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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Rioja | 1 | 94+ (WA) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£277.27 |
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Wine Advocate (94+)The single-vineyard red 2018 Finca Valdepoleo follows the line of the 2016, two cooler years. It's a fairly large plot that was planted in 1973 in the village of Laguardia on limestone and clay soils at 630 meters in altitude. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and also with some stems (something they don't normally do), and it matured in French oak barrels for one year. The finesse of this wine captured me, and I believe this is the finest vintage for this vineyard bottling. When I poured the whole range and had a quick look at all the wines, this one made me raise my eyebrows. It's elegant, subtle and pure, floral and aromatic, really expressive and captivating. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and nicely integrated oak. It's a modern version of the 2013. Truly outstanding. 60,000 bottles produced. |
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5 | 94 (TA) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£142.84 |
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Tim Atkin MW (94)Sold as a Coastal red because it includes fruit from the Swartland as well as Darling - the vineyards are only two kilometres apart - this is a delicate, yet focused red with some whole bunch spices and sap, black cherry and raspberry fruit, nuanced tannins and a floral, tapering finish. 2022-27 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (TA) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£139.24 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)Seventeen vineyards, 25 pickings and no co-fermentation" says David Sadie of this tasty, complex cuvée of Chenin Blanc with 51% Roussanne, Semillon, Marsanne, Clairette, Viognier, Verdelho, Grenache Blanc and Colombard. Perfumed, focused and textured for a white with just 12.5% alcohol, it's waxy, subtle and nuanced, with citrus, apple and nectarine flavours and very little oak. 2021-26 |
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South Australia | 1 | 94 (HWC) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£300.07 |
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Halliday Wine Companion (94)Dense stygian colour; top example of a full-bodied McLaren Vale loaded with blackberry fruit and dark chocolate, yet not hot or heavy; good extract and oak. |
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Tasmania | 2 | 90 (WE) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£136.84 |
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Wine Enthusiast (90)A well-made sparkler, Jansz's Premium Cuvée shows lovely nuances of toast and superfresh lemon zest layered over ripe apple scents. It's light and fresh, with a slight creaminess to the texture, with flavors that lean toward apple and citrus, but with some savory undercurrents of toast and mushrooms. Drink now. |
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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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1 | 95 (TA) | £0.18 |
Inc. VAT
£144.04 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)A wine doesn't have to be big to be complex," says Donovan Rall of this refined, ageworthy Cinsault, which combines fruit from Darling and the Swartland. Textured, refreshing yet with quite a bit of tannin for the variety, this is crunchy, complex and elegant with layers of summer berry and black cherry fruit. 2022-26 |
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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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Tuscany | 10 | 92 (JA) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£145.24 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (92)The aromatics are sweet and fragrant, with crushed damson plum, grilled sandalwood, leather, gourmet edged, easy to sink into, and extremely well made. Higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than in previous vintages of Volte, aged in barrels that were first used for Ornellaia. Director Axel Heinz left half way through this vintage, winemaker Olga Fusari skilfully brings it home. 119ha estate. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 91-93 (JD) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£504.58 |
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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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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£150.04 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Donovan Rall only used the first pick for this stunning Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc in 2020, fermenting and ageing it in a combination of concrete eggs and amphoras. It's a salty, complex, dialled back white with notes of gunflint, wild herbs and greengage and high-altitude minerality and precision. |
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Coastal Region | 2 | 92 (TA) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£146.69 |
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Tim Atkin MW (92)Now into its third vintage - and showing its highest alcohol yet at a towering 11% alcohol - this very rare Cinsault Blanc is sourced from a 0.2-hectare parcel on granite in Wellington. Naturally fermented in clay amphorae, it's salty and very fresh, with lemongrass and citrus peel flavours. 2021-25 |
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New South Wales | 2 | 97 (JS) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£153.64 |
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James Suckling (97)From a steep, east-facing plot with plantings dating back to the 1950’s, this has abundant blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and flavors with an open-knit yet elegantly balanced palate. Long, rich and so drinkable now. Screw cap. |
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Coastal Region | 5 | 94 (TA) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£149.09 |
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Tim Atkin MW (94)"Massive acidities" is how Donovan Rall describes the 2019 white wines, and he's not exaggerating. This concrete egg-fermented Grenache Blanc comes from a single vineyard at 620 metres in Piekenierskloof and is a case in point. Peachy, pithy and linear with bready undertones and a tangy, textural finish. 2021-25 |
