Cru's Great Value List: Fine Wines with the Best Score for Price
Looking for fine wine that offers excellent value for money? Look no further than our selection of wines with the best price to score ratio. We've scoured the globe to bring you a collection of wines that offer serious quality at an affordable price tag.
Our selection includes wines from both the old world and new world, featuring both familiar names and emerging labels. We're passionate about offering our customers a diverse range of wines to choose from, ensuring that there's something for every taste and budget.
So whether you're a seasoned wine collector or just starting out on your wine journey, our selection of fine wines with the best price to score ratio is sure to impress. You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a great bottle of wine - with our collection, you can enjoy excellent quality at an affordable price. Explore our selection today and discover the best value fine wines on offer.
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Cru's Great Value List: Fine Wines with the Best Score for Price
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price Per Point |
Price | ||||
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Burgundy | 6 | 89 (WA) | £0.13 |
Inc. VAT
£276.58 |
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Wine Advocate (89)Raised entirely in stainless steel, the 2016 Saint-Véran was showing very well, wafting from the glass with notes of lemon oil, honeysuckle and pastry cream. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and powerful, with succulent underlying acidity, concluding with a stony, saline finish. Cropped at a mere 12 hectoliters per hectare, it nevertheless remains quite classical in profile—there's simply somewhat more flesh and concentration than usual. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89-91 (VN (AG)) | £0.13 |
Inc. VAT
£101.44 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)The 2020 Puygueraud Blanc is full of lemon peel, almond, dried flowers, apricot and chamomile. Light and gracious, with pretty tropical overtones, it is impeccably rendered and all the elements are nicely balanced. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 91 (WE) | £0.14 |
Inc. VAT
£579.64 |
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Wine Enthusiast (91)Formerly the property of one of Napoleon's generals, this estate is now performing impressively after renovations. This wine is richly structured and packed with black fruits. Dark tannins vie with black currants and ripe spice in this wine that will age well. Drink from 2024. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92-94 (JD) | £0.14 |
Inc. VAT
£222.67 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)This estate continues to deliver the goods, and the 2020 Château Lilian Ladouys is another smoking wine readers will love. Lots of ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and damp earth give way to a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, textured, beautifully balanced red that will drink well for 20 years or more. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 90-92 (VN (NM)) | £0.15 |
Inc. VAT
£289.27 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)The 2018 Cissac has a nose with real gusto, featuring precocious blackberry, raspberry and cranberry fruit; cedar and graphite scents emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins framing dense black fruit laced with allspice and black pepper. I appreciate the energy of this Cissac and I believe it will age with grace. Excellent. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 88 (VN (AG)) | £0.15 |
Inc. VAT
£121.49 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)The 2019 Dutruch Grand Poujeaux is an attractive wine to enjoy over the next handful of years. There is a good bit of energy to the blue/purplish fruit, lavender and spice flavors. All this needs is more mid-palate depth. As things stand, the 2019 feels a bit severe, despite its obvious charms. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 83-85 (VN (NM)) | £0.16 |
Inc. VAT
£118.84 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (83-85)The 2017 Marsau, 14-hectares on clay soil, offers light brambly red fruit on the nose that lacks a little depth and concentration compared to other vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, sharp on the entry with quite high acidity, leading to a straightforward, slightly austere finish. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (ST)) | £0.16 |
Inc. VAT
£248.47 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)(a blend of 63% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon,10% petit verdot and 7% carmenère): Fully saturated inky purple. Coffee, cocoa and cassis on the nose, along with a musky note that I attribute to the carmenère. Then ample and sweet in the mouth, with syrupy blackberry and vanilla flavors that linger on the tangy, rather light finish. |
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Bordeaux | 20 | 90-92 (VN (NM)) | £0.17 |
Inc. VAT
£131.09 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)The 2021 Blanc has a well-defined bouquet with fine mineralité. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, quite biting sour lemon notes, but it retains superb balance and poise all the way through to the finish. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (VN (NM)) | £0.17 |
Inc. VAT
£344.47 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2019 Cissac has a nose of bright red berries nicely interwoven with hints of graphite and cedar, all very focused. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and vibrant, with fine-grained tannins and gentle grip on the graphite-tinged finish. This is a very fine Cissac to enjoy over the next decade. |
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Beaujolais | 1 | 94 (WA) | £0.17 |
Inc. VAT
£265.27 |
