Jeb Dunnuck (98)

The FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2012 exemplifies the region’s elegance and complexity. Handcrafted in the renowned Anderson Valley, this vintage benefits from the cool climate and diverse soils, imparting nuanced flavours. The grapes were meticulously selected from estate vineyards and fermented in traditional French oak barrels to enhance structure and depth. On the palate, it reveals vibrant notes of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy undertones, complemented by a silky tannin matrix and a long, lingering finish. The 2012 vintage showcases FEL’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and artisanal winemaking, resulting in a wine of exceptional balance and finesse. Ideal for pairing with fine cuisine, this Pinot Noir embodies the expertise and passion of its producers. Whether an aficionado or a discerning collector, the FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2012 is a distinguished addition to any cellar.

Experience an unprecedented tasting odyssey with the Faethm Assortment Case 2020. Exclusively curated by master vintner Nikolas Krankl, these exceptional California wines deliver an exploration of unique varietals that exemplify genuine winemaking passion. The Faethm journey begins with grapes meticulously chosen from distinctive vineyards in state's most renowned wine regions, each handcrafted vintage unfolding an intimate narrative of the terroir's soul.

The 2020 Assortment Case features a compilation of wines that embody balance and finesse, from robust Grenache to elegant Syrah, each bottle undergoes an exacting vinification process, ensuring unparalleled individuality and cellar-worthy longevity. Savour the volley of sophisticated aromatics and intricate palate surprises, masterpieces crafted under the revered Faethm label. These limited-production bottles are a testament to Krankl's dedication to New World viticulture influenced by Old World tradition.

Undertake this multisensory experience - the Faethm Assortment Case 2020 heralds an invitation into the fascinating world of world-class Californian viticulture.

The Faethm Assortment Case 2022 epitomises exceptional craftsmanship from Faethm Distillers, renowned for their dedication to quality and tradition. Crafted in the heart of Scotland’s pristine Highlands, each spirit in this exquisite collection is distilled using locally sourced barley and pure spring water, ensuring a distinct and refined character. The 2022 vintage benefits from meticulous fermentation processes and ageing in bespoke oak casks, which impart rich flavours and a smooth finish. Faethm’s master distillers employ time-honoured techniques, blending modern precision with artisanal expertise to create a harmonious assortment that includes single malts and innovative blends. Every bottle reflects Faethm’s commitment to sustainability and excellence, showcasing layers of complexity and depth that discerning connoisseurs will appreciate. The Faethm Assortment Case 2022 is a distinguished selection, perfect for those seeking to enhance their fine spirits collection with unparalleled quality and heritage.

Nikolas Krankl, son of Manfred Krankl who founded cult sensation Sine Qua Non looks set to further the family business. Together with his wife Julia, Nikolas founded Fingers Crossed in 2017 using fruit from the vineyards of Sine Qua Non, amongst others. Like Sine Qua Non, Nikolas works with Rhône varietals, crafting enchanting Rhone blends that have won strong accolades from critics from the get to.

The Assortment case contains an equal mix of the estate Syrah and Grenache, reviews of which are as follows:

Fingers Crossed Unanswered Prayers Syrah 2021

96-98 points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent)

'The 2021 Unanswered Prayers Syrah comes mainly from Bien Nacido Vineyard, plus smaller proportions from Rancho Boa Vista, and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards. It is composed of 83% Syrah with 4.7% Grenache, 4.7% Mourvèdre, 4.7% Petite Sirah, and 2.9% of the White Wine (Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Marsanne). It was made using 35% whole clusters and aged for 20 months in French oak, 63% new. Deep purple-black colored, it explodes with vibrant notes of juicy blackberries, fresh raspberries, and ripe plums, giving way to hints of tar, violets, licorice, and cracked black peppercorns. The palate is big, powerful, full-bodied, yet very bright, pure, and light on its feet. With a solid frame of velvety tannins, it finishes long and fragrant. This was bottled in July 2023. 437 cases were produced.'

95-97 points | Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate)

'I tasted the 2021 Syrah Unanswered Prayers on July 7, 2023, a few days before it was due to be bottled. It comes from the Bien Nacido, Rancho Boa Vista and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards. The blend includes 4.7% Grenache, 4.7% Mourvèdre, 4.7% Petite Sirah and 2.9% white wine. It was vinified using 35% whole clusters and matured for 20 months in 63% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it's bursting with youthfully broody scents of blueberry preserves, blackcurrant, lavender, tar, game meats and peppermint patty. Full-bodied, powerful yet balanced, the palate features concentrated floral fruit, detailed, velvety tannins and seamless acidity that carries on through the shimmery finish. 437 cases are projected.'

