Region
Region
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Scotland | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£165.60 |
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Savour the taste of excellence with the Lagavulin 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Special Release 20 NV - a true epitome of the finest spirit from Scotland. Produced on the rocky shores of the Island of Islay, this special edition malt is crafted with precision within the historic walls of the Lagavulin distillery. As part of their annual special release, this Scotch exhibits an assertive character with a robust depth. Captivating the essence of first-fill American oak casks, it brings a surge of fruity sweetness tempered by delicate smoky facet. The natural woodiness and peat smoke mature harmoniously, enhancing the malt's intrinsic richness. Lagavulin's meticulous craftsmanship and time-honoured maturation process lend the complexity and unwavering quality to this spirit. Award yourself with the Lagavulin 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Special Release 20 NV - a whiskey that showcases a tremendous balance of smoke, fruit, and maritime flavours - a true connoisseur's delight. |
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Mosel | 10 | - |
Inc. VAT
£318.80 |
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Crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, Von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett Nr19 Auktion 2016 hails from the esteemed slopes of the Abtsberg vineyard in the Mosel region. For centuries, this estate, under the stewardship of the illustrious Von Schubert family, has produced some of Germany's most celebrated Rieslings. The terroir features a unique blue Devonian slate that imparts unparalleled depth and minerality. The 2016 vintage stands as a testament to their heritage, having garnered high praise from renowned wine publications. Its lively acidity and youthful fruitiness combine with subtle hints of spice and an exquisite, lasting finish that becomes more complex as it matures. From vineyard to bottle, Von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett Nr19 Auktion 2016 is a stunning representation of fine Mosel Riesling and a true delight for discerning oenophiles. |
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Rheinhessen | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£520.69 |
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Vinous (94)White peach, apple and lime are accented by their pits and seeds as well as by raw hazelnut on a soaring nose that anticipates the infectious juiciness, glowing piquancy and bittersweet depth of the silken palate. As usual, there is sheer refreshment here, as well as transparency to mineral and herbal elements of which the corresponding Höllberg – impressive though it is in its overtly dense, more opaque way – can only dream. The finishing interaction of myriad fruit and mineral elements is almost kaleidoscopic and reveals a strikingly tactile dimension to its vibrant impingements of chalk, pepper and peach kernel. |
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Rheinhessen | 2 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£435.49 |
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Vinous (94)White peach, apple and lime are accented by their pits and pits as well as by raw almond on an enticing nose highly reminiscent of that exhibited by the corresponding 2016. Scents of Ceylon tea and spring beauty (Claytonia) add inner-mouth allure. The feel is flatteringly silken, notwithstanding the persistence of stimulating piquancy. Infectious juiciness, along with an invigoratingly tactile, active sense of crystalline stony impingement, dramatically sets this wine’s vibrant, bell-clear finish apart from that of its Höllberg sibling. |
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Rheinhessen | 3 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£435.49 |
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Vinous (93)An intriguing mélange of stony, marine and herbal notes emerges on the nose. Mustard seed, lemon zest and marjoram further one’s anticipation of a pungent palate performance featuring active, tactile impingements, and that is what one gets – in spades. Sappy concentration of white peach serves for sensual satisfaction that persists into a vibrant, invigoratingly smoky, zesty and incisive but also consummately refreshing finish. “I’m especially happy that this Heerkretz exhibits such precision and is so little recognizable as a 2018,” remarked Wagner. |
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Rheinhessen | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£435.49 |
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Experience the refined elegance of Wagner-Stempel Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020, an embodiment of the fine vineyards of Rheinhessen, Germany. Produced by the esteemed Wagner-Stempel winery, noted for their biodynamic cultivation and meticulous grape selection, this exceptional Riesling reflects uncompromising quality and finesse. Fortifying steep volcanic soil with deep-rooted diverse flora and organic compost, they cultivate in harmony with nature. Harvested manually in late autumn to achieve optimum ripeness, the wine undergoes meticulous fermentation and maturation within traditional oak barrels. The result is a sublime blend of citrus, tropical fruits, and refined minerality, tinged with a characteristic petrol note. On the palate, it is impressively precise, focused, and enduring. The Wagner-Stempel Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020 is undeniably a benchmark Riesling, and a testament to the Wagner-Stempel's passion for unrivalled excellence in winemaking. |
