RED WINE - 2018
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Gazin 2018
12 Bottles available at time of offer
With a great terroir so close to Lafluer, and history that sold 12.5 acres to to Petrus in 1969, it is highly respected, especially in France. Great for consumers looking for a plump, tasty, iconic Pomerol. - Tom Portet
NEAL MARTIN 94
The 2018 Gazin has a lively, generous bouquet of vivacious wild strawberry, boysenberry and hints of tobacco. The aromatics are well delineated and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, offering seductive black fruit mixed with black pepper, truffle and clove. There is so much finesse toward the finish that it is approachable now, yet it certainly has the substance to suggest long-term aging. Not to be underestimated, this is another wonderful Gazin.Andrew Caillard MW 96
Deep crimson. Attractive plum inky cassis herb garden flavours, supple and well concentrated with fine graphite tannins and vanilla spice oak notes. Finishes chocolaty firm and minerally. Effortless in its class and elegance.James Suckling 94-95
This is very tight and polished with a compact and beautiful palate of blackberries, currants and black olives. Full-bodied yet structurally solid with a very long finish.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$250.00 As low as $225.00 -
Valandraud 2018
12 bottles available at time of offer
Jean-Luc Thunevin was one of the original Garagiste winemakers of the right bank, and his home estate presents the success of Merlot in the vintage, at 90% of the blend (vineyard plantings at 75%). Produced in miniscule quantities, it's one of the most sought-after wines in Saint Emilion (and you don't need to sell your house). - Tom PortetJames Suckling 97-98
This is a fantastic young Bordeaux with superb depth of fruit and complex tannin structure. Hints of smoke, spice and toasted oak. Full body and firm, dusty tannins. Very long finish.
Antonio Galloni 97+
The 2018 Valandraud is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel, maybe more. Power and vertical, with tons of explosive energy, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate all race across the palate. The 2018 is a wine of tremendous stature that distinguishes itself in a vintage peppered with stunning wines. I would allow for a few years in bottle to help the tannins soften. I loved it.Andrew Caillard, MW 95
Deep crimson. Intense dark plum cedar spicy aromas with wood varnish notes. Immensely concentrated and oaky with attractive inky complexity and plentiful graphite textures. Elemental but impressive despite the oak right now. Should settle down into completeness.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$561.00 As low as $504.90 -
Pape Clement 2018
12 bottles available at time of offer
The highlight of the Bernard Magrez stable is also the most prestigious, and tellingly it has achieved consistent high scores. It's up 7% on the 2017 release, which is no surprise as it is perhaps the best releases to since 2010. -Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 96
The 2018 Pape Clément is such a beautiful and inviting wine. Silky, perfumed and layered, the 2018 shows the more restrained, vibrant style that has become the norm here in recent years. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and spice are front and center, while the oak - in the past so strong here - is really dialed back. The 2018 is going to be a fascinating wine to follow in the cellar over the next several decades. The purity of the flavors is just striking.
Lisa Perotti Brown 96-98
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pape Clement is a little closed, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant earth, crushed rocks, iron ore and tobacco notions over a core of crushed red and black currants plus kirsch, red roses and Ceylon tea. Full-bodied and wonderfully vivacious, it offers a solid line of firm and fine-grained tannins and amazing freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced.James Suckling 97-98
This is a very driven Pape Clément with fantastic density and finesse at the same time. Linear and driven, the finish goes on for minutes with incredible tension and focus. More cabernet. Refinement with power.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$275.00 As low as $247.50 -
Pape Clement 2018 1500ml
The highlight of the Bernard Magrez stable is also the most prestigious, and tellingly it has achieved consistent high scores. It's up 7% on the 2017 release, which is no surprise as it is perhaps the best releases to since 2010. -Tom Portet
Lisa Perotti Brown 96-98
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pape Clement is a little closed, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant earth, crushed rocks, iron ore and tobacco notions over a core of crushed red and black currants plus kirsch, red roses and Ceylon tea. Full-bodied and wonderfully vivacious, it offers a solid line of firm and fine-grained tannins and amazing freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced.James Suckling 97-98
This is a very driven Pape Clément with fantastic density and finesse at the same time. Linear and driven, the finish goes on for minutes with incredible tension and focus. More cabernet. Refinement with power.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$551.00 As low as $495.90 -
Palmer 2018
EP Order minimum 3 bottles
One of the most talked about estates, due to tiny yields of just 11 hl/ ha, and considering no 2nd wine (Alter ego) was made this year. Despite the difficulties working biodynamically, the ultimate wine is hugely successful and the price is a record. It's a mantel piece wine for the unicorn hunters….so what does that make a Magnum? -Tom Portet
Andrew Caillard, MW 100
Deep colour intense dark cherry, black currant fruits with mocha espresso notes. Amazingly powerful and expressive wine with deep set blackcurrant pastille fruits, richly concentrated graphite tannins. Incredible balance and mineral length. Superb density and complexity. The wine of the vintage?Antonio Galloni 95-98
