Stocktake Sale 2025

58% Shiraz, 14% Cinsault, 14% Tinta Barocca, 9% Mourvèdre, and 5% Grenache Noir. Small parcels of selected fruit are sourced from seven vineyards on Kalmoesfontein farm and from their neighbours with good tasting grapes. The 2021 AA Badenhorst is their 16th release of this appellation wine. The aromas are brooding but with complex notes of pepper, liquorice, perfume, and black cherries. The palate entry is quite dense with lavender and dark berry fruit. The finish is dry with well spread tannins ending with savoury and black currant flavours.   #JS

Small parcels of selected fruit is sourced from various vineyards on the Badenhorst farm called Kalmoesfontein located in the Swartland area and the greater Paardeberg mountains.  This wine is made up of a fantastic blend of Chenin Blanc;  Roussanne; Marsanne; Grenache Blanc; Viognier; Verdehlo; Colombard; GrenacheGris; Clairette Blanche and Palomino.   The vinification is quite straight forward when you are working with fantastic grapes from old vineyards – wholebunch pressing of cool grapes, this juice is then transferred to very old casks for fermentation and maturation.  Some varieties are blended at a very...

Tasting note Burghound 91:  A slightly cooler though still notably ripe nose features notes of black raspberry, dark cherry, violet and soft spice wisps. There is excellent richness and volume for the appellation as the succulent and round flavors possess a caressing mid-palate that contrasts somewhat with the mildly austere and well-balanced if decidedly firm finish where a touch of wood gradually emerges. This too is quite good.

Burghound 90-92 points. This 1.27-hectare vineyard (3 acres) is located at the bottom of the slope. It enjoys a soil composed mainly of clay and loams. Pottery fragments found in this vineyard show that this was a farming settlement in Gallo-Roman times. After the farm disappeared, the site remained without vines for a long time before being planted again. “Sanvignes” [vineless] then changed to “Cent-Vignes” [hundred vines] – since a plot with vines cannot be “Vineless”! These reds are remarkable for their colour and the delicacy of their aromas. In the mouth, they combine complexity with mellowness.

  Wine Enthusiast 93 points. 2010 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2014 Underbrush, black raspberry, dark cherry, sage, spice, espresso, chocolate and balsamic notes are some of the sensations that emerge from this structured Barolo. It's still young, with solid but ripe tannins, and needs time to develop fully. Drink 2018–2038.

The Bibi Graetz 2021 Colore is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes from old vines. The winemaking process and oak treatment closely mirror that of his other prestigious red, Testamatta. For this particular wine, the grapes are sourced from the elevated Lamole region, perched at an impressive 600 meters above sea level. Some of the vineyards face south, situated high on the mountainside. Colore embodies the vibrant essence and vitality of Sangiovese, unveiling notes of violet, wild cherry, and hints of orange zest. It reveals an earthy dimension and offers a well-defined texture, driven by exceptionally fine and smooth tannins, and finishing on...

This new project from the granite soils in the northern end of the Macedon Ranges at 460m above sea level is an exciting addition to our activities. The vineyard was established in 1995 and the fruit has ostensibly been “lost” interstate until new Victorian owners took over in spring 2021. The new regime has quickly invested in the infrastructure and fine-tuned activities and several top producers are sourcing fruit from this excellent site. The Riesling was harvested in mid April and wild yeast fermented in old French oak then matured for six months on fine yeast lees. In the winemaking mind it was important to preserve/respect...

Vineyard:  Anandale Farm  Subregion:  Blind River Region:  Marlborough  Vintage:  2023 Soil Type:  Complex silt, loam and gravel  Climate:  Cool maritime  Viticulture:  Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Certified (SWNZ) Growers:  The Turner family Appellation Marlborough Wine Certified. Organic. Winemaker's Notes:  We love the precision and balance of Kabinett Riesling. Like a sensational rollercoaster, this Riesling launches with a burst of sweetness before being engulfed by vibrant acidity which delivers length and balance on the finish. It brims with flavours of...

Vineyard:  Escaroth Vineyard Subregion:  Taylor Pass Region:  Marlborough  Vintage:  2020 Soil Type:  Low-vigour ancient clays Clone:  Dijon clones 777 and 115 Viticulture:  Dry-farmed and Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Certified (SWNZ) Growers:  Andy and Kyna Laurie Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) Certified  Winemaker's Notes:  Escaroth Vineyard is a site that truly reflects vintage variation: this year's release simply ticks all the boxes for Pinot Noir fanatics. It has a beguiling, complex perfume that treads both red/blue fruit and an enchanting spice,...

Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 was named ‘White Wine of the Year’ for 2023 by UK based Masters of Wine Peter Richards MW and Susie Barrie MW. 

Bobby's Schiedam Dry Gin is adored for its floral, spicy, botanicals and pepper flavor notes. This Gin is carefully distilled at Bobby's Gin Company distillery, Netherlands.

Wine Enthusiast 93 points. "Medium deep ruby red with an aged rim. Traditional long oak-aged aromas in a pure style with plum, cherry, dried herbs, tobacco, and oak-derived vanilla and spice. Soft and supple texture with good volume, a fine level of freshness with supple and complex red fruit flavours and a long lingering finish."   #Franco

LAN Reserva spent In hybrid barrels, staves of American oak and tops of French oak, for at least 20 months, followed by 18 months in bottle. Don't keep this Reserva for a special occasion that might never arrive. GRAPE VARIETIES: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo VINEYARDS: Selected grapes from 25 years old vines coming from parcels located in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. WINEMAKING: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of no more than 26ºC so as not to lose the aromas from the grapes. Maceration for 3 weeks with pumping over to achieve a good extraction of colour. AGEING: 18 months in hybrid barrels of...

James Suckling 94 points. "A deep and ambitiously structured Rioja with an array of fresh blue and black fruit, as well as classy oak spices and sandalwood. Full bodied and juicy, loaded with polished tannins, but the fruit core remains dry and elegant without superfluous sweetness. Ending long and spicy. A little tight and monolithic now, so give it a year or two to evolve and soften more. Heavy bottle! Drink from 2024." JS. Culmen Reserva is a classic of both the LAN cellar and La Rioja. Culmen Reserva is made from the  Tempranillo (85%) and Graciano  (15%) varieties. The grapes come from a rigorous selection of vines...

  LAN Reserva spent In hybrid barrels, staves of American oak and tops of French oak, for at least 20 months, followed by 18 months in bottle. Don't keep this Reserva for a special occasion that might never arrive. James Suckling 91 points. Lan Reserva 2017 envelops us with an aromatic palette where plum and ripe cherry intertwine with hints of vanilla and pepper. Upon tasting, it greets us with a richness that saturates the palate, emphasizing its expressive nature and smooth tannins that yield to a finish where flavors of chocolate, macerated fruits, and a lingering persistence beckon one to continue savoring each sip. This red...

GRAPE VARIETIES: 100 % Verdejo. VINEYARDS: Selection of plots, all ranging between 17 and 30 years of age, from our own vineyards (Los Llanos and Avutarda Estate) and from long standing suppliers (El Gato Estate). Yields of 7,000 kg/ha. Vineyards located at 700 metres above sea level, divided into plots classified to express the personality of the terroir. Soils with a high concentration of pebbles on the surface, low organic matter content, and good aeration and drainage. WINEMAKING: Harvested at night to ensure that the grapes entered the winery at lower temperatures of between 10°C and 15°C, in order to protect the varietal...

Platter Guide Winery of the Year 2020. Tim Atkin MW 95 points. Platter 5 Stars. “The Franschoek Cab is jaw-droppingly elemental and granite soaked. I am completely flabbergasted. Make a disorderly queue now!’ Matthew Jukes.

‘Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg – the other 10% comes from Boekenhoutskloof’s Roundstone property – it’s no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it combines fynbos, lavender and Asian spice aromas with a palate of white pepper, barbecued meat, oregano and blackberry framed by sappy, granular tannins. World class. 2025-35’ –  Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023, 97/100.      

James Suckling 93 points.  Falstaff Magazine 92 points. The entry-level Brancaia 2021 Chianti Classico (100% organic Sangiovese with 40,000 bottles released) is teeming with energy and life thanks to bright cherry, cassis and floral aromas. The wine feels clean and polished on the palate, with mid-weight intensity and balanced freshness. Certified Organic. WINERY NOTE: CHIANTI CLASSICO is a tribute to our terroir. This single-variety winefascinates with its easiness and the ripe cherry notes, one of the typical aromas for Sangiovese. In the mouth, a lovely freshness and sapidity combine with young and crisp tannins....

