Vanya Cullen continues to amaze the world with her brilliantly flavoursome and elegant Cabernet named after Di Cullen, a true pioneer. Vanya is also pioneering in her own style with the introduction to 100% bio-dynamics and the results are to there to be seen by all. The highest possible Langon's Classification is bestowed upon this wine and with it's agability is one for the true wine lover and collector. [Biodynamic]

The structure of cabernet meets the richness of shiraz. A benchmark Penfolds wine and one of the most collected wines in Australia. Evocative barrel ferment character, plum, blackberry, wild cherry and exotic spice ensure the wine is true to style. Powder-line tannins and acidity ensure length & vibrancy.

Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay displays an initial bouquet of slate and wet stone, with nuances of lightly roasted almonds. Subtle hints of citrus, shrouded by nectarine and nashi pear fruits. On the palate, a spiced multi-citrus compote with a very delicate acidity. Balanced and will develop exceptionally well with cellaring.

Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1,460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz.

There are very few stories in the world of wine that are more important to tell than that of Bruno Giacosa. A man’s legacy etched into lore, and with such gravitas that it is still felt today in his native Piemonte by almost all the producers in the region. Born in 1929 in Neive where the winery remains, Bruno Giacosa spent his formative teenage years working with his father Carlo as a ‘commerciante’ or grape broker. This very important but often overlooked part of Giacosa’s history is perhaps the key to understanding his unrivalled ability to select fruit, even that which he hadn’t grown himself. The family’s income at that time revolved solely around the ability to sell fruit to winemakers, and taking any fruit to Vinify themselves would have been a conflict of interest. In fact, his father so vehemently opposed the young Bruno’s intention to bottle his own wine in the early 1960’s, that he had to do so without the blessing of the family. The first vintage wearing the label Bruno Giacosa was 1961, a single Barbaresco bottling from a mixture of vineyards as was custom at the time. It was the prominent wine author and critic Luigi Veronelli who at the time was crusading for Piedmont’s adoption of the French ‘cru’ classification of vineyard that convinced Giacosa to bottle and (importantly) label single vineyard wines soon after his first vintage. The first labelled cru bottling was the 1964 Barbaresco Vigna Santo Stefano, but it is possible that even the first wine used fruit exclusively from there. While the obsession with site continued and strengthened throughout Bruno Giacosa’s career, so did the predilection to purchase fruit from growers rather than buy vineyards himself. Though Giacosa was not the only winemaker somewhat late to the party in buying land in the Langhe, it is regarded as his greatest missed opportunity. Some of Italy’s greatest wines ever were Giacosa’s red label bottlings from Santo Stefano di Neive, Villero and Collina Rionda, none of which are produced today by the estate. In vinous literacy, it is impossible to read about the Langhe without reading about Giacosa and his contemporary Angelo Gaja. While Gaja was a willing frontman for the region, Giacosa continued to toil in the background. Both leading from the front and each producing the region’s best wines. Winemaking involves a great many small decisions, each affecting the next. One can only hope to get them right, to capture what there was in the grapes to begin with. - Bruno Giacosa Very few wines in the world come close to matching the complexity and presence of red label ‘Vigna Le Rocche’. In the vintages this plot is kept as a Riserva, the acidity, tannin and above all the balance must be in complete harmony due to the rigorous demands of both extended barrel ageing and the potential for a half-century in bottle. In their youth, Le Rocche Riserva is an immense wine. It is not forthcoming with its fruit when young, but nor is it disjointed in alcohol or tannin at any point. A rare kind of wine that seems carved from billet rather than made up of different parts. A cohesive wine of the tallest order, with some vintages vying for greatest wine of Italy. Intense red garnet colour with orange hints. The bouquet is complex and elegant, with notes of small ripe red fruit, blackcurrants, pomegranate and raspberries. On the palate it is full bodied, with an excellent tannic structure, the tannins are silky that give an excellent persistence to the wine.

Located in the heart of the Monthelie appellation, just to the west of the hill of Volnay, the Monthelie Le Clos Gauthey vineyard is an exceptional site. This Premier Cru plot benefits from a unique terroir that gives the wine its expressive depth and character. The 2020 vintage began with a mild winter followed by an early spring that brought summer temperatures in March, causing an early bud break and vigorous vine growth. While May brought a brief frost, it had little impact, and the warm summer, punctuated by heatwaves, contributed to concentrated fruit. The red wines of 2020 are beautifully generous, with vibrant acidity and a stunning expression of the terroir, even though the volumes were slightly reduced due to the frost. Domaine Chanson’s expertise and attention to detail shine through in this complex and well-structured wine. This wine pairs wonderfully with mild cheeses, roasted meats, and poultry dishes in rich sauces. Maker Domaine Chanson, founded in 1750, is one of Burgundy's oldest and most respected producers, renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional wines from the heart of the region. With over 111 acres of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, the estate spans some of Burgundy's most prestigious terroirs, including Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Pommard. Since being acquired by the Bollinger family in 1999, Domaine Chanson has undergone extensive restoration, combining time-honoured winemaking traditions with cutting-edge techniques to craft wines of exceptional quality. The estate practices organic viticulture, ensuring that every bottle reflects the purity of the land. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with minimal intervention, allowing each wine to showcase the distinctive characteristics of its terroir. The wines are crafted using state-of-the-art facilities, while maintaining a deep respect for history and tradition. Domaine Chanson’s commitment to quality has solidified its place as one of Burgundy’s top estates, producing wines that are as expressive as they are refined. Philosophy At Domaine Chanson, winemaking is rooted in a philosophy that blends tradition with innovation. The estate is dedicated to preserving the natural expression of Burgundy’s terroir, using organic farming practices and minimal intervention in the cellar. This ensures that every wine is a true reflection of its origin, with a focus on balance, freshness, and complexity. Domaine Chanson’s philosophy is centred on sustainability, respect for the environment, and a commitment to quality at every stage of production. From vineyard to bottle, the wines are crafted with precision and care, allowing the character of each site to shine through. The estate’s approach is focused on creating wines that are both elegant and expressive, with an emphasis on showcasing the purest form of Burgundy’s diverse terroirs. NOSE Vibrant & Aromatic Floral violet scents, layered over ripe red berries, such as cherry, and complemented by delicate spice aromas, offering a beautifully expressive bouquet. PALATE Rich & Harmonious The wine reveals a deep, textured profile, with elegant tannins and a perfect balance of richness and freshness, allowing the fruit to shine with complex layers of flavor. FINISH Long & Generous Beautifully long and generous, with the wine’s elegant tannins and complex structure leaving a lasting impression of freshness and balance. Reviews + Accolades Win Anorak - 93 Points Neal MartinVinous - 85-87 Points Jancis Robinson - 16 Points