Wine Advocate (100)

Wine Advocate (98+)

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

Savour the elegance of the Hure Freres 4 Elements Chardonnay 2015, a wine of distinctive stature from the revered Champagne house, Hure Freres. Produced in Ludes in the Montagne de Reims, a town that equally intensifies the uniqueness of its Grand Cru vineyards, this Chardonnay is magnificently crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Expertly vinified in oak barrels for 12 months, it unfolds refreshing elegance and complexity. Wonderfully precise, this Chardonnay incorporates the purest essence of the '4 Elements' - earth, water, air, and fire - reflecting the harmony of nature. The carefully guarded maturation process infuses crucial depth and vivacity, creating an impression both profound and lasting. An embodiment of the rich Hure Freres heritage with hints of citrus and tangible minerality, Hure Freres 4 Elements Chardonnay 2015 is perfect for the astute fine wine enthusiasts. A sip of this premium wine takes you on an enchanting journey of timeless French winemaking tradition.

Hure Freres 4 Elements Pinot Noir 2016 embodies excellence. This delectable wine hails from France's Champagne region, renowned for pristine-quality grapes. Hand-picked to ensure supreme quality, the 100% Pinot Noir grapes, are meticulously processed, paying respect to each of the four elements: earth, fire, air and water. Hure Freres, the esteemed family vineyard, expertly harnesses their years of winemaking heritage, beautifully infusing these elements into each bottle. Savour the intense fragrance of ripe cherry and plum with an echoing smoky note.

On the palate, Hure Freres 4 Elements Pinot Noir 2016 is a sensuous delight. It unveils complex layers of red fruit and spice, intertwined with subtle wood nuances, balanced by an invigorating acidity. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this wine flaunts a sophisticated silkiness that lingers on the palate. Reflecting its regal lineage, this wine stands testament to refined winemaking, making Hure Freres 4 Elements Pinot Noir 2016 a coveted choice for the discerned palate.

Hure Freres L'Instantanee NV embodies the exquisite craftsmanship of the esteemed Hure Frères estate, nestled in the prestigious Côte des Blancs of Champagne, France. This non-vintage champagne is a harmonious blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, meticulously selected from the finest vineyards to ensure impeccable quality. Fermented in the traditional méthode champenoise, L'Instantanee NV undergoes a lengthy aging process on its lees, enhancing its complexity and depth. The Hure family, with generations of expertise, employs sustainable viticulture practices, respecting the terroir and enhancing the grapes' natural expression. On the palate, this champagne reveals elegant citrus notes intertwined with subtle hints of brioche and almond, culminating in a refined, lingering finish. Perfectly balanced and elegantly presented, Hure Freres L'Instantanee NV is a testament to the maison’s dedication to excellence, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and finesse in every sip.

The Hure Freres Memoire Extra Brut NV is a sophisticated combination of elegance and complexity. Crafted from 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay, this blend is a distinguished product of 30-year-old vines located in the prestigious Champagne region of France. The house has been producing fine wines since 1960, and their expertise is wonderfully highlighted in this best-selling spirit.

The Hure Freres Memoire Extra Brut NV undergoes dual fermentation, first in enamel-coated and stainless steel vats, and then aged on lees for over seven years, resulting in a matured effervescence that teases the palate. You'll appreciate its golden hue, the result of a carefully controlled malolactic fermentation. The cascade of fine bubbles, impressive minerality, and an elegant finish pay tribute to the meticulous traditional methods of the Hure Frères winery.

As a testament to its superb craftsmanship, this wine perfectly encapsulates the Hure Freres Memoire Extra Brut NV's passion for producing exquisite wines that captivate connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Vinous (98)

James Suckling (95-96)

From the esteemed producer, I Luoghi, comes a superb vintage, the I Luoghi Podere Ritorti 2013. This Piedmont-produced red exudes masterful Italian winemaking tradition, created from 100% Nebbiolo grapes harvested exclusively from Podere Ritorti - a specific vineyard locale in Langhe DOC, known for rich soil and optimal sun exposure. Skilled handcrafting, traditional vinification processes, including prolonged maceration and ageing in oak barrels, unfold in an elegant, full-bodied variant, marked by pronounced complexity. Experiencing this 2013 vintage, a red with a vibrant, deep ruby hue, expect an expressive bouquet of ripe cherries, spices, and light reminders of tobacco. This harmoniously blended palate leads to a finish that is satisfyingly long, an emblem of the excellence demanded by I Luoghi. With impressive tannic structure, the I Luoghi Podere Ritorti 2013 offers a sublime ageing potential, truly a satisfying addition to any discerning wine enthusiast's collection.

Discover the enchanting character of the Ibarisei Francesco Battista Riserva Crio-Rose Franciacorta 2012, a sublime example of Lombardy's prestigious sparkling wine tradition. This Franciacorta Riserva is masterfully produced by the renowned Ibarisei winery, whose vineyards grace the gentle slopes of Italy's beautiful Franciacorta region. The 2012 vintage exhibits graceful complexities expertly crafted from well-aged Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

Fermented separately, the grapes undergo meticulous secondary fermentation in the bottle - a nod to traditional Champagne methods. The result is a mesmerising rosé, showcasing a delicate, finely veined perlage, underpinned by fruit and floral notes. Finishing with a dry, elegant mouthfeel, the Ibarisei Francesco Battista Riserva Crio-Rose Franciacorta 2012 offers the fine wine enthusiast a delectable foray into the loveliness of Italian viticulture. This exquisite wine embodies the commitment, precision and style distinctive of the cherished Ibarisei label.