DISTILLERY NOTES: While we are famous [infamous?] for pushing the boundaries of distilling, coopering and maturation we know a classic spirit when we make one. This dram has been designed by Jim McEwan to showcase the classic, floral and elegant Bruichladdich style; matured purely in American oak Bourbon casks. A Kate Moss rather than a Madonna, an Audrey Hepburn rather than a Marylin Monroe, a natural elegance that is beyond fad and fashion – truly a classic Bruichladdich! 50% ABV. #RM

The Burge Family Winemaking tradition first started in the late 1860s with John Burge, who migrated to South Australia from Wiltshire (UK) in 1855. By the turn of the century, production ceased and all equipment was sold by John’s son Meshach, and it wasn’t until 1928 that John’s grandson ‘Percival’ recommenced winemaking.  50 year old vines, hand-picked, wild yeast-open fermented, 14 days on skins, matured for 20 months in French oak (50 per cent new). Full of blackberry fruit, part fresh, part jam. Spice also appears on the bouquet and palate. Cellaring will be rewarded. Drink to: 2038; Date Tasted:...

Robert Parker  - 2016: 92 p., 2017: 92 p.,  Vinous  - 2017: 90 p., I Vini di Veronelli  - 2017: 90 p., Winecritic  - 2017: 93 p., Falstaff  - 2017: 90 p., 2018: 90 p. James Suckling  - 2018: 93 p., 2019: 92 p., TASTING NOTES – brilliant ruby red – expressive bouquet of cherries, violets and marzipan – an abundance of cherry fruit on the palate, smooth with fine, elegant tannins.   #ALTO

James Suckling 91 points. "With its effusive nose of yellow roses and the full and silky yet fresh and dry palate, this is a classic modern Alto Adige gewurz. Light- footed and full of Alpine freshness at the long finish. Drink now." Tramin is the home of Gewürztraminer, and the village claims the best vineyards dedicated to the variety planted around the village the west bank of the Adige valley. Gewürztraminer has a distinctive reddish-yellow color with green hues when fully mature. The wine becomes rich and silky in texture, minerally and structured. It is an elegant wine with intense aromas and flavors of Muscat,...

James Suckling 91 points. "This has so much lemon-blossom and spring-meadow freshness, it comes off as being much lighter than it really is. And the playful way it skips and hops its way across the palate underlines that. Some discreet tannins unobtrusively anchor the finish. Drink now." The vineyards are located in the Südtirol, in the Alto Adige DOC. Alto Adige is a dynamic wine growing region in Northern Italy that combines a brisk Alpine climate, mountain viticulture and complex geology, with the brilliance of Mediterranean sunshine. The grapes come from vineyards planted in calcareous clay and gravel soils at an altitude...

Jancis Robinson 17.5/20.   "This really shows how much Alto Adige’s winemakers have learned about pinot noir winemaking during the last years. Lively and fragrant, it nonetheless has depth and structure, without the oak in any being obtrusive. I love the bright sour-cherry fruit at the front, as much as the slightly earthy depth at the long, moderately dry finish. Drink or hold." -  James Suckling

 Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com 95 points. 2019 Vintage Tasted: Aug 2022 Juicy and pleasurable in the primary matrix offering notes of raspberries, currants and dried cherries. Medium bodied, light tannins of notable maturity and a slim but decidedly elegant finale. A splendid expression made in Chianti Classico. Drink now or hold.

Tuscany is a land of excellence for Merlot. Castellare merlot, thanks to the special location of the vineyard, has a rare personality. Since the first vintage it was defined as a monument to wine excellence. The colour is deep and vibrant purple, clear, brilliant and beautiful texture. The nose is complex and the black fruit (blackberry and blueberry in particular) prevails in a clear manner. Raspberry, cherry and plum, followed by roasted notes of cocoa, vanilla and coffee. The mouth is soft and enveloping, with fine and elegant tannins. Warm, soft and very balanced. The finish is long and harmonious with a marked fruity aftertaste....

Wine Spectator 93 points. Luca Maroni 92 points. Veronelli 3 Stars. WA 91. Here's a sassy and spicy expression of Merlot. The 2014 Poggio Ai Merli is a tight and slightly nervous wine from a cool vintage. The otherwise mellow Merlot grape shows tart aromas of red fruit and cherry with spice, tobacco and white chocolate. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in new French barrique. Only 3,000 bottles are produced. Poggio ai Merli performs very well in cooler vintages (2013 is a case point). But the 2014 vintage offers a lower textural threshold and moderate persistence. ML Dec 2016.   #CAST

Red wine Aged in wood. 6 months in French oak barrels. Castillo de Monjardín Garnacha Viñas Viejas La Cantera 2022 is a succulent red wine. On the nose, it reveals fresh aromas of red fruits such as strawberries and cherries, accompanied by a subtle hint of raspberries. On the palate, it stands out for its fruity flavour and smooth texture, with a balanced acidity that makes it very pleasant to drink. It is an easy-to-enjoy wine, perfect for those seeking a fresh and approachable red.

