2015
2015
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Rhone | 1 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£555.64 |
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Tim Atkin MW (96)Lieux-dits Mazard and La Côte, 80% destemmed, aged in barriques for 20 months, 15% new. A touch of oak influence on the nose brings some further complexity here. It also serves to temper the tannins a little and round off the coarser edges. This is nonetheless robust in texture, and very long, but the fruit is perfectly ripe and savoury. Classic stuff, in a traditional mould. |
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Rhone | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£167.09 |
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Dating back to 2015, the Alleno & Chapoutier Saint Joseph Croix Chabot 2015 is a luxuriously complex synergy of French artistry. Renowned Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno and Rhône winemaker Michel Chapoutier immaculately craft this exquisite spirit. Sourced from a parcel on Saint Joseph's hill known as 'Croix Chabot,' the vineyard embraces an ideal geographic spot. This fertile land nurtures granitic soils that imbue the wine with a distinct minerality. The features of Syrah grapes beautifully shine through their vinification in concrete tanks followed by an ageing process in oak barrels for a span of 12 to 18 months. This meticulous process ensures a harmonious blend of the wine's fruity and spicy characters. The elegant full-bodied Alleno & Chapoutier Saint Joseph Croix Chabot 2015 unfurls flavours of dark fruit and undertones of liquorice and violet. With a delightful lingering finish, it offers a rich and inviting experience for the true wine connoisseur. |
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Rhone | 4 | - |
Inc. VAT
£483.89 |
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Rhone | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£345.20 |
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James Suckling (98)A more floral and perfumed wine than the 2015 Renaissance. Violets add interest to plenty peppery red plums and wild red berries. Darker berries, graphite and stony notes, too. So much here. The palate arrives in silky ribbon-like mode, it has a very long core of blackberries, licorice and spiced plum flavors. Superior definition in the tannin department. A taut finish. Drink from 2025. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£531.64 |
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Wine Spectator (97)A stunner from the get-go, with waves of thoroughly seductive boysenberry, plum, blueberry and raspberry reduction forming the core, while roasted apple wood, rooibos tea, bergamot, and anise notes flash throughout. This has plenty of bass, with a Turkish coffee accent and a hint of alder driving underneath. Everything moves in lockstep through the seriously long finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. 12,500 cases made. |
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Rhone | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£497.29 |
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Rhone | 6 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£499.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)When a so-called entry-level wine performs at this level, you know that producer has had a stupendous year. The 2015 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with loads of cassis fruit and masses of ripe tannin. To top it off, some meaty, savory notes creep in on the long finish, imparting some intriguing complexity. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£475.78 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Sourced from the lieu-dit of Les Bédines, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres is almost 100% Grenache. It has the variety's silky tannins but plenty of them, so hold onto your bottles for a few years until the wine comes into balance. Right now, it's clearly got plenty of concentrated red fruit and peppery spice but comes across tight and crisp. |
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Rhone | 2 | 93-95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£769.82 |
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Vinous (93-95)Opaque ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of ripe dark berries, candied lavender, cola and white pepper, accompanied by a hint of musky earth in the background. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black currant, cherry liqueur and spicecake flavors that pick up a refreshingly bitter edge with air. The dark berry note repeats strongly on the youthfully tannic finish, which clings with superb persistence and lingering florality. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£552.07 |
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Wine Spectator (94)This sports some seriously delicious plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors, inlaid with ample brambly grip and backed by lively anise and tar accents on the finish. Vivacious. Best from 2019 through 2029. 200 cases imported. |
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Rhone | 5 | 95-97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£544.43 |
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Wine Advocate (95-97)The utterly profound 2015 Cornas La Sabarotte comes from a terrific lieu-dit located in the heart of the appellation and is brought up all in new French oak. Its deep purple/blue color is followed by incredible notes of black raspberries, blueberries, spring flowers, caramelized meats and licorice. Deep, full-bodied, utterly seamless and profound on the palate, with building, sweet tannin, it's a tour de force that will have two decades or more of longevity! |
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Rhone | 4 | 93-95+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£587.38 |
