Château Figeac 2019 - 2x 100-Pointed and Excellent Value

Few winemakers have done more to elevate Spanish white wine than Rafael Palacios. After leaving his family's renowned Rioja estate, he settled in Valdeorras with a singular vision: to reveal the full potential of Godello.

Rafael Palacios Valdeorras As Sortes 2023

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

“A stunner, the 2023 As Sortes Val Do Bibei is textured, lengthy, complex, and resplendent in natural acidity, tasting of wet stone. Fully developed, this medium-bodied white is powerful yet delicate, a gorgeous contrast of brawn and beauty that should age well another 10-15 years”

96 Points - Wine Advocate

“The 2023 As Sortes reminded me of the 2021 vintage. It's perfumed, elegant and harmonious, with ripeness, elegance and freshness… There's a sense of purity and precision that I like very much, while the texture has very fine granularity”

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Before Rafael Palacios, Godello rarely featured in conversations about the world's great white wines. Through meticulous vineyard work, low yields and a relentless focus on terroir, he demonstrated that the variety could produce wines of extraordinary precision, minerality and ageing potential. Today, As Sortes is widely regarded as one of Spain's finest white wines.

As Sortes is sourced from a handful of old-vine Godello vineyards on the granite slopes of the Bibei Valley. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged on its fine lees in large French oak barrels, it combines crystalline minerality, vibrant acidity and layered texture.

For those unfamiliar with the style, imagine something between a fine Puligny-Montrachet and an Austrian Smaragd Grüner Veltliner. It has the mineral drive and elegance of great Chardonnay, but with its own unmistakable personality.

2023 was a fantastic vintage for Rafael Palacios, earning a joint highest-ever 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck alongside 96 points from Wine Advocate.

We have a tiny parcel available today at a fantastic price of €47.50* In Bond per bottle.

If you've never tried a truly great Godello, this is the place to start.

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Rafael Palacios Valdeorras As Sortes 2023

€47.50* IB per bottle

Add to Cellar - BUY

ETA 2 weeks

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98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, Virginie Boone

A stunner, the 2023 As Sortes Val Do Bibei is textured, lengthy, complex, and resplendent in natural acidity, tasting of wet stone. Like an Austrian Gruner Veltliner, it has structure and subtle fruit full of mineral-driven citrus and savory tones. Fully developed, this medium-bodied white is powerful yet delicate, a gorgeous contrast of brawn and beauty that should age well another 10-15 years.

96 Points | Wine Advocate, Luis Gutiérrez

The 2023 As Sortes reminded me of the 2021 vintage. It's perfumed, elegant and harmonious, with ripeness, elegance and freshness, with 14% alcohol and superb acidity that make it balanced and lifted up. It comes from six small vineyards ("sorte" locally) planted at the end of the 1970s and 1980s on the north face of the Bibei Valley at 680 meters above sea level on sandy granite soils that give the wine finesse and elegance. It fermented in 500-liter French oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and matured in those barrels with the fine lees for eight months. There's a sense of purity and precision that I like very much, while the texture has very fine granularity. It's very tasty and clean. 23,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2024.

96 Points | James Suckling

Very mineral and austere, this shows exceptional definition through acidity, taut texture and a saline lift that drives a finely detailed finish with restrained stone-fruit ripeness. From five north-facing parcels. Decomposed granite soils add remarkable clarity and precision. Fermented in 500-liter French oak barrels. Drink now or hold.

95 Points | Vinous, Joaquín Hidalgo

The 2023 Godello As Sortes Val do Bibei comes from Valdeorras. It opens with gentle primary aromas of pear and linden blossom, intertwined with soft herbal notes and a hint of anise, all set against a delicate backdrop of oak, where the foudre adds nuance. Sleek, supple and marked by elegance and poise, the palate is intense yet slightly compact, with a fine talc-like texture on the finish. This is a well-crafted and complex expression.

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*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change. Prices are quoted In Bond, without local duties and taxes which are applicable prior to delivery. All wines are offered subject to remaining unsold and final confirmation.

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Buy more Rafael Palacios wines → | Browse Valdeorras wines → | Browse Spain wines →

Coleraine never seems to stay in stock for long, so we're pleased to have a fresh parcel of Te Mata Coleraine arriving now in July.

