|
Btls
Avail. |
Btl
Size |
|
Year |
Price per
Bottle
including
VAT |
Tasting
Score/Notes
Best Drinking |
| |
|
WHITE Wine |
|
|
|
| |
|
GIACOSA, BRUNO
One of the best
'classical' wine makers in Piedmont!
Bruno is totally focused on quality, his wines being considered
some of the best of their genre. |
|
|
|
|
22 |
75cl |
Roero Arneis
B. Giacosa
Rudy -
Made from vines
grown on sandy soils in the Roero area, Giacosa’s Arneis is
elegant and pure and a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety
of foods, including antipasti and pasta dishes. The 2013 is
very refreshing with an expressive bouquet of acacia flowers,
orange blossom, green apples and white peaches. The palate
is bursting with zesty citrus flavours with nuances of crisp
apples, sweet apricots and soft stone fruit characters.
|
2013 |
£19.00 |
2014-20 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
PIEROPAN
RP/Monica Larner -
The Pieropan family makes a full portfolio of wines spanning
from Soave to Amarone. They recently built a second winery for
the production of their red wines. But as wonderful as all these
products are, the true standouts are the three Soave Classico
wines. No one comes close to giving a more graceful and delicate
voice to the workhorse Garganega grape. |
|
|
|
|
19 |
75cl |
Soave Classico
Calvarino
Pieropan
RP/Monica Larner -
The 2012 Soave
Classico Calvarino impresses for its depth and the supreme
quality of fruit. The classic blend used here sees 70%
Garganega and 30% Trebbiano di Soave from the estate's prized
vineyard sites. Smooth and silky in texture, Calvarino flows
freely imparting aromatic highlights of peach, honey, orange
peel, pressed jasmine and crushed mineral along the way. It ages
in glass-tiled cement vats that help to lock in aromas. |
2012 |
£17.00 |
RP93
2014-22 |
|
32 |
75cl |
Soave Classico
La Rocca
Pieropan
RP/Monica Larner -
The beautiful 2012
Soave Classico La Rocca is 100% Garganega from the estate's
best vineyard located just beyond the towering Castello di
Soave. La Rocca is aged in oak (both tonneaux and botte grande)
for added textural thickness and lingering tones of ash, spice
and candied fruit.
The results are exceptional and this Soave Classico is one of
the standout wines of northern Italy. It promises five years
or more of excellent aging potential. |
2012 |
£26.00 |
RP91
2015-22 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
QUERCIABELLA
A top wine winemaker;
his white wine Batar is of special interest and something
different! |
|
|
|
|
10 |
75cl |
Batar
Querciabella
Antonio Galloni
-
The 2013 Batàr is
quite beautiful. Lemon oil, white flowers, almonds and a hint of
orange peel are laced together in an effortless, gracious white
endowed with real personality. This is the first vintage that
includes a clone of Pinot Blanc sourced from Henri Gouges in
Nuits St. Georges and that also seems to reflect a more
polished, refined style. A revisited approach to pruning that
allows yields to be naturally a bit higher than in the past and
less new oak during aging seem to be paying off. |
2013 |
£45.00 |
AG92
2015-25 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
TENUTA dell'ORNELAIA
One of Italy's top
Super Tuscan winemakers - so always a 'sure buy' |
|
|
|
|
37 |
75cl |
Poggio Alle Gazze
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia
James Suckling
-
This new white from Ornellaia is
like drinking Domaine de Chevalier and Chave Hermitage blanc at
the same time. The clarity of fruit and beauty is superb
with sliced melon, papaya, mineral, stone and apple. Hints of
new wood too.
Full body, some phenolic tension and a long and subtle finish.
This is a white that will age beautifully. A blend of 70%
Sauvignon Blanc and mostly Viognier with a hint of Sauvignon
Gris. Fermented in mostly old French oak barrels and aged for 12
months, with four or five months in bottle. Made from two
hectares, three small vineyards. |
2013 |
£36.00 |
JS98
2016-28 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
RED Wine |
|
|
|
| |
|
ANTINORI, PIERO
One of Italy's
Top estates and gifted winemakers.
