France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)
The 2021 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a pretty significant departure from the past, as it is nearly pure Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, aristocratic wine, the 2021 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate and leather are some of the myriad nuances that develop with some aeration. The 2021 is so well balanced. The 100% new oak, often quite dominant in Ducru en primeur, is so well integrated, likely because lower alcohol extracted less oak imprint. The 2021 is a drop dead gorgeous wine, and a Ducru for the ages. Superb.Inc. VAT£1,130.09 -
Decanter (97)
Lovely vibrant purple colour in the glass. Smells fragrant and lifted, a combination of sweet and ripe and fresh blackcurrant and black cherries on the nose with a touch of dark chocolate. Smooth and so silky, but rich too, there’s depth and weight but not too much. I love the texture - grippy and filling no doubt, it coats the mouth with a crushed velvet texture, you feel the ripeness but there’s such lift and effortless purity of fruit that it feels fresh too. No extra fat, but equally it’s not too lean, not strict at all, where many are. Not hollow, not light, there’s no let up. Juicy cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with lots of liquorice on the finish. Feels well crafted. Maybe not as immediately moreish as some, but this is really well made. Feels elegant and stylish.7pH. 89 IPT. Ageing 18 months, 100% new oak. 12% press.Inc. VAT£921.89 -
Decanter (97)
Lovely vibrant purple colour in the glass. Smells fragrant and lifted, a combination of sweet and ripe and fresh blackcurrant and black cherries on the nose with a touch of dark chocolate. Smooth and so silky, but rich too, there’s depth and weight but not too much. I love the texture - grippy and filling no doubt, it coats the mouth with a crushed velvet texture, you feel the ripeness but there’s such lift and effortless purity of fruit that it feels fresh too. No extra fat, but equally it’s not too lean, not strict at all, where many are. Not hollow, not light, there’s no let up. Juicy cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with lots of liquorice on the finish. Feels well crafted. Maybe not as immediately moreish as some, but this is really well made. Feels elegant and stylish.7pH. 89 IPT. Ageing 18 months, 100% new oak. 12% press.Inc. VAT£457.94 -
Decanter (97)
Lovely vibrant purple colour in the glass. Smells fragrant and lifted, a combination of sweet and ripe and fresh blackcurrant and black cherries on the nose with a touch of dark chocolate. Smooth and so silky, but rich too, there’s depth and weight but not too much. I love the texture - grippy and filling no doubt, it coats the mouth with a crushed velvet texture, you feel the ripeness but there’s such lift and effortless purity of fruit that it feels fresh too. No extra fat, but equally it’s not too lean, not strict at all, where many are. Not hollow, not light, there’s no let up. Juicy cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with lots of liquorice on the finish. Feels well crafted. Maybe not as immediately moreish as some, but this is really well made. Feels elegant and stylish.7pH. 89 IPT. Ageing 18 months, 100% new oak. 12% press.Inc. VAT£915.89 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)
The 2017 Duluc de Branaire-Ducru is a plump, juicy Saint-Julien to drink now and over the next few years, while the red and purplish berry fruit remains bright. Forward fruit and soft, silky tannins add to the wine's open-knit, inviting personality. Tasted two times.Inc. VAT£618.58 -
Inc. VAT£212.09 -
Few wines perfectly capture their vintage year, yet the exquisite Glana 1998 rises to the occasion effortlessly. Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux, this remarkable red wine is a testament to superior winemaking. The Glana 1998 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged in fine-grain French oak barrels, exhibiting a delicate balance of finesse and depth.
Its producer, Château du Glana, is renowned for its emphasis on traditional vineyard management, typically harvesting by hand to ensure superior quality. Glana 1998 offers an impressively complex bouquet of ripe dark fruits, plush notes of leather and hints of spice, earning considerable praise in fine wine circles.
Decanting for several hours allows Glana 1998 to truly express its majestic palette, making it perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift for a discerning collector. Experience Bordeaux at its finest with the sublime Glana 1998.
