3x perfect 100-Point ratings for Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2022

2018 Vieux Chateau Certan - 99 Points 

Today, we have a small parcel of a few bottles and a couple of cases of VCC 2018, which comes from a great vintage and flirts with perfection with a 99+ Point score from the Wine Advocate.

Few estates in Pomerol inspire as much admiration as Vieux Chateau Certan. Owned by the Thienpont family since 1924, this historic chateau lies at the heart of the appellation on a privileged plateau of deep clay and gravel soils. Known for its high proportion of old-vine Cabernet Franc, VCC is a wine of grace, power and precision. Its unmistakable signature blends Pomerol plushness with Left Bank structure, delivering deeply complex, age-worthy wines that rival Bordeaux’s most celebrated names.

The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by extremes—spring rains and mildew pressure followed by a long, hot summer. The result was a harvest of small, concentrated berries producing deeply coloured, rich wines with ripe tannins and ageing potential. Particularly strong in Pomerol and Pauillac, 2018 is a vintage that combines opulence with structure, and rewards both patience and curiosity.

The 2018 Vieux Chateau Certan is a profound expression of Pomerol’s greatness. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, it offers a complex perfume of black cherries, blueberries, spice, and floral notes, with hints of espresso and sandalwood. The palate is seamless, layered, and elegant, supported by ultra-fine tannins and mineral lift. A wine of structure, purity, and poise, the 2018 VCC will evolve beautifully over the next three to four decades.

As part of today’s offer, we have a couple of 3x75cl cases and a few bottles of this highly scored vintage that is flirting with perfection at 99+ Points from the Wine Advocate.

With limited availability, Pomerol fans don’t hesitate.

 

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Vieux Chateau Certan 2018

€220* In Bond per bottle

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99+ Points | Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2018 Vieux Château Certan is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, weighing in with 14.4% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 77. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is locked down tight at this youthful stage, requiring a lot of patient swirling to release a profound powerhouse of a perfume: preserved plums, blueberry compote, ripe black cherries and boysenberries, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, lilacs, espresso and licorice, plus a waft of sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate has an amazing sense of cohesiveness. There are no edges to the seamless flow of exquisitely fine-grained tannins and perfectly knit acidity, beautifully framing the blue and black fruits, which are at once elegant and also so, so rich. It finishes with many slowly lapping waves of minerals and exotic spices, which just go on and on. It is a wine that is, simply put, an experience not to be missed. Give it a good 6-8 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 30 years or more.

99 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

The flagship 2018 Vieux Château Certan is based on 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and was brought up in (I suspect) roughly 50% new French oak. It tips the scale at 14.5% natural alcohol, which is the same as the 2010 (slightly higher than the 2009) and has a pH of 3.78, which is also very close to the 2010. This rock star of a Pomerol offers a kaleidoscopic array of red, black, and blue fruits, white truffle, spring flowers, tobacco, and crushed rock-like minerality on the nose. It has perfectly integrated oak, gorgeous concentration, building yet ultra-fine tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. I was able to follow this bottle for multiple days, and the large Cabernet Franc component became more and dominant, yet it never truly shut down and was always a joy to drink. Nevertheless, a good 7-8 years of bottle age are warranted, and it should evolve for 30-40 years in cold cellars. Again, the Thienpont family produces a heavenly wine that wine lovers should all have in their cellar. Along with Petrus, Conseillante, Lafleur, and a handful of others, it's one of the appellation's most singular wines.

99 Points | James Suckling

Blackberry and hints of plum with intense wet-earth and black-olive undertones. Bark and some iodine. Full-bodied with superb depth of fruit and structure. The palate is so broad with super tannins. This is a powerful and very structured VCC with fantastic depth and muscle. Down-to-earth style. You can taste the soil. 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc. One for long cellar aging. Old-vine character. Try after 2027.

*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.

 

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2023 Awatea by Te Mata

We love discovering wines that punch well above their weight, and today’s offer is a perfect example. Awarded a very respectable 96 points by The Wine Advocate, it delivers serious quality for just €23.50* IB per bottle—proof that great wine doesn’t need a grand price tag.

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96 Points - Wine Advocate

“Aromatically, this wine is thrilling: dusty cassis, bramble, raspberry pip, blood/iodine, sweet tobacco, raw cocoa, violet perfume, tarragon and fennel and a hint of hazelnut/nutmeg. […] It is a magnificent wine and a tremendous value."