Te Mata Coleraine 2023

98 Points - Wine Advocate

“With raspberry, iodine, crushed shells, nori, pressed flowers, new lead pencil, tobacco, bramble and cassis, it is magnificent. Raw cocoa and the gentle and subtle creep of game/gristle/blood and sweet marrow indicate its direction later in life. I love this wine. I think I write that every time I taste it. ”

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Few wineries have shaped New Zealand's fine wine story quite like Te Mata. Founded in 1896, this historic Hawke's Bay estate has spent more than a century producing wines of remarkable elegance, longevity and consistency. Family-owned and unwavering in its pursuit of quality, Te Mata is widely regarded as the country's benchmark estate. Robert Parker has described it as "New Zealand's greatest winery", while Decanter has hailed it as "New Zealand's first growth."

At the heart of the estate is Coleraine, New Zealand's most celebrated red wine. A refined blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it has earned comparisons to the great wines of Bordeaux and even been dubbed "New Zealand's Sassicaia" by James Suckling. Combining cassis, graphite and cedar with remarkable purity and structure, it is a wine built to evolve gracefully for decades.

The 2023 is another outstanding release. Led by Cabernet Sauvignon, it balances concentration with precision, delivering layers of blackcurrant, fine graphite minerality and beautifully sculpted tannins. Awarded 98 points by Wine Advocate, it is a compelling reminder of why Coleraine remains the benchmark for fine New Zealand wine.

Comparison of top 2023's scored by the Wine Advocate:

You should always take comparisons like these with a pinch of salt, after all, Coleraine comes from New Zealand rather than Bordeaux. Even so, it's remarkable that the 2023 received the same score as Haut-Brion and outscored both Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux from the 2023 vintage.

At just €65* In Bond per bottle, Coleraine continues to offer extraordinary value compared with the world's leading Cabernet-based wines. For collectors looking to add one of the Southern Hemisphere's true icons to the cellar, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

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Te Mata Coleraine 2023

Add to Cellar - BUY

€65* In Bond per bottle

98 Points | Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin

The 2023 Coleraine comprises 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. This cuvée is not made to a recipe, rather as a selection of the best from each vintage. In 2023, due to the weather induced by Cyclone Gabrielle, which landed in early February (the second or third), the strongest performer was the Cabernet Sauvignon due to bunch architecture, small berries, thick skins and, in this case, the low-vigor rootstocks and the chicory in between the rows. Te Mata invests heavily into research and development in the vineyards, which really assists in a vintage like 2023, which imposes challenges. The elevation in all aspects of this wine from the already tremendously impressive Awatea is significant. Here, the tannins have a finer grain, the fruit is more persistent and the package is far more integrated and seamless. With raspberry, iodine, crushed shells, nori, pressed flowers, new lead pencil, tobacco, bramble and cassis, it is magnificent. Raw cocoa and the gentle and subtle creep of game/gristle/blood and sweet marrow indicate its direction later in life. I love this wine. I think I write that every time I taste it. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

98 Points | Wine Orbit, Sam Kim

Stunning bouquet...engaging and captivating. The palate exhibits immense concentration and presence, superbly enhanced by silky texture and layers of chalky tannins. The acidity is perfectly pitched and provides freshness to this long-living wine. A wine of meticulous precision and undeniable sophistication.

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

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Buy more Te Mata wines → | Browse Hawke's Bay wines → | Browse New Zealand wines →

Decanter recently blind tasted 147 of the leading wines from Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, awarding only 3 the coveted "Exceptional" rating. One of them was the under-the-radar Château Saint-Georges (Côte Pavie), a tiny estate nestled between Château Pavie and the legendary Château Ausone.

Best of all, despite its 98-point score and extraordinary terroir, it remains remarkably affordable at just €29.50* In Bond per bottle. Don't miss this one.

Chateau Saint Georges Cote Pavie 2020

98 Points - Decanter

"This relatively under-the-radar St-Emilion estate has been owned by the same family since 1873. The majority of its vines lie on the prestigious clay-limestone slopes nestled between Château Pavie and Château La Gaffelière. Beguiling nose. Plenty of grip but it's stony and mineral, with a real creaminess. Such a lot going on. Joyful but still a compact, muscular wine with plenty of ageability"

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Château Saint-Georges (Côte Pavie) is one of Saint-Emilion's hidden treasures. The five-hectare estate entered an exciting new era in 2016 under the guidance of Stéphane Derenoncourt's team, combining generations of tradition with a renewed focus on precision, elegance and expressing this exceptional terroir.

Saint-Georges occupies an enviable position on the famed Côte Pavie limestone slope, directly beside Château Pavie and within touching distance of Château Ausone and Château La Gaffelière. Its south-facing clay-limestone soils deliver freshness, structure and minerality, placing this tiny estate among some of the most prestigious neighbours in all of Bordeaux.

