Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

James Suckling (91-92)

James Suckling (91-92)

Clair Dau Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 1978 is a mature red from France’s Burgundy, sourced from the Bonnes Mares Grand Cru terroir. In this late-1970s vintage, extended bottle age is the defining feature: expect tertiary complexity rather than primary fruit, with savoury, sous-bois nuances, dried rose, game, tea leaf and truffle notes, and a palate shaped by softened tannins and gentle, lingering acidity.

Production details for this bottling are not consistently documented in globally recognised reference sources, so we avoid speculation regarding cépage, élevage, or specific vineyard practice. What can be stated with confidence is that Bonnes Mares is celebrated for delivering structure allied to aromatic finesse, and 1978 has entered its fully evolved phase. For collectors seeking authenticity and nuance, Clair Dau Bonnes Mares Grand Cru offers a rare opportunity to explore Grand Cru Burgundy at peak maturity.

Experience the exquisite 'Claire et Florent Bejon Pain Perdu Cabernet Franc VdF 2021, an emblem of artisan winemaking from the soil-rich vineyards of central France. Crafted by winemaker duo Claire and Florent Bejon, this wine reflects their philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for nature. The Cabernet Franc grapes are meticulously selected from old vines, manually harvested and naturally fermented without the use of any additives or preservatives.

Boasting an inviting ruby hue, this wine presents an intricate aroma profile of ripe red fruits, underlying earthy tones, and a distinct floral note. The palate is beautifully balanced, filled with nuances of crunchy red fruit, fresh acidity, and fine tannins that effortlessly meld into a swathe of profound, lingering flavour.

Exemplifying the famed 'Vin de France' designation, the 'Claire et Florent Bejon Pain Perdu Cabernet Franc VdF 2021' is a compelling testament to timeless viticulture.

Claire Naudin, Aloxe-Corton 2020 exemplifies the elegance and depth characteristic of this esteemed Burgundy appellation. Crafted from meticulously selected Pinot Noir grapes grown in the renowned terroir of Aloxe-Corton, this vintage benefits from the region’s limestone-rich soils and optimal microclimate. Under Claire Naudin's expert stewardship, traditional vinification techniques are employed, including hand harvesting and careful fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing the wine to express its purest flavours. The 2020 vintage showcases a refined bouquet of red berries, subtle earthiness, and delicate spice notes, complemented by a velvety tannic structure and vibrant acidity. Aged gracefully in French oak barrels, it achieves a harmonious balance between fruit intensity and elegant complexity. Claire Naudin’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and artisanal winemaking ensures that each bottle of Aloxe-Corton 2020 delivers exceptional quality and a true representation of Burgundy’s finest expressions.

Claire Naudin, Aloxe-Corton 2021 exemplifies the quintessence of Burgundy's renowned terroir. Crafted from meticulously selected Pinot Noir grapes harvested from the esteemed Aloxe-Corton Grand Cru vineyards, this vintage showcases the producer's unwavering commitment to excellence. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by maturation in French oak barrels, the wine exhibits a harmonious balance between vibrant fruit character and sophisticated complexity. Claire Naudin, a distinguished vintner with a deep respect for traditional viticulture, employs sustainable practices to preserve the vineyard's integrity. The 2021 vintage presents an alluring bouquet of red berries, subtle spice, and earthy undertones, culminating in a silky, elegant finish. Ideal for discerning connoisseurs, Claire Naudin, Aloxe-Corton 2021 is a testament to Burgundy's enduring legacy and exceptional craftsmanship.

As an apex example of Burgundy's sublime craft, Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2018 is an exquisite portrayal of vintner mastery. Handmade by the renowned Claire Naudin, who heads the Domaine Naudin-Ferrand, this wine bears the unmistakable touch of its origin- the revered vineyards of Hautes Côtes de Beaune. Meticulously cultivated and selectively harvested Pinot Noir grapes, aged for a year in older barrels under traditional organic principles, imbue this wine with an unparalleled joie de vivre. The Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2018 greets your palate with enticing hints of spicy red fruit, layered with notes of forest floor and a balanced minerality. Its delicately silky tannins offer an elegant finish, making this wine a peerless companion to a thoughtful meal. Truly, the Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2018 is a testament to the rich, comforting, and transformative spirit of Burgundy's viticulture.

Experience the pure elegance of Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2019. Brought to us by the maven of Burgundy wines, Claire Naudin, this wine is expressions of dedication from the vine to the bottle. Produced in the heart of Hautes-Côtes de Beaune in Burgundy, this wine features a blend of hand-selected, ripe Chardonnay grapes that have been matured in French oak barrels. This boutique winemaking method has resulted in a wine that is deeply concentrated, yet perfectly balanced. Bright with notes of green apple, honey, and brioche, Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2019 is distinctive in its vibrant acidity and finish that lingers, revealing layers of entrancing complexity. Perfect for those intimate gatherings or just a cosy night indoors. Make no mistake, Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2019 is a stupendous feat of winemaking genius and speaks volumes of the unparalleled commitment to quality and tradition that Claire Naudin is so well-regarded for.