Their SOLAIA is their top cuvee; which really is a great wine
for that special occasion.
In 2013 the estate
has opened a sprawling, multimillion-dollar underground wine
cellar, with a museum, restaurant and tasting area.
It represents Italy’s most ambitious effort yet to make quality
wine more appealing to the budding wine enthusiast. |
|
|
|
|
6 |
75cl |
SOLAIA
Antinori, Piero
Antonio Galloni -
The 2009 Antinori
Solaia is similar to the 2007 in its volume and richness, but it
is less extroverted. This is another gorgeous Solaia that
will drink well pretty much during its entire life. The warm
year yielded a racy Solaia with no hard edges and fabulous
overall balance. |
2009 |
£168.00 |
AG96+
2019-39
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
BREZZA, GIACOME
Brezza remains one of the most under the radar growers in
Barolo. His Barolos remain medium bodies, with a classic sense of austerity.
These wines are especially recommended for
those of you who love traditionally made Barolo! |
|
|
|
|
21 |
75cl |
Barolo
Cannubi
G.
Brezza
Antonio Galloni -
The 2010 Barolo
Cannubi wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and the pure silkiness
that makes this vineyard in the town of Barolo so special. Crushed
flowers, mint, sweet tobacco and dried cherries meld together in a supple,
soft Barolo that should enjoy a long and broad drinking window. With time in
the glass, the wine's structure becomes more apparent, showing what makes
the best Cannubi Barolos so appealing; the combination of structure and
elegance. |
2010 |
£42.00 |
AG94
2015-30 |
|
58 |
75cl |
Barolo
Castellero
G.
Brezza
Antonio Galloni -
Brezza's 2010 Barolo
Castellero offers up a super-classic profile of dried rose petal, anise,
mint, coffee, sweet herbs and dried cherries. A gracious, mid-weight
Barolo, the 2010 stands out for its soft, approachable personality and
impeccable sense of balance. Sweet floral and spice notes linger on the
soft, feminine finish. This is the most ethereal and fleeting of the 2010s.
The Castellero is also a bit less polished and complete than the other
Barolos in the range. |
2010 |
£38.00 |
AG92
2015-30 |
|
36 |
75cl |
Barolo
Sarmassa
G.
Brezza
Antonio Galloni -
Dark cherries, pine,
menthol, liquorice, smoke and underbrush all take shape in the 2010 Barolo
Sarmassa. The darkest and most imposing of the Brezza Barolos, the
Sarmassa is backed up by firm tannins that ensure the wine will drink well
for a number of years. This is the most tightly wound of the Brezza
2010s, so it will require a bit of patience. This is a deep and deeply
satisfying Barolo from Enzo Brezza. In 2010, Brezza did not produce his
top Barolo, Bricco Sarmassa. All the best fruit went into the straight
Sarmassa. |
2010 |
£55.00 |
AG95
2020-35 |
|
21 |
75cl |
Barolo
Sarmassa
G.
Brezza
Antonio Galloni -
Expressive violets,
flowers, mint, tobacco and dried cherries emerge from 2009 Barolo Sarmassa.
Darker and more powerful than the Cannubi, the Sarmassa fills its
broad-shouldered frame beautifully. Sweet herbs, anise and rosemary are
some of the nuances that develop on the intriguing, beguiling finish. The
2009 should be cellared for at least a few years to allow the tannins to
soften. Sarmassa has more clay than Cannubi, which lends depth and richness
to the wine. |
2009 |
£44.00 |
AG92
2014-26 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
BROVIA
Brovia
remains very much an 'well kept secret' for Barolo fans, despite the
obvious quality of its wines and great reviews from respected critics,
such as Antonio Galloni, who notes:
“I can’t say enough good things
about the Brovia family and what they have accomplished over the years,
but especially over the last decade or so, which has seen them jump into
the upper echelon of Barolo producers”. |
|
|
|
|
28 |
75cl |
Barolo Ca'
Mia
Brovia
Antonio Galloni -
The 2007 Barolo Ca’ Mia explodes
from the glass with ripe dark fruit, smoke, incense, menthol, spices and
tar. There is an exotic quality to the Ca’ Mia that is totally
intriguing. Here, too, the richness of the year provides a lovely foil
to the firm, underlying structural components that are very much present.