A freakish, super-concentrated Palmer that recalls some of the most legendary vintages made here. The 2018 Palmer is a freak of nature from yields of just 11 hectoliters per hectare harvested over an entire month by CEO Thomas Duroux and his team. Rich, unctuous and flamboyant in its ripeness, the 2018 possesses off the charts intensity from start to finish. Blackberry jam, espresso, crème de cassis, licorice, menthol, lavender and cloves develop in a palate-staining, hedonistic Palmer that oozes with personality. This extravagantly ripe Margaux won't be for everyone, but it is a stunning, head-spinning wine that may, in time, very well join the ranks of the truly epic Palmers. A wine of pure and total pleasure, the 2018 is nearly impossible to resist. The blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. In 2018, Palmer bottled just their Grand Vin and no Alter Ego.James Suckling 94-95
It is the essence of cabernet fruit with density that is so thick that it has the texture of grape puree. Full body and melted tannins that give the wine a sense of velvet. Very soft and juicy. With air, it goes to bright, crushed black currants. Tar. Fresh tannins give it energy. I have never tasted anything like this in all my 38 years as a wine critic in Bordeaux. From tiny berries of cabernet sauvignon (53 per cent), 40 per cent merlot and seven per cent petit verdot.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$1,440.00 As low as $1,296.00 -
Clos Fourtet 2018
Twelve bottles available at time of offer
Just two minutes' walk from the place d'eglise of Saint Emilion, Clos Fourtet sits atop the cotes overlooking Canon and Beau-Séjour Bécot. The focus here is on richness and sweet dark black fruits, an inspiring level from owner Philippe Cuvelier and oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt. -Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 98
The 2018 Clos Fourtet is one of the most elegant, refined wines of the vintage. Silky and aromatically expressive, Clos Fourtet is all grace. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and sage all lift from the glass. Even with all of the natural richness of the year, Clos Fourtet sizzles with tension and delineation. Then again, that is the magic of the Saint-Émilion plateau. Clos Fourtet is easy to look past in 2018. It is neither exuberant nor exotically ripe. Instead, everything is in reserve. The 2018 is a magical wine, that's all there is to it. Don't miss it.Andrew Caillard, MW 98
Deep crimson. Impressively focussed wine with fresh blackberry cassis plum aromas lovely graphite herb nuances and vanilla notes. Dense compact palate with deep sweet blackcurrant pastille fruits, blackberry notes and fine brambly textures, underlying vanilla roasted chestnut oak. Finishes firm and long. A very high calibre wine.James Suckling 96-97
This is one of the best wines I have had from here. Full-bodied yet focused and super dynamic. Tight and linear with fantastic length and energy at the end. Exciting.Antonio Galloni 94-97
A wine of energy, persistence and total harmony. Sublime. One of the wines of the vintage, the 2018 Clos Fourtet is positively stunning. In the glass, the 2018 sizzles with tension and energy. A whole range of floral, mineral and red berry notes develop, but it is the wine's exceptional sense of harmony that leaves the deepest impression. Consulting winemakers Stéphane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet turned out a glorious Clos Fourtet in 2018. Don't miss it.Jeff Leve 96-98
Decanter 97
Lisa Perrotti-Brown 95-972018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$357.00 As low as $321.30 -
La Fleur de Gay 2018
12 bottles available at time of offer
A special parcel of old Merlot that is conveniently stuck between Petrus, Lafleur and Vieux Chateaux Certan. First produced in 1982 and with just 7,000 bottles produced it has unicorn status. -Tom PortetJames Suckling 94-95
The gorgeous balance on the center palate makes this one of the best wines from here in years. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful yet subtle finish. Fine.Lisa Perrotti-Brown 89-91
Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 La Fleur de Gay delivers bold notions of baked plums, mulberries and blackberry preserves with touches of tar, bay leaves and truffles. Full-bodied and rich, with a plush texture, it has soft acid and a spicy finish.Antonio Galloni 86-88
The 2018 La Fleur de Gay is a fruity, supple Pomerol that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Dark cherry, mocha, cedar, tobacco, licorice and menthol add lovely aromatic nuance as this pretty, silky Pomerol develops in the glass.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$301.00 As low as $270.90 -
Troplong Mondot 2018The 2018 Troplong Mondot will take readers who haven't tasted these wines in a few years aback. Stunning in its aromatic presence, the 2018 is silky, medium-in body and super-refined. Once again, I am blown away by the wine's total sense of precision. The Cabernets are only 15% of the blend, and yet the 2018 is so strongly marked by floral and savory accents. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, rose petal and lavender all build in the glass. The 2018 is regal, refined and absolutely exquisite. 97 ANTONIO GALLONI2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$290.00 As low as $261.00
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Leoville Las Cases 2018
Eight bottles available at the time of offer
An easy argument for the Médoc's fifth 1st growth, year after year it presents as an exceptionally poised wine that evokes total class. I love it. It comes from the oldest vines of the property that average around 50-years old, this year the blend is structured with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot. -Tom PortetJames Suckling 99-100
