$100 and over
Kumeu River Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay
The Brajkovich family and Kumeu River Wines are highly influential in the New Zealand wine industry, producing world-class wines that have gained international recognition. They operate on a 30-hectare vineyard with predominantly clay soils overlying a sandstone base, which creates the perfect conditions for their grapes to thrive. The use of a "Lyre" trellis system optimizes light exposure and grape maturity, while hand-harvesting ensures the selection of high-quality grapes. Over the years, the winery has grown and expanded, now producing approximately 250,000 bottles annually from their own vineyards and local growers. Their Chardonnays, in particular, have become a benchmark for non-Burgundy-produced Chardonnays, receiving outstanding accolades and gaining a strong foothold in the international market. Located in the picturesque region of Kumeu, a short drive from Auckland, Kumeu River Wines has a rich family history dating back to 1944. They have established themselves as pioneers in New Zealand's winemaking scene, consistently delivering wines of exceptional quality and character that truly reflect their passion and pursuit of perfection. Kumeu River Wines is renowned for their premium, hand-harvested wines that showcase the unique terroir of their vineyards. While their Chardonnays have put them on the global wine map, they also excel in producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and other varietals with the same dedication to excellence. Traditional winemaking techniques are integral to their process, including hand-pruning the vines and gentle hand-sorting of the grapes. These meticulous practices result in wines that capture the essence of the land, showcasing purity balance, and a true sense of place. The Kumeu River Wines is a testament to the Brajkovich family's unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines and their ability to strike a harmonious balance between old-world charm and new-world innovation. Tucked away in the picturesque region of Kumeu, New Zealand, this vineyard boasts a rich history and a reputation for producing exceptional wines. Situated on a gentle north-facing slope, the Hunting Hill Vineyard offers optimal conditions for growing the finest Chardonnay grapes. The terroir is characterized by clay soils overlaying a bedrock of limestone, which imparts distinctive qualities to the wines. This remarkable combination of soil composition and microclimate creates an environment that is perfectly suited for producing elegant and expressive wines. The wines from Hunting Hill Vineyard are revered for their purity, precision and exquisite balance. Each bottle tells a story, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and the dedication of the winemaking team. The Chardonnays from this vineyard are a true reflection of the land, capturing the essence of the Kumeu terroir with every sip. What sets the wines from Hunting Hill Vineyard apart is their remarkable ability to express both power and elegance. The well-integrated acidity and a mineral-driven core provide structure and balance, ensuring a long, lingering finish. These wines possess the ability to evolve and develop beautifully with age, rewarding those who are patient enough to cellar them for a few years. The Kumeu River Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 captivates the senses with its enticing aromas. Vibrant citrus, stone fruits and tropical notes mingle harmoniously with delicate floral undertones, creating a delightful bouquet. These aromatic layers set the stage for an extraordinary tasting experience. On the palate, this wine showcases exceptional finesse and complexity. Ripe fruit flavors, such as juicy peach, nectarine, zesty lemon and green apple, create a harmonious blend that is both luscious and satisfying. Subtle hints of toasty oak, a signature of Kumeu River wines, add depth and complexity, enhancing the overall character. The delicate notes of toast, jasmine and cardamom gracefully dance alongside the vibrant fruit flavors, crafting an intricately woven tapestry of taste sensations. The Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay has a distinct terroir typicity, with a nose that exudes the freshness of lemon/lime fruit lift and florality. It delivers richness and volume on the palate, providing a truly captivating experience. The wine's minerality and well-integrated acidity contribute to its structure and balance, leading to a long, lingering finish that leaves you longing for another sip. With time, this Chardonnay has the potential to evolve and develop beautifully. It exemplifies the greatness of the Chardonnay grape, showcasing its power and elegance. The subtle hints of dried pineapples, lemons, sea shells and salted butter further enrich the wine, enticing the senses and leaving a lasting impression. The Kumeu River Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 is a stunningly powerful, elegant and complex wine. It offers a truly remarkable tasting experience, leaving you in awe of its depth and character. As it ages, this Chardonnay will continue to evolve and mature, rewarding those patient enough to cellar it for a few years.
