October 30, 2025


Bramito 2024: One of Italy's best value whites

Bramito 2024: One of Italy's best value whites

Bramito 2024

“You can count the best Orvieto producers on one hand. Castello della Sala undoubtedly ranks among them. The level of quality and value this estate provides continues to surprise. Any lover of traditional Orvieto but also Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc owes it to themselves to explore the Castello della Sala portfolio” - Eric Guido, Vinous

We’re thrilled to unveil the latest release of one of Italy’s most loved and consistently brilliant whites, Bramìto della Sala 2024, crafted by the iconic Antinori family (from Tignanello).

Perched in the rolling hills of Umbria, Castello della Sala embodies the elegance and precision of Italian winemaking. Founded in the 14th century and owned by the Antinori family since 1940, its medieval castle overlooks vineyards rooted in fossil-rich clay and limestone soils that bring a striking mineral backbone to the wines. With a winemaking approach that marries freshness with gentle texture, these high-altitude sites deliver vibrant fruit, subtle oak influence and a sense of quiet sophistication shaped directly by place..  

The 2024 Bramito del Cervo captures the spirit of Umbria’s hills with clarity and poise. A mild winter and steady spring rains set the stage for gradual ripening, giving the wine fine acidity and vibrant aromatics. Fermented partly in oak, it balances freshness with subtle creaminess. Notes of pear, almond, and hazelnut flow into a long, mineral finish that reflects the fossil-rich, clay-veined soils surrounding the medieval Castello della Sala.

Once thought of as a second wine to Cervaro, often nicknamed the “baby Cervaro” thanks to its origins from younger vines, Bramìto has long since stepped out of that shadow and earned its own strong reputation, all while remaining a true bargain.

With its beautiful balance of freshness, texture and unmistakable terroir character, the 2024 release shows exactly why Bramìto has become a staple for Italian white wine lovers around the world. At €17.11* In Bond per bottle, it is a bottle you will want to have on hand all year long. Secure a few bottles or a case while you can.

 


Castello della Sala Bramito della Sala 2024

Castello della Sala (Antinori) Bramito della Salla 2024
€17.11* In Bond per bottle

€21.50* inc NL VAT per bottle

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Fine Wine Library Tasting Note:

Castello della Sala Bramìto della Sala 2024 is bright and inviting, opening with notes of pear, apple blossom and a touch of toasted almond. The palate is sleek and lively, mixing ripe orchard fruits with zesty citrus lift and a gentle creamy texture beneath. A clean mineral line keeps everything focused, finishing long and refreshing with hints of lemon zest and subtle spice.

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

 

View all wines and vintages of Castello della Sala


October 30, 2025


Jean-Marc Seleque: Rare Grower Champagne

Jean-Marc Seleque: Rare Grower Champagne

2019 Jean-Marc Seleque

“As I've written before, Jean-Marc Sélèque is one of Champagne's most exciting and dynamic young producers. […]  As his viticultural progress bears dividends, these wines go from strength to strength, and I find myself more and more impressed with every passing release. […] Pierry enjoyed considerable historical celebrity, and thanks to Sélèque, it seems more than likely to regain it. Everything here comes recommended, and I warmly encourage readers to acquaint themselves with these wines” - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Jean-Marc Seleque is one of the most dynamic young producers in Champagne, crafting wines that combine energy, finesse and a deep sense of place. Based in Pierry, within the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, he returned to his family domaine in 2008 and soon began shaping its modern identity. His defining shift came in 2012, when he realised that true greatness comes from the vineyard, not the cellar, and stopped using herbicides. Today, he farms around ten hectares divided into forty-eight plots across seven villages, primarily in the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, with others in the Vallee de la Marne and the Cote des Blancs.

Seleque’s vineyards are farmed organically, with mechanical cultivation and even horses working certain sites such as Vertus and the Soliste parcels. Higher-than-average canopies help preserve freshness, while winter cover crops protect against erosion and retain soil moisture. In 2015, a new gravity-fed winery marked a major step forward, allowing for gentler handling and greater precision. Around forty percent of the wines are vinified in stainless steel, while the rest age in oak barrels of 350 to 600 litres from top coopers like Atelier Centre France and Bruno Lorenzon. Fermentation is carried out with native or vineyard-specific yeasts, and minimal sulfites are used only after pressing and at disgorgement.

The wines spend nine months on their lees before a short settling period and bottling, gaining texture and complexity while maintaining vivid purity. In recent years, Seleque’s commitment to longer lees ageing, particularly for Solessence, has elevated the depth and longevity of his Champagnes. With the estate’s expanded cellar completed in 2023, Seleque continues to refine his craft, producing Champagnes of remarkable clarity, texture and mineral focus. Through his vision, Pierry is reclaiming its historic prestige, and Jean-Marc Seleque stands firmly at the forefront of Champagne’s new generation.