OMG. This shows amazing depth of fruit and density. Full-bodied and so layered with incredible fruit and power. Blackberries. Blueberries. Violets. Hints of dried flowers. Fantastic fruit and tannins, yet agile and energetic. The château says 2016 plus, plus.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown 98-100
The finished blend for the 2018 Léoville Las Cases is yet another triumph for this great estate. Very deep purple-black in color, it is a little closed to begin, slowly emerging from the glass to reveal subtle woodsmoke, violets, tilled soil and underbrush scents over a core of warm cassis, wild blueberries and redcurrant jelly plus hints of rare beef and iron ore. Full-bodied, rich, super concentrated and bursting with latent energy, this is an atomic bomb waiting to go off in your mouth. It has a rock-solid foundation of firm, very ripe, very finely grained tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular fruit through the epically long, amazingly nuanced finish. Simply breathtaking.Antonio Galloni 95-98
Sumptuous and spectacularly rich, the 2018 Las Cases is atypical but gorgeous in its singularity. The 2018 Léoville Las Cases is a rich, sumptuous, exotic wine in 2018. Plush fruit and suave, silky tannins give the 2018 a level of textural richness that is unusual for a young Léoville Las Cases. Crème de cassis, lavender, mint and sweet spice all build in this extraordinarily beautiful wine. I can't recall tasting a young Las Cases with this much immediacy and sheer allure. The 2018 Las Cases has a very bright future. It is also one of the unquestioned stars of the vintage. In 2018, the blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot.Jeff Leve 98-100
Chris Kissack 98-100
Decanter 982018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$750.00 As low as $675.00 -
Haut Bailly 2018
Four Bottles available at time of offer
Fortunate to escape the hailstorms of May 26th, Haut Bailly enjoyed a season that could be acted upon through glorious summer and autumn conditions. Still, crops are 50% less than 2017 and Veronique Sanders and her team have crafted a very intense and concentrated wine from their small crop. -Tom PortetJames Suckling 97-98
Incredible depth of fruit to this with a center palate that shows superb character and texture. I love the hazelnut and coffee-bean undertones to the beautiful fruit, which shows great finesse. Full-bodied yet compact and tight, giving a sense of agility and flight to the wine. Extremely tight and polished tannins.Lisa Perrotti-Brown 96-98
Deep purple-black in color, it opens slowly with profound notions of Black Forest cake, crème de cassis, roasted nuts and black olives, unfurling to reveal notions of menthol, crushed rocks, molten licorice and chargrilled meat plus a hint of lilacs. Full-bodied, rich and densely laden with layer upon layer of vibrant black fruits and mineral nuances, it has a solid backbone of firm, velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long with compelling restraint and exciting energy.Andrew Caillard, MW 97
Deep colour. Perfect claret style with intense blackcurrant plum graphite aromas with some savoury notes, fine graphite grainy tannins and underlying vanilla oak. Tannins are plentiful but perfectly ripe with some al dente notes and plenty of thrust. Elemental but voluminous needing time to meld. Sine inky mineral notes at the finish.Antonio Galloni 94-97
Jeff Leve 96-98
Decanter 982018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$342.00 As low as $307.80 -
Ausone 2018
1 Bottle at the time of the offer
This really is a creation of true refinement and class, that lends itself to the harmonious, graceful style that is so typical of great St. Emilion. Suckling, Perotti-Brown and Galloni all awarded it perfection, with Jeff Leve noting that there are few wines at this level of quality produced from any vineyard in the world. If you can afford just one of 20,000 bottles produced annually, it will be a trophy for any cellar designed to last 50-100 years. -Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 99
The 2018 Ausone is mind-blowing. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. I don't know what more to say. Cabernet Franc is so expressive, so vibrant so nuanced. Rose petal, cinnamon, star anise and sage meld into a core of red fleshed fruit. The 2018 doesn't impress with opulence or richness, rather it is a Saint-Émilion that is all about persistence and energy. I won't be at all surprised if it merits a higher score in the future. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. The 2018 is a viscerally thrilling wine of the highest level.
James Suckling 99-100
This is really exotic with wild-fruit character that I have seldom encountered in Ausone. Full-bodied yet reserved and very tight. Amazing depth and purity of fruit. Incredible beauty. Sexy.Lisa Perrotti-Brown 98-100
Full-bodied, rich, decadent and tightly knit, it offers layer upon layer of fruit, spice and mineral nuances with a firm frame of exquisitely fine tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and heart-stopping beauty.
2018Cabernet Blends, MerlotFrance356$2,800.00 As low as $2,520.00 -
Belair Monange 2018
10 bottles available at time of offer
An absolute highlight that is the current rising star thanks to both a fine position and the vast investment from the Mouiex family. Nestled high next to Canon and above Angelus, the predominance of Merlot (90%) underpins are rich plum and chocolate layered structure that has delivers a points per dollar value that's hard to beat. -Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 96
The 2018 Bélair-Monange races across the palate, showing its exuberant, flamboyant personality. Ripe plum, mocha, blood orange, star anise and cinnamon fill out the layers effortlessly. Sumptuous and generous, with striking balance, Bélair-Monange hits all the right notes. It can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring, but also has the pedigree to age effortlessly for decades.
