$100 and over
Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota
Located in the region of Abruzzo, Tiberio stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of winemaking. This family-owned winery has been crafting exceptional wines for generations, harnessing the blessings of fertile soil and a favourable climate. The vineyards boast some of Italy's oldest grapevines, their roots intertwined with the ancient Roman times from which they draw inspiration. Tiberio proudly upholds the winemaking traditions passed down through the ages, ensuring that every bottle encapsulates the essence of the region and the unique characteristics of each grape variety. At Tiberio, the winemaking process is executed with meticulous care, with every step carefully considered and flawlessly executed. From the hand-harvesting of the grapes to the thoughtful selection of oak barrels for aging, no detail is overlooked. The result is a remarkable collection of wines that effortlessly showcase the true essence of the region. In the year 2000, Riccardo Tiberio stumbled upon a rare plot of Trebbiano Abruzzese vines, a discovery that would shape the future of the winery. Recognizing the potential of this find, he made the decision to acquire the land and dedicate it to producing single estate wines. Initially, a selection of indigenous and international grape varieties adorned the vineyards, but with time, the focus shifted to Pecorino and Trebbiano Abruzzese, reflecting the estate's unwavering commitment to quality and showcasing the unique characteristics of Abruzzo's native grape varieties. Among Tiberio wines, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo stands proudly as one of their most celebrated creations. This full-bodied red wine is crafted from the Montepulciano grape, flourishing in the clay and limestone soils that define the region. With its deep ruby color and captivating aromas of ripe berries and spices, it entices the senses and transports the drinker to the heart of Abruzzo. Alongside their renowned reds, Tiberio takes equal pride in their Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, a rosé wine that captures the very essence of summer in a single glass. Crafted from the Montepulciano grape, this rosé embodies a delicate balance between fruitiness and acidity. Its flavors of cherry, strawberry and hints of Mediterranean herbs evoke memories of sun-drenched afternoons and warm evenings, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. The Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota vineyard is a remarkable site that produces a unique expression of Montepulciano. Unlike the "Riserva" designation, Colle Vota is classified as a "Single Vineyard" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, highlighting its distinct characteristics that set it apart from other Montepulciano vineyards at Tiberio. The Montepulciano grapes grown in the Colle Vota vineyard exhibit notable differences. The bunches and berries are smaller, with crunchier and thicker skins. This contributes to the wine's exceptional texture and structure. Additionally, the Colle Vota Montepulciano takes longer to reach maturity, benefitting from the vineyard's microclimate that provides an extended hang time. These factors combine to produce a truly unique Montepulciano wine. Interestingly, the Colle Vota vineyard thrives in cooler and even rainy vintages. The resulting Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines crafted from these grapes possess a refined and light character, reminiscent of Burgundy's Pinot Noir and Piedmont's Nebbiolo wines. Despite these influences, the wine retains its Montepulciano backbone and soul. Recognizing the exceptional quality of the Colle Vota vineyard, Tiberio has decided to bottle this wine separately, allowing it to shine as a distinct expression of both place and the potential of the Montepulciano grape variety. The vineyard was planted in 2000 using selections from the oldest Montepulciano vineyard on the property. This original Montepulciano clone has adapted to its specific environment, characterized by different soils, subsoils and a unique microclimate. As a result, a new Montepulciano biotype has developed, giving rise to a highly perfumed and refined wine. Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota 2019 is a wine that truly captures the essence of its unique terroir. Grown at an altitude of 350 meters (1200 ft) in a 1.6-hectare (4-acre) vineyard, this wine showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication put into its production. The soil composition of limestone and marly-clay over a sandstone-rich bedrock contributes to the wine's character and complexity. The vines, trained using the Single Guyot method, have a planting density of 4,000 vines per hectare. With a yield of 28 Hl, the grapes are carefully hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality. During the winemaking process, only indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation in stainless steel tanks, which lasts for 20 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank, further enhancing the wine's texture and flavour profile. The aging process occurs in tank, allowing the wine to develop and mature gracefully. Bottled without fining or filtration, the Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota 2019 undergoes additional aging in the bottle before release, allowing its flavors to harmonize and evolve. Upon tasting, this wine reveals intense and expressive flavors. Notes of yellow peach, sage, cedar, cinnamon, marzipan, spices and earthy soil come together in a highly complex and captivating bouquet. The mouthfeel is long, deep and creamy, filling the palate with refined, silky tannins and a subtle saline character. The finish is energizing and persistent, leaving a lasting impression. Crafted from 100% selections of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, transplanted to a higher single vineyard, this wine represents a specific biotype uniquely adapted to its microclimate.
