James Suckling (97)

Wonderful complexity and subtlety here with firmness. Aromas of orange peel, stones, walnuts and dark fruits. Medium to full body, plenty of fruit and a racy finish. A beauty. Drink or hold.

Vinous (93)

Bright red. Violet, herbs and faded flowers on the fragrant nose. The red cherry, licorice and orange peel flavors show good inner-mouth perfume and a youthfully chewy quality, plus a subtle hint of leather at the back that adds complexity. Strikes me as being the best entry-level Brunello from Tiezzi in years.

Wine Advocate (97)

This is a truly sumptuous wine that stands as a tall testament to the winemaking talents of Giampaolo Motta, his vision for interpreting this vintage and his specific vineyard site in Panzano in Chianti. This standout wine brings Fattoria la Massa to a new level of accomplishment and opens an exciting new chapter of possibility. The 2013 Giorgio Primo (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot) is dark and impenetrable on first impact. The aromas accelerate slowly and grow evenly in power and intensity after a few quick swirls of the glass. The bouquet peels back with dark fruit aromas, baking spice and Mediterranean herb. The effect is seamless and smooth. A velvety texture is accented by full-bodied richness and just enough freshness to keep the palate energized. And, of course, this is just the beginning of a long cellar life.

Wine Advocate (96)

Gorgeous and soft, the 2013 Fontalloro is another landmark wine from this classic vintage. There is enormous intensity here and the wine is only at the beginning of its long aging trajectory. I suggest you put off drinking it for five to ten more years. There is evident thickness and generosity here, especially in the way those bold fruit favors are woven between dark spice and leather. There are sour accents on the close that remind you of the wine's youth. The tannins are fine and well integrated.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-92)

The 2013 Fleur Cardinale is a huge wine. Blood orange, pomegranate, white pepper and bright red cherries all explode from the glass. Unapologetically rich and intense, the 2013 is beautifully layered and voluptuous to the core. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2013 has been impressive on all three occasions I have tasted it so far. The blend is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinous (98)

Fontodi's 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is a fabulous, riveting wine that grabs hold of all the senses. There is plenty of the richness and textural depth that have always been a Fontodi signature, but in the more contemporary style that seeks to marry power and elegance. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2013 is still very much in its inky, primary stage.

Vinous (93+)

Pale golden yellow. Peach pit, guava and lemon oil on the nose, with hardly a hint of botrytis. Luscious citrus fruits are refreshed by a cool minerality and bracing acidity. An ethereal weightlessness and elegant spiciness dominate the finish. In a pure, classical style, with undeniable class.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Three casks from three different spots. Slightly cloudy cherry red. Really rich and solid. From a very good producer (a long-term proposition) and made in the domaine philosophy. Lots of tannin on the end. Very energetic. Very slightly bitter on the end.

Vinous (92+)

Healthy medium red. Slightly stunted but pure aromas of red berries and black cherry are less exuberant than those of the Champeaux. Also more restrained and tightly wound in the mouth, but with vibrant acidity and a sensation of peppery grip giving the wine terrific inner-mouth energy. Classic 2013 in its tautness and cut. Finishes ripely tannic and long; this should be a beauty with mid-term cellaring.

Vinous (90)

A deceptively medium-bodied wine, the 2012 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno hits the palate with good intensity but in the classic, mid-weight Alessandria style. Sweet tobacco, dried cherries, mint and tobacco give the wine much of its aromatic nuance. The 2012 opens up a bit in the glass, but it remains a touch lean and compact which is unusual for this wine.

Vinous (93+)

The 2013 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno is a big, powerful wine with huge tannins, broad shoulders and tons of overall intensity. Bold, dark flavors laced with expressive, balsamic overtones are some of the signatures. As always, the strapping, full-bodied San Lorenzo needs time to shed some of its youthful tannin, but it is impressive just the same. Moreover, San Lorenzo is one of the rare Verduno crus that emphasizes power over finesse, in the way one might say the same about Bonnes Mares in Chambolle-Musigny, for example.

