France

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pomerol

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes: Top-flight modern Lalande de Pomerol which does admittedly show a quite opulently oaky nose, but which also has the volume and depth of fruit to complement it. Round and mouth filling, succulent and long, it is delicious drinking now.

Beautiful deep ruby red with tints at rim showing no signs of ageing as yet. Rich, powerful and many-layered nose of red fruits, dark spice, fresh oak and cocoa. Supple, velvety palate with fine, crisply elegant tannins. Fresh lingering finish with menthol flavours. A charming, easy-to-drink wine which will go down well with any fine food.

Region: France, Bordeaux 

Grape variety: Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon 

Background: Château Bauduc is a wine estate just south of the town of Créon in Bordeaux's Entre-deux-Mers region between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, although its wines are predominantly produced under the wider Bordeaux appellation title. The estate – owned and managed by expat Britsh husband-and-wife team Gavin and Angela Quinney – produces a range of wines including a Bordeaux whites, Bordeaux reds, rosés and a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: Refreshing, juicy and really tasty on the palate.  

The house rosé at Rick Stein's for a decade! 

Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein’s House Rose – Delicious. 

Expert opinion for previous vintages 

Château Bauduc Rosé (Bordeaux) 2019

I can’t say I spend any time drinking much (or indeed any) rosé, nevertheless this one won me over. It has a great colour, a peachy sunset-pink, and most importantly a nose of fresh rather than sweet or confected fruit, all crisp strawberry and leafy raspberry, with nuances of peach stone, pear and acacia. It has such delicious vigour on the palate, showing weight but also poise and energy, the substance cut by a fresh acidity and citric energy. It is so delicious and so fresh, with a long, tingling finish too. Bottled under Stelvin screwcap. From a 2021 Update. 92/100

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com. January 2021.

“The Bauduc Rosé is something of a revelation… It is a delightful wine. Aromatically I find delicate red fruits, with notes of peach and tangerine. It shows a lovely structure in the mouth, possessing the feel of a white wine, light and fresh, and imbued with vibrant acidity. This is really good…”

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com

“Very pale pink. Fresh, red fruit aromas - raspberry and redcurrant nuance. Clean and dry on the palate but with an underlying ripeness of fruit. The freshness is what appeals. Delicious.”

James Lawther MW, Contributing Editor for Decanter magazine

“The other day I had Chateau Bauduc’s lovely Bordeaux Rosé, which goes against the region’s general trend of harvesting late by picking grapes (merlot and cabernet) early to keep the style fresh, dry and modest in alcohol (12% abv). You can buy the wine, which stocked at Rick Stein’s restaurants and Gordon Ramsay’s, direct from the chateau.”

Fiona Beckett, The Guardian

Region: France, Bordeaux

Background: Château Bauduc is a wine estate just south of the town of Créon in Bordeaux's Entre-deux-Mers region between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, although its wines are predominantly produced under the wider Bordeaux appellation title. The estate – owned and managed by expat Britsh husband-and-wife team Gavin and Angela Quinney – produces a range of wines including a Bordeaux whites, Bordeaux reds, rosés and a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: Not only Gordon Ramsay's house wine for the last 20 years - but also Rick Stein's, and more recently, more recently, the prestige house white at the Hotel du Vin. A crisp, dry white wine, made from Sauvignon Blanc. 

A very varietal and fruit-dominated style, with yellow capsicum underpinning the notes of peach and tangerine. The palate carries the same characteristics, defined and reinforced by the slightly pungent, gooseberry, capsicum character. Lots of vivacity, but also some substance, a sandy weight to it, and a pithy, bitter-fruit finish.

Expert opinion 

Previous Vintages:  

Château Bauduc Sauvignon Blanc (Bordeaux) 2019

A blend of 95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Semillon, vinified in stainless steel, and listed as the house white in a number of top restaurants. A nice concentration in the glass, and a charming nose, although it takes an hour or so to really open up, moving from a slightly herby and grassy start to plentiful peach and apricot fruits, with a smoky core of crushed chalk. The palate follows the lead of the nose, with plenty of energy, a chalky and textural weight, with stone fruit notes as a nod to the ripeness of the vintage, but with nice acid freshness too. Already bottled, under screwcap, and good to go now. From my Bordeaux 2019 primeurs assessment. 92/100

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com. June 2020.

Château Bauduc Sauvignon Blanc (Bordeaux) 2018

It is easy to forget, in the green and grassy world of commercial Sauvignon Blanc, that the variety is in fact an aromatic one. If you find yourself in need of a reminder of its status look no further than this wine; aromatically this is all lychee, kumquat and mango, a tropical fruit salad dusted with scented white chalk, with none of that grassy edge. It offers the same evocative fruit profile on the palate, with a glycerol-tinged texture, and happily it has a little tingle of acidity too, keeping it fresh, leading into a lime and buttercream finish. Rich in fruit and body, this will be a real crowd-pleaser. Bottled under Stelvin screwcap. From a 2021 Update. 92/100

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com. January 2021.

'The Quinney family's 20th vintage sauvignon is a bosky, gooseberry, lime and lemongrass mouthful.'

Jane MacQuitty's Star Buy in The Times, £11.95, June 2020

Selected for 'best summer wine to buy now': 'This sauvignon blanc is dry and refreshing, with a subtle citrus note.

Will Lyons in The Sunday Times, June 2020

“These bottles were intended for Rick Stein’s restaurant, where Bauduc sauvignon blanc has been a stalwart of the list for many years now. Bordeaux sauvignon blanc is refreshing, nettly, citrusy and greatly under-appreciated by sauvignon drinkers. You’ll find some newer releases on the Bauduc site as well, with free delivery to England and Wales for orders of 12 or more bottles, though please order in multiples of 12.”

Victoria Moore's Easter Wine of the Week in the Telegraph, April 2020

"Bright, breezy sauvignon with ripe peach flavours, good depth and a long, dry finish."

Bordeaux Hot 50, 2020 selection.

"This is a classic Sauvignon Blanc that has been the house wine for the Hotel du Vin, Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein for many years."

Jane Anson's 'Top 10 Affordable Bordeaux Wines', Decanter 2018

“This scrumptious Sauvignon is packed with refined nettle and lemon grass zing”

Jane MacQuitty’s Best Buys in The Times, £10.95, January 2018.

“A crisp, unoaked white. Unlike the wines of Marlborough, Bordeaux sauvignon blanc has gentlemanly understatement. Think unripe nectarines.”

Victoria Moore's 60 Best Wines for Christmas in The Telegraph in ‘Whites over £10'.

“The question I get pretty much more than any other is how to find reliable value in Bordeaux,” writes Jane Anson, Decanter’s Bordeaux critic. “This is a region with 110,000 hectares, with 6,568 producers declaring a harvest in 2016.

“The sheer bewildering choice is one of the reasons for paying a little bit more for a bottle of wine when looking for assurance over quality, but there are plenty of producers who manage to deliver it at lower price points.

“I taste through thousands of wines each year… and there are certain names that surface again and again – and cost no more than £30 a bottle and often under half that.

“This is a selection of the wines that make it into my fridge or on to the table regularly.

“The classic unoaked Bordeaux white. Always difficult to suggest bottles from people that you know well, but the British Quinney family has lived in the Créon region of Entre deux Mers since 1999, and make a fresh, understated and extremely juicy white wine that matches well with food.

“This is a classic Sauvignon Blanc that has been the house wine for the Hotel du Vin, Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein for many years.

“A quick walk through the vineyards here also tells you these steep slopes are perfectly exposed for maximizing the ripening sun.”

Jane Anson's 'Top 10 affordable Bordeaux wines' in Decanter.

“Gavin and Angela Quinney have created a very slick and successful operation at Château Bauduc outside Bordeaux - it says something that they supply the house wines for Rick Stein and Gordon Ramsay. The Château Bauduc blanc 2016 is 100% Sauvignon and made in the modern style, with attractive grassiness on the nose and enjoyable texture on the palate - it’s fresh but not thin.”

Harry Eyres, ’What to drink’ in Country Life, May 2017 issue

“Chateau Bauduc Sauvignon Blanc 2016. 12%. www.bauduc.com. £11.