- Erin Larkin

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Last week we offered Te Mata Coleraine—one of our favourite Bordeaux blends from New Zealand and the flagship of the estate. Normally, we pass over the rest of the range in favour of the top cuvées, but in 2023, Awatea is simply too good to overlook. This vintage demands attention and deserves a spot in any serious collection.

Named after the SS Awatea—an elegant 1930s ocean liner whose name means “Eye of the Dawn” in Maori—this wine reflects both heritage and finesse. Aged for 15 months in French oak, it is crafted to showcase the classic varietals of Hawke’s Bay: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Rather than power, Awatea offers precision and poise, with Merlot leading the blend in a style that is refined and expressive.

Awatea opens with vibrant dark berry fruit, graphite, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by silky tannins and fresh acidity. Its medium-bodied frame makes it instantly appealing, while the wine’s polish and structure promise graceful evolution over the next decade. A benchmark for value in New Zealand reds, Awatea consistently delivers a level of quality and charm that far outpaces its price point—perfect for both early drinking and thoughtful cellaring.

Awarded its highest-ever score from The Wine Advocate—96 points from Erin Larkin—Awatea 2023 is not only a magnificent wine, but also a remarkable value. At €23.50* IB per bottle, we see this as an unmissable buy. Grab it while you can.

 

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 Te Mata Awatea 2023

€23.50* In Bond per bottle

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96 Points | Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin

The 2023 Awatea Cabernets Merlot comprises 52% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Aromatically, this wine is thrilling: dusty cassis, bramble, raspberry pip, blood/iodine, sweet tobacco, raw cocoa, violet perfume, tarragon and fennel and a hint of hazelnut/nutmeg. In the mouth, the wine is savory, structural, spicy and chewy, with a ductile splay of tannin that moves across the palate and through the finish. The palate speaks of structure and shape, while the fruit is mostly on the nose at this early stage. This will evolve beautifully in bottle over time, and as the bottle I am tasting here today was bottled four weeks ago, no doubt your bottle will look more polished and sleek. As it is, I love it, but I am sure I will like it more in time. It is a magnificent wine and a tremendous value. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under 44-millimeter Diam 10 cork (usually it's a 44-millimeter natural cork). Next year it will be a 49-millimeter Diam 10 cork.

*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.

 

See all available wines and vintages of Te Mata.

2021 Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Release

If there’s one Barbaresco producer we always recommend, it’s Produttori. In 2021, that advice rings even truer. Like much of Italy in this vintage, this is a wine you won’t want to miss.

“In a vintage shaping up globally to be one of the most sought-after in almost a decade (with perhaps the unfortunate exception of Bordeaux), the wines of 2021 continue to impress and woo the critics internationally, and the incredible new releases from the appellation of Barbaresco are certainly no exception”

- Greg Sherwood MW

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The Barbaresco wine region, nestled in Italy’s Piedmont, is often called the “Queen” of Nebbiolo, a title that reflects its graceful, elegant style, while Barolo holds the title of “King” for its powerful, structured expression of the grape. Set in the Langhe hills, Barbaresco benefits from a unique terroir of calcareous soils and a temperate climate, creating wines with refined tannins and vibrant acidity. Known for their longevity and aromatic depth, Barbarescos are characterised by flavours of red fruit, rose, and earthy notes.

“Here we have the cooperative of Barbaresco and one known as producing some of the best-priced quality wines in all of Langhe.”

- Decanter, Aldo Fiordelli

Produttori del Barbaresco, a historic cooperative winery in the heart of Barbaresco, Piedmont, traces its roots to 1894 when it was founded by Domizio Cavazza, headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba, as a collective of nine growers. Re-established in 1958, it now unites over 51 small growers dedicated to crafting exceptional Nebbiolo wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir. Under the management of Aldo Vacca, former assistant to Angelo Gaja, Produttori del Barbaresco is celebrated for its traditional winemaking, producing both classic Barbaresco and distinguished single-vineyard bottlings. The wines are noted for their elegance, complexity, and longevity, establishing the cooperative as a benchmark for Nebbiolo and a symbol of Piedmontese excellence.

