrush, violets, and assorted floral nuances. All about finesse and elegance on the palate, it's medium-bodied, has supple, refined tannins, beautiful overall balance, and outstanding length. I wasn't able to taste this estate during my trip through the Rhône but was able to source a bottle (magnum no less) stateside. This impeccably made Cornas will evolve for 15+ years if well stored.In Bond£379.00 -
In Bond£615.00
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Vinous (92)
Opaque ruby. Vibrant and sharply focused on the nose, displaying intense dark berry and floral scents complicated by suggestions of olive, pungent flowers and smoky minerals. Juicy, concentrated and gently sweet, offering sappy cherry and black currant flavors that become more lively and spicy with air. Shows excellent power and spicy thrust on an impressively long, youthfully tannic finish, leaving notes of dark berry liqueur and allspice behind.In Bond£584.00 -
Vinous (93)
(no new oak) Opaque ruby. Ripe dark berries, cherry cola, olive and candied flowers on the highly perfumed nose; a smoky element adds complexity. Energetic blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors show excellent clarity, and a hint of licorice gains strength with air. The floral-accented finish shows impressive clarity, and supple tannins fold quickly into the intense dark fruit.In Bond£86.00 -
Vinous (93)
Lurid ruby. Aromas of ripe dark berries and pungent flowers are lifted by intense mineral and peppery spice flourishes. Spicy and focused on the palate, offering intense blackberry and violet pastille flavors and salty olive and violet nuances. Puts on weight with air while maintaining vivacity. Finishes bright, smooth and impressively long, displaying excellent clarity, harmonious tannins and building spiciness.Inc. VAT£98.40 -
Decanter (95)
This smells liked the baked slopes of Cornas; sun-warmed pine needles and dusty herbs, with a dab of tarry black fruit within. It has that raw, blood and iron Cornas character, backed by some slightly earthy, resinous scents. Full-bodied, it has a lovely freshness on the palate. It's mineral and tannic, bristling and writhing, with significant but not oversized savoury tannins on the finish. A good pick this year, especially as it will be good in its youth but also age well.In Bond£472.00 -
Decanter (95)
This smells liked the baked slopes of Cornas; sun-warmed pine needles and dusty herbs, with a dab of tarry black fruit within. It has that raw, blood and iron Cornas character, backed by some slightly earthy, resinous scents. Full-bodied, it has a lovely freshness on the palate. It's mineral and tannic, bristling and writhing, with significant but not oversized savoury tannins on the finish. A good pick this year, especially as it will be good in its youth but also age well.In Bond£74.00 -
Vinous (93)
Glass-staining ruby. Mineral-accented cherry and dark berry scents, along with hints of smoked meat, violet and cracked pepper. Broad, fleshy cassis and bitter cherry flavors show very good depth and take on a smoky nuance on the back half. In an ample but lively style, with solid floral thrust and smooth tannins that frame the persistent finish.In Bond£689.00 -
Vinous (94)
Bright purple. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice and pungent flowers pick up a floral nuance as the wine opens up. Plush cassis and blackberry flavors are braced by a spine of juicy acidity, and a cracked pepper flourish adds spicy cut to the back half. Becomes sweeter with air and features a hint of cola on the long, smoky finish, which features harmonious tannins and lingering florality.In Bond£424.00 -
(3x150cl) 2020
Vinous (94)
Deep, brilliant ruby. Vibrant, smoke-accented dark berries, candied flowers, licorice and olive are showcased on the perfumed nose. Sappy, penetrating and chewy in the mouth, offering gently sweet blackberry, cherry-cola and baking spice flavors that show sharp definition and mineral lift. Expressive and lively in style, with polished tannins building steadily on a very long, floral-accented finish. Roughly 20% whole clusters.In Bond£205.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020
Vinous (94)
Deep, brilliant ruby. Vibrant, smoke-accented dark berries, candied flowers, licorice and olive are showcased on the perfumed nose. Sappy, penetrating and chewy in the mouth, offering gently sweet blackberry, cherry-cola and baking spice flavors that show sharp definition and mineral lift. Expressive and lively in style, with polished tannins building steadily on a very long, floral-accented finish. Roughly 20% whole clusters.In Bond£213.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
I was thrilled to see the 2012 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines still showing so well as I was blown away by it last year. A sensational effort and one of the top wines in the vintage, it offers beautiful black raspberry and cassis notes to go with ample chocolate, violets, licorice and hints of minerality. Big, full-bodied, sexy and voluptuously textured, with awesome purity of fruit, it will seem more classic Cornas with short-term cellaring and have 20+ years of overall longevity.In Bond£127.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Only produced in top vintages (this is the first since 2012), the 2015 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines comes from 80-year-old vines within the La Fontaine lieu-dit. It's a tough wine to evaluate at this stage, as it's quite closed and reticent on the nose, showing some crushed-stone notes and typical granite-based austerity, but on the palate it shows great purity of fruit and vigor. It's full-bodied but tight-laced, focused on driving through the long finish like a thoroughbred down the stretch. Give it at least 5 years in the cellar.In Bond£648.00 -
Vinous (96)
Opaque ruby. Powerful, spice- and mineral-accented black and blue fruit preserve scents show superb focus and pick up smoked meat, olive and potpourri nuances with air. Sappy, deeply concentrated and energetic as well, offering juicy, spice-driven cassis, blueberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that are firmed by a core of smoky minerality. Blends power and finesse with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and minerally, with steadily building tannins and resonating blue fruit and floral notes. Made with one-third whole clusters.In Bond£132.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
Derived from the lieu-dit La Fontaine, which boasts multiple orientations—northeast, east and south—this cuvée is not produced every vintage; for example, 2021 was blended into the Vieilles Vignes. The 2022 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines evokes a complex, dense and vibrant bouquet of spices, dark wild berries, mulberries and flowers. Full-bodied, satiny and dense, the wine features a deep, fleshy core of fruit, velvety tannins and a long, aromatic and lively finish. Fermented with 30% whole bunches and matured in new barrels, I suspect it will emerge as the king of the cellar after 10 to 15 years of aging.In Bond£114.00
Chateauneuf du Pape, in the Rhone, pioneered the Appellation Controlee system by drawing up the first rules in 1923 regulating production, providing a prototype for others. This regulated yields, alcohol levels and what grapes could be grown where. The Rhone has gone through a resurgence with more of its appellations distinctive identities being asserted and respected.
