AIX Rosé 2021

“Pale peach-colored rosé with aromas of roses, strawberries, melon and cream. Medium bodied, creamy and fresh. Perfumed and pretty. Dry. Drink now.” 90 points

Jamessuckling.com
March 2022

“Pale pink. Nose of red berry fruits coupled with a gunflint tone. The palate is nicely fruity, moreish and light with a very appealing candy tone on the finish. An easy-drinking wine for summer barbecues.” Gold Medal

Gilbert & Gaillard, International Challenge 2022

AIX Rosé 2020

“Pale, shimmering orange. Bright and focused on the nose, displaying fresh red berry, nectarine and orange zest aromas, with floral and mineral overtones. Strawberry and nectarine flavors show good depth and a bracing jolt of juicy acidity. The floral note repeats on the lively finish, which lingers with very good tenacity.” 90 points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
June 2021

“It’s satisfying when an old favourite doesn’t disappoint. This Provençal rosé has generous layers of flavour including red berries, a herbaceous undertone and a refreshing citrussy kick, finishing dry and clean.”

Will Lyons, The Sunday Times
May 2021

“Light pink in colour with a copper hue. Pure nose offering crushed apple, melon, lemongrass and red currant. Fresh and medium bodied with a sleek texture, gentle extract, citrus and red berry flavours with a generous finish.”

Andreas Larsson, Tasted
May 2021

Akitu Pinot Noir Blanc 2021

“Described as a white wine, this is actually more of a very pale rosé, at least from its appearance in the clear glass bottle. It’s quite a rich one, too, with textured pear and cherry fruit with a touch of chalkiness, some spicy mandarin hints, and a lively, almost zippy finish, countering the broad, sweetly fruited palate. The aftertaste is generous and slightly sweet. This has a lot of impact, and it’s at the same time nicely delicate – very sophisticated, the result of spot-on winemaking. If we think of it as a rosé, then this is up there with some of the best.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
December 2021

“An initial touch of pear drop soon dissipates to reveal ripe citrus zest and fresh red apple flesh along with creamy notions of yeast. This yeasty notion carries right onto the palate where it is subsumed into a lovely, rich texture that is packaged in a precise and taut body. This is an unusual Pinot but a compelling one, with a hint of spice and tons of freshness on the finish.” 92 points

Anne Krebiehl MW, Falstaff
August 2021

Akitu Pinot Noir Blanc 2020

“A white, not a rose, as it spends no time on skins, but pressing gives a pale onion­ skin hue. This second vintage (a step up from 2019) shows musky apricot, melon and orange blossom characters, with crisp acidity and a round lemony finish.” 91 points

Tina Gellie, Decanter
October 2021

Akitu ‘A1’ Pinot Noir 2019

“This is a tight-wound, structured Pinot with some savoury, gravelly grip to the black cherry and blackberry fruit, with some raspberry brightness and a touch of sternness on the finish. The nose is intriguing, with fine green hints interwoven into the slightly sweet and sour fruit, and savoury overtones. There’s lots of fruit here, but it is chained with fine but firm tannins, and it has some tautness. You can drink it now, and it offers a lot of pleasure, but it’s grunty and stern enough to reward some cellaring. Impressive stuff, chiselled, balanced, but with lovely fruit, too.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
December 2021

“A lovely mossy lift gives an ethereal edge to pristine, ripe but tart red cherry fruit. The palate comes in with a firm but graceful structure and a spine of both ripe, slightly grippy and superfine tannin and vivid, mouth-watering freshness. The texture has the kind of resonance and depth that draws you in and promises reserves that have yet to show themselves. Give this bottle age. It is a lesson in precision, clarity and depth. The length proves this point and throws in a lifted note of conifer.” 95 points

Anne Krebiehl MW, Falstaff
August 2021

Akitu ‘A1’ Pinot Noir 2018

“Glistening, but by Central Otago standards, relatively pale ruby colour. Very fragrant and expressive – lifted floral notes and sweet red berries on the nose. Gliding, silky palate with tannins that barely show themselves, but give a fine-framed structure; lovely fruit purity, vibrancy and spiciness – ginger, cumin, cinnamon – and a delicate savoury edge. Harmonious, long and fresh from start to finish. Drink now to 2030.” 95 + points

Joanna Simon, joannasimon.com
18th August 2021

“Fabulously perfumed, real complexity and aromatic layering here, the core of sweet and pulpy red fruits, plenty of clove and cardomom spice, vanilla, those sweet truffle and beetrooty notes too in a very arresting picture. Lovely juiciness and firmness on the palate, with a stripe of tannin and a dry, tangy olive and cherry bite to the acidity, but the fruit stays sweet through the mid-palate, the texture builds as the chalkiness of the tannins smooth the finish, the fruit and acid precision and brightness is excellent. A beautiful wine, which PJ expects to have at least 10 years of cellaring potential.” 94 points

Tom Cannavan, Wine Pages
19th November 2020

“Considering the heat of this vintage, this has turned out really well. This is taut and aromatic with fresh, vivid cherry and raspberry fruit. The palate has a lovely energy, showing bright, elegant red and black cherry fruit with a silky texture: there’s some finesse and a fine herbal quality sitting under the fruit. There’s a lovely fruit quality here, but it blends so beautifully with the more savoury, structural elements.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2020

“Fresh, youthful and fruit centric bouquet with aromas of fresh raspberry and dark cherry, sweet oak and spices to match a toasty barrel scent. Youthful and quietly complex. Tense, youthful and dry on the palate with a firm and youthful texture, chalky tannins and ripe almost sweet acid line. Flavours of fruits and spices reflect the nose. Length youthful finish, well made and ready to enjoy from today and through 2028.” 95 points

Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com
September 2020

Akitu ‘A2’ Pinot Noir 2019

“This is seriously drinkable, but has a serious side. Lovely floral cherry fruit with some hints of pepper and some autumn leaves on the nose. The palate is fresh and supple with a touch of spicy, peppery bite as well as textured, silky, almost fleshy black cherry fruit, finishing with a subtly savoury cured meat character and some strawberry sweetness, as well as fine leafy hints. Lots of interest here, with nice freshness. It delivers pure pleasure, with an intellectual twist.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
December 2021

“A leafy, youthful freshness gives an extra lift to the pristine summer berry fruit. A flinty whiff of reduction still lingers. The palate is bright, vivid, with a guiding seam of utter freshness. The purity of fruit is remarkable, the aromatic expression heightens with air and shines with redcurrant freshness and summer pudding charm. Lovely.” 92 points

Anne Krebiehl MW, Falstaff
August 2021

Akitu ‘A2’ Pinot Noir 2018

“The family resemblance to the big brother A1 is umissable here, that same wild and delightful perfume running the gamut from pot-pourri spice to summer berries to hints of truffle. In the mouth deliciously sweet and giving; a generous wine with ripe and supple red fruits filling the mid-palate, and the tannins a little softer and more creamy than the A1 at this stage, absolutely pin-sharp acidity though, and those subtle, gentle spices and vanilla rounding the finish. Drink now while waiting for the A1. It’s irresistable. No retail stockists listed at time of review, so price and stockist is for the previous vintage.” 92 points

Tom Cannavan, Wine Pages
19th November 2020

“Pale-ish sherry red in colour, this is bright, aromatic and textured with nice silky cherry and raspberry fruit with some real elegance. There’s a sweetness to the fruit, which has some dried herb and spice notes. Floral and supple with a nice graininess on the finish. This is so drinkable, and there’s some structure to boot with fine-grained structure. Light, very approachable, fresh and very drinkable. Benefits from a decant, which really opens up the structure.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2020

“A core of ripe red cherry and dried raspberry then some plum and mountain thyme savoury scents. An enticing complexity. Very youthful on the palate with a tense and taut structure from firm tannins with a chalky, grainy drive. Plenty of acidity then flavours of fresh berries and sweet wood spices. Youthful still requiring the perfect food match or cellar time. Best from 2022 through 2030+.” 94 points

Cam Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com
September 2020

“Grown at high altitude at Mt Barker, in the Wanaka sub-region, the 2018 vintage (4.5*) was designed as a ‘highly drinkable wine of unthinkable quality’. Matured in French oak casks, it is a bright ruby, attractively scented red with strong, ripe, cherryish, spicy, nutty flavours, fresh acidity and loads of drink-young charm. Best drinking 2022+.” 4.5stars

Michael Cooper, New Zealand Wines – Buyers Guide

Anwilka 2021

“The 2021 Anwilka is the first vintage that Matt Day is responsible for from start to finish, 30-40% whole bunch ferment on the Syrah whilst the Cabernet was picked earlier than previously. This is matured in 225-litre barrels then 400-litre with less new oak (40% instead of the 60% in 2020). It has a pure and sensual bouquet with blackberry, cassis and dried violet petals aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a heightened graphite element that was not evident apropos prior vintages with a more classically-styled, Medoc-like finish. An inflexion point for Anwilka? I think so.” 93 points

Neal Martin, vinous.com
September 2022

Anwilka 2020

“The 2020 Anwilka was blended by head winemaker Matthew Day who told me that he declassified a few lots upon arrival. It has an opened and very pure bouquet with Margaux-like violet scents, more elegant and pure than the 2019 The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity, quite toasty and spicy towards the finish with touches of liquorice and hoisin. Good potential.” 91 points

Neal Martin, vinous.com
September 2022

Anwilka 2019

“The 2019 Anwilka has a taut, fresh bouquet with crisp blackberry and light flinty aromas that are nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, tarry black fruit with touches of liquorice with a slightly sapid finish. Just a little hardness here and I wonder if there is sufficient fruit to redeem that? Jury is out here.” 89 points

Neal Martin, vinous.com
September 2022

Anwilka 2017

“An exceptional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Syrah (46%) and Petit Verdot (7%). Seductive herbal and boysenberry aromas greet you before top-notch Helderberg fruit dances on the palate with its blackberry and cassis notes. While it has power and weight, with added structure from 19 months in 400-litre barrels, 50% of which were new, the tannin structure, while quite overt, is supple. Concentrated, complex and long, this ‘lekker’ wine has a long life ahead of it.”

Geoffrey Dean, The-Buyer.net
January 2022

“A seductively perfumed vintage, the aromatics show alluring notes of violets, potpourri and hits of lily over dark bramble berry fruits with hints of mocha espresso notes that combine with subtle buttered brown toast nuances. The palate shows fabulous elegance and finesse with a soft touch concentration of black currant, Christmas pudding, savoury plum compote and black cherry. The tannins are powdery and fine grained but also structured and drying, combining well with a fresh glossy acidity that keeps the finish focused, vibrant and bright. An impressive wine that not only shows off another great vintage in the Cape but also what is increasingly possible with the superb Anwilka Stellenbosch terroir.” 96 points

Greg Sherwood MW, Wine Safari, gregsherwoodmw.com
September 2021

“It has a pure, seductive bouquet of boysenberry and cassis fruit, the vanilla-y oak seamlessly integrated and not imposing itself like older vintages of Anwilka. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, and slightly granular in texture, presenting layered black fruit laced with tobacco, allspice and touches of cassis. Very seductive on the finish.” 92 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

Petit Frere 2014

“Ripe and forward, delivering a mix of plum, cherry and blueberry preserve flavors, this is rounded in feel, with a light licorice note on the finish.”

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
30th June 2017

“Pungent aromas of crushed blackberry, spices, peppery herbs, licorice and smoky oak. A sweet/tart, penetrating blend (this is Anwilka’s second wine) with a lightly peppery quality to its dark fruit and spice flavors. Not especially fleshy or pliant but this juicy wine would already make a perfect accompaniment to a grilled, pepper-encrusted steak; use it like a moderately ripe Zinfandel.”

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
May 2017

Ashbourne Sandstone 2022

“Attractive aromas of ripe stone fruit, lemon peel and sliced apple with hints of summer herbs and flowers. Round and textured with medium to full body and tangy acidity. Tense and structured with a chalky finish. A blend of 51% sauvignon blanc, 25% semillon and 24% chardonnay. Drink or hold.”  93 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

“The 2022 Sandstone, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chardonnay, is whole bunch pressed with 100% wild ferment with a high solid to juice ratio, just over half raised in Nomblot eggs. This has a lovely, pure bouquet with quince, orange pith and light nectarine aromas. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, taut and fresh with orange rind and lemon zest towards the persistent finish. This is very promising.”  89 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

Ashbourne Sandstone 2020

“Lime, white pepper and pear flavours segue into a racy, grapefruity finish, with some skin tannins adding extra grip.”  91 points

Tim Atkin MW, 2021 South Africa Report

“The 2020 Sandstone has a light, tensile, quite steely bouquet, touches of apple blossom coming through with aeration. The palate is well balanced, taut and crisp, displaying just a little more depth than the Hamilton Russell Chardonnay and a suggestion of stem ginger and lemon peel on the finish.” 90 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
July 2021

Ashbourne Pinotage 2020

“Aromas of ripe black fruit, smoked meat, grilled herbs and tar. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky tannins and smooth texture. Vivid and mouthwatering acidity and flavorful finish that offers floral and mineral undertones. Sustainable. Drink now.” 92 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

“The 2020 Pinotage is the last vintage from old vines that became so unproductive that they had to be pulled out. It has a very pretty and pure bouquet with blackberry and bilberry fruit, lightly spiced and very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with a sappy opening, a fine bead of acidity, harmonious and light on its feet. Excellent.” 92 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

Ashbourne Pinotage 2019

“Made with the touch of top Pinot Noir producer, Emul Ross’s Pinotage is one of the most nuanced and complex in the Cape. Floral, racy and nuanced, with delicate tannins, wild strawberry and pomegranate fruit, some pepper spice from partial stem addition and a fine, tapering finish. Bravo!” 96 points 

Tim Atkin MW, 2021 South Africa Report

Ashbourne Pinotage 2018

“The 2018 Pinotage has a pure, sensual bouquet of dark cherries, raspberry coulis and violet aromas that are beautifully defined and integrated with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a velvety-smooth texture, gentle grip and a touch of pencil lead toward the finish. A lovely, seductive Pinotage from Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell.” 91 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
July 2021

Ashbourne Pinotage/ Cinsault 2019

92 points
Tim Atkin MW, 2019 South Africa Report

Ashbourne Pinotage / Cinsault 2018

“Sourced from two parts of the Swartland, rather than the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, this is the second vintage of this 80/20 blend. It’s a tangy, tart, pomegranate and summer berry style with fine tannins and no wood at all.” 93 points

Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report 2018

La Gitana Manzanilla

La Gitana ‘En Rama’ Manzanilla (from cask)

“12 years old. This is one of the very few single-vineyard Manzanillas. Still has flor on it. Concentrated and intense with lovely depth, and bold notes of apple, spice and a hint of old furniture. Really fine and detailed with a salty edge. Refined and well balanced with a hint of cashew and salty almonds.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com
November 2022

La Gitana Vermut

“This insanely delicious Vermut is made using a 19th century Hidalgo family recipe. It employs Oloroso Faraon and Pedro Ximénez Triana, both of which have been aged for 12 years in hundred-year-old casks. This ‘sherry’ is then blended and infused with aromatic herbs for a further 6 months. Served over ice with a splash of chilled soda water, this is a mind-boggling aperitif drink that loads verdant botanicals over a deep, throbbing sherry core. It is sensational and a total an utter bargain to boot.” 18/20 

Matthew Jukes’ The 50 Finest Wines of 2021 Report

Las 30 del Cuadrado 2017

“This was fermented and matured in new French oak, where it spent four years. Golden colour. Very spicy and bold with rich peach and nut and vanilla notes. Savoury and powerful with some rich, raisiny notes and lots of depth.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com
November 2022

Las 30 del Cuadrado 2016

Vintage Unfortified Manzanilla (from cask) 2017

“This is a new wine, and we tasted it from cask. It’s the first Manzanilla they have made without fortification, and it is made from old vines, with the wines matured in Manzanilla casks. They will bottle 3500 bottles in two tranches. To get the grapes to the required ripeness (15%, this is 15.3%) without fortification, they did some asoleo, and old technique that involves drying the grapes for a day or two on small mats. This is a remarkable wine that shows the mastery of good reduction: mineral, intense and very powerful with such lovely detail. Notes of wax, citrus, baked apple and a pronounced salinity.” 96 points

Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com
November 2022

Pasada Pastrana Manzanilla

“From the Pastana vineyard, a sub-pago of Miraflores. Lovely aromatics here: tangy, nutty, appley flor notes with good concentration. Nice fine spicy characters as well as citrus fruit, with subtle raisin and tar notes, finishing long, complex and tapering. A lovely Sherry.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com
November 2022

“I am a lifelong fan of Pasada Pastrana…Searingly dry, minutes-long on the palate and epically refreshing, this is, without doubt, the most dynamic and invigorating aperitif Sherry of all.” 20/20

Matthew Jukes’ The 50 Finest Wines of 2021 Report

“Floral and nutty nose. Very nutty, spicy and round on the palate with an attractive bitter almond finish. Just crying for some jamon and olives.” 91 points

Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“Rich and racy, this combines floral chamomile and honeysuckle notes with bracing fleur de sel and lemon pith flavors, all backed by hints of singed almond and wet straw. Shows lovely range and drive. Drink now.” 91 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
15th June 2017

“Sanlúcar de Barrameda Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana is an old style of Manzanilla being resurrected in Jerez. Normally, a Manzanilla will have three years of aging; a pasada continues to rest in the solera as the veil of flor begins to fade. This allows the wine to begin a slow oxidation process, going beyond fruit into more complex aromas. Pastrana, selected from an extremely chalky parcel in the Pago Milaflores, is one of the best examples of this style on the market. The wine ages under its veil of flor for 12 years before bottling en rama (with minimal filtration). It’s surprising that after all this time, it still feels agile, refreshing everything in its path. Its long barrel time shows its depth and strength, notes of almonds mixed with scents of woodland mushrooms and ash. A wine of meditation.” 95 points

Patricio Tapia, Wine & Spirits – Year’s Best Manzanillas

Corimbo I 2017

“Corimbo I is the impressive, age worthy Grand Vin from Rioja winery Roda’s outpost in Ribera del Duero. Combining grapes from parcels between 45 and 94 years’ old on different soil types in the villages of Anguix, La Horra and Roa, it’s floral, savoury and balsamic, with a stylish combination of French and 20% American oak and granular tannins.” 94 points

Tim Atkin MW, Ribera del Duero Report 2021
November 2022

Corimbo I 2016

Corimbo 2018

“Corimbo is effectively the second wine from Bodegas La Horra, although it uses grapes from the same Burgos zone as Corimbo I, focusing on the villages of Anguix, La Aguilera, La Horra and Roa. There’s a little less concentration and new oak than on the Grand Vin, with subtle reduction, spicy red berry fruit flavours, bright acidity and tealeafy tannins.” 91 points

Tim Atkin MW, Ribera del Duero Report 2021
November 2022

Roda 2018

This cuvée of Tempranillo with 7% Garnacha and 4% Graciano is chalky and savoury with lots of rose petal perfume and top notes of tobacco leaf. 2022-28″ 93 points

Tim Atkin MW 2022 Rioja Report

Roda I 2019

“Immense depth and exuberance here. Fine spices, dark plums, fresh blackberries, blueberries, graphite and crushed stones. Naturally concentrated, broad, vertical and full-bodied, but still fluid and linear. Crumbled, dusty tannins grow on the palate, leading it to a juicy, tightly wound finish that goes on and on. One of the best Roda I? Drinkable now upon decanting, but much better from 2025.” 97 points

Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com
August 2023

Roda I 2018

“Favouring vineyard and vintage expression over extraction and oak, Bodegas Roda’s Roda I Reserva traditionally aims for a black fruit character of Tempranillo. In a rainier, Atlantic vintage like 2018, however, there’s a more supple and elegant tone that bridges darker cassis notes with lighter plum and cherry. Oak-derived spice is more apparent at this young age, but the length suggests excellent longevity.” 94 points

Richard Woodard, Decanter
October 2023

Roda I Blanco 2020

“Engaging minerality with a hint of meringue, pomelo, smoke and a touch of pastry and spices. Nicely phenolic and structured on the palate with a full body and creamy middle. Fresh, medium acidity lingers in the ample, long finish. Viura, malvasia and garnacha blanca. Drink or hold.” 95 points

Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com
August 2023

Cirsion 2020

“Cirsion is the result of a painstaking selection process of bunches of grapes from old vines that exhibit particular characteristics – chiefly, silky, integrated tannins prior to maturation. Still in its infancy, exhibiting lots of purple fruit – soft plum, damson – and appealing elegance from a rainy, Atlantic-influenced year. Oak quite apparent at this stage, bring layers of cinnamon-dusted cream. Immediate charm, but very early in its evolution.” 95 points

Richard Woodard, Decanter
October 2023

Cirsion 2019

“Unusually, Bodegas Roda gives its top wine, Cirsion, less time in barrique – typically eight months, albeit in brand-new French oak. From a year hailed as the best since 2001, this glorious wine has beguiling scents of honeysuckle and jasmine, plus the wet slate/petrichor note that is a hallmark of recent vintages. The richness, precision and good acidity signal a long life ahead.” 97 points

Richard Woodard, Decanter
October 2023

“Complex, fresh and deep nose here, with a minty accent to the black and blue fruit, such as blackberries and blueberries. Some fresh violets, hot-stone minerality and hints of tar, cigar, musk and cocoa powder, too. Juicy palate that’s packed with naturally concentrated flavours. Silky and satin-like tannins linger with the fruit into the lengthy finish. Full-bodied, yet even and svelte. Drinkable now, but better after 2024.” 98 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
November 2022

“Cirsion was literally born in the vineyard – the result of an investigation into the discovery that certain bunches of grapes had remarkably silky tannins from day one. Classic Mediterranean conditions prevailed in 2016, but good rain at the start of the growing season and 11% Graciano in the blend bring some aromatic lift to a brooding, still relatively austere Cirsion. Concentrated and still improving.” 94 points

Richard Woodard, Decanter
October 2023

“Full-bodied, powerful and spicy, with dark fruit partnering notes of cedar and black pepper. Stylish, succulent and harmonious.” 93 points

Richard Woodard, Decanter
October 2023

Geno Branco 2020

“This is a glorious slice of Alentejo sunshine and stunning local flair. Juicy, ripe and mildly exotic, it also has crisp acidity and masses of charm.”

Matthew Jukes, Daily Mail
November 2021

Foral de Évora Branco 2019

“This elegant white offers a suave texture, showcasing pineapple puree, lemon curd and mango flavors flanked with oak spice, honeysuckle and herb accents. Long finish.” 90 points

GS, Wine Spectator
November 2021

Colheita Branco 2020

“A blend of Arinto and Antão Vaz. Linear, stony and fresh with a touch of liqourice. Lovely fruit here. Quite stony and focused. Layered citrus fruits.” 92 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
October 2022

Curtimenta Branco 2016

“The next vintage to be released of this wine will have been raised in Talha (clay vessels). This spends 25 days on skins in stainless steel. Textured, stony and pure with lovely pear and yellow plum fruit as well as some spice, liqourice and dried herbs. Very stylish and balanced with a bit of structure.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
October 2022

Pêra-Manca Branco 2020

“This refined white is well-crafted, with an elegant profile packed with pineapple filling, mango and tangerine flavors, showing accents of vanilla, honeysuckle and oak spice, followed by a mouthwatering finish. Antão Vaz and Arinto. Drink now through 2026.”

GS, Wine Spectator
October 2021

“Hand-picked grapes from older vineyards produce an opulent nose and palate, with ripe but muscular apricot and pineapple, zesty lime shred and lifted lime blossom and lemongrass layers. Rolling acidity and gently smoky, creamy oak enhance the mouthfeel and structure. Gentle (gravity-fed) handling and vinification in barrel and stainless steel makes for great fruit purity and balance.” 93 points

Sarah Ahmed, Decanter.com
24th May 2021

Geno Tinto 2020

“The sunny south of Portugal is a brilliant place for finding red wines filled with flavour and character at reasonable prices. In the Alentejo region…Geno Tinto 2019 is a gluggably alternative.”

David Williams, The Observer {Magazine}
January 2022

Geno Tinto 2019

“A new wine from the respected house of Cartuxa, this is an unoaked blend of typical Alentejo varieties Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira and the red-fleshed Alicante Bouschet, along with Syrah. The wine is a medium to dark and quite vivid crimson. The nose is really attractive: vinous, so fresh and grapey but plummy too, more of a red fruit character than black, with a nice floral lift. Super sweet and ripe, creamy and mouth-coating as it hits the palate, the tannins are very fine and soft so this is a real pizza or barbecue glugger, but the pert acidity and touch of peppery spice does enough to also keep it fresh.”

Tom Cannavan
August 2023

“Very floral and exotic with lovely exuberant red cherry and berry fruits. The palate is juicy and bright with amazing fruit purity. So pretty and focused.” 90 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
October 2022

“This example from Cartuxa is more than a match for rivals across the border, and will just love roast beef. Rich and fruit-driven, it offers aromas of cherry, damson, blueberry and vanilla. A steal at under £10!”

James Lawrence, Calibre
December 2021

“I still cannot quite believe the value offered by this stunningly rewarding wine from acclaimed producer Cartuxa Evora…the colourful label gives you an idea of the open, refreshing flavours in this engaging red.”