Experience the harmonious blend of distinct fruit character and complex spice in the Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2020. This Burgundy gem is brought to life by Claire Naudin, a third-generation vigneron who meticulously employs biodynamic practices in vineyards situated in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. Claire's philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery accentuates the pure expression of terroir in their wines.

This 2020 variant entwines the indigenous Aligoté grape's crispness with subtle citrus undertones, echoing the vineyard’s limestone and marl soils. Fermentation and ageing are conducted in used oak barrels, enhancing the wine's texture while preserving its vivacious character. Exceptional balance of acidity and minerality brings vitality to its linear, clean finish.

Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2020 showcases Claire's unwavering commitment to authenticity and typicity, offering a remarkable drinking experience for those seeking a unique Burgundy white. A testament to fine winemaking, this vintage is a profound piece of Burgundian artistry.

Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2021 epitomises the pinnacle of fine winemaking from the esteemed Loire Valley. Crafted by the visionary Claire Naudin, this exceptional wine is produced using sustainably farmed Chardonnay grapes sourced from meticulously tended vineyards. The harvest is conducted by hand to ensure only the finest berries are selected, followed by a delicate pressing process that preserves the wine’s purity and finesse. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, enhancing the wine’s vibrant acidity and expressive fruit flavours. Aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, Galanthus Nivalis 2021 develops subtle notes of citrus zest, white flowers, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of richness and freshness, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Claire Naudin Galanthus Nivalis 2021 is a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and complexity in a finely crafted white wine.

Immerse in the pleasures of the exceptional Henri Naudin-Ferrand Nuits-Saint-George 1er Cru Damodes 2016. Made by renowned vintner Henri Naudin-Ferrand, this prestigious Burgundy red embodies the richness of its French terroir. Crafted in Nuits-Saint-George, a beloved commune in Côte de Nuits, this wine reverberates with quality and tradition. Naudin-Ferrand's respect for natural practices delivers a wine revels in its origins, displaying an eloquent expression of nuanced Pinot Noir grapes.

Each outline yields to an opulent, yet balanced palate - rife with deep, dark fruits and subtly-contrasting spice. Aging for 18 months in French oak barrels brings matured refinement and whispers of complex layers yet to unfold. Henri Naudin-Ferrand Nuits-Saint-George 1er Cru Damodes 2016 is a wine to be savoured slowly, unfurling a symphony of earthy sophistication from first scent to lasting finish. An ideal choice for seasoned aficionados and collectors alike.

A spirit of salience among fine wine connoisseurs, the Henri Naudin-Ferrand Nuits-Saint-George 1er Cru Damodes 2018 is a benchmark in Burgundy viticulture. Envisioned by the venerable French wine producer Clair Naudin, based in the heartland of Burgundy, this crowning jewel of the vines showcases lineage steeped in craftsmanship and terroir fidelity.

As a luminous testament to 'low-intervention' winemaking techniques, this wine radiates with the essence of the vineyard, a hillside close to the town of Nuits-Saint-George. Hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes are meticulously matured in oak barrels to achieve an exquisite blend of ripe red fruit flavours and complex earthy undertones, presented in a fine structure of tannin and length.

Laced with elegant dark berry notes, the Henri Naudin-Ferrand Nuits-Saint-George 1er Cru Damodes 2018 is a charismatic contender among high echelon wines, beguiling in its aromatic allure and seductively captivating to the palate.

Jeb Dunnuck (94)

Stemming from the prestigious vineyards of Cataluña, Spain is the captivating Clandestin Les Revers Brut Nature 2020. This artisanal organic wine, carefully crafted by the renowned viniculturist, Cellier des Demoiselles, boasts a meticulous method reminiscent of ancient wine practices. Femme viticole Unà, the mastermind behind these exceptional craft wines, focuses on preserving the natural integrity of the grapes, producing varietals that vibrate intensity and complexity.