Wine Advocate 98 points, The 2018 Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae started with a marked creamy and lactic note, reflecting a very young and tender wine that started with a lot of malic acid. It has lower alcohol and higher acidity than the other two Adrianna bottlings; it's vibrant and lively, nicely textured and surprisingly fresh. The creamy and lactic note disappeared after some time in the glass, giving way to fresher notes, almost citrus....This has to be among the finest vintages for the Mundus Bacillus Terrae.     James Suckling: 98 Points This is a really deep, decadent red, showing incredibly rich black...

''A silky, seductive Côtes de Provence rosé with aromas of small berries and red currants. It’s medium-bodied, succulent, fresh and playful, with a caressing texture and a vivid finish." 91 Points, James Suckling   #ROSE

Tasting note : The wine has an outstanding elegance and power, combining minerality and precision, perfectly reflecting the Terroir of Heathcote. About the winery : In 1997, true to his pioneering spirit, Michel Chapoutier set out to explore the terroirs of the oldest continent. He wanted to meet people, people like him with a passionate interest in bringing out the true character of vines. A matter of convictions, too, prompting discovery and observation. He found land awaiting its revelation. Michel Chapoutier aim is to invent properties, not to follow the example of others. Michel Chapoutier buys land and joins forces with major...

winemakers comments: The Eliza Vineyard is on the edge of a picturesque terrace situated directly above the Kawarau River in Bannockburn. This single vineyard wine is made from a small 3 tonne parcel of Pinot Noir clones 777 and 115 that is its own unique block within the Eliza Vineyard. The terrace is formed predominately on alluvial schist soils, with a band of pedogenic lime at around 1 meter below the surface. This band of soil created lime is very distinct and large clumps of small schist pebbles encased in the chalky white substance can be seen in the edge of the terrace directly below the vines. The soil gives a mineral edge to both...

Crafted from grapes grown in Central Otago, our Sauvignon Blanc is meticulously tailored to showcase the herbaceous notes typical of Sauvignon, accompanied by a hint of tropical fruit. What sets it apart is the distinct textural structure unique to Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc – something truly out of the ordinary. This wine presents a full-bodied and textural experience on the palate, boasting enduring flavours that linger. Handpicked and gently whole bunch pressed, it is a product of small-batch craftsmanship. The wild yeast fermentation, prolonged contact with lees, and a modest portion aged in barrels all contribute to the...

Wine Advocate 95 points.    Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider 95 points 2019 Vintage Tasted: Mar 2022 Opening with a strong sense of florality, the wine quickly moves to tobacco leaf, red currants, mocha and cassis on the nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant, fresh, soft and polished, with silky tannins and a palate filled with sweet, ripe, elegant, black plums and currants with a touch of cocoa at the end in the finish. This is a fabulous vintage for Branaire Ducru . Drink from 2027-2055. 95 Points

Graves JS94 Rated 94 by James Suckling Black fruit, dried sage, charred bark, lavender, graphite and oyster shell on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, tightly wound tannins. Focused. Excellent tannin framing. Best yet. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Try in 2026. JD94 Rated 94 by Jeb Dunnuck The 2019 Château Carbonnieux sports a deep purple/ruby hue to go with a brilliant nose of red and black currants, spring flowers, spicy oak, and hints of tobacco. It's beautiful on the palate as well and is medium to full-bodied, has a seamless, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great...

WE 97 Wine Enthusiast,  (95-97 points) Barrel Sample. An elegant wine, aristocratic in its poise and restraint yet it is full of great richness. The botrytis is dominant now, giving the dry core a push of density. The more exuberant side of this great wine will take its time but is sure to be there. ROGER VOSS  WA 96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, July 2021. (WA 94-96+ points) The 2020 Coutet has a pale lemon-gold color, waltzing out of the glass with energetic notes of lemon tart, pink grapefruit, green mango and lime blossoms, with hints of chopped almonds, clover honey, candle wax and straw, plus a waft of sea spray. The...