Today, we have a beautiful selection of the single vineyard 2019’s as well as some large formats from 2015 and 2016. There is hardly anything to go around of these tiny production high-quality champagnes, so don’t miss them.

jean marc seleque cellar


Soliste Chardonnay 1er Cru Les Tartieres / Les Porgeons 2019

 

94 Points | Wine Advocate

Disgorged in March 2024 with three grams per liter dosage, the 2019 Soliste Chardonnay Pierry 1er Cru Les Tartières et Les Porgeons is drawn from two adjacent southeast-facing plots planted in 1985 and 1990, which are pressed and vinified together. Aged in approximately 30% new oak, it unfurls from the glass with aromas of candied lemon peel and early-blooming white flowers, mingling with notes of sandalwood and pastry. Full-bodied and generously structured, it is ample and enveloping, with a concentrated core of fruit supported by ripe yet vibrant acidity. Notably, this cuvée is served after the Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir during tastings—a reflection of its gastronomic gravitas and assertive power, which starkly contrasts with the more restrained style of its Côte des Blancs counterparts.

 
Soliste Meunier 1er Cru Les Gouttes d'Or 2019

 

93 Points | Wine Advocate

Disgorged in April 2024 with a dosage of two grams per liter, Sélèque’s 2019 Soliste Meunier Pierry 1er Cru Les Gouttes d'Or is produced from old Pinot Meunier vines—planted between 1951 and 1968 with heritage massal selections—rooted in a mere 35 centimeters of clay-silt topsoil overlying soft chalk bedrock. This is a warmer vineyard site, situated near the city, and it is typically among the first plots harvested. The wine opens with an expressive bouquet of orange zest, blanched almonds, toasted bread and a faint hint of coriander seed. On the palate, it is full-bodied, textural and enveloping, with a concentrated core of fruit underpinned by vibrant acidity, concluding with a persistent, subtly perfumed finish.

 
Soliste Pinot Noir 1er Cru Les Gayeres 2019

 

95+ Points | Wine Advocate

The standout bottling in the Soliste series this year, the 2019 Soliste Pinot Noir Pierry 1er Cru Les Gayères originates from west-facing Pinot Noir vines planted in 1974, where clay and silt rest atop chalk subsoils. Fermented and matured entirely in oak barrels (approximately 20% new), it was disgorged in March 2024 with a dosage of two grams per liter. The nose is redolent of peach, bitter orange and dried flowers mingled with pastry and a faint hint of resin. Medium- to full-bodied, it is concentrated and layered—ample and balanced—with succulent yet racy acidity and a long, saline finish. Like the rest of the Soliste range, this wine is sourced from a parcel cultivated exclusively by horse.

 

View all wines from Jean-Marc Seleque


October 22, 2025


Clos des Papes 2023 - Hot new release

Clos des Papes 2023 - Hot new release

2023 Clos des Papes - A top vintage 

99+ Points - Wine Advocate
“layered and textured, it’s denser than usual, with a more pronounced structure and a lovely, fleshy core of fruit. Concluding with an ethereal, saline and weightless finish, this is a strong candidate for wine of the vintage—one that should evolve with grace over the coming years to attain a likely perfect score”

Clos des Papes is one of the great names of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a true benchmark for classic southern Rhone winemaking. Founded in 1896 by Paul Avril and now run by his son, Paul-Vincent, the estate has perfected the art of balance—combining tradition, precision and unwavering respect for its historic terroir across more than 30 organically farmed parcels.

Producing just one red and one white, Clos des Papes focuses entirely on purity and harmony rather than power. The red, typically Grenache-led with Mourvedre and Syrah, is aged in old foudres to preserve finesse and aromatic depth. Silky, refined and built for long aging, it remains a timeless reference point for the appellation, embodying the soul of Chateauneuf-du-Pape with grace, structure and quiet confidence.

The 2023 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a masterful expression of the vintage, showing greater depth and definition than usual. Aromas of red berries, blood orange, violet and sweet spice unfold beautifully, leading to a layered palate of refined power and silky structure. A year marked by ideal balance between ripeness and freshness, 2023 has delivered a Clos des Papes of exceptional poise, purity and aging potential, perhaps one of the estate’s finest in recent memory.

Scoring 99+ points from The Wine Advocate, which praised it as “a strong candidate for wine of the vintage—one that should evolve with grace over the coming years to attain a likely perfect score,” this is a remarkable release.

We all know 100-point vintages soar in price, making now the perfect time to add this epic Chateauneuf-du-Pape to your collection. Don’t miss it.

 


 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2023

Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2023


€69.50* In Bond per bottle

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99+ Points | Wine Advocate

The 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes is exquisite, wafting from the glass with a captivating bouquet of sweet red berries, iris, dark cherries, menthol, blood orange and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and textured, it’s denser than usual, with a more pronounced structure and a lovely, fleshy core of fruit. Concluding with an ethereal, saline and weightless finish, this is a strong candidate for wine of the vintage—one that should evolve with grace over the coming years to attain a likely perfect score.