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Rheinhessen | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£435.49 |
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Cherish the delights of the Wagner-Stempel Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2021, a refinement crafted under the trusted Wagner-Stempel label, located in Germany's revered Rheinhessen region. This delectable offering, made from 100% Riesling varietal, narrates the enchanting essence of its land of origin - the exceptional south-facing Heerkretz vineyard. This Grosses Gewachs, or 'Great Growth', wine is vinified using traditional methods, with an emphasis on manual harvesting to ensure optimal quality of the hand-selected, ripe grapes. Following spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel vats, it undergoes prolonged maturation on lees to develop its complex character. The 2021 vintage unveils an intoxicating nose of minerals, citrus and white fruit, with an alluring, full-bodied palate highlighted by pronounced minerality and refreshing acidity. Its long, lingering finish signifies a superb cellaring potential. A truly remarkable ode to German viticulture, the Wagner-Stempel Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2021 will marvel the discerning oenophile. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£118.13 |
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Vinous (94)The 2019 Raaigras, pure Grenache including 15% stems, has a vibrant bouquet of red cherry and strawberry scents, demonstrating a little more presence than Badenhorst’s other reds. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, crisp red berry fruit and a liberal sprinkling of white pepper. The whole bunch addition lends more presence and density compared to other cuvées from Badenhorst, and there is superb length. The standout this year. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£88.13 |
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Vinous (93)The 2021 Grenache Raaigras comes from vines planted in 1952, fully-destemmed and fermented in conical concrete vats. With dark cherries and raspberry coulis on the nose, this feels very cohesive with light slatey notes becoming more prominent with time. The palate is well balanced with a little chewiness on the entry, white pepper and touches for garrigues towards the persistent finish. Excellent. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£88.13 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£97.73 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£92.93 |
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Western Cape | 1 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£111.86 |
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Wine Advocate (93)The 2013 Cartology Bush Vines is a blend of 88% Chenin Blanc and 12% Semillon. The bouquet is very well-defined with great clarity, very reminiscent of the 2011, opening up with aeration to reveal subtle scents of lemon curd, apricot, honeysuckle and Mirabelle. The palate is well-balanced, harmonious in the mouth, everything understated at first, but it builds nicely toward a taut, saline finish. This seems more aligned to the 2012 than the 2011 and it deserves at least one or two years in bottle. Succinct is the word that comes to mind - and that is not an easy attribute to instill into a wine. |
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Western Cape | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£110.52 |
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Vinous (94)The 2014 Cartology has a different bouquet compared to the 2012 and 2013: more complexity here with linden, orange zest, yellow flowers and a touch of chalk dust (perhaps with just a touch of botrytis.) The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, hints of mango and yellow plum, lemon curd, ginger and a touch of spice on the finish. This is more forward than the 2012 and 2013, a subtle nuttiness emerging with time. Tasted at the Alheit seminar with Chris Alheit in London. |
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Western Cape | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£280.69 |
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Vinous (93)The 2018 Cartology, a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Sémillon this year, is whole-cluster-pressed with no SO2 addition, and matured in used oak. It has a well defined, pure bouquet of dried honey, yellow flower, honeysuckle and lanolin aromas that instantly seduce the senses. The palate is beautifully balanced with a slightly oily-textured opening, the intensity deftly counterbalanced by the fine bead of acidity, and a discreet spiciness toward the finish. This is very harmonious and persistent, an effortless Cartology that should age with style. Superb. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£262.32 |
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Vinous (96)The 2021 Hemelrand Vine Garden is one of Chris Alheit's biggest successes and encapsulates everything great about his wine. Initially quite neutral, it reveals wondrous sea spray, honeysuckle, Provençal herbs and hints of powdered chalk on the nose. The palate has exquisite balance, very cohesive and intense, yet the acidity keeps this so fresh with hints of yellow plum, frangipane and quince towards the extended finish. You just want to go back for another sip (and I bet you will). |