Englishman Gavin Quinney makes this sauvignon blanc at his estate 15 miles from Bordeaux and it's lovely - no wonder it's been the house white at Rick Stein's for years. Bright but gentle, crisp and modern but not pithy, just fresh with a lemon, elderflower and yellow nectarine taste. Class act.”

When we wrote to say thanks, Victoria replied:

“It is the most perfect wine. I feel like a specialist in £10 wines as I taste so many of them, and it hits exactly the beautiful spot. I love love loved it. And say any of that if you want.” Oh, alright then.

Victoria Moore, Telegraph 'Wines of the Week', August 2017.

“The nose pole-vaults out of the glass and embraces you with its citrus generosity. The palate is zesty, taut and refreshing with more depth than you might expect allowing you to shovel down some hastily prepared canapés to reward this delicious drink. Bauduc Blanc is the Holy Grail for those of you who can’t get the pot pourri and fruit salad notes out of your olfactory system left behind by chemistry set, bulk-bottles Sauvignon. It is classy, elegant, nerve-tingling and, dare I say it, what we should all taste to remind us what Sauvignon Blanc should be like!”

Matthew Jukes, The Week and Money Week

“A thoroughly fine dry white Bordeaux… it would make a lovely wine at the table. Excellent value.”

Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com

and one of our favourites:

“Without a shadow of a doubt, the best value white we have had all year is Château Bauduc, a crisp, white Bordeaux that we scoffed merrily both as an aperitif and with food. Apparently, it is the house white in Gordon Ramsay’s three-star restaurants, whoever he is.”

Pat Leahy, The Sunday Business Post (Ireland)

Tasting notes: A deep coloured wine, showing great finesse and fruit intensity. Ripe berry and currant flavours, soft tannins and balanced acidity on the finish.

Food pairing: Ideal with white meat dishes.

Region: France

Grape variety: Pinot Noir, Meunier & Chardonnay

Background: Since 1859, Duval-Leroy family has been perfecting the quality of its non-vintage Brut Reserve, balancing passion with an aesthetic sensibility. It is in this product that one can feel the unique power and character which marks out a top-of-the-range champagne. Consistency, expertise and a creative spirit ensure a success which needs no further demonstration. The Maison Duval-Leroy revels in the art of blending Pinots and Chardonnays. Enriched with around fifteen crus and a generous quantity of reserve wines, Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve confirms its complexity and is recognised for its consistency.

It was the only Champagne recognised by Wine Spectator magazine in its Top 100 classification.

Tasting notes: Listed in over 250 Michelin rated restaurants in Europe.

A big, full-bodied bubbly, featuring graphite, toast, lemon and nut aromas and flavours. Providing a perfect balance between finesse and power, it draws out flavours of dark chocolate, cinnamon and roasted yellow figs, expressing its subtle, and melt-in-the-mouth vinosity.

Awards: Gold Medal at Mundus Vini 2023.

VEGAN

Region: France

Tasting notes: Sparkling vibrant acidity focuses this crowd-pleasing Champagne, enlivened by flavours of ripe blackberry, peach tart, toasted brioche, candied lemon zest and graphite. Refined and satiny in texture, this shows fine balance through to the lasting, spiced finish.

VEGAN

Region: France

Tasting notes: The perfect pre-starter, a top of the range pink Champagne blended from the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Presented in a beautiful, seductive bottle, the Brut Rosé shows a salmon colour with aromas of wild cherries, figs and even a hint of ginger and geranium. With a solid maturity and balanced vinosity, this wine represents the best of what Duval-Leroy has to offer to wine lovers and fans of fine rosés.

VEGAN

Region: France, Beaujolais

Grapes variety: Gamay

Tasting notes: Aromas of strawberry, violet, cinnamon, red currant, and peony, releasing fleshy. Well-built in flavours that are discreetly spicy and a good length in the mouth. It is worth leaving the bottles to age for 3 years for the nuances of vanilla and spice to fill out.

Tasting notes: An exceptional Beaujolais of great weight and intensity, retaining the classic fresh raspberry and cherry fruit flavours synonymous with the region. If Fleurie is the queen of Beaujolais then the silky Moulin a Vent is the king. So vital, so energetic, this wine will bowl you over.

Tasting notes: Well-made wine from an excellent negociant. Soft and round with overtones of red fruits. A good, easy drinking wine and a very good introduction to the charms of Burgundy.

Tasting notes: This Merlot greets you with a nose of cherry, blackcurrant and liquorice. On the palate, it is well structured, fresh, bright and with overtones of cacao and tobacco. A fantastic showcase of how Merlot can taste.

Region: France

Grape variety: Picpoul

Backgroud: The Cave - Pomerols, South of France, are one of the leading producers of Picpoul, a grape well known along the southern coast of France. Stretching along the Thau Lagoon to the west of the Mediterranean’s Golfe de Lyon lies the largest white wine producing area in the Languedoc: The Picpoul de Pinet terroir. It consists of a triangle bounded by Agde, Pézenas and Sète: a limestone plateau basking in the rising sun covered in highly perfumed garrigue, rows of vines, and scattered pine groves. This rare grape, from vines grown near salty étangs on the very edge of the Mediterranean, produces a wine of fascinating contrasts.

Tasting notes: The gloriously fruity, perfumed, light-bodied Picpoul de Pinet reveals copious notes of honeyed citrus (grapefruit and lemon zest) and delicate honeyed pear-like flavours. Fragrant aromas of pear and white flowers leap enticingly from the glass leading to a palate that is crisp and lively with hints of grapefruit and exotic fruits.

Food pairing: Known as the Muscadet of the South in France this is a thirst-quenchingly mineral wine that is the perfect choice as a seafood partner, particularly oysters!

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon

Tasting notes: Pale gold with an extraordinary complex nose of summer fruits, peaches and apricots. Rich and concentrated - it drinks exceptionally well now and will last for at least another 10 years.

Gilded with fine gold, the dress is more than promising. This 2020 offers a bouquet of remarkable complexity with aromas of ripe apricots, pineapple, mango and honey. On the palate, a smooth, rich and refined liquor instantly invades the palate with a great freshness. This is delicious and is undoubtedly a rich and subtle wine from great origin.

VEGAN

Region: France

Tasting notes: The cuvee Lady Rosé from Duval Leroy uncovers fragrances of stewed wild strawberries. On the palate; rose, flowery biscuit and honey suckle. 

VEGAN

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Syrah & Grenache

Background: The Jaboulet family started working the land in the Rhone region in 1834. The generations continued to succeed one another until Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine was acquired by the owners of Chateau La Lagune in Bordeaux, the Frey family, in 2006. Although lauded for wines like Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert and the famous Hermitage La Chapelle, winemaker Caroline Frey has been receiving excellent reviews for her wines from the Southern Rhone region. From a robust Vacqueyras, to Chateauneuf du Pape Les Cedres and the Secret de Famille Cotes de Rhone wines, Paul Jaboulet Aine offers fantastic quality from these much loved regions. This is the most famous appellation of the southern Rhône and also one of the best-known in France and abroad.

Tasting notes: Deep ruby red colour with very thick legs. The bouquet offers complex and intense notes of macerated red berries, blended with sweet spices and a final hint of garrigue (Mediterranean vegetation). Powerful and warm attack in the mouth, with a spicy and hot finish.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon

Background: Château Bauduc is a wine estate just south of the town of Créon in Bordeaux's Entre-deux-Mers region between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, although its wines are predominantly produced under the wider Bordeaux appellation title. The estate – owned and managed by expat Britsh husband-and-wife team Gavin and Angela Quinney - produces a range of wines including a Bordeaux whites, Bordeaux reds, rosés and a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: Medium bodied and partially aged in oak, it’s easy, fruity and supple enough to drink quite young. A French bistro sort of wine. Although it is a young red, it is ready to drink now, with attractive, easy fruit and soft, supple tannins.

A special cuvée, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was made from two parcels of vines in a single block, and aged in small French oak barrels. A full bodied wine, it's ripe enough to drink young or keep it for years.