97 Points | Decanter, Matt Walls

Deeply coloured and quite dark in character, with damson and liquorice notes. It’s generous, full-bodied, quite spicy and fairly potent, with lovely bright, sappy acidity and very fine, soft tannins. There are some similarities with 2022 and 2020, though it’s not as punchy as 2022 nor quite as energetic as 2020. This should be very good, and will drink before both of these recent vintages. All destemmed, aged in old foudres. The estate had a good yield this year, at 25hl/ha.

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

 

View all vintages of Clos des Papes


October 22, 2025


La Lagune 2019 - A modern day version of the 1990

La Lagune 2019 - A modern day version of the 1990

2019 La Lagune 2019 - A Bordeaux Bargain:

“it's reminiscent of a modern-day version of the brilliant 1990" - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Chateau La Lagune is one of the Left Bank’s great overachievers, producing wines of grace and precision that rival far pricier neighbours. Situated at the southern edge of the Haut-Medoc, its gravel-rich soils and organic, increasingly biodynamic farming yield Cabernet-based wines defined by purity, freshness and poise. Under Caroline Frey’s stewardship, La Lagune has cemented its reputation for producing classically structured yet beautifully supple Bordeaux of remarkable consistency and charm.

The 2019 La Lagune is a stunning example of the estate’s modern brilliance, combining depth, freshness and finesse. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, it opens with aromas of black cherry, violet and graphite. The palate is taut and finely layered, balancing ripe fruit with mineral precision and polished tannins. Elegant yet powerful, it’s one of the finest La Lagunes in years, promising decades of graceful evolution.

The scores and tasting notes speak for themselves, but we’ve taken the liberty of highlighting a few standout remarks below for you.

Coming in at a very competitive €30.50* In Bond per bottle, this is an absolute steal for Bordeaux lovers. Cases of 6x75cl OWC are also available.

 


La Lagune 2019

Chateau La Lagune 2019

€30.95* In Bond per bottle

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95 Points | Vinous - Neal Martin

The 2019 La Lagune offers exquisite transparency on the nose - one of the most terroir-expressive Pessac-Léognan wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline with a very integrated and poised finish that lingers in the mouth. Wonderful - could this be the best La Lagune in years? Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

94 Points | Wine Advocate, William Kelley

Wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, wild berries and cassis mingled with hints of dark chocolate, pencil shavings and violets, the 2019 La Lagune is medium to full-bodied, broad and sensual, its ample core of fruit framed by polished tannins and succulent acids. In its elegant, generous style, it's reminiscent of a modern-day version of the brilliant 1990.

94 Points | Vinous - Antonio Galloni

The 2019 La Lagune is fabulous. A wine of power, depth and tension, the 2019 is compelling right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, rose petal, sweet pipe tobacco and blood orange lend striking complexity. Persistent and engaging, the 2019 is a thrilling La Lagune loaded with classy, personality and pedigree. It's one of the best recent vintages I can remember tasting. Don't miss it!

94 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Château La Lagune is terrific and well worth seeking out. Ripe dark cherries, currants, smoky tobacco, and cedar pencil notes define this utterly classic, medium-bodied, balanced Haut-Médoc. With plenty of tannins as well as good concentration, it's going to hit maturity in 7-8 years and have two decades or more of longevity if properly stored. It's an impeccably put together wine. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc.

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

 

View all Bordeaux wines.


October 3, 2025


Bordeaux Bargain - Siran 2019 in 3-pack OWC

Bordeaux Bargain - Siran 2019 in 3-pack OWC

2019 Chateau Siran - A Bordeaux Bargain

“A knockout example of the wine, one to track down and grab hold of. This showcases the fresh lift of Siran, the depth of expression, but it is also so finessed and elegant, inching forward in power through the palate" - Jane Anson

Chateau Siran is one of Margaux’s hidden treasures, combining history, family stewardship and consistently elegant wines. Owned by the Miaihle family since 1859, it stands out for its authenticity and approachable style. With 25 hectares of gravelly vineyards on the plateau of Labarde, Siran crafts wines that balance richness with finesse. Guided today by Edouard Miaihle, the estate continues to rise in reputation, producing age-worthy Margaux that deliver exceptional value compared to its neighbours.

The 2019 Chateau Siran is a standout Margaux, hailed as one of the estate’s finest vintages. Scoring 94 points across multiple critics, it offers lifted aromatics of violets, cassis and raspberry alongside notes of cocoa, spice and liquorice. Structured yet fresh, its fine tannins and saline finish give both precision and elegance. Marking Siran’s 160th vintage, this release combines depth, vibrancy and ageing potential, confirming its place as one of Margaux’s most impressive under-the-radar wines.

