Experience a bottle of Boris Champy Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune Le Clous Altitude 377 2019, a true oenophile's delight. This exclusive vintage heralds from a prestigious region - the cradle of Bourgogne wines- and possesses a sophisticated complexity befitting true lovers of world-class wine. Produced by renowned winemaker Boris Champy, a man dedicated to crafting wines which express the idiosyncrasies of their terroir, it is vinified in French oak barrels and aged for an average of 14 months, cultivating its nuanced character and style.

With its spectacular high altitude vineyard origin, this wine delivers a bright ruby colour, indulgent aromas of ripe cherry and wild strawberry, and subtle hints of spice and undergrowth. Its balanced structure and refined tannins culminate in a lasting, elegant finish, making the Boris Champy Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune Le Clous Altitude 377 2019 an unforgettable wine-imbibing experience.

The benchmark cuvée from the exceptionally talented Reenen Borman, at the helm of this mythical estate since 2010 - this wine is spoken about in hushed tones amongst experts, critics.

50% whole-bunch fermentation has given the wine monolithic structure, without a single brick out of place. 25% of the wine was raised in 400 litre oak barrels, imparting gentle seasoning and further fine tannins, whilst the remaining 75% was raised in concrete eggs, preserving the fruit's sensational freshness and impossible purity.

Naturally, this wine is infantile due to its quality and structure, but already it displays a mesmeric mélange of violets, dried flowers, herbs and spices on the nose. Positively quivering with energy at this stage, the wine’s acidity shoots like Artemis’ arrow across the palate, losing no momentum through the endless finish. It is hard to overstate the juddering quality of Epilogue – Tim Atkin MW said of the 2017 that it was “now established as one of the Cape’s great Syrahs”... It is now one of the world’s greatest wines.

Tim Atkin MW (92)

Kottabos is all made with grapes from the Polkadraai area and is a southern Rhône-style blend of Grenache and 40% Syrah, benefiting from 60% whole bunches. Easy drinking and engagingly perfumed, with pot pourri and Turkish Delight aromas, candy floss sweetness and nuanced tannins. 2021-25

Vinous (93)

Bright violet. Expressive aromas of cherry cola, red berries, pungent herbs and lavender, plus a hint of smoked meat in the background. Shows strong, energetic lift to the bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors, which turn sweeter through the back half. Closes with strong tenacity and interwoven tannins that lend discreet, firming grip.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)

Almost all Grenache (there are splashes of Cinsault and Clairette), the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape A La Gloire De Mon Grand-Père was 50% destemmed and brought up in a mix of foudres and demi-muids. It has a riper, sexy bouquet of kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, toasted spices, dried flowers, and sweet Provençal garrigue to go with a full-bodied, beautifully textured, seamless style on the palate. It still has a classic feel, yet there’s certainly more fruit and opulence here compared to the more concentrated, masculine style of the Chante Le Merle cuvée. This beauty is going to drink nicely right out of the gate and cruise for 15-20 years as well.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)

Moving to the old vine cuvée, which is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvèdre, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes reveals a deeper ruby/purple color as well as a richer, slightly more powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, jammy black cherries, roasted garrigue, black licorice, and assorted background notes of spicy meatiness. It’s full-bodied and has a beautiful mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. This is another classic yet ripe, pure, and beautifully balanced wine from this estate that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 15+ years or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Folie might not match the magical 2016, but it’s no less a brilliant wine with a subtle modern style in its black raspberry, kirsch liqueur, cassis, peppery garrigue, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. Always the most modern style cuvée in the lineup (it sees a small amount of new oak), it nevertheless never loses its Southern Rhône soul and is full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, with ripe, seamless tannins and a great finish. This wine is roughly 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre that was all destemmed. It should drink well with 2-3 years of bottle age and keep nicely for 15 years or more in cold cellars.

Decanter (96)

From Jeroboam. Bouchard purchased the site in 1791 and now hold 3.92ha. Fred Weber describes the vineyard as the 'fillet mignon' within Beaune-Grèves. Not surprisingly given the age/bottle size, primary characters are very dominant but there is clearly massive potential here. As the wine breathes, lovely aromas of raspberry/blackberry and violets evolve. Rich, ripe, pure dark fruit on the palate, subtle oak, mouthfilling and concentrated, with silky tannin and vibrant acidity providing the structure for long-term ageing. A great vintage and a great Beaune Premier Cru.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

This is all on the red soil part of Bonnes Mares, vinified with 100% whole bunches. Pretty lighter brighter colour, some reduction, then whole bunch strawberries. Generous fruit on the palate, quite complex, very stylish and with fine promise. A fine long aftertaste.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-97)

A low key lemon and lime colour. Clean fresh and classic on the nose. A very typical fresh stony palate, lightly washed in citrus, with enough flesh to provide the body necessary for ageing, and a fine, long, persistently mineral finish. Drink from 2027-2035. Tasted: November 2022

Jancis Robinson (17)

Cask sample. Mid garnet. Pale shaded rim. Intense nose with some sweet-and-salty character. It's not especially weighty but the nose is definitely more intense than that of the premiers crus. Edgy red-fruit and tamarind character. A bold wine. Long with quite a dry finish at this point.

Vinous (86-88)

The 2019 Monthélie Clos Les Champs Fulliot 1er Cru comes from 0.9 hectares of vine. It was the second parcel to be picked because of its warm microclimate, yet I find more precision on the Les Duresses. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a mixture of red and black fruit and touches of dark chocolate and tar. There is more elegance and terroir expression on the Les Duresses this year. 

