Stocktake Sale 2025

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

‘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.      

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

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

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

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider 2022 Vintage Tasted: May 2023 Deep in color, the wine displays its bouquet of flowers before getting to all of its dark, red fruits, spice, mocha, nutmeg, vanilla, and black cherries. While the aromatics are enticing, it is on the palate, with all of its silky-textures, creaminess, energy and most importantly, purity of fruit and concentration that provides you with the best part of the experience. The finish has never been this defined, elegant and concentrated in any previous vintage of Branaire Ducru. This is an entirely new level of quality here. Clearly, this is the best vintage of Branaire Ducru...

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...

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...

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...

Rated 93 by James Suckling A medium- to full-bodied red with vivid dark fruit and notes of sweet spices and bitter chocolate. Polished and velvety with fine, plush tannins. Structured and refined. Lingering finish with hints of violet and walnut. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. JS.     Totally surrounded by classified growths, La Gurgue enjoys a privileged terroir, and the attentive care of Mrs Villars (also owner of Ferrière, classified growth of Margaux, and Haut-Bages-Libéral, classified growth of Pauillac), distinguished in the Top 25 of the best producers of the Bettane&Desseauve...

91-93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The 2020 Larrivet Haut-Brion displays a deep garnet-purple color and exuberant scents of kirsch, black cherry preserves, stewed plums and warm cassis, plus hints of cinnamon stick and ground cloves with a waft of wilted roses. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of red and black fruit preserves, framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.” 05/21. #BORD

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...

Pessac-Leognan WA 96-98+. Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, the 2019 Pape Clement was harvested from the 18th of September to the 11th of October. Ninety-three percent is aging in French oak barriques, 66% new, and 7% is aging in large foudres. Deep garnet-purple in color, it hits the ground running with bold, expressive notes of warm cassis, boysenberries and black cherries with an undercurrent of clove oil, fertile loam, cedar chest and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers a rock-solid foundation of firm, ripe grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the densely packed black fruit and earthy layers,...

St Emilion Rated 100 by Wine Enthusiast Barrel Sample. This is a dense and luscious wine, the best yet from this estate. Its great structure and tannins show a style that is powerful but all within. This is a magnificent vintage from this Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, and fully deserves to be aged for many years. JD99 Rated 99 by Jeb Dunnuck The local bad boy of Bordeaux, Jean-Luc Thunevin, continues to fashion truly brilliant wines, and his 2019 is no exception. Based largely on Merlot with small amount of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Château Valandraud is a deep purple-hued beauty offering up 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...

James Suckling 94-95 points Chewy and rich with dried-mushroom, dark-fruit and burnt-orange character. It’s full-bodied with a dense, tannic palate. Smoky, toasty and coffee undertones here, too.   Reviewer Name:  James Suckling Review Date:  3rd June 2020.

100 points James Suckling "A compact and polished Cobos with lots of dark fruit, as well as green olives, flowers and stems. Raspberries and forest fruit, too. Full-bodied, very tight and compressed. Melted tannins give great presence and mouth-feel, but the feeling is that they are invisible. It goes on for minutes. Sensational. So sophisticated and thoughtful. An archetypal malbec from Argentina. Better after 2027." After visiting Argentina in 1989, Californian trail blazer Paul Hobbs became deeply interested in both the terroir and Argentine culture, noticing the unique potential for Malbec and other varietals in the region....

WA 100. The very deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Maya is shy and restrained to begin. With swirling, it begins to reveal beguiling notes of fragrant earth, lavender, garrigue and Sichuan pepper, giving way to a core of wild blueberries, boysenberries, black raspberries and black currants plus a hint of iron ore. The palate is full-bodied, revealing itself in slow-releasing layers of black and blue fruits with exhilarating earth and mineral sparks, framed by firm, beautifully ripe tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a persistent ferrous note. As cerebral as it is downright hedonic, this Maya is simply jaw-dropping. LPB Jan 2021. #100...