Agrapart & Fils 7 Crus Extra-Brut Non-Vintage
Product Information: The NV Brut 7 Crus is a very pretty. Bright, mineral and intensely vibrant, the 7 Crus is full of energy and refreshment. 7 Crus is a blend of two harvests: in this case, 60% is 2021 from 1er Cru sites; and 40% is 2020 from Grand Cru sites. The reserve wine was raised in neutral, 600-litre oak casks from François Chidaine and Didier Dagueneau. The breakdown is 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. Even at this first level, the wine is aged for three years on lees. It was disgorged with 6 g/L dosage. This is the most immediately seductive cuvée in the Agrapart range, yet it is still extremely fine. It’s long, deep and saline with some gentle grip. Sadly, we do not get nearly enough. The reviews below refer to a previous disgorgement. Disg. March 2024. The Agrapart range begins with a non-vintage wine called 7 Crus. The name refers to the seven Côte des Blancs villages from which the wine derives. These include Avize (from younger vines aged 20 to 40 years), Cramant, Oger, Oiry, Avenay-Val-d’Or, Coligny and Vauciennes. Like all Agrapart wines, the fruit is from 100% estate-owned and farmed vineyards. Maker: In 1894 at the beginning of France’s lively Belle Époque “the beautiful era” or Europe's golden era between 1871 to 1914. Arthur Agrapart started the family domaine that would become Champagne Agrapart & Fils. The estate has weathered many storms, including World War I, an economic depression, and the German Occupation during World War II, which devastated stock by millions of cases throughout the region. In the 1950s, Arthur’s grandson Pierre set out to rebuild the family business by making wines of quality rather than following the commercial trends of the day. Pierre’s sons Pascal and Fabrice took over the reins in 1990, farming their own vineyards along the prestigious Côte de Blancs, as well as blending and bottling their own wines. By the early 2000s, upon realising the brothers did not have the same goals for the future of the estate, Pascal began the long-term process of dividing the estate in two. His vineyards would become the backbone of Domaine Pascal Agrapart, focusing on the unique single vineyard cuvées that he had championed since the early 1990s and the remaining family vineyards would provide the fruit for the assemblage cuvées, 7 Crus & Terroirs, still bottled under the Agrapart & Fils label today. Pascal has been joined by his eldest son Ambroise and their ultimate goal is to produce only wines bearing the Pascal Agrapart label. Philosophy: The winery is based in the grand cru village of Avize, famous for its cuvees of 100% Chardonnay. Pascal and Ambroise farm 10 hectares from some 60 different vineyard plots in the Côte de Blancs, including Oger, Cramant, Oiry and Avize. They farm using only homeopathic vine treatments, composts, manures, and regular plowing. The Agraparts were one of the first families to bring the draft horse back to the vineyards, and named a cuvee in honour of their first four-hooved friend, Vénus. In plowing the old-school way, they expose the clay and limestone soils to immune-boosting properties of the wind and sun. While they once were the object of ridicule, they now lead a return to authentic, ancestral practices. Their quality control extends to manual harvests, a selective triage of the grapes, and the use of native yeasts during fermentation. Malolactic fermentations are employed to round out the intensity of these mineral-driven Champagnes. The wines age on their lees for an extended period of time, and then are racked to both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels—the latter being a rarity in Champagne before Pascal started using them. All wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered. Nose - Apricots, Pears, Fennel Vibrant fruit here, with peaches, apricots, lemons, pears, almonds and spicy anise notes. Palate - Intense Minerality, Pillowy Palate, Citrus Peel medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy palate. Finish - Chalk, Lingering Citrus, Saline White flowers, chalk and citrus linger.