James Suckling 98-99
This is very linear and structured in a classical way for Bordeaux with a very focused and tight core of beautiful fruit that gives an agile and vivid palate of pretty fruit and bright acidity, not to mention the ultra fine tannins, which deliver a seamless and limitless finish.Lisa Perrotti-Brown 97-99
2018 Belair Monange comes bounding out of the glass with all the energy and vigor of a pedigree puppy. Full-bodied, rich and decadently layered in the mouth, the densely packed layers are charged with energy, supported by firm, velvety tannins and a racy line of freshness, finishing very long and very spicy.Jeff Leve 98-100
Decanter 972018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$388.00 As low as $349.20 -
Chapellle d'Ausone 2018
A minuscule production and allocation but a delightful second wine from the great Ausone stable of Vauther family. Its volume is just a third of the volume to Ausone itself, and almost always close to a 50:50 blend of Merlot and Cabernets. It has great poise, purity and no excess of weight that will reward to whoever asks for it first. -Tom Portet
Andrew Caillard, MW 95
Deep colour. Intense dark plum mocha praline aromas with violet notes. Generous and deep set with ripe dark cherry, blackcurrant fruits, fine chocolaty tannins. Long fresh sweet fruit finish. Classic proportioned wine with energy and density.James Suckling 94-95
This is a very tight and structured second wine with blueberry, spice and light hazelnut character. It's full of volume, but shows underlying firmness and brightness. Lovely length.
Antonio Galloni 91-94
The 2018 Chapelle d'Ausone is a drop-dead gorgeous second wine. Wonderfully finessed in every way, the 2018 conveys intensity allied to a sense of weightless elegance.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$580.00 As low as $522.00 -
Le Petit Mouton 2018
12 Bottles available at time of offer
A real star amongst the second wines this vintage, and always in very tight supply. It contains an unusually higher blend of Merlot this year (40%) with lower yields consistent with the vintage story. A little sheep in volume, but always rewards buyers for its Pauillac credentials of black fruit and graphite, and perfect for drinking in around 5 -10 years. -Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 93
Just as it was from barrel, the 2018 Le Petit-Mouton is fleshy, radiant and very easy to enjoy. Soft contours and silky tannins add to its considerable allure. Because of low yields, the Petit-Mouton was aged entirely in new oak. Rich, sumptuous and bold to the core, the 2018 is a rock star wine.James Suckling 97-98
This is phenomenal with such dense and layered tannins that go on for minutes. It's full-bodied with blackberries, blueberries and chocolate. Sexy and so beautiful. Not sure what to say here. Maybe it should have gone into the first wine?Lisa Perrotti-Brown 92-94
Deep garnet-purple, it comes bounding out of the glass with sit-up-and-beg notes of crème de cassis, plum preserves and mulberries plus nuances of chocolate box, Chinese five spice, licorice and candied violets. Full-bodied, rich and oh-so-hedonic, the palate is packed with juicy black fruit layers wrapped in a firm, velvety structure, with loads of fragrant spice layers on the very long finish.Andrew Caillard, MW 93
Medium deep colour. Lovely blackcurrant herb aromas. Sweet blackcurrant black cherry fruits, fine slinky textures and toasty oak notes. Still elemental with firm tannins. Pretty wine.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$683.00 As low as $614.70 -
Trotte Vieille 2018
8 bottles available at time of offer
98-99 points JAMES SUCKLING
Wow. This really sends a tingle down my spine. Love the energy and length to this. Very distinguished. Full-bodied yet tight, polished and compressed. It has a great finish. Exciting. Really.93-96 points ANTONIO GALLONI
The 2018 TrotteVieille is a super-intriguing wine. Aromatically deep and layered, the 2018 offers tremendous depth and textural finesse. Mocha, grilled herbs, black cherry, new leather and spice all wrap around the palate in a dense, racy Saint-Émilion. The blend is 54% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.91-93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Trotte Vieille leaps from the glass with vivacious scents of baked red plums, black raspberries and prunes with underlying scents of dried herbs, fallen leaves, dusty soil and tobacco. Full-bodied with a firm line of chewy tannins, it delivers a lot of stewed fruits on the mid-palate with a slightly warm finish.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$245.00 As low as $220.50 -
Petit Cheval 2018
Six bottles available at time of offer
The dynamic team of Pierre Lurton and Pierre-Olivier Clouet ensure Petit Cheval is always a small production of exceptional quality - tiny in 2018 at about 10% of the estate output. The blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet and POC (his actual nickname) believes this is the best vintage ever and is one of the great second wines of 2018. -Tom PortetAndrew Caillard, MW 95
Deep colour. Attractive fresh mulberry red plum aromas with chocolate notes. Very well concentrated and supple with richly concentrated fruit and persistent fine graphite tannins, underlying savoury toasty notes. Very inky finish with superb fresh roasted nut notes. Teflon silky. Bloody good wine.Lisa Perrotti-Brown 93-95
The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Petit Cheval needs a lot of coaxing to encourage subtle nuances of crushed rocks, fallen leaves, potpourri and fertile loam to emerge before giving way to fragrant notes of warm blueberries, black raspberries, kirsch and unsmoked cigars with a touch of Marmite toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers layers of fresh, crunchy black fruits and loads of earthy sparks, framed by soft, velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long.James Suckling 93-94
This shows beautiful density of fruit, but the tannins arrive at the end and show impressive length and density. Full body. Wild fruit. Excellent second wine from Cheval.