The 2021 Barbaresco from Produttori del Barbaresco is a standout expression of a thrilling vintage. The Wine Advocate has scored it 95+ Points, whilst Greg Sherwood goes one further with 96 Points. Greg Sherwood highlights that this bottling rivals past declassified Crus for complexity and finesse—an exceptional wine and a superb introduction to what 2021 holds for Barbaresco.

In our view, Produttori stands among a select group of producers offering some of the best value wines in Italy, delivering exceptional quality at a price that’s hard to beat. The wines of Produttori del Barbaresco usually don’t hang around too long, so be sure to secure your bottles while you can.

“While much of Barolo has succumb to the pressures of a buoyant, thirsty international fine wine market over the past few years, Barbaresco defies the odds and remains incredibly well priced but also very much Barolos equal in terms of quality, complexity, age ability and simple winemaking precision. I recently tasted a pre-release sample of probably THE greatest value for money Barbaresco on the market from Produttori del Barbaresco, and needless to say, I was not left disappointed!” - Greg Sherwood MW

 

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Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2021

€28.50* In Bond per bottle

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96 Points | Greg Sherwood MW

Showing a super bright piercing aromatics of pressed red cherry, saline black berries and tart cranberry fruit complexity with fragrant undertones of polished mahogany, damp earth and a delicately herbal, floral potpourri spice melange. The palate is sleek, fulsome and absolutely brimming with tart juicy red and black Nebbiolo fruits that support an incredibly tight, fine grained tannin structure, with notes of cherry cola and pink rock candy, finishing with a sleek, sumptuous, supple sappy mineral persistence. This cooler vintage has delivered a Produttori del Barbaresco expression that surpasses possibly even some of the previous non-declared / declassified Cru Barbaresco expressions where all nine Crus were blended together into the Barbaresco normale. A simply spectacular, mouth watering wine once again.

95+ Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner

This wine gives us our first taste of the epic 2021 vintage from a producer as prolific as Produttori del Barbaresco. Bottled in April 2024, this vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors. The 2021 Barbaresco offers medium-rich density that is transmitted both to the wine's appearance and its mouthfeel. There is black fruit, spice and a touch of nutmeg. However, the wine maintains its youthful tension and energy throughout. The tannins are chalky, fine and void of any bitterness. This is a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas.

*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.

 

View all wines and vintages of Produttori del Barbaresco

Few names in the world of wine command the reverence of Vega Sicilia. Widely seen as Spain’s “First Growth,” it helped define Ribera del Duero’s global reputation, blending Bordeaux techniques with Spanish terroir to produce age-worthy, iconic wines. Tradition, patience, and precision remain the pillars of this legendary estate.

The 2015 Ribera del Duero vintage was warm and generous, yielding ripe, powerful wines with structure and depth. A standout year, it produced age-worthy reds of exceptional quality and balance. 2015 is the first vintage by the new winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga and he has certainly flown out of the gates with very high scores from all the wine critics. 

With strong scores all around and a huge score upgrade to 100-Points from JebDunnuck.com, the 2015 looks like a solid buy. 

100 - Jeb Dunnuck - Virginie Boone - One of Spain’s best-known and beloved wines [...}  The length and structure are remarkable. The grapes were harvested “al dente,” when they were crisp, fresh, and juicy, perfectly ripe. There is tremendous balance between the wine’s acidity and freshness and full-bodied power. This will age 60 years and is winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga's first vintage.

98 Points - Vinous - "The nose is aromatically complex, with balsamic notes, forest floor, delicate herbs such as rosemary and thyme and an evolved profile showing vanilla, maraschino cherry and dried fruit. Silky and layered, the palate features chalky tannins and a smooth texture, offering depth and nuance. Subtle oak, fresh plum and herbs combine for a long, refined finish. A classic expression of elegant Ribera"

 

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Vega Sicilia Unico 2015 

€330* IB per bottle 

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100 Jeb Dunnuck, Virginie Boone
One of Spain’s best-known and beloved wines, this vintage, the 2015 Unico, like always, saw five years of aging in barrel and vat and another five years in bottle. It was bottled in May 2021. Blending 96% Tempranillo and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Vega Sicilia estate, usually from the same plots of 40+-year-old vines, it opens in expressive, juicy, lush pomegranate and dark cherry carried by supple, silky tannins and bright acidity. The length and structure are remarkable. The grapes were harvested “al dente,” when they were crisp, fresh, and juicy, perfectly ripe. There is tremendous balance between the wine’s acidity and freshness and full-bodied power. This will age 60 years and is winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga's first vintage. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2085

