Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2018 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a rock star of a wine and is based on a unique blend of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 29% Merlot that was brought up in 80% new French oak. Offering a deep ruby/purple color as well as a thrilling bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, violets, damp earth, and truffle, it hits the palate with a full-bodied yet almost understated, building style that carries ripe, supple tannins, gorgeous amounts of smoky black fruits, and an endearing, layered, multi-dimensional texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. A dead ringer for a great vintage of Haut-Brion, it is far from unapproachable today yet needs 7-8 years of bottle age for the fireworks to develop and will have 50-years or more of longevity! Hats off to Guillaume Pouthier for a magical, seamless, singular beauty!

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

I wasn't able to taste the 2019 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion from barrel, but it certainly brings the goods from bottle. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with a smorgasbord-like array of red, blue, and black fruits as well as violets, candied flowers, tobacco, and sappy herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, flawless balance, and that rare mix of power and elegance that truly great Pessac can deliver. Showing the more elegant style of the vintage, it checks in behind the magical, perfect 2018 but is very much in the style of the 2016. Readers will love having this beauty in the cellar, and it will evolve for 40-50 years if stored correctly. Hats off to winemaker Guillaume Pouthier for another thrilling wine.

Wine Advocate (94-96)

Made from 100% Merlot, the 2018 Les Gravieres is deep garnet-purple and rocks up with gregarious blueberry pie, chocolate-covered cherries and plum preserves scents with nuances of violets, spice cake and mocha. Big, full and decadently fruited, it has a firm frame of super ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and layered.

The Linkwood Highland Single Malt Fighting Fish 19YO 1997 is nothing short of a formidable drams masterfully distilled in Scotland's prestigious Linkwood Distillery. Infused with the historical charm of the Linkwood excellence, this 19-year-old single malt is a testament to time-honoured distillation techniques used since the distillery's establishment in 1821.

Distilled in 1997, this whisky boasts complex flavours profile developed during its nurturing in seasoned oak casks in the tranquil highlands, delivering an unparalleled depth of character. Evident in its fine gold hue are delectable flavours of luxuriant fruits and delicate vanilla intertwined with subtle hints of warming spices and smoke. The prolonged maturation process culminates in a remarkably mellow and slightly sweet finish, echoing the pristine environ of its origin.

An undeniable expression of traditional distillation savoir-faire, the Linkwood Highland Single Malt Fighting Fish 19YO 1997, indeed dignifies its single malt distinction, assuring a remarkable gastronomic experience for every discerning whisky aficionado.

Indulge in the exquisite taste of Littlemill Lowland Single Malt Distillery Collection Bottled 2004 NV, a distinct Scotch from the time-honoured Littlemill Distillery. Nestled in the tranquil Lowlands of Scotland, Littlemill Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, is renowned for its adherence to the traditional method of Scotch whisky production.

This single malt, distilled and bottled in 2004, astounds the palate with its complex layering of flavours. Its creation is marked by meticulously controlled fermentation, distillation, and maturation process that honours Scotland's artistry of whisky making. Expect an enchanting fusion of rich, honeyed fruits, floral notes, and subtle spices with a hint of toasted oak.

The Littlemill Lowland Single Malt Distillery Collection Bottled 2004 NV stands alone in its category, highlighting the heritage of Littlemill and the mastery of their production. Despite the distillery's closure, this spirit distinctly exemplifies the timeless quality of Scotch whisky.

James Suckling (97)

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.

Decanter (100)

I love the 2012, but honestly the 2013 just has the edge, because it is just as concentrated and full of fruit but acidity and floral nuance balances out the richness. Dark deep rosemary spice and black olive paste deepens the flavours through the mid-palate and you just have to hang on as this goes spiralling through, drawing the flavours out to a lengthy finish. 2% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 18 days skin contact.

Vinous (96)

Inky ruby. Powerful, spice- and smoke-accented aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, candied violet, licorice and cola, along with a hint of exotic spices that builds in the glass. Sweet, palate-staining cassis, boysenberry, floral pastille and licorice flavors turn livelier with air. Impressively concentrated but surprisingly energetic, courtesy of its spine of smoky minerality. Finishes sappy, youthfully chewy and extremely long, with steadily mounting tannins and lingering florality. 25% new oak.

Wine Enthusiast (100)

This famed Champagne comes from one of the steepest vineyards in the whole region, facing across the Marne river. With a blend of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay, the densely textured wine shows great richness, a magnificent sense of place and structure. This is a very fine wine, a monument among Champagnes, one that will age for many more years. Drink through 2030.

A ravishing testament to enduring quality, the Port Ellen 24 YO 1978 is a distinguished single malt Scotch whisky hailing from the revered producing region of Islay, Scotland. Initiated in the now silent Port Ellen Distillery, which has a rich history dating back to 1825, this distilled brilliance presents a captivating symphony of texture and flavour. Fashioned with utmost precision and age-old rigor, it offers the exclusive experience of savouring a spirit born from traditional methods.

In its composition, you'll find wholesome barley notes infused with enticing wafts of peat smoke, with a gentle seaside twist. As it cascades down the palate, undertones of dried fruit, leather, and a subtle salty tang reveal themselves. A legendary, limited-edition creation, the Port Ellen 24 YO 1978 pays a beautiful homage to its roots while offering whisky enthusiasts an impeccable sipping experience. Their stock is limited, making this a valuable seek-out for any refined connoisseur.

Wine Advocate (96)

The 2019 La Vizcaína La Vitoriana comes from sandy soils and mostly north-facing vines, delivering elegant and floral wines. It's very young and fruit-driven, perhaps not as complex as the 2020. All of these reds are around 13.5% alcohol, medium-bodied and quite harmonious. 2019 was one of the larger crops, and there are 7,000 bottles of this.

Vinous (92+)

Deep ruby. Wildly aromatic, complex bouquet of fresh raspberry, cherry, garrigue and smoked meat. Deep and sweet, offering fleshy red and dark berry liqueur flavors along with candied licorice, beef blood and succulent herbs. This is extremely complex and finishes with outstanding clinging persistence. Put this one away to sleep.

Wine Advocate (94+)

Revisited from the September 2018 disgorgement, Vilmart's 2014 Brut Premier Cru Grand Cellier d'Or is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with scents of pear, toasted brioche, white flowers, crisp peach and honeycomb. Medium to full-bodied, vinous and incisive, with superb depth at the core, racy acids and a bright, unerringly precise finish, it's still very youthful—to the extent that I'd love to be broaching a full case a decade from now.