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Western Cape | 10 | 93 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£181.09 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)Herafter Here is Chris Alheit's biggest-production Chenin Blanc, made from five different sources in Stellenbosch and the Swartland. The vines are mostly younger, producing a wine that's comparatively immediate, with a nice interplay between peach an green apple fruit and impressive brightness for a 2022 release. |
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Western Cape | 1 | 94 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£140.29 |
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Tim Atkin MW (94)Hereafter Here is what Chris Alheit calls a "young vineyard wine" although it contains older material from the Paardeberg and Tygerberg too. Blended with a splash of Semillon from Franschhoek, it's a total bargain in the range, with a nice interplay of lees, beeswax and granite-derived structure and a touch of flinty reduction. |
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Olifants River | 1 | 99 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£127.19 |
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Tim Atkin MW (99)The Van Lill family's vineyards on Citrusdal Mountain are one of the Cape's Grand Cru sites, right up there with the greatest in the world. Chris Alheit's stunning Chenin Blanc, made with "some of the best grapes I've ever seen", hails from blocks ten and 13 and is breathtakingly intense. Pear, passion fruit, rock salt and fynbos flavours are framed by subtle oak and mouth-watering minerality. A great winemaker's interpretation of a sublime terroir. 2023-35 |
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Porto | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£276.37 |
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Indulge in the exceptional Andresen Porto Vintage 2007, a testament to the esteemed Andresen family's legacy in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Crafted from meticulously selected handpicked grapes from premier vineyards along the Douro Valley, this vintage Port exemplifies traditional production methods. Fermented and aged in oak barrels, it undergoes extended maturation, allowing the rich flavours to develop complexity and depth. The 2007 harvest benefited from optimal climatic conditions, yielding robust tannins and a harmonious balance of fruit and spice notes. On the palate, the Andresen Porto Vintage 2007 reveals layers of dark cherry, plum, and hints of chocolate, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Bottled with precision, each bottle reflects the dedication and artistry of the Andresen estate, renowned for their unwavering commitment to quality. Perfect for discerning collectors and connoisseurs, this vintage Port promises an exquisite experience that honours its distinguished heritage. |
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Aegean Islands | 1 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£191.17 |
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Wine Advocate (96)Now, for the big guns. The Anhydrous 2023 Santorini Icon is 100% Assyrtiko with fruit from old vines (100 years old and more) in Pyrgos. Specifically, fruit comes from two sites in Pyrgos. They are selected because the grapes tend to be more aromatic, with lower pH and balanced alcohol. The wine is fermented with wild yeasts and ages in concrete eggs for nine months on the lees with natural bâtonnage via the vortex on the inside. The philosophy of the wine, as explained by proprietor Apostolos Mountrichas, is "to let island fruit, from one of the most interesting terroirs on the planet, express itself. The duty of the winemaking team is to accept the character of the grape without intervention." The wine is like a sea wave, and your mouth salivates thanks to that minerality. The acidity is well played, and the wine's fleshy, creamy texture comes through thanks to discreet micro-oxidation from the concrete eggs. It ends with lemon cream, peach and ample structure. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (GS) |
Inc. VAT
£194.75 |
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Greg Sherwood MW (96)A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Syrah and 7% Petit Verdot which was aged for 19 months in French oak, 50% new 400 litre barrels and 50% second fill. A seductively perfumed vintage, the aromatics show alluring notes of violets, potpourri and hits of lily over dark bramble berry fruits with hints of mocha espresso notes that combine with subtle buttered brown toast nuances. The palate shows fabulous elegance and finesse with a soft touch concentration of black currant, Christmas pudding, savoury plum compote and black cherry. The tannins are powdery and fine grained but also structured and drying, combining well with a fresh glossy acidity that keeps the finish focused, vibrant and bright. An impressive wine that not only shows off another great vintage in the Cape but also what is increasingly possible with the superb Anwilka Stellenbosch terroir. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£271.18 |
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James Suckling (95)Aromas of red and black currants, black licorice and fresh garden herbs. Full-bodied with fine, decadent tannins that run the length of the wine. Widescreen on the palate with lovely openness, but still retains some exciting tension. Very different mouth-feel than previous vintages. Textural at the finish. Very nicely structured. Best after 2025. |
