A lovely, deep and dark violet colour in the glass, this wine opens with mineral and smoke accented dark berries, liquorice and spicy black pepper on the deeply perfumed nose. The palate flows energetically with juicy cherry and blackcurrant flavours and more of the smoky minerality found on the nose which adds lift and depth. The finish is long with floral and tapenade pinned together with well defined ripe tannins.

Maturation - 16 months in oak barrels used for several earlier vintages

'Dusty violets, lavender and cloves accentuate dried black cherries as the dramatic 2019 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass. This is impossible to ignore, bursting with energy as depths of ripe red fruits, chalky minerals and exotic spices saturate all they touch, balanced by textures of pure silk. The 2019 finishes with fantastic length and concentration, leaving a staining of tart blackberry and hints of orange that curl the tongue as crunchy tannins tug at the palate. It’s rare to see such a combination of vibrancy and power. Canalicchio di Sopra nailed it in 2019. Wow. Drink 2026-2042'

96/100 Vinous, Eric Guido

Another cracker from South Africa's master craftsman Duncan Savage. This is a blend of Cinsaut, Grenache and Syrah from Citrusdal Mountain in the Olifants River Valley, Western Cape. This is a pretty wine real depth and sees 70% whole clusters in the ferment. 

"The wine shows a real individuality and personality with bright fragrant violet perfume, sappy spicy peppery raspberry and redcurrant confit complexity, hints of sun raisined cranberries, cured bresaola, boiled raspberry sweets and wild strawberries. The palate weight is soft and sensual, combining the best of both Grenache and Cinsault to form an impressively harmonious, silky soft sappy red blend. The wine seems to grow exponentially in the glass, unfurling and unravelling to reveal layers of strawberry jam, raspberry compote and Turkish delight all framed with bright crystalline acids that really amplify the wines purity, minerality and sense of place.

Such a pretty wine with the sleekest and most polished tannins and a mellow fruit intensity. Despite its eminent drinkability in youth, this is no frivolous ?vin de soif? and could just maybe, over time, acquire a similar cult following to that of Duncan?s excellent Cinsault-dominated Follow The Line red from Darling. A very confident debut!" Drink from 2018 to 2028+. (93/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

'The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is coy in the glass, youthfully restrained and requires coaxing to reveal its delicate bouquet. With time, a dusty display of dried roses, licorice, cherries, cloves and camphor emanates from the glass. This model of purity is polished, silky and refined with savory spice and mineral-laden red fruits that saturate, all perfectly guided by brisk acidity. It leaves the palate stained in primary concentration, turning inward upon itself. Tart currant and mentholated herb notes add freshness to a web of fine-grained tannins. The 2019 is a breathtaking interpretation of Montosoli fruit. Drink 2027-2042'

 97/100 Vinous, Eric Guido

"Boasting aromas of new leather, eucalyptus, violet, forest floor and spice, the stunning 2019 Vigna Montosoli from Canalicchio di Sopra is an excellent expression of this celebrated site, great vintage and historic winery. Firm and youthfully austere, it delivers ripe raspberry, blackberry, tobacco and licorice before a salty finish. Framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins, it’s elegantly structured, packed with energy and intensity, with bright acidity that also keeps it balanced. Give it time to fully develop. A gorgeous wine. Drink 2039–2044."

98/100 Kerin O’Keefe

Brother and sister Pierre and Veronique took over the domain from their parents in 1993 and have carefully maximised the huge potential of the estate. Their wines are superb and constantly gain more and more recognition from discerning wine lovers and critics. 

The vineyard has now more than doubled in size without diminishing the quality which is quite a rare achievement.

The Petit Closi Muscat sec is a white wine made from 50% Muscat petit grain and 50% Muscat of Alexandria. 

The result is an aromatic and dry muscat that is a beautiful golden yellow colour in the glass and offers powerful but elegant flavours of apricot and melon with a honeyed finish.

Wine growers in the northern Rhone since 1481, the Chave family represents 16 generations of unbroken lineage committed to the production of some of the finest Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne on the planet. Jean Louis joined his father in 1992 after completing undergraduate studies at University of Connecticut and a degree in oenology at Davis. It was at that time that he completely replanted vineyards on the family’s original estate in Saint-Joseph, which had been abandoned in the early 1900’s when phylloxera hit the region.

