"The 2019 Labégorce, picked from 19 September to 12 October and matured in 40% new oak, has one of the more flamboyant Margaux bouquets with expressive black cherries, bilberry, light cedar notes and crushed violet. It develops impressive cohesion with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and what you first notice is the finesse of the tannins. This has a satin-like texture and very well judged acidity. The new oak does poke out a little on the finish - if that can be assimilated during its barrel maturation, this could turn into a very serious Margaux. - Neal Martin, Vinous
"The 2022 Rosé de Loire displays a smokey mix of crushed apples and wet stones. Sour citrus and tart orchard fruits nicely contrast a pleasant inner sweetness. A mineral staining lingers while the 2022 finishes fresh and with a crunchy sensation." - Eric Guido
"The citrusy, mentholated 2022 Bandol Rosé was crafted with a blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault and matured six months in barrels. It displays aromas of pomegranate, citrus, spring flowers, iodine, jasmine and crushed stones, followed by a beautifully defined texture, a fleshy core of fruit and racy acids that underpin a delicate, well-delineated and calcareous finish. It's going to drink nicely in its youth, but I suspect it will also age gracefully over the next 2-5 years. Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate
"The 2015 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill shows off the savory side of the vintage to great effect. Hints of dried pear, sage, mint, dried flowers, lemon oil and chamomile open gradually in this mid-weight, lithe edition of Pol Roger's tête de cuvée. The 2015 unfolds nicely with time in the glass, but I wouldn't think of opening a bottle anytime soon. Readers will find a nervy Winston Churchill marked by notable freshness and vigor more than size. This is a fine effort in a vintage that has proven to be far trickier than most observers originally envisioned. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged September 2022." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"Pale yellow with silver highlights, the wine produces an alluring effervescence that rises from a cord of fine persistent bubbles. An especially open and expressive nose begins with notes of dried fruit, cocoa, almond and coconut. Allowed to breathe, notes of yellow fruits such as Mirabelle plum and eau de vie add complexity to the nose which, though young, is rich and promising.The palate is exceedingly fresh. Crisp acidity gives it a strong backbone that carries right through to the finish. Those aromas of dried fruits from the first nose persist, with nuances of citrus, lemon and bitter orange completing the palate and reinforcing the youth of the wine. On the finish, subtle notes of confected fruits come through, in particular candied orange peel." - Winemaker's notes
"The 2015 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill shows off the savory side of the vintage to great effect. Hints of dried pear, sage, mint, dried flowers, lemon oil and chamomile open gradually in this mid-weight, lithe edition of Pol Roger's tête de cuvée. The 2015 unfolds nicely with time in the glass, but I wouldn't think of opening a bottle anytime soon. Readers will find a nervy Winston Churchill marked by notable freshness and vigor more than size. This is a fine effort in a vintage that has proven to be far trickier than most observers originally envisioned. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged September 2022." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"Pale yellow with silver highlights, the wine produces an alluring effervescence that rises from a cord of fine persistent bubbles. An especially open and expressive nose begins with notes of dried fruit, cocoa, almond and coconut. Allowed to breathe, notes of yellow fruits such as Mirabelle plum and eau de vie add complexity to the nose which, though young, is rich and promising.The palate is exceedingly fresh. Crisp acidity gives it a strong backbone that carries right through to the finish. Those aromas of dried fruits from the first nose persist, with nuances of citrus, lemon and bitter orange completing the palate and reinforcing the youth of the wine. On the finish, subtle notes of confected fruits come through, in particular candied orange peel.." - Winemaker's notes
Champagne Lanson Le Black – Création White Box Gift includes:
1 x Champagne Lanson Le Black – Création Brut Non-Vintage
2 x Champagne Lanson Flûtes Glasses
"Another incredible white from this family is the 2019 Hermitage Blanc, a powerful, concentrated, and remarkably pure Hermitage that has laser-like focus as well as textbook Marsanne notes of quince, green almond, powdered rock, licorice, and spice. It’s still tight, focused, and inward at present, yet it reminds me of the 2018 with its purity and rare mix of power and elegance. It’s worth trying a bottle any time over the coming 3-5 years, but after that, I’d recommend waiting until after 2031. 98+" - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2019 Hermitage Farconnet comes from a mix of Péléat, Les Doignières, and Les Greffieux, and it was raised in used barrels. It has a classic Northern Rhône bouquet of ripe red and blackberry fruit as well as saddle leather, forest floor, ground pepper, and spring flowers. Needing a short decant, it's medium to full-bodied, has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, those classic Hermitage ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It's already drinking nicely yet has a solid 10-12 years of longevity ahead of it." - Jeb Dunnuck
100% Syrah sourced from hillside vineyards in Larnage and Gervans. 50% of the blend comes from a parcel of young vines owned by Jean-Louis, which is situated on back, east-facing flank of the Hermitage hill.