Inc. VAT£499.49 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2017 du Glana has a well defined and focused bouquet with blackberry, cedar and light tobacco aromas. There is elegance and refinement here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity with a pinch of black pepper towards the finish. Whilst not the most high profile Saint-Julien property, this du Glana is impressive and might represent the "insiders’ choice".Inc. VAT£213.29 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2019 du Glana is a bold, juicy Saint-Julien. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, leather and menthol flesh out in an exotic, flashy Saint-Julien. Although Glana is quite racy in style, it retains a mid-weight sense of structure that is hugely appealing. Readers will find a decidedly forward style.Inc. VAT£213.29 -
James Suckling (94)
Rich and decadent on the nose, with exotic fruits, spices and incense. Full body, with so much wonderful chocolate, fruit and velvety tannins. It's a joy to taste now, but will give even more pleasure in years to come. Best ever from here and one of the best values of the vintage. Try after 2018.Inc. VAT£715.27 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2010 Gloria has a very attractive and quite intense bouquet with a surfeit of blackberry and wild strawberry scents, cedar and light seaweed coming through with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with supple but firm tannins framing the pure blackberry and bilberry fruit, laced with black pepper and clove. Very complex, very focused and very precise on the finish, this is an outstanding 2010 Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.Inc. VAT£716.47 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2015 Gloria is another Saint-Julien that has improved over the last 12 months. It has a bolder and more exuberant bouquet than some of its peers, featuring lush blackberry and blueberry fruit and revealing a touch of iodine and crushed violet with aeration. The medium-bodied palate displays supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and very pure fruit intensity (black cherries, bilberry and boysenberry), although it clams shut toward the finish. Slightly more modern in style than its peers, this should still age with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.Inc. VAT£438.04 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2016 Gloria is one of the undisputed stars of this vintage. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity in all of its dimensions. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, menthol, licorice and dried rose petal all add complexity. In 2016 Gloria is a real head-turner. It should be a fabulous value as well. There is not much else to say.Inc. VAT£456.04 -
Wine Spectator (93-96)
There's lots here, with raspberry, blackberry, currant and blueberry fruit all playing a role, along with lively briar and licorice snap notes. An apple wood frame keeps the elements in line.Inc. VAT£290.44 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Tasted blind. Complex nose with savoury layers. Aromatic ink. Smooth and polished. Lovely balance with really lively energy. Nothing forced. Very long. Almost pretty!Inc. VAT£563.47 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Tasted blind. Complex nose with savoury layers. Aromatic ink. Smooth and polished. Lovely balance with really lively energy. Nothing forced. Very long. Almost pretty!Inc. VAT£235.24 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very focused and poised with blackberry, blackcurrant and graphite character. It’s full-to medium-bodied with racy tannins and a long, dynamic finish. Will be interesting to see if 2020 is better than 2019.Inc. VAT£446.47 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very focused and poised with blackberry, blackcurrant and graphite character. It’s full-to medium-bodied with racy tannins and a long, dynamic finish. Will be interesting to see if 2020 is better than 2019.Inc. VAT£284.44 -
James Suckling (92-93)
I like the firmness and polish to this, with medium body, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. Racy and refined.Inc. VAT£338.69 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94-96)
The 2022 Gloria was picked from 12-26 September and matured in 40% new oak, slightly less than the Saint-Pierre. It has a perfumed, floral nose with crushed violet infusing the black cherry and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous tannins that belie the structure underneath. With pure fruit and well-judged acidity, this 2022 is sensual with a persistent and lightly spiced finish. Superb.Inc. VAT£397.49 -
James Suckling (93-94)
Blackberries and blueberries with stone and sandalwood undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and refined. Long finish. Solid and rather muscular. Could move up a notch.Inc. VAT£374.98 -
James Suckling (93-94)
Blackberries and blueberries with stone and sandalwood undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and refined. Long finish. Solid and rather muscular. Could move up a notch.Inc. VAT£187.49 -
Inc. VAT£794.40 -
Wine Advocate (98)