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Yunnan | 6 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,294.40 |
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James Suckling (98)I love the depth and complexity of the nose, which brings you down deeply into the wine, showing blackberry, ink, tar, earth, incense, cloves, and black licorice. Thyme, too. The purity of the fruit, including cassis, is the real thing. This is full-bodied, but remains so fresh and vertical on the palate. The tannins are so fine and integrated, producing a millefeuille-like layering of tannin and cool, blue fruit. Incredible wine. The greatest wine made in China so far. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot, 7% syrah and 4% petit verdot. 26,000 bottles made. Drinkable now, but will be so much better in four or five years. |
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Yunnan | 6 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,360.18 |
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James Suckling (98)Very scented, complex and layered with a classy nose full of ripe currants, smoke and sweet tobacco leaves. Graphite, charcoal, exotic herbs and cigar box. A hint of black truffle and tapenade, too. Full body with fine, silky tannins that highlight the juicy aspect of this wine. Dusty tannins gradually build up on the palate in a crescendo, following through to a juicy, precise and lengthy finish. Super-polished and refined. There is still cabernet verticality on the palate. The finest Ao Yun so far? It has a finish that lasts almost two minutes. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 17% cabernet franc, 10% syrah and 6% petit verdot. This is a blend of 23% of Xidang village, 21% Sinong, 32% Shuori and 24% Adong. Already drinkable now, but should hold until 2026. |
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Yunnan | 6 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,360.18 |
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James Suckling (99)Super classy, fragrant nose that immediately brings demureness with its currants, graphite, paprika, cigar box, tobacco leaves and a touch of cocoa powder. This is a juicier expression of Ao Yun on the palate, with lots of brightness and probably a little less weight and opulence than 2019, but certainly more agility, firmness, tension and freshness. Refined, layered, long and silky, but the tannins are fresh and present. Extremely long and nervy. The best Ao Yun to date that zeroes in on balance. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot, 6% syrah and 5% petit verdot. 30% new barrels, 30% old barrels and 40% stoneware jars from Sichuan. Drink from 2025, and the wine should age beautifully for the next two decades, if not longer. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Scotland | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£165.60 |
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Savour the taste of excellence with the Lagavulin 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Special Release 20 NV - a true epitome of the finest spirit from Scotland. Produced on the rocky shores of the Island of Islay, this special edition malt is crafted with precision within the historic walls of the Lagavulin distillery. As part of their annual special release, this Scotch exhibits an assertive character with a robust depth. Captivating the essence of first-fill American oak casks, it brings a surge of fruity sweetness tempered by delicate smoky facet. The natural woodiness and peat smoke mature harmoniously, enhancing the malt's intrinsic richness. Lagavulin's meticulous craftsmanship and time-honoured maturation process lend the complexity and unwavering quality to this spirit. Award yourself with the Lagavulin 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Special Release 20 NV - a whiskey that showcases a tremendous balance of smoke, fruit, and maritime flavours - a true connoisseur's delight. |
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Mosel | 10 | - |
In Bond
£245.00 |
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Crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, Von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett Nr19 Auktion 2016 hails from the esteemed slopes of the Abtsberg vineyard in the Mosel region. For centuries, this estate, under the stewardship of the illustrious Von Schubert family, has produced some of Germany's most celebrated Rieslings. The terroir features a unique blue Devonian slate that imparts unparalleled depth and minerality. The 2016 vintage stands as a testament to their heritage, having garnered high praise from renowned wine publications. Its lively acidity and youthful fruitiness combine with subtle hints of spice and an exquisite, lasting finish that becomes more complex as it matures. From vineyard to bottle, Von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett Nr19 Auktion 2016 is a stunning representation of fine Mosel Riesling and a true delight for discerning oenophiles. |
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Rheinhessen | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£416.00 |