" Composed of 100% Roussanne, the 2021 Saint Joseph Circa Blanc is terrific. Offering a classic perfume of ripe pears, honeycomb, quince, and sappy flowers, it picks up a beautiful sense of minerality with time in the glass. Medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, rich, and layered, it's one heck of an impressive Northern Rhône white that's going to shine for at least 3-5 years, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it have an interesting evolution over the coming decade." - Jeb Dunnuck
"Shockingly good given the difficulties in Crozes during the growing season (it rained - a lot), the 2021 Crozes-Hermitage Silene has a pretty, complex, elegant perfume of red berries, spring flowers, cedary herbs, and pepper, with some classic Northern Rhône bacon fat. Nicely textured, medium-bodied, and elegant, with good ripeness, it's a rock-solid, classic, old school-styled Crozes to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years." - Jeb Dunnuck
"A year-in, year-out smoking value as well as a great bottle of wine, the 2021 Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur checks in as equal parts Grenache and Syrah brought up in neutral oak. Its vivid ruby hue is followed by a medium-bodied, elegant, lively red offering pretty red and black berry fruits, some spring flowers, peppery herbs, and gamey nuances, fine tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. Coming from a cooler year, it still brings plenty of richness and depth and is well worth seeking out." - Jeb Dunnuck
"A serious, more obviously structured effort than the suave 2019, the 2020 Grand Village offers up a smoky, dense bouquet with aromas of cherries, spices, flowers, lead pencil and dark wild berries. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with rich, powdery tannins and a vibrant core of fruit, it concludes with an impressively long finish and superb controlled power. It clearly needs time to chill out." - Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate
"The 2020 Sancerre La Grande Côte is a fine wine with a piercing nose of floral and flint. While it may be dry, it offers a sensation of sweet fruit and high alcohol (14.5%), which Cotat compares to the ripe 2009 and 1990 vintages. Being late-picked and on a south slope, these grapes get ripe, and in this vintage, I can't help but think that the balance has been slightly knocked by this ripeness. That said, it offers delectable texture and sinew and remains an impressive wine. Tasting the 2009 Cul de Beaujeu soon after, high alcohol (15%) remains evident with bottle age." - Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
Champagne Lanson Le Black Label Brut Non-Vintage – “The latest release of Lanson’s NV Brut Black Label is showing well, offering up aromas of warm biscuits, crisp orchard fruit, dried citrus rind and toasted brioche. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied and crisp but fleshy, with the house’s non-malo style tempered by a generous core of fruit, concluding with a long, chalky finish. This is a very creditable non-vintage cuvée that has the cut and structure to evolve in the cellar.”- William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
Champagne Lanson Le Black Label Brut Non-Vintage – “The latest release of Lanson’s NV Brut Black Label is showing well, offering up aromas of warm biscuits, crisp orchard fruit, dried citrus rind and toasted brioche. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied and crisp but fleshy, with the house’s non-malo style tempered by a generous core of fruit, concluding with a long, chalky finish. This is a very creditable non-vintage cuvée that has the cut and structure to evolve in the cellar.”- William Kelley, The Wine Advocate