The pleasant, fine and elegant nose reveals citrus fruit and after breathing notes of peach, pear and white flowers. The elegant palate is well balanced and plump, with complexity and minerality.

Region: France, Loire Valley

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting notes: Beautiful brilliant golden colour. Exquisite fruity and floral aromas with a touch of honey. Full-bodied with great acidity and perfect alcohol. Persistent beautiful aftertaste.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Cabernet & Merlot

Background: Château Fonplégade's name (literally "fountain of plenty") was derived from the historic 13th century stone fountain that graces the estate's vineyard. It quenched the thirst of passing pilgrims for hundreds of years, and continues to provide sustenance to the estate's vines in the driest vintages. Grapevines have thrived at this exceptional site, perched on the limestone plateau that is home to Saint-Emilion's finest vineyards, since the late 1500s. In 1852, legendary wine merchant Jean-Pierre Beylot purchased the estate and built the elegant château that still stands on the property. Enchanted by the terroir, history and grandeur of the estate, with its ancient Roman pathways and graceful vine rows, Denise and Stephen Adams acquired Château Fonplégade in 2004 and spent 15 years tirelessly revitalizing the vineyards, renovating the cellar and lovingly restoring the château.

Tasting notes: Deep ruby colour with a generous nose of fresh red fruits and spice. Full-bodied, round mouthfeel supported by an elegant acidity (from the limestone terroir). Remarkable mineral focus.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pomerol

Grape variety: 88% Merlot & 12% Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes: Deep ruby colour. Smooth cherry and raspberry’s tints along with lilac and mellowed oakiness notes. Full-bodied wine with silky tannins.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Cotes du Bourg

Grape variety: Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) & Malbec (5%)

Background: Côtes de Bourg is a 'Right Bank' appellation; Merlot is always the dominant grape here. The inclusion of a tenth of Malbec is unusual; little of this variety is seen in the Gironde these days. The 7-hectare estate is run with passion and precision by Corinne Baudouin, who succeeded her mother and her mother before her. The Côtes de Bourg appellation is some 12km NW of Bordeaux city. The wines are invariably easy drinking and fun, a world away from the stuffy, aristocratic appellation of Margaux, just across the estuary. The wines offer superb value for money, especially during better vintages.

Tasting notes: Chunky and robust, with a dashing deep hue and lifted scents of pine, dark berries and fruitcake. Full and intense wash, with assertive tannins supporting juicy flavours of plum, beetroot and kelp. Complex and intense.

Food pairing: Go all out and match with slow-cooked lamb shanks on a bed of Colcannon mash and roasted root vegetables.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: White blend - Grenache Blanc complemented by Clairette and Viogner

Background: The word “Barville” evokes the history of our ancestors in Château Neuf-du-Pape since 1880. A great wine that shows character and elegance, and honours the historical grape varietal, king of the southern Rhône: Grenache. To get the best out of Grenache, sustainable viticulture is applied, with a strict winter pruning in order to limit the yield in favour of concentration. The Grenache is handpicked at good maturity.  

Winemaking process: Direct light pressing (pneumatic press). Cold settling overnight at 10°C. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature between 16 – 18°C. No malolactic fermentation to preserve the freshness. Maturation on fine lees with regular stirring in stainless steel vats for 6 months. Bottling in March, April of the year following the harvest.

Tasting notes: Aromas of exotic fruits, white flowers and citrus fruits. Wonderful complexity with notes of peach and apricot, this wine displays excellent freshness and length.  

Review: Wine Enthusiast 90-95 Points: Initial scent reminds me of walnuts and nougat; aeration and swirling encourage plumper, more candied/honeyed/minty aromas to emerge. Taste at entry is sensuous, sweet and like brown sugar; at midpalete there is a seductive smokiness that takes on a pipe-tobacco quality. Concludes moderately sweet, yet razor sharp and nicely acidic.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon

Background: Château Bauduc is a wine estate just south of the town of Créon in Bordeaux's Entre-deux-Mers region between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, although its wines are predominantly produced under the wider Bordeaux appellation title. The estate – owned and managed by expat Britsh husband-and-wife team Gavin and Angela Quinney – produces a range of wines including a Bordeaux whites, Bordeaux reds, rosés and a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux.

Tasting notes: Medium bodied and partially aged in oak, it’s easy, fruity and supple enough to drink quite young. A French bistro sort of wine. Although it is a young red, it is ready to drink now, with attractive, easy fruit and soft, supple tannins.

Expert opinion

Previous Vintages: Château Bauduc (Bordeaux Supérieur) 2017

The year of the frost, nevertheless this has come out of it rather well. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a good concentration in the glass, with a dusty and claretty hue. The nose is restrained when compared to other vintages, with savoury notes of dried cranberry and blackberry, in a taut and crunchy just-ripe style, touched with vanilla caramel presumably from the oak. Medium bodied, cool and restrained on the palate, the taut vibe continues here with damson stone and cranberry fruit, and a touch of black pepper. Lightly textured, with dry and lightly grained tannins, and fresh acidity, this is good to drink now. From a 2021 Update. 89/100

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com. January 2021.

Château Bauduc (Bordeaux Supérieur) 2016

This was a benevolent vintage in the region, providing volume and good quality, and the latter aspect shows here. As always it is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. In the glass it shows a surprisingly modest concentration, with a gentle claretty red hue. The nose hints at some early evolution here, with scents of spiced and degraded red cherry fruit, with a medicinal twist. The palate, meanwhile, shows a cool and supple style, with a little silky edge. I see that medicinal twist coming in again, along with notes of red pepper, red cherry and a touch of coconut. Fresh and lightly composed, and for drinking over the next few years. From a 2021 Update. 90/100

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com. January 2021.

'These are excellent-quality wines - reds as well as whites - consistent and easy to enjoy. One to follow.' 

Inside Bordeaux, by Jane Anson. Published by BBR, 2020.

“Wonderful plummy fruit and liquorice and leather scent. Soft, feathery tannins and just the right amount of mid weight. Not hugely complex, but presses all the right buttons for this level of Bordeaux. Very pleasurable claret.”

Richard Hemming MW, Jancis Robinson.com

“Today this is a model estate for Bordeaux, the white wines clean cut and vibrant, the reds increasingly good. And yet they remain affordable.”

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com

“Red, pink and white, they are utterly drinkable, each possessing a classic, mouthwatering Bordeaux texture and easy going fruit.”

Oz Clarke

Region: France

Background: The prestigious cuvee Femme de Champagne is the product of the development of select vineyard plots put in place by the House of Duval-Leroy. The Chardonnay Grand Crus of Mont-Aigu from Chouilly, Chapelle of Avize, Terre de Noël from Oger, and Chetillon and Aillerand from Mesnil sur Oger, are vinified separately in oak barrels to highlight the elegance and vitality, while a touch of Pinot Noir imparts roundness and character. Femme de Champagne vintage 2000 is an outstanding example of a special year. It is in the line of other unforgettable vintages, 1990, 1995 and 1996.

Tasting notes: Its yellow gold colour carries fine strands of bubbles which reveal complex notes of a lively maturity: brioche, vanilla and wood aromas alternating with citrus fruits such as lemon and mandarin. After the fine initial burst of flavour in the mouth comes a silky touch interwoven with remarkable length on the palate.

Awards: Gold Medal at Mundus Vini 2023

This is a lovely example of Loire Pinot, really supple and soft with good fruit depth and rounded tannins. The wine sees 15% new oak in its barrel aging which gives it good structure but still letting the strawberry and raspberry fruits come to the fore. There's a hint of richer, darker berry fruits there too with a dash of white pepper in the mix.

Region: France, Loire Valley

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting notes: There are delicate aromas of elderflower and gooseberry with hints of peach and grass; it is fresh, light and perfectly piquant. It is dry and crisp on the palate with spades of minerality; it is a classic example of Touraine Sauvignon.

Region: France

Background: Henri Champliau is a family winery located in Mercurey, region of Burgundy - France. Founded by Alexandre Graffard, grandson of Henri Champliau, we produce AOC Crémant de Bourgogne and a 'Signatures' range to the same high-quality standards of our winery.

