James Suckling (95)

The purity of fruit is all here with strawberry, lemon-peel and floral undertones. Goes to cranberries. It’s medium -bodied with firm tannins and a bright, vivid and linear finish that keeps your palate clean.

Burghound (93)

(Outstanding) A markedly spicy and slightly more elegant nose is both quite pretty and floral in character with just a touch of wood toast to the mostly red currant-scented aromas. The ultra-refined, sleek and lacy middle weight flavors that possess a velvety mouthfeel that contrasts with the firm and youthfully austere finally that is very well balanced. This lovely effort should amply reward medium to even longer-term patience.

Vinous (95)

Translucent yellow. Seductively perfumed aromas of passion fruit, pear nectar, white peach and orange zest, along with suggestions of jasmine and tarragon. At once concentrated and lively, offering vibrant, mineral-laced orchard and pit fruit flavors that are complicated by a suave, steadily building floral nuance. Finishes with a strong jolt of minerality, repeating florality and noteworthy persistence. This wine's blend of power and finesse is quite something.

James Suckling (96)

Focused and complex on the nose with stone, sliced cooked apple and hints of toffee. Full-bodied, with a density and freshness and liveliness. Vivid and energetic. All about class here. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (96)

Renzo Cotarella, managing director of Marchesi Antinori tells me that the 2018 vintage showed very different results in the inland and hilly Chianti Classico appellation compared to the flat, sea-facing Bolgheri appellation. This season saw some rain right before harvest. That extra humidity rolled right off the Chianti Classico hills and disappeared without effect, but it stuck around longer in the thicker, flatter soils of Guado al Tasso. For this reason, one of the estate's top wines, the Cabernet Franc-based Matarocchio, was not produced in 2018 for fear that the fruit would not offer the concentration required of a wine of that important stature. The best of that fruit was used in this wine instead. For that reason, the 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso sees a little more Cabernet Franc (clocking in at about 22% of the blend) and less Merlot, with the rest being Cabernet Sauvignon, of course, (at about 60%). To be honest, the percentage of Cabernet Franc has been deliberately creeping up over the years to render a more focused and sharper bouquet. Aromas of dark fruit and freshly milled white pepper replace the more banal cherry-based flavors delivered by the Merlot, and the wine appears more lifted and precise as a result. The Cabernet Sauvignon delivers spice and licorice, and these pretty aromas are likewise given more breathing room, thanks to the counterparts found in the Cabernet Franc. Linearity, sharpness, pencil shavings and dark currant or blackberry—this is the direction Guado al Tasso is taking, and this 2018 vintage opens the door to a new chapter for the wine. Some 115,000 bottles were made.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)

Pale clear colour. A gentle fresh apple nose, this has notable tension on the palate, not a rich, ripe rounded Meursault – but that is not the intention anyway. The attack suggests that this is only just ripe, but the finish indicates that it was picked at a very good moment, otherwise you wouldn’t have this length of flavour. Fine tension to finish.

Jancis Robinson (16.5)

1.42 ha from seven lieux-dits in the north of the appellation. 100% whole bunch. Lightish cherry red but greyish rather than crimson. A little more savoury than the Bourgogne and a very slight stemmy herbal note but it's subtle. A little bit peppery. More tension here than in the Bourgogne, a little lighter in obvious fruit and a little more tannic but barely so. Super-fresh. Dry and lingering. So elegant.

Burghound (90-92)

A spicy but restrained nose speaks of exotic tea, lilac, black raspberry and a hint of wood. There is a seductive texture to the supple medium-bodied flavors that possess fine mid-palate density before culminating in a dusty and palate coating finish. This should drink well young but reward up to a decade of cellar time as well.

Decanter (97)

The bouquet is full of fragrant black fruits, cinnamon, cumin and Frankincense, the palate beautifully fleshy and textured, carrying cigar box, vanilla, blueberry and silky tannins through to a lingering, richly-fruited, finish. Such refined elegance! Outstanding.