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Vinous (94)White peach, apple and lime are accented by their pits and seeds as well as by raw hazelnut on a soaring nose that anticipates the infectious juiciness, glowing piquancy and bittersweet depth of the silken palate. As usual, there is sheer refreshment here, as well as transparency to mineral and herbal elements of which the corresponding Höllberg – impressive though it is in its overtly dense, more opaque way – can only dream. The finishing interaction of myriad fruit and mineral elements is almost kaleidoscopic and reveals a strikingly tactile dimension to its vibrant impingements of chalk, pepper and peach kernel. |
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Rheinhessen | 2 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£345.00 |
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Vinous (94)White peach, apple and lime are accented by their pits and pits as well as by raw almond on an enticing nose highly reminiscent of that exhibited by the corresponding 2016. Scents of Ceylon tea and spring beauty (Claytonia) add inner-mouth allure. The feel is flatteringly silken, notwithstanding the persistence of stimulating piquancy. Infectious juiciness, along with an invigoratingly tactile, active sense of crystalline stony impingement, dramatically sets this wine’s vibrant, bell-clear finish apart from that of its Höllberg sibling. |
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Rheinhessen | 3 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£345.00 |
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Vinous (93)An intriguing mélange of stony, marine and herbal notes emerges on the nose. Mustard seed, lemon zest and marjoram further one’s anticipation of a pungent palate performance featuring active, tactile impingements, and that is what one gets – in spades. Sappy concentration of white peach serves for sensual satisfaction that persists into a vibrant, invigoratingly smoky, zesty and incisive but also consummately refreshing finish. “I’m especially happy that this Heerkretz exhibits such precision and is so little recognizable as a 2018,” remarked Wagner. |
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Rheinhessen | 3 | - |
In Bond
£345.00 |
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Experience the refined elegance of Wagner-Stempel Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020, an embodiment of the fine vineyards of Rheinhessen, Germany. Produced by the esteemed Wagner-Stempel winery, noted for their biodynamic cultivation and meticulous grape selection, this exceptional Riesling reflects uncompromising quality and finesse. Fortifying steep volcanic soil with deep-rooted diverse flora and organic compost, they cultivate in harmony with nature. Harvested manually in late autumn to achieve optimum ripeness, the wine undergoes meticulous fermentation and maturation within traditional oak barrels. The result is a sublime blend of citrus, tropical fruits, and refined minerality, tinged with a characteristic petrol note. On the palate, it is impressively precise, focused, and enduring. The Wagner-Stempel Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020 is undeniably a benchmark Riesling, and a testament to the Wagner-Stempel's passion for unrivalled excellence in winemaking. |
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Rheinhessen | 5 | - |
In Bond
£345.00 |
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Cherish the delights of the Wagner-Stempel Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2021, a refinement crafted under the trusted Wagner-Stempel label, located in Germany's revered Rheinhessen region. This delectable offering, made from 100% Riesling varietal, narrates the enchanting essence of its land of origin - the exceptional south-facing Heerkretz vineyard. This Grosses Gewachs, or 'Great Growth', wine is vinified using traditional methods, with an emphasis on manual harvesting to ensure optimal quality of the hand-selected, ripe grapes. Following spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel vats, it undergoes prolonged maturation on lees to develop its complex character. The 2021 vintage unveils an intoxicating nose of minerals, citrus and white fruit, with an alluring, full-bodied palate highlighted by pronounced minerality and refreshing acidity. Its long, lingering finish signifies a superb cellaring potential. A truly remarkable ode to German viticulture, the Wagner-Stempel Siefersheimer Heerkretz Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2021 will marvel the discerning oenophile. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£95.00 |
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Vinous (94)The 2019 Raaigras, pure Grenache including 15% stems, has a vibrant bouquet of red cherry and strawberry scents, demonstrating a little more presence than Badenhorst’s other reds. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, crisp red berry fruit and a liberal sprinkling of white pepper. The whole bunch addition lends more presence and density compared to other cuvées from Badenhorst, and there is superb length. The standout this year. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£70.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2021 Grenache Raaigras comes from vines planted in 1952, fully-destemmed and fermented in conical concrete vats. With dark cherries and raspberry coulis on the nose, this feels very cohesive with light slatey notes becoming more prominent with time. The palate is well balanced with a little chewiness on the entry, white pepper and touches for garrigues towards the persistent finish. Excellent. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£70.00 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£78.00 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£74.00 |