Tasting notes: A youthful rose-pink colour, refined and light bubbles note of raspberry and cherry and a natural generosity which comes straight from the grape. Produced using the ancestral method to give a 'demi-sec' sparkling wine with a low alcohol content.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Marsanne (50%) & Roussanne (50%)

Tasting notes: This wine offers lots of buttered citrus, lychee, nut and white flowers. It is medium-bodied, fresh and lively, if not racy on the palate.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Syrah

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Syrah

Tasting notes: This wine is very richly balanced. Its length gives expression the ripe apricots, honey and spice notes.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Syrah

Tasting notes: There are notes of dark berries, chocolate, and a hint of fresh black olive on the finish. Long and approachable.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Syrah

Tasting notes: Bright and fragrant, violets and cherry blossom lift. Very pretty nose. Hints of leather, black berry, bruleed spice, marzipan but also a real core of dark fruit. Still tight and structured with a real presence of power and focus. Touch angular still, very bright acidity and a medium long tart red fruited finish.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Grenache (80%), Syrah (10%) & Mourvedre (10%)

Tasting notes: The resulting wine has an aromatic nose with red fruits developing into notes of macerated fruits. Straightforward attack on the palate, with strong tannins, finishing with great depth and strength.

‘Les Traverses’ are the dry stone walls which were built to support and protect the slopes in Ventoux from the significant erosion caused by the strong Mistral winds. 40+ year old vines on average From the foothills of the Mont Ventoux – clay and limestone soils with south/southwest exposure 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah Aged in 20% large older barrel and 80% in stainless tanks Blood orange, raspberry, fresh pepper and wild herbs emerge from this delicious Ventoux Rouge. Incredibly sappy and persistent with laser focus and precision. When they are well-made by a gifted winemaker, reds from Ventoux are usually excellent value. This one really is, boasting fresh aromas of red fruit, spices and cedar. Palate is fruity and lively with fine tannins in the background. Nothing over complicated, this bottle is a great pick for your everyday drink!

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Syrah

Tasting notes: From the eastern part of the hill where the soil is deeper. It has wonderful depth of soft fruit, plummy and rich, blackberries and spice with real density and excellent ripe tannins to give structure.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Grenache

Tasting notes: This wine has the Southern Rhône's classically warm, ripe feel with red fruits blended with spices. Well-structured on the palate with rounded tannins and a final spicy note.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Viognier

Tasting notes: Its nose is very expressive with aromas of white fruits, peach, accompanied by notes of flowers, a typical Viognier complexity. On the palate, the attack is lively and fat, the palate unctuous and gourmet revealing notes of apricots and exotic fruits.

Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Grenache Blanc

Tasting notes: It is made of a subtle blend of various local grapes providing concentrated flavours of white fruit and flowers, while remaining crisp and fresh. A short stay in oak barrels brings in a toasted hint for a greater personality.

Tasting notes: Chablis is the purest expression of Chardonnay. Layers of green apple skin, lemon brulee and apricot.

Region: France, Burgundy, Beaujolais

Grape variety: Gamay

Background: Régnard, one of the oldest and most prestigious houses in Chablis, was founded in 1860 by Zéphir Regnard. In 1984, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette purchased Regnard and has perpetuated the style and tradition of the wines ever since. The Baron's experience in modernizing the de Ladoucette cellars in Pouilly-sur-Loire inspired him to make similar changes at Régnard, including thermo-controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks and sodium lamps in the aging sheds to prevent light damage.

Tasting notes: A dark red colour with violet highlights. An expressive bouquet full of the aromas of red fruit (raspberries and strawberries) accompanied by a small and agreeable vegetable point. The palate is agreeable and elegant with a frank attack accompanied by a light tangy note.

Tasting notes: A dark red colour with purple hues. On the nose, complex aromas of cherries and raspberries emerge mixed with soft spicy notes. The palate is well balanced and noted for its fine and silky tannins with more flavours of red fruit coming through. The finish is long and lingering. A classic example of Pinot Noir from Burgundy.

Region: France, Loire Valley

Tasting notes: Nicely balanced with a subtle floral and earthy fern nose. Notes of stony minerals and lemon provide delights to the palate. It is velvety finish has hints of citrus fruits.

Region: France, Loire Valley

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting notes: Pale golden-green. Remarkable and aromatic intensity on the nose. Floral notes of acacia and elderflower are backed up by blackcurrant buds and rhubarb.

Region: France, Loire Valley

Grape variety: Chenin Blanc

Tasting notes: Light, with persistent grape skins perfume, this Vouvray has a touch of firm acidity to lift the finish. It’s a breezy, off-dry white for freshwater fish.

Region: France, Burgundy, Maconnais

Grapes variety: Chardonnay

Background: A wine lovers wine. Moillard has been making wines for more than 150 years. Back in 2002 the decision was taken for the majority of the vineyards to be grown according to the rules of lunar-organic viticulture. This type of vine-growing associates the rules of organic agriculture to the lunar cycles.

Tasting notes: All of the crisp, steely characteristics of Chablis are present but are underpinned by a warm, creamy texture and delicious nutty aromas. A wine lovers wine.

Tasting notes: Great classic red Burgundy. Elegant plum and birch aromas, earth, redcurrants and truffle perfumes develop in the glass. Complex red fruit, pine, and spices blend well with the elegant acid and fine tannins.

Region: France, Burgundy, Chablis

Brilliant light gold. Fine and mineral, with beautiful shelly notes. Both fresh and mineral, just like the nose, this wine offers a sapid juice, where harmony between citrus, saline and iodine notes reigns.

A generous wine with excellent mineral characteristics. Made from a careful blending, this is truly the wine style of Pascal Bouchard. This is an intense and racy wine.

Tasting notes: With warm, fragrant cherry characters, this is extremely attractive on the nose. The palate is expressive, with dark morello cherry and loganberry fruit and a subtle vanillin character from the use of oak. The tannins are ripe, fine grained and well-integrated. Layered and charming, this wine gives an over-riding impression of balance. Classic margaux.

Reviews 

89 points Wine Enthusiast: Big, ripe fruit emerging from soft, dusty-textured tannins makes this a wine that is already pleasurable. Black fig and plum juice fruits roll comfortably around the mouth, balancing well, and maturing quickly. (3/ 2009)

89-91/100 Wine Spectator: Lots of blackberry and liquorice character follows through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Well done."

90/100 Robert Parker - April 2015: Another truly exceptional wine from the Sichel family, the 2012 d’Angludet has a deep ruby/purple colour, a sweet floral, blueberry and blackcurrant-scented nose with a touch of liquorice, light tannins, low acidity and a nice, fleshy mouthfeel. This is a sexy, mouth-filling and satisfying wine from both a hedonistic and intellectual vantage point. Drink this sleeper of the vintage over the next decade.

Region: Italy, Veneto

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gros Manseng & Petit Manseng

Winemaking process: The art of this wine lies in fermenting several different grape varieties in one barrel. The Petit Manseng is harvested six weeks before the Chardonnay and the juice is kept carefully in insulated vats with all the solid matter during this whole, long period. The blend (done by tasting the juices) ferments naturally in 225 litre oak barrels (30% new). The grapes are pressed gently in a pneumatic press and the press juice blended back in. This wine was barrel-aged on fine lees for 9 months and was not filtered before bottling so as to keep all the fruity, oaky aromas fully intact.

Tasting notes: This wine has a powerful, aromatic expression of white peach and dry apricot on the nose. The touch of vanilla is a sign of controlled ageing in cask. On the palate, the attack is dominated by the structure and fat of the Chardonnay, and the finish, by the freshness and elegance of Petit Manseng. A wonderful off-dry wine, remarkably well balanced.

An original, easy-to-drink wine. The distinctive trait of this wine is the nose, with its powerful bouquet of white fleshed fruit (peach and apricot). The vanilla notes are a sign of masterful barrel-ageing. The structure and fatness of the Chardonnay predominate on the front-of-palate, while the predominating characteristics at the finish are the freshness and elegance of the Petit Manseng. A truly great dry white wine, displaying remarkable balance and originality.