Tim Atkin MW (95)

You know class when you taste it, and this is certainly that. Deservedly established as one of South Africa's most consistently outstanding Chardonnays, this has the structure and concentration to age, with no malolactic at all, 22% new wood and complex, nuanced, stony flavours of lemon zest, oatmeal and stone fruit – Drinking to 2028

Wine Advocate (97-99)

Produced from Montrachet Clone vines (what Mark Aubert calls “the citrus circus clone") grown in Rutherford AVA, the 2018 Chardonnay Sugar Shack comes bounding out of the glass with a sit-up-and-beg nose of candied lemon peel, green mango, guava and lime leaves plus hints of honeysuckle, toasted almonds, crushed stones and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the palate is electric with concentrated citrus and tropical fruits and the most amazing tension, featuring a satiny texture and very long, pristine finish.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2013 Barolo Bricco Fiasco shows exceptional balance in this terrific vintage. The wine starts slowly but increases in a steady upswing of intensity and complexity as it takes on air in the glass. This vineyard located in Castiglione Falletto was planted in the 1940s, and the vines are now 80 years old, on average. They are at their production prime, especially when it comes to the nuanced and finessed fruit produced. The soils here show a larger percentage of sand compared to neighboring Serralunga d'Alba, and the wine is more fruit forward and elegant as a result. The bouquet offers pressed rose, violets and warm autumnal notes. Only 6,300 bottles were produced. This is a terrific wine.

James Suckling (97)

Extremely complex aromas of cedar, mushroom and walnut highlighting the cherry and flowers. The palate is full and complete with ultra-fine and caressing tannins that are truly silky. It’s still very young, but shows beauty and seduction. Try after 2020.

Wine Spectator (96-99)

Juicy and forward in feel, with fresh plum, blackberry and anise notes. Dense, but still silky and refined in feel, revealing a long mineral echo through the finish. This is so pure, it seems almost too easy to drink already, just as you realize how ridiculously long it is.

Wine Spectator (96-99)

Juicy and forward in feel, with fresh plum, blackberry and anise notes. Dense, but still silky and refined in feel, revealing a long mineral echo through the finish. This is so pure, it seems almost too easy to drink already, just as you realize how ridiculously long it is.

James Suckling (98)

Extremely aromatic with blueberries, blackberries, and flowers. Full- bodied, dense, and rich yet agile and exciting. The tannins are seamless and beautiful. The finish shows stones and spices. The ancient mourvedre in the blend gives this wine elegance. Incredible depth. So drinkable now but goes on for minutes. Fantastic Hommage from a more challenging vintage.

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, blackcurrant and mint with some sage and crushed-stone undertones. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are in-check and nicely polished. Smoke, toasted oak and bark at the end, complementing the fresh yet ripe fruit. Drink after 2024.

The Wine Cellar Insider (99)

With all the richness, density and concentration required, you also find endless waves of perfectly ripe, black, blue and dark red fruits, crushed rocks, stone, licorice, smoke, flowers and espresso. Here you find, intensity, purity, minerality, silk and velvety tannins and a seamless, 60 second finish that just won't quit. The wine blends is 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,150 cases were produced.

Jeb Dunnuck (95)

Rivaling the 2015, if not even better (time will tell), the 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Louis Belle is a rock star of a Crozes-Hermitage, revealing a dense purple color as well as fabulous crème de cassis and blackberry fruits interwoven with peppered beef, violets, new leather, and flowers. The real deal, it's concentrated and full-bodied, with wonderful tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It has a pure, polished, almost modern edge, yet it brings plenty of background meaty, bloody, black olive notes with time in the glass and is pure Crozes-Hermitage gold. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years.

Wine Advocate (97)

One of the great efforts of recent years, and not surprisingly so, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, a blend of 81% from Howell Mountain, 11% from St. Helena and the rest Calistoga and Mount Veeder. It is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 84% new French oak. At 15.2% natural alcohol, this is a big boy, but also classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with crème de cassis, graphite, licorice, and a touch of spicy oak. Winemaker Laurie Hook, who has since departed as winemaker, really hit a home run with this beauty. The wine could benefit from 7-10 years cellaring and probably last 30 to 40. When all is said and done, this is an instant classic, the wine full-bodied with oodles of crème de cassis, pen ink, graphite and baking spices. It is multi-dimensional, layered, and one of the all-time great Beringer Private Reserves – and there have been many.