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Wine Advocate (93-95+)The inky black/blue-colored 2015 Saint Joseph Les Royes from the Courbis team was brought up in one-third each of new, once and twice-used barrels. It offers sensational notes of crème de cassis toasted bread, licorice and pen ink in a massive, rich, concentrated, layered style that is shocking in its depth and richness. It's a crazy good St Joseph. |
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Rhone | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£433.78 |
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Indulge your palate with the exquisite 'Cuilleron Crozes Hermitage Laya 2015'. Renowned producer Yves Cuilleron, known for his meticulous craftsmanship in the Northern Rhône Valley, brings you this unparalleled Syrah. Born of the estate's old vines in Chavanay, the fruit is manually harvested and only the best mature bunches are chosen. Phenolic maturity is ensured with whole-cluster fermentation at controlled temperatures, whilst 18 months ageing in oak casks builds complexity. The resultant wine is a harmonious blend of power and elegance. Boasting seductive aromas of ripe fruit and touch of spice, its palate teases out the nuances of blackcurrants, violets and black olives. Fine-grained tannins bolster the lush flavours, finishing with resplendent minerality. Cuilleron Crozes Hermitage Laya 2015 is indeed a study in balance and refinement; a testimony to the prowess of Yves Cuilleron. A must-try for collectors and enthusiasts alike. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£192.04 |
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Vinous (93)Dark purple. Expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, smoky Indian spices and olive, with a suave floral nuance that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but energetic as well, offering palate-staining blueberry and violet pastille flavors and building spiciness. Rounded tannins add gentle grip to a strikingly long penetrating finish that clings with strong tenacity. |
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Rhone | 1 | 95-97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£443.08 |
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Wine Advocate (95-97)More finesse-oriented than the blockbuster style La Colline release, the 2015 Gigondas le Lieu Dit is another Grenache-dominated wine that comes from a cooler, late parcel of sandy soils located just beside the estate. Notes of strawberries, raspberries, crushed flowers, kirsch and spice all emerge from this full-bodied, utterly seamless, pure and gorgeously balanced beauty that doesn’t have a hard edge to be found. It will drink well for 10-15 years or more. |
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Rhone | 2 | 91-93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£535.24 |
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Vinous (91-93)Inky ruby. Pungent black and blue fruit and succulent herb aromas, along with hints of cracked pepper, licorice and violet and a suave floral nuance. Broad, seamless and appealingly sweet, offering juicy blackberry and violet pastille flavors and hints of spicecake and dark chocolate. Clings with strong tenacity and focus on the finish, which is framed by smooth, harmonious tannins. |
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Rhone | 10 | - |
Inc. VAT
£221.09 |
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Rhone | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£542.98 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Tasted blind. Mid crimson. Peppery, spicy nose. The considerable tannic charge is just ripe enough. This is a success! Confident stuff. Complete and honest. Lots of density. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£554.69 |
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Wine Advocate (94)From a lieu-dit adjoining La Landonne and Côte Rozier, the 2015 Cote Rotie les Rochins shows remarkable purity of fruit. The cassis waves come crashing down terraced slopes in a rich, velvety wave. It's a bit jammy, in the character of the vintage, but what did you expect? It should drink well through its 20th birthday. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£506.44 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (97)I loved the 2015 Côte Rôtie Château D'Ampuis from barrel, and this beauty does not disappoint from bottle. Coming from a handful of top sites, it’s made in the same fashion as the top La Las, seeing four years in new barrels. Deep purple-hued with a classic bouquet of black raspberries, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, vanilla bean, and spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, expansive mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a great, great finish. Savvy readers will stock up on this beauty. Give it 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. |
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Rhone | 3 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£558.04 |
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Vinous (92)Brilliant ruby. Bright and focused on the nose, displaying spice- and mineral-tinged red berry, cherry and floral scents that pick up smoke and cracked pepper nuances as the wine opens up. Juicy and light on its feet, especially given the vintage, offering sweet raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors and a hint of salty olive paste. Fine-grained tannins add grip to a long, lively finish that echoes the olive and cherry notes. |
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Rhone | 1 | 5 (JLL) |
Inc. VAT
£403.24 |
