Vinous (94)

The 2021 Teroldego Sgarzon is an elegant beauty. Roses and cloves complement bright cherries and strawberries. It's silky to the core, balancing sweet red fruits and acidity, creating a perfectly harmonious red. The Sgarzon finishes remarkably fresh yet potent and long, with a framing of gentle tannins, and licorice and mineral hints that linger on. The 2021 is quite possibly the prettiest interpretation of Sgarzon to date.

Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV is a magnificent exemplar of British viticulture. Acclaimed for its layered sophistication, this sparkling cuvee is meticulously handcrafted in Hampshire, at England's oldest commercial vineyard, Hambledon Vineyard, where tradition effortlessly combines with the latest winemaking technology.

Comprising predominantly Chardonnay, with thoughtful drizzles of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV draws its distinct character from its terroir. Fermented at controlled temperatures followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle crafted in an exceptional base wine, resonating Hambledon's commitment to quality.

The diligent stirring of lees, also known as 'bâtonnage', lends it an unparalleled richness and creamy texture, while an extended ageing period allows the wine to develop a well-rounded complexity. The final product is an elegant, golden-hued nectar boasting an intense, layered nose, a perfectly balanced palate, sublime depth and a persistent finish, establishing the Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV as a symbol of luxury in the quintessentially British wine realm.

Unveiling the exquisite Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvee 2013, a fitting representation of the United Kingdom's emergent viticulture prowess. Carefully crafted in Hampshire, England, at the acclaimed Hattingley Valley winery, known for producing outstanding English sparkling wine, this Kings Cuvée delivers an unforgettable sensory experience. Rounded out by an ageing process of 60 months on lees, this blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grape varieties brings a balanced charm.

Bursting with aromatic complexity, this prestigious cuvée has seductive toasty notes with nuances of honey and almond on the nose. Each sip reveals a soft mousse with vibrant acidity, showcasing delectable layers of baked apple, quince, and delicate brioche flavours. Perfectly refined, the Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvee 2013 expertly walks a tightrope of finesse and sophistication, celebrating the magnificence of English sparkling wine to the fullest.

Jancis Robinson (17+)

58% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 11% Pinot Meunier. Vintages: 70% 2014, 4% 2013, 6% 2011, 9% 2010, 10% 2009, 1% 2008. Four years on lees. Disgorged May 2019. Outstanding nose, with all the bready complexity of great sparkling. Saline and zippy, with excellent apple and lemon fruit on the palate. Not at all sharp, with excellent balance and flesh on the body. Mature, mushroomy character on the finish. Expertly done. (RH)

Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noirs 2015 is the first vintage of Rathfinny's premium Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier blend, produced from grapes grown and hand-harvested on Rathfinny Wine Estate. It has an enticing blush sets the scene for perfumed peony and wild strawberry on the nose, while on the palate, its rich mousse of raspberries and toasted almonds gives way to a caramelised red-apple finish.

Rathfinny Rosé Brut 2016 is the second vintage of Rathfinny's flagship sparkling wine, with an expressive red-fruit style that beautifully showcases the increased presence of Pinot Noir within the blend. Vivid coral in hue, it has a lifted nose of wild strawberries and mandarin zest, giving way to a rich mousse of Rainier cherries and candied red apple skin, and a silky, strawberry shortcake finish.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Masses of fresh, ripe raspberry fruit beautifully balanced by meaty density and a tangy yet comforting breadth that reminds me a bit of rhubarb compote on challah toast. There's great substance and interest here – you could even pair this with rare beef or beef carpaccio without a problem. (TC)

Wine Advocate (97+)

The 2015 San Leonardo pours forth with a beautiful velvety appearance and sultry dark garnet color. This wine shows a lot of life and dark fruit purity with black plum, blackberry, cassis and tarry prune. There is a delightful note of black pepper that is specific to this warm and sunny vintage. The fruit shows softer and richer concentration compared to past vintages and more pulpy density that gives this edition a bigger profile in terms of mouthfeel. Production is 75,000 bottles. San Leonardo is a wine made for long aging, but the nice thing about this vintage is that the bouquet remains quite accessible at this young age. Nevertheless, I'd still suggest keeping this bottle in your cellar so that it can calmly finish its evolution.

Vinous (96)

Another year in bottle has added unexpected depths and dimension to the 2016 San Leonardo. It wafts up with an alluring bouquet of smoky black currant and plum skins, complicated by savory herbs, hints of white pepper and fresh tobacco. It's hard chiseled edges have formed into smooth contours now, velvety yet youthfully dense, washing mineral encased dark red and black berries across a core of brisk acidity as a combination of saline-minerals and grippy tannins add tension toward the close. This finishes incredibly long yet also structured, begging for time in the cellar, as hints of licorice and earth tones grumble under an air of inner violet florals. The potential within the 2016 San Leonardo is off the charts, yet it will require a good amount of time to come fully into focus. Bury your bottles deep.

Falstaff (96)

An intriguing mix of cream, vanilla and smoke makes for a dramatic opening. Creamy mousse defines the palate, expressing salty oyster shell and preserved lemon, shortbread richness and subtle saltiness. The smoky echo returns on the finish which is of pristine lemon expressing depth and soaring freshness in equal measure. The finish is pure and lasting. Lay this down and you will have treasure. Drink by 2035.

Falstaff (95)

Both orange peel and Red Delicious apple figure on the nose, alongside a subtle hint of fresh Viennoiserie that turns into shortcrust with more air. The palate strikes immediately with its effortlessness: there is that lovely balance between juicy freshness and mellow ripeness that you get in red apples. The slender body fizzes away with tiniest bubbles, lending creaminess and gentleness, expressing serenity, beauty and depth. Very elegant, lovely now, certain to evolve into a grandiose and gastronomic rosé.

Vinous (91)

The 2015 The Trouble With Dreams was tasted twice. The first, disgorged in April 2020, exhibited a little sweet botrytis that Sugrue advised might have originated from a warm night in October. A later disgorgement is more nervy on the nose, displaying a distinct sea spray/oyster shell influence that translates across onto the palate. Taut and more linear, it has a strictness and stoicism that I admire. Brisk and mouthwateringly saline on the aftertaste. Certainly the second disgorgement is superior.

Vinous (88)

The 2014 Rosé is two-thirds fermented and aged in oak barrels. Deep salmon in color, it has a rich, forward nose of peaches and cream, strawberry, beeswax and touches of white chocolate – all very enticing. The palate is rounded on the entry, with good acidity, though in the end this rosé just falls a little flat and lacks tension and energy. Not bad, but to be honest, I was expecting more.