James Halliday 97 points. “Deep purple-crimson, not just any eagle, but one with the grace and power of the wedgetail eagle, Australia’s foremost avian symbol (emus don’t fly). Juicy blackberry, anise and a mix of spice and pepper are wonderfully fresh and mouthwatering thanks to the controlled alcohol and mouthwatering acidity.” 97 Points. WINERY NOTES: colour Very dark purple-black, clear and shiny. aroma The initial impression is of dark small berries freshly picked from the vine. Delve deeper and you get sandalwood, vanilla pod and black peppercorns. palate The wine is medium-bodied but in saying that it has an...

‘”The 2022 vintage humbled us,” says David Sadie, but brilliant winemakers shine in adversity. This scented, refined, very lightly wooded Grenache has lots of granite-derived freshness and minerality, red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate flavours and succulent, textured tannins. 2023-30’ –  Tim Atkin MW 94/100.   #JS

Decanter 95 points. Tim Atkin 95 points        "Pale golden yellow, silver glints. Lush aromas of white flowers, stone fruit and some blossom honey, as well as scented orange blossom, underlaid with a hint of brioche. The palate is garnished with ripe pears, and sweet caramel. Elegance, embraced by crisp acidity." -  Falstaff    

ERIN LARKIN, HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2023, 94 points. 2020 was a glorious vintage and it's here for all to see. Structural, dense, concentrated and broody, the length of flavour tails out through the long finish.... The GOLD medal tally so far.... WINE SHOW OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2022 MARGARET RIVER WINE SHOW 2022 ROYAL QUEENSLAND WINE AWARDS 2022 PERTH ROYAL WINE AWARDS 2022 MARGARET RIVER WINE SHOW 2021   #DEEP    

Platter 4.5 Stars. Double Gold Medal Veritas 2020. Trophy, KWV Best Fortified 2021. 44% Tinta Barocca and 56% Touriga Nacional VINIFICATION Directly after picking, the grapes were cooled to 5°C, crushed and cold-soaked for five days. Thereafter, the grapes underwent a cycle of gentle punch downs six times per day and were then fortified with a combination of wine and un-aged brandy spirits when the desired sugar levels were reached. The wine was matured in 20-year old oak barrels for 12 months and was released only after a further 12 months of bottle maturation. TASTING NOTES Uplifting and beautifully weighted. Polished red berry fruit...

Cameron Douglas MS 96 points. Bob Campbell MW 95 points. A bright perfumed, supple expression of Marlborough pinot noir from clay hill slopes. The fruit is supported by bright florals of rose and violets with crunchy red berry fruit and dried herb notes. The palate is succulent with alluring red cherry, brown spices and silky fine boned tannins. This wine has all the makings of a long lived Marlborough pinot noir and matches perfectly with duck, red meats (particularly venison and lamb), and mushroom dishes. Comprising six different pinot noir clones from vines dating back to 1983. Vines are cropped at 5 tonnes/ha (35hl/ha), hand harvested...

Decanter 93 points. Jane Anson 92 points  

The Corton hill lies to the North of the end of the Côte de de Nuits where vines mingle with stone quarries. The vineyards form a kind of amphitheater which is not found elsewhere in the Côte. On the Southern side of the appellation, the dark soils are made up of limestone debris while those on the Northern side, are mainly pebbly. The wines are smooth and distinguished.    The Vineyard: Our Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru is a blend of 3 Premier Cru plots: Les Vercots, Les Guérets, situated South of the village, which give it its structure and its power, and Les Valozières, which has an Eastern aspect and...

.The Vineyard: Corton Charlemagne is a grand cru situated on the Corton hill and benefiting from strong sunshine. Its aspect ranges from East to South. Whereas the neighboring plots are planted with pinot noir on clay and limestone, the grapes growing in the Corton Charlemagne area are planted in a layer of sandy soil on top of a bedrock of calcareous marl, which is particularly well-suited to chardonnay. Grape Variety: chardonnay Appellation: Grand Cru Location: in the village of Aloxe-Corton Origin: Corton Charlemagne owes its name to two emperors: Corton is the contraction of Curtis d’Otton, (which...