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John Livingstone-Learmonth (5)The bouquet is bold, on beef stock, iron, dense black berries, has a poised, integral sweetness, airs of raspberry liqueur, oak smoke. It’s a solid start. The palate has the theme of mineral well placed through it, a lot of mountain of matter, thickening towards the finish. It holds sparkling and dense fruits – cassis, soaked cherries. It is vibrant and very full; there is real flair off its sun-dialled deck. It has great juice; it’s a treat to taste this. Decanting advised. It has a lot of black fruits, a belle freshness to underpin it; it’s very long. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94-97+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£478.84 |
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Wine Advocate (94-97+)Even better than the Vendange cuvee, and I suspect one of the wines of the vintage, Stephane’s 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Côtes Capelan is the top wine of the estate and is made from 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, raised 70% in concrete and 30% in barrels. There’s under 500 cases of this beauty and it reveals a deep purple color as well as decadent notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, crushed rocks and melted licorice. Full-bodied, thick, unctuous and massively concentrated, with ripe tannin and a killer finish, don’t miss it! |
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Rhone | 1 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£305.09 |
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Wine Advocate (96)The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin is all Grenache, 40% whole cluster, aged in two-thirds foudre and one-third demi-muids and drawn exclusively from sandy sites. It showcases incredibly lush, silky fruit. Raspberries and cherries of incredible purity add hints of chocolate on the long finish but never seem heavy or warm. |
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Rhone | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£455.09 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is a tour de force. Raspberry and apricot-scented fruit, rich chocolate notes and an incredible whirlwind of spice are delivered in this full-bodied wine that shows no heat, just waves of flavor. It should drink well for 20 years or more. |
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Rhone | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£504.29 |
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Crafted by the exceptional Patricia and Philippe Lemenicier, the Lemenicier Cornas 2015 is an impressive representation of Northern Rhône wines. Deeply coloured and instilled with intense aromas of blackcurrants, leather, and earth, this red wine undeniably captures Cornas's unique terroir. Each vintage hails from 40-year-old Syrah vines grown in the 'Les Mejeans' and 'Combe' vineyards, which have superb granite soils. Respecting traditional winemaking techniques, the Lemenicier Cornas 2015 underwent a long maceration period, followed by ageing for 18 months in oak. The result is a potent yet balanced pairing of rich, dark fruit and tannic structure, typical of a well-aged Cornas. With its velvety texture and persistent finish, this wine is excellent alongside hearty meat dishes. The Lemenicier estate, a family-run operation based in Cornas since 1979, continues to produce high-quality, expressive wines, with the 2015 vintage being no exception. Simultaneously robust and elegant, the Lemenicier Cornas 2015 embodies the essence of a true Cornas gem. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£535.24 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Raised mostly in concrete, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape features gentle strawberry-raspberry fruit and loads of subtle spice. It's medium to full-bodied, marked by silky tannins and a long finish. It's not the most powerful, concentrated wine, but it's certainly one of the most elegant. It's 85% Grenache, with the balance a mix of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. |
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Rhone | 1 | 92-94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£503.09 |
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Vinous (92-94)(aged in concrete tanks for the Grenache and barriques for the Mourvèdre) Deep ruby. Heady, smoke-accented aromas of black and blue fruits, incense and potpourri gain vivacity from a zesty mineral flourish. Densely packed black raspberry and blueberry flavors open up and turn spicier with air. Shows a suave blend of richness and finesse, offering outstanding focus and tenacity, subtle tannic grip and no excess fat. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£291.20 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)One of the wines of the vintage, the 2015 Côte Rôtie Belle Helene is up there with the handful of greatest young Syrahs I've ever been lucky enough to taste. Coming all from the Côte Rozier lieu-dit in the northern portion of the appellation, just above Guigal's la Landonne lieu-dit, this majestic wine offers incredible blue fruits, liquid violets, olive tapenade, and aged meats. Full-bodied, ultra-fine, deep, concentrated, and as seamless and pure as it gets. It's already approachable (which is rare for this cuvée) due to its perfectly ripe tannin, yet will need 7-8 years of bottle age and keep for 2-3 decades. |
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Rhone | 6 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£566.44 |
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Wine Advocate (94)The 2015 Cornas Domaine de Saint Pierre is a full-bodied, concentrated wine that brings the essence of Cornas to the bottle in its scents of crushed stones and firm, tannic finish. Hints of toasted almond and mocha give it a gloss of modernity, but its red plum fruit, hints of iron or blood, and sturdy feel bring it right back to the appellation's granite slopes. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
