Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2009 Grand Puy Lacoste is one of the great vintages from this estate in the modern era. It storms from the glass with scents of blackberry, undergrowth, cedar and mint, retaining the classicism of GPL. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious with a gorgeous, lithe, graphite infused finish that lingers in the mouth. Bon vin. Tasted blind at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (97)

Two bottles of the 2010 Grand Puy-Lacoste were opened, the first showing just a little oxidation. The second has an attractive minty bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with subtle marine/seaweed notes, a touch of graphite developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive tension and wonderful freshness right from the start. There is a sense of coiled up energy here and the finish just leaves you breathless. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2014 Grand-Puy Lacoste has a bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, mint and graphite, well defined and focused. It does not have to try too hard to give so much pleasure. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very crisp acidity, beautifully proportioned with a veneer of top quality new oak that will need three or four years to be fully subsumed. But the purity and elegance of this Pauillac cannot be denied – a quite brilliant contribution to the 2014 vintage. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2015 Grand Puy Lacoste is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Sensual, polished and refined, the 2015 is all class. Silky tannins, perfumed aromatics and beautifully delineated fruit are some of the signatures. The natural richness of the year comes through nicely, but without overpowering the wine's mid-weight sense of structure. This is a fabulous example of the year.

Vinous - Neal Martin (97)

The 2016 Grand Puy-Lacoste has a clean, precise bouquet with nicely detailed blackberry, briar and tobacco aromas, touches of mint emerging with time, all utterly charming. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, conveying a sense of symmetry throughout and leading into a deft, quite persistent finish. This is very classy, and it should age with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

James Suckling (95-96)

Full-bodied, layered and juicy young wine. Very tannic yet ripe and intense. Powerful finish. This will be excellent. Better than the 2015.

Partake in the treasure that is the Guy Amiot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 2019, a magnificent expression of Burgundy viticulture. This esteemed producer, known for its iconic, biodynamic practices, is located in the renowned Chassagne-Montrachet region where limestone and clay soils foster a perfect vine-growing microclimate. Displaying the highest craftsmanship, Guy Amiot's Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested and pressed in whole clusters, undergoing fermentation in French oak barrels (partial new) for a layered richness.

Coming from the commendable 2019 vintage, this white wine exudes vibrant, succulent fruit aromas underscored by flinty nuances - a testament to its terroir. On the palate, you'll experience a finely-tuned balance of intense fruit character and refreshing minerality, with a lingering finish that echoes its superior quality. The Guy Amiot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 2019 is a quintessential Burgundy masterpiece, brilliantly demonstrating the extraordinary potential of its cherished vineyard origin.

Vinous (93)

Shimmering violet. High-pitched red and blue fruit, violet and exotic spice scents are complemented by a floral nuance and a building mineral overtone. Juicy and sharply focused on the palate, offering sappy raspberry, boysenberry, allspice and candied rhubarb flavors and a deeper licorice note on the back half. Closes long and precise, showing subtle tannic grip and repeating floral and mineral qualities.

Vinous (94)

Dark magenta. Assertive red and blue fruit and potpourri aromas are complicated by exotic spice, potpourri and smoky mineral accents. Finely detailed, mineral-driven raspberry, boysenberry, Asian spice and candied lavender flavors deepen with aeration while maintaining vivacity. Sappy, seamless and sharply focused on the impressively long, minerally finish, which is framed by polished, well-knit tannins.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.

James Suckling (98)

Wonderful aromas of tobacco, sweet fruit and licorice follow through to a full body with ultra-fine tannins that caress every inch of your palate. Love the length and subtlety to this young wine. Gorgeous. Drink after 2024.

James Suckling (99)

Complex and expressive nose, offering red and dark fruit, spices and pepper with wood and mushroom undertones. Fresh mussel shell and a hint of ink, too. Full-bodied with a fine texture and great balance between the acidity and the controlled, tannic structure. Very long finish. Goes on and on. Tiny production, 21 hectoliters per hectare. Try after 2025.

James Suckling (95-96)

Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s full and chewy with a powerful finish. Tar and graphite at the end. Solid core of fruit and tannin here. One of the most structured I have had from here. Cazes family making the difference.

James Suckling (95-96)

This is a very powerful and structured Haut-Brisson, showing incredible depth and richness. Full-bodied and layered with incredible depth and purity. Layers of fruit and tannin. Best ever.

James Suckling (93)

The reductive twist holds red and purple fruit, in fresh and slightly exotic mode, with a plum-compote edge. The palate delivers a linear shape with good persistence and focus on the finish. A blend of 65 per cent merlot and 35 per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2022.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

Apparently, there's no Les Celestins in 2013, which was a challenging vintage in the Southern Rhône. That said, the barrel we tasted of the 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Marie Beurrier was a bit light but elegant and silky in texture, with pomegranate-like red fruit and gentle spice.

