James Suckling (94-95)

I like the build up in the finish of this classy, medium- to full-bodied wine. Offers currant and berry fruit, as well as integrated, fine and velvety tannins. Caressing at the end.

Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation.

Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse.

Experience the exquisite Clos Triguedina Cahors 2020, a beautiful expression of France's renowned Cahors region. This bold and graceful red blend produced by the historic Jean-Luc Baldès estate boasts a richly layered palette. It marries the potent depth of Malbec with the versatility of both Merlot and Tannat to create a harmonious concoction of luscious fruits, polished tannins, and a warm, robust finish.

Hailing from the estate’s prime vineyard plots located on the terraces of the Lot Valley, the Clos Triguedina Cahors 2020 undergoes a meticulous process of selective handpicking, destemming, and extended maceration. After being fermented in cone-shaped oak vats, it's aged in French oak barrels, adding intricate notes of vanilla and spice to its hearty texture.

Recognised for its complexity and timeless elegance, the Clos Triguedina Cahors 2020 truly encapsulates Jean-Luc Baldès' dedication to traditional winemaking whilst innovating with modern techniques. It offers a captivating journey into the heart of Cahors' wine heritage.

Immerse in the elegant complexities of the Closel Savenniers Jalousie 2014. Produced in the distinguished Savennières region of France's Loire Valley, this esteemed biodynamic wine captures the unique terroir and solar exposition of its vineyard. Steeped in rich tradition, the Domaine du Closel vineyard, managed by the unswerving dedication of Evelyne de Pontbriand, embraces a naturally low yield philosophy, thus ensuring exclusivity and consistent depth of flavor.

This Closel Savenniers Jalousie 2014 elegantly displays the distinct Chenin Blanc grapes in a harmonious blend of maturity and vivacity. On the palate, this opulent dry white wine bursts with sophisticated layers of ripe fruits and mineral notes. Hand-harvested, the grapes are meticulously fermented in stainless-steel tanks, subsequently matured 'sur lie' for eight months, imparting a pristine finish brimming with subtle complexities. An elegant ode to traditional winemaking, the Closel Savenniers Jalousie 2014 embodies the heritage of its origin.

The exquisite Closel Savenniers Papillon 2020 hails from the revered Château des Vaults estate, situated amongst the historic vineyards of Savennières in France's Loire Valley. Respected vintner, Evelyne de Pontbriand, nurtures her vineyards using organic and biodynamic principles, resulting in a wine that's much-lauded for its purity and elegance.

The Closel Savenniers Papillon 2020 is a Chenin Blanc made from grapes hand-harvested then meticulously sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit graces your glass. The maturation process, in traditional oak, imparts subtle complexity to the wine that's a sheer treat to the palate.

Spellbindingly structured, this golden-hued beauty unveils a rich tapestry of dried honey, apple, and acacia notes, encased within a refined mineral envelope, and graced by a lively acidity. If you're looking for a wine that mirrors the French tradition of careful, hands-on winemaking, Closel Savenniers Papillon 2020 is indisputably the bottle for you.

Crafted from sumptuously ripe Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the Closerie Saint Roc Rouge 2018 hails from the renowned Bordeaux region of France. This opulent red wine is the creation of the respected Les Vignerons de Tutiac winery, who takes a meticulous, handcrafted approach in the vineyard. Closerie Saint Roc Rouge 2018 is known for its impeccably balanced flavour profile, sporting rich berry nuances intertwined with subtle spice and oak undertones, a testament to 18 months of careful oak barrel aging.

Full-bodied yet velvety, it complements hearty roasts and succulent steak beautifully, its bright acidity and firm tannins ensuring a robust structure and long-lasting finish. As a vintage year, 2018 was highly favourable, leading to a Closerie Saint Roc Rouge that radiates charm, elegance, and a depth of flavour that encompasses the very essence of superior French viticulture.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

Clarity and nuance, silky tannins, herb-strewn, full of life and character and nuance, a whole other level of Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting this unusual site. Blue fruits dominate over the darker cassis, adding freshness and keeping the rich concentration at arms length until the layers build through the palate. Smoked oak on the finish but it is barely discernable against the depth of fruit and minerality. Love this. Harvest April 13 and 16, 3.96ph. Just under 1,900 bottles produced.

Decanter (97)

An incredible Chardonnay from Margaret River with layers of complexity and nuance. So many aromatic touches on the nose, salty lemon notes alongside apricot, peach and lime zest with buttery almond edges. These follow through on the palate with a satisfying creamy texture. Smooth and structured, weighty but not overpowering and with a vein of freshness and wet stone minerality that gives it such life and energy. Hard not to love this. A total production of 2,288 bottles produced in 2018 by owner-winemaker Will Berliner. Grapes are hand sorted and whole-bunch pressed directly into barrel. An atypically cool spring and summer with unprecedented frost meant low yields and a harvest that was two weeks later than unusual. Despite the challenges this is a powerful and precise wine that is great to drink now and will age.

Vinous (96)

This decadently delicious 2020 Chardonnay immediately impresses with explosive aromas of vanilla cream, florals and just-picked nectarines with fantastic aromatic weight and volume. Packed full of marzipan, nutty oak and apricot flavours with a voluptuous texture, there is a perfectly balanced core of tangy acidity which keeps the energy high. A long, ripe and detailed finish tops what is a stunning package.

Vinous (90)

The 2023 Pinot Noir Marlborough is vibrant yet creamy. Primary plum and red cherry fruit flavors meet oak-derived spice, tobacco and cedar. Despite its ripeness, there's a mouthwatering freshness here. The 2023 is well made and nicely balanced.

The Real Review (94)

Punchy, mouth-watering sauvignon blanc with gooseberry, lime zest, and vibrant oyster shell characters. Intense varietal flavours. A good result from a challenging vintage.

Wine Advocate (94)

The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc marks the 40th vintage for this estate in Marlborough, and the wine leads with green apple, a salsa verde-esque note (think green chilli, coriander, lime, etc.) and white pineapple. In the mouth, the wine is punchy and crunchy, with loads of acid, but there is also attractive, chalky texture on the mid-palate. It's a smart wine, as usual. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.