£447.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Lieux-dits Mazard and La Côte, 80% destemmed, aged in barriques for 20 months, 15% new. A touch of oak influence on the nose brings some further complexity here. It also serves to temper the tannins a little and round off the coarser edges. This is nonetheless robust in texture, and very long, but the fruit is perfectly ripe and savoury. Classic stuff, in a traditional mould. |
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Rhone | 2 | - |
In Bond
£120.00 |
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|
Dating back to 2015, the Alleno & Chapoutier Saint Joseph Croix Chabot 2015 is a luxuriously complex synergy of French artistry. Renowned Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno and Rhône winemaker Michel Chapoutier immaculately craft this exquisite spirit. Sourced from a parcel on Saint Joseph's hill known as 'Croix Chabot,' the vineyard embraces an ideal geographic spot. This fertile land nurtures granitic soils that imbue the wine with a distinct minerality. The features of Syrah grapes beautifully shine through their vinification in concrete tanks followed by an ageing process in oak barrels for a span of 12 to 18 months. This meticulous process ensures a harmonious blend of the wine's fruity and spicy characters. The elegant full-bodied Alleno & Chapoutier Saint Joseph Croix Chabot 2015 unfurls flavours of dark fruit and undertones of liquorice and violet. With a delightful lingering finish, it offers a rich and inviting experience for the true wine connoisseur. |
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Rhone | 4 | - |
In Bond
£384.00 |
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Rhone | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£285.00 |
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James Suckling (98)A more floral and perfumed wine than the 2015 Renaissance. Violets add interest to plenty peppery red plums and wild red berries. Darker berries, graphite and stony notes, too. So much here. The palate arrives in silky ribbon-like mode, it has a very long core of blackberries, licorice and spiced plum flavors. Superior definition in the tannin department. A taut finish. Drink from 2025. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (WS) |
In Bond
£427.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (97)A stunner from the get-go, with waves of thoroughly seductive boysenberry, plum, blueberry and raspberry reduction forming the core, while roasted apple wood, rooibos tea, bergamot, and anise notes flash throughout. This has plenty of bass, with a Turkish coffee accent and a hint of alder driving underneath. Everything moves in lockstep through the seriously long finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. 12,500 cases made. |
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Rhone | 1 | - |
In Bond
£408.00 |
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Rhone | 6 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
£403.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)When a so-called entry-level wine performs at this level, you know that producer has had a stupendous year. The 2015 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with loads of cassis fruit and masses of ripe tannin. To top it off, some meaty, savory notes creep in on the long finish, imparting some intriguing complexity. |
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|
|
Rhone | 1 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
£358.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (93)Sourced from the lieu-dit of Les Bédines, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres is almost 100% Grenache. It has the variety's silky tannins but plenty of them, so hold onto your bottles for a few years until the wine comes into balance. Right now, it's clearly got plenty of concentrated red fruit and peppery spice but comes across tight and crisp. |
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Rhone | 2 | 93-95 (VN) |
In Bond
£621.00 |
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Vinous (93-95)Opaque ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of ripe dark berries, candied lavender, cola and white pepper, accompanied by a hint of musky earth in the background. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black currant, cherry liqueur and spicecake flavors that pick up a refreshingly bitter edge with air. The dark berry note repeats strongly on the youthfully tannic finish, which clings with superb persistence and lingering florality. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94 (WS) |
In Bond
£428.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (94)This sports some seriously delicious plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors, inlaid with ample brambly grip and backed by lively anise and tar accents on the finish. Vivacious. Best from 2019 through 2029. 200 cases imported. |
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Rhone | 5 | 95-97 (WA) |
In Bond
£443.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (95-97)The utterly profound 2015 Cornas La Sabarotte comes from a terrific lieu-dit located in the heart of the appellation and is brought up all in new French oak. Its deep purple/blue color is followed by incredible notes of black raspberries, blueberries, spring flowers, caramelized meats and licorice. Deep, full-bodied, utterly seamless and profound on the palate, with building, sweet tannin, it's a tour de force that will have two decades or more of longevity! |
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Rhone | 4 | 93-95+ (WA) |
In Bond
£451.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93-95+)The inky black/blue-colored 2015 Saint Joseph Les Royes from the Courbis team was brought up in one-third each of new, once and twice-used barrels. It offers sensational notes of crème de cassis toasted bread, licorice and pen ink in a massive, rich, concentrated, layered style that is shocking in its depth and richness. It's a crazy good St Joseph. |
