Tim Atkin MW (98)

Increasingly celebrated as one of the great sweet wines of the world, not just the Cape, Vin de Constance is a delight to taste and review. Slightly drier than the 205 release at 165 grams of sugar, it has more in common with the Loire or Tokaji than it does with Sauternes in terms of freshness and structure.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2016 Cheval Blanc Blanc is a white of real depth and structural intensity. Citrus peel, almond, sage, mint and white pepper notes are highly nuanced and varietal in this 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Powerful and energetic in the glass, with terrific vibrancy, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Blocked malolactic fermentation and twenty months in oak contribute to giving the wine its natural intensity and character.

Christian Eedes (93)

34% Grenache Blanc from Piekenierskloof, 31% Verdelho from Stellenbosch, 21% Roussanne from Stellenboch and 15% Chenin Blanc sourced from both Stellenbosch and Swartland. On the nose , white peach, potpourri and dried herbs. The palate is light bodied and tightly wound with pure fruit, fresh acidity and a very dry finish. Has a lovely restraint about it.

Wine Advocate (96)

In vintages with ample botrytis, an Encore Riesling is produced. I'd put the 2016 Encore Riesling up against many German beerenauslesen. It's wonderfully sweet and rich (210 grams per liter residual sugar), with pristine apricot and marmalade notes balanced by bright acids. If you want to quibble, it might be too clean and precise, but the balance is superb and the finish lasts into next week. Wow!

Wine Advocate (96)

Gently toasted almond and subtle pencil shavings give some indication of the 35% new French oak that was used to age the 2016 Chardonnay Yattarna. Ripe peach, pear and melon fruit fills out the medium to full-bodied palate, then really grows in intensity and focus on the long finish. This is the most complete Yattarna I've ever tasted, blending richness and acidity in a seamless fashion. It's a blend of fruit from Tasmania (51%), Henty (23%), Adelaide Hills (14%) and Tumbarumba (12%).

Halliday Wine Companion (97)

2002 vines. Wigan is king of Eden Valley riesling and yet again one of the top releases of the year. Still a magnificent straw-green at just 5yo, it's at that magic moment where primary and secondary characters unite in equal measure. All the fresh lime and Granny Smith apple of youth, backed by rising buttery, spicy, roast almond maturity. Brilliant acid line charges an astonishing finish that lasts for 30 seconds. Yes, I timed it! For all it represents, this might just be the bargain of the year.

James Suckling (97)

So vibrant for it’s age, this has great concentration of candied-lime and grapefruit-zest character. Terrific structure and energy on the driving palate, but all of this is wrapped in rich citrus fruit to create stunningly complete harmony. Very long and compact finish that suggests this has at least a further decade of aging potential. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Vinous (88)

Bight pale straw. Almost pungent herbal nuances to the aromas of citrus fruit and apple. Then herbal and tactile with good weight to the orchard fruit and botanical herb flavors but comes across as a little simple, even a touch bitter at the back.

Expertly crafted in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the Pierre Peters Les Chetillons Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blancs 2016 reflects meticulous viniculture. Skillfully overseen by the esteemed Pierre Peters family, who boast over a century of experience in winemaking, this Champagne is an embodiment of heritage and craftsmanship.

Created exclusively from Chardonnay, harvested from a single vintage and fermented with indigenous yeasts, the result is a wine of remarkable complexity and finesse. Thoroughly aged for six years in cellars, it develops robust flavours of crisp apple, lemon zest, and almond brioche, complemented by an energetic mineral finish. Fine bubbles contribute to its rich texture, as well as its impressive longevity and potential for further maturation.

Invest in the Pierre Peters Les Chetillons Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blancs 2016, a delectable representation of French terroir; an ideal choice for sophisticated gatherings and special occasions.

Savor the effervescent elegance of R. Pouillon & Fils Les Blanchiens Premier Cru 2016, a testament to French winemaking artistry. Exclusively grown in the iconic Premier Cru vineyards of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the grapes are given a tender touch as they are hand-harvested. The producer, R. Pouillon & Fils, renowned for their century-long legacy and commitment to sustainability, painstakingly ages this Brut Nature on lees for three years, enhancing the depth and fullness of its expression.

