Vinous (93)

Matthew Jukes (19+)

Tim Atkin MW (99)

Experience the exceptional maturity of the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985, a captivating product of fine French winemaking. Crafted by esteemed viticulturists at Maison Rolet Père & Fils, this delectable vintage originates from the Arbois appellation in Jura. This verdant region is esteemed for its unique soil composition and microclimate that cultivate distinct aromatic profiles in its wines.

Handpicked from mature vines, the Pinot Noir grapes have been nurtured on marl and limestone slopes, imparting a minerality that balances the wine's robust fruit character. After a prolonged maceration, the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985 underwent a barrel aging process, enhancing the wine's complexity and depth of flavour.

With earthy notes of wild strawberry and sour cherry playing off subtle hints of vanilla and spice, this wine embodies the supreme craftsmanship synonymous with Rolet. Indulge in the sensory journey that is the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985.

Revel in the charm of a true French classic, the Rolet Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes 1979. This esteemed gem is an exceptional yield from the Jura region, meticulously curated by the Rolet family. The Rolet estate, one of the most esteemed in Jura, blends ancestral know-how with modern wine-making techniques. The Rolet Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes 1979 exemplifies the depth and balance achieved from old vine Poulsard grapes. Vineyard cultivation and harvesting are done by hand, respecting historical tradition, showcasing the fruit's expressive purity. The vintage was aged in oak barrels, enhancing its structure, adding rich, complex, spicy notes. Resulting is a wine with a striking red-fruit fragrance, delicate tannins, and exceptional longevity. The Rolet Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes 1979 comes dressed in ruby red, revealing garnet hues, a testament to its respected age. The soul of Jura in a bottle, this wine is the very definition of French refinement.

Indulge in the exquisite Rolet Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes 1990, a wine crafted with the precise finesse only a seasoned connoisseur can appreciate. Artfully aged since 1990, this French gem hails from the heart of Jura's renowned Arbois AOC, reflecting the organic, rich soils and idyllic climate that characterise the region.

The producers, Domaine Rolet Père & Fils, uphold a reverenced tradition steeped in fine winemaking techniques. This spectacular example of Poulsard reflects their devotion, displaying a striking ruby-red hue and delicate cherry and redcurrant aromas, woven artfully with underlying notes of spices and old rose.

Handpicked from vines averaging 70 years of age, the grapes are meticulously vinified using time-honoured techniques, carefully ensuring the balance between the fruit's natural acidity and intense flavour. Experiencing the distinctive Rolet Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes 1990 is a sensual journey mapped out by masters of the craft.

Hailing from the esteemed Rolet Père et Fils in Jura, the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1982 is a standout French vin de garde. Known for favouring traditional viticulture, the Rolet family meticulously nurtured this Trousseau grape vintage in the heart of the Arbois appellation. The result? An exquisite spirit that brims with age yet radiates vitality.

Renowned for its rarely paralleled concentration, this ruby-hued ensemble is lusciously tantalising. With each sip, this Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1982 unravels layers of black cherry and spicy notes, testifying to its storied maturity. Rounded out by a whisper of violet, balance is found in its harmonious palatal journey. A testament to Rolet's unwavering commitment to quality.

Crafted traditionally in the Maison du Vigneron, the largest grower in Jura, France. The Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1982 exemplifies their distinguished method - a superb fusion of rigorous practices and patient maturation to nurture the wine's unique character.

Embodying elegance and grace, Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985 is a delectable vintage hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Rolet Père et Fils. Situated in the heart of France's Jura region, this esteemed producer crafts exquisite wines that truly encapsulate the rich terroir. The Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985, specifically, shines with complexity and depth.

This wine features alluring characteristics of the noble Trousseau grape, delivering a subtle red fruit profile with an undercurrent of spice. Raised using traditional winemaking techniques, the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985 demonstrates considerable balance and structure, achieved through meticulous vinification. Ensuing from a superior growing season with favourable climatic conditions, 1985 was an impeccable year for Jura reds.

Renowned for their intricate nurturing of the vineyards, Rolet Père et Fils's commitment shines through in this exceptional Trousseau. Indulge in the remarkable sophistication of the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985, an undeniable testament to world-class French winemaking.

Revered for its impeccable provenance, the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1987 is a wine of extraordinary sophistication. It's crafted in the French Arbois, the oldest Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, where the Rolet family has been harvesting on their estate since the 1920s. The Rolet's are dedicated to perpetuating traditional production methods, expressing unique terroir characteristics in each vintage.

This remarkable bottle showcases the Trousseau grape's distinct qualities, meticulously fermented and aged in oak. Such painstaking methods give this 1987 vintage a plush texture, layered with robust flavours of red fruit, yesteryear spices, and a hint of earthen truffle. A finely balanced acidity complements its complex structure, ensuring a promising ageing potential.

The Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1987 reflects stellar boutique winemaking, a perfect embodiment of single-vineyard expression. It's a jewel in the crown of the Jura wine region, a true wine lover's treasure.

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.