Decanter Blind Tasting Results:

Decanter recently blind-tasted 147 leading wines from Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, awarding only three the coveted "Exceptional" distinction, with Château Saint-Georges among them.

The 2020 combines layers of black cherry, graphite, violets and crushed stone with refined tannins and a distinctive chalky freshness. It is a superb expression of the Côte Pavie terroir and one of Bordeaux's great under-the-radar success stories.

The quality should not come as a surprise; the estate has always possessed exceptional vineyards, but since the arrival of the Derenoncourt team in 2016, the wines have reached another level entirely.

We have a small parcel of 3x75cl OWC cases available, coming directly from the estate, at a remarkable €29.50* In Bond per bottle. If you enjoy discovering tomorrow's stars before everyone else catches on, this is a bottle well worth securing.

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Chateau Saint Georges Cote Pavie 2020

Buy Chateau Saint Georges Cote Pavie 2020

€29.50* In Bond per bottle

98 Points | Decanter, Tasted May 2026

This relatively under-the-radar St-Emilion estate has been owned by the same family since 1873. The majority of its vines lie on the prestigious clay-limestone slopes nestled between Château Pavie and Château La Gaffelière. Led by Philippe Masson since 2016, it has entered a dynamic new chapter with consultancy from Derenoncourt Vignerons Consultants' Hannah Fiegenschuh, plus a new vat room, operational from 2020, and the creation of a special 100% Merlot cuvée, Clos 1873. Given its location and consistent quality, this estate really deserves to be better known. Georgie Hindle: "Beguiling nose. Plenty of grip but it's stony and mineral, with a real creaminess. Such a lot going on. Joyful but still a compact, muscular wine with plenty of ageability." Arthur Coggill: "Really inviting, with ripe Morello cherry, cedar and cumin spice. A racy little number, but you don't notice it as the whole vehicle is so well tuned, with its perfectly engineered tannins." Tom King: "Cherry and mulberry nose, delicate touches of leafy, woody character. Layers of flavour on a perfectly poised palate, suave tannin texture and a long finish."

95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

"From a château that has been on the rise over the past decade, the 2020 Château Saint Georges (Côte Pavie) is based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, aged in just 30% new barrels, that comes from a gorgeous terroir on the Côte Pavie, just to the west of Château Pavie. Gorgeous red and black fruits, crushed stone, spring flowers, and hints of leather define the bulk of the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a deep, layered mid-palate, nicely integrated oak, and enough tannins to warrant a solid 5-7 years of bottle age. A gorgeous bottle of wine, it will have 20-25 years of overall longevity."

94 Points | Vinous - Antonio Galloni

"The 2020 Saint Georges (Côte Pavie) is every bit as stunning as it was from barrel. Rich, ample and explosive, with tons of energy, the 2020 is super-impressive. This may very well be the finest vintage I have tasted, as the tannins - while potent - are also nicely tamed. Graphite, black cherry, plum, licorice and incense meld into the palate staining finish."

93 Points | Wine Advocate, William Kelley

"A strong effort from this underrated property, the 2020 Saint-Georges Côte Pavie reveals notes of dark berries, cherries, raw cocoa and rose petals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate framed by refined tannins and lively acids, concluding with a chalky finish. It derives from holdings adjacent to Pavie, where Cabernet Franc is gradually increasing in importance in the blend."

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

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Browse Saint-Emilion & Chateau Saint Georges Cote Pavie

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A Chardonnay punching well above its price tag

Zuccardi Fosil Chardonnay 2023

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, Virginie Boone

"Delightfully complex, structured, and textured, this is a beautiful representation of cool-climate, high-elevation grape growing and winemaking, with flecks of stone, flint, and lemon pith. Layered in waves of flavor, the acidity keeps it fresh and lively throughout a palate of undulating flavor and deliciousness [...]"

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Under the leadership of Sebastián Zuccardi, Familia Zuccardi has become one of Argentina's most influential wineries. Based in the high-altitude Uco Valley beneath the Andes, the estate has built its reputation on exploring terroir through vineyard research, soil studies and concrete winemaking. The result is a range of wines that capture the unique character of Mendoza's mountain landscapes with remarkable clarity and precision.

The 2023 Fósil Chardonnay is sourced from vineyards planted in San Pablo at high altitude, fermented and aged entirely in concrete with no oak influence and no malolactic fermentation, allowing the vineyard's character to shine through unmasked. The result is a Chardonnay of purity, precision and remarkable mineral drive.