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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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Coastal Region | 3 | 93 (TA) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£151.49 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)Donovan Rall has moved to two picks for this wine to give it more nuances. The same is true of the shift away from oak to separate fermentations in stainless steel, concrete and a solitary amphora. Complex, fresh and very pure, this has the variety's characteristic brightness and acidity, with some creamy lees and a long, focused nish. 2021-26 |
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Tuscany | 15 | 93 (JS) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£375.67 |
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James Suckling (93)A plush red with sweet-berry and spice aromas and flavors. Hints of vanilla. Full body. Lush and delicious. Needs a little time to come together, but already very attractive. Drink or hold. |
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Coastal Region | 6 | 91 (VN) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£142.84 |
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Vinous (91)Bright yellow-gold. Deep, complex aromas of yellow fruits, smoke and honey, lifted by a subtle note of white flowers. At once dense, smooth and light on its feet, showing a fruitier personality and an airier texture than the 2015, not to mention an element of saline minerality. Here the oak influence gives shape to the wine and draws out its tactile finish. This may go truffley in its golden years. |
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Coastal Region | 3 | 92 (VN) | £0.19 |
Inc. VAT
£146.44 |
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Vinous (92)The 2017 Cat’s Cradle is John Seccombe’s new Chenin Blanc from a vineyard shared with Chris Alheit and Memento. It has quite a rich bouquet of honey, light yellow plum and a slight petrolly tincture. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture countered by a fine bead of acidity and a pithy finish that is beautifully defined. Excellent. |
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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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Piedmont | 8 | 92 (VN (AG)) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£255.64 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Tre Vigne is a fabulous, explosive wine. Sumptuous dark cherry, ripe plum, mocha, licorice and new leather are all dialed up to the maximum. This racy, deep Barbera is tremendous. For its quality-to-price ratio, the Alba Tre Vigne might be the wine of the year at Vietti. |
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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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Coastal Region | 29 | 93+ (WA) | £0.20 |
Inc. VAT
£170.44 |
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Wine Advocate (93+)Composed of 38% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 9% Carignan and 7% Pinotage, the 2020 Elpidios comes from 12 different vineyards and was made from 50% whole-cluster fruit. On the nose, the wine offers soft herbal hints of mint and menthol with a delightful undertone of wild brush before swaying with a red-fruited nature and delicate dusty essence. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the wine is juicy and mineral on the palate and offers delightful herbal essences across the structured mid-palate. The wine glides to a delightfully minty finish that will remain food-friendly for over a decade. Give it at least one more year in the bottle, and decant for at least 30 minutes before enjoying. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price Per Point |
Price | ||||
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Rioja | 1 | 94+ (WA) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£199.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94+)The single-vineyard red 2018 Finca Valdepoleo follows the line of the 2016, two cooler years. It's a fairly large plot that was planted in 1973 in the village of Laguardia on limestone and clay soils at 630 meters in altitude. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and also with some stems (something they don't normally do), and it matured in French oak barrels for one year. The finesse of this wine captured me, and I believe this is the finest vintage for this vineyard bottling. When I poured the whole range and had a quick look at all the wines, this one made me raise my eyebrows. It's elegant, subtle and pure, floral and aromatic, really expressive and captivating. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and nicely integrated oak. It's a modern version of the 2013. Truly outstanding. 60,000 bottles produced. |
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5 | 94 (TA) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£103.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (94)Sold as a Coastal red because it includes fruit from the Swartland as well as Darling - the vineyards are only two kilometres apart - this is a delicate, yet focused red with some whole bunch spices and sap, black cherry and raspberry fruit, nuanced tannins and a floral, tapering finish. 2022-27 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (TA) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£100.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)Seventeen vineyards, 25 pickings and no co-fermentation" says David Sadie of this tasty, complex cuvée of Chenin Blanc with 51% Roussanne, Semillon, Marsanne, Clairette, Viognier, Verdelho, Grenache Blanc and Colombard. Perfumed, focused and textured for a white with just 12.5% alcohol, it's waxy, subtle and nuanced, with citrus, apple and nectarine flavours and very little oak. 2021-26 |
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South Australia | 1 | 94 (HWC) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£218.00 |
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Halliday Wine Companion (94)Dense stygian colour; top example of a full-bodied McLaren Vale loaded with blackberry fruit and dark chocolate, yet not hot or heavy; good extract and oak. |
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Tasmania | 2 | 90 (WE) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£98.00 |
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Wine Enthusiast (90)A well-made sparkler, Jansz's Premium Cuvée shows lovely nuances of toast and superfresh lemon zest layered over ripe apple scents. It's light and fresh, with a slight creaminess to the texture, with flavors that lean toward apple and citrus, but with some savory undercurrents of toast and mushrooms. Drink now. |
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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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1 | 95 (TA) | £0.18 |
In Bond
£104.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)A wine doesn't have to be big to be complex," says Donovan Rall of this refined, ageworthy Cinsault, which combines fruit from Darling and the Swartland. Textured, refreshing yet with quite a bit of tannin for the variety, this is crunchy, complex and elegant with layers of summer berry and black cherry fruit. 2022-26 |