We have a small selection available in 3x75cl OWC at €24.50* In Bond per bottle, with the 2019 presented in a special black bottle to mark this milestone year. At this price and quality, few Margaux offer such pedigree; this is a chance to secure a true hidden gem before it disappears.

chateau siran cellar


Chateau Siran 2019


€24.50* In Bond per bottle

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94 Points | Vinous - Antonio Galloni

Just like it was from barrel, the 2019 Siran is a powerful, opulent wine. Raspberry jam, blood orange, mint, wild flowers and rose petal are all amplified in this decidedly heady, sumptuous Margaux. There's not a ton of subtlety, but, then again, who cares? Tasted two times.

94 Points | Vinous - Neal Martin

The 2019 Siran has a very well-defined bouquet of pure black cherry and raspberry fruit, crushed violets and iris petals, and seamlessly integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied, structured and crisp, with fine tannins, impressive delineation and plenty of freshness on the saline finish. One of the best Siran releases in recent years.

94 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux

A knockout example of the wine, one to track down and grab hold of. This showcases the fresh lift of Siran, the depth of expression, but it is also so finessed and elegant, inching forward in power through the palate, layered with chocolate, cocoa bean, liqourice root, bilberry, cassis, black pepper spice. Special label, in black and gold, marks the 160th vintage of Siran under the Miaihle family, now run by 4th generation Edouard. Harvest September 23 to October 11, Hubert de Boüard consultant, Marjolaine Defrance cellar master. 35% new oak for ageing.

93 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

One of the finest vintages I've tasted from this château, the 2019 Château Siran has a great bouquet of ripe black cherries, blackberries, scorched earth, leather, and cedary herbs. With medium to full-bodied richness, polished tannins, and outstanding overall balance, it's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and drink nicely over the following 10-15 years. It's an impressive Margaux.

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

 

View all vintages from Siran.


October 3, 2025


99 Point (WA) release of Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2021

99 Point (WA) release of Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2021

Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2021 - Hot new release:

99 Points - Wine Advocate

“The palate follows suit with a rich, silky, refined and gently succulent energy, releasing into a graceful, dense and glacial conclusion that gives equal measure to vertical energy and horizontal richness. The finish slowly but steadily builds upon itself, revealing shimmering acidity and ultra-refined tannins with increased aeration. There is no better example of Cabernet Franc's suitability in the Uco Valley, a match rendered here with incomparable finesse, depth and complexity."

El Enemigo was founded by Adrianna Catena, daughter of the legendary Nicolás Catena, and Alejandro Vigil, one of Argentina’s most celebrated winemakers. Vigil, also Chief Winemaker at Catena Zapata, is renowned for his mastery of Mendoza’s terroirs and his relentless pursuit of excellence. His wines at El Enemigo have earned cult status, and such is his reputation in Argentina that he’s affectionately known as the “Messi of wine”, praise of the highest order.

While Catena Zapata is synonymous with Malbec, El Enemigo champions Cabernet Franc, proving its immense potential in Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards. The Wine Advocate has even compared their style to old-school Right Bank Bordeaux, likening the previous 2019 vintage to Château Lafleur. As Matthew Luczy noted, El Enemigo is “firmly among Argentina's most exciting wines, cementing the variety's rightful place alongside Malbec as a vehicle for expressing the Uco Valley.”

The Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2021 embodies this philosophy, a breathtaking Cabernet Franc that scored 99 points from the Wine Advocate and 98 from Vinous. From calcareous soils at altitude, it marries brooding intensity with exquisite finesse. Blackberry, cassis, violets and mountain herbs lift from the glass, while the palate is silky, structured and mineral-driven, framed by chalky tannins and shimmering acidity. Graceful yet powerful, it has extraordinary ageing potential and ranks among Argentina’s greatest reds.

Despite huge critical acclaim, soaring demand, and extremely limited allocations, Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2021 remains an incredible bargain. Wines of this pedigree, precision, and scoring from Bordeaux or Napa would command significantly higher prices, making it a solid buy in the fine wine world.

With quantities scarce and collectors taking notice, this is a must-have for any serious Cabernet Franc lover. Secure your bottles while you can.

 


El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary 2021

El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary 2021


€87.50* inc VAT per bottle

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99 Points | Wine Advocate

As difficult as it is to pick a winner between the Gualtallary and El Cepillo bottlings, the 2021 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard gets my nod as the supreme example of the Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Cabernet Francs. It hails from a plot planted on calcareous rocky soils in 1995 with 10,000 vines per hectare, fermented with 40% whole bunches in barrique and underwent a 15-month élevage in 100-year-old foudre. Opening with a brooding, inward and quietly perfumed nose, its aromatic profile ceaselessly expands to encompass all manner of herbal and floral complexity, combining simmering intensity with supreme elegance. The palate follows suit with a rich, silky, refined and gently succulent energy, releasing into a graceful, dense and glacial conclusion that gives equal measure to vertical energy and horizontal richness. The finish slowly but steadily builds upon itself, revealing shimmering acidity and ultra-refined tannins with increased aeration. There is no better example of Cabernet Franc's suitability in the Uco Valley, a match rendered here with incomparable finesse, depth and complexity.