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Wine Advocate (94)Fans of old-school Beaujolais will adore the 2021 Fleurie Cuvée Tardive from the Clos de la Roilette. Bursting with aromas of crunchy red berries, peonies, spices and plums, it's medium-bodied, ample and enveloping, with succulent acids, melting tannins and a pretty, perfumed finish. Despite the challenges of the year, the Coudert family have produced a lovely classic, and it's a wine that's much more drinkable and vibrant than some of the recent banner vintages at this address. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 94 (JA) | £0.17 |
Inc. VAT
£151.24 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)This is an excellent vintage of Montlandrie, with smoked coffee and cocoa bean, a ton of salinity, powerful blue and red fruits, super juicy on the finish. Enticing curled woodsmoke as it comes out of the glass, slate finish with a scrape of minerality. 40% new oak. Harvest September 30 to October 10. |
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Loire | 2 | 93 (WA) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£127.24 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Beautifully fresh in its purple color, the 2015 Anjou Cabernet Franc opens with ripe and fleshy cherry fruit on the nose. On the palate, this is a highly elegant, finessed and concentrated red with crunchy but ripe tannins and refreshing mineral acidity that leads to a long and linear finish. This is a concentrated and elegant Cabernet Franc with remarkable finesse. I'd keep it for another couple of years, though, and then you can surely enjoy it for up to two or more decades. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (VN (NM)) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£367.27 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2017 Cissac has a well defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar, brown spices and a touch of leather, some new oak (30%) needing a few months to fully integrate. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and good grip. A saline finish urges you back for another sip. This is a commendable Cissac that makes the most of the vintage. Recommended as it is often a great value. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92+ (JD) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£138.04 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (92+)Brought up in 30% new French oak and based on an 80/20 split of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château La Chenade has a classy, beautiful nose of crème de cassis, dried tobacco, lead pencil, and earth. This carries to a vibrant, medium-bodied Lalande de Pomerol with fine yet present tannins, a solid spine of acidity, and a great finish. It's another release from Denis Durantou that's going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for a decade. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (AG)) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£267.07 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)The 2017 La Prade is rich and powerful, just as it was from barrel. A rush of blackberry jam, gravel, spice, leather and smoke gives the 2017 its somber, virile personality. Potent in both its fruit and tannic structure, the 2017 could use a year or two in bottle to come together, but I imagine it will always remain a bit rustic. There is no shortage of intensity, that much is clear. Yields are down 50% - 7 hectares in production, 4.5 were not frosted, but this is rustic. Tasted three times. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 90 (VN (AG)) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£288.07 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)The 2012 Puygueraud is a soft, supple red to drink now and over the next handful of years. Licorice, tobacco, menthol, plums and earthy notes are all laced together nicely in the glass. Medium in body and already quite forward, the 2012 is an excellent choice for drinking over the next handful of years. An intriguing array of sweet and savory notes lingers on the inviting finish. The tannins are a bit gritty, but this is a solid effort nonetheless. The 2012 is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 92 (VN (NM)) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£380.47 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (92)The 2019 d'Aiguilhe has a really lovely bouquet of ample black cherry, mulberry and light floral scents, very pure and delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with cedar-infused red fruit. While not as exuberant as the aromatics, this is nicely detailed and quite poised on the finish. No, I still cannot pronounce its name, but this Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is well worth seeking out. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (AG)) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£277.27 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)Gigault's 2016 Cuvée Viva is pliant, supple and super-expressive. Floral and citrus notes add brightness to a core of red berry fruit. Medium in body, delicate and light on its feet, the Cuvée Viva is an absolute delight. Drink it over the next handful of years. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 91-93 (JD) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£503.38 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (91-93)A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in 30% new barrels, the 2017 Château d'Aiguilhe offers a gorgeous perfume of framboise, blueberries, strawberries, and flowers. Possessing medium body, fine, silky tannin, impeccable balance and obvious minerality on the finish, it’s seriously good Côtes de Castillon that over-delivers. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 90-92 (VN (AG)) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£407.38 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)The 2020 Pierre 1er is nicely done. In fact, this is one of the better recent vintages I can remember tasting. Inky and voluptuous, the 2020 offers quite a bit of richness, but with better balance than has been the case in the last few years. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves add to the wine's somber yet beguiling personality. This extroverted Saint-Émilion has quite a bit to offer. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (VN (AG)) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£142.24 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)The 2020 La Chenade is rich, sumptuous and super-expressive right out of the gate. All of the exuberance of the year comes through loud and clear. A burst of black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, lavender and spice infuses the Chenade with tons of complexity. Broad and creamy, with fine balance, the Chenade is showing so well today. The combination of fruit density and energy is compelling. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 92-93 (JS) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£391.27 |
