Special Seasonal Bottles

This focused Champagne is all about the graceful definition of power, with an up-front, austere edge to the steely acidity, which is softened by the fine, plush mousse and well-integrated with the rich profile. Toasted h...(read more)

A profound chalky, crushed stone entry with citrus peel, wild flowers and the merest touch of brioche. Structured and bold in the mouth, with energy and drive, deeply fruity, citrus, stone fruit, then that chalk undertow...(read more)

100% Pinot Noir from an ungrafted single vineyard in Écueil premier cru, mostly planted in 1973. Nicolas’ father noticed that in this sandy plot the vines that were doing best were the ones which ‘jumped the graft...(read more)

The 2016 Grand Cru Schoenenbourg offers a dark golden color followed by ripe tropical and caramelized fruit aromas. On the palate, this is a rich and very sweet, saline, piquant and caramelly Schoenenbourg that is very i...(read more)

Just as much as the Poruzot is compact at this stage, the Genevrières is almost opulent, generous and suave, even showy. Punch and power on the finish.

Slightly better is the 600-case cuvee of 2008 Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree. This brilliant white Hermitage from the top of the granite dome of this appellation offers notes of roasted hazelnuts, nectarine oil, citrus, quince...(read more)

I missed the Chacra wines the last time I covered Argentina during the pandemic, so from the 2018s, we jump to the 2021s whites, the top of which is the 2021 Chacra Chardonnay, produced by Jean-Marc Roulot with the help...(read more)

A more forceful style. There is tannic force, but it's not just that - this has drive and is bursting with energy:- a touch ferocious (but in an attractive way!) Very grown-up wild hedgerow fruit. Very long, great potent...(read more)

Colour is very dark. Nose of black fruit, palate mineral, lifted, airy, floating. One would never tire of this - it seems to be bottled energy and light. A sort of blackberry jelly fruit on the finish which is still dry...(read more)

Fine and floral, expressive, very fresh, mid-weight, not overripe - possibly the reverse: taut yet flowing. Blackcurrant, redcurrant. Not really lifted or mineral, it does not quite take off? Slightly leafy and slightly...(read more)

Wonderful aromatics, strawberry, raspberry, mint and herbs, elegant and pure. Taut, wound in but exciting, richly structured, with energy and vibrancy, an electric drive, sleek and layered.

A full-bodied Brunello with lots of plums and cherries, as well as orange-peel character. It’s creamy and round-textured. Soft and chewy tannins. Shows the warmth and ripeness of the 2017 vintage. Drink after 2023.