Decanter (97)

Bouchard’s holding here is superb: 0.90ha on the edge of the Puligny side at midslope between Ramonet and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. In 2019, Bouchard emphasised the richness by picking this parcel last. Ripe apples, white flowers and even a touch of honey make their appearance on the nose, while the texture on the palate is unctuous and deep without being heavy. There is still enough freshness to keep this lively through the intensely long finish.

James Suckling (95)

This a firm and pretty red with a solid tannin backbone to the medium body. Ripe fruit with some walnut, tobacco, and floral undertones. It’s long and flavorful. Balanced and firm. Classic style. Drink in 2025.

James Suckling (95-96)

Dark-berry and blue-fruit character to the firm, chewy tannins that are polished and solid. Medium to full body. Wood and walnut undertones now. Impressive.

Wine Advocate (97)

Derived exclusively from the château's holdings on the deep gravel soils of the plateau of Brane, the 2019 Brane-Cantenac has turned out brilliantly and merits a special effort to seek out. Wafting from the glass with aromas of wild berries, pencil shavings, violets, sweet loamy soil and cardamon, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with lively acids, ripe tannins and a beautifully seamless, perfumed profile. Retaining all the estate's signature elegance but with an extra dimension of depth and intensity, it's the finest Brane-Cantenac of the modern era and one of the great successes of the 2019 vintage.

James Suckling (94-95)

A medium-bodied, very polished Brane-Cantenac with firm yet fine and textured tannins. Deep and compact core of black fruit, herbs and spices. Pretty licorice and clove notes. Structured and long. 74% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot and 1% carmenere.

Vinous (95)

The 2019 Barolo Cannubi is one of the best wines I have tasted from Brezza in a very long time. Sweet, perfumed and silky, the 2019 bristles with Cannubi character. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, mint, rose petal and orange zest are some of the notes that grace this exquisite but potent Barolo. Give the tannins a few years to soften.

Exemplifying Italian craftsmanship, the Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2019 is a stunning blend of tradition and innovation. Drawing from generations of winemaking heritage from Piedmont, Italy, Bricco Ernesto cultivates Arneis and Moscato grapes in the indigenous soils of Roero. Harnessing the vineyard's unique microclimate, Bricco Ernesto practises organic farming and minimal intervention to showcase the natural expressions of the fruit.

The Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2019 undergoes a delicate vinification process. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures to capture the grapes' vibrant aromas and freshness. It is then aged on lees, refining the texture and complexity of the wine.

Unveiling subtle floral notes and crisp acidity, each sip of the Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2019 truly spells elegance. The pale yellow hue enchants the eye whilst the palate is greeted by lush flavours of white fruits and a lingering minerality. This is a testament to Bricco Ernesto's commitment to quality and authenticity.

Steeped in tradition from the sun-kissed hills of Piemonte, Italy, the Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2021 is every connoisseur’s delight. This elegant white wine is born from a meticulous harvesting process carried out entirely by hand. Producer Bricco Ernesto injects passion and dedication into every bottle, delivering fine quality and consistency year after year.

Gracefully maturing in stainless steel tanks, the Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2021 offers a hint of zest that captivates from the first sip. Made primarily from Moscato grapes, it yields an aromatic, fragrant nose, whilst the careful inclusion of 10% Cortese and Favorita grapes balances this with herbal notes and a refreshing minerality.

A perfect partner for refined pallets and gastronomy, Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2021 complements remarkably well with seafood dishes, cheeses and white meats. Raise your glasses to a sublime, Italian expression of terroir, transcending the ordinary to deliver a truly unforgettable white wine experience.

James Suckling (98)

Gorgeous aromas of roses that fill the glass along with ripe strawberries, raspberries and forest fruits. Very structured and right with finely toned tannins that are tight, sleek and racy. One for the cellar. Try after 2028.

Vinous (98)

The 2019 Barolo Cannubi is a powerhouse. A Barolo of real substance and depth, the 2019 packs a huge punch. It offers a great foil to the finesse of Monvigliero. Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and leather infuse the 2019 with tons of complexity. Here, too, the tannins are wonderfully integrated into the wine's fabric, but make no mistake about it, the 2019 has a ton of tannin!

Vinous (99)

The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is a knock-out. What a wine. Rich and layered in the glass, with striking textural intensity, the 2019 unfurls beautifully with a bit of coaxing. All the elements are so well put together for a young wine. Crushed rose petal, mint, sage, rose petal and sweet pipe tobacco lend striking nuance to this dynamic, vibrant Barolo. The 2019 is quite simply magnificent. Its splendor only grows over time.

Vinous (89)

The 2021 Pelaverga Verduno is classy and elegant to the core. Crushed red berry fruit, sweet floral notes and a kick of citrus are all laced together. Burlotto's silky, polished Pelaverga is about as good as it gets for this quirky variety. Aging in steel helped preserve quite a bit of freshness.

The Real Review (96)

Intense, vibrant pinot noir showing real depth and complexity with nuanced floral, dark cherry and raspberry flavours together with thyme, anise, spice and a suggestion of white pepper. A backbone of fruity acidity reveals energy and helps to promote a lingering finish. A serious wine from one of Central Otago's top producers.

The Real Review (97)

Light to mid-yellow colour, with a shy, reserved bouquet of savoury elements including almond meal, stone fruits, malt and bran biscuit. Traces of honey and nougat emerging. Appealing creamy lees touches. The wine is tremendously intense and beautifully rounded, soft-textured and finely balanced while enlivened by its citrusy acidity. Long, long carry. A classy wine of great complexity and refinement.