19/20 Points | Jancis Robinson, Ferran Centelles
96% Tinto Fino, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. From the famous Vega Sicilia vineyard, located between 720 and 930 m above sea level on limestone marl soil. Aged for a total of 10 years, 5 years in barrels and wooden foudres, of which one and a half years in barrels, and another five years in bottle. The maturation of the 2015 vintage was fast, homogeneous and exceptional, which required a good control of the process to obtain the optimum point of maturity. Gonzalo Iturriaga's first year as technical director. A very generous year in terms of ripeness and power, with great balancing acidity. For this wine, the whitest soils rich in marl were selected from the mythical Vega Sicilia vineyard. Production: 84,184 bottles, 3,645 magnums, 360 double magnums, 57 Imperials and 5 Salmanazars. Cedar, graphite and a fine touch of earthiness. It is fluid, with melted tannins and very smooth. Certainly, a year of great delicacy and with the barrel less marked. It is totally multi-layered and you can already perceive some tertiary notes that are complemented by a touch of pine-forest freshness at the back of the palate. Great work; it is a totally overwhelming wine. (FC)

98 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Responding to the heat and power of the 2015 vintage, Gonzalo Iturriaga was grateful for the 4% Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend with Tinto Fino. Firmer and denser than the 2014 release, it partners aromas of earth, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate with a palate of Asian spices, ginger, cassis and blackberry and polished tannins. A triumph over the elements.

98 Points | Vinous, Joaquín Hidalgo
The 2015 Vega Sicilia Unico is Tinta del País with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ribera del Duero. The nose is aromatically complex, with balsamic notes, forest floor, delicate herbs such as rosemary and thyme and an evolved profile showing vanilla, maraschino cherry and dried fruit. Silky and layered, the palate features chalky tannins and a smooth texture, offering depth and nuance. Subtle oak, fresh plum and herbs combine for a long, refined finish. A classic expression of elegant Ribera.

97 Points |  Wine Advocate, Luis Gutiérrez
The 2015 Único comes from a year with a fast ripening, and they had to harvest early to keep the crunchiness of the fruit. This was the first harvest produced 100% by winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga. The aging was five years in oak, one and a half years in barrels and three and a half years in oak vats. It's a big year, produced with 96% Tinto Fino and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's ripe, with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.88 and 4.8 grams of acidity. The grapes are cooled down for one day, the bunches are selected and then fermented with a pied de cuve in vats. It's a ripe and concentrated vintage, classical modern Vega Sicilia nose, expressive, aromatic and open, with notes of dark cherries, spice, cigar box and a medium to full-bodied palate with abundant fine-grained tannins, with good balance and the rustic elegance of the best Ribera del Duero. In 2015, they produced 84,184 bottles, 3,645 magnums and some larger formats, less than 2014, which was the largest production of Único ever. It was bottled in May 2021.

*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change

 

See all available wines from Vega Sicilia.

2019 Giscours

We just got our hands on a competitively priced parcel of Giscours and are pleased to offer:

“The 2019 Giscours has turned out very well in bottle […] it's polished and perfumed, with a velvety, seamless profile and bright animating acids, concluding with a long, resonant finish. Alexandre Van Beek and his team are taking this estate to heights it hasn't hit since the 1970s, and this is another of the great bargains of the 2019 en primeur campaign.” - Wine Advocate, William Kelley

Chateau Giscours, a Third Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, is now one of the most esteemed estates in Margaux. Though it fell short of its classification in the late 1980s, Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma’s acquisition in 1995 marked a new era of revitalisation. With significant investments in vineyard management and winemaking, Jelgersma and his team restored Giscours to its former glory. Today, Chateau Giscours produces some of Margaux’s finest wines, reflecting a legacy of excellence and elegance.

We’ve long been championing the 2019 Bordeaux vintage, not only for its outstanding quality but also for its highly competitive pricing. The 2019 Bordeaux vintage is widely praised for its balance, precision, and ripeness. A warm, dry summer delivered wines with generous fruit, refined tannins, and vibrant freshness. Across both Left and Right Banks, the wines show clarity and structure, offering immediate appeal with excellent ageing potential for future decades.