The pointed finish gives the wine tons of drive and sheer energy. This is a
striking Serralunga Barolo. |
2007 |
£54.00 |
AG95+
2017-32 |
|
17 |
75cl |
Barolo
Rocche di Castiglione
Brovia
Antonio Galloni -
Brovia's 2010 Barolo Rocche di
Castiglione is a classic in the making. An open, expressive Rocche bouquet,
firm yet silky tannins and chiseled fruit are the signatures. Veins of
brilliant acidity and insistent tannin give the 2010 much of its energy and
overall tension. This mid-weight, super-polished Barolo will provide
readers with exceptional drinking for many years to come. |
2010 |
£94.00 |
AG96+
2020-40 |
|
36 |
75cl |
Barolo
Rocche di Castiglione
Brovia
Antonio Galloni -
The 2007 Barolo Rocche emerges
from the glass with freshly cut roses, sweet berries and spices. The Rocche
is always the most open of Brovia’s single vineyard Baroli. In 2007 the
wine has an extra dimension of textural richness that makes it incredibly
appealing even at this young stage. Floral notes reappear on the silky,
pure finish. This is a fabulous showing, but the wine will be even
better in a few years. |
2007 |
£54.00 |
AG96
2017-27 |
|
32 |
75cl |
Barolo
Garblet Sue
Brovia
Antonio Galloni -
The 2007 Barolo Garblet Sue’
is another stunning wine. This vineyard seldom yields wines without firm
tannins and slightly angular contours, so the even warmth of the year is
especially beneficial here. Smoke, tar, iron, roses and dark red fruit are
woven together in a muscular, virile style that is striking. The finish
shows fabulous intensity, drive and focus, virtually covering the
tannins. It is simply dazzling. |
2007 |
£51.00 |
AG95
2017-32 |
|
25 |
75cl |
Barolo
Garblet Sue
Brovia
Antonio Galloni -
The 2006 Barolo Garblet Sue’ is
massively tannic and powerful. As always, it is a taut, sinewy Barolo, but
in 2006 the Garblet Sue’ is even more backward than is typically the case.
Bright red fruit, smoke, tar, incense and iron are just some of the
nuances that come together in this focused, potent Barolo. |
2006 |
£52.00 |
AG95
2021-36 |
|
29 |
75cl |
Barolo
Garblet Sue
Brovia
Antonio Galloni -
The 2001 Barolo Garblèt Sue' is
an infant. How much longer will the Garblet need? Perhaps as long as another
decade. Layers of dark red fruit build effortlessly to the huge finish as
this deep, compelling Barolo conquers the palate and intellect. Huge,
massive tannins provide the backdrop for the fireworks in this utterly
beguiling Barolo. The finish reveals an exotic, wild side of Nebbiolo
that is compelling. |
2001 |
£53.00 |
AG95+
2016-31 |
|
18 |
75cl |
Barolo
Villero
Brovia
Antonio Galloni -
Brovia's 2010 Barolo Villero
wraps around the palate with dark red cherries, plums, spices, menthol, new
leather and liquorice. Rich, sumptuous and beautifully layered in the
glass, the 2010 is firing on all cylinders. Today the Villero is
remarkably open, which is unusual for this wine. This early tasting provides
a clue of what will develop over the next few years, and that is all hugely
positive. Cloves, mocha and black fruit all add gravitas on the finish.
