Thibault Liger-Belair, Richebourg Grand Cru
For many Burgundophiles, Richebourg is the single greatest vineyard in Burgundy. More statuesque than la Tache and when on form, more exotic and forceful, than Romanée-Conti. Expect aromas of the Moroccan souk, coupled with firm, sinuous tannins that demand reconciliation in the cellar. Thibault Liger-Belair’s vines are very old in a regional context, dating to 1931-1934, imparting depth and vinous torque.
Chateau Palmer 3me cru classe
Regarded a Super Second (but technically a 3me growth), Palmer is capable of producing wines that equal or even outstrip the quality of its famous Premier cru neighbour, Ch. Margaux. Named for the wealthy English military man who bought the estate in the early 19th century, Palmer is now majority owned by the Mahler Besse and Sichel families - famous Bordeaux negociants. Many of the best plots on the property were purchased after the Classification of 1855, explaining in part why Palmer did not warrant higher standing at that time. Certainly today there is no question that the wine is among Bordeauxs best. The estate also makes a separate second label - named Alter Ego - which is made from similarly high quality fruit but treated differently in the winery with the aim of producing a counterpoint in style to the First wine.
Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1er cru classe
One of the most famous - as well as one of the most expensive - wines in the world, Chateau Lafite Rothschilds history dates back to 1235, by which time, it is believed, the vines were already planted and thriving. Nearly 1,000 years later it still retains the name of its then-owner Gombaud de Lafite. It wasnt until 1868 that the Rothschilds came to become the Chateaus owners, after it was sold at public auction in Paris - and it remains in their hands today. Producing an elegant Paulliac wine, Chateau Lafite is renowned for its characteristic blend of rich dark fruit with spicy, savoury and earthy notes of cassis, tobacco, and truffle. The 2016 earned sterling reviews, with James Suckling scoring it a perfect 100 and speculating on its standing as Perhaps the greatest Lafite since the legendary 1959.
Chateau Angelus 1er grand cru classe (A)
Chateau Angélus is one of the most renowned estates of St-Emilion, currently designated Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the most recent classification of St-Emilion. Located due west of the town of St-Emilion, the estate’s vineyards lie on a warm south-facing slope. The Grand Vin is a dense and unctuous blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, matured in 85-100% new French oak barriques for 18-22 months. Complex and concentrated, Chateau Angélus can appear slightly austere when young, developing greater generosity and richness with age.
Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage , Gift Boxed (6 )
The Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage 2015 is an exceptional wine for pairing with luxurious, high-end dishes. Its complexity and balance make it an ideal companion to seafood, particularly caviar, king crab, and langoustine. The wine’s delicate profile also complements meats with tangy notes, such as roasted pork, lamb, or duck. For a truly unique experience, try pairing this vintage with exotic fruits like kiwi and guava, or dishes with green curry spices, to accentuate its stimulating complexity. Maker: In 1668, Dom Pierre Pérignon was appointed procurator at the Abbey of Hautvillers. For 47 years, he worked to make the “best wine in the world”. Three centuries later, the Maison Dom Pérignon perpetuates this creative ambition through the constantly renewed quest for harmony as a source of emotion. All creative processes have their constraints. Dom Pérignon’s constraint is the vintage: an ambition to bear witness to the harvest of a single year, whatever the challenges may be, even if it means choosing not to declare the vintage. Dom Pérignon is always an assemblage, forming the foundation of the Dom Pérignon style. It is guided by timeless principles that have always taken precedence over winemaking techniques and their evolution. Time is also part of the equation for Dom Pérignon. During the time of active maturation on the lees, in the darkness of the cellars, the aesthetic and sensory values of each vintage are played out: precision, intensity, touch, minerality, and complexity. Dom Pierre Pérignon's legacy has often been misconceived, overshadowed by myths of inventing Champagne, and even unfounded rumours of blindness. However, what remains true beyond doubt is his extraordinary hard work and dedication to crafting the finest wine in the world. His innovations were groundbreaking. He developed the gentle 'coquard' press, which enabled him to produce clear, still white wine from black grapes. Pérignon also understood the unique challenges of Champagne's marginal climate, pioneering the art of blending grapes from different vineyards to create a more complete and balanced wine. His use of stronger verre anglais ('English glass') bottles, designed to withstand pressure, and the reintroduction of cork as a reliable closure were crucial advancements in winemaking. Through his tireless efforts, Pérignon laid the groundwork for the Champagne and the modern wine world. Philosophy: The philosophy behind Dom Pérignon is one of unwavering commitment to creating Champagne that transcends time, showcasing both the current expression and the potential for future development. Dom Pérignon believes that great Champagne is not simply made—it is born out of nature’s elements and transformed through time, patience, and a deep passion for excellence. With a focus on vintage production, Dom Pérignon captures the essence of each harvest, allowing each bottle to express the unique conditions of the year and the terroir it comes from. The House’s philosophy is reflected in its approach to both blending and aging. Each vintage is crafted to express the duality of fruit and structure, with a delicate balance between power and elegance. The wines are carefully aged