Discover the enchanting character of the Ibarisei Francesco Battista Riserva Crio-Rose Franciacorta 2012, a sublime example of Lombardy's prestigious sparkling wine tradition. This Franciacorta Riserva is masterfully produced by the renowned Ibarisei winery, whose vineyards grace the gentle slopes of Italy's beautiful Franciacorta region. The 2012 vintage exhibits graceful complexities expertly crafted from well-aged Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

Fermented separately, the grapes undergo meticulous secondary fermentation in the bottle - a nod to traditional Champagne methods. The result is a mesmerising rosé, showcasing a delicate, finely veined perlage, underpinned by fruit and floral notes. Finishing with a dry, elegant mouthfeel, the Ibarisei Francesco Battista Riserva Crio-Rose Franciacorta 2012 offers the fine wine enthusiast a delectable foray into the loveliness of Italian viticulture. This exquisite wine embodies the commitment, precision and style distinctive of the cherished Ibarisei label.

The Ibarisei Francesco Battista Riserva Franciacorta 2011 exhibits the exceptional artistry and precision of its prestigious Lombardy origin. Crafted by esteemed winemaker Francesco Battista, renowned for his tireless commitment to excellence, this Franciacorta Riserva is an embodiment of superior Italian wine-making customs. The elegant fizz is made predominantly from Chardonnay grapes, with a slight addition of Pinot Nero, organically cultivated on sun-drenched slopes of Lombardy. Traditional method is exercised in aging for an extraordinary seven-year minimum, bestowing the wine its refined nature.

Presenting a lovely soft straw-yellow, it captivates the palette with its extravagantly creamy and rich character, punctuated by invigorating acidity. Its complex, layered notes of ripe orchard fruits, almond, honey and brioche are perfectly balanced, alluding to its meticulous creation. Sampling the Ibarisei Francesco Battista Riserva Franciacorta 2011 promises a remarkable wine journey, illustrating the exquisite craftsmanship inherent in every bottle. An absolute must-try for discerning connoisseurs.

The Ibarisei Francesco Battista Riserva Franciacorta 2011 exhibits the exceptional artistry and precision of its prestigious Lombardy origin. Crafted by esteemed winemaker Francesco Battista, renowned for his tireless commitment to excellence, this Franciacorta Riserva is an embodiment of superior Italian wine-making customs. The elegant fizz is made predominantly from Chardonnay grapes, with a slight addition of Pinot Nero, organically cultivated on sun-drenched slopes of Lombardy. Traditional method is exercised in aging for an extraordinary seven-year minimum, bestowing the wine its refined nature.

Presenting a lovely soft straw-yellow, it captivates the palette with its extravagantly creamy and rich character, punctuated by invigorating acidity. Its complex, layered notes of ripe orchard fruits, almond, honey and brioche are perfectly balanced, alluding to its meticulous creation. Sampling the Ibarisei Francesco Battista Riserva Franciacorta 2011 promises a remarkable wine journey, illustrating the exquisite craftsmanship inherent in every bottle. An absolute must-try for discerning connoisseurs.

As an expert connoisseur, I am captivated by the exquisite IDDA Etna Bianco 2021. This alluring Sicilian white wine is produced by the collaboration between two notable wine families; the winemaking maestros of Tuscan estate Tenuta di Trinoro and the Ribera family of Etna. With meticulous harvesting of the native Carricante variety from volcanic slopes, this exceptional white delivers a heady and harmonious blend of minerality and acidity. Meticulous vinification in stainless steel tanks preserve bright fruit notes, underpinning a flinty minerality and succulent citrus intrigue. Complex and vibrant, the IDDA Etna Bianco 2021 personifies the unique expression of Etna's diverse terroir. Savour every drop of this testament to the transformative power of volcanic soils and Italian craftmanship.

Indulge your senses with the IDDA Etna Rosso 2019, a divine Sicilian wine packed with rich flavours. Hailing from the superior volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this gem is born of natural auspices and masterly artisanship. IDDA, a partnership between the illustrious Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci, has its roots extending to vineyards aged up to 80 years in the rocky soils of the celebrated Barbaresco region.

This outstanding vintage exhibits a beautiful deep ruby hue, signifying the 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes it meticulously harnesses. Traditional vinification methods underlie its charm, involving fermentations in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, followed by maturation in oak barrels for six months, bestowing upon it a harmonious tannic structure. Luxuriate in the vibrant accents of wild berries, minerals, and subtle smoky notes. Medium-bodied, well-knit and straightforward, the IDDA Etna Rosso 2019 distinguishes itself with an enduring finish, creating a memorable wine-drinking experience.

Embark on a captivating sensory journey with the enchanting IDDA Etna Rosso 2020. Crafted in the prestigious vineyards nestled on the magnificent slopes of Mount Etna, in Sicily, this standout wine unravels the layer upon layer of distinct notes contained in each bottle. Reflecting the invigorating terroir of volcanic soils and exuding a breath of the Mediterranean aura, the IDDA Etna Rosso 2020 showcases grace and sophistication. Cultivated and bottled by the critically acclaimed partnership of the Gaja family and Alberto Graci, this wine imbues the perfect harmony of the indigenous Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes. Meticulous vinification techniques yield this wine's intense ruby hue, evocative berry flavours, elegantly trailing into a long-spiced finish. Full-bodied and velvety, yet exhibiting reserved power, the IDDA Etna Rosso 2020 is indeed a fine homage to innovative Sicilian viticulture. Please note, always drink responsibly.

Vinous (94)