James Suckling (98)

The pure fruit is incredible with a dark-fruit and blackberry character. Some sous bois but also shows clarity and finesse. Full body and super fine tannins. Tight and so pretty. A classy and fine Harlan. Needs four to five years to open up.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2014 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a generous, juicy wine. Red cherry, plum, spice and herbal notes all flesh out in the glass. Succulent and inviting, the 2014 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Silky tannins add to the wine's finesse and sheer appeal.

Crafted by master vigneron Henri Bonneau, the revered Henri Bonneau Les Rouliers Vin de France NV is an exuberant symphony of complex flavour and bouquet. Originating from the wondrous terroir of Southern Rhône, this natural vin de table displays Richard-like dedication to the art of winemaking. Drawing from old-vine Grenache, this ruby liquid showcases rich, profound notes of black fruit, exotic spices, and hauntingly elegant earthiness, sure to enrapture the senses.

Intensive manual labour ensures careful selection, producing grapes expressive of time and place. Aging takes place in a labyrinth of ancient barrels, adding to the mystique and unique character of each bottle. The result is an ethereal wine, exhibiting luscious complexity and longevity making the Henri Bonneau Les Rouliers Vin de France NV a coveted addition to any collection.

Ignore trends and taste the Rhone Valley's timeless tradition personified in this most enchanting bottling by Henri Bonneau.

James Suckling (98)

Beautiful interplay of vivacity and silkiness. Vibrant and phenolic, yet also supple with long, caressing layers of crushed almond, brown butter, apricot, praline, white chocolate and hints of sage. Really opens up. Fantastic integration. 100% new barrels from selected parcels of the Argonne forest. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (97)

An edgy, lively Champagne with bread dough, dried apples and apricots. Toffee with caramel with a lifted sense. Light oxidation with some nuts and saltiness. Full-bodied and very layered with so much going on. Creme brulee, pie crust and zingy acidity. Minty and lively. Strawberries and oranges coming through. This is 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay, all fermented in wood, 60% new. Drink now.

Vinous (97)

The MV 16 is bright, fresh and airy and yet has the natural richness of Aÿ that Giraud fans have come to expect. Apricot, tangerine oil, nutmeg, cinnamon, chamomile and dried flowers all meld together in a creamy, ample Champagne that hits all the right notes. A Champagne of towering presence, the MV 16 is classy, understated and undeniably alluring. It is also one of the most impressive Champagnes I have ever tasted from Claude Giraud. Even in the early going, the 70% new oak is so well-integrated. This set of new releases is full of highlights, but the MV 16 is especially fine. Don't miss it! Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 11, 2020.

Matthew Jukes (19)

Made from 100% Grand Cru Aÿ fruit – 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay – with 66% coming from the 2017 vintage. The balance is taken from a perpetual reserve that dates back to 1990. It sees a huge amount of oak, and this forest of staves forms the backdrop to this extraordinary performance. Deep gold in colour, there is a staggeringly full nose of brioche and panettone over an orange zest palate, and toasted almond notes come at you from all angles. The finish is thrillingly long with amazingly bold oak-smoke details. There is an air of luxury here that verges on the gastronomic as opposed to the vinous, and I swear I can detect notes of foie gras and roast chicken jus! I left a small amount of wine in the bottle with a stopper and tasted it a week later – it was incredible. Still sparkling, densely perfumed, hugely impactful and massively rich. If you love the wines of Salon, Selosse, Krug, Egly and other mighty Houses, then you will adore the intense fanfare of flavours that accompanies a bottle of Henri Giraud Champagne.

Vinous (92)

The NV Esprit Nature is a fabulous introduction to this range. Creamy, open-knit and so expressive, the Esprit Nature captures all of the textural intensity that is such a Giraud signature, but in an approachable style. The Esprit Nature is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay done mostly in oak, with a bit of sandstone amphora. This release is based on 2017, 50% reserve wines. Readers should note that the "Nature" is used here as part of the wine name, rather than an indication of dosage, which is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 21, 2020.

James Suckling (96)

A vinous Champagne with so much depth and soft power. Hazelnuts, apricots, peach pits, lemons, pomelos and seashells. Round, creamy bubbles. Complex, but with wonderful drinkability. Converges with precision at the end. Very deep. 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Blend of 2 solera systems of perpetual reserve, started in 1990. Drink or hold.

Savour the exquisite quality of Hospices de Beaune Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres Cuvee Baudot 2014, a fine vintage underpinned by a rich tradition in Burgundian wine-making. Produced from the revered vineyards of the Burgundy region, it hails from the Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres domain, bearing testament to the esteemed reputability of Hospices de Beaune, world-renowned for their exceptional commitment to viticulture mastery.

This critically acclaimed, full-bodied Chardonnay is expertly hand-harvested, preserving the purity and intensity of the fruit. The microclimate and rich soils have endowed it with exceptional terroir complexity, offering sophisticated layers of ripe apples, roasted nuts and hints of honeysuckle on the palate.