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James Suckling (92-93)This shows density and structure for a 2015 with ripe tannins and bright fruit character. Full body. Chewy texture. Extremely well done for Médoc. |
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Bordeaux | 20 | 89-91 (VN (AG)) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£152.69 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)The 2021 Mont-Perat is a rich, exuberant wine that will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. A rush of sweet red berry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and tobacco give this Bordeaux Supérieur tons of charm. This is already very nicely put together. |
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Provence | 16 | 18.5 (MJ) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£154.84 |
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Matthew Jukes (18.5)The question I am most asked every year is, “Is Whispering Angel any good?”. My answer has never changed. Yes, of course, this wine is a triumph. It is made to exacting standards, and while there is more competition these days than ever, Whispering Angel and its Esclans portfolio pals still sit atop the pile. And while some think that you can save a few quid elsewhere, and they might be right, nothing comes close to Rock Angel. Instead of defending Whispering Angel’s honour, I prefer to advise curious rosé fiends to spend a fiver more and drink Rock. Rock is not a turbo-charged version of Whispering, although that is the line most people peddle. They say this because it sees some oak, making it seem like a Whispering+. But to me, Rock Angel is more clearly related to the Estate range of wines – those that come from the Chateau d’Esclans itself. All these wines (Chateau d’Esclans, Les Clans and Garrus) are made using oak, and their fruit is of the highest quality; hence, pricing ranges from £40-£140. Rock Angel swings in under £25 if you search hard enough, and I believe it is the finest value, ‘grand-tasting’ rosé around. It has a stunning volume of fruit, seamless, indulgent and impressively long. |
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Provence | 10 | 18.5 (MJ) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£158.44 |
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Matthew Jukes (18.5)The question I am most asked every year is, “Is Whispering Angel any good?”. My answer has never changed. Yes, of course, this wine is a triumph. It is made to exacting standards, and while there is more competition these days than ever, Whispering Angel and its Esclans portfolio pals still sit atop the pile. And while some think that you can save a few quid elsewhere, and they might be right, nothing comes close to Rock Angel. Instead of defending Whispering Angel’s honour, I prefer to advise curious rosé fiends to spend a fiver more and drink Rock. Rock is not a turbo-charged version of Whispering, although that is the line most people peddle. They say this because it sees some oak, making it seem like a Whispering+. But to me, Rock Angel is more clearly related to the Estate range of wines – those that come from the Chateau d’Esclans itself. All these wines (Chateau d’Esclans, Les Clans and Garrus) are made using oak, and their fruit is of the highest quality; hence, pricing ranges from £40-£140. Rock Angel swings in under £25 if you search hard enough, and I believe it is the finest value, ‘grand-tasting’ rosé around. It has a stunning volume of fruit, seamless, indulgent and impressively long. |
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Bordeaux | 15 | 88-90 (VN (AG)) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£298.18 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)The 2021 Sénéjac opens with strong Cabernet inflections. Deep and also quite sturdy, Sénéjac is promising. Pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, spice and dried herbs linger on the somewhat rustic finish. Let's see how this comes together. |
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Loire | 4 | 93 (WA) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£155.09 |
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Wine Advocate (93)The 2016 Anjou Violette is deep, intense, very pure and elegant on the harmonious nose, with perfectly ripe dark and red berry aromas (blackcurrant) intertwined with floral aromas. Silky, finessed and fresh on the palate, this is a very delicate and charming blend of Cab Franc (two-thirds 45-year-old vines) and Cab Sauvignon (one-third 65-year-old vines) with perfectly ripe, concentrated but juicy fruit, a velvety and concentrated texture, very fine and crunchy tannins and enormous intensity, thanks to the low-yielding Cabernets. This is a beautifully finessed and silky-textured Anjou that reveals its concentration and depth only on the finish. The wine was aged in barrels for 18 months and then spent another six months in vat. Bottled in April 2017. |
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Burgundy | 3 | 92 (DC) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£202.84 |
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Decanter (92)William Fevre own 46ha of AP Chablis but there was lots of frost damage in 2021 - the yield was just 18hl/ha! Lovely floral notes here, very precise and focussed. This is already appealing although the acidity is certainly evident. Lingering spice notes on the finish. From a tank sample, with bottling due in November. Drink from next year and for many years. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93-95 (WA) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£156.64 |
