A product of elegant sophistication, the Auvenay Auxey Duresses La Macabre 2009 emanates from the revered wine region of Burgundy, France. Crafted by none other than the acclaimed domaine, Auvenay, under the expert guidance of winemaker Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy, this exceptional red wine boasts a highly limited production. The La Macabre sub-label showcases Bize-Leroy’s virtuosity in biodynamic viticulture, this specific vintage brims with character and depth.

An epitome of high-quality Pinot Noir, the Auvenay Auxey Duresses La Macabre 2009 vaunts an exquisite harmony of red fruit flavours and subtle hints of spices on the nose. Its seamless structure and polished tannins, coupled with nuances of forest floor, embody the meticulous attention to detail involved in its creation. This wine promises not just a captivating journey through its layers of complexity, but also a testament to the unparalleled dedication of Auvenay, ultimately making it a prized addition to any fine wine collection.

This twelve-year-old Highland Single Malt was distilled in 2008 at the Blair Athol Distillery along the banks of the River Tummel. Drawn from a single, undersized 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel previously used by the Koval Distillery, it is a youthful pale golden colour with bright aromatics of red apple and pear as well as fine vanilla and warm baking spices. A generous, well-balanced highlander from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland dating back to 1798, this is a personal favourite and a fitting first bottling of the Stiùbhart Single Cask Selection. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 58.9% without chill filtration or added colouring.

Blair Athol is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, tracing its foundation back to 1798 when it was originally set up as the Aldour Distillery, in reference to its water source, the Allt Dour - or Burn of the Otter. Located on the outskirts of the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, Blair Athol, along with neighbouring Edradour are two of the final vestiges of Perthshire's long lost farm distilleries.

In addition to its proud heritage, Blair Athol is also one of the most visually striking distilleries with many of the original buildings as well as an impressive dunnage where the finest casks slumber patiently waiting to be bottled. Only two official bottlings have ever hit the market; the standard, heavily sherried 12 year old and a limited edition 23 which shows the longevity of Blair Athol's spirit.

A key component of the Bell's blend of whiskies, Blair Athol is praised for its fruit-driven style with subtle earthy - not smokey - peat influence courtesy of the ancient moorlands over which its water flows. A mellow malt; the quintessential old highland gentleman, Blair Athol has as much of a bright future as it does a storied past. It is only a matter of time before the reputation of this much loved distillery catches up with the ineffable quality of their whisky.

Wine Advocate (90-92)

Jancis Robinson (17)

Vinous (89-91)

Decanter (94)

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (88-89)

Immerse yourself in the luxury of the Dalwhinnie Speyside Highland Single Malt Special Release 30YO Bottled 2020 1989, boasting a heritage steeped in Scottish tradition. This fine malt is synonymous with the Dalwhinnie distillery, nestled within the ruggedness of Scotland's highest and coldest malt distillery. The charm of Speyside makes its presence known in the spirit's character, with tones reminiscent of heather honey, citrus fruits and a hint of wood smoke.

This single malt whisky is a testament to three decades of meticulous craftsmanship. Each bottle is the reflection of the tranquillity and purity of Speyside, matured in refill hogsheads and butts. The authenticity of the Dalwhinnie Speyside Highland Single Malt Special Release 30YO Bottled 2020 1989 is indisputable - each limited-edition bottle a unique story portraying an era that dates back to 1989. An exemplar of perfected whisky craft, it's a bottled testament to Dalwhinnie's commitment to quality and sophistication.

Whisky Bible (95)

Nose (23.5): Crunchy, crisp sugars capture the malt fresh and youthful as though in aspic.

Taste (24): Profoundly salivating. Like malt sets off fermentation, icing sugars sets off the barley-rich juiciness to the maximum level... and the mid-point? Hard to believe but here you hit malt max!

Finish (23.5): Not sure if it is possible to get better balance between oak and malt in a Highland whisky. Light mocha and liquorice. But a sub-strata of creamy Horlicks, too...

Balance (24): Principally has a firm glazed feel to this. But the intensity of the malt takes the breath away. Too beautiful.

A superb rendering of Glenmorangie's elegant Highland spirit in a gloriously whimsical, yet sophisticated presentation. The flowers adorning the case and label eloquently capture the profile of the whisky and give one of the great classics of world whisky the flair it deserves.

The Guy Roulot Auxey Duresses 1er Cru 2018 is an exquisite representation of the sophistication and finesse found in fine Burgundy wines. Produced by esteemed winegrower Guy Roulot, this vintage hails from the Auxey-Duresses, a village in the Côte de Beaune district renowned for elegant and well-rounded reds. The 2018 Premier Cru displays an enticing minerality and vivacious red fruit expression and is crafted using sustainable viticulture practices, ageing in French oak barrels for a refined balance and complexity. Guy Roulot, a remnant of Meursault's old guard, lends his legacy and prowess to each bottle, making the Guy Roulot Auxey Duresses 1er Cru 2018 a true embodiment of Burgundy craftsmanship. It's an ideal choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike to appreciate the virtues of a well-made, environmentally cognisant Pinot Noir.