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|
|
Rhone | 3 | - |
In Bond
£323.00 |
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|
Indulge your palate with the exquisite 'Cuilleron Crozes Hermitage Laya 2015'. Renowned producer Yves Cuilleron, known for his meticulous craftsmanship in the Northern Rhône Valley, brings you this unparalleled Syrah. Born of the estate's old vines in Chavanay, the fruit is manually harvested and only the best mature bunches are chosen. Phenolic maturity is ensured with whole-cluster fermentation at controlled temperatures, whilst 18 months ageing in oak casks builds complexity. The resultant wine is a harmonious blend of power and elegance. Boasting seductive aromas of ripe fruit and touch of spice, its palate teases out the nuances of blackcurrants, violets and black olives. Fine-grained tannins bolster the lush flavours, finishing with resplendent minerality. Cuilleron Crozes Hermitage Laya 2015 is indeed a study in balance and refinement; a testimony to the prowess of Yves Cuilleron. A must-try for collectors and enthusiasts alike. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£144.00 |
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Vinous (93)Dark purple. Expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, smoky Indian spices and olive, with a suave floral nuance that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but energetic as well, offering palate-staining blueberry and violet pastille flavors and building spiciness. Rounded tannins add gentle grip to a strikingly long penetrating finish that clings with strong tenacity. |
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|
|
Rhone | 1 | 95-97 (WA) |
In Bond
£349.99 |
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Wine Advocate (95-97)More finesse-oriented than the blockbuster style La Colline release, the 2015 Gigondas le Lieu Dit is another Grenache-dominated wine that comes from a cooler, late parcel of sandy soils located just beside the estate. Notes of strawberries, raspberries, crushed flowers, kirsch and spice all emerge from this full-bodied, utterly seamless, pure and gorgeously balanced beauty that doesn’t have a hard edge to be found. It will drink well for 10-15 years or more. |
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Rhone | 2 | 91-93 (VN) |
In Bond
£430.00 |
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Vinous (91-93)Inky ruby. Pungent black and blue fruit and succulent herb aromas, along with hints of cracked pepper, licorice and violet and a suave floral nuance. Broad, seamless and appealingly sweet, offering juicy blackberry and violet pastille flavors and hints of spicecake and dark chocolate. Clings with strong tenacity and focus on the finish, which is framed by smooth, harmonious tannins. |
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Rhone | 10 | - |
In Bond
£165.00 |
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Rhone | 1 | 17.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£414.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (17.5)Tasted blind. Mid crimson. Peppery, spicy nose. The considerable tannic charge is just ripe enough. This is a success! Confident stuff. Complete and honest. Lots of density. |
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|
|
Rhone | 1 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£443.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (94)From a lieu-dit adjoining La Landonne and Côte Rozier, the 2015 Cote Rotie les Rochins shows remarkable purity of fruit. The cassis waves come crashing down terraced slopes in a rich, velvety wave. It's a bit jammy, in the character of the vintage, but what did you expect? It should drink well through its 20th birthday. |
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|
|
Rhone | 1 | 97 (JD) |
In Bond
£406.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (97)I loved the 2015 Côte Rôtie Château D'Ampuis from barrel, and this beauty does not disappoint from bottle. Coming from a handful of top sites, it’s made in the same fashion as the top La Las, seeing four years in new barrels. Deep purple-hued with a classic bouquet of black raspberries, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, vanilla bean, and spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, expansive mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a great, great finish. Savvy readers will stock up on this beauty. Give it 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. |
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|
|
Rhone | 3 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£449.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92)Brilliant ruby. Bright and focused on the nose, displaying spice- and mineral-tinged red berry, cherry and floral scents that pick up smoke and cracked pepper nuances as the wine opens up. Juicy and light on its feet, especially given the vintage, offering sweet raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors and a hint of salty olive paste. Fine-grained tannins add grip to a long, lively finish that echoes the olive and cherry notes. |
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|
|
Rhone | 1 | 5 (JLL) |
In Bond
£320.00 |
|||||
John Livingstone-Learmonth (5)The bouquet is bold, on beef stock, iron, dense black berries, has a poised, integral sweetness, airs of raspberry liqueur, oak smoke. It’s a solid start. The palate has the theme of mineral well placed through it, a lot of mountain of matter, thickening towards the finish. It holds sparkling and dense fruits – cassis, soaked cherries. It is vibrant and very full; there is real flair off its sun-dialled deck. It has great juice; it’s a treat to taste this. Decanting advised. It has a lot of black fruits, a belle freshness to underpin it; it’s very long. |
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|
|
Rhone | 1 | 94-97+ (WA) |
In Bond
