06-15-2022 Mid Week Newsletter

Oregon- Chehalem Mountains 

Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir Brut Rose Chehalem Mountains 2015 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
100% Pinot Noir aged for four years on the lees. Methode Champanoise.
 

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Italy – Piedmont 

Marcarini La Serra Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($74.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “So much ash and dried-strawberry character. Burnt orange-peel undertones. Tar, too. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Lots of rose petals. This needs four or five years to open, but nicely integrated now. Try after 2024.”

Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Derthona Timorasso Colli Tortonesi Piedmont 2018 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Grapelive 94 point “A few years ago, Walter Massa of Vigneti Massa almost single handedly brought the rare Timorasso grape back from extinction and now it is one of the hottest white wines made in the Piedmonte region. We are seeing many great producers jumping on the bandwagon, including the famed Vietti and this beautiful expression by the legendary Barolo maker Borgogno. Tasted at Slow Wine earlier this year, the 2018 Borgogno Derthona DOC should be arriving to the United States soon, though you’ll have to really work hard to get your hands on it as it is extremely limited, but you’ll be greatly rewarded for your hard work and search if you get your hands on it. Borgogno’s Timorasso from organic vines is lightly floral, medium bodied with a lovely texture and fine minerality. It delivers a polished and lively performance highlighting the grape’s best qualities with layers of peach, citrus and quince fruits, leesy notes, white flowers and an array of herb and spices along with a nice saline and wet stone element. Derthona is the ancient name for Tortona, the town in southeast Piemonte, hence the appellation Colli Tortonesi (Tortona Hills) name. The Timorasso is widely believed to be one of the longest-aging white varieties in Italy, with many of the producers saying it takes a few years to get itself together in the bottle, adding a depth of flavor and making more of a palate impact with honeyed notes. It deserves serious attention, going well with a variety of foods including poultry, pork and fatty fish and decedent shellfish, even lobster or crab dishes. The Borgogno Timorasso doesn’t come cheap compared to other examples, like the Massa, which I also recommend trying, but it is a gorgeous white wine that is joyous rarity, that will be great addition to the cellar or a special occasion. The Borgogno Dertona DOC comes from the Monleale, [an area of] mostly hillsides around Tortona set on classic clay and limestone soils with good ripening coming from the great southeast and southwest exposures. [The terroir makes] for a more full bodied version, in some ways like the dry rich Alsatian Rieslings, but with a bit more softness and opulence, like Burgundy, especially when allowed to age. This 2018… is very refined and has remarkable clarity with a delicate light pale color and subtle acidity, which is very rounded. Borgogno, also known as “Giacomo Borgogno & Figli” which was founded back in 1761 by Bartolomeo Borgogno, was one of the very first elite Barolo producers and has an amazing track record for great wines, with their Nebbiolo bottlings being some of the most desirable wines in Italy. The Farinetti family acquired this historic winery in 2008, but is firmly committed to quality and the estate’s traditions… The 2015 marked the first vintage of their Timorasso white after the purchase of vineyard sites and the conversion to all organic practices. Borgogno also brought back the use of concrete for fermentations to give an extra element of classic and soulful expression to the wines throughout the range…”
 

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England – West Sussex 

Ambriel Blanc de Blancs Sussex 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 95 points ” Both ripe and tart red-apple notions perfume the nose against a subtle backdrop of yeasty richness. On the palate, a fine mousse disperses these flavors and adds the most subtle hint of honey to them. This is classy and restrained, rich but toned, tart but moreish with its sustained note of pure freshness. This wonderful rendition of really fine English fizz has a lasting finish. This will continue developing. Drink now–2025. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
 

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Ambriel Classic Cuvee Sparkling Sussex NV 750ML ($34.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Decanter 95 points “A refined, elegant style of English sparkling wine with subtle nuances of green apple and floral notes on the nose. A gentle, persistent, mousse with fresh and driving acidity on the palate. Elegant finish with a hint of sweet fruit. Drinking Window 2021 – 2030.”

Ambriel English Sparkling Rose Sussex 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Notes of rose hip, white pepper, bergamot and hibiscus tea assail the nose to present an unusual but beguiling spectrum of aroma. The frothy palate continues to whirl these aromas around, filling the head with scent and spiciness. The slender palate anchors everything in a creamy, smooth core of fine but ripe freshness. Something brooding and wild slumbers here, teasing us with every tiny bubble burst. The finish is dry and gorgeous. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
 

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Does Germany have growing regions other than cool climate? The Pfalz and her 1800 hours of sunshine during the growing season would make a strong argument for just that. Closer to Strasbourg than Berlin; the Pfalz is nestled between the Haardt Mountains and the Rhine River in a veritable oasis of forests and hills. Archeological records show that the district was one of the first areas in the entire world to have widespread consumption and production of wine, dating back to 550 B.C.E. 