Vinous (96)

One of the real knock-out wines of the vintage. Vajra's 2012 Barolo Ravera possesses striking aromatics, vivid, finely sculpted fruit and exceptional balance. Dark red and purplish-hued fruits, lavender, rose petal, mint and hard candy are pushed forward in a sweet, impeccable Barolo that satisfies all the senses. Deep, exquisitely layered and powerful, the 2012 Ravera is shaping up to be a real gem. This is a Barolo to revel in. Next to the Bricco Viole, the Ravera has a bit more mid-palate creaminess and overall depth.

Vinous (95+)

The 2013 Barolo Ravera is tightly wound and austere, with tons of its energy in reserve. Lavender, violet, plum, spice and menthol are beautifully delineated throughout. In some vintages Ravera is explosive, but the 2013 is very much closed in on itself. Attractive scents of rose petal, mint, sweet red berries and chalk infuse the taut, salivating finish. My instincts say this is going to be a very special wine one day.

Vinous (94+)

Bright medium red. Knockout high-pitched aromas of red berries, peony and orange peel. Boasts compelling subtle density and sharp definition to its taut flavors of blackberry, violet, licorice, spices and minerals. In its juicy sappiness, this is like chewing on a ripe cherry. A classic Bonnes-Mares, offering superb volume without any undue weight. And an outstanding example of what phenolically ripe fruit could make in this cool vintage.

Vinous (93)

Ghizzano's 2013 Nambrot is another gorgeous wine from Ghizzano. Black cherry, blackberry, menthol, licorice, lavender and cloves are some of the many notes that develop. There is lovely succulence to the fruit, yet the 2013 remains mid-weight, gracious and highly expressive. The blend is 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot.

Wine Spectator (96)

A perfumed style, boasting floral, cherry, kirsch and licorice flavors. Slightly chewy, yet elegant overall, with fine balance and a lingering finish of macerated cherry, earth and tobacco notes. Shows fine length and intensity, leaving an essence of mineral. Best from 2021 through 2043. 1,941 cases made.

Wine Advocate (96)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Amon Ra has youthfully toned-down notes of blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, plums and cracked pepper with nuances of licorice, dark chocolate, cedar and black earth. The palate has wonderful balance and elegance for its commendable concentration and fullness, with tons of muscular fruit and spice layers framed by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great persistence.

One of the hottest commodities on the cask market over the past year is assuredly The Glenrothes. Stablemate to Macallan and Highland Park and under the masterful guidance of Gordon Motion who took the reins in 2009, there are few Speysiders which have the reputation for longevity and excellence as The Glenrothes. After a rapturous reception to our recent offering of the 2011s and a follow up of 2012, we are pleased that we can offer a last butt of 2013 to our customers as well.

Glenrothes is best known as a sherry-aged Speysider and this cask shows why that reputation is so justified; taking the best elements of the wood and developing into a thoroughly impressive malt. Having spent the last decade in first fill butts and taking on some remarkable characteristics as well as impressive depth of colour, they are nothing short of blue chip casks in the early days of their trajectory.

Stored at Glenrothes distillery since distillation, this has not been regauged hence the cask being listed with OLA details but a sample drawn has indicated excellent colour extraction and a recent regauge of the 2011 casks we purchased registered RLA 262.5 which is par for the course on a 1st fill Sherry butt and we would expect this to be regauged in the coming weeks between 262 and 285 RLA or thereabouts with an ABV in the low to mid 60s, indicating excellent longevity.

Tasting Note
Glenrothes’ spirit generally sports a clear barley-driven aromatic profile the key to this cask’s appeal is the classically oily, muscular structure that has become a hallmark of Glenrothes’ extremely age-worthy spirit over the years. The sherry wood is working wonders inregards to the develoment of a complex, decadent flavour profile as well as colour; a not insignificant element of the overall experience, so be sure.

Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite wines with the elegant Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2013. Originating from Italy's esteemed Piedmont region, the Grasso Tiziano estate has been renowned for its meticulously handcrafted wines since 1970. This particular vintage of Barolo Briccolina distinguishes itself with its nuanced complexity, showcasing the expert viniculture of the Grasso family.

The Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2013 is crafted from honest Nebbiolo grapes, exclusively harvested from the Briccolina vineyard. Its maturation process embraced traditional expression, ageing in French oak barrels ensuring the perfect integration of structure and finesse. On the palate, it introduces a dazzling intrigue of ripe berries, subtle savoury notes, with whispers of truffle and spice weaving through.