to allow them to evolve, with each bottle revealing new dimensions of flavour and complexity as it matures. Dom Pérignon’s philosophy extends beyond just winemaking—it is about creating something that will stand the test of time, an expression of both the present and the future. Tasting Notes Nose Roasted, Floral, Spicy Deep, roasted notes of cacao powder and toasted aromas, gradually unfolding to reveal floral fragrances of lime blossom, jasmine, and peony. A spicy dimension of anise and cardamom adds depth, while a touch of green papaya and orange peel invigorate the overall profile. Palate Broad, Tactile, Generous The wine is broad and tactile, spreading across the tongue with a delicate yet generous texture. Fresh peach, nectarine, and citrus are complemented by sculpted bitter notes of citrus and gentian, creating a harmonious and balanced tasting experience. Finish Fresh, Balanced, Long The finish is long and smooth, with a lingering sweetness that ties together the bright, fresh fruit and the subtle bitterness. The wine’s vibrant acidity and finely textured tannins leave a lasting, memorable impression. The 2015 Dom Pérignon is terrific. Bright and poised, the 2015 shows terrific energy. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint, white pepper and slate all race across the palate. There's gorgeous tension and backbone here, with bright saline notes that extend the mid-palate and finish. This is a fine showing in a vintage that has proven to be tricky. I am intrigued to see how the 2015 develops in the coming years. 2025-2045. - Antonio Galloni (03/2024), Vinous, 96 Points. Disgorged in January 2023, the 2015 Dom Pérignon shows a singular, ethereal profile with aromas of white pepper, iodine, ripe orchard fruits, toast, smoke, herbs and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and structured, it’s enveloping and round with a delicate phenolic mid-palate that underlines chalky dry extracts, concluding with a sapid, penetrating finish with gastronomic bitterness. This iteration of Dom Pérignon, though replete with the customary charm and vinous generosity that typify the label, distinguishes itself by its structural delicate austerity and a notably phenolic profile, giving rise to a remarkably linear and well-defined style that diverges markedly from the more familiar expressions of Dom Pérignon. - Yohan Castaing (05/2024), Wine Advocate, 95 Points. Remarkably pale at this early stage in the glass, the nose hits Dom Pérignon's classic gunsmoke and flint notes together with sweet and bright citrus. Packed with silky ripe fruits on both nose and palate, this is approachable now. Notes of fresh mint and fresh bread dough add to the layers on the palate, which has a creamy mousse but well-defined and vibrant acidity. Chalky in texture on the finish, this is ready to drink but will doubtless evolve well in bottle for over a decade. - Thomas Parker MW (07/2024), 94 Points.
Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage (6 )
The Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage 2015 is an exceptional wine for pairing with luxurious, high-end dishes. Its complexity and balance make it an ideal companion to seafood, particularly caviar, king crab, and langoustine. The wine’s delicate profile also complements meats with tangy notes, such as roasted pork, lamb, or duck. For a truly unique experience, try pairing this vintage with exotic fruits like kiwi and guava, or dishes with green curry spices, to accentuate its stimulating complexity. Maker: In 1668, Dom Pierre Pérignon was appointed procurator at the Abbey of Hautvillers. For 47 years, he worked to make the “best wine in the world”. Three centuries later, the Maison Dom Pérignon perpetuates this creative ambition through the constantly renewed quest for harmony as a source of emotion. All creative processes have their constraints. Dom Pérignon’s constraint is the vintage: an ambition to bear witness to the harvest of a single year, whatever the challenges may be, even if it means choosing not to declare the vintage. Dom Pérignon is always an assemblage, forming the foundation of the Dom Pérignon style. It is guided by timeless principles that have always taken precedence over winemaking techniques and their evolution. Time is also part of the equation for Dom Pérignon. During the time of active maturation on the lees, in the darkness of the cellars, the aesthetic and sensory values of each vintage are played out: precision, intensity, touch, minerality, and complexity. Dom Pierre Pérignon's legacy has often been misconceived, overshadowed by myths of inventing Champagne, and even unfounded rumours of blindness. However, what remains true beyond doubt is his extraordinary hard work and dedication to crafting the finest wine in the world. His innovations were groundbreaking. He developed the gentle 'coquard' press, which enabled him to produce clear, still white wine from black grapes. Pérignon also understood the unique challenges of Champagne's marginal climate, pioneering the art of blending grapes from different vineyards to create a more complete and balanced wine. His use of stronger verre anglais ('English glass') bottles, designed to withstand pressure, and the reintroduction of cork as a reliable closure were crucial advancements in winemaking. Through his tireless efforts, Pérignon laid the groundwork for the Champagne and the modern wine world. Philosophy: The philosophy behind Dom Pérignon is one of unwavering commitment to creating Champagne that transcends time, showcasing both the current expression and the potential for future development. Dom Pérignon believes that great Champagne is not simply made—it is born out of nature’s elements and transformed through time, patience, and a deep passion for excellence. With a focus on vintage production, Dom Pérignon captures the essence of each harvest, allowing each bottle to express the unique conditions of the year and the terroir it comes from. The House’s philosophy is reflected in its approach to both blending and aging. Each vintage is crafted to express