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Western Cape | 1 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
£90.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)The 2013 Cartology Bush Vines is a blend of 88% Chenin Blanc and 12% Semillon. The bouquet is very well-defined with great clarity, very reminiscent of the 2011, opening up with aeration to reveal subtle scents of lemon curd, apricot, honeysuckle and Mirabelle. The palate is well-balanced, harmonious in the mouth, everything understated at first, but it builds nicely toward a taut, saline finish. This seems more aligned to the 2012 than the 2011 and it deserves at least one or two years in bottle. Succinct is the word that comes to mind - and that is not an easy attribute to instill into a wine. |
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Western Cape | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£89.00 |
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Vinous (94)The 2014 Cartology has a different bouquet compared to the 2012 and 2013: more complexity here with linden, orange zest, yellow flowers and a touch of chalk dust (perhaps with just a touch of botrytis.) The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, hints of mango and yellow plum, lemon curd, ginger and a touch of spice on the finish. This is more forward than the 2012 and 2013, a subtle nuttiness emerging with time. Tasted at the Alheit seminar with Chris Alheit in London. |
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Western Cape | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£216.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2018 Cartology, a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Sémillon this year, is whole-cluster-pressed with no SO2 addition, and matured in used oak. It has a well defined, pure bouquet of dried honey, yellow flower, honeysuckle and lanolin aromas that instantly seduce the senses. The palate is beautifully balanced with a slightly oily-textured opening, the intensity deftly counterbalanced by the fine bead of acidity, and a discreet spiciness toward the finish. This is very harmonious and persistent, an effortless Cartology that should age with style. Superb. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£200.00 |
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Vinous (96)The 2021 Hemelrand Vine Garden is one of Chris Alheit's biggest successes and encapsulates everything great about his wine. Initially quite neutral, it reveals wondrous sea spray, honeysuckle, Provençal herbs and hints of powdered chalk on the nose. The palate has exquisite balance, very cohesive and intense, yet the acidity keeps this so fresh with hints of yellow plum, frangipane and quince towards the extended finish. You just want to go back for another sip (and I bet you will). |
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Western Cape | 10 | 93 (TA) |
In Bond
£133.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)Herafter Here is Chris Alheit's biggest-production Chenin Blanc, made from five different sources in Stellenbosch and the Swartland. The vines are mostly younger, producing a wine that's comparatively immediate, with a nice interplay between peach an green apple fruit and impressive brightness for a 2022 release. |
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Western Cape | 1 | 94 (TA) |
In Bond
£99.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (94)Hereafter Here is what Chris Alheit calls a "young vineyard wine" although it contains older material from the Paardeberg and Tygerberg too. Blended with a splash of Semillon from Franschhoek, it's a total bargain in the range, with a nice interplay of lees, beeswax and granite-derived structure and a touch of flinty reduction. |
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Olifants River | 1 | 99 (TA) |
In Bond
£103.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (99)The Van Lill family's vineyards on Citrusdal Mountain are one of the Cape's Grand Cru sites, right up there with the greatest in the world. Chris Alheit's stunning Chenin Blanc, made with "some of the best grapes I've ever seen", hails from blocks ten and 13 and is breathtakingly intense. Pear, passion fruit, rock salt and fynbos flavours are framed by subtle oak and mouth-watering minerality. A great winemaker's interpretation of a sublime terroir. 2023-35 |
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Porto | 1 | - |
In Bond
£200.00 |
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Indulge in the exceptional Andresen Porto Vintage 2007, a testament to the esteemed Andresen family's legacy in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Crafted from meticulously selected handpicked grapes from premier vineyards along the Douro Valley, this vintage Port exemplifies traditional production methods. Fermented and aged in oak barrels, it undergoes extended maturation, allowing the rich flavours to develop complexity and depth. The 2007 harvest benefited from optimal climatic conditions, yielding robust tannins and a harmonious balance of fruit and spice notes. On the palate, the Andresen Porto Vintage 2007 reveals layers of dark cherry, plum, and hints of chocolate, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Bottled with precision, each bottle reflects the dedication and artistry of the Andresen estate, renowned for their unwavering commitment to quality. Perfect for discerning collectors and connoisseurs, this vintage Port promises an exquisite experience that honours its distinguished heritage. |
