Burghound (92-94)

Here the more expressive nose is quite floral and high-toned with its mélange of red currant, pomegranate and soft earth scents. Once again there is excellent mid-palate density to the sleek, intense and powerful flavors that flash fine detail and minerality on the mildly austere, complex and strikingly long finish. This is a classic Champeaux of power and grace though one that is also clearly constructed to age for years.

Vinous (91-93)

Assembled from several parcels of 80- to 100-year-old vines, the 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Cuvée Coeur de Roy" has an elegant, seductive bouquet of pure raspberry and wild strawberry scents. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe sappy red fruit, good structure and very well-integrated new oak toward the finish. This has good potential.

Introducing the esteemed Bernard Millot Meursault La Barre 2018, a remarkable white Burgundy from the world-renowned vineyard of Bernard Millot. Located in the heart of Meursault, a village celebrated for its exemplary Chardonnays, the vineyard reflects its distinctive terroir in every bottle. The 2018 vintage, harvested from the La Barre single vineyard, embodies a unique blend of artisanal skill and nature's bounty.

This wine underwent meticulous vinification involving gentle pressing and fermentation in French oak, lending nuances of toasted almond and vanilla to its vibrant citrus and white orchard fruit flavours. Its balanced acidity and long, mineral-driven finish exemplify Meursault's character.

Matured for 12 undisturbed months in the cellar, the Bernard Millot Meursault La Barre 2018 typifies the exceptional precision and finesse synonymous with the Bernard Millot name. Experience the embodiment of French winemaking culture in this exquisite vintage.

Eminent for its elegance, Bernard Millot Meursault Les Vireuils 2018 is an embodiment of top-tier white Burgundy wine. From the distinguished vineyards of Meursault, a revered village in the Côte de Beaune district of Burgundy, France, comes this pristine expression of the Chardonnay grape. Renowned producer Bernard Millot meticulously crafts this refined wine, using traditional vinification methods. Maturation occurs in French oak barrels, introducing a subtle hint of spice to the wine's complex palate.

A treat to finer palates, Bernard Millot Meursault Les Vireuils 2018 exudes bright, enchanting aromas of ripe orchard fruits and fresh, zingy citrus. This melds seamlessly into rich, creamy undertones with a mineral-driven finish, unveiling the elegant depth of this Chardonnay. Each bottle reflects the exceptional terroir it hails from and the skilled winemaking philosophy of the Millot Estate. Invest in Bernard Millot Meursault Les Vireuils 2018, and appreciate a marvellous wine that symbolises the peerless quality of white Burgundy.

Vinous (90)

The 2018 Bourgogne Chardonnay, which had been bottled by the time of my visit, has a clean, precise apple blossom and citrus-scented bouquet that shows impressive definition for a generic white Burgundy. The palate is taut and fresh with a touch of bitter lemon on the entry, superb acidity and a saline finish. You will not find a better white Bourgogne Blanc in 2018.

Halliday Wine Companion (97)

From the estate's highest vineyard block situated on the eastern ridge of the Barossa foothills, and is a quite lovely example of shiraz grown in a temperate climate. It's medium-bodied, the bouquet full of spice, red fruits, rose petals and cherry blossom characters all translating straight to the long, supple palate. Tannins and oak are part of the backdrop, simply providing the finish of the wine.

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)

The first release from this site, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard boasts a saturated purple color as well as a heavenly bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, ground herbs, and gravelly minerality. It's one of those powerful yet ethereal, weightless wines that carries full-bodied richness, seamless tannins, and just a heavenly finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sage Ridge Vineyard has a classic gamey black and blue fruit character as well as notes of black olive, leafy herbs, and dark chocolate. It's rich, powerful, and full-bodied, with remarkable purity and a great finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

While this cuvée is one of the least expensive in the lineup, it’s often one of my favorites. The 2018 Ontogeny is no exception and should be snatched up by readers. A classic 2018 nose of ripe, pure blue fruits, cassis, violets, and smoked earth gives way to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated Cabernet with beautiful tannins and length. It’s going to evolve for 20 years or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)

The same 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, brought up in new oak, the 2018 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine is another incredibly pure, complex, yet powerful 2018. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, spring flowers, chocolate, and graphite give way to a full-bodied, pure, and seamless wine that has incredible potential.