Vincent Laval By Georges Laval Cumieres Rose Brut Nature Non-Vintage
Product Information: Georges Laval's Cumieres Rose Brut Nature NV is now produced by his son Vincent. This Champagne bursts from the glass, showing remarkable energy, tension and focus. Sweet floral and mint notes add an upper register to a wine that is first and foremost about minerality. This a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; zero dosage; picked as whole bunches and carefully crushed by foot with a healthy amount of skin contact leading to a bold, vibrant red colour. Expect a rich, layered, detailed rosé unlike anything else you will have encountered. Maker: Four generations of the Laval family have been tending vines in Champagne and they have been producing estate bottled wines since the 1970’s. Georges Laval, Vincent’s father, was the first to begin bottling wines at the domaine in 1971. Vincent officially joined the family business in 1991 after finishing his studies, by 1996 he officially took the helm of the estate. Georges had set the standard for the quality of the wines coming from this tiny estate and Vincent has faithfully taken over the reins, without changing much. Taking note from a report written by Jacques Cousteau, Georges recognised the importance of farming organically very early on and accepted the responsibility of farming organically since 1971. The domaine was one of the first to make the conversion to organics, and for many years was one of only a handful of producers to farm in this manner. Philosophy: The Laval’s have about 2.5 hectares of vineyard holdings that they farm organically, certified Ecocert, along with some biodynamic practices. The Laval's go above and beyond to avoid any chemical overspray from neighbouring plots, in an effort to protect their soils & vines they go about treating about 30 additional acres of vines with their own organic treatments. They were even able to get all aerial treatment companies to distance their overhead treatments more than 15m from any of the families organic plots. They go as far as to trade parcels with other growers in order to have all their plots in specific lieu dits be all one cohesive healthy parcel as opposed to separate parcels throughout a given vineyard site. Above and beyond remember? All vineyard work is done by hand between just 4 people, including Vincent. Plowing is done by horse in all of their plots. All of their organic treatments and sprays are used only when necessary and with as little as possible. Nose - Vibrant Red Berries, White Flowers, Anise Vibrant aromas of fresh red berries and citrus fruits are complemented by suggestions of white flowers, anise and chalky minerals. Palate - Fleshy, Broad, Crackling Blood Orange Fleshy and broad but decidedly dry, offering crackling blood orange and bitter quince flavors that stretch out and deepen with air. Finish - Focused, Persistent Finish, Iodine Clings with excellent focus and tenacity on the strikingly persistent finish, which leaves notes of orange pith and iodine behind.
Champagne Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc
Product Information: Salon's newly released 2013 Blanc de Blancs comes from a challenging growing season that is emerging, at least with respect to the region's top cuvées, as one of the most underestimated vintages of the last 15 years. With a dosage just 5.5 grams per litre, the 2013 Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil possesses a complex, fruity bouquet mingling aromas of orchard fruit with notions of lemon oil, exotic fruits, spring flowers, almond and hints of menthol and buttery pastry. It's full-bodied, rich and dense, with lively acids. Maker: Salon champagne stands apart as something truly special, shaped by its distinctive terroir and grape variety. It comes from the Côte des Blancs, from the singular cru of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, crafted solely from Chardonnay grapes harvested in exceptional years and is of one man's vision Eugène-Aimé Salon. The first vintage of Champagne Salon was 1905 by the hands of Eugène-Aimé Salon, a remarkable man with unwavering ambition. In love with champagne and captivated by the terroir of Le Mesnil, Eugène-Aimé Salon created a Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Initially it was only for his personal pleasure – but by 1920s he began to share his passion with the rest of the world. Champagne Salon comes from a single hectare plot called 'the Salon garden' and nineteen other small plots in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger selected by Eugène-Aimé Salon at the beginning of the 20th century. The wines are aged in cellar for an average of ten years, after which they finally start to reveal their complexity and finesse. The fact that Salon still conserves bottles in its cellars from nearly every vintage