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...

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...

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.

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...

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.      

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

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,...

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

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

Important Notice : This wine is from our Heritage Collection of wines - namely backdated vintages from secondary market sources. As wines age factors come into play such as drier corks and a greater risk of quality variance. We are unable to accept any returns for these as we have no recourse to the original source.   WA 94+ The more statuesque 2007 Syrah Moritz delivers a complex perfume of meat, hung game, Asian spices, incense, and blueberry. Mouth-filling and structured on the palate, this well-balanced effort has superior grip and concentration. It should be in full form with 5-7 years of cellaring. JM Dec 2009.

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....

"Supple, concentrated and lithe, this bounds with cassis, mulberry, raspberry and aniseed. Plenty of very soft tannins frame the fruit and chorale it through to the finish. Lovely." Wine Companion Erin Larkin. 93 points. WINERY NOTES: COLOUR Medium dark red colour with purple tints. NOSE Spicy berry fruit aromas and hints of cedar and oak influence on the nose. PALATE The palate is refined and smooth, showing flavours of ripe blackberry and red currant characters. Fine, ripe tannins round out the wine, with lingering dried herb and savoury nuances on the finish. WINEMAKING Cabernet from one of our oldest blocks in the Carbunup...

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

Tim Atkin 91 points. Honey, white peach and hints of pineapple are complemented by savory notes of roasted almond and toasted brioche. A fine mousse and refreshing acidity provides a remarkably refreshing drinking experience. Chenin Blanc grapes are handpicked and harvested for freshness and acidity at between 19.5o and 20.5o Balling. Grapes are pre-cooled and then whole bunch-pressed with the juice allowed to settle naturally. Half of the wine is naturally fermented in stainless steel tank, with fermentation being stopped to retain a certain percentage of the grapes own sugar. The barrel fermented portion is allowed to ferment naturally to...

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    

Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, this unique Rosé displays flavours of ripe strawberries, cassis and candyfloss with a seductive spicy finish. Handpicked and gently pressed to obtain the perfect, subtle pink hue the Delaire Graff Cabernet Franc Rose is a firm favourite.

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...