Awards

Top 100 France Selection in 2010: Ampéloméryx is one of the 100 best IGP french wines in UK and has been elected the Best White Wine of the Top 100 (Trophy of the white wine category).

Vinalies Internationales 2010 Selection, 1000 wines of the World, Silver Vinalies Medal: Some fine aromas of dry fruits (nuts, almonds) and undergrowth are present in this wine. A pale yellow colour with some hints of green. On the palate, the oak is revealed as silky and soft, very structured. This wine is harmonious, with a good balance of freshness and body.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Margaux

Grape variety: Merlot (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) & Petit Verdot (10%)

Background: Château d'Angludet is a wine estate in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux's northern Médoc wine region. La Réserve d`Angludet is the new name that has been given to the second wine from Château Angludet.

Aging: 12 month of ageing, 50% barrels (30% new french oak) & 50% amphorae

Tasting notes: Fine deep cassis berry flavours with gentle rounded tannins.

This cuvee stands out thanks to the richness and elegance usually found in the first-label of Margaux wines. A deep garnet hue with deep purple tints and a generous bouquet, where red fruits harmonise perfectly with spicy, earthy notes, vanilla and masterfully restrained toastiness. The well balanced palate displays smooth, lingering extract, prolonged by an aromatic back-of-palate of blackcurrant and violet.

Region: France

Background: Chateau de Pellhaut is situated at the heart of the Armagnac appellation, named La Tenareze. The XO La Fleur de L'age is rich and fruity with powerful flavours and this 20 year old shows the characteristic rancio associated with aged brandies.

Tasting notes: Amber hue with golden tints. Rancio aromas of hazelnut and gingerbread on nose. Palate generous, characterized by liquorice and toasty notes.

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc

Background: Since it acquired Château d'Argadens, Maison Sichel has put in place a vast renovation programme, with the aim of making the wine a benchmark within the Bordeaux category. After 12 months in oak barrels, d'Argadens red is a thoroughly modern Bordeaux with lots of concentrated fruit and an attractive, supple balance. Not surprisingly, it gets consistently high marks in tastings and competitions. Château d'Argadens also makes a white wine.

The excellent terroir produces robust and soft fruited wines with concentration and balance. Château d'Argadens is one of the best Bordeaux Supérieur around.

After a comprehensive renovation of the vat room, building a cellar, and restructuring the vineyards, Sichel raised the viticultural level to the highest possible standards---essentially they farm this Bordeaux Superieur vineyard with the same approach they use in their Grand Cru Classé vineyards!

Tasting notes: Clad in a beautiful hue of garnet, this wine has a rich, open bouquet that reveals intense aromas of ripe, concentrated blackberry fruit and elegant oak. The same impression of generous fruit is found on the powerful, rich and chewy palate, which is structured by taut, dense tannins and lingers to a long, ample and spicy finish.

Awards

Gold medal - Concours de Bordeaux 2015

Bronze medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2015

VEGAN

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon

Tasting notes: Pale yellow wine, green at the rim, displaying a crisp and powerful nose in which citrussy and floral aromas are subtly mingled with rose and passion fruit. The chewy, ample palate is underpinned by a hint of refreshing acidity. Harmonious, lingering finish. After a fresh front-of-palate, the rich, fat structure is revealed - a perfectly balanced wine.

Awards: Silver Medal - Concours de Bordeaux 2023

Region: France, AOC Bordeaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Tasting notes: One of the shining stars of the "Petit Chateaux" from Bordeaux. In many ways - more interesting than Australian wine.

This wine has a beautiful sombre red colour with deep purple tints. Generous, complex bouquet, with notes of blackcurrant and blackberry clearly discernible with a hint of spice in the background. The impression on the palate is one of a creamy, smooth wine with fine length and structure thanks to beautifully balanced tannins. A harmonious whole that closes with a soft, balanced finish of jammy fruit notes.

Region: France, Bordeau, Medoc

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petit Verdot

Tasting notes: Dense, with dark cocoa, graphite and roasted spice notes embedded in a core of fleshy plum sauce, currant paste and blackberry confiture. The long, racy finish smoulders with dark fruit.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Graves

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Background: Chateau Trebiac Graves is skilfully managed by Arnaud de Butler, Château de Trébiac lies on a gravel plateau at Portets, 35 km south of Bordeaux. Over the past five years, both the estate's vines and winery have been completely rehabilitated. This really is the product of this exceptional gravel terroir on the Plateau du Portets, crafted with painstaking care by Arnaud de Butler.

Tasting notes: This wine is a beautiful, intense garnet red. Red berried fruit (cassis, redcurrant) predominate in an expressive bouquet, together with smoky, more mineral notes.

Oak aged in French barrels for three months giving a bouquet of dark chocolate and toast. The palate offers a fruity finish with velvety tannins. This wine will age beautifully. 

Region: France, Bordeaux

Tasting notes: Château Guiraud 2009 is a beautifully harmonious wine. Intense, ripe pineapple mingles with lemon and lime marmalade notes of botrytis whilst a seam of wet-stone minerality adds freshness. This, in conjunction with the crisp acidity, makes this a very sophisticated Sauternes. Château Guiraud 2010 has a spectacular balance and freshness always reinforce by 35% of sauvignon. It presents intense aromas, hawthorn flowers, fresh fruit, with a minty note which characterizes the vintage. The feeling in mouth is magnificent, soft, but robust. The tonic feeling of the botrytis is amplified by a great freshness. Mouth aromas strengthens up the nose: the botrytis now shows them crystallized, of great precision and purity. The aftertaste is long. The sugar power never gives heaviness: It is the magic of natural sugars sublimated by botrytis.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Cabernet Franc (35%) & Merlot (65%)

Tasting notes: Ripe, sweet and fairly intense. Firm, grippy structure. A touch tighter and longer than stablemate Simard.

Region: France, AOC Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (25%) & Cabernet Sauvignon (15%)

Background: This family-owned estate lies on a limestone plateau in the village of Juillac near Castillon la Bataille. Born into a family which had rented the property for 3 generations, Pierre Ciroli purchased it in 2000. Pierre Ciroli does all the viticultural and winemaking work on the estate, shouldered by his two sons who will be taking up the reins of the business after him. The greatest possible attention is paid to the vines and no effort is spared to ensure that tradition is respected in this vineyard of human dimensions.

Tasting notes: The dark red colour is prolonged by a rich and generous bouquet, where we distinguish notes of small red berries, spices and undergrowth. The palate is not to be outdone, its structure reveals elegant tannins perfectly rounded and married to a fleshy texture which gives it both balance and length in the mouth. A perfect Bordeaux for any meal! Gourmet fruity, it goes perfectly well with many dishes.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Margaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Tasting notes: Ruby colour with a flowery blackcurrant scented nose leads in to a fleshy palate of black fruit intermingled with liquorice and a hint of truffle.

Region: France, Gascogne

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Petit Verdot

Tasting notes: Pellehaut Harmonie de Gascogne rouge is remarkably well balanced, showing intense fruit flavours married with subtle, toasty oak. Very approachable, easy drinking but with lots of class and depth. A bouquet of aromas, combining blackcurrant, dried strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and hints of clove. Supple and fresh, an array of fruit is also expressed on the palate.

Food pairing: This wine will pair easily with all styles of cuisine and offers fantastic quality at an everyday price.

Awards

Concours des Feminalises 2018 - Gold

Region: France, Gascogne

Grape variety: Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon, Gros Manseng & Petit Manseng

Tasting notes: A unique blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng. A french wine that smells like Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - only lighter and classier.

With a clear and bright colour, the wine offers a full scented nose with notes of flowers, ripe fruits and candied fruits. It starts off clear for a smooth, suave, very balanced and persistent palate. This vintage reveals unrivalled intensity and concentration!

Food pairing: To be enjoyed with seafood, fish or poultry.

Review: Wine Enthusiast 2023 - 89 points: " This is an unusual blend of six grapes, including Chardonnay and both Mansengs. It is harmonious with fresh acidity and citrus flavours, just touched by honey and kiwi."