The 2019 Giscours is a superb example of modern Margaux, combining plush fruit with classical structure and elegance. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, it delivers layers of blackcurrant, plum, cocoa, and crushed stone, with floral and tobacco nuances. Polished tannins and vibrant acidity give it a seamless, silky texture. Already impressive, it will age gracefully for decades, confirming Giscours’ place among Bordeaux’s rising stars in recent vintages.

With a 96-point score from Antonio Galloni, the 2019 Chateau Giscours is the (joint) highest-rated vintage from Vinous, surpassing the top recent vintages like 2015 (95-Points), 2009 (93-Points), 2010 (90 points) and legendary vintages such as 1961 which scored 95 points. The scores for Chateau Giscours 2019 are impressive across the board, with 97 points from James Suckling and 95-Points from William Kelley of the Wine Advocate.

Given the estate’s remarkable trajectory and the strength of the 2019 vintage, this is a smart time to add Giscours to your cellar. With such outstanding critical acclaim, proven longevity, and a price that still reflects value, this is a wine you’ll want to own before it becomes much harder to find.

 

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Giscours 2019

€45* In Bond per bottle

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97 Points | James Suckling

A ripe and layered red with lots of currant and chocolate character, as well as some walnut and cocoa powder. Crushed stones, too. It’s full and layered with round tannins and a juicy and plush texture. Crushed velvet that turns to silk. Very cool and long. Plenty going on here. Give it three to four years to come together. But will age beautifully for years to come. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot. Try after 2026.

96 Points | Vinous - Antonio Galloni

The 2019 Giscours is every bit as compelling today as it was from barrel. Dark and sumptuous in feel, Giscours shows off its notable dimension and breadth. Succulent black cherry, plum, leather, tobacco, menthol and licorice intensify as this gorgeous, beautifully layered Margaux builds with time in the glass. The 2019 is a big wine, but not quite as exuberant as the 2018. Tasted two times

95 Points | Wine Advocate, William Kelley

The 2019 Giscours has turned out very well in bottle, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet berries, cherries, burning embers, lilac and violets framed by a discreet patina of new oak. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's polished and perfumed, with a velvety, seamless profile and bright animating acids, concluding with a long, resonant finish. Alexandre Van Beek and his team are taking this estate to heights it hasn't hit since the 1970s, and this is another of the great bargains of the 2019 en primeur campaign.

95 Points | Vinous - Neal Martin

The 2019 Giscours has certainly calmed down since its bravura performance from barrel, now more streamlined and focused, albeit retaining that black and blue fruit interlaced with pressed violet. The harmonious palate is very finely tuned and beautifully structured, with a touch of salinity. This is one of the more precise Giscours in recent years, perhaps partly due to consultant Thomas Duclos, who began working with the estate in 2018 (he was actually born nearby). This reminds me of some of the classic Giscours such as the 1966 or the 1970. It may even merit a higher score with bottle age.

94+ Points | Jeb Dunnuck

Checking in as a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, the 2019 Château Giscours is one heck of an impressive Margaux. Deep purple-hued, with a great nose of both black and blue fruits as well as sappy herbs, tobacco, and flowers, it has nicely integrated oak, medium to full body, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It's beautifully done. Hide bottles for 4-6 years and enjoy over the following two decades or so.

*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.

 

View all vintages of Giscours

2016 La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva

This Gran Reserva sets a benchmark not only for the estate but for the entire Rioja region. The 2016 vintage scores very highly from both Vinous and the Wine Advocate.

La Rioja Alta stands as one of Spain’s greatest traditional wineries, celebrated for crafting elegant, age-worthy Rioja with a timeless style. Founded in 1890 and based in Haro’s historic Barrio de la Estación, the estate blends heritage with meticulous craftsmanship. American oak ageing, extended cellaring, and a focus on Tempranillo deliver wines of finesse, balance, and longevity. La Rioja Alta remains a benchmark for classic Rioja, with a reputation built on consistency and understated excellence.

The 2016 growing season was long and even, with balanced weather supporting slow, steady ripening. Cool spring conditions delayed growth, while a mild, dry harvest allowed for staggered picking at perfect maturity. The wines show vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and precise aromatics, promising excellent ageing potential.