Comparison of top Argentinian Chardonnays:

The benchmark Chardonnay in Argentina has long been Catena Zapata's White Stones and White Bones, wines that have dominated the conversation year after year. Fosil Chardonnay is now giving them serious competition at a fraction of the price, matching their critical acclaim with the 2023 vintage.

With a bargain price tag of €37.95* In Bond per bottle and scores of 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck and 97 points from Vinous, the 2023 is certainly overperforming on the price-to-quality ratio. Grab them whilst you can.

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Zuccardi Fosil Chardonnay 2023

Buy Zuccardi Fosil Chardonnay 2023

€37.95* In Bond per bottle

98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, Virginie Boone

"Undergoing no malolactic fermentation, the gorgeous 2023 Chardonnay Fosil is fermented and aged in concrete. The acidity is wow-level, integrated into the whole with seamless ease, fresh and persistent. Light on its feet, it shows a deep conviction of place and minerality, its savory earthiness complemented by notes of green apple and pear. Zuccardi made his first version of this in 2016 at a time when Chardonnay in Argentina was overly oaky and underwent full malolactic fermentation. He soon fell in love with using concrete to ferment and age his whites grown at high altitude. Delightfully complex, structured, and textured, this is a beautiful representation of cool-climate, high-elevation grape growing and winemaking, with flecks of stone, flint, and lemon pith. Layered in waves of flavor, the acidity keeps it fresh and lively throughout a palate of undulating flavor and deliciousness. Drink now through 2033."

97 Points | Vinous, Joaquin Hidalgo

"The 2023 Chardonnay Fósil is a statement of intent—a vineyard planted in San Pablo with the aim of producing great wine. Ever since its first release, the 2016 vintage, Fósil has quickly established itself as a high-altitude white with a refreshing, non-ripe profile. Even in a warm vintage like 2023, the Chardonnay Fósil offers herbal and reductive notes, with hints of huacatay (a native Andean herb) alongside lime and lemon, all set against a soft backdrop of linden blossom. Lean and vibrant, the palate is pure and chalky in texture, flowing with a light, compact feel. The 2023 vintage solidifies its terroir-driven character."

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

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Browse Argentina & Familia Zuccardi

Buy Familia Zuccardi wines → | Browse Argentina →

After En Primeur we don't often have La Conseillante at good prices, so it pleases us to be able to offer a parcel of the highly esteemed 2019. Like a lot of 2019's, the pricing is sharp, and the quality is very high.

La Conseillante 2019

100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

"An utterly brilliant Pomerol and the finest wine from this estate to date, surpassing even the 2016, [...] Flawlessly balanced, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it has a beautiful mid-palate, ultra-fine, utterly seamless tannins, and a heavenly finish. It doesn't have the sheer density or outright power of some of the other top Pomerols, but as I wrote in the barrel sample review, no one marries elegance with opulence as well as Conseillante. This magical Pomerol will take a decade to hit full maturity and will evolve for 30 years or more. This is haute couture at its absolute pinnacle, and as I wrote in the barrel review, hats off to Marielle Cazaux for producing one of the top wines of the vintage."

Chateau La Conseillante is one of Pomerol's most elegant and revered estates, with a history stretching back to the 18th century. Under the Nicolas family and director Marielle Cazaux, it has reached extraordinary heights, producing wines that unite perfume, finesse and depth. The estate's distinctive violet-scented style has become one of Bordeaux's most recognisable signatures.

The 2019 vintage in Pomerol produced wines of exceptional balance, combining the richness of a warm growing season with remarkable freshness and precision. Merlot achieved perfect ripeness, while Cabernet Franc brought aromatic lift and structure. The finest estates crafted wines of great concentration, silky tannins and the capacity to evolve gracefully for decades.

Comparison of top vintages of La Conseillante:

La Conseillante 2019 is a masterclass in elegance and opulence. Aromas of violets, black raspberry, cassis and dark chocolate lead into a seamless, full-bodied palate framed by ultra-fine tannins and remarkable purity. Effortlessly balancing power with refinement, it stands among the greatest wines ever produced at this legendary Pomerol estate.

Today's offer comes in at a great price of €175 In Bond per bottle and we have cases of 6x75cl OWC and some loose bottles.