'The refined 2021 L'Hermitage was cropped at 37 hL/ha and bottled in early September 2023. It is laced with finely delineated orange rind, raspberry, red cherry, red plum, dried herbs, pencil shavings, black cherry, crushed violet and cedar. Showing excellent tension on the medium-bodied palate, the 2021 brings it home with clarity and freshness. That being said, it won’t be as long lived as either the 2020 or 2022.' 94 pts Nicolas Greinacher - Vinous

Wine growers in the northern Rhone since 1481, the Chave family represents 16 generations of unbroken lineage committed to the production of some of the finest Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne on the planet. Jean Louis joined his father in 1992 after completing undergraduate studies at University of Connecticut and a degree in oenology at Davis. It was at that time that he completely replanted vineyards on the family’s original estate in Saint-Joseph, which had been abandoned in the early 1900’s when phylloxera hit the region.

'Vinified from grapes that were harvested as late as the 26th of September, the 2021 L'Hermitage Blanc was cropped at 38 hL/ha, above the levels of 2022. It dazzles with vivid spring blossom, honeysuckle, lemon peel, white peach, quince, apricot and discrete cedar aromas. Medium-bodied and immaculately balanced by bright acidity, this is an athletic L'Hermitage Blanc with marked freshness and energy. A saline aftertaste wraps up the sapid finish. Outstanding.' 96 pts Nicolas Greinacher - Vinous

Hill & Valley is all about highlighting the ripe and balanced flavours of great wines, such as this full bodied red, from the warmth of the Barossa Valley in South Australia. From the cooler Adelaide Hills to the elevated Eden Valley vineyards to those situated on the Barossa Valley floor, these ancient soils provide the base for great wines that speak of their origins.

"Dense with a bright red edge, there are dark brooding fruit aromas with hints of blueberry and choc-mint. The palate is medium-bodied with blue fruit and fine grained tannins for a very soft finish."

Exceptionally tasty Albarino made in a bone dry style with fleshy unctuous texture from skin contact. Outstanding flavours and depth. Great white in taste, value and the all important X factor wow.

Supple, succulent and incredibly drinkable. This is a classic blend of southern French grape varieties, modelled on a Cotes du Rhone blend with Cinsault in the lead, contributing 54% towards this juicy red, supported by Shiraz and Grenache. 

Winemaker A A Badenhorst suggests that the Cinsault component will provide the structure for excellent ageing and enough suppleness for drinking young. Aromas here are perfumed, peppery, spicy and exhibit ripe red fruit flavours.

Tasting Note: Made with Iwai rice, a variety of sake brewing rice suited grown only in Kyoto Prefecture, the pristine water of Fushimi, and of course Gekkeikan?s skill and dedication to perfection, this sake is as Kyoto as they come, making it worthy of being the sake of Japan?s ancient capital city. A delicate fruity aroma and clean palate characterize this light and refined Tokubetsu Junmai sake.

Domaine Charles Audoin, based in Marsannay-la-Cote in Burgundy, has been a family-run estate since its establishment in the early 20th century. Under the leadership of Charles Audoin and later his son Cyril, the domaine has expanded to approximately 14 hectares across the Marsannay appellation. They are pioneers in promoting the quality of Marsannay, which is known for producing excellent red, white, and rosé wines.

The terroir of Marsannay, located at the northern end of the Côte de Nuits, is diverse, comprising predominantly limestone and clay soils. The vineyards used for ‘Cuvée Charlie’ are from some of the domaine's prime sites, with vines aged around 40 to 60 years. This maturity of the vines brings depth and concentration to the wine. The soils, rich in limestone, contribute to the wine’s minerality and elegance, while the clay content enhances its body and structure.

From Domaine Chanson...

Grape Variety : Pinot Noir

Soil : Gravel mixed with clay

Site : On the Mont Battois hillside, facing Beaune, the name "Grèves" derives from the sandy and gravely soil. Separated from the Clos des Fèves by a narrow path this Chanson vineyard covers 2 hectares

The Vintage 2022 : After a winter characterized by marked variations in temperature between January and February, spring started with mild temperatures. A sequence of cold weather in April was followed by warm temperatures in May but the lack of water was very noticeable and could not be compensated by the rainy storms of June. Summer was marked by several and long heat waves and the storms of the end of August were most welcome. The harvest at Chanson started on August 30 with a team of 100 persons and ended on September 13. 2022 vintage was quite generous both in volume and quality and the red wines are generous and well-balanced with an outstanding crunchy fruit.

Tasting : Bright ruby colour. Fragrances of peony mixed with intense aromas of ripe red berries (strawberry, cherry) mixed with coffee and spicy notes. Delicate vanilla. Well-balanced and complex. Deep and refined texture. Elegant and well-integrated oak note, well-shaped tannins. Long and spicy finish. Scores : 93/100 Jasper Morris/Inside Burgundy - 16,5+/100 Jancis Robinson

Food pairing : It is perfectly matched with red meat grilled or en sauce, and all cheeses, especially the local cheeses like Epoisses or Citeaux.