The 904 Gran Reserva is La Rioja Alta’s flagship expression of classic, long-aged Rioja.The name 904 Gran Reserva honours the 1904 merger between La Rioja Alta and Rioja Ardanza.

The 2016 La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva is a textbook example of traditional, long-aged Rioja at its finest. A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, it spent four years in American oak, developing layers of cigar box, tobacco leaf, vanilla, and balsamic spice. Silky, fresh, and remarkably complex, it balances ripe fruit with savoury depth. This is a beautifully crafted, age-worthy Rioja with decades of potential ahead.

When we tasted the previous vintage, we thought it was one of the best editions of 904 yet — but the 2016 takes it even further, with even higher scores. Vinous awarded it 97 points, while the Wine Advocate followed closely with 96 Points. James Suckling summed it up perfectly: “Goes on for a minute, if not more. Such a hedonistic Rioja that delivers sheer pleasure”.

At a price of €59* In Bond per bottle, the 904 offers fantastic value. You’ll be wanting a few cases of these for your collection.

 

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 La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva Rioja 2016

€59* In Bond per bottle

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97 Points | Vinous, Joaquín Hidalgo

The 2016 Gran Reserva 904 from Rioja Alta is composed of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. It aged for four years in American oak barrels, 20% of which were new. This has a slightly sun-kissed profile, opening with pronounced oaky aromas followed by classic tertiary notes of clove, licorice, vanilla and caramel, alongside hints of tobacco leaf and bay. This is complex in its maturity, offering good volume, creamy texture and a seamless flow across the palate. A touch of camphor appears at the finish, adding energy to the approachable character. The extended aging in oak defines the long, composed finale. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2050

97 Points | James Suckling

Such a deep and complex gran reserva with richness and depth. Genuinely intense and harmonious, with cigar box, pine cones, black mushrooms and high-grade wood and vanilla. Juicy, flavorful and really long. Goes on for a minute, if not more. Such a hedonistic Rioja that delivers sheer pleasure. 90% tempranillo and 10% graciano. Drink or hold.

96 Points | Wine Advocate, Luis Gutiérrez

I find the 2016 Gran Reserva 904 to be spectacular and a textbook example of the grand traditional style. It was produced with 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from a selection of vineyards in search of balanced wines with silky tannins, good acidity, character, length and aging potential. The élevage is long, four years in used barrels averaging 4.5 years of age, during which time the wine is manually racked every six months. It's ripe with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.61 and 5.4 grams of acidity, but the wine is super fresh and complex, with aromas of cigar box, balsamic, dry tea leaves, aromatic herbs, camphor, antiquary furniture and tobacco. It's elegant and intense, with pungent flavors and very good freshness, and it's silky, textured and nicely structured, with volume, clean, intense and long. This is a very complete year for 904. It's ready, but it should last. 120,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2021.

*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.

 

View all wines and vintages of La Rioja Alta.

2012 Comtes de Champagne Rose - Taittinger

The highest scoring vintage of this wine yet !

98 points - Antonio Galloni - “The 2012 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is magnificent. Rich and explosive in the glass, the 2012 Comtes Rosé dazzles from start to finish. "

One of Champagne’s last great family-owned houses, Taittinger is celebrated for its finesse-driven style and mastery of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With roots dating back to 1734, the estate is based in Reims and has long been associated with refinement, balance, and age-worthy brilliance. Their flagship Comtes de Champagne cuvées—crafted only in the best vintages—are benchmarks for grace, purity, and long-lived complexity in both blanc and rosé form.

Comtes de Champagne Rosé is Taittinger’s ultimate expression of Grand Cru elegance. Crafted only in exceptional vintages, it blends Pinot Noir (a portion as red wine) from Montagne de Reims with Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. The result is an intricate rosé Champagne of intensity, finesse, and longevity, showcasing layers of wild berries, chalky minerality, and fine mousse. It’s vinous, perfumed, and unashamedly luxurious—a rosé that rewards both cellaring and celebration.

The 2012 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is a show-stopping release, combining power and detail in spectacular fashion. Made from 70% Pinot Noir (including 14% red wine) and 30% Chardonnay, all from Grand Cru vineyards, it dazzles with notes of blood orange, red berries, oyster shell, and spice. Scoring up to 99 points, its seamless bubbles and vertical tension make it one of Taittinger’s greatest-ever rosés—a wine of poise, presence, and peerless prestige.