Jeff Leve 98-100
Decanter 99
2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$575.00 As low as $517.50 -
Vieux Chateau Certan 2018
6 bottles available at time of offer
The 2018 Vieux Château Certan is delicate, silky and understated, just as it was in barrel. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, mint, lavender, spice and wild flowers all open in the glass. The 30% Cabernet Franc, which is high for present-day standards, adds tons of aromatic lift as well as freshness, while bright, saline-infused notes extend the finish. Fine tannins and mid-weight structure give the 2018 an air of finesse that is impossible to miss. If I had to bet on one 2018 that could very well surprise 10-20 years out, it might very well be VCC. (97+) Antonio GalloniAndrew Caillard,
MW 100
Deep crimson. Beautiful dark plum, cassis, inky, violet aromas with vanilla notes. Supple and smooth with inky rich plum dark plum, cassis, herb flavours, fine loose-knit lacy smooth tannins, lovely viscosity and generosity. A plume of tannin at the finish. Superb effortless wine.James Suckling 99-100
This is a significant VCC with masses of fruit and juicy tannins. It's fresh, but impresses you with the rich and powerful fruit. A tower of a wine. Incredible depth and density. Thick and muscular. It is 30 per cent cabernet franc, the rest merlot.Lisa Perrotti-Brown 97-100
Medium to deep garnet-purple-it has a very vibrant color-it drifts effortlessly out of the glass with wonderfully intense, beautifully delineated scents of red roses, black raspberries, kirsch and Darjeeling tea before the powerful, profound black fruits kick in: baked plums, wild blueberries, molten licorice and mulberries with touches of cigar box, cinnamon stick, tapenade and truffles. Full-bodied, rich, densely packed and revealing layer upon layer of red and black fruits with an incredible array of floral and spicy sparks, it has a high level of super ripe, incredibly fine, velvety soft tannins and fantastic freshness (not just from acid but from bright, crunchy fruit). It finishes very long, marvellously layered and with such jaw-dropping brightness from the fruit, the end is almost electric. Incredible.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$1,195.00 As low as $1,075.50 -
Domaine de Bellene Vosne Romanee Les Quartiers de Nuits 2018 Vieilles Vignes
An overtly floral-suffused nose displays a lovely array of spice elements on the essence of red berry fruit aromas. I very much like the mid-palate mouthfeel of the sappy medium-bodied flavors that terminate in a powerful, rustic and mocha-inflected finish. This is quite a robust Vosne villages that will require at least some patience. BURGHOUND
Always one of the wines of the range. Exhibits all the kirsch cherry and silken texture of a classic Vosne with the addition of some nice Asian spice coming from the 50% whole cluster. MICHAEL McNAMARA
2018Pinot noirFrance358$255.00 As low as $229.50 -
Domaine de Bellene Nuits St Georges Chaignots 1er 2018
A fresh, pure and layered nose consists of liqueur-like dark berry fruit, plum, violet, earth and touches of spice. There is excellent richness to the slightly more refined medium weight flavors that coat the palate with dry extract where the supporting structure arrives all at once on the grippy and mildly drying finish. I suspect that this will round into form once the sulfur addition is more completely integrated. BURGHOUND
I haven't always been the biggest fan of Nicolas' version of Chaignots - although I love the vineyard with its the nod to the "silk" of Vosne a nice counterpoint to the rusticity of Nuits. This year this is a beautiful example and the best I've seen from him. MICHAEL McNAMARA
2018Pinot noirFrance358$260.00 As low as $234.00 -
Marsilea Premier Bobal 2018A family-owned winery and cellar; 60 hectares of vineyards around the small village of Sinarcas, on an 800-metre high plateau inland from Valencia and close to the border with Castilla-La Mancha, surrounded by a pine forest. Sebastian Mancebo makes terrific organic wines mostly from native Bobal, alongside alternatives like Gewürztraminer.
Vines are typically more than 40 years old and planted at altitudes of 900 meters. The grapes are hand-sorted before the fermentation and the partially crushed grapes are then subjected to low temperature for the extraction of primary, fruit aromas. The fermentation is done at low temperatures (18ºC) in temperature with no oak.
