From a deeply underrated distillery, this Allt-a-Bhainne bottled by the Stewart Whisky Company under their Stiùbhart Single Cask label is a glorious example of what happens when a cask is simply allowed to mature as it should. A natural cask strength of just 44.9% after 24 years makes it clear that this was maturing at an accelerated rate, losing a lot of alcohol and water but the phenolic oils that remain have led to an extremely concentrated whisky; a masterclass in bourbon-wood maturation.

Appearance: Showing a brilliant old-brass colour courtesy of the bourbon wood and that unique concentration through the ageing process.

Nose: this whisky jumps out of the glass with notes almost reminiscent of a great White Burgundy. Crushed river stones and struck flint alongside golden delicious apple and herbes de provence come across on the nose.

Palate: The palate is gentle as one would expect from the lower ABV but it is oily and viscous with a sensation of scented candle followed by sea salt, delicate earthy peat and a return of that golden delicious apple note.

Finish: Extremely long and gentle with the initial notes of crushed stones mingling with sea salt and stewed orchard fruit.

This 1997-vintage Ardmore has been matured in a single refill hogshead for 21 years, before being bottled in February 2019 for Gordon & MacPhail’s Connoisseurs Choice series. Soft, smoky aromas of camphor mingle with brown sugar and honey-roasted peanuts, while the palate initially offers sweet apricot jam and lemon zest notes. The peat smoke returns in gentle, rolling waves, while notes of cloudy apple juice and a salty edge linger in the finish. 248 bottles produced. Cask No. 19/021.

LaRVF (95)

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru 1997

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)

Deep ruby-red. Black cherry, blackcurrant and graphite on the nose. Fresh and intensely flavored; dense and thick for the vintage but with an essential gentleness. Finishes fresh and long, with tannins covered by fruit. Excellent for the vintage.

Wine Spectator (92)

Big, mouthpuckering Barolo. Give it time in the bottle to mellow. Aromas of plums, coffee and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with thick and chewy tannins and a long, long spicy finish. Best after 2005. 1,240 cases made. -JS

Revered for its impeccable provenance, the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1987 is a wine of extraordinary sophistication. It's crafted in the French Arbois, the oldest Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, where the Rolet family has been harvesting on their estate since the 1920s. The Rolet's are dedicated to perpetuating traditional production methods, expressing unique terroir characteristics in each vintage.

This remarkable bottle showcases the Trousseau grape's distinct qualities, meticulously fermented and aged in oak. Such painstaking methods give this 1987 vintage a plush texture, layered with robust flavours of red fruit, yesteryear spices, and a hint of earthen truffle. A finely balanced acidity complements its complex structure, ensuring a promising ageing potential.

The Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1987 reflects stellar boutique winemaking, a perfect embodiment of single-vineyard expression. It's a jewel in the crown of the Jura wine region, a true wine lover's treasure.

The Rolet Chardonnay 1987 is an extraordinary product crafted meticulously in the acclaimed Rolet Père et Fils vineyard located in the heartland of Jura, North-East France. Displaying unparalleled complexity, this vintage embodies the brilliance of its producers, who have been mastering traditional fine winemaking methods since 1942.

Exceptionally fermented in oak barrels, utilising a lengthy, oxidative ageing process, Rolet Chardonnay 1987 offers an exquisite flavour profile, characterised by its rich undertones of nuts, ripe apples and honey, balanced by delicate acidity. Unfolding in the glass, this Chardonnay delivers a captivating nose, deep structure and lingering finish.

As affirmed by globally recognised wine publications, this resultant bottling stands testament to the quality of wines produced by Rolet family. The creamy texture and deep complexity of Rolet Chardonnay 1987 make it a desirable addition to any discerning connoisseur's collection, or a noteworthy accompaniment to celebratory gourmet meals.

James Suckling (97)

This is phenomenal with mineral, sliced apple and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. It's full-bodied and so refined. Racy and intense. So youthful and long. Like a great and fresh Batard-Montrachet. Long life to go.