Vinous (97)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is one of the most complex wines in the entire range. Red fruit, iron, mint, rose petal, spice and blood orange give the 2018 a real feeling of exotic beauty. Each taste reveals a new facet. Time in the glass brings out the wine's striking aromatic presence and overall intensity.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2017 Beychevelle is a luscious, extroverted beauty. An exotic mélange of super-ripe dark cherry, red plum, pomegranate, espresso, licorice and blood orange build as this potent, unctuous Saint-Julien opens up in the glass. The tannins need time to soften but should not be much of an issue in another few years' time. I very much like the push and pull of ripeness and energy in the 2017. In a word: memorable. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2017 Beychevelle is a luscious, extroverted beauty. An exotic mélange of super-ripe dark cherry, red plum, pomegranate, espresso, licorice and blood orange build as this potent, unctuous Saint-Julien opens up in the glass. The tannins need time to soften but should not be much of an issue in another few years' time. I very much like the push and pull of ripeness and energy in the 2017. In a word: memorable. Tasted two times.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97+)

Showing beautifully both times I was able to taste it, the 2018 Château Beychevelle checks in as a blend of 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that's aging in 60% new French oak. This ultra-pure, refined, gorgeously layered Beychevelle offers terrific notes of black cherries, blackberries, cassis, violets, and damp earth. Deep, concentrated, and layered on the palate, it has a thrilling sense of purity and elegance as well as building structure. This is the third vintage vinified in the new cellar, and the 2018 represents a selection of 50% of the total production. It hit 14.5% alcohol with a healthy pH of 3.74 and a massive IPT of 81. Hats off to director Romain Ducolomb for another brilliant wine that I suspect will surpass both the 2015 and 2016!

James Suckling (99)

What intense aromas of cherries and raspberries! Then it turns to flowers and orange peel. Roses, too. This is really full and powerful with layers of ripe tannins. It’s super fine-tannined, but shows wonderful length and intensity. A great expression of Lamole in Chianti Classico with ancient vines. Some older than 100 years. Best ever? Superb. Try after 2024 and onwards.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

I loved this when first tasting it in bottle, and it is totally living up to my expectations. The clarity of flavour and the sense of energy ensures it just springs out of the glass, ready to please and without the slightest hint of a dip through the mid palate. Sangiovese signature comes across in raspberry, red cherry, rose petals, tobacco, freshly cured leather, great persistency through the palate, showing balance and finesse. The tannins are fine and silky but not afraid to ask for engagement and time from those of us lucky enough to be tasting it. Fermented with natural yeasts, aged in oak casks and neutral barrels for 20 months.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

I loved this when first tasting it in bottle, and it is totally living up to my expectations. The clarity of flavour and the sense of energy ensures it just springs out of the glass, ready to please and without the slightest hint of a dip through the mid palate. Sangiovese signature comes across in raspberry, red cherry, rose petals, tobacco, freshly cured leather, great persistency through the palate, showing balance and finesse. The tannins are fine and silky but not afraid to ask for engagement and time from those of us lucky enough to be tasting it. Fermented with natural yeasts, aged in oak casks and neutral barrels for 20 months.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

I loved this when first tasting it in bottle, and it is totally living up to my expectations. The clarity of flavour and the sense of energy ensures it just springs out of the glass, ready to please and without the slightest hint of a dip through the mid palate. Sangiovese signature comes across in raspberry, red cherry, rose petals, tobacco, freshly cured leather, great persistency through the palate, showing balance and finesse. The tannins are fine and silky but not afraid to ask for engagement and time from those of us lucky enough to be tasting it. Fermented with natural yeasts, aged in oak casks and neutral barrels for 20 months.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97)

5 Star Wine. Situated in Les Orveaux, looking to the north, cool overnight but warms up very well in the day. Starts to ripen late and steadily. Right from first sniff this is clearly a wine with immense potential. The taste of sandalwood. A sensational sweet deep raspberry with this beautiful savoury touch, reminiscent of fresh blood oranges. This 2017 Echezeaux has years ahead of it! Tasted: November 2019.

James Suckling (93)

A dense and fresh white at the same time with cooked apples, lemon rind and minerals. Bright and vivid yet shows depth and seriousness. Phenolic and vivid. Hints of fresh herbs. Drink or hold.

Jancis Robinson (18)

If the Holdaway Sauvignon was all about the fruit, with a little bit of winemaking, this is more about the winemaking but could not be built like this without that same fruit quality and intensity – as it opens there’s blackcurrant leaf and an almost hidden note of tropical fruit and richness. Marked struck-match, smoky, cordite first impression, but not excessive unless you don’t like this style. This is bold, fresh, with the start of some cedary development of bottle age. On the palate, the texture is rounded and deep, filling the mouth but still incredibly fresh. Long, mouth-watering, salty finish, and a promise of more bottle-aged complexity to come. Delicious now but no rush. Classy, complex, distinctive. For lovers of Sauvignon in the style of Dogpoint Section 94.

Vinous (93)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, matured for 22 months in 80% new French barriques, has a fresh, marine-influenced bouquet that I feel has a little more complexity than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced with black pepper and bay leaf, and very focused, leading to a bright and quite structured finish. This has more class and nuance than its Stellenbosch counterpart.