A brilliant cherry-red colour, of medium intensity and purplish highlights. It has a bouquet of wild flowers and a salty minerality, typical of the regions' soils. Forceful yet velvety on the palate. Fruity with notes of blackberries, it hides a slight bitterness that balances the fruit, with a persistent and long finish. PWS
2018Spain$25.00 As low as $22.50 -
Petrolo Galatrona 2018The flagship 2018 Galatrona, 100% Merlot, is very beautiful. Silky tannins wrap around a core of Merlot fruit. I am struck by how elegant the 2018 is, as Galatrona is so often a wine of impact. Black cherry, chocolate, game, leather, licorice and spice give the 2018 a good bit of nuance. This is an especially understated, refined edition of Galatrona. (96) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous2018MerlotItaly495$250.00 As low as $225.00
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Coursodon St Joseph Sensonne 2018
Saturated ruby. Heady, oak-spiced dark berry, cherry cola and floral pastille scents show outstanding clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering intense bitter cherry, blueberry and mocha flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Finishes sweet, broad and extremely long, with an echo of candied violet and smooth, well-knit tannins. 100% new oak. JOSH RAYNOLDS, Vinous
2018shirazFrance467$145.00 As low as $130.50 -
Duemani G. Punto Grenache 2018
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2018GrenacheItaly495$360.00 As low as $324.00 -
Oakridge LVS Barkala Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Held on skins for 4 weeks after fermentation before 18 months maturation in French oak. Bright crimson-purple, it is an elegant cabernet that has flourished in the warm vintage - the Upper Yarra sometimes poses challenges, but not here. The tannins are savoury and fine, adding to the quality of the wine. JAMES HALLIDAY
2018Cabernet SauvignonAustralia506$45.00 As low as $40.50 -
2A Shiraz 2018
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2018shirazAustralia397$13.00 As low as $11.70 -
Felsina Chianti Classico 2018With a staggering 18+ tre biccherie awards to their name, Fattoria di Felsina is not only one of the greatest producers of Chianti Classico in the zone, but can also lay claim to being one of the greatest estates in Italy.
Located on the southern boundary of the Chianti Classico zone at Beradegna, Felsina is run by the thoughtful, Giuseppe Mazzocolin, and together with consultant oenologist Franco Bernabei, he has guided the estate masterfully through the massive changes that have taken place in Tuscany in the last 30 years, always mindful of only making changes he thought would further the quality of the wines without obliterating the regional nuance.
The 2018 Chianti Classico Berardenga is endowed with so much class. In 2018, the Classico is a bit more restrained than it can be. That mid-weight sense of structure, though, gives the wine quite a bit of early appeal. Even so, I would cellar the 2018 for a few years, as all the elements haven't fully come together just yet. Dark cherry, game, smoke, licorice and earthy notes are a reminder we are in Castelnuovo Berardenga, even if the 2018 has less weight and overt power than Fèlsina fans are used to seeing. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous.com2018sangioveseItaly495$51.00 As low as $45.90 -
Barbacan Valgella Sol Valtellina Superiore 2018
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2018NebbioloItaly498$120.00 As low as $108.00 -
Salvo Foti Vinupetra Rosso 2018
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2018Nerello MascaleseItaly482$175.00 As low as $157.50 -
Haut Bailly 2018 1500ml
1 BOTTLE AVAILABLE
Antonio Galloni 97
The 2018 Haut-Bailly soars out of the glass, showing magnificent poise that only grows with time. Sweet, perfumed aromatics, silky tannins and mid-weight structure add to its considerable allure. Ripe red berry fruit, spice, blood orange, licorice, cedar, tobacco and menthol are all woven together in an effortless, classy Haut-Bailly that delivers the goods. I suppose the 2018 doesn't quite have the explosive energy of the very best years, but it more than makes up for that with its sensual, seductive personality.James Suckling 97-98
Incredible depth of fruit to this with a center palate that shows superb character and texture. I love the hazelnut and coffee-bean undertones to the beautiful fruit, which shows great finesse. Full-bodied yet compact and tight, giving a sense of agility and flight to the wine. Extremely tight and polished tannins.Lisa Perrotti-Brown 96-98
Deep purple-black in color, it opens slowly with profound notions of Black Forest cake, crème de cassis, roasted nuts and black olives, unfurling to reveal notions of menthol, crushed rocks, molten licorice and chargrilled meat plus a hint of lilacs. Full-bodied, rich and densely laden with layer upon layer of vibrant black fruits and mineral nuances, it has a solid backbone of firm, velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long with compelling restraint and exciting energy.Andrew Caillard, MW 97
Deep colour. Perfect claret style with intense blackcurrant plum graphite aromas with some savoury notes, fine graphite grainy tannins and underlying vanilla oak. Tannins are plentiful but perfectly ripe with some al dente notes and plenty of thrust. Elemental but voluminous needing time to meld. Sine inky mineral notes at the finish.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$704.00 As low as $633.60 -