A lovely blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, its distinct character presents a rich sensorial journey with nuanced hints of apple, pear, and yeasty brioche, graced with a crisp, lively finish. R. Pouillon & Fils Les Blanchiens Premier Cru 2016’s savoir-faire and earth-conscious cultivation celebrate the enduring essence of Champagne's terroir, capturing an exquisite vinous harmony in every bottle. Savour its vivacious charm—a radiant accompaniment to life’s memorable moments.

Vinous (92-93)

Penetratingly pungent and high-toned aromas of peppermint, boxwood and lemon zest cover over any aromatic influence there might be from a relatively new Austrian cask. The feel here is polished and strikingly waxy. Alkaline and saline notes serve for enhanced invigoration and saliva-inducement on a resonant and rich yet refreshingly bright finish. Last tasted from cask shortly before an August 2017 bottling, this wine will have a lot more to say given a bit of time.

James Suckling (97)

So much botrytis on the nose with spice, dried mushrooms and nutmeg. Dried lemons and mangoes. Full-bodied and medium sweet with density and, at the same time, lightness. I like that it is full of botrytis on the palate at the beginning and then turns fruity and very pretty at the end with citrus and fruit. Balanced, creamy and rich. Try after 2024, but already gorgeous.

James Suckling (98)

Very lush and exotic. This lives from the almost erotic interplay of enormous ripeness, creamy richness and the fresh acidity that makes this massive wine so bright and enticing. This could live a century!

James Suckling (98)

Very lush and exotic. This lives from the almost erotic interplay of enormous ripeness, creamy richness and the fresh acidity that makes this massive wine so bright and enticing. This could live a century!

Wine Advocate (98)

Picked on January 7, the 2016 Rheingau Riesling Kiedrich Gräfenberg Eiswein is super precise and spicy on the concentrated and aromatic nose where pineapple and some ethereal, spicy aromas are displayed. The wine is rich, round and elegant on the palate, very sweet but also piquant and pure, with very fine tannins and a long, vibrant finish. This is a truly great Eiswein with mind-blowing precision and sensual intensity. Total production: 900 liters. Tasted in October 2017.

Wine Advocate (98)

Picked on January 7, the 2016 Rheingau Riesling Kiedrich Gräfenberg Eiswein is super precise and spicy on the concentrated and aromatic nose where pineapple and some ethereal, spicy aromas are displayed. The wine is rich, round and elegant on the palate, very sweet but also piquant and pure, with very fine tannins and a long, vibrant finish. This is a truly great Eiswein with mind-blowing precision and sensual intensity. Total production: 900 liters. Tasted in October 2017.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

Gold reflections glimmer in this amber-colored sweet wine that has aromas of apricot, yellow peach and Bartlett pear. The palate shows flavors of acacia honey, canned apricot and Anjou pear. The finish has enough acidity to stand up to the sweetness.

Decanter (93)

Facing south and southwest, the Nyulászó vineyard features brown and yellow clay soil. Minerality sets the tone of this 2016 dry Furmint, with struck match, ripe peaches, honeysuckle and dusty dried apricot aromas. The palate is explosive, warm and spicy, with layers of citrus, dried apricot, fig, melon and hints of white pepper, refreshed by a solid backbone of acidity. The concentrated flavours follow all the way to the lingering finish, complex and sophisticated.