Showcasing a mature, yet energetic style, this full-bodied wine is testimony to the dedication and skill that accentuates the Grasso Tiziano's legacy. The harmonious and sustained finish promises a memorable experience for the discerning wine connoisseur.

Wine Advocate (92)

Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2012 The Brother's' Reserve Pinot Noir has an earthy nose, a little muted, with notes of dried leaves, twigs and stems plus a fungi undercurrent over a core of red berries and plums. The light to medium-bodied palate is very fine with lovely herbal notes complimenting the fruit and finishing long and finely textured.

Wine Advocate (93+)

Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2013 The Brother's Reserve Pinot Noir has a slightly sappy, youthfully closed nose with notes of ripe cherries, red plums and pomegranate over hints of roses, lavender and black soil. Firm and tightly wound on the palate with a great foundation of grainy tannins and balanced acid supporting the complex flavors, it finishes long and earthy.

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2012 Côte Rôtie La Mouline reminds me of the 2011 with its upfront, incredibly perfumed nose of spring flowers, cured meats, roasted herbs, olives and sweet cassis fruit. Full-bodied, beautifully textured, mouth-filling and already impossible to resist, it expands on the palate and I guarantee this beauty will put a smile on your face anytime over the coming two decades.

Wine Advocate (99+)

The 2012 Harlan Estate is reminiscent of their 2002. Probably a candidate for perfection with another 4-5 years of bottle age, the wine is inky plum/purple to the rim and offers a gorgeous nose of scorched earth, blackberry and cassis, forest floor, and a floral, lavender-like component followed by deep, opulent, majestic flavors that caress the palate with high but sweet tannin. This is relatively evolved, and supple and voluptuous for a young Harlan estate – hence the comparison with their compelling 2002. This wine can be drunk in several years and is likely another candidate for 30-50 years of cellaring.

Unveiling the exquisite Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvee 2013, a fitting representation of the United Kingdom's emergent viticulture prowess. Carefully crafted in Hampshire, England, at the acclaimed Hattingley Valley winery, known for producing outstanding English sparkling wine, this Kings Cuvée delivers an unforgettable sensory experience. Rounded out by an ageing process of 60 months on lees, this blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grape varieties brings a balanced charm.

Bursting with aromatic complexity, this prestigious cuvée has seductive toasty notes with nuances of honey and almond on the nose. Each sip reveals a soft mousse with vibrant acidity, showcasing delectable layers of baked apple, quince, and delicate brioche flavours. Perfectly refined, the Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvee 2013 expertly walks a tightrope of finesse and sophistication, celebrating the magnificence of English sparkling wine to the fullest.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2012 Haut Bailly is quite fragrant and inviting. Dark raspberries, mint, crushed flowers, spices and rose petals all lift from the glass in this feminine, gracious Haut-Bailly that offers considerable near and medium-term appeal. All the elements fall into place in an effortless, stunningly beautiful wine endowed with personality and class. One of the wines of the vintage, the Haut Bailly will drink well for two decades-plus. This is a superb showing from proprietor Bob Wilmers and his team headed by Véronique Sanders. The decision to lower temperatures in fermentation and go for a soft, gentle extraction, along with strict selection has paid off big time.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)

Haut-Bailly's 2013 La Parde Haut-Bailly impresses for its silky tannins and feminine, gracious personality. Raspberries, crushed flowers and sweet spices are some of the many notes that flesh out in an inviting, fruit-driven red that will drink well right out of the gate. The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

Apparently, there's no Les Celestins in 2013, which was a challenging vintage in the Southern Rhône. That said, the barrel we tasted of the 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Marie Beurrier was a bit light but elegant and silky in texture, with pomegranate-like red fruit and gentle spice.

James Suckling (99)

This is an extraordinary, hand-crafted Champagne with aromas of strawberries, spice, dried apples, clementines and subtle bread dough. Dried oranges, too. Full-bodied, yet so tight, compact and powerful with a solid core of fruit and a finish that goes on forever. 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay, all from the village of Ay and fermented and aged in new wood for 15 months. Then aged in bottle. Superb structure and complexity. One for the cellar.