98 Points | Vinous

Is it possible to create a wine with structure but without weight? The 2021 Cabernet Franc Gran Enemigo Gualtallary offers a remarkable answer to that apparent paradox, finding the solution in a balanced combination of terroir and careful cellar work. It's almost utopian—a mountain wine with the structure and character of high-altitude vineyards, yet with the agility and freshness of an oceanic red. Purple in hue, it opens with blackberry and plum, layered with mountain herbs, a hint of sour cherry, cassis and floral tones of violet and lavender. Dry and juicy, with a slightly compact feel, the wine glides across the palate with weightless grace, supported by fine, chalky tannins. This wine is a triumph.

98 points | James Suckling

Graphite and blueberries with hints of tar, dark earth and ink on the nose. Medium-bodied with a compact and polished palate that is like a tight ball of fine silk in texture. Very structured yet all in balance. Give it four or five years to come around. But you’ll be tempted to try it now.

 

See all wines and vintages of El Enemigo.


September 25, 2025


2024 Chacra Release - World-Class Chardonnay from JM Roulot

2024 Chacra Release - World-Class Chardonnay from JM Roulot

Bodgea Chacra - Jean-Marc Roulot is making top Chardonnay in Patagonia

We’re excited to share a new 2024 release from Chacra. James Suckling is publishing his Top Wines of the Year reports, and the Mainqué Chardonnay 2024 has taken the top spot, crowned the best Argentinian wine of the year.

Founded by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta (Sassicaia Family) in 2004, Bodega Chacra is a remarkable Patagonian estate dedicated to biodynamic viticulture and purity of expression. Nestled in Río Negro, it cultivates Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from old, ungrafted vines planted in the 1930s. With a commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention, Chacra wines are transparent reflections of place. The wines combine Burgundian finesse with Argentine vitality, offering a unique taste of South America’s southern frontier.

Chacra’s Chardonnays are crafted in partnership with Jean-Marc Roulot, one of Burgundy’s most revered winemakers. While Piero Incisa della Rocchetta takes the lead on Pinot Noir, Roulot has complete creative freedom on the Chardonnay. Sourced from Gualtallary’s high-altitude, calcareous soils, the wine is whole-bunch pressed, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and matured in seasoned oak. There’s no battonage, no new oak, and minimal sulphur, resulting in a wine of remarkable purity, tension, and mineral-driven finesse.

‘Chacra’ Chardonnay

The ‘Chacra’ Chardonnay is the flagship white of the range, precise, layered and deeply mineral. Aged in large-format barrels and concrete, it combines citrus purity with saline tension and refined texture. Think Puligny with Patagonian clarity: bright, structured and built to age. In Previous vintages, James Suckling wrote, “probably the finest answer to Puligny or Meursault in Argentina... all about texture and purity. Also intellectual.” With Roulot’s Pulignys now exceeding €350 per bottle, this is a rare chance to enjoy world-class Chardonnay at a fraction of the price of his Burgundy domaine.

 

Chacra Mainqué Chardonnay

The Mainqué Chardonnay offers a vibrant and expressive style, blending Roulot’s finesse with Patagonia’s sun-kissed fruit. Aged partly in stainless steel, it’s fresher and more immediate than ‘Chacra’ with notes of lemon zest, orchard fruit and gentle toast. Lively, textured and irresistibly drinkable, it delivers immense quality at a more approachable price. In 2024, Suckling put this as his best Argentinian wine of the year

Classical-style Chardonnay lovers, don’t hesitate. These really are some of Argentina’s finest renditions of this grape. Don’t miss them.

 


Chacra 'Chacra' Chardonnay 2024


€95 inc VAT per bottle

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98 Points | James Suckling

Aromas of honeysuckle, limes, green apples and a hint of cedar. It’s medium-bodied yet very dense and compact on the palate. It’s like a tight fist with the fruit and fine phenolics. Long finish. A structured and impressive young wine. Drink in two or three years.

96 Points | Wine Advocate

Sourced from silt-dominated soils, the 2024 Chacra Chardonnay opens with an immediately inviting and complex bouquet melding marshmallow, saline and citrus notes with ever-increasing definition and harmony. The palate echoes with a deep, velvety, effortless richness perfectly counterbalanced by a chalky, lifted, tangy energy. It concludes with a multidimensional, bright, mineral-drenched finish further elongated by additional rounds of stony intensity without ever veering into sharp or angular territory. It's an impressive, crystalline and simply delicious expression of Patagonia.