The Macallan Lumina Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Macallan Lumina is an exquisite marriage of three select sherry-seasoned cask types. The Macallan Lumina directs the journey from the forests of the United States to Spain. European and American oak sherry-seasoned casks are combined with hogsheads to create a whisky that is grounded in the old world, but inspired by the new. Characterised by its bold flavours with notes of creamy vanilla, ginger and wood spice, this is a single malt whisky that guides Macallan's quest for excellence. The Macallan Quest Collection celebrates Macallans enduring desire to journey further and seek out the exceptional oak casks for which The Macallan is world-renowned. The Collection tells the story the unrivalled, tireless commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit. Each whisky is a new chapter in exploring the casks, flavours and aromas that begins in the forests and cooperages of distant lands and culminates in a singular Macallan experience. A rich sensory experience that reveals how hand picked, sherry-seasoned oak casks make the greatest contribution to the quality, natural colour and full flavours at the heart of this single malt whisky and The Macallan Quest Collection.
Hakushu 18 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky 100th Anniversary Edition
The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji, the second Master Blender, inherited his father’s quest to push the boundaries of what a Japanese whisky could be. He had searched all over Japan for high quality water that would produce the most delicately aromatic whisky. After searching with tenacity to the headstreams of rivers and deep into rugged mountains, he found Hakushu. The Hakushu Distillery is one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. The majestic forest that surrounds the Hakushu Distillery shelters an abundance of plant varieties reflecting the many expressions of Japanese nature. The malt whiskies born here are simultaneously blessed with a very particular microclimate, verdant forests, and water offering a rare softness only made possible by filtration of rain and snow through thousand-year-old granite rocks. Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and crisp" whisky. Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master blender, the unique taste made in distinct four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. The Hakushu range of whiskies, with their crisp and vibrant feel, each one unique in a single malt whisky, will enliven your palate and liberate your senses. The 100th Anniversary Limited Edition of the Hakushu 18 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years in various casks, created in honour of Suntory Whisky’s centenary. The Hakushu Distillery blenders work with peat, while naturally softening the palate using the exceptionally pure mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks.
Glendalough 7 Year Old Mizunara Finish Single Malt Whiskey
The Glendalough Distillery was established by a group of friends from Wicklow and Dublin who shared a deep passion for reviving the rich heritage of craft distilling in Ireland. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Ireland was home to over 200 licensed distilleries, producing diverse styles of poitín, whiskey, gin, and even absinthe. However, in recent times, that number has dwindled to a small handful. After many discussions, the friends decided to take a chance on something more meaningful and built a craft distillery near their favourite spot in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough. The area, known as "the garden of Ireland," is renowned for its natural beauty and Glendalough, or the Glen of two Lakes, is one of the most visited valleys in Ireland. It is also home to a 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin, a legendary monk who is the man on the Glendalough bottle. Monasteries like Glendalough were the birthplace of distilled drinks. A key influence on the flavour of Glendalough whiskey is the wood in which it has spent time. Countless nuances affect how the wood injects flavour, from the straightness of the tree or fineness of the grain to the size of the barrel or depth of the char. To make their gins, Glendalough forages wild plants from the mountains around the distillery. All the plants are sustainably foraged by one person, and what they pick goes fresh into the still within hours of foraging. The story of St. Kevin is where Glendalough draws its inspiration. He abandoned safety and comfort to follow his passion and create something more meaningful in the mountains. St. Kevin was born into Irish royalty, but he felt like a man apart. He disappeared into the mountains and became one with the wild, living off the land by the upper lake of Glendalough for seven years while pondering his place in the world. One of the many stories that spread around Ireland and inspired people to seek out this holy man and his deep, hidden valley is that of a blackbird landing in his hand. He stood day and night until the eggs hatched and the chicks fledged, showcasing his unwavering resolve and connection with nature. Eventually, he built his "City of 7 Churches" by the lower lake, which still stands 14 centuries later as a testament to his legacy. The Glendalough Distillery places great emphasis on the wood used to mature their whiskey, with countless nuances affecting the flavour, from the straightness of the tree or fineness of the grain to the size of the barrel or depth of the char. Their whiskeys mature in American white oak Bourbon barrels, which lay the flavour foundation that has become the backbone of the Irish whiskey taste. They also finish all of their whiskeys in a second, very different cask. They use Spanish Oloroso sherry butts to finish their Double Barrel, Dublin porter barrels for their 7-year-old single malt, and legendary Mizunara oak for their 13-year-old single malt. They are also proud to play a part in bringing Irish oak back into use for aging Irish whiskey, helping to manage these ancient forests, and doing their bit for the regeneration of these beautiful, broad-leaf, deciduous woods. Glendalough Distillery embarked on a relentless search for the most flavourful oak in the world, taking them from their own wooded mountains in Wicklow to the volcanic north of Japan, Hokkaido, where they discovered Mizunara, the most sought-after oak in the whiskey world. The resulting whiskey is vivid yet delicate, with seamless depth and a vibrant, fruity and floral nose. It boasts a luxuriously smooth mouthfeel with notes of dark chocolate orange, sandalwood and cinnamon that are synonymous with Mizunara whiskeys. The Mizunara 7-year single malt from Glendalough benefits from an exceptionally long finish of toasted oak and oriental spices, with the dark chocolate lingering even longer, making for a truly exceptional whiskey.
Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva
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.
Doña Celia Añejo Tequila
Doña Celia is a premium tequila brand named after La Catrina, a respected and influential woman in the Mexican town of Atotonilco, Jalisco, where the tequila is produced using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients. This artwork "La Calavera Catrina" was a zinc etching originally created around 1910-1913 by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada who was known for his images of political and social satire. The engraving mocked those who pretended to be of a higher class even if it meant starving or going without flesh. La Catrina soon became a symbolic figure during the time of the Mexican Revolution being associated with Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a pre-Colombian Meso-American festival of the observance of death and life that is celebrated on November 2nd in all of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula and parts of Central America. To this day, Catrina continues to be a significant figure and she is one of the symbols regarding the Day of the Dead however she is also found to be in many books, cartoons, posters, figurines and artwork spanning over 100 years and is globally recognisable. The detailed ceramic bottle of each tequila is reminiscent of her and as a striking display of her elegance and broad-brimmed hat. She lives on and through her story, continues to make footprints of her legacy for all those around her to follow. One look at the beautifully colourful bottle tells you exactly where the tequila is from. Celia Maestri created this brand of artisanal tequilas and hand painted bottles in honour of her elegant and hardworking mother Mrs. Celia Barragan de Villanueva "Case Maestri's grandmother." This Limited Edition 100% de Agave Añejo Tequila is truly one of a kind. It's stand-out bottle is carefully hand crafted and made out of ceramic material. Produced at the Casa Maestri distillery, it’s aged in white oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months resulting in a rich and complex flavour that is sweet and woody. It gives notes of roasted bell pepper, fudge, and brandied cherries with a smooth finish. They utilise traditional slow baking in brick ovens and autoclaves to cook the blue agave hearts, and traditional mills (molinos) to extract the juices from the Agave. This extraordinary Añejo tequila comes from the most awarded tequila distillery in Mexico.
The Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Special Release )
The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. The Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American and European oak, then finished in ex-wine casks. The nose on this is soft, delicate, and complex. Given time and patience, it grows and expands into a kaleidoscope of aromas that are as diverse as they are many. Grassy, floral, fruity, malty, sweet, and even a touch of oak – it’s all here. And that’s just the nose! On the palate, the whisky has that classic highland Glen Ord austerity, with the wine cask influence introducing some drying tannins and fruitiness.
Cardhu 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Special Release )
The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Cardhu 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in re-fill and re-charred American oak, then finished in Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks. A richer, fuller nose that has the hallmark traits of rum-finished whisky, there are soft fruits and pastry notes on the nose. The palate is spicier, certainly drier, and has hints of ginger, stone fruits, and perhaps some mint or eucalyptus.