Immerse yourself in luxury with the incomparable Guy Roulot Auxey Duresses 1er Cru 2018. This elusive enchantment, cultivated in the Burgundy region of France, embodies the viticultural prowess of the esteemed Roulot estate. Born from modest limestone-clay soils and tended with intricate care, the wine exudes balance and profundity. An arduous aging process in French oak barrels garners complexity, augmenting the rich Chardonnay fruits' inherent elegance. The bewitching aura of the Guy Roulot Auxey Duresses 1er Cru 2018 is a testament to Roulot's dedication and finesse, evoking a persistent, mineral-infused finish that lingers on the palate. Its enticing bouquet bears the stamp of meticulous vinification, marrying opulent fruit undertones with subtle oaky whispers. A product of Roulot's certified organic farming, each bottle holds within its heart a symphony of flavour. Experience the epitome of Burgundian viticulture with the unrivalled Guy Roulot Auxey Duresses 1er Cru 2018.

Experience the refined elegance of the Guy Roulot Auxey Duresses 1er Cru 2019, an exquisite Burgundy produced by the esteemed Guy Roulot estate. Nestled on the slopes of the Montagne de Bourdon, the vineyard enjoys an optimal climate, rendering their grapes full of character and balance. This vintage seamlessly combines varietal pinot noir, drawing its nuanced flavours from 50-year-old vines.

Winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot strictly adheres to organic farming principles, delivering an assurance of natural purity in every sip. The Guy Roulot Auxey Duresses 1er Cru 2019 is matured in French oak barrels for 18 months, contributing to its well-rounded tannins and impeccably balanced structure. With notes of ripe red fruit and earthy undertones, this selection promises a complex and vibrant tasting experience. Prematurely indulgent but offering great aging potential, an addition that always enhances any discerning wine enthusiast's collection.

Introducing the Jean & Gilles Lafouge Auxey Duresses Hautes 2021, a burgundy icon from illustrious vineyards in Auxey Duresses, a wine village in Côte de Beaune, France. Produced by the celebrated vignerons, Jean and Gilles Lafouge, who attained ecological certification in 2009, this red wine communicates their commitment to sustainable, organic viticulture. Hand-harvested from 40-year-old vines, it undergoes traditional vinification in open wooden vats, followed by 18 months ageing in oak barrels. The resultant wine is an elegant, harmonious expression of place; bursting with redose, cherry, and raspberry on the nose; nuanced by earthy, herb undertones. On the palate, it delivers a concentrated yet fresh profile framed by solid tannins, culminating in a lingering finish. A testament to the estate's meticulous attention to detail, the Jean & Gilles Lafouge Auxey Duresses Hautes 2021 is not only a magnificent representation of traditional Burgundian winemaking but a tribute to the timeless allure of Pinot Noir.

Whisky Base (92)

The Pierre Boisson Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru 2011 is an exceptional synthesis of terroir and talent. Made in Burgundy, France, this extraordinary cuvée comes from the renowned Boisson family's estate in Meursault. Pierre Boisson, an ardent devotee of traditional winemaking, employs meticulous, biodynamic methods to nurture the vines. From restrained yields, this wine is aged in older barrels, showcasing the producer's deft ability to meld audacious techniques with old-world charm. The result is an elegant, balanced white with unique minerality, finely-tuned acid structure, tantalising fruit notes and a long, memorable finish. Each sip embodies the purity of Chardonnay, while the idyllic Auxey-Duresses climate imparts an intriguing complexity. This Pierre Boisson Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru 2011 is the epitome of purity, tradition and fusion, making it an ideal addition to any fine wine collection.

Burghound (89-92)

Indulge in the rich, distinct taste of Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 54 Full Cask 2021. Distinctively sourced from the verdant landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Tullibardine expertly tends to its whisky. The handpicked grain, pure Highland spring water, and the masterful ageing in first fill barrels create an unmatched single malt scotch.

This 2021 vintage is a marvel, showcasing the superior craftsmanship of Tullibardine Distillery. Matured in cask number 54, the first fill barrel lends an intenseness to the flavour profile. A rich concerto of chocolate, honey, and citrus undertones surface, with a fine hint of oak. Savour each sip; the finishing is long, warm, and velvety.

Commanding reverence amongst whisky aficionados, the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 54 Full Cask 2021 embellishes every occasion with an air of sophistication.

The indulgence of a sophisticated palate beckons with the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 59 Full Cask 2021. This captivating spirit roots deep into Scotland's highlands, at the distinguished Tullibardine Distillery. Known for their craftsmanship and traditional methods, Tullibardine carefully distills their malts in copper pot stills, ensuring an unmatched purity. The 2021 cask emphasises a meticulous process of ageing in a first-fill barrel, giving it a rich, luxurious character. An artistic choreography of vanilla, honey, and enticing oak symphony delights the senses. The palette showcases a beautiful persistence, with layers of spice, orchard fruits and a hint of cocoa.
Defined by its deep golden hue and abundant complexity, Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 59 Full Cask 2021 indeed reflects the mastery of Scottish whisky-making.