 

Chacra Mainque Chardonnay 2024

 

€52.50 inc VAT per bottle

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James Suckling’s Top Argentinian wine of 2025

97 Points | James Suckling

So linear and driven, with so much tension and intensity. Aromas of sliced apples, lemons and stones. Medium-bodied with flavors of apples, seashells, lemons and crushed stones. It goes on and on. Matured in 30% amphorae and 70% oak. Fantastic. Drink or hold.

93 Points | Wine Advocate

Sourced predominately from sandy soils on the same property as the Lunita Pinot Noir, the 2024 Mainqué Chardonnay opens with a fresh, lifted bouquet with floral and herbal flourishes that gain volume with aeration. The palate is fittingly chiseled, slender and delicate, releasing into a long, nuanced and iodine-tinged finish that becomes increasingly nimble and dynamic in the glass.

 

See all wines and vintages of Chacra.


September 19, 2025


Brane Cantenac 2022 - 98-Point score upgrade from Neal Martin

Brane Cantenac 2022 - 98-Point score upgrade from Neal Martin

2022 Brane Cantenac

Neal Martin has just released his vertical tasting notes on Brane Cantenac, and the 2022 vintage deserves serious attention. If you have a moment, I recommend reading the full article which is located here.
 
Only two vintages reached 98 points: 1945 and 2022
 
The next highest at 95 points include 2020, 2019, 2016, 2010 and 1961, all formidable years. 
 
People often compare 2022 to the legendary 1982, or even better, depending on who you ask. When you see score breakdowns like this, it’s hard not to believe the hype surrounding the vintage. And with the comparatively modest price tag that Brane Cantenac currently carries, this wine truly deserves a place in your collection. Neal Martin does not hand out high scores without a lot of conviction, which makes it even more compelling.
 
98 Points - Neal Martin - "the 2022 is a benchmark for the Margaux estate, its future North Star. This has a stupendous nose with intense Cabernet Sauvignon inflections, its intensity and delineation superior to the 2019 and 2020. An underlying floral scent emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with silky and fine tannins that frame the seductive black fruit laced with crushed peppercorns, and a touch of cedar on the crystalline finish. I raved about this 2022 from barrel and in bottle. I see no reason to change my "raving."
 
Neal Martin: "With respect to the morning tasting of recent vintages, the wines vindicated previous assessments with few surprises. The standout was the stellar 2022 Brane-Cantenac. Tasting vintages chronologically, I felt that previous high points such as the 1995, 2000, 2010, 2016 and 2019 culminate in this stellar wine. The 2022 completely earned the lofty score that I gave before. If anything, I actually under-scored it. The 2022 is blessed with filigree tannins and a symmetry that I once assumed unattainable from this estate, however much I admire it. I know that Bordeaux is not at the top of most shopping lists at the moment, but you should make an exception for this."
 
Chateau Brane Cantenac 2022 is Henri Lurton’s crowning achievement, a wine of brilliance and poise. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it delivers cassis, dark currants, cocoa, liquorice and rose petals with floral lift and graphite precision. Silky tannins frame ripe, concentrated fruit balanced by freshness and clarity. With high scores from the critics, it combines power, finesse and decades of ageing potential. Brane Cantenac 2022 is a landmark Margaux, hailed as one of the vintage’s greatest. 
 
Jeb Dunnuck scored it one point of perfection at 99 points, writing, "It's one of the truly greats in the appellation, and readers will love to have this beauty in the cellar".
 
Brane Cantenac is usually in my top 5 wines from Margaux, and I can't recommend this enough.
 
We have 6x75cl OWC cases on the website and loose single bottles if you prefer. 
 
Bordeaux lovers don't miss this one.
 

 Brane Cantenac 2022 

Chateau Brane-Cantenac 2022

€69 In Bond per bottle

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99 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
An undeniable star in Margaux, the 2022 Château Brane-Cantenac checks in as a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 1% each Cabernet Franc, Carménère, and Petit Verdot. This deep purple-hued beauty offers up a sensational perfume of darker currants and cassis that gives way to more floral, spicy oak and graphite nuances with air. With flawless overall balance, ripe, velvety tannins, terrific purity, and a great finish, this riveting Brane-Cantenac already offers pleasure, yet I wouldn't be surprised to see this firm up with 4-5 years of bottle age, only to reemerge later and drink beautifully for 30+ years. It's one of the truly greats in the appellation, and readers will love to have this beauty in the cellar.

98 Points | Vinous - Neal Martin
The 2022 Brane-Cantenac marked a year when ownership passed to Henri Lurton's four children, although he remains as general manager. More importantly (perhaps), the 2022 is a benchmark for the Margaux estate, its future North Star. This has a stupendous nose with intense Cabernet Sauvignon inflections, its intensity and delineation superior to the 2019 and 2020. An underlying floral scent emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with silky and fine tannins that frame the seductive black fruit laced with crushed peppercorns, and a touch of cedar on the crystalline finish. I raved about this 2022 from barrel and in bottle. I see no reason to change my "raving." Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025.