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La Conseillante 2019

Buy La Conseillante 2019

€175 In Bond per bottle

100 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

"An utterly brilliant Pomerol and the finest wine from this estate to date, surpassing even the 2016, the 2019 Château La Conseillante checks in as 84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc and was raised in 70% new French oak. A wine of incredible finesse, purity, and precision, its deep purple hue is following by an incredible array of blueberries, crème de cassis, spring flowers, damp earth, and violets. Flawlessly balanced, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it has a beautiful mid-palate, ultra-fine, utterly seamless tannins, and a heavenly finish. It doesn't have the sheer density or outright power of some of the other top Pomerols, but as I wrote in the barrel sample review, no one marries elegance with opulence as well as Conseillante. This magical Pomerol will take a decade to hit full maturity and will evolve for 30 years or more. This is haute couture at its absolute pinnacle, and as I wrote in the barrel review, hats off to Marielle Cazaux for producing one of the top wines of the vintage."

99 Points | Wine Advocate, William Kelley

"The 2019 La Conseillante is performing brilliantly and rivals the 2016 as Marielle Cazaux's finest vintage at this leading Pomerol estate to date. Wafting from the glass with striking aromas of raspberries, plums, violets, raw cocoa, sweet soil tones and licorice, framed by a deftly integrated touch of classy new oak, it's full-bodied, ample and enveloping, its broad attack segueing into a seamless, layered mid-palate that's vibrant and concentrated, framed by powdery tannins and lively acids, before concluding with a long, saline finish."

99 Points | Jeff Leve

"Almost at the same level as the incredible 2016, this is one of the great vintages of La Conseillante. The nose, with its haunting bouquet of violets, lilacs and roses come along with additional nuances of chocolate, truffle, black cherries, black raspberries and black plums. I remember during the barrel tastings with Marielle Cazaux over Zoom blurting out, "Holy F..K!" Yes, it is that good! On the palate, the wine is elegant, seductive, long, vibrant, sweet, fresh and most importantly, incredibly pure displaying the essence of its gorgeous fruits. This is one of the great vintages of La Conseillante. Fans of the estate need some of this in their cellar."

98 Points | Antonio Galloni

"The 2019 La Conseillante is elegant and nuanced, just as it was from barrel. All of the freshness and energy that was present en primeur comes through in the bottle. There is an element of sophistication, of reserve, that needs time to be fully expressive. The 2019 is a wine of linear precision more than volume or density. It should age exquisitely for many years to come."

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

Browse Pomerol & En Primeur

Buy Chateau La Conseillante wines → | Browse Pomerol → | En Primeur Explained →

​Las Uvas de la Ira 2024, a Garnacha Bargain:

There is no doubt how influential Daniel Landi and Comando G have been on the Spanish wine scene, helping elevate Garnacha to world-class status. Some of their most sought-after cuvees, such as Rumbo al Norte, now sell for more than €500 per bottle, a reflection of the esteem in which collectors and critics hold their wines.

Today, however, we have something of an insider's pick. The sort of wine that those in the know quietly snap up whenever they see it. A wine that captures the same philosophy of purity, terroir and old-vine Garnacha, but at a fraction of the price of the headline-grabbing cuvees.

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94 Points - Wine Advocate
"The super tasty and expressive 2024 Las Uvas de la Ira was produced with Garnacha from seven vineyards in El Real de San Vicente, fermented separately and matured in concrete and oak vats and foudres"

 

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​The rise of the Sierra de Gredos from relative obscurity to one of Spain's most exciting fine wine regions owes much to Daniel Landi and Fernando Garcia of Comando G. Their work helped redefine Garnacha, showing that the variety could produce wines of extraordinary finesse, freshness and mineral character from Gredos' rugged granite slopes.

Viticola Mentridana represents the next chapter of that story. When Landi chose to focus entirely on Comando G and the Alberche Valley, he entrusted his Tiétar Valley vineyards to childhood friend Curro Barreño. A native of Gredos and co-founder of Fedellos, Curro shared Landi's vision for terroir-driven, old-vine Garnacha and was the natural choice to continue the project.

Today, Curro farms these historic vineyards alongside plots owned by his own family in DO Méntrida, building on the foundations established by Landi while bringing his own experience and perspective. The result is a range of wines that beautifully capture the energy, purity and mountain character that have made Gredos one of Spain's most talked-about regions.

Originally created by Daniel Landi and now crafted by Curro Barreño, Las Uvas de la Ira remains one of the benchmark wines of Gredos. Sourced from old-vine Garnacha around El Real de San Vicente at roughly 850 metres altitude, the 2024 combines wild herbs, floral aromatics and bright red berry fruit with granite-driven minerality, fine tannins and remarkable elegance. A beautifully detailed expression of mountain Garnacha.