The beneficial growing conditions make for some of the most interesting and diverse expressions of German wine, with Riesling still being the crown jewel. The warmer average temperature creates Rieslings with less acidity and concentrated fruit flavors like apricot, mango and nectarine. Aromas usually feature a headier and effusive quality in comparison to other regions that brings to mind daffodils, yarrow and lilies. Burklin Wolf is no exception, with their family holdings dating back to 1597 and historically matching Burgundy in price. Much like the rest of the Pfalz their specialty has been in drier styles with the current generation of owners focusing exclusively on the category. Their vineyards could not be more suited for this production style, producing Rieslings with a structure you rarely see.

Dr. Burklin-Wolf Estate Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 92 points “Open pear and reine-claude plum nose with delicate baking-spice aromas!. Generous and well-structured palate with a long, refreshing finish that’s supported nicely by a touch of chalky tannin. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 

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Dr. Burklin-Wolf Ruppertsberger Gaisbohl G.C. Riesling Pfalz 2020 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Just sit back and let go! So much ripe gooseberry, kiwi and exotic fruit. So much charm and juiciness, too, which adds up to a full, silky package that’s so easy to enjoy right now, because it pulls you into its warmhearted embrace. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Dr. Burklin-Wolf Deidesheimer Hohenmorgen G.C. Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2020 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “Stunning, super-ripe and finely nuanced nectarine fruit that pours over you in one great wave. But behind this sensuality is also a great structure. Very long, deep and polished finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 

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Dr. Burklin-Wolf Forster Pechstein G.C. Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2020 750ML ($199.95) $179 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 99 points “So stony, poised and pristine, in spite of all the concentration, this has staggering elegance and finesse for such a warm region. Mega minerality at the breathtakingly long and radical finish that defies any simple description. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Dr. Burklin-Wolf Reiterpfad G.C. Riesling Pfalz 2020 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “This powerful dry white has an enormously expressive personality. The fine-grained minerality drives this very concentrated riesling along at a very brisk clip. Very intense and slightly austere finish. Great aging potential! From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 

 

 

Gilded Glantenay

 

“If the wines of Pommard sometimes seem like a truck-driver’s interpretation of Pinot, then those of Volnay are a ballerina’s” Remington Norman -The Great Domaines of Burgundy

Part of the magic of Burgundy is the cornucopia of small producers working their family’s estates just as their forefathers did. This intimate relationship with their vines and centuries of passed down tradition make the region what it is, and refines Pinot Noir to an unmatched expression. For Bernard & Thierry Glantenay, though, we couldn’t be happier to be in the game. His wines, from old vines in Pommard and Volnay, have a purity and class that immediately mark them as absolutely top tier—and yet his prices are significantly lower than producers like Lafarge or d’Angerville.

These are stunning wines for which the clock is ticking—there’s no way they’ll be priced this affordably for long. Once a producer starts to get widespread notice these wines are going to skyrocket in pricing and so let’s take a moment to appreciate that you can currently buy Glantenay’s Bourgogne for nearly half the price of d’Angerville, or his Santenots for a third of Arnaud Ente’s!

His premier cru Volnays are standout values as well—still under $100, but from some of the top terroirs in the village (and from extremely old vines as well). This is d’Angerville/Lafarge/Lafon level stuff for a third to half as much. As William Kelley put it in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, “I was compelled to return a week later to verify that I hadn’t been imagining things, and that so serious a producer could really be so little known.”

Highlights In Stock Now:

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 special
Neal Martin-Vinous “The 2017 Bourgogne Pinot Noir has a clean raspberry and blackberry scented bouquet (there is a tincture of the children’s drink Ribena here!) The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy tannin, fine acidity, fresh and lively with good energy towards the finish. Recommended.”
William Kelley, Wine Advocate “Glantenay’s 2017 Bourgogne Rouge is very persuasive, bursting with aromas of cassis, ripe red berries and spices. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, satiny and succulent, with a light framing of structuring tannins and a generous core of fruit. It will deliver great pleasure on release.” 
 

