Vinous (90)

Pale, shimmering orange. Bright and focused on the nose, displaying fresh red berry, nectarine and orange zest aromas, with floral and mineral overtones. Strawberry and nectarine flavors show good depth and a bracing jolt of juicy acidity. The floral note repeats on the lively finish, which lingers with very good tenacity. - Josh Raynolds

Wine Advocate (98)

The amazing, pedal to the metal/full throttle/balls to the wall, sweet 1910 Pedro Ximenez Solera is a dark amber-colored, full-bodied, unctuously-textured beauty that should be sipped and savored slowly and carefully at the end of a meal with a plate of cashews. It is remarkable stuff. The price is not high for what it represents.

A masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship, the Chichibu Single Malt Peated Single Cask Modern Malt Whisky Market Hogshead Cask 2078 2012 is a pure essence of rich tradition and progressive innovation. Matured in Hogshead casks in the exquisite Chichibu distillery, nestled amidst the lush hills of Saitama Prefecture, each sip evokes the raw beauty and distinct seasons of Japan. The divine fusion of smoky peat with luscious malt captivates the palate, revealing an impeccably balanced profile of depth and smoothness.

This single malt whisky, bottled in 2012, bears the rigorously maintained legacy of Ichiro Akuto - a linchpin figure in the world of whisky. Exclusively distilled from malted barley and peat, this spirit portrays Akuto's tireless pursuit of excellence. Every bottle of Chichibu Single Malt Peated Single Cask Modern Malt Whisky Market Hogshead Cask 2078 2012 exemplifies the essence of Japanese whisky - subtlety refined, respectably complex, and discerningly individual.

Lauded globally as a premium whisky, the Chichibu Single Malt Spirit Shop Selection Cask 1402 2011 embodies the utmost excellence of Japanese distillation. Produced by the Chichibu distillery, founded by the illustrious Ichiro Akuto in 2008, this spirit is a testament to craft and tradition, with precise attention to detail and imbibed with a distinct Japanese character.

Matured in oak casks and bottled in 2011, the Chichibu Single Malt Spirit Shop Selection Cask 1402 2011 showcases an intricate bouquet, rich with the scent of spicy notes interlaced with sweet tones and finishes with a lingering taste of malted barley. Its lavish complexity mirrored by an elegantly smooth consistency testifies to its meticulous creation process.

This opulent spirit, nestled in the verdant mountains and nurtured by Chichibu's favourable climate, exemplifies the unrivalled calibre of Japanese whisky heritage. Savour the taste of the Chichibu Single Malt Spirit Shop Selection Cask 1402 2011, a crowning achievement in premium whisky craftsmanship.

Matthew Jukes (20+)

Garrus is always awesome and, every so often, it is completely unpredictable. The 2019s from Château d’Esclans are sublime and Garrus ought to be the most obviously masculine and imposing in the portfolio but, strangely, I felt that the perfume and the initial attack was positively gentle and come-hither in its composure and allure. So, I did what any right-minded person would do and relaxed into another sip. I then realised that I had been tricked! Garrus is as structured and proud as ever and yet it is sporting a kindly disguise to lull you into a false sense of security. Many will drink this wine too early, fooled by the glossiness and initial enchantment on offer. But they will soon realise that this wine’s finish is firm and unyielding, pointing to a long and graceful life - as long as you have the patience. This is a sensational vintage for Garrus and I rate it as highly as the epic 2015 and that means that this is a perfect 20/20 in my notes. Nothing comes close in 2019 (apart from its sibling, Les Clans – you can find a write-up on this wine on this website) and I have tasted hundreds of bottles. The difference between this wine and the 2015 is the ’15 was very obviously statuesque with amazing flanks and bold musculature. By contrast, this 2019 is subtle, brooding, complex and intricately perfumed. While the nose is cool and soothing, the palate is a veritable iceberg of power and equilibrium and while we can only sense the scale of grandeur of this wine, the signposts on the surface are already devastatingly attractive. You simply must buy and keep this wine for at least twelve months before you pop a cork! 20+/20

Decanter (91)

From one of the most well-known rosé brands around the world, Rock Angel is the bigger, more intense and nuanced brother to Whispering Angel. Pale blush pink in colour, this is lively and refreshing with the depth and structure to pair well with food. A blend of Grenache and Vermentino, this offers white flower and raspberry notes on the nose and a blend of apple, pink grapefruit and summer berries on the palate. One to try if you like the other wines in the stable.

James Suckling (92)

Very pale apricot-pink color. Delicate aromas of sliced apple, pink grapefruit, peach, cream and stones follow through to a medium body and crisp acidity. Deliciously creamy and smooth. Drink and enjoy.

James Suckling (92)

Very pale apricot-pink color. Delicate aromas of sliced apple, pink grapefruit, peach, cream and stones follow through to a medium body and crisp acidity. Deliciously creamy and smooth. Drink and enjoy.