Matthew Jukes, Daily Mail
November 2021

Foral de Évora Tinto 2018

“Floral, expressive nose. Bright with a juicy edge to the sweet cherry and plum fruit. Supple, fresh, pure and vivid on the palate with nice focus: this is generous but also very expressive.” 90 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
October 2022

Colheita Tinto 2018

“This has a floral, expressive nose that is bright and vivid with lovely red cherry and raspberry fruit. There’s a touch of redcurrant, too. The palate is ripe and textured with nice fleshiness and a grainy structure. Substantial but still very fresh, displaying ripe berry fruits.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
October 2022

Colheita Reserva Tinto 2016

“15 months in French oak. Ripe and sleek but nicely structured with smooth textured black cherry and blackberry fruit. Lovely concentration and weight here: stylish with sweet fruit and its core.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
October 2022

Vinho da Talha Tinto 2018

“This is 100% Alicante Bouschet. Fresh, rounded and stony. Mineral, with lovely vivid black cherry and plum fruit, with nice grainy structure. Quite ripe, but showing really nice weight, with an emphasis on the fruit.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
October 2022

Barbera d’Alba Piana 2019

“Fresh herbs on the nose, with a smoky, delicate cherry and marzipan nose. The fresh, fruity style has good acidity and intensity, crisp notes and dry herb aromatics. Good balance and length.” 90 points

Stephen Brook, Vincenzo Arnese & Sara Bachiorri at Decanter Tasting Suite.
June 2023

Barbaresco 2018

“This is quite a delicate, textured wine with sweet red cherry and redcurrant notes, but also a bit of silkiness that counters the acidity and tannin well. There’s a prettiness here with some flesh on the bones, and fine-grained tannins. Lovely juiciness here. A very nuanced wine that approachable but has some potential upside.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2022

“With more wildness and intensity on the nose than expected, this is a more pensive style, and when it opens a little in the glass, it reveals amazing purity and also a disarming amount of precociousness. Having said this, this wine will roll in a determined manner for a decade. There is a dangerous side to this wine that I adore.” 18/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
February 2022

“A bright, cherry-flavored red, with accents of iron, tobacco and tar, this Barbaresco is vibrant and shows excellent tension. Balanced and juicy, with a chalky feel on the long finish. Best from 2024 through 2038.” 93 points

B.S, Wine Spectator
January 2022

“This has poised aromas of dried cherry and smoky woodland, with whiffs of rhubarb and flowers. The palate is loaded with firm yet polished tannins, and it has an amazing weight for a 2018, accompanied by crisp acidity and what seems to be the best quality of this wine: a stunning savouriness.” 93 points

Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter
31st March 2021

“Sweet strawberries and cherries with some flower and sandalwood character. Medium-bodied with beautifully integrated tannins that run through the center palate. Fresh and vivid on the finish.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
July 2021

Barbaresco 2016

“Lean and floral and perfectly delightful, but not as expressive as the single vineyard wines nor as layered either.” 17+/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
February 2019

Barbaresco Asili 2018

“Subtle minty/sage hints on the nose adding a nice framing to the sweet cherry fruit. There’s a lovely stern structure here with good acidity sitting under the red cherry and plum fruit, with just a subtle sour twist here. Lovely intensity here with real focus and potential for good ageing. Vivid and fresh with lovely juiciness.” 96 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2022

“With more flesh and a more layered and sexy palate, this is a delicious wine with cherry ripeness and also sweetness which is fleetingly super-attractive and then the musculature comes in and straightens the wine up, giving it length and precision. Again, there is an immediacy here, yet there is so much hidden flavour on the back of the palate that it needs time to open and unravel. Many will dive in too early and miss out on the end of this story.” 18.5/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
February 2022

“Restrained and citrus-scented, notes wander from Earl Grey to bitter orange, then potpourri, dried cherry and civet emerging. Full-bodied, this displays mid-palate weight with dense, lavish tannins that are underlined by crisp acidity. Rather foursquare, the wine shows great potential for ageing gracefully due to its tight-knit structure and fruit concentration. Drink 2021-2038.” 96 points

Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter
December 2021

“The dense ruby colour immediately suggests good concentration in what was a relatively light vintage. Restrained and citrus scented, notes wander from Earl Grey to bitter orange. Later, pot pourri, dried cherry and civet emerge. Full bodied, this displays mid-palate weight with dense, lavish tannins underlined by crisp acidity. Rather foursquare, it shows great potential for ageing gracefully due to its tight-knit structure and fruit concentration. The oak is well judged.” 96 points

 Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter
31st March, 2021

“So perfumed and subtle with dried flowers and spices, as well as some cherries and strawberries. Full-bodied and layered with soft, velvety tannins and a pretty finish. Very forward and attractive. From organically grown grapes.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
July 2021

“Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Rich but pure on the nose. Cherry fruit with a peppery tingle. Pure, juicy cherry fruit on the palate too with sandpapery tannins. Long fruit finish with bags of tannins. Tactile, focused and pure.” 17+/20 

Walter Speller, Jancisrobinson.com
12th July 2021

Barbaresco Asili 2017

“By comparison to Bernadot, Asili is much more floral and classic on the nose and the palate is ethereal and layered. A beautiful wine with grace and an ethereal character which is utterly charming. The length is tremendous and measured and the acidity and tannin levels are so precise that they prickle the palate but they are not in any way drying or harsh. This is a delicious wine and one which ought to drink well from only five or six years of age and then last for a further ten or fifteen!” 18/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
April 2021

Barbaresco Asili 2016

“The first vintage was ’73, this is a very old vineyard and the fruit density is much more focussed and ancient than in Bernadot. Dense, briary, spicy and earthy, this is a thrilling ride with daring and bravado in every sip. A much younger wine than the Bernadot, do not attempt this wine without finishing your Bernadot first! This pair are almost complete opposites in terms of stance, delivery and finish. Certainly wilder and more untamed than Bernadot, this is a thought-provoking wine and one which is a must for ardent collectors of Barbaresco. ” 18.5+/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
November 2018

Barbaresco Asili 2014

“A powerful Asili, this is unexpectedly rich and structured and the tannins are very pronounced, too. There is a macho streak to this vintage which in some ways is interesting but in others slightly overshadows some of the more complex fruit notes in this wine. Being hyper-critical, this is just a shade too powerful and untamed for me. ” 17.5+/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
November 2017

Barbaresco Asili 2013

“This is a very indulgent wine with lovely layered fruit and a much richer palate than I was expecting. The fruit is plush but not showy and the weight is full but not cooked. Brilliant winemaking! ” 18/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
November 2016

Barbaresco Bernadot 2019

“A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice.” 94 points

Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com
October 2022

Barbaresco Bernadot 2018

“Concentrated and refined with some real substance: sweet cherries and plums with fine-grained structure that fits in beautifully with the fruit. There’s a lovely texture here with nice concentration of fruit, and enough but not too much structure. It’s really refined and elegant, even at this young age.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2022

“Rather more intense and drier than the Barbaresco village, and also more Serralunga-shaped, as it often tends to be on account of its soil type, the balance here is superb with Barbaresco perfume countered with Barolo-like palate structure. If you consider the flavour alone, this is a pinpoint accurate Barbaresco wine. The freshness and brightness of the fruit are astounding, with more shoulders and muscle than expected. It will age gracefully. ” 18+/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
February 2022

“Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Depth and concentration on the nose. Perfumed cherry and raspberry compote. Looks a little older than it is. Succulent ripe fruit on the palate with firm but polished tannins adding grip to the fruit and matched with almost racy acidity. Elegant and long.” 17/20

Walter Speller, Jancisrobinson.com
12th July 2021

Barbaresco Bernadot 2017

“From the Treiso district in the south west section of the region. This is a very steep vineyard and the soil is the same as the powerful terroir found in Serralunga – so the wines are more elemental with more in-built acidity and tannin. It is more closed, muscular and tense than Asili and far more like a Barolo in character than a Barbaresco, but the fruit notes, by contrast, are beautiful and very typical of Barbaresco. It is oddly fascinating to taste a Barbaresco with a texture that is pure Barolo. The stuning red cherry and wild flower notes are so expressive and pure and then the fruit becomes grainy and brings traction and tannin to the finish. While it is seemingly quite youthful, the tannins are not too hard, but they manage their power/grace ratio so well that they are in no way too dry or tough. ” 18/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
April 2021

Barbaresco Bernadot 2016

“This is a unique release for Ceretto and it is a monopole in the Treisa district of Barbaresco. Certified biodynamic, 4.84ha and with the highest part touching 480m, the plots are south and south-east facing and while Bernadot comes from a specific plot, the majority of the vineyard is used for the classic Barbaresco. The soil is Lequio formation – clay, sand and silt, which is the same soil type as Serralunga d’Alba. The minerality refreshes this wine perfectly and the power sits in its core, while all around it softer, floral tones caress the palate. This is a beautiful wine.” 18.5/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
May 2020

“With a beautiful nose of violets and blackberries, this is a stunningly perfumed Bernadot and it sings in the glass. Bottled at the beginning of September, this is a wine which has shot out of the blocks at top speed and the juiciness and precocity are stunning. It is not a rich wine but a very concentrated flavour over a relatively pale colour. The fruit is fleshy and the tannins are bright and clean with delicious length and style. It spends one year in small barrels and one year in vats (a year less than the Barolos) this is not marked by oak but you can sense the spice in the background. Perfectly balanced and made from 20-year-old vines, this is a beauty. ” 18.5/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
November 2018

Barbaresco Bricco Asili 2004

“A beautiful wine which is still looking fit and ready for action, this 14-year-old creation shows firm oak notes, masses of lively fruit and relatively mellow tannins and it is remarkable that a wine which should be calming down and settling into the middle part of its life is so ebullient and feisty in the glass. This is a testament to the awesome Asili site and also to Ceretto’s commanding winemaking. ” 18+/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2022
November 2018

Barbaresco Gallina 2018

“An enticing complexity dominates this Gallina, with a multifaceted filigreed profile. Tar, chocolate, and macerated cherries and violets are followed by a full bodied, velvety yet tense palate. The chocolate-cherry profile on the nose returns on the palate, with a still ungainly finish which will evolve with ageing.” 94 points

Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter
31st March, 2021

“Very floral and fresh with cherry, plum and some strawberry. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and dark fruit. Some smoke and wet earth, too. Pretty finish. This is tight and structured.” 94 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
July 2021

Barolo 2018

“This is a blend of eight vineyards, with La Morra better represented (40%). This is quite taut and supple with some sweet cherry and plum fruit, a touch of sour cherry. This is juicy with good structure, and a slightly dry finish with some firm tannins. There’s a bit of sternness here, but also some sweet fruit. Very appealing if lacking slightly in texture and concentration, but that feels a bit picky. Has the potential for some development.” 92 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2022

Barolo 2017

“Gorgeous plum aromas with flowers and hints of hazelnuts and dried nuts. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Goes on for minutes. So solid. From organically grown grapes. Surprisingly tight and structured.” 94 points

James Suckling
2021

“The nose on this wine is a veritable mosaic of the amazing villages which make up blend…As far as this wine is concerned, it is a triumph of blending and the harmony here is extraordinary. This is a stunningly balanced wine which is forward, clean and refreshing. The fruit is cherry-soaked, tender, balanced and the tannins are crisp and juicy. This is a stunningly forward and expressive wine and it is a magnificent example of harnessing the most favourable characters of the vintage and gently coaxing these elegant tones from this myriad of vineyard sites. It is an incredibly impressive and also unnervingly sensitive Nebbiolo. 18/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2021

“The 2017 Barolo is a nervy, taut wine. Crushed flowers, dried cherry, mint and spice develop first, followed by darker more balsamic-inflected shades of fruit that open with a bit of coaxing. I would give the 2017 at least a year or two in bottle, as it is not especially forthcoming today. In 2017 Ceretto did not bottle their flagship Barolo Bricco Rocche. All of the best fruit from that site was used for the straight Barolo.” 90 points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2021

Barolo Bricco Rocche 2018

“This is really expressive. There’s some warmth here with sweet cherry and plum fruit, there’s some lovely grainy structure, and a sense of harmony. It’s tannic but approachable with bass, mid and treble – rounded and refined. Lovely aromatics up front, and nice brightness on the finish. Lovely.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2022

Barolo Brunate 2018

“A dense, firmly structured red, with black cherry and plum fruit buried beneath tar, menthol and tobacco flavors. Fresh and energetic, ending with grainy tannins and a lightly chewy feel.” 93 points

Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com
October 2022

“This is quite beautiful. There’s no shortage of structure, but it is cloaked in elegant, concentrated sweet cherry and plum fruit. This is silky and delicious, even at this very young stage. Lovely red cherry fruit with some brooding spicy notes and a touch of iron and blood. Very fine.” 97 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2022

Barolo Brunate 2017

“La Morra. Youthful mid ruby. Full, deep nose of ripe, red fruit with the merest suggestion of oak, like a seasoning more than anything. Peppery prickle on the nose and lifted, aromatic cherry notes with a hint of nutmeg. Lively, concentrated sour-cherry palate, viscous and multi-layered. Firm, but well-behaved tannins adding grip to the cherry fruit on the long finish.” 17+/20

WS, JancisRobinson.com
2021

“Extremely aromatic with blackberry, dried strawberry, wet earth and crushed stone. Full-bodied with intense, firm tannins. Very tight at the finish with precise, polished fruit and structure. From organically grown grapes. A great 2017.” 97 points

James Suckling
2021

“This shows a lovely core of elegant red cherry fruit with some cranberry freshness, and then a really finely wrought structure. Elegant and pretty with nice depth and focus. Such a lovely wine.” 96 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
2021

“It was a real challenge in 2017 to keep the balance in check here because this is of the hottest sites in Barolo! The soil is very light in colour and so it reflects the sun and it is southfacing, too, so it is vital to pick the right dates to harvest. The Ceretto team runs around like crazy people at harvest time. Deep and intense but still very much living in the red fruit spectrum, this is a superbly noble creation with thrilling tannins and, like Ceretto’s other 2017s, it is fresh and bright on the finish and then deeply savoury but not aggressively tannic. The tannins are super-fine and they will take time to disspitate but the flavour is already delicious, so I wouldn’t be too shocked and you mustn’t feel too guilty if you wanted to open a bottle for a sneaky preview already!” 18+/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2021

“Bright and intense ruby in the glass, the nose is a telltale super-restrained spectrum of elegance: tar and dried cherry, violet and chocolate, with earthy minerality in depth. Flavours of graphite, cherry fruit and a touch of marzipan dominate on the full-bodied palate, accompanied by firm, velvety tannins, assertive acidity and a warming finish. This 2017 Brunate is approachable now but will express its best after at least another one or two years in bottle.” 95 points

Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter
29th  March 2021

Barolo Bussia 2018

“Taut and quite structured, this has a slight earthy, savoury edge to the sweet cherry and plum fruit. It’s a little firm and closed now, with lots of tannin. There’s fruit, but there’s also quite a lot of structure. A serious effort.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak 
September 2022

Barolo Bussia 2017

“Just mid ruby. Rich, full cherry fruit of great depth and focus. A little less sensuous and nervier on the palate than Brunate. Sappy raspberry and cherry fruit over a layer of firm, grainy tannins. The acidity lifts the fruit but right now it is a little austere and needs more time. Long, fragrant raspberry fruit turns up at the end.” 17++/20

WS, JancisRobinson.com
2021

“Very aromatic with hazelnuts and hints of tar, orange peel and dried strawberry. Full-bodied, very tight and tannic with wonderful texture. Very racy and tight at the end. From organically grown grapes.” 95 points

James Suckling
2021

“Ceretto does a great job with this Bussia in a hot and challenging vintage. The 2017 Barolo Bussia is polished and nicely contoured with a sharp and well-focused quality of fruit with wild cherry and dark plum. Nebbiolo characteristics of licorice, tarry smoke and crushed flowers also play heavily into the character of this rich and well-concentrated wine.” 95 points

ML Wine Advocate
2021

“This is the best interpretation of Bussia in 2017. The restrained nose features a stunning Parma violet aroma followed by cherry and liquorice, with raw meat in depth. Refined tannins of velvety texture and noble elegance flow on the palate, well integrated with lifted acidity and a good savoury finish. Not enormous concentration – this is instead focused on finesse.” 95 points

Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter
29th  March 2021

Barolo Prapò 2018

“Powerful but also elegant, with fresh red cherry and redcurrant notes, a core of supple sweet red cherry fruit and a touch of dried herb, as well as some orange peel. Juicy and fresh with nice grip on the finish. A complete expression of Barolo showing lovely elegance, combined with good intensity, and a very fine tapered finish.” 96 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2022

Barolo Prapò 2017

“The 2017 Barolo Prapò is the most complete of these Barolos from Ceretto. There’s terrific definition to the dark cherry, spice, kirsch, smoke and rose petal flavors. Overall, the Prapò is pretty soft for a young Serralunga Barolo, but there is plenty of muscle lurking beneath, not to mention a good deal of dimension that starts to emerge with time in the glass. Drink 2025-2037.” 94 points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2021

“This is a sensational wine with piercingly clean red fruit over a super-stern and robust palate and while the tanins are certainly drying they are extremely ripe and fine. This is an amazing wine.” 18.5+/20

Matthew Jukes, Piemonte Report 2021

“The nose opens up with dried cherry, rhubarb, violet, cinnamon and truffle in depth. The attack is velvety, followed by noble tannins and delicate lifted acidity. The dry, warm 2017 vintage is perceived in the subtle scratch on the finish accompanying a cherry kernel character. Sternness alongside finesse.” 95 points

Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter
29th  March 2021

Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2018

“This has brightness and also some elegance. Supple and fleshy but also with good acidity and some tannic structure. I love the freshness and directness of this wine: elegant, precise, poised and fine-grained with a slight juiciness and elegant cherry notes. There’s some delicacy here. Such a beautiful, detailed wine.” 96 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
September 2022

Langhe Arneis Bianco, Blangé 2018

“A crisp and clean white with lemon rind and hints of mineral and stone on the nose and palate. Medium body. From organically grown grapes.” 90 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
16th June 2019

“Very pale gold. Apple, nut and flint, with a gentle fennel lift. Crisp palate, with spritz adding some life. Fresh green apple, lemon, some flint mineral and some dried fennel on the finish. More character than many an Arneis. Moderate length.” 15/20

Jancis Robinson
7th March 2019

Langhe Monsordo 2018

“A solid red with blackberry, smoky wood, currant and mahogany character. Full-bodied, juicy and flavorful.” 94 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
July 2021

Moscato d’Asti 2020

“Delightful in every sense. Cascades or orange blossom and jasmine on the nose and it tastes like a slice of sugared grapefruit, sweet lime and ripe melon.”

Libby Zietsman-Brodie, City AM
January 2022

“Gently effervescent, the ever-so-slightly-sweet Moscato evokes the dewy taste of just-picked, just-pressed, sun-kissed grapes.”

Douglas Blyde, Evening Standard
November 2021

Brut Majeur

“Ayala is known for its dry wine style, so even its classic brut is actually an extra-brut, with 6g/l dosage. This is based on the 2019 vintages and supported by 43% of reserve wines from 2018, 2017 and 2016, with the grapes blended from as many as 70 different villages. Delicate nose, with ripe orchard fruit and a touch of vanilla and candy floss. There is an elegant toasty layer over the cool and crunchy fruitiness. Pure and elegant on a softly bubbling yet energetic palate that is both subtle and transparent.” 91 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
August 2023

“With the aim of creating something very pure and elegant, Ayala sources fruit for this cuvée from some 70 villages encompassing all of Champagne’s major subregions. The youthful, polished nose is of fresh orchard fruit meeting a whiff of refined toastiness and gunpowder. This is lightweight and harmonious on the palate, the perky bubbles bringing energy and a pleasant edginess. The whole is brightly fruity, classy and capable of taking time.” 90 points

Essi Avellan, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2022

“This is taut and linear with lovely citrus and pear fruit. It has nice texture with some lemony brightness, a hint of cherry and nice precision, showing really good balance and nice acidity.” 91 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
April 2022

“Pale lemon-green, persistent bubbles, tight cordon; smoky, toasty, red berries, rose petal nuance; concentrated, crackling mousse texture, lively acidity, lovely integration of flavour and dosage, long.” Silver Medal

Drinks Business, Global Sparkling Masters 2021

“Elegant and dry with a spring in its step and a floral, citrus zest and apple perfume.”

Joanna Simon, Platinum Magazine
September 2021

“Impressive fruit presence on the nose and palate here. This delivers nectarines and peaches in abundance with bright strawberries building into the fleshy, tangy finish. Fruit-focused, refreshing style.” 92 points

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
5th September 2018

Rosé Majeur

“Slightly smoky edge to the lovely bright red fruits, with some nice taut grapefruit character. Very pure and fine with good acidity.” 92 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
April 2022

“Won over by the complexity in this well-priced fizz, our panel noted crunchy green apple, pink grapefruit and peach all jostling for attention. Underlying this pale pink rosé is a delightful biscuity note, partly thanks to three years of ageing and the high proportion of chardonnay in the blend. It’s a versatile drop with smooth, lively bubbles, and could happily be paired with smoked salmon through to fruity desserts.”

Alex Hale, GoodHousekeeping
21st October 2021

“Very attractive, bright strawberry and blueberry aromas here. Superb freshness and attractive fragrance with focused, fine textural detail on the palate. Disgorged in December 2017.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
5th September 2018

Brut Nature

“This bone-dry Ayala cuvée is based on the fine 2019 harvest, with 43% of reserve wines from the three preceding harvests adding to the complexity. True to the house style, Chardonnay leads the blend. The delicate nose comes with pristine apple and pear fruit complemented by a flick of vanilla, coconut and a refined toasty whiff. The absence of residual sugar brings an air of transparency to it, allowing the fruit shine and the acidity to bring vivacity to it all. The perfectly creamy mousse adds pure charm. It comes with a lovely, zingy lemony finish that leaves the palate fresh and ready for more. ” 91 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
August 2023

“Very fine, chalky and mineral with lovely purity to the citrus fruit. There are some pithy hints but there’s also a good acid line. So fine and expressive with a direct, pure, fruity personality.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
April 2022

“Ayala’s non-dosage fizz is a classic Champagne blend with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Nice complexity on the nose, with citrus and stone fruit, fresh pastry notes and a stony mineral undertow. Very fine bubbles on the silky palate; super-crisp with assertive acidity and a mineral-citrus character, plus subtle notes of peach and pear fruit. An elegant summertime aperitif or enjoy it with fresh seafood.” 92 points

Julie Sheppard, Decanter
5th March 2021

“A solid and fresh Champagne with a lemony, apple and creamy character. Fine texture to the bubbles. Medium body. Delicious finish. Very dry. No dosage.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
2nd September 2019

Le Blanc de Blancs 2016

“Ayala’s Blanc de Blancs comes from three grands crus of the Côte des Blancs – Chouilly, Cramant and Oger – complemented by the premiers crus of Cuis and Grauves. The nose shows a lush fruity profile with predominantly appley fruit and a faint touch of toffee. The palate is lightweight, with a fine acid line cutting through the silky texture and softly bubbling mousse. Medium-long finish, with immediate fruity appeal. This is an instantly rewarding vintage with medium-term potential. Be aware of the lightstrike risk in the clear glass bottle. Disgorged March 2022. ” 91 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
August 2023

Le Blanc de Blancs 2015

Gold Medal, The Drinks Business Champagne Masters 2022

“The flagship wine of the house, this was disgorged in November 2021 with a dosage of 6 g/litre. Complex nose of citrus, spice and minerals. This has a combination of citrus and yellow fruits on the palate with subtle nutty, toasty notes, as well as lovely tension and balance. Mineral, saline notes here, too.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
April 2022

“A subtle nose reveals hints of cool chalk, dried corn husk and a slight edge of lemon zest. The palate shows the fine freshness and brightness you expect from a Blanc de Blancs but couches it in a gentle, soft and elegant body that shows its yeasty autolysis with lovely notes of springy, pillowy pide bread that lifts off into a soaring note of pure Amalfi lemon. This combines sunny ripeness with cool poise. Lovely.” 94 points

Anne Krebiehl MW, Falstaff International
January 2022

Le Blanc de Blancs 2014

“Mandarin, plum and honey aromatics. The palate is quite weighty with some sandalwood and yellow fruit notes. There is a classy effervescence here; poise and precision.” 92 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“Lemon yellow. Apple and touch of peach with biscuits. Palate firm and fresh, with creamy mousse, touch of biscuit, lots of apple fruit, from ripe and fresh to some dried apple and apple skin too. Very dry slightly firm chalky finish with touch of hazelnut. Persistent, layered.” Gold Medal, Chardonnay Masters 2020

Patrick Schmitt, The Drinks Business
2021

La Perle 2012

“This is pristine. Very focused with lovely taut lemony fruit and some crystalline citrus notes, as well as a touch of salinity. Very bright and linear, but showing good concentration, and a lovely tapering, expanding finish. There’s a lightness of touch here, with superb balance.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
April 2022

“Nacreous, with a lively mousse and aromatics dominated by Viennese patisserie, lemongrass and white flowers; pure, focused and pleasing. These adjectives carry us all the way through to the finish, which is adamantine and crisp, the concentration of the vintage, quietly assertive, bolstered by hints of smoke, salinity, and chalk, and a seductive umami texture that is careless of the rigours of dosage and disgorgement alike. Very complete already, in other words, and set fair to get even better.” 94 points

Simon Field, The World of Fine Wine
January 2022

“Biscuit and sea air nose and then a whisky hum that is so exciting. A complex, super wine. Plenty of spice, nougat, tinder and smoke.” 96 points

Tim Hall, Decanter
December 2021

“The first whiff is of freshly cut Golden Delicious flesh, pervaded by both lemon zest and salted shortbread. More air reveals a hint of wet oyster shell. The palate is exquisitely brisk and vivid: lithe in its soaring lemon freshness but anchored in deepest, coolest, most salty soil that lends richness and vertical dimension. The mousse is fine and lively, the balance is striking, there is something heightened, precise and absolutely pure about this. It is a homage to Chardonnay and the Côte des Blancs and the most lovely, salty umami finish promises great a great future.” 96 points

Anne Krebiehl MW, Falstaff
August 2021

“Very pretty Chardonnay dominance; pineapple, citric fruit, a lick of honey and a pleasing finish, with a touch of salinity in support. Wonderful!” 95 points

Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“Made from a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir it shows just how passionate Caroline is about the Chardonnay grape, and the fruit is superbly harmonious, deep and resonant and yet, at the same time, pure, clean, summery and floral.  This is a masterful exercise in balancing decadent with poise, and it is drinking beautifully already!” 18/20

Matthew Jukes, Matthewjukes.com
29th September 2021

No.14 Rosé 2014

“This is the third edition in Ayala’s collection of pop-up cuvées. The recipe is fine, with five grands crus forming the core of the wine: Aÿ, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Verzy. Consindering these origins, the faint oxidative note is a surprise. There is a fair amount of evolution on the nose: peach and dried apricots, hay and soft spicy tones. This is firm and structured, with some finesse, but for my palate, the oxidative notes detract from the whole.” 91 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2022

“This is the third opus of the Ayala collection. 60% Chardonnay, 405 Pinot Noir, from five different Grand Crus. Wonderfully expressive and fine with some toasty notes on the nose. Mineral and taut with a concentrated citrus core with a touch of red cherry and spice, some aniseed, and some saline notes.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
April 2022

“A lovely note of freshly cut Red Delicious apple on the nose immediately promises a wine of substance. More air allows notions of shortcrust pastry to peep through. The palate delivers what the nose promises, but in a beautifully sleek and concentrated fashion with a slender but textured body, enhanced by fine freshness and subtle, silky mousse. This unusual rosé combines substance and sleekness, power and elegance. Lovely now but will evolve.” 94 points

Anne Krebiehl MW, Falstaff.com
January 2022

No.7 2007

“Mandarin, quince and plum nose. Rather soft and supple mouthfeel: truffle, crème anglaise and butter pastry flavours. Well constructed.” 93 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“Soft gold, a lacy silver filigree and an aromatic greeting of almonds, spring flowers, and soft verbena. Further enquiry releases late-season apple and slate, complex after 11 years of tirage under cork, yet still restrained and dignified. Ayala house style writ large. The concentration and focus on the palate both impress; nectarines and even a brandy snap crackling somewhere Both the structure and the length underline the contribution of the grand cru Chardonnay from the great villages of the Cote des Blancs.” 93 points

Simon Field MW, Decanter
16th October 2020

“This is the newest member of Ayala’s collection of one-off prestige cuvees. The rich, evolving, yeast-infused nose brings Chardonnay’s lemony and buttery tones to the fore. Behind, there is a ripe apple and candy-floss sweetness. Comprised of fruit from seven Grands Crus, this is intense and creamy. The maturity and complexity of the nose marry well with the freshness and vigour of the palate. A long, seductively textured and clean finish.” 90 points

Essi Avellan, Club Oenologique 
1st November 2020

Special Cuvée

“An iconic non-vintage of Champagne in a style of its own, Special Cuvée gains complexity from partial fermentation and ageing in oak, as well as the hefty use of reserve wines, including Bollinger’s famous long-aged magnums. The nose is led by spice-complexed Pinot Noir fruit, with apple and peach fruit and stylish pencil-shaving whiffs. The broad palate is well built and muscular, with fine, brisk acidity breathing freshness and vibrancy into it. This is a carefully crafted and polished blend that is worth cellaring.” 92 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
August 2023

“The nuanced nose delivers orchard fruits layered with spice and yeastiness, and the fine, ripe concentrated fruitiness is well protected from oxidation. The very complex Bollinger blending recipe, including the laborious and costly use of long-aged reserve wines in magnums, results in something classy and seamless; this is a wine full of character. The bold, powerful palate has a fine silky texture and a stylishly mellow mousse, leaving room for the vinosity to build in the glass. This is a non-vintage that is worth maturing and is especially recommended in magnum.” 91 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2022

“Lots of biscuit aromas and a wide spectrum of fresh-citrus, candied-citrus, red-apple and red-berry notes. Mouth-filling creaminess, plus quite an imposing presence and powerful structure for an NV Brut. Long, citrus and chalky finish that’s very clean and properly dry.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
December 2021

“This harmonious Champagne is wonderfully vibrant as it dances across the palate, with the satinlike mousse carrying flavors of white cherry, Marcona almond and ground coffee that show accents of candied kumquat, ginger, aromatic verbena and graphite. A streak of racy salinity emerges on mouthwatering finish.” 93 points

AN, Wine Spectator
2021

“60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier sourced from more than 300 crus, including 85% grands and permiers crus; 15% fermented in old oak barrels. The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of ever Champagne house, short of ascending to the mesosphere of Krug. Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50%-60% reserves. Triumphant complexity is a given at Bollinger, but it’s the dynamic freshness and vitality that really set it apart as one of the most affordable Champagne benchmarks.” 96 points

Tyson Stelzer, Decanter
July 2020

Rosé

“Even if Lily Bollinger famously resisted the idea of Bollinger producing rosé Champagne, there is no denying that pink fizz fits so perfectly the house’s rich, oak-lined, Pinot Noir-driven style. The salmon colour comes from some 5% of Pinot Noir red wine of Verzenay and Aÿ. The nose shows distinct cherry- and cranberry-scented Pinot Noir fruit, with a spicy, peppery undernote. Lovely broadness and muscular firmness on the silky palate. A unique rosé style rewarding gastronomic combinations.” 92 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
August 2023

“Bollinger is still a relative newcomer to the non-vintage rosé scene, having produced this cuvée only since 2008. But it was an instant match to the house style of rich and firm Pinot fruit. It takes a mere 5% of Pinot Noir wine from Verzenay and Aÿ to give this its desired colour (salmon, with delicate peachy hues) and character. The fine nose is characterised by pristine red fruitiness playfully intermingling with spicy complexity and mineral whiffs. Still primary in fruitiness, it comes with depth and complexity. The oak takes a supporting role, leaving the delicious Pinot fruit to the fore, and the well-built, muscular palate has a degree of vinosity. This is a non-vintage rosé that is worthy of ageing. ” 92 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2022