A massive wine that is clearly of first-growth quality in this vintage, the 1982 Gruaud Larose remains a youngster. A broodingly dense, thick, unctuously textured, inky/plum/garnet/purple color offers up scents of beef blood, steak tartare, cassis, herbs, tobacco, and underbrush. One of the most concentrated wines of the vintage (as well as one of the most concentrated Bordeaux’s I have ever tasted), it is a huge, full-bodied, weighty, rich wine whose tannins are getting silkier and silkier. It appears set for another 30-40 years of life. This behemoth is a singularly profound example of Gruaud Larose that continues to justify its legendary status. Anticipated maturity: now-2050. Release price: ($140.00/case)Inc. VAT£4,679.27 -
Wine Advocate (98)
A massive wine that is clearly of first-growth quality in this vintage, the 1982 Gruaud Larose remains a youngster. A broodingly dense, thick, unctuously textured, inky/plum/garnet/purple color offers up scents of beef blood, steak tartare, cassis, herbs, tobacco, and underbrush. One of the most concentrated wines of the vintage (as well as one of the most concentrated Bordeaux’s I have ever tasted), it is a huge, full-bodied, weighty, rich wine whose tannins are getting silkier and silkier. It appears set for another 30-40 years of life. This behemoth is a singularly profound example of Gruaud Larose that continues to justify its legendary status. Anticipated maturity: now-2050. Release price: ($140.00/case)Inc. VAT£745.20 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (88)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc): Bright medium-deep red. Minerals and herbs lift delicate red berry and floral aromas. Enters the mouth fresh, suave and sweet, then turns slightly hollow in the middle, showing clean flavors of red cherry, tobacco and licorice. Finishes with surprising lingering sweetness for a so-so vintage. This charming, medium-bodied wine only lacks a little flesh for a higher score. This was a pleasant surprise in this vertical tasting and should make a very good restaurant wine.Inc. VAT£1,044.58 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (91+)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; IPT 74; 13% alcohol): Dark ruby. Deep, brooding nose hints at dark plum, blackcurrant, coffee and lavender accented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Enters bright and fresh, then turns richer in the middle, with accessible plum, herb and coffee flavors persisting nicely on the peppery finish, which features chewy tannins. This is at once more herbal and more forward than the 1995. It's also better than I remember it, and although still quite young it offers plenty of appeal. The wine's harmonious acidity makes it seem lighter-bodied than it is. About 40% of the malolactic fermentation was carried out in barriques, compared to a normal one-third. Note that the label states 12.5% alcohol, but the data given to me by the estate shows 13% alcohol.Inc. VAT£487.22 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100Inc. VAT£1,962.07 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100Inc. VAT£976.80 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.Inc. VAT£709.24
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)
The 2021 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a pretty significant departure from the past, as it is nearly pure Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, aristocratic wine, the 2021 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate and leather are some of the myriad nuances that develop with some aeration. The 2021 is so well balanced. The 100% new oak, often quite dominant in Ducru en primeur, is so well integrated, likely because lower alcohol extracted less oak imprint. The 2021 is a drop dead gorgeous wine, and a Ducru for the ages. Superb.In Bond£922.50 -
Decanter (97)
Lovely vibrant purple colour in the glass. Smells fragrant and lifted, a combination of sweet and ripe and fresh blackcurrant and black cherries on the nose with a touch of dark chocolate. Smooth and so silky, but rich too, there’s depth and weight but not too much. I love the texture - grippy and filling no doubt, it coats the mouth with a crushed velvet texture, you feel the ripeness but there’s such lift and effortless purity of fruit that it feels fresh too. No extra fat, but equally it’s not too lean, not strict at all, where many are. Not hollow, not light, there’s no let up. Juicy cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with lots of liquorice on the finish. Feels well crafted. Maybe not as immediately moreish as some, but this is really well made. Feels elegant and stylish.7pH. 89 IPT. Ageing 18 months, 100% new oak. 12% press.In Bond£749.00 -
Decanter (97)
Lovely vibrant purple colour in the glass. Smells fragrant and lifted, a combination of sweet and ripe and fresh blackcurrant and black cherries on the nose with a touch of dark chocolate. Smooth and so silky, but rich too, there’s depth and weight but not too much. I love the texture - grippy and filling no doubt, it coats the mouth with a crushed velvet texture, you feel the ripeness but there’s such lift and effortless purity of fruit that it feels fresh too. No extra fat, but equally it’s not too lean, not strict at all, where many are. Not hollow, not light, there’s no let up. Juicy cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with lots of liquorice on the finish. Feels well crafted. Maybe not as immediately moreish as some, but this is really well made. Feels elegant and stylish.7pH. 89 IPT. Ageing 18 months, 100% new oak. 12% press.In Bond£372.00 -