Awards

Concours des Vins du Sud Ouest 2023 - Silver

Concours des Vignerons Indépendants 2022 - Gold

Challenge international des vins 2021 - Silver

Concours des Vins IGP 2021 - Gold

Concours des Vins du Sud Ouest 2021 - Silver

Challenge International du Vin 2020 - Gold

Concours des Vins du Sud Ouest 2020 - Silver

Concours des Vinalies Nationales 2020 - Silver

Concours Général Agricole 2019 - Gold

Concours National des Oenologues de France Vinalies 2019 - Silver

Concours des Vins du Sud Ouest 2018 - Gold

Region: France

Background: Owned by Yvan Meyer, Maison Sichel's Technical Director, Château d'Orignac has won accolades in France and throughout the world. It is made from two-thirds grape must (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) with one-third Cognac and takes almost 10 years to produce, which results in an intense, complex nose of peaches, apricots, honey, almonds and Cognac and an unforgettably smooth texture on the palate.

Winemaking process: Château d'Orignac Pineau is made in the time honoured way, by carefully blending aged eau-de-vie and unfermented grape juice that comes from selected Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, picked when perfectly ripe. After blending, it is aged for a minimum of 5 years in oak casks, made by top coopers based in central France. Only after this extensive maturation period does Château d'Orignac Pineau take on its full depth of flavour and balance.

Tasting notes: Rich amber colour shot through with gold tints. Very intense, complex nose of apricots, honey and raisins. Full and rich on the palate, with grape and Cognac flavours. At nose intense and elegant. A remarkable and inimitable example of top quality Pineau des Charentes, justly deserving of its reputation. Should be served well chilled. Once opened, Château d'Orignac Pineau des Charentes will keep very well for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Food pairing: A classic apéritif but also delicious with savoury dishes, desserts and cheese, such as Roquefort and mature Dutch Gouda.

Region: France, AOC Bordeaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Background: Sirius is a modern Bordeaux both in style and presentation, a wine of the finest quality with fullness and depth of a typical Bordeaux.

Winemaking process: The majority of the grapes are vinified in the traditional Bordeaux way: the bunches are totally de-stemmed and the grapes fermented, in vat, at between 27 and 32oC to extract colour and tannins. There follows a period of vatting (15-21 days) to give the wines their characteristic Bordeaux structure and the potential to age well. To maximize the fruit, however, the remaining proportion of grapes undergoes carbonic maceration. Once the different vats are blended, Sirius is aged in French oak barriques for 12 months.

Tasting notes: The bouquet is expressive and intense, redolent of ripe blackcurrant and redcurrant and mild spice, with an elegant touch of vanilla and toast. The fat, fruity tannins on attack turn to succulence against a balanced mid-palate of chewy extract, adding remarkable silkiness and crispness to the wine. Superb, lingering finish. A very fine Bordeaux, without any shadow of a doubt.

Region: South of  France

Grape variety: Grenache & Syrah

Tasting notes: Lovely blackcurrant leaf notes on the nose, fresh and grassy, juicy and ripe on the palate with just the right amount of zing, this just goes on and on being brilliant.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan

Grape variety: Semillon (50%) & Sauvignon Blanc (50%)

Tasting notes: In the glass, it shows a light yellow with green reflections. The white wine convinces with a beguiling bouquet of ripe Mirabelle plums, green tea, nectarine skin and a fine vanilla touch. The middle palate shows grapefruit, verbena and lemongrass. A juicy, classy and lively pleasure.

Reviews

Bettane & Desseauve - Rated area (2023 guide) 3*Stars (A high quality production, which can serve as a reference in its sector): 'This cru was long famous first for its white wine, one of the most complete of Léognan, then also its red, at its best one of the most brilliant illustrations of the character of pessac-léognan. The last decade marks the return to the best level of white fieuzal. The new cellars, ultra efficient, with many small vats of various capacities, concrete, stainless steel or wood, now allow Stephen Carrier, the director, to make haute couture.'

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide to the Best Wines of France - Graded domain (guide 2023) 1*Star (Stars in the making or quality winemakers with good level production, you will not be disappointed by tasting the wines of these estates): 'This classified growth located in the south of Léognan produced some of the greatest whites of Bordeaux in the 1980s. After being sold in 1994 to Banque Populaire, Fieuzal declined until 2001. It was that year that Irish businessman Lochlann Quinn bought it, then hired Stephen Carrier from Champagne as director. From then on, the vintage found an excellent level, with an obvious search for body, holding and tannic elegance in the reds, and freshness now with the entry on the scene of councillor Thomas Duclos. With failures (2013) and great successes (2008), whites gradually reconnect with their whole, intense and guard-like character.'

James Suckling - Rated area (2023 guide) Recommended

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Rated domain (2023 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (48%), Merlot (37%), Cabernet Franc (8%) & Petit Verdot (7%)

Tasting notes: Ruby colour black reflections, frank nose that opens on aromas of stewed fruit, candied fruit, notes of toasted wood, animal tip, good balance on a fairly fleshy and full wine, the character is pretty with finesse, frankness, tannins are ripe, good frank and straight lengthening on finesse.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Merlot

Background: A fabulous vintage, this wine is expressive and typical of great right-bank wines. It hails from the lassagne family who’ve been managing their estate for three generations. The vineyard in the commune of Abzac is small at 4 hectares and is situated on welldrained soils with vines of around 30 years old.

Tasting notes: This elegant wine has a generous bouquet of overripe cassis and black berry fruit, highlights by a hint of spice. The palate is rich and elegant, revealing moderate tannins and crunchy extract imparting length and balance. Delicious return of fruit on the finish. Rich, ripe Merlot with well-structured tannins.

Region: France, Bordeau, Saint Julien 

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc 

Background: Château Branaire-Ducru is located in the heart of the Medoc, between Margaux and Pauillac in the Saint-Julien appellation area. It is surrounded by the other great Classified Growths that populate this outstanding terroir. The vines grow in a mixture of gravel and pebbles, deposited there by the River Garonne in the Quaternary Period. 

Tasting notes: An appealing nose, aromatic with hints of pepper and blackberry fruit. Good body and really well judged balance. This is the second wine of Château Branaire-Ducru.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (35%) & Petit Verdot (3%)

Background: Bruno Borie explained that St Julien had a little less rain than its neighbours, so the resulting berries are very small, up to 15% below average. This effect, combined with a later harvest, has maximised ripeness, creating Bruno’s richest ever vintage for tannins and sugars – yet this is brilliantly supple and full of cedar, spice and pepper notes.

Tasting notes: Powerful, silky, and very aromatic, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou beguiles with its bouquet, its balance, its remarkable finesse and its lengthy finish.

Review: 92/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, March 2021: "The 2018 La Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, aged 12 months in two-third new barriques. It has a pH of 3.75, 15% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 96. Deep garnet-purple coloured, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with vibrant notes of crushed blueberries, baked plums and blackcurrant cordial with hints of bouquet garni, underbrush, clove oil and cast-iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing earthy. Not a second wine as such, because it comes from a dedicated part of the vineyard, the blocks for La Croix de Beaucaillou are generally located on the south bank of the La Mouline steam."

Region: France, Pauillac

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Tasting notes: Deep, dark, opaque ruby-red colour. Meaty, ripe-fruit dominates the nose. The palate layers ripe mulberry fruit with leafy cassis & meaty notes. The wine combines Duhart-Milion's classic foursquare style with a good concentration of lifted fresh fruit, fine cedar, warming alcohol & lively acidity. The powerful flavours endure well.