“Deep red-berry nose, plus some nectarine, spice and candied-orange notes. Powerful and fresh, the hint of tannin from the red-wine component of the blend neatly balanced by the creaminess. Excellent textural complexity, then a long, delicately spicy and mineral finish.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
December 2021

“A graceful rosé Champagne, giving an overall impression of delicacy and finesse that belies the chiseled acidity, minerally underpinning and integrated flavors of raspberry and white peach fruit, toast point, slivered almond, candied pink grapefruit peel and pickled ginger. Hard to stop sipping.” 93 points

AN, Wine Spectator
2021

PN AYC18

“AYC 18 is Bollinger’s fourth edition in its PN blanc de noirs series. In this warm base year of lush fruitiness, the house’s home village of Aÿ was chosen to be showcased, also lending its own name to that of the wine. Verzenay, Tauxières and Avenay further contribute to the blend. In addition to 2018 fruit, reserve wines from 2017, 2016 and 2009 add to the complexity. Beautifully harmonious, softly and deeply fruity nose, with fine meaty and smoky complexity overlaying the perfectly ripe orchard-fruit core. Equal harmony continues on the broad, voluptuous palate, which screams profoundness and structure. There is a lovely juicy, succulent quality to the fruit that lingers on and on. The most impressive and age-worthy of Bollinger’s PN editions so far.” 95 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2023

PN TX17

“Medium-deep color, a hint of blushing nectarine (or am I imagining this?) caressing the gold. A lively mousse, very persistent. The nose is sui generis; familiar Bollinger generosity; hazelnut, plum, vanillin, and the rest of it, for sure, but also something a little more restrained, almost petrichor, flint, and a hint of white pepper: intriguing. The palate is full and generous, ripeness responsible, rather than dosage, with hints of tobacco, mocha, and dried flowers behind the Braeburn-apple freshness, the chalky undertow ceding to a distinct salinity at the end. This is less overt, a little less demonstrative than its two predecessors, and manages to be both distinctively unusual and very Bollinger at the same time–quite a feat.” 94 points

Simon Field, World of Fine Wine
October 2022

“On the stylish nose, spicy, woody and hazelnut tones meet pristine Pinot Noir fruitiness. The challenging 2017 harvest is the base here, and Bollinger found, in Tauxières, the fruit quality and profile to craft this edition of its pop-up cuvée. Coming with a fine yeasty notion and well protected from oxidation, the fruitiness really shines loud and bright, supported by a complexity brought about by the reserve wines. The palate carries the lightness and freshness of the cool year, and it all ends on a brisk, dry note. This is a delightfully different and beautifully delicate wine from Bollinger.” 93 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2022

PN VZ16

“Very deep and youthful nose with a cornucopia of candied citrus and red berries, as well as a touch of herb. Stunning depth of chalky character and fantastic mineral freshness make this really stand out. Dramatic, yet so elegant at the very long finish.” 96 points

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
December 2021

“Produced exclusively from vineyards owned by Bollinger, this takes advantage of the dynamic equilibrium between the structured, robust Pinot Noir grape and a terroir that is late-ripening. Picking began on 25 September and delivered a wine with plenty of concentration and impressive freshness and balance, with expressive green apple fruit accented with notes of toast and smoke and a creamy, supple, and open texture.” 95 points

Charles Curtis MW, Decanter
April 2021

“Soft, open-knit and wonderfully inviting PN VZ 16 is a worthy follow up to the sublime 2015 that launched this new Blanc de Noirs in the Bollinger range last year. Sweet red cherry, Mirabelle, spice, mint and dried flowers all grace this wonderfully translucent, expressive Blanc de Noirs. North-facing sites in Verzenay that confer tension and energy make up about half the blend, with wines from Aÿ, Bouzy and Louvois playing supporting roles. Vinification is done in equal parts steel and oak. This release is based on 2016 (50% of the blend), with reserve wines that go back to 2006, including 23% from reserve magnums. Readers who enjoy Blanc de Noirs will adore the PN VZ 16. I find the interplay of vibrancy and the creamier notes that are so typical of the house style to be incredibly appealing.” 93 points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
March 2021

“Seamlessly knit and graceful, offering a lovely range of ripe cherry and nectarine fruit, with notes of slivered almond, orange blossom and fleur de sel slowly expanding on the palate via the finely detailed mousse and carried through the long, lacy finish by fine chinalike acidity.” 94 points

AN, Wine Spectator
2021

La Grande Année 2014

“This September 2022 disgorgement is opening up beautifully with complex yeasty and bready tones generating layers over the crunchy apple fruit. The wine’s oak ageing comes across as spicy on the nose and palate, never overshadowing the fruit. The palate is rather lightweight for La Grande Année, without showing its usual full-on vinosity. Instead, there is a fine silky-flowing quality to the texture, marrying elegantly to the detailed acid line on the palate. A particularly elegant La Grande Année.” 94 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
August 2023

“This is an intriguing combination of a sunny year’s forward fruitiness and the freshness of a late September harvest. There is a charming reserve to the cool nose, which has plentiful orchard fruit but also vanilla and yeasty and spicy tones from oak and bottle ageing. The gentle oaky note stays stylishly in the background. There is some volume on the lace-textured palate, but this wine plays much less on concentration and weight than we are used to with La Grande Année. Instead, its finest feature is the sensation of minerality and finesse.” 94 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2022

“The 2014 La Grande Année is stunning. In fact, it is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. What comes through most is the wine’s sizzling energy and tension, qualities that aren’t often associated with Bollinger, where the Champagnes tend to show more breadth and volume. In 2014, readers will find a Grande Année built on linear intensity and drive…For the second time in two decades (the first was 2007), Verzenay takes the lead in the Pinots over Aÿ, more or less an inverse from the norm. Verzenay, a north-facing village in the Montagne de Reims that saw less rain than Aÿ and most of the Vallée de la Marne, yields Pinots of energy more than volume. That, married with Chardonnays mostly from the Côtes des Blancs (predominantly Chouilly, Vertus, Oiry and Cramant), results in a truly magical Grande Année that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out.” 98 points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
March 2022

“A truly great Bollinger by every measure, blessed with incredible longevity, and grand testimony to the wizardry of this house to draw out all the glories of endurance and elegance from a less than simple season.” 97 points

Tyson Stelzer
March 2022

“I belong to the group of people that believes that Bollinger above all shows its greatness in lighter and more elegant vintages as the inherent Pinot-driven masculine power they possess is always sufficient. In the grand generous vintages, one must fight hard to hold back the rumbling force and maintain freshness and sublime details. 2014 is a textbook example in the lighter category. Many champagnes from 2014 are simply too light, vague, and floral in nature, but this does not apply in any way to Bollinger La Grande Année. Here, they have beautifully navigated their way between the grains of the vintage and instead focused on its merits. The champagne is thus clearer and more elegant with a higher proportion of Chardonnay from Chouilly and Oiry than usual to include and embrace the citrusy and floral sides. The extremely intense aroma is otherwise dominated by a marked air of sea breezes, sea urchins, oyster shells, iodine and gunpowder smoke originating from Verzenay. There is also a light note of hazelnut and leather from Aÿ. The combination of these pillars and all complementary villages also gives a delicate fruit with hints of orange citrus, peach, and Mirabelle plum. The aromas come again in the fine and medium-bodied taste with an added note of the finest vanilla and fresh cep in olive oil. Overall, this is an extremely beautiful and complex Bollinger on the finer and more elegant half of the whole. I love how you find new little details in a harmonious simplicity with each new sip. Fascinating and beautiful already, grand as R.D. in 10 years or more and without a doubt one of the vintage’s rare hits.” 94-96 points

Richard Juhlin
March 2022

“This is yet another perfectly honed LGA, and there is a vinosity and grandeur here that nods to the flavour impact and depth of R.D, which in itself is a remarkable achievement for this vintage creation.  2014 is a quintessential LGA, and while the colour is pale gold in hue, it has a flavour impact that carries more heft than you might expect, balanced by a certain palate rigidity and extraordinarily energetic acidity that snaps down reliably on the finish.  While this is a curiously delicious wine already, there is clearly an enormous amount of potential here for carefully cellared bottles.  Having said this, 2014 LGA is already tremendously sexy, and I found myself smelling, tasting, smelling, tasting with metronomic desire, feeding my brain and my palate’s craving for wave after wave of exquisite perfume and flavour…Following the flamboyant B13 release last year, 2014 LGA slams back to the classical Bollinger Vintage model with alarming formality and respect this year, and for that, I am grateful. ” 18.5/20 

Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com
March 2022

“An intriguing combination of a sunny year’s forward fruitiness and the freshness of a late-September harvest. These characters are further amplified by the high proportion of Chardonnay and an important share of cooler profile Verzenay Pinot Noir in the blend. On the nose, ripe peach, candied apple, and vanilla blend in beautifully with delicate floral and lemony notes as well as mineral iodine whiffs. The gentle oaky note stylishly stays in the background. There is supple volume on the lacey-textured palate, but this wine plays much less on concentration and weight than what we are used to with La Grande Année. Instead its finest feature is the salivating acidity and sensation of minerality that carries the wine through the long, palate-cleansing finish. Already open and pleasurable on the nose, but the palate stands firm, with mineral restraint promising longevity. Perfectly dosed at 8g/l. This note is for a bottle disgorged in April 2021.” 94 with the potential for 96

Essi Avellan MW, Worldoffinewine.com
March 2022

“It has fresh and distinctive notes of lemon, herbs, red berries and gooseberries, and a splendid calcareous frame. The palate is mineral, tense and elegant with a dense structure, a perfectly balanced texture, fine bubbles, and a lingering finish.” 94 Points

Yohan Castaing, decanter.com
March 2022

La Grande Année 2012

“This makes a bold statement. Ripe, powerful and creamy with concentrated red-berry, nectarine, grapefruit and cashew aromas. I love the juiciness and brightness of this wine, which has such a long, graceful finish. Only 65% pinot noir, but it tastes like a lot more.” 95 points

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
December 2021

“The 2012 Grande Année is vibrant and wonderfully nuanced. Citrus peel, orchard fruit, brioche, dried flowers and chamomile are all finely knit in a Grand Année built on energy and persistence more than size. Readers will find a restrained Grand Année in 2012. There is plenty of the textural richness that is such a signature of the house style, but I am also struck by the wine’s freshness. Best of all, the 2012 will drink well right out of the gate. It is quite expressive today, even in the early going.” 94 points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
August 2020

“On the elegant nose, this win’s cool fine, cool fruitiness is at the fore, with lovely spicy, oaky and nutty notes in support. Lemony fruitiness with yellow apple and ripe apricot emerge in the glass. On the palate, the key word is balance; this is a very complete Champagne with freshness, intensity, refined tension and chalky salinity all in perfect harmony the 8g/l dosage is spot on. Still young, but this has the building blocks of longevity.” 95 points

Essi Avellan, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
November 2020

La Grande Année Rosé 2014

“For La Grande Année Rosé, the white base is complemented by some 5% red wine from the house’s famous monopole plot La Côte aux Enfants in the heart of Aÿ. The 2014 is a particularly elegant vintage for the cuvée: lush fruitiness combines to a fine acid line and a certain delicacy. The nose is already super-refined and layered with cigar, liquorice and exotic spice melding with baked peach and dried apricot fruit. The palate is vibrant, with an elegant degree of vinosity. The carry is long and beautifully textured. This vintage is already perfectly delicious, but there is still much more to come.” 96 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2023

“Delicate peachy colour. The complex blend from 19 villages creates a restrained, pristine, coolly-fruity nose of peach, tangerine and quince, with complex savoury and liquorice tones. It is irresistibly silky on the vinous palate, which is seemingly light yet intense. The 5% red wine element from La Côte aux Enfants vineyard provides plenty of character, but the whole remains beautifully fine, vibrant and gourmand. Highly youthful still, this vintage will generously reward cellaring.”  96 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2022

“The 2014 La Grande Année Rosé is airy, gracious and full of energy. Crushed rocks, white pepper, red berry, mint and blood orange lend striking aromatic intensity and presence. Finely cut and taut, the Rosé is a nervy Champagne that needs time to come together. The Rosé is blended from a base of the Blanc plus 5% still red Pinot from Bollinger’s Coteaux des Enfants vineyard in Aÿ.”  97 points

Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
March 2022

“Something is thrilling about Bolly Rosé. The NV is a towering wine that glowers over its competitors with its broad shoulders and red wine intensity, and this vintage wine is an even more stealthy and impactful creation.  2014 LGA Rosé is so confident, so proud, and so swaggering that it takes a run-up at your palate and crashes through any pretensions and prejudices in just one sip. While the colour is demure, the same cannot be said for the nose and palate. The nose carries as much intrigue and concentration as a well-selected Bonnes Mares.  The fruit on the palate is cherry-soaked and indulgent, yet there is nothing overblown or bullying about its delivery.  I often use the word ‘swaggering’ about Bollinger’s top wines, but some could read this as having a slight arrogance in its connotation.  This wine deserves a more carefully chosen vocabulary, and instead of wine with swagger, please consider this a wine with fearlessness and courage. While you can crack on with the wine above without feeling too guilty, I would suggest that we should all hang on for a couple of years with this rosé.  The tension on the finish is admirable, and this beauty deserves to be afforded the time for it to be assimilated into the whole. You can put this magnificent wine up against any sparkling rosé on the planet, and it will come up smiling.” 19/20

Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com
March 2022

“A top the pleasurable and vibrant Grande Année 2014 as the base, the red Pinot Noir wine from La Côte aux Enfants vineyard blends in perfectly, creating a Grande Année Rosé of effortless beauty and seamlessness. The wine comes with a bright, orange-hued peachy color. There is a sweet strawberry note to the nuanced nose of cherry, peach candy, vanilla, licorice, and quince. It is still youthful, with the rainbow of berry aromas dominating. Yet the refined spiciness comes forward more on the silky-smooth palate of utterly sophisticated phenolics. The overall impression is elegant, if vinous, with the brisk acidity enhancing the feeling of lightness and vibrancy. The wine ends on a gourmand, savory and fruity note. A gorgeous Grande Année Rosé.” 95  points with the potential for 97

Essi Avellan MW, Worldoffinewine.com
March 2022

La Grande Année Rosé 2012

“The 2012 vintage is a muscular, vinous rosé despite using more Chardonnay than usual (67%), and less red wine (5%). The colour is an elegant salmon, reasonably light, and the nose shows discreet red berry fruit, floral notes, and the start of some toasty richness. It fills the mouth with a velvety, creamy richness on the palate, yet it is never heavy. Pleasant now, it will certainly open up more with another decade of ageing and should go on for years after that.” 93 points

Charles Curtis MW, Decanter
April 2021

“The 2012 La Grande Année Rosé is airy, gracious and so wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, mint, white pepper and red berry fruit are all gracefully woven together. Today, the 2012 is naturally quite young and still shows the tension of a Champagne that was disgorged just a few months ago. Readers who prefer Champagnes with softer edges and a bit more flavor complexity will want to cellar the 2012. I have to admit, I very much like the wine today, in its youthful state, where its energy and focus are front and center. The 2012 is a blend of 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay taken from 21 villages built around a core of Aÿ and Verzenay Pinot Noir and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oiry Chardonnay, crus that are quite complementary. Disgorged January 2020. Dosage is 8 grams per liter.” 96 points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
August 2020

“5% of red wine has been added by assemblage from the legendary La Cote Aux Enfants vineyard in Aÿ. The resulting power is subtle, gastronomic and bewitching: as a corollary to a lighter, onion-skin colour, there’s an intensity and length on the palate allied to perfect integration of the 8g/l of sugar and the legacy of both oak fermentation and long yeast maturation, the latter under cork. The vinous power is such that this will match rich, savoury dishes such as quail, venison, pigeon and guinea fowl. A triumph!” 96 points

Simon Field, Decanter
February 2020

Bollinger R.D. 2008

“The 2008 is a superbly fine vintage for RD in all its slowly ageing elegance and refinement. For this vintage, Bollinger shifted to the new narrow-necked bottle, which further aids the wine in ageing gracefully. Disgorged in October 2022, this bottle shows fine charred qualities on the nose: smoke and tobacco leaf over pristine yellow and red fruitiness of plums, apples and apricots. The palate has even more finesse, with a lovely airy and lacy texture and a laser-like precision. Beautifully transparent and linear; ageing gracefully. The palate is remarkably youthful, whereas the nose is giving out much more already.” 97 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
August 2023

“’08 R.D. is made from 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay, from 18 different Crus, with the most important being Aÿ and Verzenay for Pinot and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant for Chardonnay. This wine is 100% barrel-fermented, and the dosage is an unusually keen 3g/L. Disgorged in October 2022, it was released earlier this year, and I had the occasion to taste it for the first time this week. As every reader of this website knows, I am a huge R.D. fan, and this 2008 release is as delicious as the finest wines that have worn this famous label. We have waited two years since the 2007 vintage release in March 2021, and this extra delay (or extra ageing) has benefitted this stellar wine. It is sensationally impactful on the nose and palate, and this shock of flavour and grandeur might put you on the back foot, but it is glorious, layered, all-enveloping and succulent. In fact, it draws you in making you feel welcome. Granted, the acidity is pristine, and this crystalline edge perfectly matches the fruit exuberance, and it doesn’t interfere with the avalanche of flavour. Instead, it carefully warns the drinker that even though this wine is, numerically, 15 years old, age is an abstract construct for R.D. I have a feeling that this is an ageless wine that will stubbornly refuse to grow old while at the same time presenting a stunning fanfare of joyous flavours whether you uncork a bottle today, in ten, twenty or even thirty years. One never wants an icon wine, particularly one that I have invested so much time in following, ever to drop the ball, but every time a new vintage appears, my nerves kick in, and I fear the worst. Of course, 2008 is a superb vintage, so this wine stood a good chance of fulfilling its brief, but how it stepped up to this mind-blowing level of excellence is beyond me. I take my hat off to 2008 R.D. ” 97 points

Matthew Jukes
October 2023

“Bright in colour with gold reflections, the aromatics are immediately captivating, with marzipan, acacia, apricot and patisserie all vying for attention. It’s impossibly youthful yet reassuringly mature, a bread basket of delicious contradiction. Cerebral seduction ensues on the palate, with dried fruits, bergamot and lime joining the party, then come the hazelnut notes – which have been identified as a leitmotif for the vintage – and a clean, almost chalky finish to restore rigorous harmony. Precision in no way undermines generosity, and generosity in no way undermines potential. A very fine piece of work all in all, tasted from magnum, alongside bottle and jeroboam. Disgorged: November 2022. ” 97 points

Simon Field MW
March 2023

“When I was tasting Bollinger’s brilliant Grande Année in this vintage, I was trying to imagine how good the 2008 Extra-Brut R. D. would be, as the style of the vintage seems almost perfectly adapted to this cuvée. Four years later, we have the answer, and the wine is brilliant. Disgorged in 2022, it’s more reserved out of the gates than the dramatic Grande Année was on release, unwinding in the glass with notes of crisp orchard fruit, orange peel, freshly baked bread, subtle hints of fino sherry, wet stones and macadamia nut. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, with a deep core of fruit that’s animated by racy acids and a refined pinpoint mousse, concluding with a bone-dry finish. Extremely harmonious and full of youthful energy, it’s the finest R. D. of the decade and one that will richly reward a bit of additional age on cork. In style, the most obvious comparison is with the 1996, but the 2008 is more integrated and harmonious on release. These bottles were disgorged late last year with three grams per liter dosage.” 98 Points

William Kelley, Wine Advocate
March 2023

Bollinger R.D. 2007

“Deep colour of shiny golden hues. With some six months of post-disgorgement time, this wine looks remarkably youthful, with its ripe, bright and expressive fruitiness. There is fresh apple and apricot alongside dried fruits and fruitcake complexity. The oaky notions are subtle, and oxidation is well under control. The sweet spiciness beautifully lines the aromatics. For a Bollinger R.D., the palate is rather lightweight, but it is beautifully fresh and vivacious. Its secret is rigorous selection and an unusually high proportion of crunchy Verzenay fruit (29%).The wine seems remarkably slow ageing, which is a fine surprise for the vintage.” 95 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2022

“The cool, fruity nose comes with golden raisins, yellow apple, orange zest, juniper wood and ginger. The palate has rare energy and tension for an RD, extremely driven and pure. All in all, this seems like a really slowly ageing RD worth cellaring.” 94 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
December 2021

“What an amazing nose this has, like the smell of a rock pool on a rocky coast, but with so many candied fruit, spicy and mushroom notes behind that. That fruit is way more expressive on the powerful and structured palate with a lime freshness and chalky minerality at the super-long bone-dry finish.” 98 points

James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines from France 2021

“2007 is in most hands a weak and diluted vintage that I normally avoid. The exception is spelled Bollinger! The powerful house style often shines brighter during lighter vintages than the years when the heat dominates and creates inflated fruit bombs. Bollinger ‘Vieilles Vignes Françaises’ stands in a class of its own, but then the vintage wines from Bollinger are top on my list from 2007. The wine was already like ‘La Grande Année’ classically built and balanced with good depth and tightly beautiful malic acids. Now in the ‘R.D.’ version, the minerality is even clearer with macadam, chalk and gunpowder smoke. The champagne is extremely slim with a slightly buttery vanilla-like note as the top layer on above the dry notes of cocoa, hazelnut cream, dried apricots, blood orange and red juicy apples. The taste has a lighter mouthfeel than usual and significantly less of forest mushrooms, wood and spices than in most vintages of this heroic wine.”  94(95) points

Richard Juhlin, The Champagne Club
January 2021

“Bollinger’s 2007 R.D. is superb, but it is also a wine that reflects the nature of a unique and challenging growing season. In most vintages the R.D. is marked by the distinct creaminess and breadth of Aÿ Pinot Noir. Two thousand seven, though, was a difficult year marked by very dry weather, rain at the end of the growing season and an early harvest in August, something that was not as common as it has become. Selection was essential. For the 2007, the blend is composed of just 14 villages compared to the more typical 18-25. Verzenay is the main Pinot component while Cramant plays the leading role in the Chardonnays. For these reasons, the 2007 is an R.D. driven by more focus, energy and tension than readers are used to seeing. Lemon confit, dried flowers, sage, mint, crushed rocks, almond and ginger are some of the aromas and flavors that give the 2007 its complex, multi-faceted personality.” 97 points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
March 2021

“Bollinger’s superb 2007 R. D. is an unusually delicate, fine-boned rendition of this habitually muscular cuvée. An additional seven years on the lees has brought additional textural and amplitude to the acid spine that was already evident in the 2007 Grande Année, and the slight loss of pressure during aging on cork makes for a more refined, pearly mousse that complements the wine’s enhanced texture and amplified sapid nuance. Fermented in used oak cooperage, with tirage under natural cork and disgorgement without added sulfur dioxide (but now with jetting to ensure consistency), it’s one of the few tête de cuvée bottlings still made very much as it was 40 years ago.” 97 points

William Kelley, Wine Advocate
March, 2021

“The latest release of R.D. – Bollinger’s iconic ‘Recently Disgorged or Récemment Dégorgé’ wine is something completely out of the ordinary. My one-word description for this sensational wine is ‘controlled’… What is remarkable about this particular vintage is its restraint and levity coupled with the extraordinary length of finish.” 19+/20

Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com
March 2021

“Very, very different from the usual solid, powerful, broad Bollinger style. More rapier-like in approach with none of the density and mushroom notes that I usually associate with Bollinger. An unexpected style which may broaden perceptions of what this house can do. Crisp, mineral, the immediate effect was actually ‘pretty’ though with time in the glass it took on more weight. This reflects a little the Bollinger PN VZ15 exclusively from Verzenay with pretty marked acidity at this stage in its life. Refined with a bone-dry finish and a touch of quinine on the end.” 17.5/20

Jancis Robinson
March, 2021

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2013

“Strong golden yellow with silver reflections and a very persistent, fine mousse. Fine nuances of yellow plum and gooseberries, a touch of pickled cherry, a touch of bakery, almond and walnut, smokey savouriness, nuances of citrus and candied orange zest. The bouquet always opens much earlier than that of Grande Année, due to the ripeness of the grapes of stock culture. Very complex, tightly meshed, delicate red cherry, lively acid structure, salty mineral core, juicy, yellow fruit, a rather opulent style on the finish. Hints of stone fruit and pineapple on the finish, already perfectly developed, showing length and further certain ageing potential, very seductive. How long this cuvée from ungrafted vines will exist is questionable, two years ago (2020) phylloxera was detected for the first time in the two mini-vineyards.” 99 points

Peter Moser, falstaff.com
October 2022

“The most subtle hint of raw, buttery shortcrust pastry is followed by a touch of pure, ripe, sweet apple flesh and a promise of mellow creaminess. Overtones of caramel and a pure citric note appear with more air. All is nuanced, all is subtle, all is creamy. The palate strikes with finest foam and a distinct saltiness and real concentration. There is density and depth and ripe apple richness. This is countered by finest, mouth-watering acidity that reveals visceral streaks of umami, shimmering like fresh shiitake and chalky depth. Great elegance, great nuance, endless length, a monument. This is only just hitting its stride.” 99 points

Anne Frebiehl MW, falstaff.com
September 2022

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2012

“This impressive vintage of Vieilles Vignes Françaises greets you with an utterly sophisticated nose of magnificent toasty layers: toasted bread and grilled almonds meet smoky, woody nuances. The nose is beautifully reductively charged and elegantly spicy, with sumptuous, sweet orchard fruit and dried fruits in layers. A fine woody note from oak lines the voluminous and concentrated palate. Rich, yes, but it’s not heavy; the juicy freshness just goes on and on. A stunningly deep and no doubt remarkably age-worthy vintage of this iconic Champagne. Dosage 4g/l. Bottle number 0007 tasted, of 2,193 produced.” 97 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique Champagne Report
September 2023

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2008

“Spectacular wine. One of the finest vintages of the last 20 years, with excellent ripeness yet superb balance. The fruit from the ungrafted Pinot Noir in Aÿ was picked on 16 September and fermented in cask before being aged for 10 years, dosed at 8g/L. The result is still youthful, with bright primary apple and quince fruit and hints of almond, spice from the cask ferment, and a touch of yeasty autolysis. The texture is lush yet vibrant with plenty of volume and an exquisite elegance that endures through the luxuriously long finish.” 99 points

Charles Curtis MW, Decanter
Jun 2021

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2007

“Deep gold. Dried lemon peel, bitter lemon, hazelnuts, walnut shells, shortbread dipped in tea. Yellow tobacco leaves, still soft. The nose is haunting. So haunting. A wine you could sit with, glass to your nose, just breathing in the aromas in awestruck silence for a very long time. In the mouth, the first impression is power. Tightly coiled, even now. Cashmere-silk complexity. But tannic, too, in an inexplicable way. It has an exquisitely fine bead that feels like running your tongue over thousands and thousands of tiny, tiny pearls silk-stitched into silk organza. The texture is remarkable – like nothing I’ve ever felt before in a champagne. But the wine is brooding, mycorrhizal, understory, under shadows. The outline of citrus, a sense of grilled lemons, salty. Mushrooms, verbena, lemongrass run through my brain and ripple across my tongue but then I shake my head because this is not what this wine is saying. The wine pushes me away as much and as often as it draws me in. It’s truculent then longing. It’s spitting poetry with its palms held high and hard at a stop, then it melts in the same mouthful and pulls as close as a lover. It’s spiced and spliced; a shattering of a million minute diamonds and a weaving of a million golden threads. It’s towering. It’s magnificent. I’ve never tasted anything like it. It filled me with awe.” 19.5/20 

Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
October 2022

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2006

“Bollinger’s ungrafted vines always show ripe fruit character and even more so on the sunny and hot 2006 vintage. The sun-kissed fruit is complemented by stylish burned sugar notes and perfectly integrated oaky whiffs. On the palate, it is chewy, rich and caressingly textured – a truly generous wine. A moreish palate is further supported by an almost ever-lasting, concentrated finish. A really impressive VVF.” 95 Points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oeonologique 

La Cote Aux Enfants 2015

“Complex nose of red fruit with an autumnal touch of underbrush, plus a spicy element that expands and expands as the wine aerates. An impressively ripe pinot noir for this northerly location, thanks to the startling tannin structure that gives this a lot of power at the fresh finish.” 93 points 

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
December 2021

“The nose of this wine—imagine cherries growing in a shady wood—is worth the price of the bottle, incredibly evocative of good Pinot Noir and showing the quality of its Grand Cru site in the Aÿ region of Champagne. It’s fresh, fruity and classy. Given a couple of hours to evolve in a decanter, it would be a great match with lamb.”

