Vinous (91-93)

Rarely do we encounter a wine as exquisite as the Bernard Dugat-Py Monthelie Tres Vieilles Vignes 2019. Exclusively sourced from the prized oldest vines of Burgundy's revered Monthelie commune, this French beauty elegantly exhibits complex earthy hues, layered with rich black fruits, spice and an underpinning minerality. Sidestepping modern oenological antics, Bernard Dugat-Py steadfastly honours traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques, particularly evident in this offering. Hand-harvested grapes undergo extended fermentation, maturing in high-quality French oak to enhance depth and structure. The product is a velvety Pinot Noir, enticingly aromatic, balanced and refined. The Dugat-Py family’s winemaking legacy, stretching back to the 12th century, permeates every delectable drop.

The Bernard Dugat-Py Monthelie Tres Vieilles Vignes 2021 is an exquisite red wine hailing from the heart of Burgundy, France. Adopting traditional winemaking methods, Bernard Dugat, the leading winemaker behind the label, matures the wine using old French oak barrels, enriching the wine with a sophisticated and distinct oak spiciness that complements its dark fruity notes.

The wine is sourced from the estate's oldest vines, some of which are over 80 years old, infused with deep-rooted Burgundian 'terroir'. This complex blend of age, environment and winemaking nous culminate in a balance of depth, structure, and finesse. On the palate, Bernard Dugat-Py Monthelie Tres Vieilles Vignes 2021 unfurls layers of blackberry, plum, and a hint of earthy truffle, underscored by a refined mineral-driven finish.

Savour this premium red wine, demonstrating the Bernard Dugat-Py estate's commitment to delivering a vinous symbol of tradition, craftsmanship and robust Burgundy characteristics.

Unearth the lifeblood of France's historic vineyards with the Bernard Dugat-Py Pernand-Vergelesse 1er Cru Sous Fretille 2020. This coveted creation by Bernard Dugat-Py, a heralded producer known for handcrafting Burgundy's most opulent wines, is marked for its expressive elegance and subtle complexity. Born from a meticulous terroir-focused approach, in the cool-climate Premier Cru vineyards of Pernand-Vergelesse, its concentrated flavours reveal the uniqueness of the 2020 vintage.

Unfolding with an alluring bouquet of yellow fruits and almond hints, the palate is a symphony of intensity captured in beautifully structured acidity and minerality. Customary hand-harvesting methods, wild yeast fermentation, and gentle maturation in French oak contribute to its authenticity. Indulge in the Bernard Dugat-Py Pernand-Vergelesse 1er Cru Sous Fretille 2020 - an artful embodiment of Burgundy's viticultural prowess.

The Bernard Dugat-Py Pommard Levriere 2020 is an exquisite wine, crafted by renowned winemaker Bernard Dugat-Py. Known for his artisan approach, every bottle reflects his commitment to purity, balance, and depth. Nestled in the heart of Pommard, in the picturesque Burgundy region of France, the vineyards produce high-quality Pinot Noir grapes. The 2020 vintage boasts a fantastic bouquet, with subtle nuances of ripe red berries and earthy undertones.

Meticulous attention to traditional winemaking techniques is evident, with biodynamic practices and stringent yield control. The delicate grapes are handpicked and undergo whole-cluster fermentation in oak casks. The wines are matured in barrel for up to 24 months, offering a rich, deep texture and complex, layered flavours.

The Bernard Dugat-Py Pommard Levriere 2020 is a phenomenal embodiment of Burgundian terroir and winemaking brilliance. It is certainly a wine to be savoured by any discerning connoisseur.

Experience the enticing complexity of Bernard Faurie Hermitage 2016. Produced in the prestigious Hermitage region of Northern Rhône, France, this exquisite wine is a quintessential expression of both the vintner's skill and the area's exceptional terroir. Steeped in tradition, Bernard Faurie's philosophy of non-interventionist wine-making allows the unique characteristics of each vineyard to shine through. The 2016 vintage spent two years ageing in old oak barrels, resulting in a bold expression of Syrah, its principal grape. Expect an intricate bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, alongside subtle hints of spice and mineral undertones. On the palate, this wine demonstrates both power and finesse, with solid tannins and vibrant acidity displaying a well-crafted structure and delightful freshness. A potential cellar candidate, Bernard Faurie Hermitage 2016 continues to improve with age, promising a gratifying sensory journey for the truly discerning oenophile. In short, it embodies the absolute pinnacle of Rhône winecraft.