98 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
Juicy and extremely impressive fruit quality, this harnesses the best of 2022 and is one of the wines of the vintage. You feel the texture and the power of the fruit, streaks of cocoa, liquorice, and rose petals, totally love it. The biggest alcohol of the series, and certainly you get a touch of crème de cassis and ripe fresh fig, carefully delivered with great texture to the tannins. This was the year that Henri Lurton passed the estate over to his four children while remaining as general manager, and also planted Malbec for the first time in the vineyard. Harvest September 7 to October 10, 315hl/h yield, 100% new oak barrels for ageing. Eric Boissenot consultant, Henri Lurton owner, Christophe Capdeville technical director. I have given this wine 98 points consistently every time I have tasted it, and truly it is excellent.

98 Points | Decanter, Georgina Hindle
One of the standouts of the year - a wonderful wine with so much to like. Coffee, tobacco, liquorice, dark chocolate, blackcurrants and floral scents on the nose. Smooth, succulent and velvety, this is amazing, juicy and so bright and vibrant. Pure and so effortless, tannins are filling but fine and delicate and this has excellent clarity and purity of fruit. They really didn't try too hard but have still delivered a powerful wine with concentration and intensity yet brightness and such generosity of fruit and acidity which makes this so joyful. Simply wonderful. Harvest 7 September-10 October. Yield of 31.5hl/ha. 3.61pH. 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere complete the blend. 42% production. 15.8% press wine. Ageing 18 months, 100% new oak. 3.57pH.

97 Points | Vinous - Antonio Galloni
The 2022 Brane-Cantenac is every bit as impressive as it was en primeur. What a wine. Fresh, brisk and wonderfully vibrant in the glass, the 2022 soars with striking Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics. Graphite, menthol, sage, mint, licorice, dried flowers and a kiss of well-judged oak all meld together in the glass. Great wine is the result of many small decisions taken together, some of which may seem inconsequential on their own. The team led by Technical Director Christophe Capdeville nailed it in 2022. This is a magnificent Margaux that overachieves big time. The 2022 is one of the most finessed wines of the vintage.

 

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September 17, 2025


Decanters favourite Le Petit Cheval Blanc to date

Decanters favourite Le Petit Cheval Blanc to date

2023 Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2023

-12% discount to 2022

“It has everything you want from this cuvée which has found its rhythm. Tasted in a vertical going back to 2018 and this is the most impressive." - Decanter

Le Petit Cheval Blanc is one of Bordeaux’s most thrilling white wines, crafted by Chateau Cheval Blanc to showcase precision and elegance. First released in 2014, it blends Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Semillon, sourced from vineyards on gravel and clay soils in Saint-Émilion. The result is a wine of crystalline freshness and complexity, marked by citrus zest, white flowers and mineral drive. With finesse and ageing potential, it offers a rare glimpse of Cheval Blanc’s white expression.

The 2023 Le Petit Cheval Blanc is a striking vintage, uniting crystalline citrus purity with layered complexity. Aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit and orange lead into green apple, elderflower and acacia. On the palate, it balances precision and texture, with piercing acidity lifting notes of confit lemon, pecan, grapefruit and subtle spice. Savoury, sappy nuances from Semillon add depth, while early harvesting and meticulous winemaking deliver clarity and structure. This vintage confirms its status as one of Bordeaux’s finest whites.

Released at €100 In Bond per bottle and coming in beautiful cases of 3x75cl OWC, the 2023 has already drawn high praise from critics. With Decanter calling it their favourite vintage in a vertical tasting, this is a release that no serious Bordeaux collection should overlook.

 


Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2023

Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2023


€100* In Bond per bottle

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97 Points | Decanter, Georgina Hindle

Freshly zested lemon with grapefruit and orange aromas - so pronounced and really quite crystalline on the nose. At the back some green apple and white floral elderflower and acacia notes too. Clean and focussed, lovely precision and clarity to the flavours with such a strikingly poised texture. This has grip and zing but also just a touch of buttery, softness that adds weight to the body. Threads of nuttiness and wood enter giving accents and spiced edges. Piercing acidity adds lift and joins the layers of confit lemon, baked vanilla pecans, bitter grapefruit and soft cinnamon spice. Gorgeously complex and the flavour lasts for ages. It has everything you want from this cuvée which has found its rhythm. Tasted in a vertical going back to 2018 and this is the most impressive. Director Pierre-Olivier Clouet and cellarmaster Carole André.

96 Points | Jane Anson

Pale green gold, this is savoury and sappy, with a wave of white peach and nectarine pit. Structure and longevity, focus and clarity, this wine is now seriously finding its feet and setting itself apart. Early harvest, precision winemaking, the Sémillon comes through on the texture with the dominant flavours of tea leaf, chamomile, citrus, greengage and lime speaking to the Sauvignon Blanc. Pierre-Olivier Clouet director.