The Corton hill lies to the North of the end of the Côte de de Nuits where vines mingle with stone quarries. The vineyards form a kind of amphitheater which is not found elsewhere in the Côte. The vineyard is between 250 and 330 meters of altitude Corton Perrières is adjacent to the plot Les Languettes.   The Vineyard: Our plot is situated near our parcel of Corton Languettes and yet it is completely different from it. The soil consists of clay and limestone with streaks of iron oxide which account for its reddish color. Grape Variety: Pinot noir Appellation: Grand...

Wine Advocate 96 points. Opening to a dark color and rich concentration, the Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne (with 6,600 bottles made) shows a lot of fun character. I want to say that the wine is more modern or contemporary in style, but that's not really true. Yes, there's more fruity richness here, but the bouquet is also very vertical in intensity, lifted and bright. There's a fine spot of sweet cheery and tart apple skin. There is no heaviness. The fruit comes from a six-hectare site at a low 225 meters above sea level with medium-rich soils and lots of clay. That richness that I described...

James Suckling 90 points. Vinous Media 90 points.   Made from Brunello grapes from the Colombini estate vineyards, selected to emphasise the alluring softness and rich, flattering fruit flavours that resonate without the dominance of oak and tannin. The nose is wonderfully fragrant with red berries, spice and herbs whilst the rich and vibrant palate offers hints of black cherry and mineral with a warm, opulent and very long finish. Food A good match for rich meat dishes, full flavoured or spicy pastas and mature cheeses.

Made in France with Botanicals from South West India - 42% Caramel, citrus fruits, coffee beans. Fresh and spicy with notes of pine and citrus fruits A finish of spruce and tobacco.

Made in France from Fairtrade and Organic Certified Botanicals, this is a joint partnership between Central Asian co-operative farmers and and growers in Cognac, France. The Juniper berries, which form the baseline of flavour profile are sourced from a nature reserve in Uzbekistan and spices sourced from the Kerala region of South West India. Its formed with juniper berries. cardamon, coriander, calamus roots, angelica roots and Grains of paradise. Its primarily soft and delicate with fresh energetic overtones of juniper.

"A bit of a chameleon here as it starts out deceptively light and fine. There are flutters of cherries and warm spices tempered by tangy cranberry juice–like acidity and fine sandy tannins, then the flavours build and its shape changes. It leaves a lasting impression. Compelling." Jane F Wine Companion 95/100

Decanter World Wine awards, Platinum Medal and 97 points. Wine Enthusiast 95 points. WineMag UK 94 points. "Aromas of camphor, rose and star anise mingle with whiffs of woodland berry and tilled earth on the nose. Precise and polished, the elegantly structured palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, white pepper and cinnamon, while fine-grained tannins provide support. It's balanced by fresh acidity" Winemag.com 94/100 The nobility of the name of Fontanafredda - a historic company purchased in the mid-19th century by King Vittorio Emanuele II - finds great expression through the equally noble Barolo. Entirely...

James Suckling 91 points. The tradition of Piedmontese wine takes on noble contours in the "Raimonda", which takes the Barbera d’Alba DOC to a higher level, where aromas and sensations contribute to giving a great personality. The grapes ferment in contact with the skins for 7-8 days at a controlled temperature of 28-30 ° C, and then refine for a year, both in barriques and in large wood. Another nice Fontanafredda’s masterpiece.

Vinous Media 92 points. The estate's 2000 Barolo Riserva reveals open, super-ripe aromatics and a soft core of dark fruit interwoven with sweet toasted oak. The wine is still fresh, even as it has started to develop more complex nuances in the bottle. This accessible, irresistible modern-styled wine offers a notable length and an engaging personality..

Wine Advocate 91-93 points.   "The huge, 240-acre estate of Fontanafredda has suddenly won a new lease on life after lying almost dormant for several years. This is the second vintage produced under new management, and the style is open and accessible, but still powerful. There is pure ripe fruit on the nose, flavors of black figs and wild strawberries and dry tannins, which still do not dominate the fruit." -  90/100 ,  Wine Enthusiast.