We have a small selection available at a competitive pre-arrival price of €175* In Bond per bottle in cases of 3x75cl. Galloni summarises nicely for us; “Vertical structure and tons of energy are the signatures. I would be thrilled to own this.”

 

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Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose 2012 (3x75cl)

€175* In Bond per bottle

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99 Points | James Suckling

This is a structured, focused yet delicate rosé Comtes. Almost rust-colored, with tons of grapefruit, crushed stones, blackcurrants and wild raspberries, alongside oyster shells and chalk. Very precise and fine, with seamless bubbles and a fresh, very long finish. 60% pinot noir (from Mailly, Verzenay and Ambonnay) and 40% chardonnay (Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger), of which 16% red wine from Bouzy, all grand cru. Drink or hold.

98 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni

The 2012 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is magnificent. Rich and explosive in the glass, the 2012 Comtes Rosé dazzles from start to finish. I like it even more today than I liked it last year! A rush of red cherry fruit, kirsch, blood orange, cinnamon and rose petal soars out of the glass. Vertical structure and tons of energy are the signatures. I would be thrilled to own this. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2037

97 Points | Wine Advocate, Yohan Castaing

Evoking a superb bouquet, the remarkable 2012 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé reveals aromas of mint, strawberries, ripe red berries, tangerine, plums, orange rind and blood orange. Full-bodied, vinous and concentrated, it has a delicately, perfectly balanced phenolic mid-palate framed by a pinpoint mousse of striking finesse and delicacy, concluding with a vibrant, vertical finish enhanced by gastronomic bitterness. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir, including 14% as red wine, and 30% Chardonnay, disgorged with a dosage of nine grams per liter, this is one of the most elegant and refined Comtes de Champagne Rosé releases from Taittinger.

*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.

 

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2021 Capensis Chardonnay - 98 Points

“One of the greatest Chardonnays ever produced in South Africa, this is a world-class wine " - Tim Atkin MW

This is an offer you won’t want to miss! We’ve been eagerly awaiting our allocation for several months, and here it is. Buy some bottles and thank us later!

Capensis is redefining South African Chardonnay at the highest level. Founded as a joint venture between Anthony Beck and American wine icon Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines, Capensis focuses exclusively on producing world-class Chardonnay from the Cape’s finest vineyards. Winemaker Graham Weerts crafts wines that combine the power and precision of Stellenbosch with Burgundy-inspired finesse. The name Capensis—Latin for “from the Cape”—reflects the winery’s bold ambition: to showcase the Cape’s greatness in Chardonnay.

Capensis Chardonnay is a blend of elite vineyard parcels from Stellenbosch, Overberg, and Elandskloof—regions that offer high altitudes, cool climates, and diverse soils. Aged in French oak, it’s layered and textured, with notes of citrus peel, white peach, hazelnut, and subtle spice. The palate is rich yet taut, showing fine minerality and impressive length.

Tim Atkin has been one of the leading critics for South Africa for over a decade, visiting the country each year to write his report. He’s boldly declared that Capensis Chardonnay 2021 is “One of the greatest Chardonnays ever produced in South Africa” awarding it a remarkable 98 points. We looked back over Tim Atkin’s last five reports and couldn’t find any Chardonnay scoring this highly before.

Greg Sherwood MW agrees writing: “The texture is world class, polished, sleek, refined and incredibly crystalline and pure. A beautiful expression from a top-class producer.”

This isn’t a wine you’ll find widely available. From what we can see, we’re the first in Europe to receive our allocation, and there are hardly any back vintages on the market. We’re offering it at an introductory price of €48.50* In Bond per bottle—an absolute bargain, in our view, for one of the world’s finest Chardonnays.

Opportunities like this don’t come around often—secure your case while you can.