is testament to its legacy. To demonstrate how rare these wines are, just 37 vintages were produced in the 20th century, a unique phenomenon in the world of wine. Vineyard: 2013 is a cool, late-ripening vintage in Champagne, hallmarked by October harvest in cool but sunny conditions. Despite a challenging growing season for some producers, this is a superb Salon with a long, resonant finish. After a cold winter, budbreak was relatively late. The weather was rainy throughout the spring, followed by hail episodes in the Côte des Bar, in Vallée de la Marne and in Côte des Blancs, notably in Epernay. In mid-July, the weather turned hot, sunny and dry until early September. Unfortunately, the rains returned until the end of the month, causing damage and precipitating a virulent attack of gray rot (botrytis) in some locations. Harvest took place at the beginning of October. The houses that managed to contain the attacks of gray rot and to pick the grapes during the mild days of October succeeded in making excellent wines with a classic, chiseled profile that has become only too rare in the interim. Nose - Browned Pastry, Orange Cream, Floral Honey Orange cream, floral honey and lemon peel, backed up with delicate browned pastry, milky oyster and nut oil complexity that speaks of the long lees ageing. Palate - Creamy, Fine Mousse, Salty Edge Full-bodied, rich and dense, with lively acids, notably complex and incisive. Finish - Taut, Lemon Peel, Chalky Fine mousse with a savoury/salty edge freshening up the finish.
Domaine Christian Moreau Père Et Fils Chablis Vaillon 1er Cru Cuvee Guy Moreau
Product Information: In recent years, this wine has displayed even greater definition and class. With organic viticulture, new equipment, and nearly 20 years of expertise, Fabien Moreau is producing exceptional wines, and the 2023 1er Cru Chablis is looking spectacular. The Vaillon stands out above the village-level crus, with elevated floral notes, energetic citrus, and beeswax emerging with aeration. The palate is nicely balanced, opening with a touch of honey, vivid fruit, and a racy acidity that lingers on the finish. The Vaillon appellation is located on the left bank of Chablis. Domaine Christian Moreau has six parcels totaling 4.7 hectares in the historical heart of Vaillons. The fruit is sourced from vines that are 30 to 70+ years old, all south/south-east-facing. The soil here is from the Kimmeridgian period, rich in clay-limestone marls with marine fossils, specifically small oyster fossils known as Exogyra Virgula. The fruit is hand-harvested, fermented with natural yeast, and aged for 6-8 months—two-thirds in tank and one-third in barrique. Two wines are produced from those vines: our Premier Cru Vaillon, blending of five different parcels which average age is from 37 to 74 years old – and our Premier Cru Vaillon, Cuvée Guy Moreau issued from a parcel of 1 ha where the vines were planted in 1933 by Guy Moreau, Christian’s father. This is the oldest vine of the Domaine. Maker: Domaine Christian Moreau is a historic name in Chablis. Led by Christian Moreau and his son Fabien, the estate has upheld its family legacy while producing some of the region’s finest wines. Their exceptional vineyard holdings include nearly 8 hectares of Grand Cru out of Chablis' total 92 hectares, making this small but remarkable estate one of the leading producers of Chablis. While their holdings in Petit, village, and 1er Cru Chablis are impressive, their range of Grand Cru vineyards truly shines. Their notable parcels include approximately 3 hectares in Les Clos, 0.41 hectares in Clos des Hospices dans Les Clos, and smaller holdings in Valmur, Blanchots, and Vaudésir. Consistently producing classic Chablis wines, Christian Moreau is a must-try producer for any Chablis lover. Philosophy: These exceptional vineyard sites, combined with old vines, meticulous winemaking and careful attention to every step of production, have resulted in wines that are widely regarded as some of the finest in Chablis. In the vineyard, they employ ploughing, organic fertilisers, and have maintained a pesticide-free environment since 2004, alongside daily care to prevent disease. Since 2005, they have transitioned to organic agriculture across the vineyard, achieving Ecocert certification with the 2013 vintage. This commitment to sustainability has further enhanced the expression of their vineyards. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with careful selection of grapes before pressing. Vinification relies solely on natural yeasts, with a balanced use of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks to highlight each wine's unique expression. They implement a comprehensive yield management strategy to enhance grape concentration and showcase the terroir. With investments in new tanks and other winemaking techniques, their cellar is equipped for separate vinification of each parcel accurately represent terroir. The results are evident in each vintage. The wines of Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are known for their precision, clear typicity and elegance. They have the ability to age gracefully while providing immense pleasure throughout their lives Fabien Moreau, who took over as winemaker in 2002, has already made a significant impact. With previous experience in New Zealand and a deep respect for terroir, Fabien is a visionary winemaker. The wines of Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are authentic, distinctive and of exceptional quality. Nose – White Florals, Honey Citrus, Lanolin Elegant white florals and honeyed citrus, with a hint of lanolin that intensifies with aeration. Palate – Whiff of Smoke, Waxy, Apricot A touch of smoke and honey opens up to ripe yellow cherry and apricot flavours, anchored by a steely core and vibrant acidity. Finish – Lemon Zest, Almond Meal, Balanced The finish is beautifully balanced, with a touch of yeasty savouriness and a hint of lemon zest and almond meal.
Domaine Joseph Colin Chassagne Montrachet 1er cru 'En Cailleret'
Product Description: Old vines, stony soils—Chassagne with scale and serious depth. Domaine Joseph Colin’s 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 'En Cailleret' is drawn from a steep, limestone-dominated slope planted with Chardonnay vines between 40 and 100 years old. It’s a small 0.36-hectare site that consistently delivers one of the most chiselled, age worthy expressions in Colin’s cellar. This vintage is no exception. Fermented in 350-litre barrels and handled with a light touch—no bâtonnage, fining or filtration—this wine bursts from the glass with mineral clarity. Expect lifted white orchard fruit, charred quince, and honeysuckle, with a powerful, stony finish that holds its line with authority. There's weight, but also restraint, suggesting a long future ahead. Drink from 2028 to 2033, or decant early if opening young. An exceptional match with rich seafood, scallops, or roasted poultry. Tasting Notes NOSE – Explosive and mineral Charred quince, ripe pear, honeysuckle and crushed rock. PALATE – Deep and expressive Orchard fruits layered over a taut core of limestone grip. FINISH – Long and structured Persistent and stony, with evolving mineral detail. Reviews & Accolades “White fruit through the middle and then terrific grip to finish... promises extremely well. Exceptional persistence.” – Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy, 93–96 Points “Lively and expressive... satiny and seamless palate with a sweet core of fruit and a mineral finish.” – William Kelley, Wine Advocate, 93+ Points
Domaine Samuel Billaud Chablis Grand Cru Preuses
Product Description: A Grand Cru with razor-edge poise and lasting depth. From one of Chablis’ most respected modern voices, the 2021 Domaine Samuel Billaud Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses is a benchmark Chardonnay carved from one of the appellation’s most revered terroirs. Billaud’s organic approach, early harvesting, and long lees ageing produce a wine of immense clarity and tensile strength. This is Grand Cru Chablis at its most articulate—floral, mineral, and bracingly pure. The Les Preuses vineyard offers a prized mix of east- and west-facing exposures, lending complexity and dimension to the fruit. In 2021, this site yielded a wine of serious intensity, marked by citrus oil, chalky minerality and hints of white flowers and herbs. Billaud’s restrained oak use keeps the focus squarely on fruit and site. Structured for the long haul, this Grand Cru will evolve beautifully through 2041. Serve with fresh scallops, Dover sole or truffled chicken for a true Grand Cru experience. Tasting Notes NOSE – Floral and citrus White blossom and lemon zest, underpinned by savoury herb and chalk. PALATE – Coiled and layered Tightly wound yellow fruit with great mineral tension and subtle creaminess. FINISH – Long and structured Persistent, stony finish with balanced salinity and citrus drive. Reviews & Accolades Light straw yellow. It has a fine and very intense bouquet with floral and fruity notes, citrus and yellow fruit, followed by herbaceous and mineral hints. Good body but not heavy, thanks to the excellent balance of softness and hardness, which make it a harmonious and excellent drink. The finish is persistent and balanced. – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 96 Points Finer Details: Style - White Wine Varietal - Chardonnay Country - France Region - Chablis Vintage - 2021 Bottle Size - 750ml ABV - 13% Closure - Cork
Bouchard Pere & Fils
Billecart Salmon Blanc De Blanc Vintage
An exceptional fermentation with a mineral style which wonderfully accompanies Ossetra caviar or fi ne marinated sashimi or grilled fi sh.