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Wine Advocate (93-95)Made from 100% Merlot, the 2020 Les Gravieres has a deep purple-black color, rolling out of the glass with ready-for-business scents of plum preserves, baked black cherries and blueberry pie, plus hints of violets, clove oil and camphor, with a waft of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers velvety tannins and a lively backbone to support the generous black and blue fruits, finishing long and spicy. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price Per Point |
Price | ||||
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Burgundy | 6 | 89 (WA) | £0.13 |
In Bond
£192.00 |
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Wine Advocate (89)Raised entirely in stainless steel, the 2016 Saint-Véran was showing very well, wafting from the glass with notes of lemon oil, honeysuckle and pastry cream. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and powerful, with succulent underlying acidity, concluding with a stony, saline finish. Cropped at a mere 12 hectoliters per hectare, it nevertheless remains quite classical in profile—there's simply somewhat more flesh and concentration than usual. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89-91 (VN (AG)) | £0.13 |
In Bond
£68.50 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)The 2020 Puygueraud Blanc is full of lemon peel, almond, dried flowers, apricot and chamomile. Light and gracious, with pretty tropical overtones, it is impeccably rendered and all the elements are nicely balanced. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 91 (WE) | £0.14 |
In Bond
£467.00 |
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Wine Enthusiast (91)Formerly the property of one of Napoleon's generals, this estate is now performing impressively after renovations. This wine is richly structured and packed with black fruits. Dark tannins vie with black currants and ripe spice in this wine that will age well. Drink from 2024. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92-94 (JD) | £0.14 |
In Bond
£153.50 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)This estate continues to deliver the goods, and the 2020 Château Lilian Ladouys is another smoking wine readers will love. Lots of ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and damp earth give way to a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, textured, beautifully balanced red that will drink well for 20 years or more. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 90-92 (VN (NM)) | £0.15 |
In Bond
£209.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)The 2018 Cissac has a nose with real gusto, featuring precocious blackberry, raspberry and cranberry fruit; cedar and graphite scents emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins framing dense black fruit laced with allspice and black pepper. I appreciate the energy of this Cissac and I believe it will age with grace. Excellent. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 88 (VN (AG)) | £0.15 |
In Bond
£82.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)The 2019 Dutruch Grand Poujeaux is an attractive wine to enjoy over the next handful of years. There is a good bit of energy to the blue/purplish fruit, lavender and spice flavors. All this needs is more mid-palate depth. As things stand, the 2019 feels a bit severe, despite its obvious charms. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 83-85 (VN (NM)) | £0.16 |
In Bond
£83.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (83-85)The 2017 Marsau, 14-hectares on clay soil, offers light brambly red fruit on the nose that lacks a little depth and concentration compared to other vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, sharp on the entry with quite high acidity, leading to a straightforward, slightly austere finish. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (ST)) | £0.16 |
In Bond
£175.00 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)(a blend of 63% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon,10% petit verdot and 7% carmenère): Fully saturated inky purple. Coffee, cocoa and cassis on the nose, along with a musky note that I attribute to the carmenère. Then ample and sweet in the mouth, with syrupy blackberry and vanilla flavors that linger on the tangy, rather light finish. |
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Bordeaux | 20 | 90-92 (VN (NM)) | £0.17 |
In Bond
£90.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)The 2021 Blanc has a well-defined bouquet with fine mineralité. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, quite biting sour lemon notes, but it retains superb balance and poise all the way through to the finish. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (VN (NM)) | £0.17 |
In Bond
£255.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2019 Cissac has a nose of bright red berries nicely interwoven with hints of graphite and cedar, all very focused. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and vibrant, with fine-grained tannins and gentle grip on the graphite-tinged finish. This is a very fine Cissac to enjoy over the next decade. |
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Beaujolais | 1 | 94 (WA) | £0.17 |
In Bond
£189.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)Fans of old-school Beaujolais will adore the 2021 Fleurie Cuvée Tardive from the Clos de la Roilette. Bursting with aromas of crunchy red berries, peonies, spices and plums, it's medium-bodied, ample and enveloping, with succulent acids, melting tannins and a pretty, perfumed finish. Despite the challenges of the year, the Coudert family have produced a lovely classic, and it's a wine that's much more drinkable and vibrant than some of the recent banner vintages at this address. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 94 (JA) | £0.17 |
In Bond