Photo: the vineyards of Capensis

 

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Capensis Chardonnay 2021

€48.50* In Bond per bottle

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98 Points | Tim Atkin MW

One of the greatest Chardonnays ever produced in South Africa, this is a world-class wine that combines components from the Klein Karoo, Overberg, Robertson and Stellenbosch. Fermented in 35% new barrels, it's a chiselled, intense, fynbos and aniseed scented white with layers of kelp, vanilla spice, oyster shell, struck match and waxed lemon. Long, nuanced and very complex. 2025-32

96 Points | Greg Sherwood MW

Blend of Fijnbosch, Barrydale (Klein Karoo), Robertson and Kaaimansgat fruit. Similar oaking regime with 32-33% new oak and multiple passage barrels. The aromatics show a fabulous lemon blossom and herby, savoury depth with green melon, lemon pastille and a beautifully integrated delicate oak spice that’s almost an afterthought. The texture is world class, polished, sleek, refined and incredibly crystalline and pure. A beautiful expression from a top-class producer.

 

See all wines and vintages from Capensis.

2022 Guidalberto

The smart way into Sassicaia’s world-class terroir—at a third of the price. Guidalberto has quietly become one of Italy’s best buys. It shares the same coastal vineyards, family, and finesse as Sassicaia, but offers earlier drinking and extraordinary value. With fruit once destined for its legendary sibling and serious critical acclaim, the 2022 is a standout vintage—and a rare chance to buy into greatness.

Tenuta San Guido is one of Italy’s most iconic wine estates, located in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast. Founded by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, it revolutionised Italian wine with the creation of Sassicaia—the original Super Tuscan. The estate spans rolling hills near the Tyrrhenian Sea, where Cabernet vines thrive in gravelly soils. Today, under the guidance of the Incisa della Rocchetta family, San Guido produces refined, age-worthy wines that marry Bordeaux structure with Mediterranean elegance.

“Guidalberto gives you a good taste of the same DNA that brings us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia” - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Guidalberto, once viewed as Sassicaia’s younger sibling, now stands proudly on its own. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it reflects the same exceptional terroir and craftsmanship, but with a more accessible, fruit-driven profile. The 2022 vintage is fresh and poised, offering waves of ripe berries, wild herbs, and coastal minerality, framed by sleek tannins and subtle oak. Aged in French barrique and crafted with increasing precision, Guidalberto is a charismatic, stylish wine that delivers serious pedigree and outstanding value.

The 2022 rendition of Guidalberto is the joint highest scoring vintage according to the Wine Advocate, who scores 94 points, which is on par with legendary vintages like 2016 (94+WA). Over the last few years, the quality of Guidalberto has increased as some fruit destined for Sassicaia was put in the Guidalberto blend instead.

Guidalberto is one of Italy’s smartest buys, and we’ve secured a parcel at a very sharp price. The 2022 vintage is available at €32.50* In Bond per bottle when buying a case, or €33.50* In Bond for single bottles. A rare chance to add wines from one of the world’s great estates to your cellar.

 

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Guidalberto 2022

€33.50* In Bond per bottle

Add to Cellar - BUY

94 Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner

Made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tenuta San Guido 2022 Guidalberto gives you a good taste of the same DNA that brings us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it's offered in a more immediate style here (thanks to the addition of the Merlot). This warm vintage opens to medium-dark concentration and very plump aromas that take you immediately to blackberry and blackcurrant sitting out in the sun at your local farmers market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a pretty level of elegance transmitted through the fruit freshness and the light oak spice that is discernible here but delivered with grace. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2030

94 Points | James Suckling

Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to the currant and orange character on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crunchy tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crunchy and energetic personality. Give it a year or two to come together, but it’s showing brightness for the vintage. Drink after 2027.

94 Points | Wine Enthusiast

If Sassicaia is the thoroughbred of the San Guido stable then Guidalberto is the warmblood: athletic, elegant, creative, energetic. A delight to watch, and even better to sip it turns out.

93 Points | Decanter, James Button

Guidalberto used to be great value for money, and even though it's a bit pricier these days, the quality has also improved dramatically in recent vintages as Tenuta San Guido seeks to remove the idea of Guidalberto as a ‘second wine’ by building a dedicated winemaking facility and adjusting the blend. The 2022 is loaded with herbal and sea breeze scents among bright, tangy berries. In the mouth it is saline and precise, with a succulence to the concentrated plum and black berry core, and a gracefulness to the tannic and acid structures which weave through it. Sapid and incredibly moreish, with a beautifully ripe red berry finish, this really does stand up on its own two feet.

*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.

 

See all available wines and vintages of San Guido.