Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 21 year old is aged for a minimum of 19 years in former Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon-seasoned casks, then transferred into Madeira casks for a further 2 years. The result is a whiskey awarded Best Irish Single Malt 2013. It has huge depth that interweaves dried fruit flavours with spicy, aromatic maltiness and subtle nutty raisins notes.
This rich and complex whisky from Chivas is aged for 21 years in oak casks before bottling in handcrafted porcelain flagons. Royal Salute was launched on 2nd June 1953 as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation Day. At her coronation, the crown of Queen Elizabeth II was set in rubies, sapphires and emeralds. These precious stones remain the inspiration for the colours of Royal Salute's handcrafted flagons, therefore bottle colour may vary.
This is a complex blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc finished with Carmenere and Petit Verdot - flavours and perfume are thus layered, intense, detailed and glorious. A cavalcade of fruit, spice, earth, savouriness and beautiful wood handling. The estate is managed by Patrick Leon, whose talents are writ large in the finesse of handling the complex array of fruit, and judicious use of winemaking technique to elicit this most elegant yet finely wrought style. It's relative approachability is another key to this wines excellence.
A stones throw from the famed Chateau Beychevelle, the estate is set in the south of the St Julien appellation and notable for vitality, finesse and elegance. The wine here is produced by Patrick Maroteaux whose increasingly influence is in turn elevating the quality and reputation of these wines.
Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere is a Bordeaux wine from the appellation Saint Emilion, ranked Premier Grand cru classe in the Classification of Saint Emilion wine.
While the estate known as Chateau Haut-Bailly dates back to 1461, its wine production began in 1530, falling into the hands of the de Leuvarde and Le Bailly families in 1630. It was purchased in 1998 by Robert G Wilmers, a Harvard-educated banker, and his French wife Elisabeth and under their care, the estate has begun producing some of the best wines in its history. The cellars and production procedures were renovated and modernised and this year, the Chateau itself was awarded government recognition of its cultural and vinious heritage.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is the finest expression of the world famous wine from one of the greatest Champagne Houses. First produced in 1952, Comtes is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes from 6 Grand Cru sites in the Cité de Blancs. Showing a pristine pale yellow colour with very light, abundant bubbles which rise uniformly to form a fine mousse. The evocative bouquet opens with notes of pears and fresh cute white flowers. Left in the glass for a time, the nose develops a richness and density of pure character. Once on the palate, Comtes is lively, direct and precise with flavours of candied lemon zest and fresh pineapple. The balance is something to behold. This Champagne's marriage of finesse and aromatic intensity is a promise of further potential, but already offers very pleasurable drinking.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2011
Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart Brut
Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart Brut, Champagne The name Billecart-Salmon comes from the joining of two families by the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. This prestige cuvée vintage Champagne, first created in 1964, is named in honour of co-founder Nicolas François. "The mark of Billecart is made not by the heavy foot?all of concentration, power and presence, but rather by the fairy touch of delicacy and crystal/clear fidelity."- Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide. 60% Montagne de Reims pinot noir, 40% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay; 18% barrel-fermented in old oak casks; no malolactic fermentation; 4g/L dosage
The Bollinger La Grande Année is the pinnacle of Bollingers Champagne styles and is produced only in the best years. Fruit is sourced entirely from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyard sites in Champagne. The base wine was aged solely in old oak barrels, providing additional depth and nutty complexity. After secondary fermentation, the wine is aged on lees for more than five years before disgorgement. La Grande Année shows complexity and richness from the long ageing on lees and oaked base wines used in the cuve. The wine typically displays richness and depth of toast and bready characters, creamy palate texture, chalky minerality and great persistence. A vintage style it can be enjoyed upon release or carefully cellared for up to 10 years.