With age, Hospices de Beaune Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres Cuvee Baudot 2014 develops bracing mineral undertones, becoming more nuanced and vibrant. This wine is a true representation of elegant French viniculture, an exquisite choice for the discerning collector.

The Hospices de Beaune Pouilly Fuisse Cuvee Francoise Poisard 2014 is a quintessential expression of French Chardonnay of distinction. This exquisite wine originates from the famed vineyards of Pouilly Fuisse within the prestigious Maconnais region of Burgundy. Managed by the historic Hospices de Beaune, whose viticultural excellence dates back to the 15th century, this wine bears the name of its benefactor, Madame Françoise Poisard.

The 2014 vintage, made under the meticulous supervision of celebrated winemaker, Ludivine Griveau, enjoyed an extended fermentation with full malolactic conversion in oak barrels. The outcome is a wine imbued with an intricate palette of aromas, from delicate white flowers to ripe orchard fruits. On the palate, gentle hints of oak intertwine with the vibrant freshness of Chardonnay to produce an irresistible complexity and length. Indulge in the Hospices de Beaune Pouilly Fuisse Cuvee Francoise Poisard 2014 for an authentic taste of Burgundian sophistication.

Experience the exquisite taste of Hospices de Beaune Volnay 1er Cru Cuvee Blondeau 2014, an exemplary fine wine exemplary of the magnificent Burgundy region. Produced in the esteemed Hospices de Beaune, rooted in a tradition of charitable work and excellence in winemaking since 1443, this wine carries the allure of history merged with elite craftsmanship.

This magnificent Volnay 1er Cru, made from 100% Pinot Noir grape emanates an array of vibrant red fruits underpinned by fine-grained tannins complementing its complexity. Each grape was meticulously harvested by hand in the vintage year of 2014, ensuring optimum quality.

The Cuvee Blondeau is matured in French oak barrels, infusing it with silky texture and delicate spicy notes. A true testament to French viticulture, this fine wine is perfect for the discerning palate seeking robust flavours elegantly balanced with a buoyant finish. Truly, the Hospices de Beaune Volnay 1er Cru Cuvee Blondeau 2014 represents the epitome of luxury imbibing.

Wine Advocate (97)

I knew that the 2014 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru would be great when I tasted it from barrel last year...but not this great. It has a wonderful, tensile bouquet that just seems to sparkle. The fruit is so crystalline and laden with energy and mineralité that you almost have to sit down! The palate is surfeit with energy, the fruit perhaps a little darker than in barrel with white pepper, spices towards the almost Richebourg-like finish. Tasting them side-by-side, I would err for this over the Richebourg - it is a magnificent wine from Charles van Canneyt.

Wine Advocate (100)

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith opens with compelling crème de cassis, wild blueberries, anise, chocolate mint and black earth scents plus suggestions of candied violets, cinnamon stick, tar, cigar box and smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, super firm and built like a brick house, the palate offers layer upon layer of very tightly wound, subtly nuanced flavors leading to a very long, very perfumed and minerally finish. If any Hundred Acre wine can live for 100 years, this is certainly a contender.

The Hure Freres Memoire Extra Brut NV is a sophisticated combination of elegance and complexity. Crafted from 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay, this blend is a distinguished product of 30-year-old vines located in the prestigious Champagne region of France. The house has been producing fine wines since 1960, and their expertise is wonderfully highlighted in this best-selling spirit.

The Hure Freres Memoire Extra Brut NV undergoes dual fermentation, first in enamel-coated and stainless steel vats, and then aged on lees for over seven years, resulting in a matured effervescence that teases the palate. You'll appreciate its golden hue, the result of a carefully controlled malolactic fermentation. The cascade of fine bubbles, impressive minerality, and an elegant finish pay tribute to the meticulous traditional methods of the Hure Frères winery.

As a testament to its superb craftsmanship, this wine perfectly encapsulates the Hure Freres Memoire Extra Brut NV's passion for producing exquisite wines that captivate connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Wine Advocate (94)

Il Poggione has one of the appellation's most enviable track records for quality and cellar longevity. The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is a different beast. This wine prizes elegance, finesse and a compact mouthfeel. I would suggest a slightly shorter drinking window of approximately ten years. No matter how you cut it, the wine is absolutely beautiful and indeed ranks high on a list of favorite wines from the vintage. The bouquet is chiseled and tight with wild blueberry, plum, red rose and a touch of cherry confit. No doubt the mouthfeel is thinner in this vintage, but the wine has plenty more going on to keep your attention. I'm liking it. I went back to the bottle a few days after it had been opened and the wine was still going strong. Some 110,000 bottles were made.