Today the Villero seems to bring together the finesse of the Rocche and
weight of the Ca' Mia. What a thrill it is to catch the Villero at this
expressive stage in its development. A huge, creamy, totally voluptuous
finish is full of appeal and pure sexiness. |
2010 |
£94.00 |
AG96
2018-30 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
CASANOVA DI NERI
A TOP estate making top-quality
full-flavoured Brunello's. |
|
|
|
|
12 |
75cl |
Brunello
di Montalcino
Casanova di Neri
Antonio Galloni
- .The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with freshly cut
flowers, violets, leather, liquorice and black cherries. Firm underlying
tannins lend vibrancy to the voluptuous fruit. The Casanova di Neri straight
bottling - sometimes referred to as the "white label" - is made from some of
the estate's cooler sites. In 2007 the wine has more depth, fruit and
overall harmony than is typically the case. Bright acidity frames the
long, polished finish. In short, this is a fabulous wine from Giacomo Neri.
Along with the 2006, the 2007 is one the best and most complete vintages I
can remember tasting in some time. Most importantly of all, though, it is
flat-out delicious. |
2007 |
£45.00 |
AG93
2015-27 |
|
4 |
75cl |
Brunello
di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova
Casanova di Neri
Antonio Galloni -
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova reveals layers of dark perfumed
fruit intermingled with French oak, spices, minerals, violets and licorice.
The Tenuta Nuova is impressive mostly for its textural richness and sheer
depth, both qualities it has in spades. The finish is long, sweet and
pure. Here, too, the wine will need at least a few years in bottle before
its full range of aromas and flavors emerges. Neri gave the Tenuta Nuova 30
months in medium-sized French oak tonneaux. |
2004 |
£69.00 |
AG93
2013-24
BIN-END PRICE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
CASTELLO DI NEIVE
A
"good-value"
estate making excellent full-flavoured Barbaresco's |
|
|
|
|
46 |
75cl |
Barbaresco
"Albesani Santa Stefano"
Castello Di Neive
Antonio Galloni -
Freshly cut flowers, rose petals, red berries, liquorice, mint and spices
flesh out in the 2010 Barbaresco Albesani Santo Stefano. With time in the
glass, the 2010 blossoms beautifully. Intensely perfumed and layered, the
2010 boasts gorgeous inner sweetness and fabulous balance. Today the
2010 is firing on all cylinders. The pedigree of this great site comes
through in spades. |
2010 |
£32.00 |
AG94
2016-30 |
|
19 |
75cl |
Barbaresco
"Albesani Santa Stefano"
Castello Di Neive
Antonio Galloni - The 2007
Barbaresco Albesani Santo Stefano shows the weight and richness that is
typical of this south-facing site in Neive. A rich fabric of dark fruit,
fresh roses, new leather and menthol completely cover the palate. The
Santo Stefano is impeccable in its generous, enveloping fruit. The intensity
and sheer depth of the fruit manages to virtually bury the tannins, but
they are there. As delicious as this is today, it will be even better in a
few years- time. |
2007 |
£37.00 |
AG95
2015-27 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
COL D'ORCIA
Antonio Galloni -
When all is said and done, Col
d'Orcia might have produced not just one of the wines of the 2008 vintage,
but possibly two. Proprietor Francesco Marone Cinzano and his team, led by
long-time estate manager Edoardo Virano, have done a magnificent job with
these wines. |
|
|
|
|
58 |
75cl |
Brunello
di Montalcino
Col d'Orcia
Antonio Galloni -
Sweet rich, lush and layered, yet also remarkably light on its feet, the
2008 Brunello di Montalcino dazzles from start to finish. Sweet roses, red
berries, flowers, mint and orange peel all take an appearance in this
utterly impeccable polished Brunello I imagine the 2008 will still be a
special wine at age 30. The aromas are naturally still quite primary, so
some cellaring is advisable. The brutal August hailstorm took with it a full
40% of the production, but left behind a strikingly beautiful Brunello
endowed with seemingly endless layers of fruit and fabulous overall balance. |
2008 |
£34.00 |
AG94
2016-38 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
GIACOMO FENOCCHIO
With vineyards in the heart of
Barolo production zone, the Fenocchio estate has produced wines for over
five generations, following family traditions handed down from father to
son.