1 x 50cl each of the following selection:
Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos 2016 | 17.5+/20 Jancis Robinson
Royal Tokaji Aszu Tokaji Gold Label 6 Puttonyos 2016 | 17+/20 Jancis Robinson
Royal Tokaji Szt Tamas First Growth 6 Puttonyos 2016 | 18++/20 Jancis Robinson
Royal Tokaji Mezes Maly Great First Growth 6 Puttonyos 2016 | 18.5++/20 Jancis Robinosn
Royal Tokaji Betsek First Growth 6 Puttonyos 2016 | 18+/20 Jancis Robinson
Royal Tokaji Nyulaszo First Growth 6 Puttonyos 2016 | 17+/20 Jancis Robinson

Wine Advocate (97+)

The 2016 Chardonnay Upper Barn Vineyard comes from the oldest vines on the estate, planted in 1982. Fermented in barrel and aged for 11 months in 47% new French oak, it is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal pink grapefruit, white peaches and Granny Smith apples with nuances of honeysuckle, lemon tart and praline. Medium to full-bodied, it explodes in the mouth with citrus and savory layers, with a gorgeous silkiness and loads of ginger and mineral sparks coming through on the finish. Wow! 813 cases produced.

Wine Advocate (97+)

The 2016 Chardonnay Upper Barn Vineyard comes from the oldest vines on the estate, planted in 1982. Fermented in barrel and aged for 11 months in 47% new French oak, it is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal pink grapefruit, white peaches and Granny Smith apples with nuances of honeysuckle, lemon tart and praline. Medium to full-bodied, it explodes in the mouth with citrus and savory layers, with a gorgeous silkiness and loads of ginger and mineral sparks coming through on the finish. Wow! 813 cases produced.

Vinous (98+)

Luminous straw. Penetrating nuances of lime and guava join the lemon verbena, jasmine, mineral and white stone fruit aromas on the knockout, captivating nose. Then dense, complex and multilayered, offering profound flavors of fresh citrus fruit, sweet spices and talcum powder. Closes extremely long, clean and precise; this is a young white wine of utterly mesmerizing beauty. I find this to be one of the best young CSHs I have ever tasted; it is stylistically different but almost on the same quality level as the marvelous 2010 CSH. One sniff (never mind taste) and I was left almost speechless - and I’m not usually one who keeps his mouth shut when I recognize a truly great wine.

Greg Sherwood MW (95+)

This really is a sensational expression from Andre and the team at Vergelegen. A blend of 20% Sauvignon and 80% Semillon, this wine screams premium white Bordeaux from the minute you smell the alluring aromatics. All the classical white Bordeaux hallmark notes are there including a crunchy white citrus, grapefruit zest, pineapple pastille fruits, lime peel, dried coconut and reductive hints of black currant and vinyl. The palate is broad and powerful with a leading edge of sweet and sour grapefruit acidity, tangerine juice, green mango flesh and white citrus fruit intensity. Slightly pithy with hints of dried grass, this wine is a never ending profusion of fruit concentration, minerality and dried herb complexity all knitted together in a very tight, intense, classical package. This wine would go down an absolute treat blind with the Bordelaise producers in the Graves or Pessac-Leognan. With pyrazines well and truly conquered in this wine, this expression is lined up for a long and successful ageing period. Drink from release and for another 12 to 15+ years.

Wine Advocate (94)

The 2016 Maximin Grünhaus Abtsberg Riesling Superior displays very clear and intense, beautifully ripe and concentrated fruit with highly delicate, flinty/crunchy slate aromas. There is a stony baseline on the nose that indicates an excitingly mineral and tensioned wine—and that's exactly what you get. Full-bodied, straight, lush and piquant, this is a pure and crystalline, terribly tight and salty but also rich and intense Abtsberg with great aging potential. Fascinating. Bottled with 15 to 16 grams of residual sugar and 11.5% alcohol.

Vinous (93)

White currant and quince jellies are joined by an Esszencia-like note of dried apricot and ominous, Eiswein-typical smokiness, nasal prickle and high-toned suggestion of apricot distillate. Tingling brightness animates the viscous palate, which is a bit less rich than that of the corresponding Auslese, no doubt reflecting the latter’s component of botrytis versus this bottling’s healthy bunches. The penetrating, searing, high-acid finishing impression displayed by the Auslese reaches a take-no-prisoners extreme here, and there is even more of a metallic sheen to the finish. Expect some excitement if you follow this audacious concentrate, but you might want to wear sunglasses... and don’t expect harmony.