Timothée Stroebel, Robb Report
October 2021

“Produced from the Bollinger monopole near the top of the south-facing slope in Aÿ, the wine is fermented in tank with one-third whole clusters after a six-day maceration and bottled after eight months in cask. The result is fragrant and perfumed, with high-toned cherry and currant fruit and a lovely mineral/saline edge. The tannins are firm, and the texture is vibrantly fresh.” 94 points

Charles Curtis MW, Decanter
April 2021

La Cote Aux Enfants 2012

“Produced from the northwest-facing part of this famed Aÿ vineyard, whose sunnier slopes produce Bollinger’s red Côteaux Champenois, the 2012 Brut Blanc de Noirs La Côte Aux Enfants was disgorged in March 2022 with eight grams per liter dosage. Exhibiting aromas of golden orchard fruit, mirabelle plum, praline and honeyed toast, it’s medium to full-bodied, vinous and chiseled, with a deep core of fruit, terrific tension and a long, penetrating finish. This is a serious, characterful Champagne that debuts in the Bollinger range with a clear identity of its own.” 94+ points

William Kelley, RobertParker.com
October 2022

“Lively yet delicate mousse. Attractive yellow tropical fruit nuances, hints of peach and mango, fresh meadow herbs, lime zest, very fine hints of walnut and honey blossom in the background. Substantial, complex and silky with dense texture, white stone fruit, delicate hints of liquorice, cinnamon, salty freshness and subtle hints of Golden Delicious. Finely embedded acidity structure, ripe, without any unnecessary sweetness, candied orange on the finish, lingers very long, certain ageing potential for further decades. Already easy to drink, will continue to improve.” 99 points

Peter Moser, falstaff.com
October 2022

“The 2012 Blanc de Noirs La Côte aux Enfants is a new Champagne from Bollinger made from a southwest-facing, 2-hectare parcel in Ay that was redeveloped 25 years ago adjacent to the block that has informed the house’s Coteaux Champenois since 1934. Even in 2012 – a radiant Enfants year – the Côte aux Enfants is intensely bright and tightly wound, a reflection of very thin soils with just 30 centimeters of topsoil above pure chalk. That reticence is probably a very good sign for its long-term aging prospects. Time brings out hints of apricot, peach, red plum, kirsch, wild flowers, chalk, spice and white pepper, but the 2012 only starts to blossom with a ton of air. The 2012 was disgorged in March 2022. Dosage is 8 grams per liter, on the higher side these days, but not at all noticeable. Stylistically, the Côte aux Enfants is not as exotic as the WF, nor as steely as the new series of multi-vintage PN Blanc de Noirs Bollinger began releasing with the 2015 vintage. I can’t wait to see how it ages, but I also wouldn’t dream of touching a bottle any time soon, except for academic purposes.” 94+ points 

Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
September 2022

“An immediate nuttiness of grilled hazelnut along with freshly cut red apple peel, an edge of white pepper and melted candlewax mark the nose – very unusual. With air, this slowly verges onto baked skin of plum. That nuttiness is also apparent on the palate with a real phenolic and textural element, there is much density, almost a chewiness. Very fine acidity runs through this wine, expressing the customary Bollinger creaminess, underlined by finest foam, revealing a lovely hint of pithy bitterness, more pepper and nuances of ripeness expressed by baking spice. A most gastronomic Champagne and only at the beginning of a long trajectory.” 98 points 

Anne Krebiehl MW, falstaff.com
September 2022

B13

“The combination of a cool vintage and cool terroir is truly attractive for a blanc de noirs. Already the nose has a lovely zingy fruitiness to it: lemon custard, perfectly ripe peaches and elegant spicy and chalky tones. The ensemble comes across as elegant, super-juicy and purely fruity. The best of the Bollinger limited editions so far.” 93 points

Essi Avellan MW, Club Oenologique
December 2021

“For an 8-year-old champagne this is extremely vibrant, the red-fruit character from the pinot noir grape rather in the background. Quite a strict style with discreet lees creaminess. However the ripeness and power means that it isn’t austere. Feels bone-dry at the powerful, chalky finish.” 95 points

James Suckling, jamesuckling.com
December 2021

“It is certainly packed with fruit, but this fruit is pliable, generous and uncommonly glossy…B13 is a great success, and if you are new to Bollinger or have never really understood the appeal of these Pinot Noir-dominant wines, then this bottle might just tempt you away from the Côte des Blancs to the Dark Side…Out of a very challenging vintage, B13 is one of the most successful and most delicious wines.” 18.5/20

Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com
September 2021

“The bouquet is compellingly fresh and minty, complicated by notes of white fruit – notably pear and apple – and gentle spices, as well as a light touch of citrus. With aeration, elegant pastry notes come to the fore. On the palate, this is a structured, tension-filled but airborne Champagne with high acidity – a sign of the cool 2018 vintage. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years.” 93 points

Yohan Castaing, Decanter
October 2021

Château La Fleur de Boüard 2022

“Always attractive on the nose, the second half of this wine needs inspection to seek out proper balance, and it is here in 2022.  High-tone cherry notes, followed by cinnamon and spice and then a long, plummy finish, make this a well-made, balanced and combative wine.  The tannins are active and firm, and they will help to give the fruit enough time to resolve some of the harder edges.” 17+ points

Matthew Jukes
April 2023

Château La Fleur de Boüard 2015

“A superb ripe vintage, of course, with the wine drinking very well but with clear potential to benefit from more ageing, another 15 years at least. Medium-bright ruby; the nose is a real ‘come on’ veering towards ripe purple fruit, violets, with a savoury quality – a touch of Marmite or roasted meat, and a hint of spice. The tannins are excellent – silky, gentle and caressing, beautifully crafted and rounded. There’s concentration and intensity with blueberries, cedar, hints of cinnamon but the acidity and structure is all there with a fabulous balance and weight on the palate, capped off with a lick of citrus on the finish. Very special.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
November 2021

“This is excellent quality and among the best of the line-up. There is an impressive balance of flavours combining brambly fruits with gentle smoked almonds and charred cedar black spice, and the alcohol is generous but not intrusive. Always a leading name in Lalande-de-Pomerol, doing an excellent job in 2015.” 93 points

Jane Anson, Decanter
August 2019

Château La Fleur de Boüard 2014

“Medium ruby; the bouquet offers mulberry fruit, wood, a more herbal element than 2011, with an eucalyptus, minty lift, the wine is less savoury than 2011 with more mocha and chocolate. In the mouth the wine is very light and fresh, lovely purity to the fruit, with rounded, integrated tannins, structured but balanced. The finish is quite short, drying tannins truncating the length with a tight, crispy finish and lean, unripe cherry on the tail. A great match with food, think slow-cooked French, meat or vegetarian/ fish dishes with some heft to them.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
November 2021

Château La Fleur de Boüard 2011

“To look at the wine is medium ruby with some garnet edging; the nose is ripe, a full hit of black fruit, blackberry, cassis, with a meaty, savoury characteristic. The tannins are firm, ripe and well-integrated, the wine structured and elegant… mouth-filling. Time has been kind to the wine with the initial ripe concentration reported on release, tempered and aged well. Balance is excellent.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
November 2021

Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard 2022

“With more extraction and more noticeable oak than the estate wine (q.v.), this might be a bridge too far, but it works well.  The fruit has an extra dimension of juiciness which helps to support the density of the flavour and the silkiness, giving it a degree of dynamism and momentum often missing here.  This is very good fun in a showy and flamboyant manner. Just make sure that you like oak!” 17.5+ points

Matthew Jukes
April 2022

Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard 2013

“Very deep ruby; So pure, deep, broody and complex, with fantastic concentration. The bouquet is more floral than the 2011, there is also a hint of wet putty; on the palate the wine is fresh, ripe and broad, good balance with similarly micro-fine tannins and an almost dry sone texture. The wine feels less fresh than 2011, but still drinking well with a black fruit skin, slightly tart mouthfeel but firm and with depth.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
November 2021

Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard 2011

“Very deep ruby red; the bouquet is laden with plum, mulberry, chocolate, earth and chalk; there’s complexity here and better definition than the 2013; the palate is fantastically dense and concentrated and it is to the team’s credit here that freshness is the first sensation. There’s a real energy to the wine, micro-fine tannins, blueberry, black raspberry and tart cherry. Seriously impressive.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
November 2021

“The fruit is delicate but with a full-bodied freshness and structure from the careful use of well-integrated oak. A mouthful of cashmere: if this is what Lalande-de- Pomerol wines can be, expect to see more in any top cellar.”

Libby Zietsman-Brodie, City AM
November 2021

Rosso di Montalcino 2020

“A pretty mix of crushed cherries, roses and sweet spice wafts up from the 2020 Rosso di Montalcino. This is a pure and lifted expression with pleasantly ripe red fruits that mix with sour citrus and savory herbal tones to create lovely contrasts. Its minerality comes forward through the licorice-tinged finale, along with a gentle grip of fine tannins that frame the experience quite nicely. Ciacci did a fantastic job with their 2020 Rosso.” 91 points 

Rosso di Montalcino 2019

“A cooling whiff of minty herbs gives way to dusty cherry and sweet rosy florals as the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino unfolds in the glass. It’s pure and vibrant on the palate, with a cascade of bright wild berry fruits, herbs and minerals. There’s admirable length and a subtle tug of tannin that frames the experience nicely, as this tapers off with a lasting note of hard red candies.” 90 points 

Rosso di Montalcino, Rossofonte 2019

“Dark wood tones, underbrush and crushed black cherries can all be found as the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte grumbles up from the glass. It’s silky, nearly creamy on the palate, with polished red and black fruits that give way to exotic spice in a display of total elegance. While structured, its tannins are sweet and round, providing youthful grip without hindering the resonance of wild berries and licorice that lingers on and on. This is an impressive showing for the 2019 Rossofonte, but some cellaring will be required before it comes fully into focus.” 92 points

Eric Guido, Vinous.com
October 2022

Rosso di Montalcino, Rossofonte 2018

“Seductive nose of balsamic notes, sweet strawberries, rose and damson with forest floor nuances. Spicy on the palate with a warm well-integrated alcohol and long finish.” 96 points

Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

Rosso di Montalcino, Rossofonte 2016

“Aromas of red berry, camphor, rose and botanical herb lift out of the glass. The elegant, structured palate offers raspberry compote and licorice alongside polished tannins. This is one Rosso for moderate aging. Drink now through 2023.” 92 points

Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast
31st January 2019

“The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte (with 8,000 bottles produced) offers shapely tones of ripe fruit, summer cherry and fresh plum. This wine shows a point of extra ripeness (with 15% alcohol) that makes me think the fruit either came from younger vines (that tend to reach ripeness faster) or a warmer vineyard site. The wine is not overripe but it does offers lots of plush and easy primary fruit.”

Monica Larner, Wine Advocate,
31st January 2019

Brunello di Montalcino 2018

“Roasted herbs, walnuts, olives, dried cherries and balsamic on the nose with a touch of leather and sage. It’s full-bodied with firm, finely-knit tannins. Creamy and so well integrated with depth and class. Try after 2024.” 95 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
November 2022

Brunello di Montalcino, Pianrosso 2019

“Aged in Slavonian oak for 36 months, Pianrosso is a selection from the self-titled vineyard: 11 hectares in the lower southeast of Montalcino. The grapes were harvested between 11 September and 4 October 2019, suggesting a classic vintage. It shines for its Earl Grey tea aroma combined with dark cherry, cinnamon, liquorice, and a floral bouquet. The fruit character is very dark and precise, gorgeous in this vintage. Full bodied, thick and velvety with firm, long yet integrated acidity, it tapers on the finish, but this should be considered a signifier of its elegance.” 97 Points

Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter
September 2023

“Boasting great depth and extreme elegance, the drop-dead gorgeous Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso delivers crushed raspberry, succulent Morello cherry, star anise and crushed mint flavors while aromas of eucalyptus, wild rose, new leather and forest floor continuously lift out of the glass. It’s a smooth, stunning wine, with taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity that lend great aging potential and energy. Absolutely stunning. Drink 2029–2044.” 100 points

Kerin O’Keefe, #KOwine
October 2023

Brunello di Montalcino, Pianrosso 2018

“The impressive 2018 Pianrosso opens with classic aromas of new leather, underbrush, baking spice and mint. On the full-bodied, elegantly structured palate, enveloping, velvety tannins accompany dried cherry, raspberry compote, spiced cranberry, truffle and vanilla before a pipe tobacco close. Fresh acidity provides excellent balance. Drink 2025–2038. A superb wine.” 98 points

Kerin O’Keefe, #KOwine
October 2023

“This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Try after 2025.” 97 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
November 2022

“Aromas of graphite and ripe dark-skinned berry mingle with new leather and eucalyptus. On the polished, savory palate, taut, refined tannins accompany ripe raspberry, prune, dried cherry and hints of almond liqueur. Drink through 2032.” 95 points

Kerin O’Keefe, #KOwine
October 2023

“Delicious, full-bodied and boasting a weightless finesse, the 2016 Pianrosso is absolutely gorgeous, starting with its enticing aromas of red berry, tobacco, dog rose and eucalyptus. Smooth, concentrated and elegant, the palate delivers crushed raspberries, liquor-soaked cherries, blood oranges and licorice framed in tightly-woven, velvety tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2025–2036.” 98 points

Kerin O’Keefe, #KOwine
October 2023

“The compelling 2015 Pianrosso opens with classic aromas of new leather, underbrush, baking spice and mint. On the full-bodied, elegantly structured palate, enveloping, velvety tannins accompany dried cherry, raspberry compote, spiced cranberry, truffle and vanilla before a pipe tobacco close. Fresh acidity provides excellent balance. What a beauty. Drink 2025–2038.” 98 points

Kerin O’Keefe, #KOwine
October 2023

“Showing great elegance and structure, the dazzling 2013 Pianrosso has aromas of violet, tilled earth, crushed berry, truffle and spice. Delicious and full-bodied, the palate features succulent black cherry, raspberry compote and tobacco before finishing on a soothing liquorice note. Tightly woven, polished tannins and bright acidity keep it well balanced. It’s aging beautifully. Drink through 2033.” 98 points

Kerin O’Keefe, #KOwine
October 2023

“Aromas recalling red berry, forest floor, camphor and dog rose come to the forefront on the 2012 Pianrosso. Full-bodied and firm, the delicious, velvety palate shows spiced cranberry, blood orange and licorice before closing on a note of almond liqueur. Drink through 2032.” 95 points

Kerin O’Keefe, #KOwine
October 2023

“This is just beautiful, with aromas of forest floor, violet and perfumed berry. On the full-bodied palate, enveloping, velvety tannins wrap around dried cherry, liquorice, hazelnut and balsamic notes of menthol. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink through 2030.” 95 points

Kerin O’Keefe, #KOwine
October 2023

Croft Pink

“Croft was one of the first to fly the flag for blush fortified wine, which highlights sweet trifle-like red fruit on an oxidative backdrop. A lovely option for both summer sundowners and fruity desserts.”

Delamain Pale & Dry XO Centenaire

“A new incarnation of this 100-year-old classic, with a higher abv, a smaller bottle and notably more intense aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle, merging into lip-smacking tropical fruit and citrus notes. Creamy Madagascan vanilla, a glorious texture and a supremely long finish. Retains all the harmony and charm of the original.”

Richard Woodard, Decanter
23rd May 2021

“On the eye it is light to mid gold, with an orange/ light brown hue; the nose is elegant, with fruity notes of raisins, vanilla pod, apricot, grapefruit, citrus, fresh fig, a little rancio and leather; the front palate is light, naturally sweet, intense flavours of apricot, dried fruits, tingly on the tongue and then finishes with a lovely dry, smooth, long length. Just so light and smooth in the mouth.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
October 2020

Delamain Pale & Dry XO

“This exceptional house only makes Cognacs at XO level and above, so the Pale and Dry is its entry level. It is delightful and ethereal on the palate. Go on, treat yourself!”

Pete Stewart, Sunday Herald
23rd October 2016

Delamain Vesper XO

“Smells wonderful: complex, classic XO, with candied peel, a sniff of chocolate, Brazil nut and macadamia. Jamon too; umami sapid sweetness. Round and patined on the palate, but charged with zesty candied fruits before a tight, flinty rancio finish. Classy.” 97 points

Tim White, Australian Financial Review
3rd June 2016

Delamain Pléiade Collection Apogée Verrières Vintage 1965

“Collection Apogée Verrières 1965 boasts exuberant apricot and tropical fruit notes, a fine texture and the kind of biscuity sweetness you find on the crumbly edge of a tart.”

Alice Lascelles, Financial Times
November 2020

Delamain Pléiade Collection Pléntitude Vintage 1980

“Sourced from the hamlet of Mainxe, between Jarnac and Segonzac, this 40-year-old Cognac is at first a little tight-knit and austere, demanding patience. Richly aromatic, with fig and dark chocolate, it expends into caramel and dark honey, lifted by hints of mint. Complex and beautifully balanced.” 95 points

Richard Woodard, Club Oenologique
1st November 2020

Delamain Pléiade Collection Plénitude Vintage 1991

“A miraculous survivor of a frost-devastated year, this is a superb vintage Cognac from Delamain’s Pléiade programme of long-aged releases. Sourced from Verrières in Grande Champagne and matured for 30 years in an old Tronçais cask, it combines sumptuous orchard and tropical fruit flavours with complex notes of walnut, spice and vanilla.”

Richard Woodard, Decanter
December 2021

Delamain Pléiade Collection Bonneuil

“Long-aged, with scents of vine flowers, some almost confected fruit – sweet cherry to the fore – and alluring notes of nutmeg and cinnamon.”

Richard Woodard, Decanter
November 2021

Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2020

“This is not a domaine wine. Assertive nose of lime and minerals. Textured, with a mineral streak to the ripe pear fruit with some spice. Lovely.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2017

“There’s a lovely citrus core here with some fine nutty, herby details. Nice intensity with a slightly stony edge. Lemony flourish on the finish. Stylish stuff.” 91 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2014

“Another chiselled linear expression in the modern idiom. Green fruits, especially lime, grapefruit, nicely enriched by honey and vanilla. Very subtle oak. Exceptional.” 96 points

NA, World of Fine Wine
1st April 2016

Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2014

“The 2014 Chablis 1Er Cru Montmains saw partial maturation in demi-muids. It has a very composed, mineral-driven, flinty bouquet that unfurls with aeration in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, though perhaps it is missing the depth and substance to rank alongside the best Montmains. Enjoy this over the next 4-5 years.” 88 points

Neal Martin, Wine Adocate
31st August 2016

“The 2014 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains saw partial maturation in demi-muids. It has a very composed, mineral-driven, flinty bouquet that unfurls with aeration in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, though perhaps it is missing the depth and substance to rank alongside the best Montmains. Enjoy this over the next 4-5 years.”

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
15th July 2016

“Scents of white flowers in happy mix with spiced pear and hint of vanilla-careful oak? This sensuousness is firmly anchored by beautiful minerality on the palate, a signature of this focussed vintage. Again, a fine counterpoint of roundness and tension ending in a riot of minerals. Classic stuff.” 90 points

NA, World of Fine Wine
1st April 2016

Viré-Clessé 2017

This has some depth and richness with some peach and pear fruit. Nice weight here: there’s lots of ripe, alluring fruit. Has a stony edge, some mandarin, and a bit of peachy warmth. Rounded. 90 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Montagny 1er Cru 2017

“A well structured, elegant Rully with delicate pear character and a long and crisp mineral finish. Drink or hold.” 91 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
12th February 2019

Meursault 2014

“Lime blossom, citronella, toast, vanilla and citrus flavors pervade this sleek, tense white. Opens with air, staying focused and long on the finish. Best from 2018 through 2024.” 92 points

Wine Spectator

Meursault 2013

“Lime blossom, citronella, toast, vanilla and citrus flavors pervade this sleek, tense white. Opens with air, staying focused and long on the finish. Best from 2018 through 2024.” 90 points

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator – web only
2016

Savigny Beaune Blanc 1er Cru Hauts Marconnets 2020

“Chardonnay is rare in Savigny but the marl/limestone soils in this 2.18 hectare plot encouraged Chanson to plant it. Lively and pure with lovely citrus fruit. Very fine with nice purity and a fine citrus core, showing lovely acidity. Such finesse here.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Pernand Vergelesses Blanc 1er Cru Les Caradeux 2020

“East facing plot of 1.9 hectares on mid-slope, sharing soils with its neighbour Corton Charlemagne. Taut, linear and pure with nice precision. Fine spices, lemons and dried herbs, with a taut lemony edge.” 93 points 

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes 2020

“Chanson have 2 hectares of this east facing vineyard with clay limestone soils. Some bready notes on the nose. Fine, linear palate is supple with a nice acid line. Shows precision: fresh with a touch of oak.” 93 points 

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos de Mouches Blanc 2020

“Chanson have 4.5 hectares of Clos des Mouches, and this comes from a 2 hectare plot with sandy limestone soils. Taut, linear and finely spiced with good acidity and great purity. Bright and focused, this has lightness but also intensity.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos de Mouches Blanc 2017

“With a golden colour in the glass, this displays an intriguing combination of exotic fruits, green apple acidity, some reductive notes and toffee crème brulée characters. 2017 was a fine white wine vintage giving this Clos des Mouches a distinctive cool streak on the savoury, mineral-driven finish. A step up from the Savigny Blanc, Chanson’s Clos des Mouches comes from a 2ha plot of Chardonnay, planted high up on the hill on stony and sandy soils over limestone bedrock.” 92 points

Andy Howard MW
November 2022

“Toasty, lively and quite spicy with bright citrus fruit. Has some pear and toast richness, with a crystalline quality to the citrus fruit. Real precision here, with good acidity on the finish.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Corton Vergennes Grand Cru 2020

“A small vineyard on the hump of the hill of Corton. Intense, mineral and stony with a cedary spicy overlay from some very sophisticated oak. Shows great concentration and poise, with lovely freshness. Needs time to integrate.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Monthelie 1er Cru Clos Gauthey 2020

“West facing vineyard. Lovely pure ripe fruit here: generous cherries. Pure and expressive with a hint of olive and spice.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Santenay Beauregard 1er Cru 2020

“They have three hectares here in a plot on the top of the hill, with bony, stony soils. So pure, pretty and floral with lovely fruit focus. Low extraction style with appealing sweet ripe cherries and plums.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos du Roi 2020

“Floral and expressive with nice bright raspberry and cherry fruit. Has good acidity and a chalky, mineral core: a lovely expressive wine.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru Vergelesses 2020

“This has a lively sappy edge to the cherry and raspberry fruit nose. Nice concentration on the palate with good acidity, some green hints and a lively, spicy structural undercurrent.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Savigny 1er Cru Dominode 2020

“Chalky soils from the midslope. Wonderful summer pudding fruity nose. Intense, concentrated palate with fresh acidity and lovely defined structure. Great intensity here: lovely fruit and fine structure.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Marconnets 2020

“Chanson owns 4 ha of this 10 ha vineyard. Sweetly aromatic, floral and appealing, with a fleshy palate and vivid raspberry fruit. There’s good structure here, as well as a touch of liquorice.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Teurons 2020

“Four hectares owned by Chanson here. Bright and fruit driven, and also quite pretty. This has lovely focused cherry and berry fruit, with nice acidity. Rounded, supple and appealing.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Grèves 2020

“Sandy, gravelly soil. Very pure and fresh, but also well structured, with a firm core covered by sweet cherry fruit. This has a chalky mineral undercurrent. Very expressive.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes 2020

“A 2 hectare vineyard on the upper part of the hill, facing east. Aromatic, fine and floral with lovely fruit on the nose. Fresh and pretty on the palate with nice elegance and purity, as well as good structure. This is really appealing.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Fèves Monopole 2020 Bourgogne, France

“This is a 3.8 hectare Chanson monopole, midslope in the heart of the Beaune 1er Crus. Structured with some oak showing under the sweet vivid red cherry and raspberry fruit. Beautifully structured with nice purity and focus. There’s an openness here, but also good structure.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Corton White Vergennes 2019

“Lush and creamy, this white evokes peach, lemon cake and toasty oak aromas and flavors supported by a well-integrated structure. This firms up by the finish, where a tactile feel comes into play.”

B.S, Wine Spectator
October 2021

Savigny-Lès-Beaune Hauts-Marconnets 1er Cru 2019 White

“Light shiny gold; fresh, elegant nose, notes of lemon verbena, slight wisp of smoke; clean, pure palate with zingy lime and grapefruit, bright acidity and herbal, ginger overtones. Great complexity and quality for this price point, and nicely balanced to boot.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Savigny-Lès-Beaune Hauts-Marconnets 1er Cru 2018 White

“Chardonnay is relatively rare in Savigny, and the secret to this wine is the presence of chalky/limestone marl soils high up on the slope above Beaune. A 2.18ha site with south-east exposition, this reflects the warmth of the 2018 vintage, with plenty of weight on the palate and an attractive combination of bright acidity with citrus fruit. The oak is beautifully balanced and, with lots of purity of fruit, this is a very appealing and impressive Savigny blanc.” 90 points

Andy Howard MW
November 2022

Savigny-Lès-Beaune Hauts-Marconnets 1er Cru 2014 White

“Much the smokiest of the Chanson whites so far, with inviting struck-match notes not overdone because the quince and citrus zest sings through. There’s even a touch of clementine here. Really intense on the palate without any loss of freshness. Lots going on even now but also a promising furture. This is always one of my favourite Chanson whites and the 2014 does not disappoint.” 17/20

Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson
11th January 2016

Pernand-Vergelesses Les Caradeux 1er Cru 2019 White

“Unique mineral characteristics come from this East-facing mid-slop 1.9 ha vineyard close to the hill of Corton-Charlemagne. To look at the wine is light shiny gold; more intensity on the nose, complex and savoury, there’s a nutty element, nutmeg, coconut husk; wonderful balance in this wine with a richness and concentration to the fruit mid-palate, underpinned with lively acidity, then a complex mineral, citrus, finish. Shows off its fine pedigree at this early stage.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes 2019 White

“Shiny gold; complex nose with real power, citrus, apricot, hint of vanilla; on the palate the wine is really focused, dry and precise with a complexity and abundance of flavours, fresh citrus zest, saline, mineral, and finishes on a slightly richer, creamy note. Superbly balanced and really quite moreish.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Corton Vergennes Grand Cru 2017

“Fine toast and spice on the nose with sweet citrus fruit. Taut, refined palate with nice density to the well balanced citrus and peach fruit. Has a delicate nutty, toasty edge, and a fine crystalline quality to the fruit. Very expressive and quite mineral with precision and focus.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Corton Vergennes Grand Cru 2014

“Reserved aroma. The palate shows density, fresh vitality and lithe muscle. There is both vigour and restraint. It is compact and has wet-stone minerality. Savoury and firm on the finish, which became finer and more mineral with time. As it opened up, it could have revealed more nuance, but this terroir needs time, and it has the potential to improve and be scored more highly.” 93 points

Sarah Marsh MW, Club Oenologique
October 2022

Corton Vergennes Grand Cru 2011

“Amazingly heady and rich on the nose. Satin texture and so much its own boss. More refreshing than the Corton Charlemagne but certainly no leaner. Most impressive. Great white Burgundy! Crunchy and racy and complete.” 18/20

Jancis Robinson, Jancis Robinson
4th February 2013

Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2017

“Ripe and dense with some generosity to the sweet, subtly herbal cherry and plum fruit. Good structure with notes of herbs, cherries, spice and blackberries, as well as a twist of tar and stewed plum. This is structured, but there’s some ripeness, too. Nice density.” 92 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

St Véran 2016

“An elegantly floral nose, with savoury stone fruits, papaya, and a chalky note. The palate is upfront and juicy, with mild creamy and spicy hints.” 88 points

Stephen Brook, Emma Dawson MW, Matt Wilkin MS, Decanter
22nd February 2018

Le Bourgogne Chardonnay 2014

“A rich and juicy style of white Burgundy that has drive and tension from the acidity and an exuberance of fruit. A charming wine to drink now.” 88 points

NA, Decanter
1st November 2016

Beaune Bastion 1er Cru Blanc 2014

“Starts out with matchstick and petrol aromas, switching to lemon cake and white peach notes as this develops across the palate. Firm and chalky, presenting a lingering minerally quality on the finish. Drink now through 2025.” 93 points

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
28th February 2017

Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru Les Caradeaux 2015

“Drinks Business Chardonnay Masters 2017 – MASTER”

Patrick Schmitt, Drinks Business
8th January 2018

“Citronella, apple pie, peach and stone flavors are heightened by the vibrant acidity in this intense, detailed white.” 94 points

