Wine Advocate (96+)

As an expert fine wine connoisseur, I have the pleasure of introducing the exquisite taste of PerUs Janeen 2016. It is a one-of-a-kind Californian vintage with an opulent blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, meticulously aged in French oak barrels. This extraordinary wine is the brainchild of PerUs, a highly distinguished winery renowned for their finesse in creating limited production wines in Napa Valley.

The PerUs Janeen 2016 is characterised by its dark ruby colour, multi-layered complexity, and intense mouth-filling flavour. Its striking freshness and potent minerality on the nose directly leads to a palate teeming with ripe blue and black fruits. As the layers unfurl, you will find hints of espresso and dark chocolate with a drawn-out, well-rounded finish, leaving an indelible impression. The exquisite craftsmanship of PerUs Janeen 2016 renders it a must-try for true wine aficionados.

Harkening from the exquisite vineyards of Napa Valley, the PerUs Napa Kyla 2015 is an enchanting blend born out of passion and precision. A unique melange of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot, this masterpiece is carefully harvested manually to inherit the true essence of the terroir. The berries undergo an assiduous selection process, ensuring the highest quality and profound complexity.

Established by businessman M. Russo, PerUs leans into the expertise of winemaker Russell Bevan. Their dedication to producing limited quantities with a relentless focus on quality has resulted in this captivating wine, steeped in opulence and expressing notes of ripe blackberry, cherry and hints of cedar. Aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak barrels, PerUs Napa Kyla 2015 provides a sublime finish, leaving the palate craving for more.

A symphony of flavour and craftsmanship, the PerUs Napa Kyla 2015 encapsulates the true spirit of Napa Valley’s grandeur, designed for the true connoisseur.

As an expert connoisseur, I am delighted to present the PerUs Napa Kyla 2016, a magnificent blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from the thriving terroirs of the Napa Valley. The esteemed viticulturist, Russell Bevan, fingerprints are all over this exquisite creation. The grapes, nurtured in famous Sugarloaf and Tench vineyards, were meticulously handpicked, contributing to the wine’s dense, rich character. The PerUs Napa Kyla 2016 was aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 22 months, finessing its vibrant flavours and opulent texture.

Exhibiting a stunning deep garnet purple colour, it bewitches the senses with an aromatic symphony of blackcurrants, violets, and hint of cigar box. The palate is treated to a perfect balance of freshness and tannins, elevated by the powerful dark fruits and subtle spices. Enjoy this monumental creation of PerUs, and let their relentless pursuit of perfection elevate your wine experience endlessly.

Emanating regality from Adelaide Hills, Australia, Petaluma Chardonnay 2015 strikingly exemplifies artful winemaking. This esteemed Chardonnay is crafted by Petaluma's master winemakers, a producer celebrated for its commitment to premium quality, sustainability, and viticulture rooted in the region's unique character. The grapes are scrupulously handpicked from distinguished vineyards, ensuring only optimal fruit is selected for this sophisticated varietal.

Extended lees maturation, followed by nine months in French oak-barrels, establishes Petaluma Chardonnay 2015's radiant depth and complexity. This process imparts notes of white peach, fresh pear, and smoky oak, culminating in a luminous finish. Its fine, textured palate echoes sublime elegance with its perfectly balanced acidity.

Renowned wine critics affirm its pedigree, lauding the invigorating freshness and intensity intertwined in the Petaluma Chardonnay 2015. Drinking magnificently now, this remarkable Chardonnay will continue to evolve majestically over the next decade. It's a testimony to Petaluma's definitive craft of exemplary wines.

The esteemed Petaluma Tiers Chardonnay 2013 embodies the finest manifestation of Australian terroir. Hailing from the hilly viticultural landscape of the Adelaide Hills, this singular wine is renowned for its precision and complexity. The winemakers at Petaluma drew upon their deep knowledge of the Piccadilly Valley's cool, crisp growing conditions to craft this Chardonnay. The grapes were hand-picked and nurtured using traditional methods, including wild yeast fermentation and regular hand stirring of lees to enhance complexity and texture.