the duality of fruit and structure, with a delicate balance between power and elegance. The wines are carefully aged to allow them to evolve, with each bottle revealing new dimensions of flavour and complexity as it matures. Dom Pérignon’s philosophy extends beyond just winemaking—it is about creating something that will stand the test of time, an expression of both the present and the future. Tasting Notes Nose Roasted, Floral, Spicy Deep, roasted notes of cacao powder and toasted aromas, gradually unfolding to reveal floral fragrances of lime blossom, jasmine, and peony. A spicy dimension of anise and cardamom adds depth, while a touch of green papaya and orange peel invigorate the overall profile. Palate Broad, Tactile, Generous The wine is broad and tactile, spreading across the tongue with a delicate yet generous texture. Fresh peach, nectarine, and citrus are complemented by sculpted bitter notes of citrus and gentian, creating a harmonious and balanced tasting experience. Finish Fresh, Balanced, Long The finish is long and smooth, with a lingering sweetness that ties together the bright, fresh fruit and the subtle bitterness. The wine’s vibrant acidity and finely textured tannins leave a lasting, memorable impression. The 2015 Dom Pérignon is terrific. Bright and poised, the 2015 shows terrific energy. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint, white pepper and slate all race across the palate. There's gorgeous tension and backbone here, with bright saline notes that extend the mid-palate and finish. This is a fine showing in a vintage that has proven to be tricky. I am intrigued to see how the 2015 develops in the coming years. 2025-2045. - Antonio Galloni (03/2024), Vinous, 96 Points. Disgorged in January 2023, the 2015 Dom Pérignon shows a singular, ethereal profile with aromas of white pepper, iodine, ripe orchard fruits, toast, smoke, herbs and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and structured, it’s enveloping and round with a delicate phenolic mid-palate that underlines chalky dry extracts, concluding with a sapid, penetrating finish with gastronomic bitterness. This iteration of Dom Pérignon, though replete with the customary charm and vinous generosity that typify the label, distinguishes itself by its structural delicate austerity and a notably phenolic profile, giving rise to a remarkably linear and well-defined style that diverges markedly from the more familiar expressions of Dom Pérignon. - Yohan Castaing (05/2024), Wine Advocate, 95 Points. Remarkably pale at this early stage in the glass, the nose hits Dom Pérignon's classic gunsmoke and flint notes together with sweet and bright citrus. Packed with silky ripe fruits on both nose and palate, this is approachable now. Notes of fresh mint and fresh bread dough add to the layers on the palate, which has a creamy mousse but well-defined and vibrant acidity. Chalky in texture on the finish, this is ready to drink but will doubtless evolve well in bottle for over a decade. - Thomas Parker MW (07/2024), 94 Points.
Torbreck Runrig Shiraz Vertical -
Torbreck is a winery on a mission to become one of the world's great wine brands. Since 1994, they have remained committed to creating exceptional Rhone-style red and white wines that reflect the very best vineyards in Australia's famous Barossa region. Provenance is everything to them, and they believe that the Barossa is the most exciting place to make wine in the world. With a European sense of tradition, Torbreck pays tribute to the vineyards with minimal intervention, creating wines of richness, structure and length that age gracefully. The multi-generational growers, whose descendants arrived here nearly two centuries ago, are the backbone of Torbreck's winemaking aspirations. They work in partnership with the people of the Barossa who grow their fruit, always aiming to get the very best out of their vineyard sites. At Torbreck, they constantly seek to understand the difference between all of these special places in the Barossa and how this combination of soil, climate and farming experience is reflected in unique grape flavors. They are simply custodians, enhancing the innate expressiveness of the wines and enabling them to reveal over time their individual origins and personality. Torbreck is actually named after the forest near Inverness, Scotland where the winery's founder, David Powell worked as a lumberjack after completing university studies. The winemaking style at Torbreck is meticulous and dedicated to producing exceptional wines. They use carefully selected 225-litre oak barriques for maturation, known as Dominique Laurent 'Magic Casks'. The oak is personally harvested from Forêt de Tronçais in Allier, and the staves are aged for 48 to 54 months at an exposed location for maximum seasoning. The staves are then hand-made into barrels and heated over three differing flames for several hours, resulting in a gentle toast due to the remarkable density of the wood. Torbreck's winemaking style reflects their commitment to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Barossa region. The Torbreck RunRig Shiraz is a wine that pays homage to the Highland clans "RunRig" system of communal land distribution. This system emphasized the communal element of the whole rather than any one farm, and the RunRig Shiraz embodies this philosophy by blending Shiraz from old dry-grown vineyards with Viognier to complement the strengths and complexities of each individual parcel of fruit, giving the wine a further dimension. The resulting wine has often drawn comparisons with the beautifully fragrant and tautly structured wines produced from the steep slopes of the Northern Rhône Valley's Appellation of Côte Rôtie. With this wine, Torbreck has created a true masterpiece that embodies the spirit of community and the beauty of the land. A very limited six-vintage vertical release of Torbreck RunRig including 2015 through to 2020. Only 100 individually numbered six packs produced and presented in a lay down wooden gift box with an individually numbered commemorative booklet.
Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs
Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Rose Vinotheque
Louis Roederer is a highly respected Champagne producer located in the historic city of Reims. The renowned Champagne house, founded in the late 1700s, is still owned and operated by the Roederer family. Their signature style consists of an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Pinot Meunier, which comprises approximately one-fifth of the blend. Louis Roederer's most famous wine is Cristal, a prestigious Champagne that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. The house was founded in 1833 and aimed to capture foreign markets, particularly Russia. Roederer became the wine of choice for the Russian royal family, and Cristal was created for Tsar Alexander II. Louis Roederer acquired grand cru vineyards in Champagne in 1845, which was unusual for the time as most houses were buying grapes from growers. Today, the Roederer vineyards encompass around 240 hectares of land, with around 25% managed biodynamically. This commitment to sustainable farming practices is a testament to the house's dedication to producing high-quality wines that are both delicious and environmentally responsible. Cristal is available in standard and rosé formats, with the latter being less common. The standard vintage Cristal wine is made from the house's best vineyard plots and is a blend of approximately 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Some parts of the blend are aged in barrels. Cristal rosé is also made from similar proportions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but the Pinot Noir is left on skins for a longer time before pressing. Around 20% of the wine is aged in large format oak, resulting in a light rosé colour with hints of onion skin. Cristal wines are also available under the Vinothèque label, which undergoes late disgorging, extended lees aging, and further cellaring in the Louis Roederer cellars in the bottle. Louis Roederer's Cristal Rose Vinothèque 2002 is a unique and exclusive offering that was created to give wine lovers the chance to experience a little bit of the magic of this hidden collection. The wines are stored in ideal conditions, preserving their purity, fruit and the surprising brightness typical of Cristal. Cristal Vinothèque is the end result of a project that offers a wine of eternal youth, displaying all the characteristics of a poised, elegant wine of astonishing character. Aged on its lees for around 10 years before disgorgement, then stored on its cork for a further 10 years, it is a product of time and anticipation. The Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 is a truly exceptional and captivating expression of elegance and complexity. This limited edition Champagne, carefully crafted to perfection, offers a sensory experience that is both luxurious and memorable. In the glass, this rosé Champagne showcases a beautiful, pale salmon colour, reminiscent of delicate rose petals. The fine, persistent bubbles gracefully dance to the surface, creating a mesmerizing visual display. On the nose, the Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 reveals an exquisite bouquet of fragrances. Aromas of fresh strawberries, ripe raspberries, and juicy cherries intertwine with hints of delicate rose petals and subtle notes of brioche and toasted almonds. This intricate symphony of scents creates a seductive and alluring invitation to indulge. Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted with a harmonious balance of flavors that unfold with precision and finesse. Layers of red fruit, including wild strawberries and tangy cranberries, mingle with zesty citrus accents, adding a refreshing vibrancy. The wine's complexity deepens as subtle hints of spices, such as ginger and cinnamon, emerge, adding depth and intrigue. The Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 boasts a luxurious mouthfeel, with a velvety texture that caresses the palate. The fine bubbles contribute to a creamy and luscious sensation, enhancing the wine's overall elegance. The finish is remarkably long and expressive, leaving a lasting impression. The flavors linger on the palate, with a delightful interplay between the fruit, acidity, and delicate toasty notes. This Champagne showcases remarkable aging potential, with the 2002 vintage demonstrating the perfect balance between youthful vibrancy and mature complexity.
Penfolds Lot 2-175 Champagne Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier
This Blanc de Blancs opens with an ethereal ascent of citrus and a whisper of confectionery. On tasting, it shows a delicate yet persistent mousse, with notes of citrus, vanilla pod, and a subtle varietal savouriness that carries through to a wonderfully long and complete finish, showcasing exceptional purity and balance.