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
31st July 2017

Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes 2017

“Linear, bright and mineral with a citrus fruit core and a bit of spicy oak. There’s a tiny hint of bitterness under the fruit. Has a bit of pineapple and pear richness, too, and some hazelnut. Lovely focus.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes 2013

“Citronella, apple pie, peach and stone flavors are heightened by the vibrant acidity in this intense, detailed white.” 94 points

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
1st September 2016

“Light note of struck match, not quite toasty, but some hint of oak, mostly in the creamy oatmeal character. A great combination of flavours spreading across the palate and focus and clarity overall. Deep and long and satisfying.” 17.5/20

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com
7th January 2015

Givry 2016

“The tannins and density of this wine are serious, dominating the fruit at this stage. Later, they will serve to support the ripe berry flavors and acidity. This wine should develop well and be ready to drink from 2022.” 91 points

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
1st April 2019

Marsannay 2017

“Fresh, vivid and direct with bright, crunchy raspberry and cherry fruit with nice concentration and tannic structure. Very pure and compact with a floral edge and some black fruit character as well as red. Stylish stuff with nice intensity and good tannic structure.” 91 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

“A firm and powerful wine with a pronounced, earthy character, the bold tannins giving it plenty of personality, too. Good length and no hard edges. Needs hearty food like cassoulet or boeuf bourguignon to give its best. Drink or hold.” 88 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
12th February 2019

Gevrey-Chambertin 2017

“Have more than 4.5 hectares that they source from. Floral with sweet cherries and berries on the nose as well as a hint of green and rhubarb. The palate is vivid and fresh with green undertones to the fleshy berry fruits. Has nice freshness.” 90 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Gevrey-Chambertin 2013

“There’s purity to the cherry, strawberry, herb and spice flavors in this elegant and tightly wound red. Well-balanced and long on the finish. Best from 2017 through 2024.” 90 points

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator 
30th April 2016

Nuits Saint George 2013

“Features ample cherry, blackberry and violet flavors under a cloak of acidity and tannins, along with spice and earth accents. Finishes sharp, needing time to knit together. Best from 2017 through 2024.” 91 points

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator 
31st May 2016

Santenay Beauregard 1er Cru 2014

“This is a silky, supple Pinot Noir with sleek black cherry fruit showing hints of mint and pepper, as well as a fine-grained, mildly structured palate with crunchy cherry fruit, some sappy, peppery notes, and nice grip on the finish. There’s a freshness and savouriness here, adding a foil to the sleek cherry fruit. I really like the green, peppery stemmy notes that add detail here to the fruit. And a bit of bottle aged has helped this wine achieve massive drinkability.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

“Mature, pale garnet colour. Nut-sweet, evolved nose with cedary spice and hedgerow berry and red fruit sweetness and freshness. Light-bodied with the silkiest of textures (acids and tannins subsumed). Elegant, nutty sweet-earth, mature flavours but still beautifully fresh.” 93 points

Beaune Bastion 1er Cru 2013

“A rounded wine, this is a blend of different premier-cru vineyards in Beaune. It packed with raspberries and red cherries. The acidity, typical of the year, is restrained here by the ripe fruitiness. Tannins give the wine just the right amount of support.” 91 points

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
1st August 2016

Beaune 1er Cru Clos du Roi 2017

“This leads to open, gentle wines that mature quickly. Supple, bright and fresh with pure, bright, transparent red cherry and plum fruit. There’s a brightness and sapidity to this wine, which shows nice elegancy and purity.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Pernand-Vergelesses Les Vergelesses 1er Cru 2019 Red

“To look at the wine is medium ruby; the nose is intense and pretty at the same time, seductive aromas mingle of blue plum, cranberry, spices and a distinct orange peel note; there’s a lovely fresh entry which becomes more intense and muscular in the mid-palate, which is followed a dry stone-textured finish. The wine takes you on a bit of a journey but it is still focused and has terrific balance that is one of the characteristics of the new 2019 vintage.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Savigny-Dominode 1er Cru 2019 Red

“Dark ruby; the nose is intensely aromatic with wild bramble fruit, ripe red berries, forest floor, violets. On the palate the wine is complex with decent structure – there are ripe dry dusty tannins, lovely layered texture, great vibrant presence in the mouth, attractive violet and smoky blackcurrant note on the finish.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Beaune Clos des Marconnets 1er Cru 2019 Red

“A fine premier cru with dusky, autumn leaf characters and a beguiling fragrance. Plenty of bright acidity, precise tannins and finesse, with blackberry and blueberry fruit flavours followed by appealing spices on the finish. Classy and long. Marconnets is located at the northern end of the Beaune appellation with limestone/marl soils. Chanson owns 4ha (40% of the vineyard).” 91 points

Andy Howard MW
November 2022

Beaune Clos des Marconnets 1er Cru 2017 Red

“To look at the wine is pale ruby; the nose is pretty with notes of cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry, wet chalk cave; On the palate the wine is light to medium-weight, decent structure, nice crunch to the fruit, fine grained-tannins, flavours of cranberry coulis, blue plum skin, red plum flesh. Very pure and elegant with pretty ripe fruit framed with a firm structure and long, slightly spicy finish.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Grèves 2019 Red

“From the cooler 2017 vintage, this Grèves is cool, precise and leafy, with crisp cranberry and redcurrant fruit on the palate. Plenty of acidity and fine tannin suggest this has good ageing potential; a structured, elegant Beaune premier cru. Coming from the Mont Battois hill overlooking Beaune, this 2ha plot lies in the heart of the richest, most structured part of the Beaune vineyard. Gravel and clay soils combine with a high proportion of iron oxide.” 93 points

Andy Howard MW
November 2022

Beaune 1er Cru Grèves 2017 Red

“To look at the wine is light ruby, the nose is so completely different to the previous reds – slightly floral, red cherries, raspberry and a hint of cooking spice. On the palate the wine is luscious fresh and pure – like a  summer pudding with a dash of cream – and a distinct rosewater note on the lovely, fine-grained textured finish. Impressive.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2019 Red

“Fleshy on the palate, with wet leaf and savoury characters, dark cherry and damson fruit. Although there is plenty of ripe, rich and dark fruit here, the wine is abundantly Pinot and very Burgundian in style. Luxurious and fine, with a long future ahead. One of the most well-known Beaune premier crus, Chanson’s Clos des Mouches is a classy, youthful wine from its 2.5ha plot planted to Pinot Noir.” 93 points

Andy Howards MW
November 2022

“This is tightly wound, with a fine weave of tannins supporting black cherry, raspberry and violet flavors. Spice and mineral accents chime in as this winds its way down to the long, fruit- and spice-tinged aftertaste.”

B.S, Wine Spectator
September 2021

“To look at the wine is light-mid ruby; the nose is ripe, intense, with complex and pretty aromas of red berries, rose petals, spice. On the palate the wine is light, with a dense, refined texture, nice register and grip on the palate, velvety tannins, the flavours of redcurrant and cranberry are succulent and fresh – pure, juicy red berry fruit with an undercurrent of minerality and saline. Stunning – drink now or cellar.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2017 Red

“Another fine Clos des Mouches, this has a less vibrant hue than the 2019 with more development evident in the glass. Dusky, leafy, floral nose with a cool, restrained, autumnal style on the palate. Acidity more evident than the 2019 but the fruit is sweet and all the components make for a fine, balanced Pinot with potential for further ageing.” 93 points

Andy Howards MW
November 2022

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2016 Red

“Surprisingly deep in hue, with plenty of sweet, ripe dark cherry and plum on the palate. Crisp, briary acidity and good concentration. Not the longest finish, but a surprisingly good effort in this very tricky vintage. Best over the next three to four years.” 91 points

Andy Howards MW
November 2022

Beaune Clos des Fèves 1er Cru 2019 Red

“Though concentrated, with cherry, currant and boysenberry flavors, this red is also sleek and vibrant, with bright acidity and refined tannins, showing excellent balance and length. Sandalwood and earth notes add detail.” 93 points

B.S, Wine Spectator
September 2021

“To look at the wine is pale ruby; the aromas are complex and intriguing – red and black fruit, with much darker fruit than the previous red wines – black cherry, bramble fruit, earth and toasted spice. The palate has weight and intensity but is precise at the same time with terrific balance, layers of dark fruit and minerality. There is more flesh on the bones than Clos des Marconnets, riper fruit profile with more weight and intensity, and a long spicy finish. Really outstanding.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Beaune Clos des Fèves 1er Cru 2017 Red

“Lovely Pinot aromatics leap out of the glass, with notes of wet leaf, dusky characters and red berry fruit. Disarmingly sweet and ripe on the palate, this has a fine thread of ripe tannins and vivid acidity. Very restrained oak; ready now but will still improve. Les Fèves is one of Beaune’s very finest premier crus, with Chanson having the monopoly for Clos des Fèves, a 3.8ha site on clay/limestone on the mid-slope in the heart of the vineyard.” 93 points

Andy Howard MW
November 2022

Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Les Vergelesses 2017

“Taut, grippy and dense with bright raspberry and cherry fruit. Compact and quite backward at the moment with lots of tannin, but has lovely pure fruit and great concentration, and should develop nicely. A really dense wine.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Les Vergelesses 2013

“Always an impressive vineyard, it has produced a dense wine in this vintage. It’s full of both intense, perfumed red fruits and smoky, dusty tannins that give an elegant structure.” 92 points

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
1st August 2016

Savigny-Dominode 1er Cru 2017

“South part of Savigny near the motorway to Paris. Mix of clay, limestone and sand soils. Focused, bright and linear with good acid and tannin, showing bright cherry and berry fruits. This has a really brisk character to it. Keen acidity. Linear and grippy on the finish.” 90 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Savigny-Dominode 1er Cru 2011

“A four-acre parcel in the middle of this premier cru yields a wine with richness. Tannins are well-embedded in the red fruits and the wine shows good freshness at the end. It’s already delicious and perfumed, with a firm, dry core. Drink from 2017.” 90 points

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
1st August 2016

Beaune Teurons 1er Cru 2015

“Generous with a lot of black cherries, but also with a hint of something gamey. Medium to full body, fruity yet firm with some good acidity underneath. Drink or hold.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
12th February 2019

Beaune Teurons 1er Cru 2014

“More complex than the Clos du Roi – there’s fine red fruit, a light note of spice but it is far from simple. Tannins show some grip, though they are smooth. Depth and embryonic complexity. Well sustained and at the moment thickly textured. Freshness just right.” 16.5/20

Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson
11th January 2016

Beaune Grèves 1er Cru 2011

“This is a blend from ten different parcels of the Grèves vineyard. It’s beautifully smooth, hiding its structure behind generous red fruits as well as a fresh, crisp texture. It’s complex, warm, very perfumed and elegant. Drink from 2017.” 93 points

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
1st September 2014

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Fèves Monopole 2017

“Supple and fresh with nice precise, delicate red berry fruits. Has some elegance. There’s structure and acid, but they don’t impose themselves on the bright, linear fruit. Such a lovely, bright, focused wine with a lighter side to it. Lovely elegance and freshness, but also has a good future ahead of it.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Fèves Monopole 2012

“A beam of marinated cherry steams ahead in this vibrant, silky red. Vanilla, olive, earth and tobacco accents add complexity, while the finish tightens up. A pleasant, stony inflection lingers. Best from 2017 through 2026.” 91 points

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
15th November 2016

“Fragrant red-fruits nose, showing delicacy and charm. Sleek and elegant, yet concentrated, with firm tannins beneath. Has fine texture and excellent length.” 93 points

Stephen Brook, Decanter
1st April 2016

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2020

“Limestone subsoil covered with clay. Sweetly floral nose of aromatic cherries and plums. The palate is lively and fresh with good acidity, and it has a chalky, mineral underpinning. Both flesh and bones here.” 95 points

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2019

“Chanson is one of the major owners of Clos des Mouches. Shiny gold; the most floral and fruity of the four white wines tasted, quite subtle, hints of orchard fruit, citrus; the palate is focused, well-defined, fresh, quite ample in the mouth but perfectly poised with chiselled texture and really quite delicious.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer
3rd February 2021

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2016

“The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches wafts from the glass with a classy bouquet of wild berry fruit, rose petal, spices and rich soil tones. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a sapid core of fruit, powdery tannins and mouthwatering acids. This is a definite success chez Chanson.” 92 points

William Kelley, Wine advocate
30th April 2019

“Excellent floral fragrance – open, spicy, expressive. Pure red fruits too – redcurrant, cranberry. Smooth and rounded in texture, yet with enough tannin to support long ageing. Superb length.” 17,5/20

Jancis Robinson
28th November 2017

Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2011

“Firm and structured, this dense and dark wine offers ripe black fruits and a concentrated texture. It also shows good acidity and the fruitiness of 2011, giving a wine that is both rich and fresh. Age and drink from 2017.” 93 points

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
1st September 2014

“Ripe and rich, this full-bodied wine retains minerality as well as attractive acidity. Crisp lemon flavor is rounded out with peach and apple skin fruits. The wood, already integrated, gives richness and smoothness. Drink from 2016.” 93 points

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
1st September 2014

Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2014

“Full, dark red. Knockout nose combines dark raspberry, cranberry, orange zest, rose petal, pepper and sexy oak tones, plus a slightly wild meaty quality. Densely packed and seamless, offering youthfully reserved flavors of cranberry, spices and mocha; really bulletproof fruit here. Finishes with substantial, tactile, essentially fine-grained tannins and subtle rising length. This Clos de Bèze should unfold beautifully over the next 15 to 20 years.” 93 points

Stephen Tanzer, Vinious
March 2017

Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières 2020

“Southeast exposure, with predominantly clay soils. This is wonderfully stony and mineral with taut acidity. A fresh, expressive wine with great focus. Tight and linear.” 94 points 

Jamie Goode, WineAnorak.com
December 2021

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2014

“Though buttery and lush, this white has a firm backbone, with lemon cake, apple, spice and pastry flavors rounding out the profile. Lively acidity keeps this focused and long. Best from 2018 through 2029.” 93 points

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator – web only
2016

Fleurie 2013

“Mellow with a lovely redcurrant scent and lightly spiced Victoria plum flavour. Delicious with Chinese five-spice duck.”

Susy Atkins, Sunday Telegraph Stella
22nd February 2017

“We can enjoy it in this very fine example drawn from the Lieu Dieu vineyard in the warmest southern part of Fleurie, another good summer bargain.”

Tomas Clancy, Sunday Business Post
14th August 2016

Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2014

“A fragrant style, featuring sandalwood, rose, olive and sweet berry aromas and flavors. Elegant and complex, with fine harmony, though this needs a few years to come together. Shows finesse and a terrific aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2040.” 95 points

Wine Spectator

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Charmois 2012

“Bright fresh oaky citrus and spiced aroma. Broad and flavourful but quite light on the mid palate. Then surprisingly persistent. Relatively soft but still fresh.” 16/20

Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson
8th January 2014

Dropello 2019

“An elegant white Sangiovese with appealing aromatics: lemony and herbal, zesty grapefruit and candied peel. Lovely depth of flavour; the mineral-citrus palate is balanced with poised acidity. Crisp and clean; try it with seasonal spring and summer vegetable pasta dishes.” 91 points

Julie Sheppard, Decanter
February 2021

Pactio 2016

“Intense notes of minty bramble, black tea, tobacco leaves and leather. Vibrant acidity on the palate.”

Bronze Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“Generous nose of jammy red fruit, leather and mocha. Juicy with a firm structure.”

Susan Hulme MW, Andrea Briccarello & Annette Scarfe MW, Decanter
1st September 2021

Lodai 2015

“Aromas of currant and flower leaf follow through to a medium body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Needs a year or two to soften.” 91 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
28th August 2017

Messiio  2013

“Plenty of berry and fresh herb character. Hints of chocolate, too. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a flavourful finish. Merlot. Nicely done and fun to drink now.” 92 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
28th August 2017

Fonseca Siroco

Hambledon Classic Cuvée

“Lovely complex nose with ripe apple, honeycomb and crystalline citrus with some hints of peach and smoked lemon. The palate has freshness and complexity with some subtle appley oxidative notes adding a savoury twist, and notes of plum, cherry and orange peel, finishing with bracing acidity that counters the inherent richness of this wine. Very impressive.” 92 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
31st March 2023

“Hampshire’s Hambledon is one of the stars, its Classic Cuvée a tingling, Cox’s apple-tangy, subtly toasty delight.”

David Williams, The Guardian/Observer
11th July 2021

“This is a complex, serious, complete fizz, with bracing lemony freshness and well integrated racy acidity, but also some toast, marzipan and honey richness, as well as a touch of baked apple and a pleasant savoury sour note. It covers the full flavour spectrum, with some cherry and grapefruit, too, and it’s a brilliant example of using reserve wines to good effect to add layers of depth and complexity. The relatively low dosage avoids obscuring some of the details. This is quite brilliant.” 93 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
30th June 2021

“An attractive, complex vinous offering of red and green apple, cut by citrus and brioche with vibrant effervescence.” 92 points

Silver Medal, International Wine Competition 2021

“The voluminous bouquet displays scents of Braeburn apples, baking bread, light melon and shale-like aromas that are very harmonious and well defined. The palate is fresh with a sharp citric peel note on the entry that enlivens the senses. Taut and steelier than expected, this is a vibrant and tensile Brut whose salinity begs for some seafood to accompany it. Excellent.” 91 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
8th July 2020

“Ripe apples and a bit of matchstick and pear. Quite a bit of green herbs (in a good way) on the palate. Very much a vertical core; steely and lime and yogurt and tarragon. Refined and the verging on almost-too-painful acidity kept in perfect control. Long, though, with real tang.” 16.5/20

Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
13th February 2019 

Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé

“Very moreish and textural – a great showcase of the evolution of Hambledon’s Classic Cuvée pink iteration. Lifted nose, with notes of cranberry, pink grapefruit, cherry pie and almonds. The palate is enveloping and creamy, with crunchy red apples, pears and red cherries topped by a delicious umami aspect of cured cheese and salted nuts.” 93 points

Ines Salpico, decanter.com
September 2022

“Seductive raspberry aromatics. Elegant and complex palate with creamy texture, raspberry and wild strawberry characters, and a hint of spice. Bright acidity on a persistent finish.” 95 points

Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
7th July 2021

“The forward, well-delineated bouquet features strawberry, clementine and light marine-influenced aromas that together form quite complex aromatics; with aeration, it becomes increasingly leesy. The palate is very fruit-forward on the entry, continuing with that strawberry leitmotif, hints of mango and orange, and a lively, quite spicy finish that reveals a dab of ginger. The nose seems to have more sophistication than the punter-friendly palate, but overall a decent sparkling rosé to drink now.”

Neal Martin, Vinous
8th July 2020

“Pale pink in colour. Sappy with nice green hints and some leafiness. Nice bright citrus and cherry notes with some redcurrant. Very lively and expressive.” 91/100

Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com
20th February 2019

“Pale Provençal pink. Creamy red fruit but still has that lovely smoky chalk character of the Première Cuvée. Dry but with a rounded fruit finish. Excellent fruit depth, just a little bit of felt sweetness on the finish so you get a sweet/sour Victoria plum finish and a slight boiled-sweets (hard-candy) after-effect.” 16.5/20

Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
15th June 2018

Hambledon Première Cuvée

“Lovely aromatics of wax, nuts, honey and spice as well as vibrant citrus fruit. The palate is lively and complex with ripe pear and citrus, a touch of cherry and cranberry, and also some grapefruit. This is really complex and mouthfilling with lovely density and intensity, showing beautiful complexity.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
31st March 2023

“Estate-grown on Hampshire chalk. 67% Chardonnay, 11% Pinot Noir and 22% Pinot Meunier, mostly from the 2014 harvest, with barrel-aged reserve wines. A worthwhile step up from the Classic Cuvée this, with its rather refined sourdough bread, set honey and sweetly-spiced nut oil oak notes complementing the focused, lightly charry grapefruit and cooking apple fruit. This edition feels more refined and harmonious than some of the previous ones.” 91 points

Tome Hewson, Tim Atkin MW English Wine Report 2021
October 2022

“Lots of grapefruit Chardonnay with almond pastry richness and some floral, aromatic notes coming from somewhere. Feels quite developed with some wet wool and stone, but there’s enough red apple friendliness to offer some balance too. Quite serious.” 90 points

Tim Atkin MW
Tim Atkin MW English Wine Report 2021

“Full yellow in colour, this is structured and taut, with some apple and pear richness but also citrus freshness, with immense concentration and very fine acidity, which is fully present but integrates beautifully. There are some bread/pastry notes, as well as some fine toast and nut characters, with the low dosage allowing all the different flavours to express themselves: lime, herbs, green apple, sour cherry, pastry and spice. Serious stuff with its own distinctive personality.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
30th June 2021

“Tight and toasty with excellent acidity. Complex toast, smoke and lemon aromas. Bright citrus palate with tangy fruit concentration. Bone dry and very long.” 96 points.

Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
7th July 2021

“The NV Première Cuvée comes from pre-selected grapes, 14% fermented in French oak, the remainder in stainless steel with a minimum 46 months on the lees. It has a dosage of 2g/L. Initially steely and reserved, it only takes a couple of swirls to reveal more leesy aromas, touches of baked bread and yellow flowers; there is fine definition here. The palate is well balanced with a touch of sour lemon on the entry that segues into a leesy midpalate. This is a classy English sparkling wine: taut and focused with saline notes defining the energetic finish. Recommended.” 92 points.

Neal Martin, Vinous
8th July 2020

“Mid straw colour with admirable depth of flavour and some obvious evolution already but still very zesty and refreshing. Complex and satisfying.” 17/20

Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com
25th June 2019

“It smells like champagne. Rich and leesy, and broad. Hugely impressive, takes up all the space, stands with wide shoulders and feet wide apart, commanding. Something a little salty. And then just as it seems to be all about making a full-frontal impact you realise that the finish is vertical and incredibly intense and it pulls in, apricots and salted lemons and orange peel and as tightly and precisely folded as origami in marble. Texture that somehow reminds me of silk and sandpaper.” 17.5/20

Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
13th February 2019 

Hambledon Première Cuvée Rosé

“This is a Pinot Meunier-driven sparkling rosé made using the saignée method, showcasing a dark salmon-pink colour. Based on the 2016 vintage, the latest release was bottled in 2017 and disgorged in 2022. Toasty on the nose with caramelised red apple and red berries. The palate is full-on and rounded, featuring brioche and biscuit, complemented by zingy red pomelo and red apple, refreshed by bright acidity (9g/l). A satisfying rosé with spectacular breadth and flavour concentration. Elegantly poised, it still has plenty of life ahead.” 93 Points

Sylivia Wu, Decanter
September 2023

“Hambledon, to my mind, have been leading the charge in Hampshire, if not the whole of England, with richer styles of sparkling wines that have been grabbing headlines. Having released their elegant, classic cuvée rosé last year to great applause, this year’s offering is a quirky, very limited edition of pink made with 100% Pinot Meunier – the grape that even in Champagne is usually only used in blends and even then, only in small quantities. Deep pink, almost red in fact, with an intriguing, smoked meat quality balanced by ripe, morello cherry notes, this sparkler is bone dry with a wonderful sappy texture and toastiness. Beguiling and unique, you could easily match this with meat dishes too. Grab a bottle if you can find it!”

Helena Nicklin, Luxurious Magazine
1st January 2020

“The Hambledon Première Cuvée Rosé Dosage Zero (100% Pinot Meunier with 48 months on lees) is a bold wine; there is certainly nothing quite like this coming from England at the moment. Think plum skin, crab-apple jelly and wild red cherry jam, touched by savoury nuances like tar and even dried leaves. There is a touch of light marmalade and set-honey development here too. This has avoided bitterness or extraction on the palate, normally so noticeable in very dry Rosés – some roundness and creaminess fills out the mid palate and keeps the wine moving before a gentle hedgerow tartness closes it off.”

Tom Hewson, Six Atmospheres English Wine Report 2020
November 2019

“This is a varietal Pinot Meunier, mainly from the 2015 vintage (plus some older barrel-aged wines), with zero dosage. A full pink/red colour, this has a powerful nose of red cherries, some rhubarb, and some sappy herby notes. The palate shows lovely herb-tinged, subtly leafy red cherry and strawberry fruit, with the acidity integrated perfectly. Despite the lack of dosage, this doesn’t seem at all acidic or bracing: the fruit carries the palate so well. Nice tartness on the finish, with a little tannic bite that makes it incredibly food friendly. A remarkable wine that defies easy categorization, and beautifully put together.” 93/100

Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com
20th February 2019

Chardonnay 2021

“Inviting aromas of lemon peel, white peaches, sweet thyme and lavender. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Bright, expressive and a bit stony. Subtle tannins give lovely structure and length to the charming fresh fruit. Sustainable. Drink or hold.” 92 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

“The 2021 Chardonnay is 100% whole bunch pressed with an 80% wild ferment and nine months on the lees (27% new oak from François Frères). It has a very perfumed bouquet with honeysuckle, grapefruit and light wild honey scents that is nicely supported by the oak. The palate is crisp on the entry with fine acidity. There is a fine sharpness to this Chardonnay, a twist of sour lemon and orange rind towards the finish and a saline aftertaste. This is very promising.” 91 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

Chardonnay 2020

“Lower in alcohol than the 2019 release – the vintage was cooler, explains Emul Ross – this nuanced Chardonnay combines grapes from 22 different blocks on the farm and confirms the wine’s status as one of the best examples in the Cape. Focused and saline, with subtle notes of struck match reduction, fine oak and some texture from 10% malolactic. Bravo!” 96 points

Tim Atkin MW’s South Africa Report 2021

“The 2020 Chardonnay has a light bouquet with touches of honeysuckle and jasmine, well defined but in need of a little more presence. The palate is fresh and vibrant with fine acidity, quite zen-like, and steely and saline toward the finish. This is a much leaner style of Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell.” 90 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
July 2021

“This white is racy up front, chiseling flavors of melon, nectarine and Mandarin orange into a linear frame, but then expanding on the palate, with lightly silky texture carrying the juicy fruit and expressive accents of pickled ginger, chopped hazelnut, lime blossom and smoke. Drink now through 2026.” 92 points

AN, Wine Spectator
November 2021

Chardonnay 2019

“It has a clean, crisp bouquet of citrus fruit infused with smoke and hazelnut aromas, quite understated in style. The palate is well balanced, taut and linear, displaying fine acidity and gaining depth toward the persistent, saline finish. This is a superb Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell. Excellent.” 93 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

Chardonnay 2017

“Melon, yellow apple, white peach and quince flavours give this an opulent feel, harnessed by honeysuckle and quinine accents.” 93 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
15th June 2019

“The 2017 vintage really is a brilliant year for Cape whites, as this stellar, world famous Chardonnay confirms. Tighter and more focused than the 2016, it has notes of beeswax, citrus and tangerine, embellished by aromatic oak. The best release yet of Hamilton Russell Chardonnay.” 96 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2018

“Melon, yellow apple, white peach and quince flavors give this an opulent feel, harnessed by honeysuckle and quinine accents through the finish, showing refinement and length in the end.” 93 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
15th October 2018

“A really stylish white with white stones, dried apricots, white blossoms, lemon curd, jasmine and caramelized citrus peel. Medium to full body, some really nice phenolic texture, very zesty acidity and an pinpoint finish.” 94 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
25th June 2018

Pinot Noir 2021

“Anthony and winemaker Emul Ross think this, from a cool, late harvest, is the best Pinot they’ve made. It’s certainly the best of the 11 I tasted: a beautifully expressive wine with almost understated intensity and linear structure and exceptionally fine, silky, tannins. It’s lighter and more graceful than some vintages, but longer, more layered and somehow more hedonistic. The fruit has a pristine purity and elegance and touches on red apple and spice (a little reminiscent of top Meunier) as well as rose, raspberry and cherry. The sweet, nutty oak is a background murmur.” 96 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

“Aromas of cherries and wild strawberries with dried herbs, paprika, citrus rind and stones. Medium-bodied with round texture. Refined and delicate pinot with juicy character, impressive tension and length. Lingering finish with notes of nut shell and spices. Sustainable. Drink or hold.” 93 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

“The 2021 Pinot Noir includes 12% whole bunch, the rest de-stemmed but not crushed, matured for nine months in barrel using 27% new oak. It has quite a potent nose with peppermint-tinged red fruit, fine purity and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a sappy entry, mainly brambly red fruit, hints of tobacco and a touch of piquancy on the slightly chewy finish. Fine, but give it a couple of years in bottle.” 90 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