Saint Pierre 2018
Perhaps the least known of the Saint Julien Chateaux, Saint Pierre is one of the most underestimated classified growths of Bordeaux. Located right behind the township, the wine scored consistently well, releasing at a justifiable higher prices this vintage that still lets consumers put the lack of recognition to use. -Tom Portet
The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Saint-Pierre displays shy scents of rose hip tea, dried mint, crushed rocks and lavender to begin, opening out to a growing core of warm blackcurrants, baked blackberries and Morello cherries plus wafts of garrigue and wild sage. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with black fruits and provocative mineral sparks, it has a firm texture of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and savory.Lisa Perotti Brown 94-96
A powerful, virile wine, the 2018 Saint-Pierre is also one of the highlights of the vintage. Black cherry, graphite, smoke, leather, menthol, violet and spice meld together in a brooding, tannic Saint-Julien that is going to need a bit of time to truly come into its own. Saint-Pierre is muscular, massively tannic and forbidding, and yet there is a ton of fruit behind all of that structure. Cabernet Sauvignon features heavily in the blend, and that comes through in the wine's flavor profile and overall feel. Readers will have to be patient. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. The 2018 is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot. Antonio Galloni 92-952018Cabernet BlendsFrance356Special Price $138.40 Regular Price $173.00 -
Le Gay 2018
With south easterly neighbours of Lafleur and Petrus, Le Gay remains at an exceptional price considering the quality of its terroir. Galloni particularly taken by its quality this year (read below). The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, with just 1,500 cases produced. -Tom Portet
James Suckling 97-98
A tight and dense red with depth of fruit and polished tannins that really impress at this stage. It's naturally refined and complex with so much dark-berry, chocolate, cedar and hazelnut character. Great wine.Antonio Galloni 94-97
One of the highlights of the vintage, the 2018 Le Gay is fabulous. Crème de cassis, new leather, tobacco, minty and dried flowers all race out of the glass, but what impresses most is the wine's combination of fruit richness and vertical explosiveness. Black cherry, coffee, dried flowers, mint and lavender all soar. Le Gay is rich and concentrated in feel, and yet all the elements are wonderfully fused together. Tasted two times.Jeff Leve 96-98
Chris Kissack 97-992018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$335.00 As low as $301.50 -
Pietradolce Etna Rosso Archineri 2018Aromas of woodland berry, Mediterranean scrub, camphor and oak-driven spice shape the nose on this fragrant red. On the tight palate, firm acidity accompanies raspberry jam, orange zest, vanilla and licorice. Firm, grainy tannins leave a puckering, drying close. Give the tannins a few years more years to relax a bit then drink. KERIN O’KEEFE, Wine Enthusiast2018Nerello MascaleseItaly482$85.00 As low as $76.50
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Pietradolce Etna Rosso Rampante 2018Aromas of rose, exotic spice and wild berry shape the nose on this fragrant red, along with whiffs of moist earth and leather. The linear, vibrant palate features Marasca cherry, licorice and a hint of espresso alongside racy acidity and close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish. Drink 2022–2028. KERIN O’KEEFE, Wine Enthusiast2018Nerello MascaleseItaly482$84.00 As low as $75.60
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Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde Cote Rotie 2018
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2018Rhone BlendFrance467$430.00 As low as $387.00 -
Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos Mencia 2018 1500ml
10 BOTTLES AVAILABLE
Dark, bright-rimmed ruby. Spice- and mineral-accented dark berry and floral scents show fine clarity and a complementary hint of candied licorice. Sappy and focused on the palate, offering gently sweet boysenberry, bitter cherry and violet pastille flavors and a spicy touch of white pepper. The mineral quality repeats on a very long, penetrating finish that leaves sweet blue fruit and spicecake notes behind. JOSH RAYNOLDS2018menciaSpain355$143.00 As low as $128.70 -
Dominio del Aguila Picaro Tinto Fino 2018Jorge Monzon's brazen approach landed him a job at one of the world's best wineries, Domaine Romanee Conti. He simply knocked on the door at the famed Vosne Romanee estate and stayed for 10 years. His last few years saw him working alongside the winery's cellar master, Bernard Noblet learning all aspects of making these prestigious wines. He began to understand that everything counts, even if it seems insignificant, that shortcuts should be avoided. He learned the beauty of wine.
While working for 'the man' Jorge bought as many plots of old vine tinto fino (tempranillo) around his hometown village of La Aguilera in the province of Burgos - one of the best zones in Ribera del Duero. Many were destined for grubbing up or replanting with trellised vines. To date, Jorge has 66 hectares spread across 250 plots!