£110.00 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)This is an excellent vintage of Montlandrie, with smoked coffee and cocoa bean, a ton of salinity, powerful blue and red fruits, super juicy on the finish. Enticing curled woodsmoke as it comes out of the glass, slate finish with a scrape of minerality. 40% new oak. Harvest September 30 to October 10. |
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Loire | 2 | 93 (WA) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£90.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)Beautifully fresh in its purple color, the 2015 Anjou Cabernet Franc opens with ripe and fleshy cherry fruit on the nose. On the palate, this is a highly elegant, finessed and concentrated red with crunchy but ripe tannins and refreshing mineral acidity that leads to a long and linear finish. This is a concentrated and elegant Cabernet Franc with remarkable finesse. I'd keep it for another couple of years, though, and then you can surely enjoy it for up to two or more decades. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (VN (NM)) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£274.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2017 Cissac has a well defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar, brown spices and a touch of leather, some new oak (30%) needing a few months to fully integrate. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and good grip. A saline finish urges you back for another sip. This is a commendable Cissac that makes the most of the vintage. Recommended as it is often a great value. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92+ (JD) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£99.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (92+)Brought up in 30% new French oak and based on an 80/20 split of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château La Chenade has a classy, beautiful nose of crème de cassis, dried tobacco, lead pencil, and earth. This carries to a vibrant, medium-bodied Lalande de Pomerol with fine yet present tannins, a solid spine of acidity, and a great finish. It's another release from Denis Durantou that's going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for a decade. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (AG)) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£190.50 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)The 2017 La Prade is rich and powerful, just as it was from barrel. A rush of blackberry jam, gravel, spice, leather and smoke gives the 2017 its somber, virile personality. Potent in both its fruit and tannic structure, the 2017 could use a year or two in bottle to come together, but I imagine it will always remain a bit rustic. There is no shortage of intensity, that much is clear. Yields are down 50% - 7 hectares in production, 4.5 were not frosted, but this is rustic. Tasted three times. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 90 (VN (AG)) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£208.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)The 2012 Puygueraud is a soft, supple red to drink now and over the next handful of years. Licorice, tobacco, menthol, plums and earthy notes are all laced together nicely in the glass. Medium in body and already quite forward, the 2012 is an excellent choice for drinking over the next handful of years. An intriguing array of sweet and savory notes lingers on the inviting finish. The tannins are a bit gritty, but this is a solid effort nonetheless. The 2012 is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 92 (VN (NM)) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£285.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (92)The 2019 d'Aiguilhe has a really lovely bouquet of ample black cherry, mulberry and light floral scents, very pure and delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with cedar-infused red fruit. While not as exuberant as the aromatics, this is nicely detailed and quite poised on the finish. No, I still cannot pronounce its name, but this Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is well worth seeking out. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (AG)) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£199.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)Gigault's 2016 Cuvée Viva is pliant, supple and super-expressive. Floral and citrus notes add brightness to a core of red berry fruit. Medium in body, delicate and light on its feet, the Cuvée Viva is an absolute delight. Drink it over the next handful of years. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 91-93 (JD) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£381.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (91-93)A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in 30% new barrels, the 2017 Château d'Aiguilhe offers a gorgeous perfume of framboise, blueberries, strawberries, and flowers. Possessing medium body, fine, silky tannin, impeccable balance and obvious minerality on the finish, it’s seriously good Côtes de Castillon that over-delivers. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 90-92 (VN (AG)) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£301.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)The 2020 Pierre 1er is nicely done. In fact, this is one of the better recent vintages I can remember tasting. Inky and voluptuous, the 2020 offers quite a bit of richness, but with better balance than has been the case in the last few years. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves add to the wine's somber yet beguiling personality. This extroverted Saint-Émilion has quite a bit to offer. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (VN (AG)) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£102.50 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)The 2020 La Chenade is rich, sumptuous and super-expressive right out of the gate. All of the exuberance of the year comes through loud and clear. A burst of black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, lavender and spice infuses the Chenade with tons of complexity. Broad and creamy, with fine balance, the Chenade is showing so well today. The combination of fruit density and energy is compelling. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 92-93 (JS) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£294.00 |