Decanter (97)
Lovely vibrant purple colour in the glass. Smells fragrant and lifted, a combination of sweet and ripe and fresh blackcurrant and black cherries on the nose with a touch of dark chocolate. Smooth and so silky, but rich too, there’s depth and weight but not too much. I love the texture - grippy and filling no doubt, it coats the mouth with a crushed velvet texture, you feel the ripeness but there’s such lift and effortless purity of fruit that it feels fresh too. No extra fat, but equally it’s not too lean, not strict at all, where many are. Not hollow, not light, there’s no let up. Juicy cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with lots of liquorice on the finish. Feels well crafted. Maybe not as immediately moreish as some, but this is really well made. Feels elegant and stylish.7pH. 89 IPT. Ageing 18 months, 100% new oak. 12% press.In Bond£744.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)
The 2017 Duluc de Branaire-Ducru is a plump, juicy Saint-Julien to drink now and over the next few years, while the red and purplish berry fruit remains bright. Forward fruit and soft, silky tannins add to the wine's open-knit, inviting personality. Tasted two times.In Bond£477.00 -
In Bond£157.50
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Few wines perfectly capture their vintage year, yet the exquisite Glana 1998 rises to the occasion effortlessly. Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux, this remarkable red wine is a testament to superior winemaking. The Glana 1998 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged in fine-grain French oak barrels, exhibiting a delicate balance of finesse and depth.
Its producer, Château du Glana, is renowned for its emphasis on traditional vineyard management, typically harvesting by hand to ensure superior quality. Glana 1998 offers an impressively complex bouquet of ripe dark fruits, plush notes of leather and hints of spice, earning considerable praise in fine wine circles.
Decanting for several hours allows Glana 1998 to truly express its majestic palette, making it perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift for a discerning collector. Experience Bordeaux at its finest with the sublime Glana 1998.
In Bond£397.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2017 du Glana has a well defined and focused bouquet with blackberry, cedar and light tobacco aromas. There is elegance and refinement here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity with a pinch of black pepper towards the finish. Whilst not the most high profile Saint-Julien property, this du Glana is impressive and might represent the "insiders’ choice".In Bond£158.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2019 du Glana is a bold, juicy Saint-Julien. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, leather and menthol flesh out in an exotic, flashy Saint-Julien. Although Glana is quite racy in style, it retains a mid-weight sense of structure that is hugely appealing. Readers will find a decidedly forward style.In Bond£158.50 -
James Suckling (94)
Rich and decadent on the nose, with exotic fruits, spices and incense. Full body, with so much wonderful chocolate, fruit and velvety tannins. It's a joy to taste now, but will give even more pleasure in years to come. Best ever from here and one of the best values of the vintage. Try after 2018.In Bond£564.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2010 Gloria has a very attractive and quite intense bouquet with a surfeit of blackberry and wild strawberry scents, cedar and light seaweed coming through with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with supple but firm tannins framing the pure blackberry and bilberry fruit, laced with black pepper and clove. Very complex, very focused and very precise on the finish, this is an outstanding 2010 Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.In Bond£565.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2015 Gloria is another Saint-Julien that has improved over the last 12 months. It has a bolder and more exuberant bouquet than some of its peers, featuring lush blackberry and blueberry fruit and revealing a touch of iodine and crushed violet with aeration. The medium-bodied palate displays supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and very pure fruit intensity (black cherries, bilberry and boysenberry), although it clams shut toward the finish. Slightly more modern in style than its peers, this should still age with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.In Bond£349.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2016 Gloria is one of the undisputed stars of this vintage. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity in all of its dimensions. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, menthol, licorice and dried rose petal all add complexity. In 2016 Gloria is a real head-turner. It should be a fabulous value as well. There is not much else to say.In Bond£364.00 -
Wine Spectator (93-96)