'…it has the depth, concentration and nuance of the best wines from many wineries. It's produced in a more jovial style, but the wine comes from old vines that always have a field blend with small percentages of whatever grapes that are all fermented together, and these vines always produce a serious and deep wine. In 2018, it matured in French oak barrels for 11 months. This is very young and tender, expressive and aromatic, very much in line with the 2016. It has lots of energy and power, more than you might think, and it's serious. It's drinkable now, but it should get even better with some time in bottle. LUIS GUTIERREZ, wineadvocate.com
2018tempranilloSpain492$60.00 -
Shaw & Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz 2018
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2018shirazAustralia340$97.00 As low as $87.30 -
Livio Felluga Vertigo 2018
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2018Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotItaly391$55.00 As low as $49.50 -
Visintini Refosco Pedunculo 2018
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2018RefoscoItaly391$42.00 As low as $37.80 -
A.Rodda Tete De Cuvee Beechworth Cabernets 201875/24/2% cabernet sauvignon /merlot/petit verdot. Hand-picked fruit, destemmed and crushed, held on skins for 18 days, pressed to French oak barriques (50% new) for 12 months then racked to old 600L oak casks for a further 8 months. Tête de Cuvée refers to a wine of the highest quality. Celebrating a top vintage with a new reserve wine, it is unusual (and quietly exciting) to see a quality cabernet blend out of Beechworth. Offers a tight-knit wine, a mere youngster still, firm in dry, grainy tannins, smart oak and serious, dark fruit flavours. It’s varietally on point, well balanced and assured of a big future. JENI PORT, James Halliday2018Cabernet BlendsAustralia353$87.00 As low as $78.30
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Francesco Versio Barbaresco DOCG 2018
Elegance and persistent power here with a hint of the warmth of the year expressing through the ripeness of the fruit. That doesn't detract from the energy and radiant nature of the wine. Dark spices play with lifted red florals, dark spice and a nice buffering minerality. I love the style of these wines. Very much for the purist. MICHAEL MCNAMARA, PWS
2018NebbioloItaly457$158.00 As low as $142.20 -
Forman Cabernet Sauvignon 2018The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely impeccable. Best of all, it won't require years in the cellar to be enjoyable. In fact, it is quite expressive today. Juicy dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and cinnamon are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. Silky and supple, with no hard edges, Ric Forman's 2018 is a thing of beauty. The 2018 is a bit more open in the early going than Forman fans are likely to expect. (96) ANTONIO GALLONI2018Cabernet SauvignonUSA446$295.00 As low as $265.50
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Vecchie Terre di Montefili Chianti Classico 2018The 2018 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Rich, deep and wonderfully expansive, the 2018 is captivating from the very first taste. A rush of blue/blackish fruit, spice, new leather, licorice and dark spice saturates the palate. In 2018, the Chianti Classico is deep and especially concentrated, but it all works so well. Readers will find a wine of uncommon power, intensity and richness. The 2018 is a big wine, there is no question about it. ANTONIO GALLONI2018sangioveseItaly495$46.00 As low as $41.40
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Sato Northburn Pinot Noir 2018From the Northburn Station vineyard on a lakeside terrace, this sees no whole-bunch or new oak. Only 20 barrels were made.
This is a fragrant and lithely composed pinot with an underlying power that drives the wine. Its sinewy structure is laden with maraschino cherries, plums are rosemary tones. While it feels light and fluid on the palate, it doesn't forsake flavour. Its perceived fragility is beguiling. Fine and sleek tannins sign off the wine. An eloquent expression of Central Otago pinot. GABRIELLE POY, PWS
2018Pinot noirNew Zealand373$67.00 As low as $60.30 -
Yeringberg Shiraz 2019A lot of complexity and savouriness come out to play this vintage, alongside a wonderful coolness across the palate. Expect dark plums, licorice and menthol, juniper, a dash of pepper and roasted root vegetables. It's fuller- bodied, with a covering of textural tannins and bright acidity. (95) JANE FAULKNER, Wine Companion2018shirazAustralia506$110.00 As low as $99.00
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Rizzi Barbaresco Nervo 2018Aromas of licorice, camphor and pressed rose come to the forefront on this bold red along with whiffs of new leather. On the full-bodied palate, firm, refined tannins accompany red cherry, star anise, white pepper and the warmth of alcohol. Fresh acidity keeps it energized. Drink 2028-2033. KERIN O'KEEFE wineenthusiast.com2018NebbioloItaly457$112.00 As low as $100.80
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Rizzi Barbaresco Pajore 2018Aromas of star anise and tobacco mingle with ripe black-skinned fruit and menthol. Reflecting the nose, the robust palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and ground clove set against assertive, close-grained tannins. Drink 2026-2031. KERIN O'KEEFE wineenthusiast.com2018NebbioloItaly457$110.00 As low as $99.00
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Mauro Veglio Barolo DOCG 2018A large part of the grapes was fermented in rotofermenters for 10 days because they can take the biggest volume. The remainder was fermented in vertical stainless-steel tanks and remained on the skins for 15 days. Aged in 15% new barriques and used tonneaux for 24 months. Bottled in July 2021.
Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Fragrant, elegant, sweet and concentrated red-fruit nose with a peppery tingle and balsamic touches and a touch of cinnamon bark. With aeration salty, minerally hints creep up on the nose. Sappy red fruit and crunchy tannins add grip to the succulent fruit finish. Elegant and fresh. WALTER SPELLER, www.jancisrobinson.com
2018NebbioloItaly457$90.00 As low as $81.00