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

 

See all wines from Cheval Blanc.


September 17, 2025


A big 99 point release from Cheval des Andes 2022

A big 99 point release from Cheval des Andes 2022

2022 Cheval des Andes

99 points - Vinous

“The 2022 Cheval des Andes is a significant upgrade to Mendoza’s historic regional blends, combining grapes from Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo) and Paraje Altamira (Uco Valley). […] Boasting serious concentration, fine tannins and a slight creaminess, the 2022 has a structure that is firm but never tight, maintaining weight without losing balance. The finish is long, energetic and full of flavor. This is an exceptionally beautiful wine."

Cheval des Andes is where Bordeaux heritage meets the high-altitude magic of Mendoza. Founded as a collaboration between Chateau Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, the estate unites French savoir-faire with Argentine terroir. Old-vine Malbec from the foothills of the Andes is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to craft wines of precision, elegance and power. With meticulous vineyard management and refined winemaking, Cheval des Andes has established itself as one of South America’s most celebrated fine wine estates.

Cheval des Andes is rooted in the high-altitude vineyards of Las Compuertas in Mendoza, where old-vine Malbec thrives alongside Cabernet Sauvignon at over 1,000 metres. The terroir combines alluvial soils, cool Andean breezes and dramatic diurnal shifts, giving intensity with freshness. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified parcel by parcel, using gentle extraction to preserve purity and elegance. Ageing in French oak barrels and foudres brings polish, allowing the wines to express both Mendoza’s vibrancy and Bordeaux refinement.

Cheval des Andes 2022 is a luminous blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot from Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira. Aged in a mix of Bordeaux barrels and large foudres, half new, it combines bright red fruit, cassis and violets with savoury herbs and spice. The palate is polished yet energetic, with fine, refined tannins and remarkable balance. Elegant, precise and deeply expressive, this vintage delivers freshness, complexity and impressive ageing potential.

Scoring 99 points from Vinous and further supported with 98 points from Decanter, Suckling and Jane Anson, the scores are unanimously high for what could arguably be the finest vintage of Cheval des Andes yet.

Releasing at €65* In Bond per bottle, this is a vintage not to miss.

 


Cheval des Andes 2022

Cheval des Andes 2022


€65* In Bond per bottle

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99 Points | Vinous, Joaquin Hidalgo

The 2022 Cheval des Andes is a significant upgrade to Mendoza’s historic regional blends, combining grapes from Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo) and Paraje Altamira (Uco Valley). The 2022 vintage allowed for a slower ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, which take prominence in this blend alongside 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Aging was carried out in 40% 225-liter Bordeaux barrels, 35% 400-liter barrels and 25% 2,500-liter foudres, with 50% new oak. A bouquet of bright fruit—raspberry, blueberry and delicate cassis—and complementary bay leaf and mint tones give way to a touch of ash and mild bell pepper. Boasting serious concentration, fine tannins and a slight creaminess, the 2022 has a structure that is firm but never tight, maintaining weight without losing balance. The finish is long, energetic and full of flavor. This is an exceptionally beautiful wine.

98 Points | Decanter, Georgina Hindle

Earthy, savoury nose full of wet soil, peppercorns and blackcurrants alongside violets, chocolate, cherries and raspberries. Well crafted, such a svelte and streamlined expression with real charm and finesse. There’s power for sure but it’s funnelled into one line from start to finish. I love the brightness and opulence here yet there’s super charm and precision too. Great energy, succulence and vibrancy with natural acidity creating a salivating effect that makes you want to come back for another glass. Expertly made with an accumulation of details that make it so enjoyable. The joint project of Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. Winemaker Gérald Gabillet.

98 Points | Jane Anson

Fragrant, exceptional quality, a standout in the lineup. Concentrated black cherry and damson fruits, nuanced pulses of orange peel and pomegranate, gunsmoke and peony flowers. Gérald Gabillet winemaker, at this joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. Fermented and aged in a mix of 225l barrels, 400l barrels and 2,500l casks, 50% new oak - almost entirely French, with some Austrian, Slovenian and German.

97 Points | Wine Advocate

Soon to be released through La Place de Bordeaux, the 2022 Cheval des Andes opens with an exotic, spice-driven bouquet, supplemented by lifted herbal notes and a vibrantly red-fruited and perfumed backdrop. The palate is similarly energetic, melding an elegantly rich, polished texture with a slender, tensile energy. It concludes with a long, persistent and high-toned finish that gradually unfurls a sturdy structure of supremely refined tannins. This is an excellent counterpoint to the comparatively darker and more open-knit 2021, showcasing a brighter, more tenacious profile while sacrificing none of the grace, nuance and textural attention to detail that has come to define Cheval des Andes. It's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot.

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

 

See all vintages from Cheval des Andes.