The Petaluma Tiers Chardonnay 2013 broadcasts a vibrant array of green apple and white peach flavours, encapsulated by an irresistible flinty minerality. Its exquisite acidity and generous oak maturation result in a delicately layered, structural wine which lingers on the palate. Truly, it is a testament to Petaluma's commitment to expressing the idiosyncratic character of their cool climate vineyards through years of refined skill and artistry.

Hailing from the prestigious biodynamic vineyards in the Rhine region, the Peter Jacob Kuhn Mittelheimer St Nikolaus Riesling QBA Trocken 2018 is a testament to expertly orchestrated single variety vinification. Cultivated in Mittelheim, Germany, under the watchful eye of Peter Jacob Kuhn, this finely balanced wine boasts captivating minerality with a proud German specificity. The unique climatic profile paired with the careful handling of the indigenous Riesling grape variety strategically, results in a dry yet impressively intense flavour profile. As a Demeter certified winery, Kuhn's holistic approach emphasises harmony with nature, nurturing each grape from vine to bottle. Teeming with an expressive spiciness, outstanding juiciness, and a textured finish, each sip reveals layer upon layer of complexity. Savour the Peter Jacob Kuhn Mittelheimer St Nikolaus Riesling QBA Trocken 2018 for a reflection of impeccable German tradition expertly harmonised with contemporary biodynamic practices.

Savour the unique complexity of the Peter Jakob Kühn Lenchen Riesling Kabinett 2021, an exquisite example of Germanic viniculture from the renowned Rheingau wine region. This biodynamic wine is created by one of the Germany's most esteemed vintners, Peter Jakob Kühn, following traditional and environmentally respectful principles. This wine is a glorious testament to the family's commitment to producing wines that echo their terroir.

Matured in large old oak barrels, the Lenchen Riesling Kabinett 2021 has an aromatic bouquet, revealing luscious accents of ripe peach and other tropical fruits, complemented by a subtle minerality. This is a beautifully crafted Kabinett, precisely balanced between residual sweetness and acidity, resulting in an exhilarating taste experience.

The Peter Jakob Kühn Lenchen Riesling Kabinett 2021 sets a delightful benchmark in energetic, vibrant, and multi-layered Riesling expressions. An entrancing choice for connoisseurs seeking excellence in Riesling.'s

As a pinnacle expression of German viticulture, the Peter Jakob Kuhn Oestricher Doosberg Riesling GG 2017 exemplifies elegance and verve. Emanating from the Rheingau region, this fine wine is lovingly crafted by venerated producer Peter Jakob Kühn, an advocate of biodynamic winemaking since 2004. This standout Riesling is born on the slopes of the Doosberg vineyard, where mineral-rich slate soils mirror the cool climate's nuance.

The meticulous winemaking process retains the grapes' inherent character whilst exhibiting a profound depth of flavour. On the palate, this 2017 vintage unveils an orchestra of invigorating acidity balanced by innate sweetness, embodying the quintessence of great German Riesling. Subtle notes of lime, green apple and mineral fill the sensory profile.

With sustainability as its core ethos, Peter Jakob Kuhn remains the paragon of excellence, manifesting in the Oestricher Doosberg Riesling GG 2017, a testament to the enduring charm of German wine.

The Peter Jakob Kuhn Schlehdorn Riesling Trocken 2017 epitomises Austrian craftsmanship in viticulture. Sourced from the esteemed Schlehdorn vineyard in the Wachau region, this dry Riesling benefits from the terrace’s unique granite and slate soils, which impart a distinctive minerality. Peter Jakob Kuhn, renowned for his commitment to sustainable practices, employs hand-harvesting techniques to ensure only the finest grapes are selected. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, the wine preserves its vibrant acidity and exquisite purity. The 2017 vintage showcases a brilliant pale straw hue, complemented by intense aromas of citrus zest, green apple, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of freshness and complexity, with a lingering mineral finish. Ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, or aged cheeses, the Schlehdorn Riesling Trocken 2017 reflects Peter Jakob Kuhn’s dedication to quality and the rich terroir of Wachau. A distinguished choice for the discerning wine connoisseur.