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Aegean Islands | 1 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
£150.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96)Now, for the big guns. The Anhydrous 2023 Santorini Icon is 100% Assyrtiko with fruit from old vines (100 years old and more) in Pyrgos. Specifically, fruit comes from two sites in Pyrgos. They are selected because the grapes tend to be more aromatic, with lower pH and balanced alcohol. The wine is fermented with wild yeasts and ages in concrete eggs for nine months on the lees with natural bâtonnage via the vortex on the inside. The philosophy of the wine, as explained by proprietor Apostolos Mountrichas, is "to let island fruit, from one of the most interesting terroirs on the planet, express itself. The duty of the winemaking team is to accept the character of the grape without intervention." The wine is like a sea wave, and your mouth salivates thanks to that minerality. The acidity is well played, and the wine's fleshy, creamy texture comes through thanks to discreet micro-oxidation from the concrete eggs. It ends with lemon cream, peach and ample structure. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (GS) |
In Bond
£143.00 |
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Greg Sherwood MW (96)A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Syrah and 7% Petit Verdot which was aged for 19 months in French oak, 50% new 400 litre barrels and 50% second fill. A seductively perfumed vintage, the aromatics show alluring notes of violets, potpourri and hits of lily over dark bramble berry fruits with hints of mocha espresso notes that combine with subtle buttered brown toast nuances. The palate shows fabulous elegance and finesse with a soft touch concentration of black currant, Christmas pudding, savoury plum compote and black cherry. The tannins are powdery and fine grained but also structured and drying, combining well with a fresh glossy acidity that keeps the finish focused, vibrant and bright. An impressive wine that not only shows off another great vintage in the Cape but also what is increasingly possible with the superb Anwilka Stellenbosch terroir. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
£206.00 |
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James Suckling (95)Aromas of red and black currants, black licorice and fresh garden herbs. Full-bodied with fine, decadent tannins that run the length of the wine. Widescreen on the palate with lovely openness, but still retains some exciting tension. Very different mouth-feel than previous vintages. Textural at the finish. Very nicely structured. Best after 2025. |
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Yunnan | 6 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,058.00 |
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James Suckling (98)I love the depth and complexity of the nose, which brings you down deeply into the wine, showing blackberry, ink, tar, earth, incense, cloves, and black licorice. Thyme, too. The purity of the fruit, including cassis, is the real thing. This is full-bodied, but remains so fresh and vertical on the palate. The tannins are so fine and integrated, producing a millefeuille-like layering of tannin and cool, blue fruit. Incredible wine. The greatest wine made in China so far. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot, 7% syrah and 4% petit verdot. 26,000 bottles made. Drinkable now, but will be so much better in four or five years. |
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Yunnan | 6 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,113.50 |
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James Suckling (98)Very scented, complex and layered with a classy nose full of ripe currants, smoke and sweet tobacco leaves. Graphite, charcoal, exotic herbs and cigar box. A hint of black truffle and tapenade, too. Full body with fine, silky tannins that highlight the juicy aspect of this wine. Dusty tannins gradually build up on the palate in a crescendo, following through to a juicy, precise and lengthy finish. Super-polished and refined. There is still cabernet verticality on the palate. The finest Ao Yun so far? It has a finish that lasts almost two minutes. 67% cabernet sauvignon, 17% cabernet franc, 10% syrah and 6% petit verdot. This is a blend of 23% of Xidang village, 21% Sinong, 32% Shuori and 24% Adong. Already drinkable now, but should hold until 2026. |
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Yunnan | 6 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,113.50 |
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James Suckling (99)Super classy, fragrant nose that immediately brings demureness with its currants, graphite, paprika, cigar box, tobacco leaves and a touch of cocoa powder. This is a juicier expression of Ao Yun on the palate, with lots of brightness and probably a little less weight and opulence than 2019, but certainly more agility, firmness, tension and freshness. Refined, layered, long and silky, but the tannins are fresh and present. Extremely long and nervy. The best Ao Yun to date that zeroes in on balance. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot, 6% syrah and 5% petit verdot. 30% new barrels, 30% old barrels and 40% stoneware jars from Sichuan. Drink from 2025, and the wine should age beautifully for the next two decades, if not longer. |
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