Vinous (90-92)

The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Symphonie" (tasted with classical piano tinkling away on the radio as I sat in their office!) has a delightful red cherry and bergamot bouquet that unfolds seductively in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious on the finish, which feels caressing. This comes highly recommended.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)

Slightly the deepest in colour and the richest nose of the four premier crus. Some lemon notes and light plum, then white fruit. This has the most assured texture of the four. Good grip, as Clive Coates would have said, stretching out very nicely in a fine long finish.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Cask sample. Top-quality premier cru Puligny. Concentration and power on the nose/palate. Savoury edge, plenty of citrus keeping the palate fresh. Should age very well. Stony finish with an intriguing zesty character. GV.

Vinous (94)

Inky ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of dark berry liqueur, incense and peony are energized by a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and seamless in texture, offering densely packed blackberry and cherry compote flavors and suggestions of candied violet, spicecake and chewing tobacco. The floral and mineral notes resonate emphatically on an impressively long, penetrating finish that features mounting tannins and a sweet hint of cola.

Decanter (96)

Vines with an average age of 60 years from lieux-dits Combe, Patou, La Côte, Les Mazards and Chaillot provide the fruit for this Cornas. It spends 20 months in barriques, around 20% new. There are multiple layers to the aromatic palate: rosemary, thyme, herbal bitters, blackberry, blackcurrant and loganberry. A medium-bodied, concentrated but unforced wine with no excessive extraction, a subtly spiced finish and sinewy, brushed tannins. Detailed, focussed, structured and textural, this is captivating and true to its terroir.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2017 Cairanne L'Estevenas has indeed turned out to be super. A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, it shows more of the Syrah side at the moment, with floral notes, peppery spice, black olives and licorice all making appearances on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, with a supple, creamy feel and a rich, chewy finish. Impressive! Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Vinous (85)

Also recommended.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Les Chabiots 1er Cru has a wonderful, expressive red cherry and crushed strawberry nose with beguiling floral aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannin, finely pitched acidity and a long, poised, silky-smooth finish. A great Chambolle from winemaker Alain Serveau.

Wine Advocate (91-93)

The 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru was picked on 28 September, includes 30% whole bunch fruit and matured in 40% new oak. It has a clean, fresh and vibrant bouquet with red cherry, cranberry leaf and fine mineralité coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, impressive depth, quite saline in the mouth with a pinch of spice/black pepper toward the finish. This is a well-crafted Clos de la Roche that should age with style.

Vinous (87)

The 2021 Chablis Vaucoupin 1er Cru has a primal, grapefruit and lemon thyme scented nose that feels a bit strict. The palate is well balanced with a sapid entry, though it needs more grip and substance on the finish. Fine, but early-drinking. Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2018 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru is very airy, weightless and lifted. The 35% new oak is not especially evident. The 2018 shows real finesse and aromatic intrigue. Citrus, white flowers, chalk, white orchard fruit, white pepper and mint come together in a very pretty and gracious wine with a long, persistent finish.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94)

Fullish yellow. The complex nose shows the power of the vintage, a few drier tannins behind, fair acidity. I think the Clos character is there, but it is reticent today. The palate does deliver detail and layers of fruit though. The finish does also suggest the necessary class. Really good length here.

James Suckling (95)

Very energetic, concentrated and powerful flavors of lime and peaches. A wealth of mouthwatering acidity. Superb depth, purity and a long, stony mineral core. Holds long. Try from 2020

James Suckling (95)

Quite exotic nose (mango!) but also with some good flinty character. This is an excellent example of a top-class Chablis from a warm vintage. The wonderful balance of richness, minerality and lively acidity makes this exciting now, but it’s also got the structure to age for a number of years.

"A lifted nose of ripe citrus with almonds and brioche that is extremely open and inviting. The palate treads the line between richness and refreshment perfectly. Round & generous fruit with a decent slug of dosage is balanced out with a super-fresh finish and spray of mineral at the last. 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay here meaning this Blanc de Blancs really over-delivers at the price point. An excellent house pour. " - Will Trotman, Head of UK Sales

Dating back to 2015, the Alleno & Chapoutier Saint Joseph Croix Chabot 2015 is a luxuriously complex synergy of French artistry. Renowned Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno and Rhône winemaker Michel Chapoutier immaculately craft this exquisite spirit. Sourced from a parcel on Saint Joseph's hill known as 'Croix Chabot,' the vineyard embraces an ideal geographic spot. This fertile land nurtures granitic soils that imbue the wine with a distinct minerality.

The features of Syrah grapes beautifully shine through their vinification in concrete tanks followed by an ageing process in oak barrels for a span of 12 to 18 months. This meticulous process ensures a harmonious blend of the wine's fruity and spicy characters.

The elegant full-bodied Alleno & Chapoutier Saint Joseph Croix Chabot 2015 unfurls flavours of dark fruit and undertones of liquorice and violet. With a delightful lingering finish, it offers a rich and inviting experience for the true wine connoisseur.