Awash with understated brilliance, the Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Riesling GG Nr 18 2020 hails from Germany’s illustrious Mosel wine region. Produced by Peter Lauer, a family-owned estate with an uncompromising commitment to high-quality, their expertise spanning over five generations. The Ayler Kupp Vineyard, known for its steep slopes and slate-soil, adds distinctive complexity and minerality. Immaculately hand-harvested, the grapes were gently pressed and matured in traditional Fuder barrels, this particular jewel being guaranteed 'großes gewächs' (GG), indicating it to be among Germany's finest wines. You'll find an aromatic symphony of apricot, peach, and subtle smoky notes, leading to an intricate palate combining balanced acidity, profound minerality, and a lingering finish. Savour the ‘terroir’-expressive Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Riesling GG Nr 18 2020 for a German wine experience par excellence.

Introducing the Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett Fass 5 Auction 2022, an embodiment of Mosel winemaking's quintessential finesse. Artisanally crafted by the esteemed Florian Lauer in Germany, this Riesling exhibits a vibrant vitality that connoisseurs cherish. Grown on the iconic Ayler Kupp hillside, renowned for its steep, slate-rich slopes, the grapes express a unique mineral complexity that unmistakably reflects their original terroir.

The 2022 vintage, characterised by its perfect balance of ripe, sweet fruit and refreshing acidity, captured in a bottle labelled "Fass 5," demarcates its exclusive Auction range. Florian Lauer's meticulous, traditional methods yield a wine that's simultaneously elegant and intense. Aromatic notes of green apple, juicy peach, and citrus intertwine with a delicate honeyed finish, promising a delightful wine experience.

The Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett Fass 5 Auction 2022 is a testament to a timeless wine-making legacy and a thrilling treat for fine wine lovers.

Experience the unrivalled brilliance of Peter Lauer Saarfeilser GG Fass 13 2017, a prestigious wine finely crafted from 100% Riesling grapes in the revered Saar region of Germany. This exquisite single-vineyard offering from the renowned Lauer family, custodians of the art of winemaking since the 17th century, is an embodiment of impeccable quality dictated by strict German VDP classification. Aged gracefully in old, large barrels, flavour development is practiced to perfection, culminating in a wine of profound minerality, delicate fruitiness, and vivid acidity. Remarkably dry for a Saar Riesling, it exudes alluring notes of citrus, green apple, and a whisper of spice. Peter Lauer Saarfeilser GG Fass 13 2017's complexity, depth, and undeniable elegance herald a new benchmark for dry German Rieslings. An absolute gem, it stands an embodiment of the Lauer estate's dedication to tradition and finesse, enveloped in every bottle.

Marvellously complex, yet meticulously balanced, the Peter Lauer Schonfels Fass 11 GG 2019 merits the high acclaim associated with its name. This Riesling is masterfully produced in the distinct terroir of the Schonfels vineyard in Ayler, Germany by the renowned Lauer estate. The Lauer family, grounded in tradition from as early as 1830, is known for crafting characteristically dry, potent Rieslings using spontaneous fermentation methods only.

This exceptional 2019 vintage, characterised by its robust structure and potent minerality, exhibits an exquisite variety of flavours and aromas. It presents delicate notes of vibrant citrus fruits that subtly complement an undercurrent of exquisite smoky minerality. Maturing harmoniously in large old oak Fuder barrels, the Peter Lauer Schonfels Fass 11 GG 2019 offers a wine that's not only unique but irresistibly delectable, perfectly articulating the quality standard of the Lauer lineage.

James Suckling (98)