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Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Volnay, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($67.95) $54.50 special
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Volnay Village comes from five parcels (including two small parcels of Premier Cru). It has a vibrant black cherry, bilberry scented bouquet with impressive vigour and neatly integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with light, supple tannin. Vibrant black cherries and raspberry, just a touch of salinity lending edginess towards the finish. Very fine.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “As usual, the 2017 Volnay Village includes two small premier cru parcels that Glantenay doesn’t wish to vinify separately, and it’s shaping up very nicely, offering up a fragrant nose of sweet cherries and berries, violets and orange rind. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, satiny and supple, with an ample core of sweet fruit and a fine-grained, elegantly chalky finish.”
 

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The average listed price is $59

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Les Brouillards, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Les Brouillards exhibits beautiful nose notes of orange rind, wild berries, cassis and rose petals. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and satiny, with a lavishly textural attack, melting tannins and a succulent core of fruit, concluding with a long finish. In 2016, this cuvée was so small that Glantenay included it in his Volnay AOC, but happily, 2017 marks its return to the range.”
 
Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Clos des Chênes, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($114.95) $89 special
Neal Martin-Vinous 92-94 points “The 2017 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru, which contains around 30% whole bunch fruit from the older vines in Glantenay’s parcel, has a very perfumed bouquet with wilted iris and violet petals permeating the dark cherry and boysenberry fruit. The Clos des Chênes has a hint of fig with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a gentle grip in the mouth but very good substance and a silky smooth finish that is real class on the finish. There is actually less Clos des Chênes in 2017 than in 2016 due to the sheer concentration – try to grab a bottle if you can because this is very impressive.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes wafts from the glass with aromas of raspberries, cherries, citrus peel, rich soil and warm spices, subtly framed by creamy new oak. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, with the most depth, dimension and amplitude of any wine in the cellar, its juicy core of fruit entirely cloaking is fine structuring tannins. One of the best renditions of this vineyard I tasted in 2017, it’s a very impressive wine.”

Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Les Santenots, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($109.95) $85 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots is showing very well from bottle, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, wild berries, dark chocolate and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, it’s supple and lively, framed by powdery tannins. This has developed nicely and will offer a broad drinking window.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Volnay Les Santenots 1er Cru has more mineral expression and just a tad less VA than the Brouillards by comparison. The palate is well balanced with succulent tannin, juicy black fruit with hints of blueberry and cassis that dovetail into a finely structured, almost flinty finish. This has very good potential.”
 

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Quantum of Bollinger:

The Grande Annee
 

Known as the “James Bond” of Têtes, The Bollinger Grande Anne represents the House’s best from that particular year. Arguably the most featured Champagne in the novel and movie series, it’s been referenced no less than fifteen different times since the debut vintage in 1956. Comprised almost entirely of Grand Cru grapes with the barest amount of dosage added, the idea is to have the Grande Anne be a “snapshot” of the year through the eyes of Bollinger. The entirely oak fermentation and aging under cork closure sets the stage for exceptional development in the bottle.  Expect a plethora of character from dried spices, to citrus peel, baked pommes and dried flowers. Even at its current young age, the luminosity of the vintage should shine through with a full spectrum of green and red apples, green pears, and persimmons.

Bollinger in stock now: 

Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut Champagne 2004 1.5L ($419.95) $379 special 
Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection 96 points  “A blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, this is opulent and full bodied, with toast and wood flavors. Rich and ripe, this beautiful wine is generous and still young, with just a touch of bitterness at the end. -Roger Voss.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Bollinger’s 2004 Brut La Grand Année is a beautiful wine with a lot of vintage character, but the style is a bit less oxidative than Bollinger fans are likely to expect. Pears, hazelnuts, spices and crushed rocks all flow through to the tense, vibrant finish. It will be interesting to see if the 2004 puts on weight in the bottle, as so many wines from this vintage have. Today, it is bright, linear and quite pretty. Green apples, pears and flowers all add lift on the close.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2004 Grande Année Brut was disgorged in November 2013 and offers a clear, very refined, and complex though still closed bouquet with fruity aromas of fresh and stewed apples, yellow grapefruit, kaki, walnuts, tobacco, herbal tea, nougat and spicy flavors; everything is discreet here, subtle, perfectly melted together and smoky, very smoky. On the palate, this Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend wine is highly complex and elegant, firmly structured and quite long. This is an excellent Champagne.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Firm, with well-cut acidity and a fine texture, this is aromatic, delivering a skein of ground spice and graphite notes that mesh seamlessly with the flavors of black currant, black cherry, toasted almond, financier, honey and smoky mineral. Offers a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2024. 3,000 cases imported. — AN”