Pinot Noir 2020

“Ripeness achieved at the lowest alcohol since 1996. This wine grew on me. At first, the nose seemed slightly fuzzy around the edges, lacking the expected definition and purity, and there was something about it that I can only describe as biscuity. But it gradually gave way to appealing rose-petal and Victoria-plum sweetness, with just a suggestion of vanilla. Taken together with the energy, salty depth and creaminess of the palate, it makes for a lithe and interesting HRV Pinot.” 94 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

“Bouncing back from the fires in 2019 – and then some – this is the best young Pinot Noir release I’ve tasted from Hamilton Russell. Representing a subtle shift in style towards greater perfume and fruit, this is a detailed, finely judged blend of clones 113, 115 and 667, with svelte tannins, tidy acidity, rose petal top notes and skilfully integrated oak.” 96 points

Tim Atkin MW’s South Africa Report 2021

Pinot Noir 2019

“After a fire swept through the most important HRV Pinot Noir vineyards in January, they rejected 84% of the estate’s Pinot because of smoke taint and supplemented the remaining 16% with the best Pinot grapes they could find in the other two Hemel-en-Aarde appellations, hence the Walker Bay designation and the absence of ‘Vineyards’ from the name. With less impact from the estate’s’s iron-rich clay, the result is a softer, more approachable style, with sweeter raspberry and blackberry fruit and less insistently mineral backbone, but it’s a close cousin of HRV and has its own complexity.” 91 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

“This has an open, quite herbal bouquet of vibrant red and black fruit, underlying sous-bois notes coming through with aeration. The well-balanced palate offers fine-grained tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Open and expressive, with a pinch of black pepper on the cohesive finish. Given the trauma suffered this vintage, this should be considered a success, not least because it still seems to bear the imprimatur of Hamilton Russell.” 91 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

Pinot Noir 2018

“Bright ruby. A wine of intensity, volume and presence; powerfully savoury and mineral with a top note of perfumed raspberries. Dark, crunchy fruit – both red and black – infused with red meat and wet-stone umami notes on the palate and sustained by creamy, chalky tannins that give a firm, structural framework. The acidity has ‘sweetness’ and energy, and the oak is subtle (55% blonde – essentially untoasted – a significant component in all vintages from around 2011). Even tinier yields than usual: 14.67hl/ha. Anthony says it’s ‘a more Hamilton Russell vintage’ than the more respected 2017.” 94 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

Pinot Noir 2017

“A celebrated, warm vintage that produced larger yields (partly because there was a component from a new, less marginal vineyard) of fully ripe grapes at lower than average alcohol. The endemic vineyard yeasts they’ve been using since 2015 are inefficient converters, says Anthony. The wine has the effortlessness and charm of 2015, but in a lighter, more ethereal, finer-boned mould. It opens with an immediately engaging cherry scent and beautiful, precise fruit that’s offset by a flowing undertow of briny seaweed. Gossamer-fine tannins give a silky texture that carries it through to a lifted, fresh finish. A very eloquent wine.” 95 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

“Continuing the subtle changes that have occurred under Emul Ross, the Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is now a worthy stable mate for the estate’s Chardonnay. This shows the acidity of the 2017 vintage, with a fine perfume of wild strawberry and dried mushroom, subtle wood and a dense, complex, savoury finish.” 95 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2018

“Fresh red cherries, blueberries, rose petals, stems, nutmeg, licorice and spice box. Medium to full body, refined tannins, savory undertones and a caressing finish. Lovely tension to this. So refined and elegant.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
25th June 2018

“Offers a lovely mix of gently steeped cherry, plum and raspberry fruit flavors, infused with singed anise, black tea and incense notes. A light mineral edge underscores the finish and the acidity is finely beaded.” 93 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
15th June 2015

Pinot Noir 2016

“The harvest was remarkably similar in timing to 2015, but the growing season was wetter and a little warmer and the wine is quite different: where 2015 was all charm, 2016 has a bit of a scowl. The colour is slightly darker, the wine is firmer, tighter and earthier with gruffer, grainier tannins and the saline and graphite-mineral side is much more pronounced. If that sounds less attractive, it’s more challenging, for sure, but I wouldn’t count against this wine turning into a swan. Already, given time in the glass, an alluring wild strawberry, rose petal and spice fragrance emerges.” 93 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

Pinot Noir 2015

“An early, quick and cooler than average vintage and yet, counterintuitively, the alcohol is higher than average (over 14%) and the wine more opulent, softer and fuller textured than most. The nose has a flamboyant prettiness and immediacy – heady roses, earthy spice and sweet cherries. The palate is rich and sensual, but there’s a tangy red-cherry vibrancy and characteristic savoury accent, tannic backbone and tension. For now, generosity and bonhomie have the upper hand, but an underlying rigour will carry this forward with developing complexity. Emul Ross’ first full vintage.” 94 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

Pinot Noir 2009

“Distinctive liquorice and salty notes overlaying orange blossom and sweet orange, cranberry and juniper. Broad in shape with firm tannins, although silkier than previous wines, and the toasted oak, though evident, is finer and more polished (by this time, they were more focused on one cooper, François Frères, rather than using a variety, and on moderated toasting). The finish is a little abrupt and there isn’t the finesse of later wines, but there’s a lot going on and more to come. It was a celebrated vintage for South African wines, ‘but not top for us,’ says Anthony.” 93 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

Pinot Noir 2001

“Deep, bright garnet. Very umami and savoury with balsamic and soy sauce notes combined with dried red berries. A big, richly textural, more monumental wine with a denser, weightier concentration of tannins – architecturally, more brutalist in style. There’s a touch of bitterness and acidity on the finish and the oak shows itself in a spicy, slightly chunky way, although the percentage of new oak was only 52% and the rest second-fill. A cool, dry, cloudy vintage but one that allowed a long hang-time.” 92 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

Pinot Noir 1997

“Sweet, spiced-cherry perfume and complex umami balsamic notes conveyed from nose to palate together with sweet pipe-tobacco, oak and a hint resin. There’s richness, fullness and a firm structure allied to fine detail in a vintage that Anthony says was ‘hugely respected’. The vines were quite different by this stage, the original, virus-affected Swiss clone having been replaced with virus-free Dijon selections (777, 667, 115, 113), the first in South Africa. The wine was only eight months in barriques, but 100% new Allier.” 94 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

Pinot Noir 1983

“Made from vines aged 3–6 years. Garnet in colour with more brightness and depth than 1981. A riper, sweeter nose with dried-cherry fruit and without the leathery edge. Fuller on the palate and still showing oak (it had 18 months in barrique, compared to 10 today) and some tannin, but they’re balanced by a creamy, caramel-and-cappuccino texture and flavour. Lasted longer in the glass than 1981. Remarkable.” 93 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

Pinot Noir 1981

“The winemaker’s notes for the release of this first vintage in October 1982 say: ‘Recommended length of laying down: 5–15 years’. Forty years on, we’re tasting two of Anthony’s five remaining bottles and the garnet-brown wine is thinning at the rim but undeniably alive when opened. After 40 minutes, it’s fading to leathery thinness, but before that it smells of spice, sweet leather, soy, sweet earth and dried fruit. The palate is supple and silky, but still has structure, acidity and a hint of menthol coolness and the finish is spicy with the dry smoothness of polished leather.” 92 points

Joanna Simon, Club Oenologique 
March 2023

Full Rich Doce

“I adore top flight Madeira and this brand is a superstar. The flavour is tangy and nutty but not acidic and it’s rich and all-pervasive on the palate but not gloopy or cloying. Drink it with the salted chocolate and liquorice tart for a mind-blowing combination of flavours.”

Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com
10th September 2016

3 YO Full Rich

“With bags of fig, plum, raisin and coffee-and-caramel flavours that are offset by characteristic shooting acidity, this luscious, tangy fortified wine more than fits the bill. Serve chilled with chocolate cakes, fruit desserts, and your favourite chocolates. A delicious and affordable Madeira with great excitement on the finish.”

James Viner, Sevenoaks Chronicle
12th February 2015

10 Year Old Sercial

“A complex oxiditave wine with layers of walnuts, toffee and orange zest leading on to a long tapering finish.” 94 points

Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2021

“Candied citrus peel in a dried fruit festival. With cheddar it’s heaven”

Olly Smith – Mail on Sunday Event
16th April 2017

10 Year Old Malvasia

“This is one of those ‘everybody must savour’ world-class fortified wines. In a word: epic. In two: life-affirming. Plum pudding wafts beneath grilled walnuts, dried fruits, coffee, burnt toffee, Christmas cake, molasses and caramel; it lingers on and on. Full-bodied, luscious, sweet, delicious and tangy.”

James Viner, Times of Tunbridge Wells
December 2021

“Dense palate packed with dried fruits and nuts, with a twist of molasses on the finish.” 90 points

Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2021

15 Year Old Sercial

“Refined orange peel and butterscotch aromas. Off-dry with a medium intensity palate of dried apricot and marmalade with a smooth-textured finish.”  94 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

15 Year Old Verdelho

“Complex multilayered wine with nuts pineapple and dried apricot with a hint of caramel, a long intense finish.” 93 points

Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2021

“Sweet and spicy with bold, rich intense toffee and raisin notes. Very sweet and more-ish with lovely intensity and depth. Has great concentration.” 93 points

Jamie Goode
13th August, 2017

15 Year Old Bual

“Demerera sugar sprinkled over dried fruits and nuts – fresh acidity creates good balance with the rich sweetness.”91 points

Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2021

“There are only two names in Madeira’, or so the local saying goes… These H&H blends are the best of the genre and regularly win Gold Medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards. This is mid-amber to mahogany in colour with an olive-green rim. It has enchantingly complex aromas of toffee-apple with just a hint of malt and wood smoke. On the palate it displays figgy-raisiny depth, beautifully textured with a lovely incisive tang to offset the richness on the finish.” 94 points

Richard Mayson, Decanter
3rd April 2019

“Deep browny gold. Nutty, walnuts, and benefits from being served cool. Very clean and with a dry quality to the finish even though it is obviously not dry. Creamy and textured and very intense. Chewy, crisp, complex. Clean finish of sour-apricot fruit.” 17/20

Julia Harding MW, janicisrobinson.com
16th February 2018

15 Year Old Malvasia

“Very soft, quite sweet and open-textured. Rich throughout with dried herbal essences, raisins, cheese and oak. Beautiful.” 93 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“One of the few surviving producers on this unique volcanic island, founded in 1850, it is the only producer which owns large tracts of its own vineyards on the island. This is the Madeira to offer someone who has never tasted it before. Complex with caramel and nut notes, sweet raisiny undertones and characteristic crisp acid, it’s perfect for serving with Christmas cake. A fortified to suit all ages – not just maiden aunts.”

Rose Murray Brown, The Scotsman
6th December 2014

20 Year Old Verdelho

“This alluring Verdelho, now with a vital two decades of maturity under its belt, is a translucent walnut in colour. The classic Madeira ageing process (which involves both heat and air) has left the wine aromatically glittering and multi-faceted: sweet and faintly smoky yet tangy with apple and grape fruits and decked with toffee, caramel, meat bouillon and mushroom. On the palate, this Verdelho is almost surprisingly dry after the sweet promise of the aromas, fresh with yet more apple and grape, and clean-finishing thanks to the pungent, sweeping acidity characteristic of all of the island’s wines. A toothsome mid-morning or mid-afternoon treat … and no hurry to finish the bottle, either.” 98 points

Best in Show, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“A firm with a distinguished pedigree: Henriques & Henriques were founded in 1850 and from 1938 to 2008 were run by father and son, Peter and John Cossart. H&H have 10ha of verdelho at Quinta Grande on the south side of Madeira, making it the largest vineyard on the island. It’s a deep amber-mahogany color. offering lovely smoky aromas with a touch of cigar box and gunpowder tea. Lemon and lime marmalade flavors are joined by a long streak of acidity which offsets the richness of age. Long, lithe and very pure.” 96 points

Richard Mayson, Decanter
3rd April 2019

20 Year Old Malvasia

“Still vibrantly fresh with acidity lifting the natural sweetness.”

Steven Spurrier, Decanter
1st February 2015

20 Year Old Terrantez

“Beautifully refined nose of roasted hazelnuts and fig and lovely seasoned wood. Lovely savoury, butterscotch richness with a touch of malt, with a lithe bittersweet finish.” 96 points

Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“In the mouth, it is medium dry, with notes of poire tapée – dried, textural pear – with dried apricots and fig, complexing notes of nutmeg, vanilla, tobacco, passionfruit seeds (tartness and nuttiness) and caramel splinters, wed to a backbone of smoky, mineral acidity. Lingering nutty wood and salty, seaweed notes to the finish. Satisfying.”

Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective
April 2021

“Mid-deep amber. Preserved lime and orange peel, hazelnut and walnut skins with some candied character and raisin. Toffee, caramel and smoke, with flint mineral aromas. Medium sweetness, with cooked orange, spice, smoke and mellow walnut skins. Integral and long, with a toffee-chocolate finish. Lots of intensity and concentration, and lovely length” 17/20

Jancis Robinson
7th March 2019

“Much more nuts than fruits on the nose. Tighter and less textured than the Boal 15 Year Old. With the terrific acidity it tastes drier than it is. But it’s arrow like in direction and has delicious burnt-apricot fruit character.” 17.5/20

Julia Harding MW, janicisrobinson.com
16th February 2018

“Drinks Business Fortified Masters – GOLD”

Medium Rich Madeira 1998

“Though its not advertised on the label, this is a Tinta Negra. Very good too. Rich but very balanced with a smooth, generous mid-palate of dried fig and malty chocolate orange. A complexing tobacco and dried herb-laced finish with welcome edge to its roundness. Nice persistence.”

Sarah Ahmed, thewinedetective.co.uk
14th December 2016

20 Year Old Bual 2000

“Drinks Business Fortified Masters – GOLD”

“Chestnut with greenish rim. Sober and elegant on both nose and palate, very complex and balanced. Delightful.” 96 points

Jesus Barquin, World of Fine Wine
1st December 2016

Single Harvest Sercial 2001

“Harmonious marmalade, hazelnuts, caramel, and savoury-nutty aromas. Some sweetness, with intense citrus and dried apricots, apple, quince and a touch of bonfire. Lovely mouthfeel and layers of flavour with a lovely “sweet and sour” finish.” 98 points

Platinum medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“The 2001 Henriques & Henriques Sercial Single Harvest Madeira is one of the best I’ve ever tasted and it’s not crazily expensive. It’s sweet, but it has also got an acidity that should work very nicely with dried fruits.’”

Andreas Rosendal, Club Oenologique
October 2021

“Deep orangey gold. Nutty, bitter-orange aroma. Chewy, crisp, really chewy in a way that others are not. Has all the bitter orange and super-reduced apricot flavours but also lovely texture. Great length too. Tangy and deliciously bitter-orange on the finish.” 17.5/20

Julia Harding MW, janicisrobinson.com
16th February 2018

Single Harvest Verdelho 2007

“Buttery, nutty aromas with a touch of casky ranchio. Smoothly textures with smoky dates, apricot and caramel flavours. Well-balanced by steely acidity.” 93 points

Silver medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“It charmed the judges with its, “confit orange, sesame oil and leather nose, its lovely acidity and its roasted cashew and orange chocolate notes.”

Wine Merchant Top 100 2021

Cornas Terres Brûlées 2020

Attunga 1865 Clare Valley Shiraz

“Dark brooding layered nose of red and black berries, with notes of plums spicy vanilla and savoury undertones. Sumptuous and pretty, classic style with ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Very stylish and appealing. Alc 14.5%.” 97 points

DWWA 2023

“Floral, menthol with a green walnut, sappy note disrupting. And yet it’s a powerhouse, concentrated with black plums doused in Pontifract licorice, plus the oak is dominating. However, there is a freshness within, pulsing along and more cellar time should soften out some edges.” 93 points

Halliday Wine Companion 2022

“Youthful purple. Explosive cherry liqueur, blueberry, exotic spice, vanilla and floral oil scents show superb clarity and a smoky miner overtone. Rich but almost shockingly vibrant, showing excellent delineation and powerful thrust to spice- laced black and blue fruit preserve and violet pastille flavours. Deftly balances richness and finesse and shows zero rough edges. Finishes on an intense mineral note, with excellent tenacity, repeating florality and supple, harmonious tannins that add gentle grip.” 96 points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
September, 2022

Oracle Clare Valley Shiraz 2017

“Deep inky purple, as is the fruit within. This is not a wallflower, that’s for sure. It’s generously proportioned with lots of grippy tannin from both fruit and oak. Thankfully the latter has largely sucked up the soused plums laden with baking spices and hoisin sauce.” 93 points

Halliday Wine Companion 2022

Killerman’s Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

“Marked by scents of dried sage and cassis, the 2019 Killerman’s Run Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium to full-bodied, velvety-textured wine that should have broad appeal. Ripe and expansive, it delivers concentrated, plush fruit and a long, softly tannic finish.” 90 points

Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
31st August 2021

Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

“Deep, brilliant violet. Aromas of cherry pit, cassis, succulent herbs and vanilla, along with building floral and spice accents. Shows good depth but plenty of energy as well, offering juicy black and blue fruit flavors that slowly tighten up through the back half. Youthfully firm tannins add grip to a long, focused finish that strongly repeats the cherry and floral notes.” 92 points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
September, 2022

“The 2018 Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon offers up hints of sage, bay leaf and cassis, buttressed by hints of vanilla and cedar. It’s medium to full-bodied, smooth and silky, with a line of acidity that runs from the front of the palate through the long, mouthwatering finish.” 92 points

Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
31st August 2021

Mort’s Block Reserve Watervale Riesling 2018

“Translucent yellow. Vibrant and sharply detailed on the nose, offering up an array of zesty, mineral-driven citrus and orchard fruit scents and subtle floral and succulent herb notes. Brisk and racy in style, delivering lemon-lime and green apple flavors that unfold and deepen slowly through the midpalate. Finishes with firm tension and a resonating citrus fruit note, leaving behind a hint of botanical herbs.” 92 points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
September, 2022

“Sleek, extremely long and super-fine, displaying incredible poise, with fresh lemon juice, white blossom, ripe peach and bay leaf, with some developed, lime marmalade and toast tones sneaking in.” 96 points

Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

Mort’s Block Reserve Watervale Riesling 2017

“Shimmering straw. Fresh pear and orange aromas show very good clarity, and a minerally nuance adds energetic lift.
Silky and seamless in texture, offering sappy orchard and citrus fruit flavors and a sweeter hint of honeydew melon Finishes juicy and smooth, with a floral note sneaking in late.” 91 points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
September, 2022

Mort’s Block Riesling 2022

“Very aromatic, with a slew of citrus-blossom, hibiscus and jasmine aromas alongside the tart mango and lime fruit. Juicy and generous on the medium-bodied palate, with a touch of blood-orange character at the long, crisp finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” 93 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
October 2022

Mort’s Block Riesling 2018

“The 2018 Morts Block Riesling boasts scents of crushed stone, lime zest and green apple on the nose. It’s a focused, pristine example of Clare Valley Riesling, medium-bodied and resolutely dry yet with a silky texture on the palate and a long, electric finish of sizzling acidity.” 92 points

Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
31st August 2021

“Honeyed overtones add an aromatic lift to the crisp lime, lemon and grapefruit flavors, with vivid acidity.”

Mary-Ann Worobiec, Wine Spectator
November 2019

“The nose here shows some petrol, as well as dried apricots and dried peaches with a touch of some dried mangoes. Full body with some intense acidity, but there is some nice fleshy fruit to close.” 91 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
15th August 2018

Killerman’s Run Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2019

“Richly flavoured, infused with ripe fruit, an array of spices and oak yet it has some buoyancy. Fragrant and appealing, full bodied but not heavy and the tannins have some give. Value for money, certainly.” 90 points

Halliday Wine Companion 2022

Killerman’s Run Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2018

“Kilikanoon’s Grenache Shiraz Mataro is a top match for festive meats. It has ripe yet fresh berry-fruit flavours and a hint of wood-smoke. If you are cooking vegan fare, this red is a brilliant match for everything from nut roast to a squash casserole. It offers ripe berry flavours and a little smoke.

Pierpaolo Petrassi MW, Waitrose Magazine
1st December 2020

Killerman’s Run Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2017

“Bright purple. Aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, wood smoke and candied flowers, along with a spicy nuance that builds in the glass. Lush, round and open-knit, offering sweet blueberry and cherry flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Shows very good energy and spicy lift on the finish, which features easy-going tannins and repeating florality.” 91 Points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
September, 2022

Duke Reserve Grenache 2016

“Medium ruby in hue, it boasts effusive scents of rose petals, subtle herb shadings and a backdrop of ripe cherries. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky and almost airy on the palate, with a long, diaphanous finish, kept grounded by hints of mocha and spice. Drink it anytime over the next decade.” 93 points

Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
31st August 2021

“Aromas of very ripe to overripe fruit, oodles of spices with choc-mint and wood char. Full bodied, rich and although there’s some give to the plush tannins, it’s drying on the finish.” 91 points

Halliday Wine Companion 2022

Killerman’s Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

“Another big wine for special meals and from the Clare Valley in South Australia comes the Kilikanoon Killermans’s Run 2017 which is pure cabernet sauvignon, full of warming flavours of mint, liquorice and vanilla underpinning the layers of dark, intense black fruit, with a long satisfying finish.”

Terry Kirby, The Independent
31st October 2020

Killerman’s Run Riesling 2019

“Incisive citrus and orchard fruit and melon qualities on the nose, along with a building floral note, Seamless and focused on the palate, offering energetic, spice-accented lemon curd, pear and honeydew flavours and an earthy tarragon flourish. Closes long and subtly spicy, with a dusty mineral note adding closing bite.” 91 Points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
September, 2022

Killerman’s Run Riesling 2018

“Light, shimmering gold. Mineral-tinged lime and green apple scents pick up a floral topnote with air. Fleshy but lively and precise as well, offering zest citrus pith and orchard fruit flavors and a hint of bitter quinine. The floral note recurs on a long, focused finish that leaves a dusty mineral note behind.” 90 Points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
September, 2022

Prodigal Grenache 2018

“Brilliant ruby. Ripe, spice-accented red and blue fruit preserves on the nose, along with floral and baking spice notes and a hint of mocha. In a fleshy, fruit-driven style, showing very good clarity and appealing sweetness to Chambord boysenberry and cola flavors. Smooth, even tannins lend subtle grip the finish, which lingers with resonating blue fruit and spice notes.” 92 points

Josh Raynolds, Vinous
September, 2022

“A glass of this, preferably with a Clare Valley view, and all would seem right in the world. There’s a balance of flavours from raspberry and red licorice, to a dash of sarsaparilla and prosciutto. Tannins are grainy and fine, the acidity bright and there’s no point waiting.” 93 points

Halliday Wine Companion 2022

Prodigal Grenache 2016

“There’s a ripe and plush feel to this deeply flavored, youthful grenache with ample blackberries and red plums, framed in silky tannins.” 92 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Wednesday 26th June 2019

Pearce Road Semillon 2015

“Lemon curd, cloves, beeswax and some dried honeysuckle are what characterizes this Semillon. The palate may not be the most subtle, but it certainly shows some real spicy intensity with lots of vanilla and nutmeg undertones. The latter is bolstered by some good acid and fruit tension.” 92 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
15th August 2018

Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

“Meaty, almost bloody aromas start off on the nose and these evolve into dense mocha and blackcurrant flavours with a flutter of garrigue herbs in the background. Plush and dense, this wine has an earthy edge and a tapering mint chocolate finish”

NA, Decanter
1st March 2017

Tregea Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

“Intense nose of ripe berry and currants. Despite the plush, sweet fruit weight, there is great balance between acidity, minerality and oak. Lots of work has gone into this wine and it shows in the glass. Complex and beautifully made, with time to develop.”

NA, Decanter
1st January 2017

“Deep garnet-purple in color and profoundly scented of creme de cassis and eucalyptus with underlying dark chocolate, clove and pencil lead hints…Packed with juicy blackcurrant flavor…Lively acidity and a long finish.” 91 points

Lisa Perrotti-Brown M.W., The Wine Advocate
May 2014

Cap Classique 2018

“Unfairly overlooked, at least by some consumers, at Klein Constantia, this ethereal, all-Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs is refreshingly refined and low in alcohol. Brioche, citrus and hazelnut flavours are complemented by 6.4 grams of residual sugar. Classy stuff.” 93 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Cap Classique 2017

“Easily overlooked in the Klein Constantia range, this Blanc de Blancs fizz is a very smart bubbly, made in a mini-Bollinger style with some oak influence on the base wine. Taut and toasty, with fine bubbles, 6.9 grams of dosage, hints of aniseed and vanilla and a complex finish.” 93 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

Cap Classique 2015

“One of the few whites at Klein Constantia that isn’t made from Sauvignon Blanc, this MCC is an all-Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs. Fresh, youthful and unwooded, it has tiny bubbles, yeasty, pastry flavours and a fresh, bracing finish. A bubbly to keep an eye on.” 90 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2018

“Made from 100% free-run Chardonnay aged on the lees for 33 months, the 2015 Brut has a classic M.C.C. nose that smells like a standard blanc de blancs, with aromas of green apple, fresh pears, leesy lemons and brioche. On the medium-bodied palate, it has soft mousse but a shy mid-palate and bright acidity. The finish is clean and fresh with a good structure but leaves me wanting more depth and complexity. Quality is here, it just needs more depth.”

Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
31st October 2019

Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022

“A top-drawer Sauvignon Blanc, using only the free-run juice of grapes selected from six blocks of the estate’s best vineyards, individually vinified before barrel selection and blending. Complex aromas of cordite, sea breeze orange blossom and nectarine lead to a saline palate with lovely richness and viscosity to its cinnamon-spiced peach and juicy pink grapefruit. Elegant, focused and pristine, finishing with bright zing of acidity. A complete and confident wine, named after Clara Eliza Hussey, a heiress from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who purchased Klein Constantia in 1913.” 94 Points

Tina Gellie, Decanter
November 2023

Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2021

“The 2021 Sauvignon Blane Klein Constantia Estate is a blend of 42 different blocks all vinified separate using wild ferment with oxidation of juice at crush, spending six months on the lees. It has a backward bouquet at first, then opens with green apple, kiwi, crushed rock and a touch of smoke. The palate has a Pouilly-Fumé inspired personality, plenty of tensile green apple and pear notes, just a touch of white pepper with an edgy, flinty and sapid finish. Superb.” 92 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“As Klein Constantia has sharpened its focus on Sauvignon Blanc, so the quality of this entry point bottling has improved with it. Sourced from 42 different blocks on the estate, it’s taut, pithy and saline, with lime and wet stone flavours and a mouth-watering finish.” 92 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2020

“Our bread and butter” is how Matt Day describes this wild-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, produced in decent quantities of 125,000 bottles from different sites on the farm. Passion fruit and gooseberry gooseberry flavours combine engagingly on the palate with a dry, savoury finish.” 92 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

“Pale-ish gold; lovely yellow fruits, creamy oak, lovely aromatics; sweet-fruited, plenty of spice, bright yellow and green fruits, tropical notes, plush-textured, brisk acidity, textured, good length.”