£383.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (94-97+)Even better than the Vendange cuvee, and I suspect one of the wines of the vintage, Stephane’s 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Côtes Capelan is the top wine of the estate and is made from 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, raised 70% in concrete and 30% in barrels. There’s under 500 cases of this beauty and it reveals a deep purple color as well as decadent notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, crushed rocks and melted licorice. Full-bodied, thick, unctuous and massively concentrated, with ripe tannin and a killer finish, don’t miss it! |
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|
|
Rhone | 1 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
£235.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin is all Grenache, 40% whole cluster, aged in two-thirds foudre and one-third demi-muids and drawn exclusively from sandy sites. It showcases incredibly lush, silky fruit. Raspberries and cherries of incredible purity add hints of chocolate on the long finish but never seem heavy or warm. |
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|
|
Rhone | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£360.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is a tour de force. Raspberry and apricot-scented fruit, rich chocolate notes and an incredible whirlwind of spice are delivered in this full-bodied wine that shows no heat, just waves of flavor. It should drink well for 20 years or more. |
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Rhone | 1 | - |
In Bond
£401.00 |
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Crafted by the exceptional Patricia and Philippe Lemenicier, the Lemenicier Cornas 2015 is an impressive representation of Northern Rhône wines. Deeply coloured and instilled with intense aromas of blackcurrants, leather, and earth, this red wine undeniably captures Cornas's unique terroir. Each vintage hails from 40-year-old Syrah vines grown in the 'Les Mejeans' and 'Combe' vineyards, which have superb granite soils. Respecting traditional winemaking techniques, the Lemenicier Cornas 2015 underwent a long maceration period, followed by ageing for 18 months in oak. The result is a potent yet balanced pairing of rich, dark fruit and tannic structure, typical of a well-aged Cornas. With its velvety texture and persistent finish, this wine is excellent alongside hearty meat dishes. The Lemenicier estate, a family-run operation based in Cornas since 1979, continues to produce high-quality, expressive wines, with the 2015 vintage being no exception. Simultaneously robust and elegant, the Lemenicier Cornas 2015 embodies the essence of a true Cornas gem. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
£430.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Raised mostly in concrete, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape features gentle strawberry-raspberry fruit and loads of subtle spice. It's medium to full-bodied, marked by silky tannins and a long finish. It's not the most powerful, concentrated wine, but it's certainly one of the most elegant. It's 85% Grenache, with the balance a mix of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. |
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Rhone | 1 | 92-94 (VN) |
In Bond
£400.00 |
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Vinous (92-94)(aged in concrete tanks for the Grenache and barriques for the Mourvèdre) Deep ruby. Heady, smoke-accented aromas of black and blue fruits, incense and potpourri gain vivacity from a zesty mineral flourish. Densely packed black raspberry and blueberry flavors open up and turn spicier with air. Shows a suave blend of richness and finesse, offering outstanding focus and tenacity, subtle tannic grip and no excess fat. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
£240.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (100)One of the wines of the vintage, the 2015 Côte Rôtie Belle Helene is up there with the handful of greatest young Syrahs I've ever been lucky enough to taste. Coming all from the Côte Rozier lieu-dit in the northern portion of the appellation, just above Guigal's la Landonne lieu-dit, this majestic wine offers incredible blue fruits, liquid violets, olive tapenade, and aged meats. Full-bodied, ultra-fine, deep, concentrated, and as seamless and pure as it gets. It's already approachable (which is rare for this cuvée) due to its perfectly ripe tannin, yet will need 7-8 years of bottle age and keep for 2-3 decades. |
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Rhone | 6 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£456.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)The 2015 Cornas Domaine de Saint Pierre is a full-bodied, concentrated wine that brings the essence of Cornas to the bottle in its scents of crushed stones and firm, tannic finish. Hints of toasted almond and mocha give it a gloss of modernity, but its red plum fruit, hints of iron or blood, and sturdy feel bring it right back to the appellation's granite slopes. |
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2015 in the Rhône benefited from the same trend of weather which gave Bordeaux its best vintage since 2010. A long, warm, balanced growing season with perfect August weather leading up to harvest has made this the most eagerly anticipated vintage in years. Some have gone so far as to declare it to be the best vintage in memory!
The Rhône is not prone to the hype and overstatement that marks Bordeaux each year so when the region is this excited about a given year, it is worth taking notice. Easily among the ranks of the recent great years of 2009, 2007 and 2005, 2015 is one for the long term and one which will reward patience.
Look to top producers such as Vieux Telegraphe, Beaucastel and Clos des Papes to impress and for value domaines such as Saint Cosme and others to over-perform for their price.