Discover the exquisite Bernard Faurie Hermitage 2017, a delightful symphony of refined complexity from the celebrated Northern Rhône echelon. Born in the granitic soils of the Hermitage hill, this manifestation of Syrah enlightens the palate with its expressive, powerful flavours and velvety texture. Defying conventions, Bernard Faurie, a third-generation winemaker, produced this wine using century-old vines, meticulously harvested by hand and traditional vinification methods. The wine aged in 600 litre oak casks adds to its opulence, presenting enchanting notes of blackberries, crushed violets, and pepper. Discerning anise and liquorice undertones enhance its layered depth, culminating in an incredibly lingering finish. Rarely paralleled in stature, the Bernard Faurie Hermitage 2017 illustrates Faurie's assertion that 'The best winemaker is the one with the best grapes.' An unparalleled choice for collectors and hedonists alike.

For discerning palates, the Bernard Faurie Hermitage Bessard Meal 2009 is a marvel. This distinguished red Rhône wine of superb quality hails from the esteemed French vintner, Bernard Faurie. Faurie's ancestral roots trace back to five generations of meticulous vintners in the prestigious Hermitage region of Northern Rhône Valley. His laudable commitment to non-interventionist winemaking mirrors in this exquisite vintage.

Produced with precision from Syrah grapes grown in Faurie's 25-year-old vineyard on Bessards and Meal, this wine exhibits striking complexity. The 2009 vintage, an epitome of Faurie's winemaking acumen, spent 18-24 months ageing gracefully in old oak barrels, resulting in a balanced blend of power and elegance. Races of blackberry, spice, and smoked earth on the palate enhance its multilayered texture.

Widely hailed by leading wine publications for its captivating taste, approachability, and ageing potential, Bernard Faurie Hermitage Bessard Meal 2009 makes for a sublime addition to any connoisseur's collection.

Crafted by esteemed winemaker Bernard Faurie, Bernard Faurie Hermitage Bessard Meal 2018 is a thrilling fusion of finesse and potency. Nestled in the heart of the Rhône valley of France, Faurie meticulously tends his vines, a practice that reflects in the calibre of this truly remarkable wine. Produced at the apex of the Bessard and Meal slopes, the old Syrah vines, aged 50-70 years grow on deteriorated granite grounds, resulting in a full-bodied and elegant nectar.

This vintage is globally admired for its balanced structure, profound hues, delightful flavours of ripe fruit and captivating, spicy undertones. Utilising organic and traditional winemaking methods, Bernard Faurie Hermitage Bessard Meal 2018 is aged meticulously in oak barrels, which contributes to its sophisticated, layered complexity. Renowned for its excellent ageing potential, it offers a drinking experience that evolves splendidly over time. A choice exemplar for collectors and critics alike, Bernard Faurie Hermitage Bessard Meal 2018 is nothing short of a testament to the grandeur of French winemaking.

Revel in the excellence of Bernard Faurie Hermitage Bessard Meal 2020. Expert wine-maker Bernard Faurie crafted this rich Scarlata from the esteemed terroir of Hermitage Bessard, in the heart of the Rhone Valley, France. This admired area, boasting south-facing granite slopes, gifts the grapes with their complex mineral character. The wine's maturity exudes an impressive medley of blackberry, black currant, and raspberry flavours that are complemented by a hint of sweet spice. Produced meticulously from hand-selected Syrah grapes, following traditional methods including manual harvesting, spontaneous fermentation and maturation in neutral oak, this allows the fruit to express authentic Hermitage character. The Bernard Faurie Hermitage Bessard Meal 2020 displays the savoir-faire of its creator, exhibiting depth, elegance, and balance. It's certain to please the discerning palate of any fine wine connoisseur.

Indulge in the captivating harmony of the Bernard Gripa Saint Joseph 2020. Crafted in steep terraced vineyards of Northern Rhône, France, this wine exhibits Bernard Gripa's house style of crafting unique compositions. Marrying the concentrated dark fruit flavours, pepper and violet essence present in the grape Syrah, this wine speaks a language of poised elegance and remarkable depth.

Produced by a family-run château managed by Fabrice and his son Pierre, the Gripa estate is famed for its organic viticulture practices, which lend the wines a characteristic purity and exquisite character. The 2020 vintage was particularly refined due to a moderate climate that cherished a balanced growth cycle.

With distinct spicy nuances, captivating floral undertones and sophisticated tannin structure, the Bernard Gripa Saint Joseph 2020 showcases the excellence capable from esteemed French viticulture. A veritable jewel in the roster of Rhône wines, savour this wine for a truly unforgettable experience.