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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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Tuscany | 10 | 92 (JA) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£105.00 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (92)The aromatics are sweet and fragrant, with crushed damson plum, grilled sandalwood, leather, gourmet edged, easy to sink into, and extremely well made. Higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than in previous vintages of Volte, aged in barrels that were first used for Ornellaia. Director Axel Heinz left half way through this vintage, winemaker Olga Fusari skilfully brings it home. 119ha estate. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 91-93 (JD) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£382.00 |
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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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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£109.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Donovan Rall only used the first pick for this stunning Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc in 2020, fermenting and ageing it in a combination of concrete eggs and amphoras. It's a salty, complex, dialled back white with notes of gunflint, wild herbs and greengage and high-altitude minerality and precision. |
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Coastal Region | 2 | 92 (TA) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£103.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (92)Now into its third vintage - and showing its highest alcohol yet at a towering 11% alcohol - this very rare Cinsault Blanc is sourced from a 0.2-hectare parcel on granite in Wellington. Naturally fermented in clay amphorae, it's salty and very fresh, with lemongrass and citrus peel flavours. 2021-25 |
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New South Wales | 2 | 97 (JS) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£112.00 |
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James Suckling (97)From a steep, east-facing plot with plantings dating back to the 1950’s, this has abundant blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and flavors with an open-knit yet elegantly balanced palate. Long, rich and so drinkable now. Screw cap. |
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Coastal Region | 5 | 94 (TA) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£105.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (94)"Massive acidities" is how Donovan Rall describes the 2019 white wines, and he's not exaggerating. This concrete egg-fermented Grenache Blanc comes from a single vineyard at 620 metres in Piekenierskloof and is a case in point. Peachy, pithy and linear with bready undertones and a tangy, textural finish. 2021-25 |
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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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Coastal Region | 3 | 93 (TA) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£107.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)Donovan Rall has moved to two picks for this wine to give it more nuances. The same is true of the shift away from oak to separate fermentations in stainless steel, concrete and a solitary amphora. Complex, fresh and very pure, this has the variety's characteristic brightness and acidity, with some creamy lees and a long, focused nish. 2021-26 |
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Tuscany | 15 | 93 (JS) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£281.00 |
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James Suckling (93)A plush red with sweet-berry and spice aromas and flavors. Hints of vanilla. Full body. Lush and delicious. Needs a little time to come together, but already very attractive. Drink or hold. |
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Coastal Region | 6 | 91 (VN) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£103.00 |
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Vinous (91)Bright yellow-gold. Deep, complex aromas of yellow fruits, smoke and honey, lifted by a subtle note of white flowers. At once dense, smooth and light on its feet, showing a fruitier personality and an airier texture than the 2015, not to mention an element of saline minerality. Here the oak influence gives shape to the wine and draws out its tactile finish. This may go truffley in its golden years. |
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Coastal Region | 3 | 92 (VN) | £0.19 |
In Bond
£106.00 |
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Vinous (92)The 2017 Cat’s Cradle is John Seccombe’s new Chenin Blanc from a vineyard shared with Chris Alheit and Memento. It has quite a rich bouquet of honey, light yellow plum and a slight petrolly tincture. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture countered by a fine bead of acidity and a pithy finish that is beautifully defined. Excellent. |
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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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Piedmont | 8 | 92 (VN (AG)) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£197.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Tre Vigne is a fabulous, explosive wine. Sumptuous dark cherry, ripe plum, mocha, licorice and new leather are all dialed up to the maximum. This racy, deep Barbera is tremendous. For its quality-to-price ratio, the Alba Tre Vigne might be the wine of the year at Vietti. |
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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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Coastal Region | 29 | 93+ (WA) | £0.20 |
In Bond
£126.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93+)Composed of 38% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 9% Carignan and 7% Pinotage, the 2020 Elpidios comes from 12 different vineyards and was made from 50% whole-cluster fruit. On the nose, the wine offers soft herbal hints of mint and menthol with a delightful undertone of wild brush before swaying with a red-fruited nature and delicate dusty essence. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the wine is juicy and mineral on the palate and offers delightful herbal essences across the structured mid-palate. The wine glides to a delightfully minty finish that will remain food-friendly for over a decade. Give it at least one more year in the bottle, and decant for at least 30 minutes before enjoying. |
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