Before the Second World War the wine was sold principally in local markets,
but new energy arrived with Giacomo Fenocchio as he acquired new vineyard
holdings in 1964. |
|
|
|
|
41 |
75cl |
Barolo
Giacomo Fenocchio
Richard Hemming, jancisrobinson.com -
Juicy black bramble fruit with a charred beef edge. There's oak
scent here too, lending a delicious cinnamon and clove spice.
Serious structure with boisterous acidity cutting through the
tannin. Smoky on the finish, and beautifully complex.
|
2011 |
£29.00 |
RH18/20
2017-35 |
|
35 |
75cl |
Barolo
Bussia
Giacomo Fenocchio
James Suckling -
Walnut,
berry and milk chocolate character on the nose and palate.
Full and chewy with round and soft tannins
and a savoury finish. |
2011 |
£35.00 |
JS92
2017-26 |
|
30 |
75cl |
Barolo
Villero
Giacomo Fenocchio
James Suckling -
A
refined
and incredibly balanced wine with cedar, berry and milk chocolate character.
Full-bodied yet so silky and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. |
2011 |
£38.00 |
JS95
2016-27 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
FONTODI
A very good Tuscany estate making
full-bodied, well structured wines of great pedigree.
Their Sangiovese vineyard locations are among the very best in
Tuscany. |
|
|
|
|
58 |
75cl |
Chianti Classico
Fontodi
Antonio Galloni -
The 2013
Chianti Classico is gorgeous.
My impression is that proprietor Giovanni Manetti has pulled
back on the intensity in his wines, although he insists nothing
has changed. Still, the 2013 impresses for its total polish and
finesse. Of course, some of that may be attributable to the
late-ripening vintage. In my view, slightly shorter macerations
and more use of large format oak plays a role here. At the same
time, there is plenty of Fontodi's signature textural richness,
but also striking aromatic presence and tons of persistence. A
closing burst of acidity adds vivacity to the dark red and blue
stone fruit flavours. The 2013 is fresh, less heavy and also
less oaky than some recent editions. This is an absolutely
impeccable wine from Fontodi. |
2013 |
£22.00 |
AG92
2016-30 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MARCHESI DE'
FRESCOBALDI
A very good
value Brunello address;
the Castelgiocondo Estate always produces polished and refined
wines -
and 2010 is a great Brunello Vintage! |
|
|
|
|
56 |
75cl |
Brunello di Montalcino
Castelgiocondo
Frescobaldi
Antonio Galloni -
Dark red
cherry, smoke, plum, wild flowers and cedar are some of the
notes that flesh out in the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino from
Castelgiocondo.
Ripe, soft and textured on the palate, the 2010 impresses for
its silkiness and early approachability. Sweet floral and
spiced notes reappear on the finish, adding considerable lift
and perfume. This is a lovely showing from Castelgiocondo and
the Frescobaldi family. |
2010 |
£42.00 |
AG93
2015-25 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
GALARDI
RP -
Terra di Lavoro,
first produced in 1994, has quickly established itself as one of
Italy’s cult wines. I tasted all of these vintages with
proprietors Arturo and Dora Celentano during their first visit
to the US. The Celentanos have a huge passion for food and wine,
and that exuberance comes through loud and clear in these
fabulous wines. |
|
|
|
|
72 |
75cl |
Terra Di Lavoro
Galardi
AG -
An exotic melange of
tar, smoke, graphite, blackberry jam and savoury herbs explode
from the glass.
The 2010 is intense and full-bodied, yet also incredibly
elegant.
A big, breathtaking wine, the 2010 continues to build all
the way through to a deeply resonant, expressive finish. I would
choose to leave this utterly beguiling Campanian red alone for
the better part of a decade, but readers are going to have a
very hard time exercising that patience. This is a fabulous
effort from proprietors Arturo and Dora Celentano, and their
long-time winemaker Riccardo Cotarella. |
2010 |
£62.00 |
AG97+
2020-40 |
|
13 |
75cl |
Terra Di Lavoro
Galardi
Antonio Galloni -
Galardi’s 2008
Terra di Lavoro is a legend in the making. It is a
fabulously ripe, rich and seductive wine endowed with
beautifully articulated dark plums, ash, leather, licorice, all
of which meld together in an explosive, utterly thrilling
display of class and elegance. Clean, mineral notes frame the
eternal finish. |
2008 |
£59.00 |
AG97+
2018-38 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
IMPARATO, SILVIA
RP/Antonio Galloni
- Proprietor Silvia Imparato is one of the early pioneers in the
world of Campanian oenology.