Awards

93-95pts, Neal Martin, vinous.com: "The 2019 Duhart-Milon was picked from 18 September to 4 October and raised in 50% new oak. Of course, this comes from one of the coldest terroirs in Pauillac due to the orientation of the vineyard and less proportion of clay, which has become an advantage in warmer growing seasons such as this. The 70% Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the aromatics with dense black fruit, pencil shavings and tobacco aromas, traces of dark chocolate in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with spicy black fruits on the entry. This is quintessential Duhart: a bit broody, conservative in a non-pejorative use of the word, harmonious and quite sturdy towards the finish. I like this. Whilst it has no intention of being the most flamboyant Pauillac on the gravel terrace, it is imbued with nobility. Drink: 2026-2052"

92-94pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Advocate: "The 2019 Duhart-Milon is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, harvested from the 19th of September to the 4th of October. Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notes of plums preserves, black raspberries and blackcurrant pastilles with suggestions of menthol, dark chocolate, pencil lead and woodsmoke plus a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied, the palate is spritely and refreshing, with bags of juicy, mint-laced black fruits and an approachable, plush texture, finishing long and lively."

95-96pts, James Suckling: "A very balanced, refined Duhart with ever so fine tannins and currant, tobacco and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium to fine tannins. Its extremely long and polished. Direct. You already want to drink this."

94pts, Jane Anson, Decanter.com: "This one might sneak up on you, confirming the rise of this wine in recent years. Clear depth of fruit, and above all clear Pauillac character. This feels strict and confident, with beautiful balance and restraint. Duhart is one of the later-ripening and cooler Pauillac terroirs which is why in the past it could be overly austere when young, but it is benefitting from recent hot summers in terms of its fruit ripeness. Pencil lead is prominent here, along with cassis and bilberry. Very precise, very elegant, with a creaminess to the fruit through the mid palate, and overall this is an excellent Duhart. Drinking window 2026 - 2042"

Tasting notes: Pale golden yellow colour with plenty of effervescence. The nose is uninhibited, elegant, fresh and complex with notes of blossom and yellow fruits. A fresh and generous mouth, with balance and a long finish where we can feel hints of peach. An elegant, expressive Champagne.

This is an approachable, fruity Champagne, made to be drunk young. Well balanced with crisp citrus tang and bright acidity. The wine is dominated by Pinot Noir that grows so well in the Côte des Bar.

Tasting notes: This is an approachable, fruity Champagne, made to be drunk young. Well balanced with crisp citrus tang and bright acidity. The wine is dominated by Pinot Noir that grows so well in the Côte des Bar.

Champagne Comtesse de Neples is a dry, fresh and tasty Champagne with elegant mousse and good balance with hints of citrus, orange, red apples, brioche and mineral. The aftertaste is long with a fresh and fresh finish. The long storage time on the lees gives discreet tones of macadamia nuts and nougat that lift the whole of the wine and add extra complexity.

Food pairing: Serve the champagne as a fresh start to dinner or for pre and main courses on seafood.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Merlot (60%) &  Cabernet Franc (40%)

Background: The Premier Cru Classe Château Angélus takes its name from the three church bells of the town of Saint-Émilion whose tolling has always been audible from the estate’s vineyards. This legendary property was founded in 1782 and, for 8 generations, the family de Boüard de Laforest has carefully guarded its exceptional legacy.

The Château Angélus vineyard is located in the heart of Saint-Émilion. The vines are planted in clay-sand-limestone soils.

Winemaking process: The high levels of rainfall during the winter and spring allowed the soils to build up a significant water reserve, which helped throughout the year to preserve the balance of the vineyard. The 2020 vintage stood out for both prolonged drought and for the capacity of the soils (clay and limestone) to provide perfect balance by drawing on water reserves. The summer conditions were ideal to ensure good ripeness and yield healthy, balanced grapes rich in polyphenols. Balanced and complete, 2020 is a perfect synthesis of its two illustrious predecessors, 2018 and 2019.

The vinifications were carried out in oak and stainless steel vats for the Merlot, and in concrete vats for the Cabernet Franc. A pre-fermentation maceration, carried out in certain vats according to the specificities of the grapes, was followed by an alcoholic fermentation and then a post-fermentation maceration of 1 to 3 weeks. The juice ran off was immediately transferred to barrel. Lasting 20 to 22 months, the ageing took place in new French oak barrels for the Merlot and certain Cabernet Franc batches. A specific ageing was carried out in 30 hl casks for the Cabernet Franc, which was selected for its aromatic richness.

Tasting notes: It has a deep red colour. The Cabernet Francs, with their crunch and quality, magnify this great Angelus. A touch of cashmere tannins, great sweetness, and spicy notes. They compete in elegance with the Merlots. Ending with an epic length, this is an Angélus with an unusual flavour that that is perfect for tasting and will defy time.

The colour is shiny and beautifully dense, the wine displays a dark, almost black colour. Purple nuances testify to the perfect ripeness of the grapes. The nose is aromatic, the nose blends delicious fruity fragrances (black fruits, wild cherries, blackberries) with elegant floral notes (peony, violet).

The refined tannins display a round and voluptuous structure. Fresh and harmonious, the palate seduces with its extreme elegance and purity, exuding the precision of Merlot and the character of Cabernet Franc.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Estephe

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 

Tasting notes: Dark inky purple core and hue. Fine purity, intense with violet scented dark fruit, wild berries, cassis and tobacco leaf. Fine density of fruit on the palate, layered with finely tuned tannins and good oak integration. Fresh and digest with a long and pure finish.

Region: France, Bourgogne

Background: “Vins de France” can be produced throughout the whole of France using grapes harvested exclusively within its borders. This quite new appellation (2009) allows for a greater liberty in winemaking compared to the appellation system. It is a great opportunity for our winemaker to express his skills with a wine with a steady style and unique personality.

Winemaking process: The grapes were harvested during the cool hours of the night to keep the typical freshness of Chardonnay. Each plot was vinified separately so that we respect their true nature, and get a finer and purer wine. After the fermentation process, the wine is aged for 4 months on fine lees, in stainless steel tanks to keep the fruit and freshness of the grape.

Tasting notes: Classic French Chardonnay with attractive citrus and "creamy" notes.

Bright straw-coloured. Generous and seductive nose with notes of nectarine and acacia. Exotic fruits are also found on the elegant and well-rounded palate.

Food pairing: It should be an elegant companion to mixed salads, grilled meats, fish and shellfish.

Region: France, Bourgogne

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Background: The regional "Pays d'Oc“ appellation includes red, rosé and white wines produced mainly in the Aude, Hérault, Gard and Pyrénées Orientales departments of south-western France. Our Pays d’Oc Pinot Noir hails from the part of the Languedoc region where thesoil is predominantly limestone based.

Tasting notes: A really decent example of Pinot Noir at this price point. Another bottle please!  

Cherry red in colour. Aromas of cherry and coffee with subtly integrated toasted notes. Lovely fullness. Appealing, silky tannins. Delectable and fruity with toasted notes and lovely power. Flavours of chocolate underscored by a hint of menthol. Long finish with assorted fruit flavours and a subtle touch of oak.

Food pairing: The perfect match for all meats, barbecues, pizzas and assorted vegetables.

Region: France, Bourgogne

Background: “Vins de France” can be produced throughout the whole of France using grapes harvested exclusively within its borders. This quite new appellation (2009) allows for a greater liberty in winemaking compared to the appellation system. It is a great opportunity for our winemaker to express his skills with a wine with a steady style and unique personality.

Winemaking process: Fermentation takes place at low temperatures in order to preserve all of the grapes’ aromas and flavours. The wine is then aged for a few months on finelees.

Tasting notes: Golden, pale straw yellow in colour. Very fine and mineral with notes of fresh fruit. Well balanced, with a strong acidity that is nevertheless sustained by good maturity. The aromas are typical (blackcurrant blossom, litchi). This wine has the characteristics of a typical Sauvignon Blanc with a lot of finesse and purity.

Food pairing: As an aperitif, with seafood, a tuna carpaccio, smoked salmon, sushi or Japanese fish dishes, but also goat cheeses or asparagus in sauce.

Region: France, Corbieres

Grape variety: Grenache, Syrah & Carignan

Background: The winemaker is Alexander Sichel, Peter Sichel's grandson, who is devoting his life to these wines living in the Cucugnan valley in something approaching solitude in this beautiful and very remote region.

Tasting notes: The wine is a lovely grenache, syrah and carignan blend with bags of crunchy ripe fruit and a hint of plums, strawberries and spices with a lingering finish. It will age well and is altogether a complete and delicious organic wine.