Highly recommended by William Kelley and recognised as one of the region's most enigmatic and experimental winemakers, today we have the pleasure to offer his multi-vintage blend, Réseve Extra Brut. This is Manu's expression of the quintessential joie-de-vivre of Champagne, and the current release is based predominantly on 2012 with reserve wines from 2010 up to 2014.

 

This is a pure Chardonnay oozing tremendous class. Sourced from exquisite plots across Montgueux, these vineyards are cultivated organically with the harvest took place at perfect maturity. All cuvées, including the rare Réserve Extra Brut, are disgorged without dosage.

Vinous (96)

Kirsch, blood orange, dried autumn leaves, mint and Mirabelle plum give the NV Extra-Brut Mareuil-sur-Aÿ Sous Le Mont (2013) a wild, exotic bouquet that is immensely alluring. The Mareuil is always a bit unruly, but over the last few releases it has gained just a bit more finesse than in the past. This is such a great expression of Pinot Noir. Disgorged: February 25, 2020.

Vinous (96)

Kirsch, blood orange, dried autumn leaves, mint and Mirabelle plum give the NV Extra-Brut Mareuil-sur-Aÿ Sous Le Mont (2013) a wild, exotic bouquet that is immensely alluring. The Mareuil is always a bit unruly, but over the last few releases it has gained just a bit more finesse than in the past. This is such a great expression of Pinot Noir. Disgorged: February 25, 2020.

James Suckling (97)

Very pronounced and wonderfully complex nose of persimmon, egg yolk, cinnamon, tarte tatin, caramel, mango pastry, apricot tart and spice box. The full-bodied palate feathers a fine line between sheer power, luscious dried fruit and laser-guided acidity. Very long and intense on the finish. Drink now or hold. Disgorged 13 November 2018.

Vinous (98)

The NV Extra-Brut Ambonnay Le Bout du Clos (2014) is the most complex of the four lieu-dits I was able to taste. It marries power, freshness and energy. It's all there, from the delineated aromatics, to the sculpted fruit, to the underlying veins of salinity that give the wine its shape. I especially admire the freshness and translucence here. Readers who can find the Ambonnay should not hesitate, as it is truly riveting. The Bout du Clos is the only lieu-dit in the collection that is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a blend that works so brilliantly here. Disgorged: February 2, 2021

Vinous (98)

The NV Extra-Brut Ambonnay Le Bout du Clos (2014) is the most complex of the four lieu-dits I was able to taste. It marries power, freshness and energy. It's all there, from the delineated aromatics, to the sculpted fruit, to the underlying veins of salinity that give the wine its shape. I especially admire the freshness and translucence here. Readers who can find the Ambonnay should not hesitate, as it is truly riveting. The Bout du Clos is the only lieu-dit in the collection that is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a blend that works so brilliantly here. Disgorged: February 2, 2021

Vinous (98)

The NV Extra-Brut Aÿ La Côte Faron (2013) is a vertical, powerful wine that shows why Aÿ is such a remarkable village for Pinot. The Côte Faron is dense and potent, yet what impresses most is its spine of saline-infused minerals and structure that gives shape throughout. Hints of orange peel, sweet dried cherry, cedar and pipe tobacco linger in a Champagne that is captivating from the very first taste. In a word: stunning. Disgorged: February 19, 2020.

Vinous (98)

The NV Extra-Brut Aÿ La Côte Faron (2013) is a vertical, powerful wine that shows why Aÿ is such a remarkable village for Pinot. The Côte Faron is dense and potent, yet what impresses most is its spine of saline-infused minerals and structure that gives shape throughout. Hints of orange peel, sweet dried cherry, cedar and pipe tobacco linger in a Champagne that is captivating from the very first taste. In a word: stunning. Disgorged: February 19, 2020.

Vinous (98)

The NV Extra-Brut Aÿ La Côte Faron (2013) is a vertical, powerful wine that shows why Aÿ is such a remarkable village for Pinot. The Côte Faron is dense and potent, yet what impresses most is its spine of saline-infused minerals and structure that gives shape throughout. Hints of orange peel, sweet dried cherry, cedar and pipe tobacco linger in a Champagne that is captivating from the very first taste. In a word: stunning. Disgorged: February 19, 2020.

Wine Enthusiast (90)

A well-made sparkler, Jansz's Premium Cuvée shows lovely nuances of toast and superfresh lemon zest layered over ripe apple scents. It's light and fresh, with a slight creaminess to the texture, with flavors that lean toward apple and citrus, but with some savory undercurrents of toast and mushrooms. Drink now.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

The 2014 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru les Pruliers was much more backward on the nose compared to the 2014 les Roncières when I tasted it at the domaine; this is broody and a bit sulky at the moment. The palate is more expressive with fine, saturated tannin. The new oak is a little more prominent here and will need time to be absorbed, but there is plenty of fruité and density on the finish; plus there is tangible mineralité and indeed, spiciness on the finish that has more concentration than Etienne Grivot's other Nuits-Saint-Georges. Superb.