Domaine Christian Moreau Père Et Fils Chablis Grand Cru Valmur
Product Information: Valmur is the valley between two other grand crus - Les Clos and Vaudesir. Christian Moreau's two parcels benefit from two exposures one 70 acres southeast and 30 acres northeast (1 ha in total). The vines are more than 60 years old. They produce a very full-bodied and powerful wine. Sourced from vines with an average age of over 40 years old. Half of the holding of the estate has been re-planted in recent years so quantities of this wine are reduced making them quite scarce. Valmur is one of the seven Climats of the Chablis Grand Cru appellation, covering 10.5 hectares. Shaped like an amphitheatre, it enjoys an exposure going south to west. Because of this particular shape, it soaks in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. An area facing northwest adds a fresh quality, as well as a later maturity. The Climat of Valmur has a double personality, constantly juggling between remarkable freshness and a distinctive fruit concentration. Maker: Domaine Christian Moreau is a historic name in the world of Chablis. The current generation, led by Christian Moreau and his son Fabien, continues to uphold the family's legacy. With their exceptional vineyard holdings, which include nearly 8 hectares of Grand Cru out of Chablis' total 92 hectares, this small yet remarkable estate has quickly established itself as one of the leading producers of Chablis, consistently crafting outstanding wines. Their holdings in Petit, village and 1er cru Chablis are impressive and relatively small, but the true highlights lie in their range of Grand Cru vineyards. They possess a single holding of approximately 3 hectares in Les Clos, along with 41 hectares in Clos des Hospices dans Les Clos, as well as smaller holdings in Valmur, Blanchots and Vaudesir. Christian Moreau are consistent producers of the classic must-try climats of Chablis. Vineyard: These exceptional vineyard sites, combined with old vines, meticulous winemaking and careful attention to every step of production, have resulted in wines that are widely regarded as some of the finest in Chablis. The estate's commitment to organic farming, certified since 2013, has further enhanced the expression of their vineyards. With investments in new tanks and other winemaking techniques, the results are evident in each vintage. The wines of Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are known for their precision, clear typicity and elegance. They have the ability to age gracefully while providing immense pleasure throughout their lives Fabien Moreau, who took over as winemaker in 2002, has already made a significant impact. With previous experience in New Zealand and a deep respect for terroir, Fabien is a visionary winemaker. The wines of Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are authentic, distinctive and of exceptional quality. Nose - Immense Precision, Lemon-Lime, Mineral Reduction Distinctive sun-drenched concentrated fruits, flint inflections. Palate - White Peach, Zesty Fruits, Balanced The exceptionally white fleshed fruits, rich yet intense and powerful and bold with a hint of quinine. Finish - Taut, Muscular Structure, Impressive Length Taut muscularity on the impressively long, very dry and impeccably well-balanced finale. Christian Moreau and his son Fabien describe the 2022 vintage as having generous fruit set as well as good fecundity of the secondary buds, we still brought in good yields... Overall, the style of the 2022s is generous and forward but with reasonably good typicity and balance. They should be attractive young but be capable of repaying short to mid-term cellaring. - Burghound, October 2023