The Clandestin Les Revers Brut Nature 2020 is an exceptional blend of traditional Catalan white grapes: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. Delicate hints of crisp apple, quince, and floral undertones distinguish its palate, beautifully rounded off by an alluring, bready yeastiness from its lengthy secondary fermentation. This zero-dosage sparkling wine, left undisgorged bestows a beautifully natural taste, remaining truthful to its terroir. Its finesse and sophistication authenticate this wine as an outstanding embodiment of Cataluña's wine tradition. Clandestin Les Revers Brut Nature 2020 is most definitely a wine for the discerning palate.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

Immerse yourself in the exquisite experience that is the Clandestin Les Semblables Boreal Brut Nature 2021. This masterful blend was meticulously crafted in the heart of the Gascony wine region in Southwestern France. Clandestin, a sustainable winery known for its natural and organic approach to wine-making, has produced a wine that embodies complexity and delicacy. This Boreal Brut Nature is a testament to the sheer brilliance of their devotion to authenticity.

Made from Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes, it reflects the perfect balance between richness and freshness. The vinification process is carefully carried out using only native yeasts, and without any added sulphites, reflecting the true character of the terroir. The Clandestin Les Semblables Boreal Brut Nature 2021 teases the palate with seductive notes of ripe fruit, subtly followed by a pleasing mineral undertone. Savour this vintage that is a reflection of meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional quality, making every sip an affair to remember.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)

Wine Advocate (90-92)

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

Immerse yourself in the delectable charm of Clau De Nell Anjou Grolleau 2017. Harvested from vineyards in the lush region of Loire Valley, France, this enticing wine embodies the spirit of its maker, Anne-Claude Leflaive. The winery's commitment to biodynamic viticulture, combined with their meticulous and unhurried winemaking process, has yielded this artisanal gem. The handpicked Grolleau grapes, aged under natural corks, imbue the wine with crimson hue and a bouquet of vivacious red fruit accented with a hint of earthy undertones. Its subtle mineral edge speaks of the schist and rhyolite soils that have nurtured it. Clau De Nell Anjou Grolleau 2017 is incredibly flexible, gastronomically, making it a treasured addition to any wine collection. Savour the craftsmanship and heritage that resounds in each glass of this sumptuously textured, biodynamically-farmed creation, echoing the virtue of its acclaimed maker.

Experience the exquisite taste of Clau de Nell Anjou Grolleau 2018, a distinctive red wine with a vibrant character. Delicately crafted by celebrated winemaker Anne-Claude Leflaive, this wine comes from the resplendent vineyards of Anjou, a coveted winemaking region within the prestigious Loire Valley, often hailed as the 'Garden of France'. The meticulously selected Grolleau grapes were hand-harvested, manually sorted, and aged in oak, flawlessly embodying the domain's organic and biodynamic principles. This prodigious production method has resulted in an elegant wine brimming with aromas of ripe red berries and subtle hints of earthiness, leading to a lively, buoyant palate.

Its vibrant acidity and purity of fruit make the Clau de Nell Anjou Grolleau 2018 perfect for those with a palate for nature's authenticity. This wine is not simply a testament to Anne-Claude's profound winemaking legacy, but also a celebration of the natural diversity and richness found in Anjou's terroir. Experience its intricate depth and finesse today.

The Clau de Nell Cabernet Franc 2017 heralds from the esteemed Anjou region of Loire Valley, France. An exquisite example of venerable wine maker Anne-Claude Leflaive and her husband Christian Jacques's biodynamic principles, this offering is a testament to their devoted craftsmanship. This ruby-red delight rewards the discerning palate with a complex symphony of red fruits, complemented by evocative notes of graphite and bell pepper. Each grape is hand-picked and the vinification process warrants special mention: fermentation transpires naturally in oak vats over a low-temperature, extended period, thus preserving the nuanced flavours. The wine matures for a further 12 months in the same oak vats before bottling. Mouth-filling, elegant, and vibrant with a lingering finish, the Clau de Nell Cabernet Franc 2017 is an embodiment of its terroir's character, exhibiting a perfect blend of fruit, acidity, and tannin. A sublime companion to red meat dishes and an alluring addition to your collection.

James Suckling (94)

Indulge your senses with the captivating Clau de Nell Cuvee Violette 2014, an exquisite Cabernet Franc made in Loire Valley, France. Expertly produced by Clau de Nell, a notable winery respected for its dedication to biodynamic practices, this wine stands out for its remarkable complexity and depth. The winemaker, Anne-Claude Leflaive, ensures the terroire shines through by hand-picking the grapes at perfect maturity to capture their natural sweetness. During fermentation, native yeasts are used to maintain the wine's inherent character.

The result of this diligently executed process is a luxurious wine boasting an elegant nose adorned with floral notes interlaced with just a hint of wild strawberries. On the palate, the Clau de Nell Cuvee Violette 2014 expresses soft, ‘crunchy’ tannins that sing harmoniously with the vibrant fruity undertones and a persistent finish. Truly a testament to the incredible quality of wines emerging from this esteemed Loire Valley estate.

Wine Advocate (93)

Vinous (88-89)

Vinous (85-87)

Vinous (89)