Reviews

Tom Cannavan, wine-pages.com: "From the IGP Pays de Cucugnan in the Corbières area, and a property run by Alexander Sichel, this is Grenache, Syrah and Carignan from vineyards at 350 metres in the Vallée de Cucugnan. It's a dark, brooding, but ultimately very plush and fruity red, creamy tannins and moderate acidity giving backbone. Peppery spice flits around aroma and flavour in a robust but very approachable red."

Jonathan Ray, The Spectator Magazine: "The 2019 Altura 350, from winemaking royalty that is Alexander Sichel (grandson of mighty Peter), is a Grenache, Syrah and Carignan blend from vineyards 350 metres high (hence its name) in the Vallée de Cucugnan in Corbières. With dark, intense briary fruit, a touch of pepper and spice and a long, concentrated finish, it should be a shoo-in for your next barbecue."

Region: France, Bordeaux

Grape variety: Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (21%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19%) & Malbec (15%)

Tasting notes: Deep purple colour, rich notes of blackberry and cocoa, plump palate with ripe soft tannins.

The wine’s colour is strong, but not excessively so and lets us perceive a refined style, already displaying the large proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend. The nose is expressive on notes of fruit and lots of spice; it reveals ripeness and is very fresh. On the palate, this wine is charming, with surprising fullness, smoothness and also a lot of depth.

Award: Silver Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

VEGAN

Region: France, Bordeau, Saint Emilion

Grape variety: Cabernet Franc (15%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) & Merlot (77%)

Background: The estate was once part of Château Angélus and is still owned by the same family.

Tasting notes: This wine is rich in opulent black fruits and solid tannins.

Region: France, Bordeaux, Margaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Merlot (43%) & Petit Verdot (4%)

Tasting notes: In its depth and intensity, the robe of Château Palmer 2019 recalls the purple of Tyre. From the first aromas escaping the glass we are captivated: notes of black fruits and the most precious spices mingle in a bouquet of extraordinary complexity that will continue to reveal itself over time. The texture lives up to the Cru’s reputation: an endless carnal sensation pervades our palate, revealing tannins of subtle finesse yet remarkable depth. This Château Palmer, anchored very deeply in its terroir, is built to defy time.

Reviews

James Suckling - 99 Points: “So much sweet tobacco, stone, brambleberry and currant on the nose. The palate is full and compact with very polished tannins, yet they are solid and sturdy and run the length and width of the wine. Energetic acidity. Very structured and powerful, yet agile and impressive. Historic feel. From biodynamically grown grapes. This needs at least six years of bottle age to soften. Try after 2027.”

Vinous - 99 Points: “The 2019 Palmer is beautifully defined on the nose with pencil lead infused black fruit, crushed stone, and hints of pressed flowers. Amazingly well focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and exquisitely sculpted tannins, unerring symmetry with a crescendo towards the utterly harmonious and persistent finish. This exudes a sense of completeness. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.”

Decanter - Jane Anson - 98 Points: “Iris and violet aromatics swirl out of the glass. In the mouth, things are velvet in texture and packed with concentrated cassis puree and blackberry fruit, gentle spice, soft charcoal and sappy tannins, with the whole thing just slowly expanding and building through the palate, tightening its grip as it reaches the close of play. The Palmer signature of energy and precision is here in spades, and altogether the wine is both measured and elegant, with textbook floral Margaux character, while being extremely juicy, creamy and enjoyable, with a mouthwatering salinity on the finish - up there with the very best vintages of this estate. Low SO2, as has been the case for a few years now in line with biodynamic principles. Back to normal yield this year of (a very welcome I would imagine) 45hl/ha. Harvest September 19 to October 19. 60% new oak, likely to be in barrels for the first year then large sized oak casks for the second year. 55% of overall production in the 1st wine.”

Jeb Dunnuck - 97 Points: “The 2019 Château Palmer is even richer, with a stacked, full-bodied, concentrated profile as well as beautiful notes of ripe black cherries, blackcurrants, lead pencil, tobacco leaf, and chocolate. I love its mid-palate, it has building, ripe, yet substantial tannins, tons of fat and glycerine, and a gorgeous finish. I don't think it will ultimately match the 2009, 2016, or 2018, but it's nevertheless a brilliant wine as well as one of the stars of the show from Margaux. It will benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age (it already offers pleasure) and have 30-40 years of overall longevity. Best after 2022.”

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 96 Points: “The 2019 Palmer is a rich, dramatic wine that soars from the glass with aromas of cherries, blackberries and berry fruit liqueur mingled with notions of violets, rose petals and sweet spices. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, it's powerful and immensely concentrated, with an enveloping core of lively fruit that largely conceals the wine's ripe, powdery structuring tannins. Concluding with a long, penetrating finish, it's a brilliant rendition of the contemporary Palmer style from Thomas Duroux and his team. Best After 2027 Rating 96+”

Wine Spectator - 94 Points: “Shows the powerful fruit of the vintage, with waves of dark plum, warmed cassis and cherry compote flavours driving through, inlaid with a graphite edge and backed by an iron note on the finish. Features good underlying energy and everything is knit tightly, without the toothy grain typical of the vintage. Very solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024.”

Region: France, Bordeaux, Pauillac

Grape variety: Cabernet & Malbec

Tasting notes: Opaque ruby and vibrant purple rim. Very restrained aromas hint at red cherry, raspberry and cedar. The palate has excellent concentration and texture. Tannins are firm but beautifully refined. Delicate with a refreshing, vibrant, long finish.

This has a slightly restrained nose at first but it opens up to reveal sumptuous aromas of wild berry fruit, graphite, cassis and plum. A fabulous multi-dimensional texture on the palate fills the mouth and crisp acidity brings perfect balance; great intensity of flavour, exceptional length, and a staggering quality to the abundant tannins; really fine. It is hard to find fault in truth, and worrying to think that we usually find Lafite grows in complexity over the next couple of months, so it will become even better!

Critics’ reviews

Jancis Robinson - 19/20 - jancis robinson.com, Apr 2011: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot. Now, will this be the only time I ever get to see this wine, before it all migrates east? Very intense dark blackish crimson. Lovely Lafite scent – recognisable member of the family with a hint of oyster shells. But some extra breadth, even fat, this year. Hugely ambitious. Dense and quite dry on the end. But with Lafite breed and race. Somehow manages to have real roundness, covering the notable acidity and doubtless tannins which are very difficult to discern. Already a marvel and a pleasure to taste. Lovely, lovely balance.

Robert Parker - 98/100 - Wine Advocate- Feb 2013: The 2010 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot (a 3% difference from the barrel sample shown two years ago), achieved relatively high alcohol of 13.32%, according to administrator Charles Chevalier. The wine is very impressive, not as fleshy, flamboyant and massive as the 2009, but nevertheless, a big, rich, full-throttle Lafite-Rothschild meant to age a half century or more. Deep purple, with notes of white chocolate, mocha, cedar and charcoal as well as hints of vanillin and creme de cassis, the wine is full-bodied yet has that ethereal lightness that makes it a Lafite. Rich, with good acidity, precision and freshness, this is a slightly zestier version of the 2009 as well as more restrained and structured than that particular vintage. It will need at least 10-12 years of cellaring and keep for 50+ years.

Region: France

Tasting notes: This wine is very fresh and young with nice lemony characters. The colour is of a pale green gold. The tiny bubbles are charming the palate keeping a long body of acacia honey and white flowers. The minerality and the salty character is paring well with oysters and scampi but also as a summer appetizer and a nice desert.

Gloriously evocative, fresh aromas of Bramley apple, chervil and a hint of the seaside. An excellent Blanc de Blancs, with the delicacy and vibrancy of this Champagne style, married to the depth, length and complexity that comes from eight years' mellowing. Green apple, lemon zest, rising bread dough and Brie rind. Lovely!

Region: France

Tasting notes: The colour is of a nice gold with a hue of pink gold. The tiny bubbles are revealing the characteristic of this blend which is fruit characters of Cherry and Strawberry along with a nice freshness.