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James Suckling (92-93)This shows density and structure for a 2015 with ripe tannins and bright fruit character. Full body. Chewy texture. Extremely well done for Médoc. |
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Bordeaux | 20 | 89-91 (VN (AG)) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£108.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)The 2021 Mont-Perat is a rich, exuberant wine that will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. A rush of sweet red berry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and tobacco give this Bordeaux Supérieur tons of charm. This is already very nicely put together. |
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Provence | 16 | 18.5 (MJ) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£113.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (18.5)The question I am most asked every year is, “Is Whispering Angel any good?”. My answer has never changed. Yes, of course, this wine is a triumph. It is made to exacting standards, and while there is more competition these days than ever, Whispering Angel and its Esclans portfolio pals still sit atop the pile. And while some think that you can save a few quid elsewhere, and they might be right, nothing comes close to Rock Angel. Instead of defending Whispering Angel’s honour, I prefer to advise curious rosé fiends to spend a fiver more and drink Rock. Rock is not a turbo-charged version of Whispering, although that is the line most people peddle. They say this because it sees some oak, making it seem like a Whispering+. But to me, Rock Angel is more clearly related to the Estate range of wines – those that come from the Chateau d’Esclans itself. All these wines (Chateau d’Esclans, Les Clans and Garrus) are made using oak, and their fruit is of the highest quality; hence, pricing ranges from £40-£140. Rock Angel swings in under £25 if you search hard enough, and I believe it is the finest value, ‘grand-tasting’ rosé around. It has a stunning volume of fruit, seamless, indulgent and impressively long. |
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Provence | 10 | 18.5 (MJ) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£116.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (18.5)The question I am most asked every year is, “Is Whispering Angel any good?”. My answer has never changed. Yes, of course, this wine is a triumph. It is made to exacting standards, and while there is more competition these days than ever, Whispering Angel and its Esclans portfolio pals still sit atop the pile. And while some think that you can save a few quid elsewhere, and they might be right, nothing comes close to Rock Angel. Instead of defending Whispering Angel’s honour, I prefer to advise curious rosé fiends to spend a fiver more and drink Rock. Rock is not a turbo-charged version of Whispering, although that is the line most people peddle. They say this because it sees some oak, making it seem like a Whispering+. But to me, Rock Angel is more clearly related to the Estate range of wines – those that come from the Chateau d’Esclans itself. All these wines (Chateau d’Esclans, Les Clans and Garrus) are made using oak, and their fruit is of the highest quality; hence, pricing ranges from £40-£140. Rock Angel swings in under £25 if you search hard enough, and I believe it is the finest value, ‘grand-tasting’ rosé around. It has a stunning volume of fruit, seamless, indulgent and impressively long. |
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Bordeaux | 15 | 88-90 (VN (AG)) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£210.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)The 2021 Sénéjac opens with strong Cabernet inflections. Deep and also quite sturdy, Sénéjac is promising. Pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, spice and dried herbs linger on the somewhat rustic finish. Let's see how this comes together. |
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Loire | 4 | 93 (WA) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£110.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)The 2016 Anjou Violette is deep, intense, very pure and elegant on the harmonious nose, with perfectly ripe dark and red berry aromas (blackcurrant) intertwined with floral aromas. Silky, finessed and fresh on the palate, this is a very delicate and charming blend of Cab Franc (two-thirds 45-year-old vines) and Cab Sauvignon (one-third 65-year-old vines) with perfectly ripe, concentrated but juicy fruit, a velvety and concentrated texture, very fine and crunchy tannins and enormous intensity, thanks to the low-yielding Cabernets. This is a beautifully finessed and silky-textured Anjou that reveals its concentration and depth only on the finish. The wine was aged in barrels for 18 months and then spent another six months in vat. Bottled in April 2017. |
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Burgundy | 3 | 92 (DC) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£153.00 |
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Decanter (92)William Fevre own 46ha of AP Chablis but there was lots of frost damage in 2021 - the yield was just 18hl/ha! Lovely floral notes here, very precise and focussed. This is already appealing although the acidity is certainly evident. Lingering spice notes on the finish. From a tank sample, with bottling due in November. Drink from next year and for many years. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93-95 (WA) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£114.50 |
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Wine Advocate (93-95)Made from 100% Merlot, the 2020 Les Gravieres has a deep purple-black color, rolling out of the glass with ready-for-business scents of plum preserves, baked black cherries and blueberry pie, plus hints of violets, clove oil and camphor, with a waft of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers velvety tannins and a lively backbone to support the generous black and blue fruits, finishing long and spicy. |
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