Silver Medal, Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters 2021

Metis Sauvignon Blanc 2020

“Aromas of sliced peach, thyme and lavender. Medium-bodied with a supple texture. Subtle tannins give focus. Fresh and tasty. Drink now.” 91 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

“The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Klein Constantia Metis has a clean, precise, quite mineral-driven bouquet with touches of lemon sherbet emerging with time. Admirable focus. The palate is very well balanced with a sprightly entry, delicate brushstrokes of orange pith and lemon rind, even a tangy of marmalade that keeps the second half on its toes. Good length here, this should drink well for 12-15 years. Superb.” 93 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“Fuller, fatter and a little riper than the 2019 release, this is a wine that reflects the warmer, earlier vintage. Less chiselled than most Metis Sauvignons, it has some appealing gooseberry and passion fruit flavours to fill out the wine’s intensity and underlying minerality.” 92 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Metis Sauvignon Blanc 2019

“Aromas of sliced peach, yellow grapefruit and jasmine. Medium-bodied and rather textural. Supple and gentle, with quite a bit of tea character. Soft and charming. Drink now.” 92 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

“The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Klein Constantia Metis, a blend of two blocks, spends a minimum of 12 months on the lees with 100% aging in stainless steel. It has a precise nose with apricot blossom and light chalky notes. The palate is well balanced with fine grip, good acidity, Granny Smith apples mixed with pear and touches of gooseberry, segueing into a slightly peppery, certainly saline finish. This is a delicious Sauvignon to enjoy over the next decade.” 91 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“Inspired by Matt Day’s visit to the Loire Valley – and still made in conjunction with Clément Olivet – Metis uses fruit from six higher altitude blocks on the farm. Savoury and wildfermented, with a hint of wood spice, flavours of celery and white pepper and a very stony, almost austere finish.” 93 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Metis Sauvignon Blanc 2018

“The character of the wine reveals layers of limestone, savoury lime peel, citrus, salinity and yellow grapefruit notes and finishes with a long tangy, peppery, concentrated flinty intensity. Fabulous balance, mouth watering acidity and an overall feeling of liquid minerality. An impressively different expression.” 93+ points

Greg Sherwood MW
9th May 2021

“Influenced by the time he’s spent working with Loire producer, Pascal Jolivet, Matt Day makes this low-intervention Sauvignon Blanc from high-altitude blocks on the estate, fermenting the grapes with wild yeasts. Flinty and savoury with subtle reduction, neutral oak and a satisfying, bone-dry finish.” 94 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

Metis Sauvignon Blanc 2017

“The 2017 Metis Sauvignon Blanc is winemaker Matt Day’s “minimal interference” Sauvignon Blanc, made with no SO2 at crushing, wild fermentation and 12 months of lees contact. It has an engaging, complex bouquet of nettle, pressed flower, grass clipping and petrichor scents that are very well defined. The palate is balanced with a fine bead of acidity. I find greater harmony in this Metis compared to previous vintages, and certainly more composure toward the finish, where hints of passion fruit and orange pith marry with the gooseberry and malic notes. Just a superb Sauvignon Blanc.” 92 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
November 2019

“The 2017 Metis Sauvignon Blanc has a focus on the nose that is undeniably Sauvignon Blanc with soft grapefruit and citrus tones, a strong mineral edge and focused green fruit aromas. The citrus core is evident but the mineral structure and the textural weight on the mid-palate are really thought provoking. The long finish is clean, fresh and lively with crisp acidity, good structure and texturally, this feels like it is halfway to Sancerre with its mineral tension. Klein Constantia winemaker Matthew Day make this wine in conjunction with Pascal Jolivet of Loire Valley fame.” 90 points

Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
31st October 2019

“Often the pick of the range of extensive range of Sauvignon Blancs at Klein Constantia, this lightly wooded white was inspired by Loire winemaker, Pascal Jolivet, who still consults for the project. Peppery, nettley and mineral-focused, with subtle flinty undertones.” 94 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2018

Sauvignon Blanc Block 382 2020

“The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Block 382 offers pungent aromas of bell pepper, sea spray, oyster shells and seaweed scents, extremely well defined and, in a word, striking. The palate is very well balanced with a killer line of acidity matched with a judicious, quite discreet touch of sour lemon. It gently fans out toward the finish, completing an exquisite single-parcel Sauvignon Blanc.” 93 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

“One, cool, south-facing block on granite soils supplies the fruit for this wood-aged Sauvignon Blanc. Bracingly fresh and tart, with greengage, lime and green herb flavours, subtle oak and a compact, tangy, bone-dry finish.” 94 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

Sauvignon Blanc Block 382 2019

“Complex aromas of baked peaches, hazelnuts and toasted herbs. Linear on the medium-bodied palate. Rather long and seamless with subtle nuttiness and nuanced lees notes coming through. Graceful. Drink or hold.” 94 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November, 2022

“The wine presents an intricate nose of gun smoke, wet stones, struck flint and savoury, briney maritime notes. The palate is packed full of gooseberry, prickly acids, grassy green pear, green apple bolstered by a fleshy, glycerol mid-palate, tart lime, gooseberry and a rock salt, briney finish. Super complex, very stable from extended ageing, Matt describes this iconic wine as “bullet proof” and one for the long haul. In my experience, it is certainly one of the most profound expressions of Sauvignon Blanc I have tasted from South Africa in many, many years. Track it down if you can!” 96 points

Greg Sherwood MW
9th May 2021

Sauvignon Blanc Block 382 2018

“No South African winery can boast a grander range of Sauvignon than Klein Constantia. It has 43 different blocks of the varietal, and has identified the six top terroir-driven single vineyard sites. Block 382 is perhaps the most special, located on a higher-lying E/SE facing slope. Winemaker Matt Day has crafted a beautifully pure expression of the varietal that is captivatingly aromatic with wild scrub and nettle notes with granadilla and passion fruit on the palate. Eight months on the lees in old 500-litre oak barrels adds some richness, which is counter-balanced by flinty minerality and vibrant acidity. The finish lingers on and on.”

Geoffrey Dean, The-Buyer.net
January 2022

Clara Sauvignon Blanc 2021

“Creamy and complex, yet fresh, with an array of white and green fruit here. Gooseberries, nectarines, lemon zest, guava, exotic herbs and sour cream on the nose, following through to a concentrated, substantial palate. This is a medium-to full-bodied sauvignon blanc with harmonious oak creaminess. Still pure and bright with a long, fresh and creamy finish. Drink now or hold a year.” 94 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November, 2022

“The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Klein Constantia Clara is a blend of south and east facing vineyards on decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone, this a pick of the best barrels, all second fill. The 2021 has a perfumed, slate- infused nose that has real intensity and drive – very focused. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, taut and fresh with hints of orange cordial toward the harmonious finish. Just a lovely, more-ish Sauvignon Blanc.” 91 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“The idea here, according to Matt Day, is to make a Sauvignon Blanc that takes its inspiration from Bordeaux rather than the Loire Valley. Sourced from vineyards between 260 and 320 metres, it’s a 40% new barrel fermented style, with pink grapefruit, lemongrass and vanilla flavours and a refreshingly stony finish.” 95 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Clara Sauvignon Blanc 2020

“Klein Constantia are said to be aiming for a bolder, richer Bordeaux Blanc style with the Clara, displaying pear, pineapple, yellow grapefruit pastille and a riper and rounder texture. The end result is just splendid. There is indeed more richness and lees contact complexity, notes of kiwi fruits, acacia wood and an overall rounding influence of oak without the wine showing any overt oaky characters per se. Rich, intense, plush and textured, this is seriously grown-up Sauvignon Blanc with sensational concentration, intensity and length. I am certainly sold! What a beauty.” 95 points

Greg Sherwood MW
9th May 2021

“The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Clara has a captivating and quite detailed bouquet of apple blossom, kiwi fruit, cucumber and light peachy scents in the background, very delineated and focused. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity. This is a poised, elegant Sauvignon Blanc that will appeal to those who dislike peppery Sauvignon Blanc as displayed by the Block 382. This is just a delicious, satisfying Constantia “Savvy” that is impossible to dislike.” 92 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

“This granite-influenced example from four high-altitude blocks is exotic and lightly wooded, with some stone fruit flavours, good texture and weight and a tangy, saline finish.” 93 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2021

“The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Klein Constantia Perdebokke, named after the cooler south-facing vineyard on sandstone, represents a barrel selection after a wild ferment. It has a complex nose with lemon thyme, lemon sherbet, crushed stone and a very discrete reduction that lends a bit of edge. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, very good weight and tension, building towards a vibrant, minerally and quite strict finish. Give this impressive Sauvignon Blanc 12-18 months in bottle.” 91 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“Described by Matt Day as an “insanely good vintage”, 2021 has certainly delivered at Klein Constantia. Perdeblokke comes from two parcels with different aspects and is the most Pouilly-Fumé-like Sauvignon Blanc of the current releases. Flinty and herbal, with notes of sweat and earth and a taut, saline finish.” 94 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2021

“Perfumed aromas of apricot, grapefruit and clotted cream. Medium-bodied with bright, driving acidity. The rounded and supple texture pairs delightfully with the bright and crisp fruit. Fresh cotton and orange peel. Complex, but refreshing as well. Only made in good vintages. Drink or hold.” 93 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2020

“Fresh, detailed nose of complex citrus fruits, with a touch of grapefruit standing out. The palate is fine and expressive with lovely balance – it’s quite exquisite, with crystalline lemon notes, a slightly chalky, dusty structure, and astonishing purity. It’s hard to fault this Sauvignon: there’s such finesse and detail, and it’s delicate as well as full flavoured.” 94 points

Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com
January 2022

“The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Perdeblokke evokes sea spray and saline scents on the nose; I could be walking along the wharf of my hometown in the Thames estuary! Wonderful. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity. There is so much energy coiled up in this wine, and it is so precise and pixelated on the finish. The standout Sauvignon Blanc from Matthew Day and his team.” 93 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

“Our rock star”, is how Matt Day describes Perdeblokke, which hails from two different slopes of the same vineyard on sandstone and granite soils. It’s the most New Zealand-like of the KC Sauvignons, with lots of gooseberry fruit and perfume, good texture, some oak influence and a stony finish.” 93 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

Estate Chardonnay 2021

“The 2021 Chardonnay Klein Constantia has a perfumed nose with light floral scents, dried dandelion and touches of broom, well defined and focused. The palate is well balanced with lovely orange pith and apricot notes on the entry, just a touch of kumquat, lightly spiced towards the persistent finish. Classy.” 91 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“The 2021 release is the best of the trio of Klein Constantia Chardonnays that are currently on the market, reflecting the quality of the growing season. Fermented and aged in 60% new wood, it’s focused and linear, with subtle cinnamon and nutmeg spices, tangerine and lemon zest flavours and stylish minerality.” 93 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Estate Chardonnay 2020

“The 2020 Chardonnay Klein Constantia clearly has more complexity and varietal expression on the nose, light stoney notes filtering through the citrus fruit. The palate is well balanced with more weight and presence than the previous vintage; attractive orange rind and hazelnut notes emerge with quite a persistence, weighty finish. This will give a decade of drinking pleasure.” 88 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“Matt Day used less malolactic fermentation on his 2020 Chardonnay because of the warmer vintage. Fermented in 60% new wood, it has more stone fruit sweetness than its immediate predecessor, with patisserie spices, a drizzle of honey and a fresh, well-balanced finish.” 90 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Estate Chardonnay 2019

“The 2019 Chardonnay Klein Constantia, which sees nine months in 50% new 500-litre barrels with lees-stirring for the first month with no malo. It has an attractive light peach and honeysuckle scented bouquet that is well defined with hints of shaved almond. The palate is well balanced with a succulent opening and fine acidity; however, it just needs a little more grip and substance on the back end.” 87 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“Something of a work in progress, Klein Constantia’s Chardonnay is now made from four new clones, rather than an old Champagne selection. Toasty, textured and slightly creamy, this 2019 has tangerine, grapefruit and wood smoke notes and a nutty undertone.” 92 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Estate Chardonnay 2018

“It has a taut, crisp bouquet of mineral-rich malic aromas, very Puligny-like in style (yes, that good); you barely notice the new wood. The palate is very well balanced, poised and tensile, the oak beautifully integrated, with hints of toffee apple on the saline finish. A superb Chardonnay from winemaker Matthew Day and his team.” 93 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

“Sauvignon Blanc is the dry white wine focus at Klein Constantia, but don’t overlook this subtly wooded Chardonnay, which has 70% tank- fermented grapes for extra freshness and fruit purity. Pear and lemon flavours combine with a hint of struck match reduction.” 92 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

Estate Riesling 2017

“Lots of TDN notes, elastic band, burnt rubber but also some lovely lime fruit and a fresh salty finish. Long, intense and rather lovely. Not too hard either, fresh, and persistent.”

Gold Medal, The Global Riesling Masters 2021

Estate Red 2019

“The 2019 Red Estate is a selection of the best cultivars on the estate that spends 16 months in oak, 50% new. It has an attractive Médoc-inspired bouquet that has plenty of freshness and energy. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins; the Petit Verdot is quite pronounced and lends plenty of violet/floral notes on the finish that opens nicely with time.” 90 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“The Klein Constantia red always feels like the odd wine out at this white wine-focused estate. Light, balanced and refreshing, Matt Day’s cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Petit Verdot and 19% Malbec is less oaky and extracted than it was, with cassis and red cherry flavours, scented 40% new wood and a herbal twist.” 90 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

Estate Red 2018

“The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit. A fine-boned Bordeaux blend with a judicious splash of cracked black pepper toward the finish. Excellent.” 92 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

“Cabernet Sauvignon-based with 19% Petit Verdot and 17% Malbec, it’s a perfumed, deftly wooded style with lots of colour, plum and red berry fruit and a grippy finish.” 90 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

Vin de Constance 2019

“Bright, medium to deep gold hue, showing focused and pure aromas of honeysuckle, fresh vanilla, lemon tart, dried mango, ginger and a hint of saffron. Certainly quite sweet, but not unctuous, with the natural, effortless acidity managing to balance the lushness. Intense, yet scented and naturally expressive. Persistent finish. You crave for a second glass if you drink it now, but you can also hold it for a decade in your cellar.” 97 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November, 2022

“Fermented in 60% new wood before ageing in foudres, the 2019 is a little more exotic than the 2017 and 2018 releases, with more evident Muscat d’Alexandrie characters. Textured and rich, with 163 grams of sugar, orange zest, honey and pear tart flavours and a weighty finish of considerable concentration.” 96 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2022

“Butterscotch, lemon patisserie and peach aromas. Pristine quality to the texture, lively and thrilling, this is a serious, opulent and powerful wine, more on the spiced, nuanced side with aspects of dried herbs, wood scents and bitter lemon and orange with a touch of honeyed lychee. It feels supremely complex and characterful. Sophisticated, layered and balanced with some minerality, a slight graphite edge all of which adds to the whole. It’s still extremely youthful but there is real sculpting here, a sense of precision, style and freshness. Well crafted with an extremely long life ahead. A wonder, and one of the best from the estate!” 98 Points

Georgie Hindle, Decanter
July, 2022

Vin de Constance 2018

“Extraordinary aromas of white peaches, apricots, vanilla and flowers. Full-bodied and very sweet with so much sweet and dried fruit, such as apricots and tangerines, yet it maintains citrusy freshness and texture, with a long, very sweet finish. Always energetic and vivid. Great length to this. Goes on for minutes. It’s a sweet wine to drink when young, to marvel over the intensity and verve, yet also one to age for decades. Drink or hold.” 98 points

James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of 2021

“Made from raisined Muscat de Frontignan grapes – only the 1997 and 2011 releases had a little botrytis – this is the latest in a run of world-class releases of Vin de Constance. Showing remarkable purity and elegance, despite the heat of 2018, it has 60% new wood, 172 grams of sugar, fine balance, racy acidity and flavours of patisserie, tangerine and pear. The essence of Muscat.” 97 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

“It presents a vibrant, effervescent bouquet of freshly sliced grapefruit, fresh fig and citrus fruit, all penetrating, vivacious and tensile. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity, impressive weight and notes of grapefruit and orange zest plus hints of stem ginger. The spiciness is accentuated toward the finish. Another outstanding Vin de Constance courtesy of winemaker Matt Day.” 96 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
November 2021

Vin de Constance 2017

“Stunning,” said one judge. “This is super-complex with fresh, fragrant fruit flavours alongside a real depth of flavour. I can imagine this developing beautifully over the next decade thanks to its incredible concentration.”

Sweet Wine Trophy, The Wine Merchant Top 100

“Lovely pureed apple, lactic peaches, lemon pastille, and hints of apricot candy. This is luxurious, mouth-coating, and simply world-class, with such purity and precision.” 96 points

Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“This stunning latest release from Klein Constantia, South Africa, proves beyond doubt that this is one of the two or three finest sweet wines in the world. Viscous, richly sweet and exquisitely balanced, it’s in great shape now but will last for ever and beyond.”

Jonathan Ray, Spears
1st November 2020

Vin de Constance 2015

“Fragrant, with rose petal, peach and pear aromas echoed on the palate, and hints of Turkish delight and crystallized orange The silky, rose-oil textured palate has shimmering, fine-tuned acidity.” 95 points

Joanna Simon, Decanter
1st December 2019

“This sweetie features a gorgeous bouquet of orange blossom and juniper flavors, while the mouthfilling palate carries dried mango and candied apricot notes, accented by hints of quince paste, honeysuckle and sweetened green tea. Rich and intense, but with piercing acidity delivering balance. Long and complex. Drink now through 2030.” 93 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
31st May 2019

Overall Sweet Wine of the Year “Even better than the 2014 release – and that was a spectacular sweet wine – the 2015 Vin de Constance is one of the greatest ever vintages of this iconic sticky. More Barsac than Sauternes in terms of weight, it’s fresh and refined, a bit like the 2012, with citrus and orange zest balancing the 172 grams of sugar. The oak is perfectly judged, the length and freshness things of wonder.” 98 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2018

Crémant de Loire Brut

Albarino 2021

“Great complexity on the nose, displaying pronounced caraway spice and herbal gentian aromas, supported by a touch of petrol and nut oil. The palate is equally appealing, with a lovely balance between the unctuous, syrupy mouthfeel and lifted, tangy acidity.” 96 points

Gold Medal, International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021

“Mentzendorff Kummel is gloriously drinkable, the carminative properties of the caraway easing the digestion just so, leaving you in tip-top nick for the morrow. Best of all, it’s available in magnums.”

Johnny Ray, The Field
1st November 2016

“The greatest of all digestifs.”

Johnny Ray, spectator.co.uk
1st November 2016

Blog on Kummel cocktails

Johnny Ray, spectator.co.uk
12th October 2016

“The Laurelwood bottling is comprised of a variety of sites throughout the Ponzi estate. This wine shows excellent spicy fruit and freshness. Bramble fruits are framed by anise, clove and dried floral potpourri in the lively aromatic profile. Blue fruits dominate the palate with more clove and notes of turned earth. The wine finishes savoury with white pepper and wild anise lifted by bright acids.”

Laurelwood Pinot Noir
2021
Red

“Showing bright Sicilian lemon, white grapefruit, matchstick, apricots and white tea aromas. Clean and deliciously creamy, with a medium to full body and focused finish. Drink now or hold.”
Laurelwood Chardonnay
2021
White

“Pretty nose of green strawberries, cranberries, dark currants, licorice and button mushrooms. Juicy and tasty with a medium body and gently dusty tannins. Moreish. Drink now or hold.”

Laurelwood Pinot Noir
2021
Red

The 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve Laurelwood District comes from own-rooted old vines planted in the 1970s and 1980s. It has savory aromas of cranberry jelly, licorice, burnt orange peel, forest floor, tea leaves and conifer. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with juicy fruit supported by finely grained tannins, and it has a long, spicy finish.

Laurelwood Pinot Noir Reserve
2019
Red

The 2021 Pinot Noir Laurelwood District has a pale ruby-purple color and slowly unfolding aromas of cranberries, tangerine peel, pipe tobacco and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and generous with concentrated fruit, grainy tannins, plenty of refreshing acidity and a long, spicy finish.

Laurelwood Pinot Noir
2021
Red

The 2021 Pinot Noir Tavola, a blend of fruit from several vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley, has a pale ruby-purple color and aromas of cranberries, red cherries, orange peel, licorice and baking spice. The light-bodied palate is soft and juicy with crunchy red fruit, generous streaks of allspice and a long, spicy finish. This is easy to drink!

Pinot Noir Tavola
2021
Red

The sweetly floral 2022 Pinot Gris opens with a pretty blend of chamomile and crushed green apples. It’s soothingly ripe in style, balanced by crisp minerality while ushering in ripe green melon and hints of candied lime. This finishes fresh and with medium length, leaving a mineral concentration.

Pinot Gris
2022
White

Grace meets structure with this Pinot, which offers blueberry and raspberry flavors that show accents of bramble and savory spices, building richness and tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2030. 1,442 cases made.

Laurelwood Pinot Noir Reserve
2019
Red

The 2019 Pinot Noir Avellana is dark and intense. A sweet floral thrust gives way to suggestions of clove and cedar accentuating crushed wild berries. It’s silky-smooth with succulent ripe red and blue fruits swirling above a core of zesty acidity as sweet herbs and hints of tobacco form toward the close. Suggestions of cola and sage linger as the 2019 finishes lightly tannic and potent.

Pinot Noir Avellana
2019
Red

Dusty and floral, the 2021 Pinot Noir Tavola opens with hints of black cherry and dried roses. It’s softly textured and round with fresh acidity and ripe red and blue fruits. This finishes with a pleasantly bitter tinge and framing tannins as touches of violet and lavender fade.

Pinot Noir Tavola
2021
Red

Notes of mangoes, ripe pineapple, toffee, pralines and just a hint of almond pie. It’s more textural and chalky with a medium to full body. Complex and vital, with depth to its fruit and mineral undertones at the end, giving it electrifying freshness. Lingering finish. Drink or hold.

Chardonnay Willamette Valley Chehalem Mountains Aurora
2021
White

Mix of grapefruit peel, fresh cherries, dried hibiscus and dusty soil. Very pure fruit. Beside being fruit-driven, this has a savory approach on the palate, offering some cocoa powder notes and flinty, iron-like character. Mineral and saltine notes with hints of white pepper and agave. Characterful and lengthy. Drink now.

Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Avellana
2021
Red

This shows more powerful red and dark fruit with lots of floral notes and hits of sandalwood and licorice. Compact and racy on the palate with a medium to full body, tense acidity and crunchy tannins. Beautiful cherries mixed with citrus peel and crushed stone. Drink or hold.

Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Paloma
2021
Red

Attractive aromas of creamy pineapple, golden apples and chalky lemons with hints of melon and crushed wet stone. Medium- to full-bodied with beautiful acidity. Weighty but elegant, with fine phenolics. Polished and refined with a long and supple finish. Drink or hold.

Chardonnay Willamette Valley Chehalem Mountains Avellana
2021
White

Attractive notes of crushed dark berries, blueberries and wild berries with an array of spices, mint, chocolate and dried orange peel. A little earthy. Very refined, with freshness and poise. Medium- to full-bodied with juicy, mouth-filling fruit that has a savory, spicy edge to it. Drink or hold.

Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Estate Grown Reserve
2021
Red

Beautiful cherry fruit with spiced wild strawberries, tangerine peel, crushed pink peppercorns and rose hips. Hints of forest floor and cedar. It’s complex and characterful with a spicy and energetic drive to it. Vibrant and fresh with hints of citrus peel at the end. Drink or hold.

Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Wahle Vineyard
2021
Red

Sauvignon Blanc 2022

“Aromas of green apples, lemons, lime zest and herbs. Medium-bodied with zippy acidity, citrusy undertones and a fleshy finish. Sustainable. Drink now.” 90 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

“The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc comes from 27 sites and sees 10% matured in 7th fill neutral oak barrels after four months on the lees. Attractive on the nose with Golden Delicious, pine and light resinous notes. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, quite taut and lightly spiced; just a faint hint of stem ginger appears towards the finish. Enjoy this over the next seven to eight years.” 90 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

Sauvignon Blanc 2020

“A small portion of this impressive, well-priced Sauvignon Blanc sees oak, but it’s focused on other flavours. Savoury, sappy and salty, with elderflower” 92 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

“The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc has a refined bouquet of lime and orange pith, Granny Smith apples and crushed stone. The well-balanced palate is fresh and saline on the entry, with delicate touches of lemon and lime toward the finish. Lovely.” 90 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

Sauvignon Blanc 2018

“The 2018 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc has a clean, fresh gooseberry, nettle and grass clipping bouquet. The palate is well balanced with quite a rich opening but maintains tension, thanks to a fine bead of acidity and pleasant salinity toward the finish. A delicious Sauvignon Blanc.” 90 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
August 2018

“The Southern Right Sauvignon comes from 16 different blocks in Walker Bay. Unwooded, it’s a sappy, saline, vinous white with dill and grapefruit flavours and a juicy, lip smacking finish.” 90 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2018

Pinotage 2021

“Aromas of black cherries and dried strawberries with dark spices, dried orange peels and wet stones. Medium-bodied with round texture. Viscous and mouthwatering with vivid acidity and a flavourful finish. Sustainable. Drink now.” 90 points

James Suckling, South Africa Report 2022
November 2022

Pinotage 2020

“The 2021 Pinotage is 100% de-stemmed and matured for just under 10 months in barrel, 12% in 400-litre new oak. This is highly perfumed and very floral on the nose with scents of dried violet petals and iris flower. The palate is medium- bodied with grainy tannins on the entry, a slightly herbal Pinotage with a touch of black pepper on the finish. This should offer pleasure of several years.” 88 points

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
September 2022

“Emul Ross may be better known for his Pinots but he has a sensitive touch with Pinotage too. This concentrated, textured example has violet and vanilla spice aromas, bramble and blueberry flavours and appealing texture.” 93 points

Tim Atkins, South Africa Report 2021

Pinotage 2019

“The 2019 Pinotage has a well-defined bouquet of licorice infused red berry fruit, hints of camphor and later, a hint of cassis. The palate is well balanced with fine tannins, well-judged acidity and a slightly chewy licorice finish.”

Neal Martin, Vinous
April 2021

Tiers Vineyard Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2021

“The extravagant nose of ripe citrus, fresh pineapple and toasted baguette leads you into a rich, but very nicely balanced palate, where there’s an attractive interplay of oak and fruit. Long, moderately tannic finish. Long, with tons of candied-orange character. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” 94 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
November 2022

Tiers Vineyard Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2020

“A most tender nose unites an overtone of jasmine with gentle notes of hazelnut and a citric note of creaminess. The palate shows concentration immediately and quite some punch – that is accompanied by equally pronounced freshness. The mid-palate has a creamy texture, full of citrus pith. This is fresh but also quite potent.” 92 points

Anne Krebiehl, Falstaff
January 2022

“The 2020 offers a celebration not only of fruit but life, a beauty of a chardonnay fresh and immediate in appeal but oh so capable of a much longer time in bottle. Flashes of honeysuckle, citrus, nectarine, apple and a whisper of mango skin wrapped around brisk acidity. But there’s more to the palate: it’s creamy and leesy, textural and long, but not heavy in the least.” 95 points 

Jeni Port, winecompanion.com.au
December 2021

“Bright ripe-peach and lemon aromas on offer here, framed in some spiced, hazelnut-like oak and nougat. The palate has quite punchy, fresh stone-fruit flavors and acidity holds the finish taut. Drink now.” 92 points

James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com
June 2021 

Tiers Vineyard Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2018

“If you’ve got elite fruit power, don’t be afraid to show it. This has an Olympic athlete’s body: big frame, strong muscle, yet supple. The palate gently flexes a range of flavours through the long ride – stonefruit orchard, a bite of fleshy pear, golden apples, lemon pith. Completely seamless and gold standard!” 97 points

David Sly, Decanter
8th April 2021

Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 1.5M 2020

“A lovely sense of smokiness precedes the hazelnut notions on the nose. A touch of ripe yellow plum adds an irresistible sense of juiciness. The palate then unites exquisite, soaring freshness with absolute linearity and concentration. A toasty sense of oak harmonises with yellow plum and lemon to give aromatic colour to this sleek, thoroughbred beauty.” 94 points

Anne Krebiehl, Falstaff
January 2022

“This offers the same blend of lemon and white peach seen in the old-vine Tiers Chardonnay from this vintage, with greater oak influence reading in the wine for now. The intensity is impressive, with acidity driving a vivid, powerful palate. Drink over the next five years.” 94 points 

James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com
October 2021

Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 1.5M 2019

“Pale lemon-green; smoky-toasty oak, apricot, orange blossom, white peach; pristine, bracing acidity, mid-weight, richly fruited, layered and textured, spicy, long. More-ish. Savoury.”

Masters Medal
Global Chardonnay Masters 2021

Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2020

“This parcel has performed so impressively in 2020, with trademark white-peach aromas and a subtle lemon-cream edge. The oak is so well integrated here. There’s impressive seamlessness on the palate with citrus-nuanced stone fruit carrying so long and fresh. Thrilling chardonnay. Drink or hold.” 97 points

James Suckling’s Top 100 Australian Wines 2021 

Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

“Subtle woodsmoke, Mirabelle jelly, wet loam and ripe lemon on the nose make for a dramatic and complex opening. The palate is immediately concentrated, a perfect calibration of creaminess and citric verve, all delivered with a super-fluid, smooth mouthfeel and super-charged, linear freshness. There is something urgent, something deeply refreshing and direct about the lemon purity of this wine, yet all is couched in such sleekness that it is entirely harmonious. Beautiful, vivid and memorable.” 96 points

Anne Krebiehl, Falstaff
January 2022

“Classic fig and white peach notes have edged toward orange and mandarin exoticism, carrying all the power of Tiers in a full-bodied palate of spicy, honeyed magnitude. Fermented in 33% new barriques, oak joins the party in full voice, bringing up a long finish of considerable length, depth and breadth.” 93 points

Tyson Stelzer, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
August 2021

“The whiff of stuck flint declares in a stern voice that this is serious. There’s richness and purity captured in a pristine vessel defining the beauty of sturdy Chardonnay expression. It’s a string section in full flight, playing long, sustained notes in the lovely weave of lemon pith and crisp green apple without any noticeable seam. It also has stubborn persistence, hanging onto rich, clean flavours. Bravo!” 98 points

David Sly, Decanter
8th April 2021

“Quite delicate, but complex nose, hint of smoke, chalk, toast, and stone fruit. Palate has some creaminess, vanilla oak, toast, smoke, some warmth, along with peach and pear fruit, then some apple freshness. Good. layered, youthful. Lively and chalky.”