Bollinger arriving June 23rd 2022: 

Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut Champagne 2004 1.5L ($599.95) $519 pre-arrival special, only 6 magnums arriving 
Wine & Spirits 98 points “Time has graced this wine, proving the value of Bollinger’s policy of long aging on the lees followed by prompt release after disgorgement. This RD (Recently Disgorged) 2004 is a joyous wine, staunch, cold and powerful at first, transforming to fresh fruit shadowed by darker tones of barrel fermentation. As it opens in the glass, revealing racy energy, a range of floral pear and apple flavors emerge, resonant with a sense of limestone capturing the sun and reflecting it back in pale power. Enjoy this over the course of an evening as its presence shifts, providing varied perspectives on a great Champagne.”
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection in 2019. The wine’s name stands for recently disgorged and this vintage Champagne was taken off its lees in 2018. That gave many years for it to develop its depth of flavor, richness and beautifully memorable toasty flavors. Drink through 2028. -Roger Voss”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Bollinger’s 2004 R.D., tasted from magnum, is all class. Silky and understated, the R.D is super-expressive and inviting today. In 2004, the R.D. is decidedly light on its feet and more perfumed than tends to be the norm at Bollinger. Candied lemon peel, mint, apricot, pastry and yellow fruits are all laced together in a Champagne that delivers the goods. The 2004 is 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay picked between September 25 and October 8. Disgorged: November 21, 2017.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate  97 points “Fermented in oak barrels and aged under natural corks for almost 13 years, Bollinger’s 2004 R. D. Extra Brut blends 66% Pinot Noir with 34% Chardonnay from 16 crus, 88% of which are classified as Grand Cru. The wine opens with a very clear, deep, rich and aromatic but also pure and mineral-fresh nose of crushed rocks, cherries, brioche, pain aux raisin, white nougat, chalk and ripe, yellow-fleshed fruits. Highly elegant and complex on the weightless yet persistent and salty palate, this is an intense, densely woven, firmly structured yet elegant, beautifully refined and refreshing “recent disgorgement” (February 2018) that reveals just a kiss of oxidative flavors that adds even more complexity. A great Champagne on its way to improve over many years in the bottle. Tasted June 2018.”
Decanter 97 points “This is Bollinger’s 2004 interpretation of their famous barrel-aged, recently-disgorged Champagne. This time around it’s a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, having received a dosage of 3g/l before being cellared under cork, unlike the usual practice of using a crown cap for this phase. A bouquet of raisins and spice jumps out of the glass, propelled by a magnificent mint-toned freshness. Tight and crystalline on the palate, it’s dense and yet not all that vinous in mouthfeel. The finish is one of ethereal lightness and magnificent balance. Drink with well-aged cheese. Drinking Window 2018 – 2030.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “The lovely nose of acacia blossom, toast and graphite leads to flavors of poached quince, fleur de sel, white cherry, lemon pith and almond skin in this dry and harmonious Champagne. Almost airy and ethereal in texture, yet the finely woven flavor range goes on and on, echoing on the finish. Disgorged June 2017. Drink now through 2034. 301 cases imported. — AN”
[Disgorgement date may vary from reviews]     
 

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Collector’s Corner

The Coin’s two faces
 

We were lucky enough to secure one of the best recent examples of the 2016 vintage from Chateau Palmer in Margaux. 2016 was the fifth year that the chateau practiced biodynamic farming, something their next-door neighbor Château Margaux hasn’t even initiated yet in 2022. It’s said that biodynamics requires a handful of years to find it’s stride, and this vintage exemplifies that in spades! 

Couple that with old vines ranging from 25-70 years old and ideal soil conditions, you can see how people compare them to their first growth neighbor! Palmer is famous for their rigorous standards, with the majority of production being delisted from the Château’s label. With a house style described as “Silk wrapped in satin with layers of velvet” this is one of the most collectable houses in general before price is even factored. 

If that wasn’t enough we were able to secure a limited amount of their most exclusive cuvee, known as the Historical XIXth Century. Harkening to the Bordeaux blends of centuries past, it’s easy to forget the region’s historical predilection to unusual weather events. These often resulted in wines that were barely ripe and highly austere, with the vignerons of the day electing to blend Syrah sourced from the Northern Rhone for much needed stuffing. As you can expect with such a nod to the past this is considered the most collectible bottling by Chateau Palmer and is one of the rarest in all of  Bordeaux. Found almost exclusively in the auction circuit, we will be offering a negligible amount for only the most serious collector’s.