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)

The same 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, brought up in new oak, the 2018 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine is another incredibly pure, complex, yet powerful 2018. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, spring flowers, chocolate, and graphite give way to a full-bodied, pure, and seamless wine that has incredible potential.

James Suckling (99)

What intense aromas of cherries and raspberries! Then it turns to flowers and orange peel. Roses, too. This is really full and powerful with layers of ripe tannins. It’s super fine-tannined, but shows wonderful length and intensity. A great expression of Lamole in Chianti Classico with ancient vines. Some older than 100 years. Best ever? Superb. Try after 2024 and onwards.

James Suckling (97)

Very aromatic and exciting with citrus rind, plums, cedar and rose petals. Full body, fine and silky tannins and a long and beautiful finish. Love the persistence and intensity. Salty undertone at the end. Needs two to three years to open.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

I loved this when first tasting it in bottle, and it is totally living up to my expectations. The clarity of flavour and the sense of energy ensures it just springs out of the glass, ready to please and without the slightest hint of a dip through the mid palate. Sangiovese signature comes across in raspberry, red cherry, rose petals, tobacco, freshly cured leather, great persistency through the palate, showing balance and finesse. The tannins are fine and silky but not afraid to ask for engagement and time from those of us lucky enough to be tasting it. Fermented with natural yeasts, aged in oak casks and neutral barrels for 20 months.

Hailing from the acclaimed vineyards of Burgundy, France, Boisson Vadot Meursault les Grands Charrons 2018 offers an unrivalled luxurious taste journey. Utilising the skillful hand of Boisson Vadot, a viticulturist with generations of winemaking heritage, this exceptional creation embodies excellence.

A product of Chardonnay grapes, this captivating white wine delivers a fervent embodiment of the unique terroir it originates from. A judicious use of oak barrel fermentation and ageing intensify its distinctive undertones of apple, pear, and toasted nuts, further pronounced by an elegant mineral touch. Its medium to full-bodied robustness, compelling complexity, and bright acidity whisper of its potential to age beautifully.

Boisson Vadot Meursault les Grands Charrons 2018 encapsulates the opulence of its provenance, satisfying the most discerning of palates. A testament to the artistry and rigorous dedication of its creators towards delivering absolute perfection.

Essi Avallen MW (93-95)

On this vintage with a prolonged growing season Bollinger played the cool card, choosing to go with a high proportion of Verzenay fruit (51%). The combination of cool vintage and cool terroir is truly attractive for a blanc de noirs. Already the nose has lovely zingy fruitiness to it, lemon custard, perfectly ripe peaches and elegant spicy and chalky tones. The ensemble comes across as elegant, super juicy and purely fruity. My favourite of Bollinger limited editions so far!

The assortment case contains:

1x75cl Bond Vecina 2018 – 100 JD
1x75cl Bond Pluribus 2018 – 100 JD
1x75cl Bond Quella 2018 – 98 JD
1x75cl Bond St. Eden 2018 – 98 JD
1x75cl Bond Melbury 2018 – 97JD

Discover the Bordeaux Rive Droite Caisse Prestige No 2 2018, a meticulously crafted iteration from one of France's leading wine regions. Produced with precision on the sun-drenched, well-drained slopes of Bordeaux's right bank, this fine wine is an impressive mix of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Harvested manually, each grape contributes to a rich bouquet of flavours; blackberry, plum and spice from the Merlot, savoury elements imparted by the Cabernet Franc, and the structure and acidity provided by the Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking process employs traditional fermentation techniques, followed by ageing in high-quality French oak barrels, resulting in a complex, robust wine.

Renowned globally, the Bordeaux Rive Droite Caisse Prestige No 2 2018 is a testament to the combined knack and passion of the Château's seasoned vintners. This harmonious blend offers a flavour profile that showcases the best of Bordeaux and is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.