Matthew Jukes (18.5+)

Plush and packed with cassis, this is a tremendously flashy wine with deep wells of liqueur-like fruit coupled with strident oak and a lovely bright, dry finish. Yearning to be set free, BCSS is like a prize-fighter itching for the bell so it can launch itself at its opponent. This is an amazing Cabernet and while it has the stuffing to go deep into the later rounds, I love its toned flanks and glistening musculature right now.

Matthew Jukes (19+)

I have never forgotten the 2000 vintage of this wine, which I wrote up in one of my books many moons ago. In the blink of an eye, the perfume on this 2018 vintage took me back to that great wine and while this label has been known to wander off into the forest in certain vintages, it is back with a brooding bang and loaded with Hermitage-like malevolence in 2018. With a melange of both red and black fruit tones and considerable aromatic lift on the nose, this is a Syrah with its feet firmly planted in the earth while its head is in the clouds such is the scale and majesty of its posture. Like the other reds in this vintage, the oak integration is near perfect and this allows the fruit to sing. If there is one wine to drink before the other reds, then this is it, and while it might be a criminal offence to drink this wine so young, I am sure you will break the law for a flavour as enthralling and all-encompassing as this one.

The Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 is an epitome of finesse and sophistication from the illustrious Barolo region of Italy. Crafted by renowned producer Claudio Boggione, the vino exudes harmony and balance, reflecting the artisan's meticulous attention to detail. In the creation process, it undergoes fermentation in steel, followed by ageing in large Slavonian oak casks for a span of 15 months, imbuing it with undeniable character.

The intense ruby red beauty encapsulates the authentic essence of Nebbiolo grapes, offering a rich bouquet of dried rose petals, tobacco leaves, and ripe fruits. On the palate, Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 presents a robust yet elegant flavour profile of red cherries, plums, and spices, underlined by soft tannins and an enduring finish.

With a limited production, each bottle is genuinely exclusive, making Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 a must-have for those seeking rarity and quality in fine wine.

Imbued with the grandeur of Italy’s Piedmont region, Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 is a stunning expression of Nebbiolo grapes nurtured in the Brunate vineyards of Barolo. Produced by the family-run Azienda Agricola Boggione, famed for their artisanal production of Barolos, this vintage is a testament to their commitment to traditional wine-making techniques including prolonged maceration and ageing in large Slovenian oak barrels.

Deep garnet in colour, the captivating Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 delivers a complex bouquet of rose petal, cherry and earthy truffles. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity showcase the potency and refinement that characterise Barolos of this calibre. Aged for 46 months, the wine exhibits an impressive structure and depth, culminating in a lingering finish.

Enhancing a magnificent meal or partaken as a special indulgence, the Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 embodies the exquisite artistry and authenticity of Italian winemaking, promising an unrivalled sensory journey.

Immerse your senses in the intoxicatingly rich experience of the Boggione Barolo Brunate 2018. Hailing from the world-renowned vineyards of Piedmont, Italy, this highly sought after wine exhibits the exceptional viticultural traditions of Claudio Boggione. Crafted from Nebbiolo grapes that have been matured for 24 months in Slavonian oak barrels, the tepid fermentation allows a profound bouquet of layered aromas to develop.

The Boggione Barolo Brunate 2018 showcases an intricate profile of intense red fruit interlaced with sweet spices and subtle earthy undertones. The impressive concentration promises a lasting palate, expertly balanced with a poised structure and vibrant acidity, culminating in a majestic finish. As a distinguished barolo, Boggione's alluring Brunate 2018 is an emblem of quintessential Italian wine. The Boggione family's passion and commitment to their craft stands testament to their outstanding accomplishments in the realm of fine wines.

Hailing from the prestigious atmospheric cellars of Bernard Boisson in Meursault, the Boisson Vadot Bourgogne Blanc 2018 is a testament to keen craftsmanship. A third-generation vintner, Bernard's wine heritage is reinvented through his children, Anne and Pierre, in their laudable artistic approach, underscoring organic principles and minimal intervention. Vineyards are meticulously cultivated in the heartland of Burgundy, yielding grapes of the highest quality.

Maturation of this wine is achieved through 18 absorbing months in oak barrels, producing an intense, aromatic wine brimming with mineral intensity. The palate dazzles with an array of citrus fruit, underscored by delicate notes of honey. Echoes of toasted nuts bring forth a harmonious blend of complexity and subtlety.

The Boisson Vadot Bourgogne Blanc 2018 is an exemplary embodiment of the winemaking zeitgeist, combining tradition with experimentation to yield a paradisiacal potable. It's a unique plunge into the narrative of Boisson Vadot’s virtuoso winemaking.

The assortment case contains:

1x75cl Bond Vecina 2018 – 100 JD
1x75cl Bond Pluribus 2018 – 100 JD
1x75cl Bond Quella 2018 – 98 JD
1x75cl Bond St. Eden 2018 – 98 JD
1x75cl Bond Melbury 2018 – 97JD