Fingers Crossed Unanswered Prayers Grenache 2021

97-99 points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent)

'The 2021 Unanswered Prayers Grenache comes from Bien Nacido, Rancho Boa Vista and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards. The composition is 76.5% Grenache with 11.3% Syrah, 5.5% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah, and a 2.7% splash of the White Wine (Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Marsanne) from this year. It was made with 42% whole clusters and aged 20 months in French oak, 38% new. Opaque purple-black colored, it leaps with bold notes of black cherries, black raspberries, and lilacs with nuances of tar, wild sage, and lavender. The bright, shimmery, full-bodied palate is laden with crunchy black fruits, textured by silky-soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with loads of floral and red berry sparks. This was bottled in July 2023. 438 cases were made.'

94-96 points | Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate)

'I tasted the 2021 Grenache Unanswered Prayers on July 7th, 2023, a few days before it was due to be bottled. Grapes were sourced from Bien Nacido, Rancho Boa Vista and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards, and the Grenache is blended with 11.3% Syrah, 5.5% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and 2.7% white wine. It was vinified with 42% whole clusters and matured for 20 months in 38% new French oak. Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, it has pure, detailed aromas of wild berry jam, oolong and bergamot tea leaves, damp earth and bark. The medium-bodied palate is seamless, silky and light on its feet, boasting generously floral fruit and a long, graphite-driven finish. Broody yet delicate, it blossoms gloriously as it spends time in the glass, hinting at dynamic development once in bottle. 438 cases are projected.'

Flowers Sonoma Coast Sea View Ridge Pinot Noir 2019 exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of one of Sonoma Coast’s esteemed vineyards. Cultivated on the elevated Sea View Ridge, the grapes benefit from the region’s cool maritime climate and well-drained soils, fostering optimal ripeness and complexity. Hand-harvested with meticulous attention, the Pinot Noir undergoes a gentle fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving its delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity. Aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, this vintage develops layers of red berry fruits, subtle earthiness, and nuanced spice notes, culminating in a silky smooth finish. Produced by Flowers Winery, renowned for their dedication to sustainable viticulture and exceptional quality, the 2019 Sea View Ridge Pinot Noir showcases their unwavering commitment to excellence. Ideal for discerning palates, this wine pairs beautifully with a range of gourmet dishes, making it a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.

James Suckling (96)

Vinous (96+)

Vinous (95)

Jeb Dunnuck (93)

Jeb Dunnuck (95)

Wine Advocate (96+)

Experience the distinctive taste of Fortunate Son The Warrior 2019, exquisite wine crafted in the renowned vineyards of Sonoma County, California. This bold red blend exhibits a smooth, harmonious composition of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grape varieties, matured splendidly in a balanced climate of cool nights and warm days.

Employing a traditional fermentation process in stainless steel vats with gentle pump-overs, the Warrior 2019 demonstrates the Fortunate Son winery's commitment to preserving the integrity and characteristics of each varietal. Aged in French oak barrels, this grand cuvée unveils intricate layers of blackberry, cassis and anise, underscored by notes of mocha and subtle earthiness.

Fortunate Son The Warrior 2019 encapsulates the unwavering dedication of its producers to quality and complexity. A testament of excellence, it seamlessly melds time-honoured techniques and modern innovation, making this full-bodied wine a precious addition to any well-curated collection.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 exemplifies the winery's commitment to sustainable viticulture in Napa Valley's esteemed vineyards. Hand-harvested from estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this vintage undergoes meticulous fermentation in open-top fermenters, allowing for optimal extraction and preservation of the varietal's character. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, it develops a harmonious balance of rich dark fruit flavours, velvety tannins, and subtle notes of cedar and tobacco. The 2018 harvest benefited from a warm growing season, resulting in grapes of exceptional ripeness and complexity. Produced by the renowned Frog's Leap Winery, known for its organic practices and dedication to quality, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers a sophisticated palate with lingering elegance, making it a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.

Vinous (100)

James Suckling (99)