Gold Medal
Global Chardonnay Masters 2021

Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

“An exceptional chardonnay from another top winemaker, Brian Croser, yielding an ethereal saline freshness reminiscent of Burgundy’s best. It’s full-bodied, with stone fruit, cashew and a trace of oak.”

Will Lyons, The Times – 40 Best Wines for Christmas Day
2nd December 2020

Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

“From Brian Croser’s 2003-planted Foggy Hill Vineyard, the nose opens with a sense of iron-oxide and wet clay that holds a spicy overtone of maple syrup and supple cherry. The palate is vividly fresh but also holds these savoury notes of maple syrup spice, hints of pepper and caramel; it promises a hinterland of flavour that will take some bottle age to unfurl. The structure is immensely elegant, the body sleek and fine, with beautiful depth and real resonance. Lovely.” 96 points

Anne Krebiehl MW, Club Oeonologique 
July 2023

“Sweet plum and strawberry aromas with dried citrus-peel undertones. Medium body with firm tannins and a linear and crisp finish. Lots of lemon-rind undertones. A little lean at the end. Drink now.” 93 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
October 2022

Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

“A juicy red with dried flowers, ripe strawberries and cedar. Some leather and tobacco, too. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a tangy and fresh finish. Drink now or hold.” 93 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
October 2022

Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

“From vineyards at 350 m, this site has 1210 growing degree days (it’s quite cool) and the wine is aged in French oak (30% new). This was quite a warm season with 1400 GDDs and the result is a very spicy wine, with notes of ginger, mint and medicine, as well as supple cherry and strawberry fruit. It’s distinctly savoury and a bit angular, and offers structure, acidity, some phenolic savouriness.”

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
August 2021

“2017 was almost a perfect vintage here; Brian Croser used 30% whole-bunch fruit, cooled, then layered with de-stemmed bunches before the tank was sealed. Floral, delicate yet with great persistence – an ultra-elegant example of Australian Pinot.” 94 points

Andy Howard MW, Decanter
30th May 2019

“Has the emerging signature of coal smoky savouriness (30% whole bunches) and dried flowers here. Violets and roses with a cooler on average vintage. Mulberries and red cherries with an impressive depth. The palate has the expressive, lively finish, and the tannins are groomed and linear, working in tandem. Nuanced, plush and even-paced. The best to date. Barrel sample.” 93-94 points.

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
15th August 2018

Whalebone Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2014

“Deep black-ruby. Eucalypt tones to dense, ripe cassis and black cherry, with dark chocolate, vanilla-cream oak and some white-pepper spice. Big and bold. Fleshy, ripe and full-bodied, with fairly firm, chalky tannins. Spicy mid palate, with some balsamic development to the ripe black fruit. Good length. Nice example of a big, bold but well-harnessed Cab-Shiraz.” 17/20

Jancis Robinson
7th March 2019

“This a very fluid, plush and deep-set yet elegant wine with has deep flavors, sweet fruits. The mulberries meets blackberries. Shows similar plushness and a fine and very evenly paced style here. It has an effortless presence. Terrific.” 95 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
15th August 2018

Whalebone Merlot Cabernet Franc 2018

“Aromas of sliced plum, baked cherry and baking spice. Medium- to full-bodied with powdery tannins. Oak is laced into the bed of black and red fruit here. Steady intensity. Drink now.” 90 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
October 2022

Whalebone Merlot Cabernet Franc 2014

“A cooler vintage and low-cropping. Very rich and plush with terrific depth and plushness. It holds floral notes on the nose with freshly tilled earthy nuances and aromas of spiced forest. The palate is fleshy with deep-set plum flavors, delivering a long supple and elegant wine. A plush, plum and tea-cake finish.” 93 points

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
15th August 2018

Taylor’s Chip Dry

“Dry, of course, and especially crisp with salt and pepper sprinkles and a nutty note. It partners well with tonic, for a particularly refreshing version.”

Susy Atkins, The Sunday Telegraph
August 2021

“The original white port, first made in 1934, this is extra-dry, crisp and herbaceous. It makes a fine portônica garnished with a slice of orange, or in a dry martini with green olives alongside.”

Kate Hawkings, Olive Magazine
June 2021

“Concentrated peach and stone fruits with herbal edge and freshness.”

Bronze Medal, International Wine Challenge 2021

“Floral, peachy nose. Clean stone fruits and some minerals with a rich grapiness coming through on the finish.”

Bronze Medal, Decanter World Wine Competition 2021

Taylor’s Chip Dry & Tonic RTD Can

“This has got to be the drink of the Summer and @taylorsportwine have gone and put it in a can for us. White port and tonic is a superb light, floral and incredibly easy drinking cocktail ideal for Summer. Not only does this canned version have the perfect balance of tailor’s chip dry white port and tonic, but it is the ideal size for picnics, parties and drinks for one, with only 5% abv.”

Alexandra Hale
24th June 2021

“I can vouch that it is highly refreshing.”

Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com
June 2021

“Good to see Taylor’s getting into the canned drinks market with this white Chip Dry port and tonic. It’s always been one of those drinks that, once you’re introduced you never forget. It has a hint of lemon essence and mint added but this is well judged and the overriding flavour is the dry white port. Tasted from the can, from a glass, over ice, and with a slice of orange (my preferred style)…Good quality.”

Peter Dean, The-Buyer (via Instagram)
May 2021

Taylor’s LBV 2018

“Shows a nice core of dark currant and fig fruit that’s been steeped with anise, alder and bittersweet cocoa. Give this a little time in a decanter or cellar for another couple of winters. Possesses the stuffing to cover slow sipping over a weekend. Drink now through 2027. 6,000 cases imported.” 92 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
October 2023

Taylor’s LBV 2016

“A closed, harmonious red fruit nose, but suitably ripe and fleshy on the palate, backed by firm tannins.” 91 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“One of the original Late Bottled Vintage brands, this continues to set a fine style. This latest release is full of black fruits that have been softened by extra wood ageing. At the same time, the richness of the wine shows strongly and emphatically, giving a Port that has density and ready drinkability.” 91 points

Roger Voss, Winemag.com
July 2021

“Classic blueberries and ripe spices on nose with touch of liquorice and tobacco.” 90 points

Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2021

Taylor’s Historic Collection Reserve Tawny

The Mallet: “Super-deep and massively flavoured, this is a genuine statement port. Served at this year’s Royal Warrant Holders’ lunch, this is a distinguished wine with a serious pedigree – you could sip it for hours and never tire of its multifaceted flavour. ”

Matthew Jukes, Daily Mail
December 2021

“The Taylor’s Historical series is a collection of specially blended, cask-aged Ports presented in exclusive bespoke bottles inspired by historic bottle moulds. The Mallet is the third release in this limited edition series. It’s a delicious tawny, with opulent butterscotch, dried fruit, coffee and raisin notes, long, spicy, warming and dense. The great acidity keeps it fresh. Enjoy at the end of a meal with nuts or blue cheese, or pair it with a chocolate or nut-based dessert.” 92 points

Amy Wislocki, Decanter.com
28th September 2021

“This is a special edition from Taylor’s, interestingly presented in a bulbous 18th-century-style bottle. Richly layered with plum, fig and fruitcake, it will make palates dance when paired with cheese.”

Will Lyons, The Times – 40 Best Wines for Christmas Day
2nd December 2020

“Tawny port is aged in oak casks rather than hollies (like vintage port), and the result is this: a glorious garnet port with luscious notes of dried fruit, roasted nuts and caramel. It’s Christmas in a glass.”

Victoria Moore, BBC Good Food Magazine – My Top 10 Wines for Christmas
1st December 2020

Taylor’s 10 Year Old

“Offers a mix of gently steeped red and black cherry fruit laced with hints of hazelnut and liquorice root, ending with a flash of red tea. Nicely done. Drink now. 500 cases imported.” 92 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
October 2023

“Mature red fruits, with polished, highly toned, integrated secondary characters creating a wine of generosity with a ripe, vigorous finish.” 90 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“Juicy and focused, offering dried cherry, fig and bergamot notes inlaid with red licorice and fruitcake flavors that marry the flattering and racy sides. Drink now through 0.” 90 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
30th June 2018

Taylor’s 20 Year Old

“Lovely, with a mix of persimmon, white peach, hazelnut, green tea and singed alder notes all moving together in streamlined harmony, while the long, elegant finish shows nice latent energy. Drink now. 8,000 cases imported.” 93 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
October 2023

“Nose is delicate with hints of dried flowers and dates. Palate is light beautiful and perfumed. Palate is full of dates, salted caramel and cereals. It’s endless.” 95 points

Gold Medal, International Wine Challenge 2021

“Elegance and understated maturity. Polished fruit cake and complexity. Powerful yet delicacy and charm with good freshness all the way through.” 94 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“Pale-medium tawny with a brick rim. Pot pourri and dried strawberry, with subtle, fudgy cakebread and cinnamon. Integral alcohol, sweet and savoury, with cakebread, cinnamon, toast and fudge over dried strawberry. Long and spicy, with just a touch of warmth.” 17/20

Jancis Robinson
7th March 2019

Taylor’s 30 Year Old

“Alluring, with buckwheat, singed cinnamon and sandalwood notes out front, backed by notes of hazelnut husk, Boston brown bread and sesame. Features a flash of green tea through the finish, which has a live wire of acidity harnessing everything. Drink now. 475 cases imported.” 94 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
October 2023

“Pale tawny-brown. Wood spice, clove, dark chocolate and cakebread. Intense sweetness with balancing acidity, dark chocolate, wood spice, some mahogany and more cinnamon-clove/cakebread. Mostly tertiary with just a core of residual fruit. Long, chocolate finish.” 17,5/20

Jancis Robinson
7th March 2019

“This is lovely, displaying warm date, toffee and persimmon notes entwined with sesame oil, green tea and ginger flavors. Shows a lovely interplay of sweet and dry, with flashes of hazelnut cream and juniper contrasting each other on the long and deep finish. Drink now.” 95 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
30th June 2018

“It shows good concentration while retaining some mid-palate finesse. It is complex, then it adds a powerfully intense finish laced with burnt orange peel and molasses as it warms. If I had a quibble, there was some noticeable alcohol, especially when retasted the next day. Some three or four days later, it was far smoother, but it is always a little edgy. Overall, this is a fairly stern style, dry and brooding, with that hint of spirits in the background. It reminds me of the stereotypical scene with Port (or Cognac), cigars and blue cheese. It just has that serious feel to it, along with that long finish. It seems to be one, as discussed in the accompanying article, that leans more to a 40-year Port.” 92 points

Mark Squires, Wine Advocate
28th February 2018

Taylor’s 40 Year Old

“This is a beauty, with a mix of date, dried cherry, hazelnut husk, green tea, singed sandalwood and bitter almond notes all racing along together in unison. Shows tension and clarity on the very lengthy finish. Drink now. 300 cases imported.” 95 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
October 2023

“Pale tawny-amber. Mahogany and wood spice, with dried tobacco, some demerara sugar and dried-strawberry residual fruit. Bright acidity lifts the sweet palate, showing tobacco, chocolate, spice, cakebread and mahogany. Lovely freshness through the intense and very long finish” 18/20

Jancis Robinson
7th March 2019

“Alluring, with a warm date and gently mulled fig and peach core gliding through, while light alder, bitter almond and candied ginger notes add sparkle and texture along the edges. Frankly sweet through the finish but with the energy for balance. Drink now.” 95 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
30th June 2018

“I liked the delicacy and freshness of Taylor’s nutty, lingering 20 Year Old very much but, if I was pushing the boat out, this rich, intense 40 Year Old ticked lots of boxes. A velvety, luscious palate has delicious citrus zing (orange peel and candied citrus) to its mellow, nutty palate of buttery macadamia and praline, with a touch of salt caramel. Lovely depth, harmony and complexity. Seamless, long, mellifluous finish.”

Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective
11th December 2017

Taylor’s 50 Year Golden Age Tawny

“A bird of a different feather, this sports a range of date, mulled plum and persimmon fruit flavors that are curvaceous in feel, allied to a racy green tea and hazelnut spine. Picks up singed white sesame, walnut husk, alder smoke and sandalwood along the way. Reveals terrific tension between the viscous and nervy sides from start to finish. Drink now. 250 cases imported.” 96 points

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
October 2023

Taylor’s VVOP

“Deep red-mahogany at the centre fading to a narrow golden-tawny rim; rich, a touch lifted and quite dense on the nose with a glorious dried fruit compote and a preponderance of dried fig and a touch of autumnal undergrowth; intensely sweet and opulent with a multitude of flavours and sub-flavours that include fig, butterscotch, coffee and spice. The richness is offset by bright acidity and freshness yet retains its focus and intensity. Wow: this is a remarkable wine to sip and contemplate, sip and contemplate, sip and contemplate… ” 20/20

Richard Mayson, richardmayson.com
November 2022

Taylor’s Quinta de Terra Feita 2008

“Intensely aromatic: rich, tarry and spicy with a lovely combination of freshness and richness. The palate is concentrated, dense and savoury with a lovely tension between the sweet, dark fruits and the savoury, spicy notes. Lovely richness and density, with firm tannins. Brilliant.” 96 points

Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak

Taylor’s Quinta de Terra Feita 2001

“Although it is the oldest, this tastes the youngest of all three Single Quinta Vintage Ports.  It’s partly a reflection of Taylor’s firm, well-structured style.  Lovely line and length with still firm, tight, well-focused, juicy black currant and berry fruit with a lick of esteva and bitter chocolate.  Powder fine iron filing, mineral tannins offer support and interest.  Impressive with plenty in the tank yet.”

Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective
11th December 2017

Quinta de Vargellas 2012

“Rich plum and morello cherry with lovely bitter-sweet cherry fruit on the palate and a gripping finish. A long journey ahead.” 92 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

“Ruby red with cassis and dried prune fruit. Dense and powerful palate with nutty flavours.” 90 points

Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2021

Quinta de Vargellas 2008

“Vargellas is the Taylor’s flagship estate and provides the backbone for its outstanding vintage Port blends. 2008 was not declared as a vintage, but this year’s small harvest produced some excellent single quinta wines. Opening up on the nose to reveal minty ripeness with fine, focussed cherry and plum fruit on the palate backed by lovely stony tannins and a wonderfully fresh yet ripe finish. Restrained but ready to drink now and at any time over the next decade.” 92 points

Richard Mayson, Decanter
December 2021

Taylor’s Single Harvest 1971

“Matured for five decades in cask, the 1971 Single Harvest Port has a tawny hue that is commensurate for its age. It has quite a spirituous nose, strong scents of Chinese 5-spice, clove, wood varnish, Montecristo cigars, fresh figs and grilled walnuts, hints of rosewater with time. After 10 minutes in the glass, it develops a touch more richness and depth. The palate is well balanced with a slightly viscous opening, richer than anticipated, dried honey and clove, red peppercorns, molasses and a touch of Sichuan pepper. With fine length and quite a sensual style, this is a fairly opulent Single Harvest Port that will give immense pleasure.”  95 points 

Neal Martin, Vinous.com
7th February 2022

“A bright topaz hue, with a saffron rim and gorgeous nose of dried apricot, fig and orange, with cedar, café crème cigar and a delicate touch of fern. Enveloping, silky smooth and nutty in the mouth, with subtly smoky roast hazelnuts (notes of praline).  Intense yet harmonious with not a hair out of place, it has great purity of expression and balance, making for a lingering, slow burn finish.”

Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective
21st January 2020

Taylor’s Single Harvest 1968

“Pale-medium amber, with tawny glints. Toasted tobacco, some meaty hints, dark chocolate and dried herb, with subtle caramel cake. Intense sweetness, with balancing acidity, orange-peel fruit, mahogany, walnuts, spice, dark chocolate and toffee. Very long and integrated finish. Exceptional length. Touch of warmth, but what the hell – it is port after all. Glorious!” 19/20

Jancis Robinson
7th March 2019

“It has a deep nose, with spicy wood and fruit notes (vanilla, orange peel, liquorice) and a touch of cafe creme cigar.  Lovely balance and mellow, woody timbre in the mouth, with subtly smoky roasted hazelnut/praline, dried/honeyed apricot and higher toned amaretti biscuit lift. Great poise and persistence. Terrific.”

Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective
11th December 2017

“Mid-deep mahogany-tinged tawny with an olive green rim; lifted and mellifluous on the nose with a glorious aroma of butterscotch which comes singing from the glass; wonderfully soft, silky creamy texture, rich and intense with a hint of toffee and butterscotch mid-palate, a touch savoury then a long fresh finish redolent of tangerine and dried apricots. Seamless from start to finish. What a wonderful way to celebrate in 2018.” 19/20

Richard Mayson, richardmayson.com
31st December 2017

“The nose is superb, with classic, mature Tawny nuttiness, but it is the palate which has me hooked. There is volume here with toffee, fig, walnut and woodsmoke tones. It is silky, juicy and very long, too.” 18/20

Matthew Jukes, MatthewJukes.com
8th December 2017

Taylor’s Single Harvest 1967

“A rich, mellow nose and palate with pronounced marzipan, roast coffee, orange peel, dried apricot, toasted coconut and a smoky, spicy finish. With a broad flavour spectrum and sturdiness, the influence of wood is more evident than I recall of previous vintages. It has plenty of concentration, if not quite the same energy or vigour as the previous releases. That said, I suspect it would benefit a bit of air to really strut its stuff.”

Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective
13th January 2017

“This 1967 is part of Taylor Fladgate’s regular releases of aged Colheita. It is showing a perfect moment in which the fruit finally passes into old gold maturity. The wine still has hints of sultanas, but now it’s the fine wood and spice character that is equally important. The wine, of course, is ready to drink and will not age further.” 94 points

Roger Voss, The Wine Enthusiast
1st December 2016

Taylor’s Single Harvest 1966

“One of a series of releases of single harvest wines, this smooth, wood-aged Port is rich and still full of fruit. Ripe date and raisin flavors are lifted by acidity, with flavors from the wood aging giving great balance. Tawny in character, this beautiful wine is complex and ready to drink.” 95 points

Roger Voss, The Wine Enthusiast
1st December 2015

Taylor’s Single Harvest 1965

“The age of this very fine old tawny is obvious from the old gold color. At 50 years, though, it still has amazingly impressive fruit and great depth of flavor. Acidity and spice are allied to dried apricot, raisins and a terrific concentration. This attractive, masterful wine is totally ready to drink.” 96 points

Roger Voss, The Wine Enthusiast
1st December 2015

“A single-harvest tawny (also known as a colheita), on the other hand reflects an individual growing season. As such, the 1965 Single Harvest Tawny – with its rich rust-amber hue, smooth, silky texture; and ripe notes of fig, toffee, and cedar – is a testament to the five decades of patience that produced it.”

Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report
1st September 2015

Taylor’s Single Harvest 1964

“Aged for half a century in oak casks, this venerable port has assumed the color and shine of richly varnished exotic wood. On the palate, this single-harvest tawny reveals the layers beneath its fine patina. Sweet smoke and cedar aromas arise from the glass, while a sip reveals flavors of candied walnut, sweet tobacco, tar and molasses before a refreshing wave of acidity washes the palate clean.”

Robb Report
1st November 2014

Taylor’s Single Harvest 1961

“This carries to the palate, where butterscotch and almonds are evidenced; not quite marzipan; too restrained and venerable… The acidity sings clearly after all these years, nothing too volatile by way of descant, the overriding impression is of clarity and precision, tarte tatin sweetness, brocaded soft silk tannins and flavors vaguely recalling macerated cherry but ethereal, elegiac energy quietly resonant.” 95 points

Simon Field MW, World of Fine Wine
27th January 2021

“Lucid gold on its rim, the 1961 has an intense bouquet that delivers a cornucopia of scents: clove, furniture polish, fig jam, molasses, strawberry and touches of Indian spice. There is a little volatility that merely imparts feistiness. The palate is sweet and viscous on the entry, with honey, vanilla pod, cinnamon and white pepper, later roasted chestnut and tangy orange rind, Chinese 5-spice and Seville orange marmalade. I appreciate the persistency of this Port that packs quite a punch and conveys a sense of joie-de-vivre.” 94 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
January 2021

“Mahogany brown with a thin golden-green rim; distinctly lifted on the nose, this wine sings straightway from the glass with layered aromas of molasses, dried figs, cedar and all-spice. On the palate it is sublimely rich in texture with the concentration of age evident through its intense quince marmalade sweetness, just about offset on the finish by a fine streak of lemon and lime acidity. A wine to ponder, sip and savour: the richness goes on and on.” 19/20

Richard Mayson, Richardmayson.com
26th January 2021

Taylor’s Single Harvest 1896

“Deep Mahogany centre with a think olive-green rim; distinctly and very beautifully lifted on the nose, a tough balsamic or, in Portuguese terms, vinagrinho, with a touch of cask dissipating to reveal a wonderful perfume of quince and a hint of roast coffee. Richly concentrated, with wonderfully mellifluous texture and a fresh streak of acidity that stops it from cloying, there’s a hint of molasses, butterscotch and leather on the finish which, as you might expect, goes on and on and on. The essence of Port; glorious and the last of its kind.” 98 points

Richard Mayson, Decanter
December 2021

“The palate is medium-bodied, slightly viscous on the entry, very spicy with sweet honey and brown sugar notes, completely offset by the combination of natural and volatile acids. Despite its age, this is a fiery Port with extraordinary lingering notes of Japanese shiso leaf, fig jam, damson and stem ginger, clean and poised with that volatility kicking towards the finish” 98 points

Neal Martin, Vinous
7th June 2021

“It’s an overwhelmingly sensual experience. Cedary scents give way to Chinese spices, caramel, orange zest and a wisp of incense, while the wine caresses the tongue with a texture like suede, its flavours lingering ghostlike long after you’ve swallowed.”

David Williams, The Guardian/ Observer
June 2021

Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2019

“This is from the Awatere, which has quite a talent for Pinot Noir when the right sites are chosen. It’s fruity and aromatic with red cherries and cranberries, and there’s a lovely silkiness to the mid-weight palate, which has a bit of tannin crunch and nice green hints around the fringes of the bright red fruits. Shows and ease and delicacy: it’s a very pure, softly textured expression of Pinot with lovely focus.” 90 points

Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com
18th August 2o21

Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2018

“That suits this delicate style of Pinot that for me is more on the rhubarb and beetroot, more vegetal spectrum which is an authentic expression of this variety. Very pale in colour, the fruit is of small red berries – cranberry and reducurrant – with a gentle influence of older oak barrels accentuating some spicy and vanilla components. Gentle tannins and good acidity. It’s a wine in the distinctly cool-climate, red-fruited and savoury style.”

Tom Cannavan, wine-pages.com
23rd August 2021

Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2017

“This has an elegant purple berry purity on both nose and palate, enlivened by a streak of minerality and brisk, mouthwatering acidity. It’s young and vibrant, enjoyable now but should age well too. Top value!” 91 points

Tina Gellie, Decanter
16th January 2019

Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2019

“Brilliant value for under £10, this gives you everything you’re looking for from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: ripe passion fruit and melon on the nose, leading to a punchy mineral palate of pineapple, mango and citrus zest with an underlying gooseberry tartness. Crisp, tasty and easy to enjoy.” 91 points

Tina Gellie, Decanter.com
15th January 2020

Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018

“Lemon, pear and grapefruit flavors are fresh and bright, set on a crisp frame, with plenty of vibrant acidity. Drink now.”

MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator
31st May 2019

Awatere Valley Pinot Gris 2017

“The 2017 Pinot Gris features aromas of apple and melon. This medium-bodied wine then offers soft, round flavors of baked orchard fruit that finish with hints of cinnamon and clove. It’s clean and quaffable, not always an easy feat in the tough 2017 vintage.”

Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
28th February 2018

Barossa Valley White 2016

“2016 Turkey Flat White Barossa Valley Marsanne, Viognier, Rousanne is great wine at a great price. This has classic greengage and red apple fruit lightened by touches of peach but counterbalanced by that elusive “Northern Rhone” savoury – slightly saline texture.”

Brian Elliot, Scotland on Sunday
19th February 2017

Turkey Flat Rosé 2022

“Fresh aromas of sliced strawberries, roses and red cherries. Medium-bodied with a silky texture. Fresh and bright, with pleasant weight and density. Rather expressive and long. Drink now. Screw cap.” 92 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
October 2022

Turkey Flat Rosé 2020

“This Grenache is a perfect summer sipper. It’s light and crisp, with notes of fresh lemon, strawberries and cream, and redcurrants. Crisp acidity, with a fresh bite to the finish.” 90 points

Julie Sheppard, Decanter
July 2021

Trophy for Best Rosé at the 2021 Barossa Wine Show

Turkey Flat Rosé 2015

“Vivid fuchsia-pink colour to a blend of 92% Grenache, 5% each of Cabernet and Shiraz, 2% Dulcet and 1% matter, details that reflect the intense care that this taken with this best-selling rosé. Raspberry, strawberry and red cherry (take your pick) flavours are given an edgy freshness by the crisp acidity without this would not be the same wine, instead of screaming value, value, value.” 95 points

James Halliday
August 2015

Turkey Flat Shiraz 2019

“A big and rich shiraz with lots of dark fruit, asphalt and crushed stone on the nose and palate. It’s full and layered with lots going on, but it’s neither heavy nor overbearing. Lots of freshness and density at the same time. Drink now. Screw cap.” 92 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
October 2022

“Smart, modern style, showing a firm seam of black pepper running through fresh black plums, blackberries and Black Forest gateau. Built for time.” 93 points

Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

Butcher’s Block Red 2017

“This classic Barossa GSM blend uses fruit from some of the original vines planted on the property, founded in 1865. Juicy, pure raspberry, pepper spice, chocolate rose creams, and raspy spiced plum skins on a silky palate. Really moreish!” 92 points

Tina Gellie, Decanter.com
July 2020

Butcher’s Block Red 2016

“Aged in tank and older wood, the 2016 Butcher’s Block Red is a blend of 49% Shiraz, 38% Grenache and 13% Mataro. It delivers almost grapey blueberry fruit, even a hint of stone fruit, delicate floral notes and a touch of cocoa. Medium to full-bodied, it’s a plump, juicy wine on the mid-plate, turning dry and savory on the finish.”

Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
31st August 2018

Butcher’s Block Red 2020

“Deliciously smoky, with aromas of barbecued meat, kalamata olives, black fruit, banana leaves and peppercorns. Full-bodied with ripe, chewy tannins. Fleshy and concentrated. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” 91 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
October 2022

Grenache 2021

“This has a subdued nose of strawberries, red plums, lavender and thyme. Some savory mushroom notes, too. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy tannins and a linear finish. Drink now. Screw cap.” 93 points

James Suckling, Australia Report 2022
October 2022

Grenache 2018

“Pictured right/front, it is suitably dark and, yes brooding, but also very expressive and generous now. Ever so appealing and drinkable with its effusive whole bunch aromats – a great sense of alcohol steeped botanicals – chinato –  bringing heightened intensity to the orange peel, liquorice, fern and Imperial Leather notes.  Succulent sweet red cherry and plum fruit, with sappier, perfumed water melon pervades the palate.  The bones are well covered and, with harmonious juicy acidity and an undertow of sandpapery tannins, the flavours and aromas are kept in play.  Buoyant, long and satisfying, it wears it alcohol very well.”

Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective
 17th September 2021

“Intense black and red fruit nose, with some herbal complexity. Rich on palate with grippy, soft tannins and light cedar wood and vanilla characters.” 89 points

Bronze Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

Mataro 2018

“Perfumed and sophisticatedly rounded, 2018 Turkey Flat Mataro is one example of that readiness to be unorthodox, delivering smoky mulberry and bramble flavours with good acidity but balanced tannin and traces of cocoa, clove and sage.”

Brian Elliott, Mid Week Wines
29th July 2021

Pedro Ximénez

“The other wine to look out for in the TF range in the unhinged NV Pedro  Ximénez. This wine is a 100 Best Alumni and I often forget to mention it but it really is a wickedly decadent pudding wine with all of the drunken raisin and fig notes you crave from this style of sweetie.”

Matthew Jukes, 100 Best Australian Wines 2017/18
30th July 2017

“A PX as we call it in the wine trade, but from the Barossa Valley in Australia. This is not something you will see every day, the wine has been through a solera system for around 7 years. This will be the wine everyone will love, especially the keen cheese eater!”

Yannick Lowe, Devon Life
1st January 2016