WE 96 Wine Enthusiast To begin with the wine seems reticent, hiding its glories. Then, little by little, the remarkable richness of the wine comes through, offering an impressive array of flavors and balance between sweet and dry. The wine will definitely age well. Barrel Sample: 94-96  Decanter Powerful fleshy exotic fruits - the juice comes in from the first moment and doesn't let up, ensuring the apricot and mango fruits are shot straight through the core of steel. A brilliant showcase of what the soils of Barsac can do. Barrel Sample: 95. #SAUT

JS 96 jamessuckling.com, December 2022 Lovely texture to this Pomerol. Fine velvety tannins with plum, walnut and crushed stone character. Savory finish. Needs time to soften. Very classy and structured, yet so refined. 91.6% merlot and 8.4% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2025.  JD 96 jebdunnuck.com, March 2023 I continue to absolutely love the wines from this Pomerol château, and their Grand Vin always brings a richness and depth that makes it a joy to drink. Coming from a larger vineyard near Petrus, La Fleur Petrus, and Le Gay, the dense purple hue of the 2020 Château Gazin is followed by a rocking bouquet of ripe black...

Jeb Dunnuck 95 points. The 2020 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse is a brilliant, powerful, age-worthy Pauillac that will reward bottle age. Blackcurrants, tobacco, cedar pencil, and chocolate are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a dense, mouth-filling texture, plenty of ripe tannins, and outstanding length. It’s not the most elegant Pauillac out there, but it has quintessential aromatics, structure, and density, and is beautifully done, as well as incredibly satisfying. It will probably take a decade of bottle age to hit maturity, and it should have 30-40 years of overall longevity....

95-96 Points, James Suckling: "Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's full and chewy with a powerful finish. Tar and graphite at the end. Solid core of fruit and tannin here. One of the most structured I have had from here. Cazes family making the difference." 6/20 Wine Advocate 93-95 points. Displaying a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Haut-Batailley opens with fragrant notes of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves and redcurrant jelly, leading to suggestions of fragrant soil, dried mint, woodsmoke and Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers impactful, vibrant black fruit flavors with a...

JS94 James Suckling: "Lots of crushed stone and blackberry with some walnut and mushroom. Dried-earth undertone. Medium-to full-bodied with round, ripe tannins and a savory finish. From biodynamically grown grapes."  Demeter certification. Barrel Sample: 93-94. WE93 Wine Enthusiast "This wine is dense, with serious initial tannins that mask the black fruits. The structure is in place and behind the black currant fruits. Together they promise a wine with plenty of aging potential." Barrel Sample: 91-93 #BORD

94-96 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate: "The 2020 Laroque is a blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aging for around 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. The alcohol is 14.5%. Displaying a deep purple-black color, it slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal fantastically opulent notes of Indian spices, rose oil, dark chocolate and licorice, over a core of blueberry preserves, stewed plums and mulberries, plus a hint of dried mint. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with layers of black and blue fruits, accented by exotic spices and supported by a racy backbone and velvety tannins, finishing long and...

"Green apple, tangerine, lemon chiffon, pomelo, pineapple and floral notes on the nose are made better with all the sweet, ripe, yellow citrus lemon peel, green apple and white peach in the fresh, zesty, yellow citrus, packed finish. Drink from 2022-2035. 94 Points" -  Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider.

St Emilion Rated 96 by Wine Enthusiast Barrel Sample. This estate is producing some exceptional wines. The latest vintage is solidly structured and dense in black fruits. Bright acidity gives it that fine spark of freshness and balances the power of the wine. It shows good aging potential. WS95 Rated 95 by Wine Spectator Drips with warmed raspberry confiture, plum sauce and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, delivering light anise, apple wood, sweet bay leaf and black tea notes along the way. The seamless, lengthy finish has very fine detail despite its heft. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. JD95 Rated 95 by Jeb Dunnuck A...

Tim Atkin, February 2022, 99/100. Cheval des Andes continues its steady ascent towards the summit of the very best and most sought-after New World reds. I tasted this wine over the space of a day and was very close to giving it 100 points. Made from an equal blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, it combines fruit from Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira to brilliant effect. Aged in 50% new barrels and foudres, it’s effortlessly complex and detailed, with refined tannins, graphite and cut grass aromas, cassis and bramble flavours and remarkable palate length. 2025-40.   WA 98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, August...