Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

The 2004 Rosé Cuvée Alexandra (magnum) is another utterly breathtaking wine from Laurent Perrier. A Champagne of total finesse and understatement, the 2004 is totally mind-blowing. Crushed rose petal, sweet red-toned fruit, mint, chalk, white pepper and slate are some of the many notes that are woven together. The 2004 is aging so well. It's a timeless beauty, an outstanding choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2024.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

The 2004 Rosé Cuvée Alexandra (magnum) is another utterly breathtaking wine from Laurent Perrier. A Champagne of total finesse and understatement, the 2004 is totally mind-blowing. Crushed rose petal, sweet red-toned fruit, mint, chalk, white pepper and slate are some of the many notes that are woven together. The 2004 is aging so well. It's a timeless beauty, an outstanding choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2024.

Falstaff (96)

A creamy nose promises a smooth opening, the scent of sweet-salt, hazelnutty crumble crust is mouth-watering. The palate is taut but tiny bubbles carry bright lemon zestiness to the tastebuds. It is this lemony serenity and clean-cut 2008 character that remains centre-stage throughout, with subtle autolysis in the background. Very elegant and lasting.

Falstaff (96)

A creamy nose promises a smooth opening, the scent of sweet-salt, hazelnutty crumble crust is mouth-watering. The palate is taut but tiny bubbles carry bright lemon zestiness to the tastebuds. It is this lemony serenity and clean-cut 2008 character that remains centre-stage throughout, with subtle autolysis in the background. Very elegant and lasting.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)

Fairly pale color. Complex, soil-inflected, smoky nose combines pineapple, peach, apricot, rose petal, cinnamon and mace; reminded me of Condrieu. Fresh and ripe in the mouth, with impressively intense flavors of fruits and spices. Finishes strong and spicy, with a late note of pink peppercorn.

James Suckling (99)

Incredible aromas of apple skin, pie crust, praline and flowers. So young in the nose. Full-bodied with super-fine tannins. It’s tight and refined, yet structured and intense. Really long and beautiful. Still shy. Wonderful finish. 12 years on its lees before disgorging. Three vintages in the blend – 2008 (65%), 2007 (25%) and 2006 (10%). 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir. It’s the highest percentage of chardonnay ever.

James Suckling (99)

Dried lemons, salted almonds, oyster shells, croissants, iodine, baked apples, spices and some ginger notes. White pepper, too. Vibrant and fresh, with a distinct saline edge. I like the subtle spice character. So much subtle power and tension. 58% chardonnay and 42% pinot noir, from 2006, 2004 and 2002. 14 years on the lees, three or four more than the normal bottle release. Only available in magnum. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (100)

This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (100)

This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold.

Jancis Robinson (19.5)

Deep gold. Woo hoo! Really explosive cordite. Tight and fresh but with many nuances and extremely long. Creamy Chardonnay and some savoury notes. Lovely tight filigree texture. Masses of acidity – but lots of fruit too before a dry finish. Sort of like a really fine mature white burgundy but much fresher and more like a ballerina!

Vinous (92)

(100% saignée Pinot Noir): Vivid orange-pink. An expressive, spice-accented bouquet evokes fresh raspberry, orange pith, white flowers and ginger, with a hint of rhubarb adding an earthy flourish. Sappy and broad in the mouth, offering intense red fruit and bitter citrus flavors underscored by chalky mineral and white pepper notes. Rich yet lively rosé with excellent closing thrust and floral persistence.

Burghound (93)

This is also aromatically quite restrained but aggressive swirling reveals a lovely blend of spice elements that suffuse very ripe aromas of poached plum, cassis and violet. Once again there is excellent volume and mid-palate density to the attractively textured big-bodied flavors that terminate in a mocha and bitter pit fruit-inflected finish that is noticeably warm. There is much to like here but the balance isn't quite as well dialed in as the best in the range.

Embodying the pinnacle of fine winemaking, the Laurent Ponsot Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Cuvee de l'Amandier 2021 is a triumphant notation of viticulture mastery in a bottle. Crafted in the verdant vineyards of Bonnes Mares Grand Cru, one of Burgundy's most prestigious appellations, it bears the distinguished character of its blessed terroir. Each bottle perpetuates Ponsot's legacy, a renowned winery famed for its holistic commitment to natural viticulture since 1872.

Now into the 4th generation, Ponsot's pursuit for excellence has culminated in this exquisite blend, unanimously lauded for its riveting complexity and depth. Evocative notes of ripe cherries, wild berries and spices unfurl in an elegant bouquet, framed by firm yet finely grained tannins. Its richness and structure are undeniably reminiscent of its oak ageing, striking a harmonious balance of power and finesse. Laurent Ponsot Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Cuvee de l'Amandier 2021, indeed, is the distinguished epitome of Burgundian Pinot Noir.

Immerse yourself in the mesmerising allure of the Laurent Ponsot Bourgogne Rouge Cuvee des Peupliers 2021, a splendid representative of French oenology acquired from illustrious vineyards in the Burgundy region. This exceptional red wine, crafted masterfully by the Ponsot family, showcases a harmonious balance of vibrant berry flavours with subtle hints of meticulous oak infusion. A leverage of cutting-edge viticulture techniques complement traditional practices in the vinification process, stimulating the natural and unique expression of the localised terroir.

This wine boasts a complex and refined character, owing much to the meticulous selection of Pinot Noir grape varieties. The production process involves meticulous cultivation methods and sustainable wine-growing practices, preserving the intrinsic purity of the nature-bound grape flavours. Rendered in an elegant ruby hue, Laurent Ponsot Bourgogne Rouge Cuvee des Peupliers 2021 is an exceptional example of Ponsot's commitment to exemplary quality and unequaled tradition. Sip and savour this bold, poised, tantalising treasure from Burgundy's distinguished producer.

The Laurent Ponsot Chambertin Grand Cru Cuvee du Chene 2018 is a profound expression of the world-renowned terroir of Burgundy, France. This exquisite wine, lovingly crafted by the esteemed Laurent Ponsot, emanates from one of the most original vineyards within the Côte de Nuits region. Each bottle encapsulates Ponsot's commitment to traditional, non-interventionist vinification, a method greatly respected within the industry.

The carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes, hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, results in a wine of extraordinary complexity and depth of flavour. A striking amalgamation of plum, wild berries, earthy undertones and a subtle touch of oak notably distinguish the Laurent Ponsot Chambertin Grand Cru Cuvee du Chene 2018 from other wines. Its balance, depth, and structure, coupled with a bold yet well-integrated tannic backbone, promise a long reign in your cellar. With this phenomenal Grand Cru, you are investing not merely in a bottle of wine, but a piece of history from the heart of Burgundy.