There's lots here, with raspberry, blackberry, currant and blueberry fruit all playing a role, along with lively briar and licorice snap notes. An apple wood frame keeps the elements in line.In Bond£226.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Tasted blind. Complex nose with savoury layers. Aromatic ink. Smooth and polished. Lovely balance with really lively energy. Nothing forced. Very long. Almost pretty!In Bond£437.50 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Tasted blind. Complex nose with savoury layers. Aromatic ink. Smooth and polished. Lovely balance with really lively energy. Nothing forced. Very long. Almost pretty!In Bond£180.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very focused and poised with blackberry, blackcurrant and graphite character. It’s full-to medium-bodied with racy tannins and a long, dynamic finish. Will be interesting to see if 2020 is better than 2019.In Bond£340.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very focused and poised with blackberry, blackcurrant and graphite character. It’s full-to medium-bodied with racy tannins and a long, dynamic finish. Will be interesting to see if 2020 is better than 2019.In Bond£221.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
I like the firmness and polish to this, with medium body, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. Racy and refined.In Bond£263.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94-96)
The 2022 Gloria was picked from 12-26 September and matured in 40% new oak, slightly less than the Saint-Pierre. It has a perfumed, floral nose with crushed violet infusing the black cherry and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous tannins that belie the structure underneath. With pure fruit and well-judged acidity, this 2022 is sensual with a persistent and lightly spiced finish. Superb.In Bond£312.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
Blackberries and blueberries with stone and sandalwood undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and refined. Long finish. Solid and rather muscular. Could move up a notch.In Bond£274.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
Blackberries and blueberries with stone and sandalwood undertones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and refined. Long finish. Solid and rather muscular. Could move up a notch.In Bond£137.00 -
Inc. VAT£794.40
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Wine Advocate (98)
A massive wine that is clearly of first-growth quality in this vintage, the 1982 Gruaud Larose remains a youngster. A broodingly dense, thick, unctuously textured, inky/plum/garnet/purple color offers up scents of beef blood, steak tartare, cassis, herbs, tobacco, and underbrush. One of the most concentrated wines of the vintage (as well as one of the most concentrated Bordeaux’s I have ever tasted), it is a huge, full-bodied, weighty, rich wine whose tannins are getting silkier and silkier. It appears set for another 30-40 years of life. This behemoth is a singularly profound example of Gruaud Larose that continues to justify its legendary status. Anticipated maturity: now-2050. Release price: ($140.00/case)In Bond£3,870.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
A massive wine that is clearly of first-growth quality in this vintage, the 1982 Gruaud Larose remains a youngster. A broodingly dense, thick, unctuously textured, inky/plum/garnet/purple color offers up scents of beef blood, steak tartare, cassis, herbs, tobacco, and underbrush. One of the most concentrated wines of the vintage (as well as one of the most concentrated Bordeaux’s I have ever tasted), it is a huge, full-bodied, weighty, rich wine whose tannins are getting silkier and silkier. It appears set for another 30-40 years of life. This behemoth is a singularly profound example of Gruaud Larose that continues to justify its legendary status. Anticipated maturity: now-2050. Release price: ($140.00/case)Inc. VAT£745.20 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (88)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc): Bright medium-deep red. Minerals and herbs lift delicate red berry and floral aromas. Enters the mouth fresh, suave and sweet, then turns slightly hollow in the middle, showing clean flavors of red cherry, tobacco and licorice. Finishes with surprising lingering sweetness for a so-so vintage. This charming, medium-bodied wine only lacks a little flesh for a higher score. This was a pleasant surprise in this vertical tasting and should make a very good restaurant wine.In Bond£832.00 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (91+)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; IPT 74; 13% alcohol): Dark ruby. Deep, brooding nose hints at dark plum, blackcurrant, coffee and lavender accented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Enters bright and fresh, then turns richer in the middle, with accessible plum, herb and coffee flavors persisting nicely on the peppery finish, which features chewy tannins. This is at once more herbal and more forward than the 1995. It's also better than I remember it, and although still quite young it offers plenty of appeal. The wine's harmonious acidity makes it seem lighter-bodied than it is. About 40% of the malolactic fermentation was carried out in barriques, compared to a normal one-third. Note that the label states 12.5% alcohol, but the data given to me by the estate shows 13% alcohol.In Bond£398.00 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100In Bond£1,603.00 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100Inc. VAT£976.80 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.In Bond£575.00