This week we have a small parcel available at a very competitive price of €26.50* inc NL VAT per bottle.

If you're a fan of Comando G, then this one is for you.​

 

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Viticola Mentridana Las Uvas de la Ira 2024

€26.50* inc NL VAT per bottle

Buy Viticola Mentridana Las Uvas de la Ira 2024

 

94 Points | Wine Advocate
The super tasty and expressive 2024 Las Uvas de la Ira was produced with Garnacha from seven vineyards in El Real de San Vicente, fermented separately and matured in concrete and oak vats and foudres. It was a very challenging vintage, with mildew and oidium, from a wetter zone than Méntrida village on soils with a very high content in silt. It has some flinty notes and is faintly reductive, with notes of herbs, flowers and small, translucent berry fruit. It is fine-boned, with classical chalky granite tannins. 10,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2025.

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Browse Spanish Wine

Browse all Spanish wines → | Rioja → | Ribera del Duero →

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

Carmes Haut-Brion Collection Cases

We've been raving about Les Carmes Haut-Brion recently, and for good reason. The estate is producing incredible wines in a uniquely modern Bordeaux style, at a price point that, for now at least, remains remarkably reasonable.

Today, we're delighted to present three exciting offers from Les Carmes.

The 2018, 2019 and 2020 vintages became known as the Trilogie in Bordeaux, marking an extraordinary run of three outstanding years. To celebrate, the estate has assembled a series of beautifully presented collection cases at very attractive prices, offering a perfect introduction to collecting one of Bordeaux's most exciting modern wines.

 

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100 Points - Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is the finest wine bottled to date at this estate under Patrice Pichet's ownership and Guillaume Pouthier's direction. Unfurling from the glass with aromas of violet, iris, dark wild berries, pencil lead and mulberries, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated with a deep core of fruit beautifully framed by velvety, precise tannins, segueing into a long, saline and perfumed finish. Suave and harmonious"

 

100 Points - Antonio Galloni

"The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a total stunner. For the first time I can remember, Les Carmes Haut-Brion marries all of its elements so well that nothing stands out. In the past, the high percentage of Franc and/or the whole clusters were evident. The 2020 is the first modern vintage in which all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, lavender, dried herbs and incense all build in a ravishing Pessac-Léognan that will take your breath away"

 

100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck 

"The 2018 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a rock star of a wine [...]  A dead ringer for a great vintage of Haut-Brion, it is far from unapproachable today yet needs 7-8 years of bottle age for the fireworks to develop and will have 50-years or more of longevity! Hats off to Guillaume Pouthier for a magical, seamless, singular beauty!"

 

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Few estates have captured the imagination of Bordeaux lovers in recent years quite like Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion. Nestled within the city limits of Bordeaux itself, this singular property has become a beacon for modern winemaking in the region. Since Guillaume Pouthier’s arrival in 2012, Les Carmes has undergone a remarkable transformation - its striking winery, bold vision, and boundary-pushing approach marking it out as one of the most exciting names in the Left Bank today.

Les Carmes Haut-Brion stands at the forefront of Bordeaux’s new wave, combining meticulous vineyard work with avant-garde vinification. Whole-bunch fermentation, gravity flow, and amphora ageing are used to craft wines of incredible energy, perfume, and finesse. The blend, often with an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Franc, is shaped to reflect its unique terroir rather than conform to tradition. As a result, Les Carmes is now widely regarded as a rising star producing some of the region’s most original and compelling wines.

Everything is coming directly from Bordeaux.

 

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Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2018, 2019 & 2020 Collection Case

The case contains two bottles of each 2020, 2019 & 2018

Add to Cellar - BUY

€115* IB per bottle
€690* IB per 6x75cl OWC

These are coming directly from the winery so like always, perfect provenance.

 

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Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2020

 

100 Points | Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a total stunner. For the first time I can remember, Les Carmes Haut-Brion marries all of its elements so well that nothing stands out. In the past, the high percentage of Franc and/or the whole clusters were evident. The 2020 is the first modern vintage in which all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, lavender, dried herbs and incense all build in a ravishing Pessac-Léognan that will take your breath away.