She has enlisted the help of consulting oenologist Riccardo
Cotarella, and together they have created
Montevetrano, the wine that launched Campania in a big way
around the world. |
|
|
|
|
69 |
75cl |
Montevetrano
Imparato, Silvia
Antonio Galloni -
The 2010
Montevetrano is flat-out gorgeous. Vibrant, floral aromatics
lead to layers of beautifully delineated fruit in this finely
sculpted chiselled Montevetrano. A wine of extraordinary
beauty, the 2010 impresses for its clarity and nuance. I
don’t think I have ever tasted a young Montevetrano with this
much pure silkiness and finesse. There is a level of precision
and delineation in the 2010 that is truly marvellous. I can’t
wait to see how it ages. The 2010 is also notable for a much
higher percentage of Aglianico (30%) than has been common in the
past, while the international varieties are less prominent in
the blend. In 2010 Montevetrano is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30%
Aglianico and 20% Merlot, which means the Cabernet Sauvignon now
plays a much smaller role in the blend. |
2010 |
£52.00 |
AG96
2016-26 |
|
29 |
75cl |
Montevetrano
Imparato, Silvia
Antonio Galloni -
The 2007
Montevetrano is the product of an unusual vintage characterized
by hot temperatures that were virtually uninterrupted throughout
the year. Bright red fruit, flowers and spices are some of
the nuances that emerge from this silky, beautifully balanced
Montevetrano. The combination of explosive ripe fruit,
richness and finesse are utterly breathtaking. The warmth of the
vintage comes through in the wine's generosity, yet there are no
suggestions whatsoever of over- ripeness. This is a
magnificent Montevetrano |
2007 |
£49.00 |
AG95
2017-32 |
|
10 |
75cl |
Montevetrano
Imparato, Silvia
Antonio Galloni -
Dark berries, plums,
espresso and spices come to life in the 2000 Montevetrano.
Stylistically the 2000 emphasizes a soft, seamless expression of
fruit over well-articulated aromatics. Though not the most
complex Montevetrano, the 2000 impresses for its remarkable
harmony, integration and sheer opulence, all of which make
it a terrific vintage for drinking now and over the next decade. |
2000 |
£45.00 |
AG93
2013-20
BIN-END PRICE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
ISOLE e OLENA
RP/Antonio Galloni
- Isole e Olena seems to fly under the radar, but insiders know
better. Proprietor Paolo De Marchi crafts some of the most
engaging wines in all of Tuscany, and Italy for that matter. |
|
|
|
|
18 |
75cl |
Cepparello
Isole e Olena
Antonio Galloni -
The 2013
Cepparello is superb. Polished, silky nuanced and
exceptionally beautiful, the 2013 exudes freshness and energy
from start to finish. Succulent red cherry, plum, lavender and
rose petal are some of the signatures. Aging in French oak
shapes the wine nicely without marking it excessively.
The purity of the flavours is striking. This is an especially
cool, savoury Cepparello built on finesse and persistence rather
than power.
I can't wait to see how it ages. |
2013 |
£64.00 |
AG96
2020-38 |
|
20 |
75cl |
Cepparello
Isole e Olena
Antonio Galloni -
The 2009
Cepparello is gorgeous. It brings together the radiance and
ripeness of a warmer year with the medium-bodied structure of a
cooler vintage. Today the 2009 is a bit reticent and appears
headed for a period of dormancy. From time to time hints of its
ultimate potential come through in attractive layers of dark red
fruit. The rich, textured finish bodes well for the future. |
2009 |
£57.00 |
AG95
2019-34 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