Glenmorangie A Tale of Forest Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Glenmorangie distillery is located in the beautiful Scottish Highlands and is famous for its outstanding single malt whiskies. Glenmorangie, derived from the Gaelic language of Scotland, translates to "Valley of Tranquillity." A true testament to craftsmanship and tradition, Glenmorangie has been captivating whisky enthusiasts around the world for centuries. The story of Glenmorangie begins with its founder, William Matheson, who established the distillery in 1843. Situated near the tranquil Dornoch Firth, the distillery benefits from the region's pristine water source and the gentle sea breezes that caress the aging casks. These natural elements play a vital role in shaping the character of Glenmorangie whiskies, adding a touch of Highland magic to every bottle. One of the hallmarks of Glenmorangie is its commitment to the art of cask maturation. The distillery boasts the tallest copper pot stills in Scotland, which allow for a purer and more refined spirit. This, combined with the use of the finest American white oak barrels, results in whiskies that are smooth, complex and full of character. Glenmorangie takes pride in its dedication to innovation constantly pushing the boundaries of whisky production. The distillery is known for its "Extra Matured" range, where whiskies are finished in a variety of cask types, such as sherry, port and wine, to create unique flavour profiles. This experimentation has garnered Glenmorangie a loyal following of whisky connoisseurs who appreciate the diversity and complexity of their offerings. One of Glenmorangie's most iconic expressions is the Glenmorangie Original, a flagship whisky that embodies the essence of the distillery. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, Glenmorangie offers a range of limited edition releases and prestigious expressions. From the award-winning Glenmorangie Signet, with its rich chocolate and coffee flavors, to the rare Glenmorangie Pride 1978, aged for 41 years and exuding elegance and opulence, these whiskies are a testament to the distillery's unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond crafting exceptional whiskies, Glenmorangie is deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The distillery is dedicated to minimizing its carbon footprint and protecting the natural resources that make their whiskies so special. From the use of renewable energy sources to the restoration of local wetlands, Glenmorangie strives to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy their whiskies while preserving the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Lush and invitingly herbaceous, Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest is Glenmorangie’s first whisky crafted from barley kilned with woodland botanicals. Inspired by the ever changing natural wonder he encounters while wandering in the forest near his home, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, brought back an ancient method of kilning barley with botanicals. In this case, he chose juniper berries, birch bark and heather flowers. A whisky, infused with natural botanicals (juniper berries, birch wood and heather) during the kilning process ̶ bringing flavours of peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus, pine, wood sap, angelica, bitter orange and a hint of aromatic wood smoke. Evoking the scents, sounds and sights of the forest, the single malt surrounds your senses with aromas of pine, juniper and coriander, laced with wisps of smoke. Then tastes of deep-green eucalyptus, lit by rays of bitter orange, drift to a slow, gently oaky finish. The whisky’s fragrant, wooded depths have inspired illustrator Pomme Chan to dream up her own fantastical forest. Celebrating the whisky’s flavours, her artwork is showcased on the whisky’s pack.
Camille Giroud Pommard Les Cras
Camille Giroud, a Swiss wine merchant, marries Miss Deschamps and takes over her family's wine trade firm, which he renames Maison Giroud Deschamps. In 1903, the company becomes known as Camille Giroud and establishes its premises in Beaune. Unlike other wine merchants, Camille only buys musts and finished wines, relying on his talent as a wine maturer to establish the reputation of his company. After Camille's death, his youngest son, Lucien, takes over and maintains the family tradition. In the 1990s, the company faces financial difficulties and Bernard and François Giroud begin to buy grapes instead of purchasing wine. David Croix joins the Maison in 2001, launching new projects and building a new vat house. In 2002, Ann Colgin and other investors take over the company, with David Croix named as Manager in 2007. The Maison remains exclusive and pursues new projects under the leadership of Carel Voorhuis. Pommard is a village located between Beaune and Volnay in the Côte de Beaune region of France. It is situated in the middle of the slope, in the heart of its grouping vineyard, which is at an altitude between 240 and 380 meters, facing East/South-East. Pommard is known for its full-bodied and tannic red wines made from Pinot Noir, which have been highlighted since the middle ages. The name Pommard is derived from the ancient goddess Pomone, who was venerated by the first inhabitants of Pommard. In 2004, the village was called Polmareum, which later became Pomareum, derived from the Latin word "pomarium" meaning orchard. Camille Giroud Pommard Les Cras 2020 comes from 35-year-old vines located in Pommard, facing East/South-East and at an altitude between 280 and 320 meters. These vines are planted in limestone soil. Camille Giroud Pommard Les Cras 2020 has a fruity and elegant aroma with a beautiful finesse in its power, intensity, grain and complexity. It reveals notes of wild cassis, juicy quetsche plum, wild strawberry, cherry, rose, lily, pepper and cinnamon. The palate is elegant, juicy, fresh and has a racy minerality, tension and a finely tight grain. The wine expresses notes of cherry, cassis, small red berries, lily, rose, blackberry, rosewood and sweet spices. It is a beautiful, full-bodied and dynamic wine with a persistent hint of chocolate. Camille Giroud Pommard Les Cras 2020 is a perfect match for beef, veal, game and poultry dishes.