Vinous (93)

Matthew Jukes (19+)

Tim Atkin MW (99)

Revel in the essence of Loire Valley's gem, the Guiberteau Saumur Breze 2019. An exquisite testament to Romain Guiberteau's expertise, this Cabernet Franc displays remarkable finesse and complexity. Artfully crafted from 50-year-old vines rooted in chalky and flinty soils on the hills of Brézé, it is left to mature in neutral oak, a process that imparts a refined elegance.

The Guiberteau Saumur Breze 2019 showcases a nose rich with ripe red fruits, light peppery spice, and mineral undertones, demonstrating Guiberteau's ability to reveal the lure and nuance of the Brézé terroir. Precise and vibrant on the palate, it offers an alluring play of pure strawberry, cherry, and herbs, supported by moderate acidity and supple tannins.

Established as a premier producer in Saumur, Guiberteau has presented a compelling expression of Cabernet Franc's potential with this 2019 vintage, a wine epitomising authenticity and purity.

Marvel at the magic of Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017. A rarity from the renowned Loire Valley region, this gem is the fruit of organic vineyards nurtured by Romain Guiberteau. Employing a minimalist approach, the grapes are hand-harvested, after which they undergo a gentle pressing, followed by natural fermentation in neutral oak barrels. The result? A wine that shines in its complexity and balance.

Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017 features a vibrant hue and distinctive mineral-rich aroma, a nod to the limestone-rich, south-facing vineyards of Les Arboises. On the palate unfolds a fine play of ripe cherries, dark berries, and earthy undertones — an encapsulation of the vineyard's terroir. Endowed with refined tannins and a prolonged aftertaste, it's a wine that expresses its character with grace and quiet confidence.

An unfiltered and unfined marvel, Guiberteau's star is justly rising in the global wine world. Experience the illustrious Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017 — a symphony of quality craftsmanship and authentic Loire Valley imprint.

The Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Les Moulins Rouge 2020 is an exquisite gem from the heart of Loire Valley. Artisan producer Romain Guiberteau has restored a rich family lineage, leveraging limestone-rich soils and organic viticulture to produce this exceptional wine. The 2020 vintage is entirely from Cabernet Franc, with deep, vibrant flavours of red fruit, spiced by a mineral undertone. Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts, reflecting an absolute devotion to natural winemaking practices. After 18 months in French oak, the Moulins Rouge 2020 reveals a tannic structure that is both complex and pleasing. Light-bodied yet expressive, its bright acidity and precision balance highlight the wine's versatility and ageability. Like a classic French painting, "Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Les Moulins Rouge 2020" embodies an exquisite balance of tradition and innovation, making it a must-have for any fine wine enthusiast.

Immerse yourself in the well-rounded, nuanced flavours of Guiberteau Saumur Rouge 2017, a truly extraordinary Cabernet Franc crafted by domain owner Romain Guiberteau. Renowned for his uncompromising commitment to quality, Guiberteau restored his family's old vineyards, located on Saumur's most prestigious limestone-rich slopes of Brézé, in France's Loire Valley.

Guiberteau Saumur Rouge 2017 expresses the typicity of the region's terroir, imbued with the character of its calcareous soils. This organic and biodynamically farmed wine exhibits a beautiful dark ruby colour. On the nose, it captivates with its fresh red fruit aromas, followed by a very fine tannic structure on the palate. It offers subtlety and elegance rather than overly ripe fruit and power. Undertones of exotic spice and mineral nuances speak volumes about its complexity and depth, ensuring it pairs beautifully with a range of cuisines.

Savour the craftsmanship that elevates Guiberteau Saumur Rouge 2017 above the everyday, delivering an unforgettable, authentically Loire experience.

Wine Advocate (94)

Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017. This majestic South African vintage is produced from venerable old bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley. Expertly crafted by winemaking duo John and Tasha Seccombe, it exudes an expression of fruit purity without parallel. Handpicked grapes, gentle basket pressing, and oak fermentation contribute to its distinctive profile. Bright straw in colour, the wine's bouquet is ripe with star-fruit and fennel notes, while the palate enchants with a brilliant interplay of concentrated citrus, waxy apple textures, and salivating acidity. Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017 sets itself apart in its elegance, complexity, and a clear representation of its terroir. This wine celebrates the creators' love for Semillon, offering a beguiling liquid testament to the couple's commitment to produce South African wines, unmatched in precision, purity, and nuance.

Emanating from the esteemed Thorne & Daughters, Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is a quintessential example of old vine Semillon richness. This wine is meticulously crafted by John and Tasha Seccombe, who founded Thorne & Daughters in the Western Cape of South Africa in 2012. The Seccombes carefully select grapes from remarkable old vineyards across the beautiful Cape, using minimal intervention to elicit the essence of their terroir.

The Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is produced from old Whole Berry Pressed Semillon Gris vines, aged for 10 months on its fine lees in neutral oak. The wine exudes elegance with its splendid textures and refined fruit profile -predominantly apple and quince- underscored by a streak of savoury, saline complexity. Its appealing acidity and focused finish lend it an exquisite balance.

Relish the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2018's immense depth and personality, a wraparound experience of quality South African wine at its finest.

Indulge in the splendour of the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021. Hailing from the esteemed Swartland region of South Africa, this unique semillon was crafted by celebrated husband and wife team, John and Tasha Seccombe. Their dedication to artisanal winemaking is vividly expressed in this dawn-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and spontaneous fermented vine treasure.

Renowned for its strict selection of old vine parcels, the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 champions a harmonious union of quality and character. Expect a stunning expression of ripe pear and apricot notes, fused with subtle hints of crushed river pebbles and fragrant elderflower. Acidity is expertly balanced, leading into a lingering, mineral finish.

With only a limited production run, this wine is a testament to the winemaker’s meticulous attention to detail, and impeccable sense of timing. The Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 is a tasteful masterpiece befitting the discerning palates of fine wine connoisseurs.