100 Points | Decanter, Georgina Hindle
The best 2020s seem to be confident without showing off or shouting too loudly and this Carmes does just that. Focused and precise, this is complex and characterful, rich yet vibrant with a texture and taste that makes an impact straight away. Fresh black fruits, floral notes and sensational minerality do the talking - it has weight, density and structure - broad and bold yet svelte, it has direction and persistence, building quickly then settling and elongating with such clarity and purity. This is a wine you want to drink. Cool, classic, sharp and decisive with a flawless texture. Whereas 2019 was more generous, this is more classic and easy to understand. An excellent job - seemingly effortless winemaking in 2020 - and a bottle that is sure to be emptied pretty quickly.

98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
From a bottle purchased stateside, the 2020 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a riviting, utterly classic Pessac-Leognan that offers textbook darker currant fruits, scorched earth, tobacco, lead pencil, and smoky, truffly nuances, as well as a subtle floral hint with time in the glass. Based on 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Merlot that saw a plenty of stems as well as 80% new oak, it's deep plum/ruby hued, has medium to full-bodied richness, a graceful, layered, elegant mouthfeel, polished, fine grained tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's more approachable today than I would have imagined from barrel, and it actually reminds me of the 2019 with its understated elegance. It deserves a solid 7-8 years of bottle age and will be a 30, 40, 50+ year wine. It's another heavenly wine from Guillaume Pouthier that you probably couldn't have too much of in the cellar.

 

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Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2019

 

100 Points |  Antocyanes, Yohan Castaing (whom is now with The Wine Advocate)
Smoky, raspberry, blackcurrant, very floral for a bouquet of magnificent complexity. Great class while maintaining precision and sharpness. In the mouth, juicy, precise very beautiful purity of tannin, crystalline, full of fleshy texture, very vibrant. Note the magnificent bitters, of an exceptional level, which bring an airy and fresh finish. Very impressive in its construction, this wine begins tense and ends denser, more elaborate. This vintage will mark the history of the property. A very great Les Carmes Haut Brion which continues its ascent and gives us a glipse of a new facet of its personality

98 Points | Decanter
One of my favourite wines in 2019, immediately captivating with a lasting impression. Gorgeous dark purple in the glass with blackcurrant notes, perfumed violets, dark chocolate and hints of truffle - the old-vine Bouchet (Cabernet Franc) giving aromatic intensity on the nose and palate. Succulent straight away with ripe cherry, blood orange and pink grapefruit flavours set against soft, mouthwatering acidity and a lovely saline grip to the tannins. It's rich but just giving delicate hints in each direction of fruit, acidity, freshness, structure, mouthfeel and body. Restrained and poised, with a drinkability that makes you want a glass now, but could happily be enjoyed decades from now. Managing director Guillaume Pouthier said he simply 'Wants to make wine that is drunk' and this is eminently drinkable. A blend of 48% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot. 3.60 pH. 80% ageing in new barrel, 9% amphora, 11% foudre. Stéphane Derenoncourt consultant.

98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
I wasn't able to taste the 2019 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion from barrel, but it certainly brings the goods from bottle. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with a smorgasbord-like array of red, blue, and black fruits as well as violets, candied flowers, tobacco, and sappy herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, flawless balance, and that rare mix of power and elegance that truly great Pessac can deliver. Showing the more elegant style of the vintage, it checks in behind the magical, perfect 2018 but is very much in the style of the 2016. Readers will love having this beauty in the cellar, and it will evolve for 40-50 years if stored correctly. Hats off to winemaker Guillaume Pouthier for another thrilling wine.

 

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Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2018

100 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a rock star of a wine and is based on a unique blend of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 29% Merlot that was brought up in 80% new French oak. Offering a deep ruby/purple color as well as a thrilling bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, violets, damp earth, and truffle, it hits the palate with a full-bodied yet almost understated, building style that carries ripe, supple tannins, gorgeous amounts of smoky black fruits, and an endearing, layered, multi-dimensional texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. A dead ringer for a great vintage of Haut-Brion, it is far from unapproachable today yet needs 7-8 years of bottle age for the fireworks to develop and will have 50-years or more of longevity! Hats off to Guillaume Pouthier for a magical, seamless, singular beauty!

98 Points | Decanter
The march of Carmes Haut-Brion continues in 2018. Once again it stands out for a number of reasons: not least because of its high amount of Cabernet Franc, and also because it is made with 53% whole-bunch fermentation - a brave choice by winemaker Guillaume Poutier and one that pays off hugely in terms of balance and lean muscular build. Even without knowing any of the story behind the bottle, you would be hard-pressed to pass this wine by.