The Henri Naudin-Ferrand Cote Nuits Villages Viola Odorata Vv 2018 is an exceptional Burgundian marvel to add a touch of grandeur to any special occasion. Produced by the renowned Naudin-Ferrand estate, nestled in the panoramic landscapes of Côte de Nuits, this vintage captures the intrinsic charm of the region. Henri Naudin-Ferrand is celebrated globally for their commitment to organic farming and refined winemaking skills which are clearly evident in this hand-harvested, carefully aged creation.

The Viola Odorata Vv 2018 whispers enchanting flavours of ripe strawberry, subtle earthiness, and an expressive perfume that’s reminiscent of violets, hence the name Viola Odorata. Its enticing palate combined with the perfect harmony of acidity and tannin structure extols the virtues of an exceptionally rich harvest of 2018. Reminiscent of old-world elegance, the Henri Naudin-Ferrand Cote Nuits Villages Viola Odorata Vv 2018 offers a striking representation of terroir-driven Burgundian craftsmanship, promising a transformative epicurean experience.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champonnet 1er Cru comes from around 55-60 years old vines, matures in 30% new oak and 70% whole bunches. This has a ripe and refined bouquet with hints of blue fruit developing in the glass, very floral in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. This feels linear and precise, gradually building towards a very minerally and tensile finish. Great persistency here, a superb Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champonnets.

Vinous (91)

The 2018 Saint-Véran is a blend of vineyards that expanded with the acquisition of additional vines in 2016. It has a crisp, stony, surprisingly reserved bouquet with touches of gravel and flint. The very well-balanced palate offers a slightly oily/resinous texture, good definition and a long finish. Superb.

Savour the exquisite quality of Hospices de Beaune Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres Cuvee Baudot 2014, a fine vintage underpinned by a rich tradition in Burgundian wine-making. Produced from the revered vineyards of the Burgundy region, it hails from the Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres domain, bearing testament to the esteemed reputability of Hospices de Beaune, world-renowned for their exceptional commitment to viticulture mastery.

This critically acclaimed, full-bodied Chardonnay is expertly hand-harvested, preserving the purity and intensity of the fruit. The microclimate and rich soils have endowed it with exceptional terroir complexity, offering sophisticated layers of ripe apples, roasted nuts and hints of honeysuckle on the palate.

With age, Hospices de Beaune Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres Cuvee Baudot 2014 develops bracing mineral undertones, becoming more nuanced and vibrant. This wine is a true representation of elegant French viniculture, an exquisite choice for the discerning collector.

Jancis Robinson (16)

Mid crimson. Open, fragrant and invitingly red-fruited. Lightish on the mid palate but balanced and juicy with appropriately subtle tannins.

Decanter (91)

Blended from a patchwork of 18 different plots, all opposite either Chambolle-Musigny or Gilly-lès-Cîteaux. This shows a bright red berry fruit character, with floral notes, light body and a silky texture. The fruit is destemmed and fermented on native yeasts, before ageing 16 months in used casks.

Vinous (92)

The 2019 Sec Le Haut-Lieu is classy, polished and simply impeccable. Soft, silky contours wrap around a core of peach and lemon confit fruit. The first impression is all about texture. White flowers, pear and white pepper are some of the nuances that emerge over time, adding complexity, while clean, minerally notes grace the exquisite finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

Now the flagship of this estate, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is 75% Grenache and the rest Cinsault, Mourvedre, and a little Syrah. Sporting a deep ruby/purple hue, it offers a beautiful array of black raspberry and darker cherry fruit as well as lots of graphite, chalky minerality, Provençal garrigue, and spice. Beautiful on the palate as well, this medium to full-bodied effort has a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, rock-solid underlying structure and concentration, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It needs to be forgotten for 2-4 years (although it certainly offers incredible pleasure even today) and will keep for two decades. Tasted twice.

Crafted within the distinguished region of Burgundy, J Thevenet Bongran Vire-Clesse 2011 is an exquisite testament to the mastery of its revered producer. Thevenet's acclaimed low-yield vineyard practices offer a rarity in the world of Chardonnay, yielding a rich, powerful expression. The painstakingly hand-harvested, native-yeast fermented grapes, matured on the lees in old oak barrels for up to two years, deliver an extraordinary opulence, its incredibly high natural sugar levels balanced by naturally occurring, ice-wine like acidity.

Bongran Vire-Clesse 2011 displays a luxuriously golden hue, capturing the essence of ripe apple, pears, and quince on the nose, with nuances of honey, marzipan and delicate spices. The wine intrigues the palate with its immense concentration, ushering in a kaleidoscope of complex flavours that carry through to a prolonged, invigorating finish. Remarkably age-worthy, the J Thevenet Bongran Vire-Clesse 2011 is an absolute gem of the Mâconnais district.