Jancis Robinson (17+)

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Very much in the Alter Ego mould – lively, fruit-driven with that vineyard-fresh feel but with a little more structure than previous years. Pure and appetising but will age. (JL) 13.7%

Dive into an unparalleled vino adventure with Alvina Pernot Bourgogne Cote d'Or Chardonnay 2021, an exemplary embodiment of French winemaking finesse. Expertly nurtured in the prestige fruit gardens of Bourgogne Cote d'Or, this varietal hails from the esteemed vineyards of Alvina Pernot, an acclaimed producer renowned for tradition and innovation.

This Chardonnay resounds with a subtle blend of sophistication and charm. Carefully fermented in barrels to capture its unique oaky flavours, the wine presents a lively, balanced palate, finishing with a display of lingering citrus notes that spell sheer elegance. One look at the golden-hued pour spells a tantalising foreshadow of the wine's flavour profile.

Alvina Pernot Bourgogne Cote d'Or Chardonnay 2021 is an eloquent statement of the exceptional quality and rich heritage of Alvina Pernot's viticultural artistry, promising an indulgence that befits the discerning connoisseur.

Vinous (94)

The NV Brut Grand Cru Classe 1911 is best described as a multi-vintage wine, composed of 50% 1996 and 25% each 1995 and 1997. I have had the 1911 at least four times over the last few months and never been anything less than deeply impressed. A richly-textured, expansive Champagne, the 1911 bursts from the glass with expressive layers of perfumed Pinot fruit. The wine possesses stunning depth, clarity and precision in an utterly engaging style, with never-ending waves of fruit that caress the palate from start to finish. Precise chalky notes frame a sublime finish. Simply put this is remarkable juice, and one of the best relative values readers will find in Champagne. The 1911 is 100% Pinot Noir made from various lieu-dits in Bouzy. Disgorged September 7, 2009.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2005 Angelus is as good as it gets, and despite having 2-3 decades of prime drinking ahead of it, is as profound a drinking experience as money can buy even today. Offering off the hook notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, blackberries, toasted spice, espresso and scorched earth, this beauty is unctuous and opulent on the palate, with incredible depth, yet never seems heavy, cumbersome or over the top. It has more depth and concentration than the 1990 (and I suspect any vintage in the 1990s or 2000s) and will keep for another 30 years or more.

Wine Advocate (99)

Blended of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet colored 2009 Angélus sings of blackberry preserves, warm black cherries, stewed plums and dried herbs with hints of Chinese five spice, fragrant earth, truffles and new leather. Full, rich, spicy and decadent in the mouth, it has a plush, velvety texture and well-knit freshness, finishing very long with tons of spicy layers.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Effectively half-and-half Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is a tremendous wine. With very fine tannins, spice from a touch of wood and swathes of ripe fruits give this wine its concentration and its huge potential. The wine has weight and a dark, dense structure that will allow it to age for many years. Drink from 2027.

James Suckling (99-100)

This shows the purity of Angelus. I have never tasted a wine from here with such incredible clarity. Full body, full fruit and full beauty. Super silky tannins. A joy to taste. Makes you want to drink it. 62% merlot and 38% cabernet franc.

James Suckling (99-100)

This shows the purity of Angelus. I have never tasted a wine from here with such incredible clarity. Full body, full fruit and full beauty. Super silky tannins. A joy to taste. Makes you want to drink it. 62% merlot and 38% cabernet franc.

Wine Enthusiast (100)

This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025.

Decanter (96)

Emmanuelle has been making wine here for 22 years now. The freshness of the Merlot in 2017 reminds her of 2001 - I would certainly agree, and maybe with a hint of 2014 too. It's a beautiful wine, voluptuous but elegant. These vines were not frosted, but the Cabernet Franc produced less than usual, and they also made an extremely careful selection overall, leading to a yield of 30hl/ha. The wine has great complexity, which is a standout character in 2017, with bilberries, charcoal and plush damson - the Angelus signature of power and glamour. There is good tannic density here and it will clearly merit long ageing. 85,000 bottles of Angelus produced, representing around 80% of total production. Matured in 100% new oak.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

I loved the 2018 Château Angélus from barrel last year and it blew me away from bottle, epitomizing the new, fresher, more elegant style of the estate while still bringing classic Angélus richness and power. The 2018 is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in new oak, with a portion of the Cabernet Franc in foudre. A vivid purple color is followed by a vibrant bouquet of blackberries, crème de cassis, crushed violets, spring flowers, and cedar pencil. Beautifully concentrated, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced on the palate, it has gorgeous tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and awesome length. I followed this bottle for multiple days and it only improved, picking up additional depth and richness, while never showing a hint of oxidation. Pure perfection, it's going to benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades. This is a sensational, magical wine from this talented team, led by winemaker Emmanuelle d'Aligny-Fulchi. Comparing this to the more opulent 2005 and 2009 over the coming decades will be an incredible experience.