98 Points | Jane Anson
This powerful, full of complex layers of raspberry, blackberry, smoked earth, rosemary and turmeric spice, but running underneath it all is clear salinity and grip. The personality and poise of this wine overtakes the vintage, not an easy thing to do in a year that is as powerful as 2018 and on a warm site such as Carmes Haut-Brion. Touches of saffron and salt-licked as it opens, sage, freshly grilled dried herbs and gourmet espresso and brioche. Enjoyable. 3.62pH, and harvest at almost 1% ABV higher than you find in the final bottle. Ageing takes place in a mix of 25% new oak, 5% oak casks, and 10% amphoras, with 55% stems during fermentation, and natural yeasts.

 

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

​Saurwein Pinot Noir - One of South Africa's most exciting Pinot Noir producers.

96 Points - Tim Atkin MW
"it's a red for Burgundy lovers, all wet earth, tangy minerality, pomegranate and red cherry, embellished by 25% new wood. Impressive stuff from Jessica Saurwein"​

 

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Founded by Jessica Saurwein in 2015, Saurwein has become one of the most exciting names in South African Pinot Noir. Working with some of the Cape's finest cool-climate vineyards, she crafts wines that capture the distinct character of Elandskloof and Hemel-en-Aarde with remarkable clarity. Produced with a light touch in the cellar, Saurwein's Burgundian-inspired Pinot Noirs combine purity, elegance and finesse with a compelling sense of place.

Jessica Saurwein takes a minimalist approach in the cellar, using gentle extraction, partial whole-bunch fermentation and restrained oak ageing to preserve vineyard character.

Nom:

Named after Nomkhubulwane, the Zulu goddess of agriculture and fertility, Nom comes from a high-altitude vineyard in Elandskloof, where cool temperatures, strong winds and shale-rich soils produce a Pinot Noir of depth and quiet power. Dark cherry, wild berry and subtle forest floor notes are framed by impressive structure and freshness. This is the more muscular and concentrated of the two Saurwein Pinot Noirs, offering a darker fruit profile and greater breadth on the palate. For Burgundy lovers, it is reminiscent of a village Gevrey-Chambertin, combining intensity, structure and savoury complexity with remarkable poise and ageing potential.

Om:

​Om takes its name from the Sanskrit symbol representing wholeness, harmony and connection, a fitting reflection of this beautifully balanced Pinot Noir from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Fragrant red berry fruit, dried herbs, spice and earthy complexity are supported by vibrant acidity and finely woven tannins. Compared to Nom, Om is more about elegance, precision and aromatic lift than power. The cool maritime influence of Hemel-en-Aarde brings tension, freshness and purity, resulting in a beautifully detailed Pinot Noir that evokes the graceful, perfumed style of Chambolle-Musigny, with finesse and balance taking centre stage.

Both cuvees come with high praise and scores from the wine critics.

This week we're doing a special introductory price of €42.50* inc NL VAT per bottle. Grab them whilst you can.​

 

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Saurwein Nom Pinot Noir 2024

€42.50* inc NL VAT per bottle

Buy Saurwein Nom Pinot Noir 2024

 

96 Points | Tim Atkin MW
One of a pair of Nom Pinot Noirs on the market, this comes from a windy site at 700 metres on Bokkeveld shale. Fermented with 15% whole bunches, it's a red for Burgundy lovers, all wet earth, tangy minerality, pomegranate and red cherry, embellished by 25% new wood. Impressive stuff from Jessica Saurwein. 2026-30

​92 Points | Wine Mag, Christian Eedes

W.O. Elandskloof. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Expressive aromatics of orange, musk, red cherry and white pepper. The palate is opulent – saturated with ripe fruit, just enough acidity and smooth tannins. A wine of presence and generosity. Alcohol: 14%.

Saurwein Om Pinot Noir 2024

€42.50* inc NL VAT per bottle

Buy Saurwein Om Pinot Noir 2024

 

95 Points | Wine Mag, Christian Eedes
W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Black cherry, some leafiness, earth, spice and a touch of reduction on the nose. Great definition and structure – clean fruit, vibrant acidity and firm tannins, making for a long and nicely austere finish. Finely judged and intellectually engaging rather than immediately seductive. Alc: 14%.

​94 Points | Tim Atkin MW

Om uses grapes from the Place of the Gods' vineyards on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Fermented with 12% whole bunches before ageing in 25% new wood, it has lots of grip, focus and presence, flavours of fynbos, redcurrant and cranberry and the structure to age in bottle. 2027-32

 

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