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.

Vinous (99)

It’s almost impossible to imagine that the 1985 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Storica has just celebrated its thirty-sixth birthday. It displays a brilliant ruby red color and amazing clarity in the glass, with only the slightest bricking around the rim. The bouquet alone is enough to keep you at the edge of your seat, as if opening a cedar treasure box to find dusty rose and sour cherry offset by spiced orange, crushed dried sage and just the slightest hint of animal musk. This is total class, cool-toned and poised, seeming to hover across the palate with an air of red inner florals, as tart woodland berries mix with hints of black tea and lemon oils. There’s a bolt of nervous acidity that keeps the experience remarkably fresh, but also adds a highly attractive sweet and sour note. And finally, while structured and youthful in feel, it finishes completely fresh, vibrant even, with dried currants enlivened by nuances of grapefruit and mint that linger on and on. This is an experience wine in every sense of the word, hailing from a dry and warm harvest yet exemplifying the purity of Sangiovese, as well as its ability to mature for well over three decades. The 1985 La Storica comes directly from the winery’s aging vault, and it was reconditioned with a new cork in 2000.

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

Experience the exceptional maturity of the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985, a captivating product of fine French winemaking. Crafted by esteemed viticulturists at Maison Rolet Père & Fils, this delectable vintage originates from the Arbois appellation in Jura. This verdant region is esteemed for its unique soil composition and microclimate that cultivate distinct aromatic profiles in its wines.

Handpicked from mature vines, the Pinot Noir grapes have been nurtured on marl and limestone slopes, imparting a minerality that balances the wine's robust fruit character. After a prolonged maceration, the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985 underwent a barrel aging process, enhancing the wine's complexity and depth of flavour.

With earthy notes of wild strawberry and sour cherry playing off subtle hints of vanilla and spice, this wine embodies the supreme craftsmanship synonymous with Rolet. Indulge in the sensory journey that is the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985.

Embodying elegance and grace, Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985 is a delectable vintage hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Rolet Père et Fils. Situated in the heart of France's Jura region, this esteemed producer crafts exquisite wines that truly encapsulate the rich terroir. The Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985, specifically, shines with complexity and depth.

This wine features alluring characteristics of the noble Trousseau grape, delivering a subtle red fruit profile with an undercurrent of spice. Raised using traditional winemaking techniques, the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985 demonstrates considerable balance and structure, achieved through meticulous vinification. Ensuing from a superior growing season with favourable climatic conditions, 1985 was an impeccable year for Jura reds.

Renowned for their intricate nurturing of the vineyards, Rolet Père et Fils's commitment shines through in this exceptional Trousseau. Indulge in the remarkable sophistication of the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985, an undeniable testament to world-class French winemaking.

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.

Vinous (89)

Medium red with a hint of brown. Evolved, balsamic aromas of currant, black tea and coffee grounds. Still some fruit left, as well as a brown sugar sweetness, with strong juicy acidity and firm tannins keeping the wine alive.