Vinous (93-94)

Vinous (93-94)

Vinous (94)

Vinous (92-94)

For the true aficionados amongst us, the Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2017 offers a sublime journey in a glass. Crafted in the esteemed Côte Rôtie region of northern Rhône, France, this red wine epitomises the family-run Levet estate's dedication to traditional winemaking. Famed for their organic viticulture and the employment of century-old vines, Levet nurtures clusters of Syrah and Viognier grapes in the steep, hard-granite Ampuis vineyards. Aged for 36 months in oak barrels, the Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2017 embodies the true resonance of its terroir.

Sip the wine to discover the distinctive peppery accent of Syrah, married harmoniously with the succulent, floral tones of Viognier. Revel in the intensity of dark fruit aromas and a velvety finish. Indubitably, the Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2017 invites the discerning palate to appreciate a masterstroke of French winemaking.

The Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2018 is a fine epitome of a perfectly crafted French red wine. Harvested from ancient Cote Rotie vineyards in the Rhone Valley, this variety stands out with its exceptional depth and complexity. Master winemaker Bernard Levet, renowned for his traditional vine-craft, does no less with this syrah grape vintage. Grown on steep shale slopes, the fruit and wine mature thoroughly, in old-oak barrels, for no less than three years. This is how it acquires its rich, robust texture and soft velvety finish. Striking for its aromatic blend of black fruit and spices, with mocca and herb traces, the Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2018 is a testimony to the art of fine winemaking. Full-bodied, it has a lasting finish that subtly enthrals the palate. A much-prized collectable, this wine earns its place in any astute connoisseur's cellar.

The Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2018 is a fine epitome of a perfectly crafted French red wine. Harvested from ancient Cote Rotie vineyards in the Rhone Valley, this variety stands out with its exceptional depth and complexity. Master winemaker Bernard Levet, renowned for his traditional vine-craft, does no less with this syrah grape vintage. Grown on steep shale slopes, the fruit and wine mature thoroughly, in old-oak barrels, for no less than three years. This is how it acquires its rich, robust texture and soft velvety finish. Striking for its aromatic blend of black fruit and spices, with mocca and herb traces, the Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2018 is a testimony to the art of fine winemaking. Full-bodied, it has a lasting finish that subtly enthrals the palate. A much-prized collectable, this wine earns its place in any astute connoisseur's cellar.

The Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2019 is an exceptional expression of Syrah, capturing the essence of the prestigious Cote Rotie appellation in the Rhone Valley of France. An artisanal wine produced by the esteemed Levet family who has been crafting distinguished Cote Rotie since the early 20th century. This Maestria is both rich and robust, fashioned from old-vine grapes cultivated on steep, granite-infused slopes to enhance the wine's distinctive intensity and complexity.

Following traditional winemaking methods, the harvest is fermented in concrete before a prolonged maturation in oak barrels for sublime structure. This results in a wine that elegantly balances opulent dark fruit notes with a vibrant minerality and savoury spice—underscored by refined tannins and a lingering finish. The Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2019 is a sublime testament to the Levet family's dedication, illustrating the finesse and age-worthiness for which their wines are globally revered.

The Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2021 is a remarkable example of Northern Rhône mastery, conjuring an impelling symphony of dark fruit notes, exotic spices and earthy nuances. The grapes are exclusively from Cote Rotie, richly steeped in granitic soil, which gifts the wine its distinctive character. Cultivated with organic viticulture practices, the hand-harvested Syrah and Viognier grapes reveal a labour of immense skill and dedication.

Bernard Levet, a family-operated domaine, is famed for its tradition of creating wines of intense depth and complexity. The Maestria 2021 embodies these qualities in a velvety delivery, laced with a mineral edge that hones the robust power of this wine. As the wine tapers to a finish, one can’t help but admire the flashback of pepper and clove nuances, a lasting testament to this wine’s impressive pedigree. To taste the Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Maestria 2021 is to savour a fine interpretation of French heritage in a glass.

For the discerning oenophile, the Magrez La Peyre 2017 is an exceptional vinous treasure direct from Bordeaux, a region synonymous with exceptional viticulture. Cultivated by esteemed vintner, Bernard Magrez, renown globally for his meticulous dedication to quality and excellence, this red blend evinces sublime harmony. The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are masterfully blended to construct a rich, bold tapestry of ripe fruit, refined tannins, and calibrated acidity.

The grapes are hand-harvested then aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months, infusing the wine with a delicate hint of vanilla that interlaces the robust blackcurrant and dark cherry notes. The process is a testament to Magrez's unwavering commitment to traditional techniques yet clever innovation, impacting the exceptional complexity and depth the Magrez La Peyre 2017 inherently possesses. This fine Bordeaux wine is a masterclass in strength, finesse and enduring elegance, a dream for collectors and enthusiasts alike.