Chateau Palmer Historical XIXth Century Blend Vin de France  ($499.95) $419 special, only 4 bottles left
“In fact, seeing a bottle of 19th century Lafite Hermitagé, as it is described on the label, gave me an idea, and from 2004 we produced a small quantity of what we call Historical 19th Century Wine. It’s Palmer plus 15% Syrah from the northern Rhône. It’s labelled as vin de table, so no one would ever mistake it for Palmer.” – Palmer’s director-general Thomas Duroux
The 19th Century practice in Bordeaux of ‘hermitaging’ their ‘claret’ was abandoned with the installation of the AOC regulations. Over the past decade however the always acclaimed Chateau Palmer decided to utilize some of their classifed Margaux to reincarnate the traditition. Those 19th Century Clarets needed the boost of power and structure. Palmer’s Margaux has no such need. Palmer’s ‘hermitaged’ margaux in its early years will be somewhat more fruit forward. After a decade rolls by you might detect a slight difference in flavor but be need to be a gifted taster to describe. The “Historical’ is made to honor the past, not to alter the wine and its future.
 

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Chateau Palmer Margaux 2016 750ML ($499.95) $419 special, only 1 bottle remaining 
Antonio Galloni 100 points “Technical Director Thomas Duroux and his team made one of the most brilliant wines of the 2016 vintage. Palmer is simply exceptional. Rich and dramatically sweeping in the glass, the 2016 is breathtaking. All the elements simply fall into place in a wine of mesmerizing beauty. The counterpoint of dark, sumptuous fruit and floral notes makes for an utterly compelling Palmer that will take its place among the estate’s finest vintages. Dark cherry, lavender, spice and mocha are some of the many notes that build into a deep, substantial finish that is truly unforgettable. In a word: magnificent!”
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The finest vintage I’ve ever tasted from this estate, surpassing the 2009 and 2010, the 2016 Château Palmer is a blend of 47% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 65% new French oak. This magical effort reveals a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, and spring flowers, and it develops beautifully with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, incredibly concentrated and powerful, it nevertheless just glides over the palate with flawless purity and balance, present, ripe tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is Bordeaux at its most regal and classic. It will be drinkable with just 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for half a century.”
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “#27 Cellar Selection in 2019 Powerful tannins and hugely rich fruit balance together in this superb wine. The velvet texture belies the power behind the concentrated, ripe black-fruit flavor, with vibrant acidity giving ample lift. The wine’s structure will ensure aging for many years. Drink from 2024. -Roger Voss”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2016 Palmer is a blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Opaque garnet-purple colored, it slowly glides out of the glass with compelling notes of blueberry compote, warm cassis and kirsch with emerging hints of violets, cigar box, black tea, sandalwood and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, wonderfully rich, concentrated and packed with latent energy, the palate literally grows in the mouth, revealing layer upon layer of black, blue and red fruits and tons of floral sparks, framed by super ripe, incredibly fine-grained tannins and finishing with epic length. It’s a wine that makes you wanna drape yourself languidly over a chaise lounge, glass of Palmer in hand, sighing with deep satisfaction, ‘This is so wonderfully Palmer.’”
Decanter 98 points “As is always the case with Palmer, the richness, depth and silkiness is just so impressive. Sophisticated and well constructed, with a vertical lift-off, there’s a creamy richness on the palate which supports pencil-lead, liquorice, damson, black cherry and slate. I love the smoky cocoa bean finish. Like the Alter Ego, it’s a different style this year but no less impressive, displaying width, heft and incredible persistency. It’s a wine that’s going to age far into the future and is extremely easy to recommend. The highest ever proportion of grand vin was produced in 2016. Drinking Window 2025 – 2042.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 98 points “The 2016 Palmer has a generous, slightly lactic bouquet of opulent red fruit infused with touches of dark chocolate, although it calms down and gains more grace with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and well-judged acidity. Very harmonious, revealing cedar and mint toward the extraordinarily persistent finish. This is another classy, persistent Margaux with a long future ahead. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.”
James Suckling 98 points “Such attractive fruit and alluring ripeness that it draws you in from the get-go. The discreet power here is delivered with a very astute touch. Assorted dark-berry aromas, as well as red plums, abound on the nose. The richness and depth in the mouth is stunning. The tannins are super polished and layered and they draw pristine dark fruit flavors deep into the finish in effortless mode. This is a star of the vintage. A blend of 47 per cent merlot, 47 per cent cabernet sauvignon and six per cent petit verdot. Try from 2024.”