The Albert Mann Riesling Schlossberg Epicentre 2016 is a true manifestation of Alsace's opulence, crafted meticulously by the acclaimed Domaine Albert Mann. Boasting remarkable finesse and a perfectly harmonious balance, this highly-regarded millésime originates from the illustrious Grand Cru Schlossberg vineyard. The grapes are gently hand-picked and undergo a slow fermentation, preserving their delightful aromatic radius. Mineral, fruity and floral notes join forces, revealing an intricate palate that is an ode to the grace and precision of high-quality Alsatian Riesling.

The wine is matured in century-old French oak casks for a year, offering a noble expression of its terroir. The Albert Mann Riesling Schlossberg Epicentre 2016 embodies profound layers of texture and intensity, underpinned by a lively acidity that ensures commendable ageing potential. This superb ensemble will undoubtedly fascinate the most discerning palates with its captivating complexity and, above all, its ability to personify the respected craftsmanship of the Mann dynasty.

Wine Advocate (100)

Belargus's dark, amber-orange colored 2018 Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Liquoreux Ultra is a tribute to the famous Ambroisie by Jo Pithon, an over-concentrated Quarts-de-Chaume with more than 30 degrees potential at harvest, referred to as “Ultra.” The wine opens with an intense and ultra concentrated but still vinous and not overly fruity bouquet with pencil point notes on the first nose that slowly reveals concentrated, syrupy apricot and roasted bacon-rind notes. Enormously viscous on the palate but at the same time so finessed, vital and balanced that the wine never weighs heavily and is not even sticky, this is an exceptional QDC, of which just one barrel was produced. This 2018 is made for eternity and belongs to the finest noble sweet wines I have ever had. Even though I am so much in love with the Les Quarts twin, I have to admit that here comes not only an even sweeter Quarts-de-Chaume but also an even more concentrated and finessed one. The aging capacity is ideal, and due to its balance, I don't see any doubts the wine can age 100 and more years. What a start for Domaine Belargus! 9% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021.

Embodying the essence of Southwest France, the Cauhape Bolero Jurancon 2020 exhibits exceptional character, procured and curated by revered producer Domaine Cauhape. Nesting in the heart of Jurancon, the vineyard utilises an unparalleled terroir, achieving the perfect balance of fresh acidity and beguiling sweetness. A notable vintage, the Cauhape Bolero Jurancon 2020, follows the traditional method of late harvesting aromatic Petit Manseng grapes, which are manually picked with precision.

Each luxurious sip unveils a symphony of tropical fruits underscored by a sublime honeyed richness and a refreshing mineral finish. The wine boasts an exquisite balance, teaming the natural residual sugar with a perfect acidic structure, creating an inviting and incredibly favourable palate experience. Trust in the expertise of Domaine Cauhape and discover the magic of the Cauhape Bolero Jurancon 2020, a wine that transcends time, showcasing the beauty and enduring tradition of Jurancon viticulture.

Discover the inimitable allure of Cauhape Jurancon Quintessence Petit Manseng 2016. This much sought after vintage hails from the acclaimed Jurancon region nestled in the heart of Southwest France. Exclusively produced by Dominique and Carole Zèmmer at the esteemed Domaine Cauhape, the wine is a reflection of their unwavering commitment to quality.

Masterfully crafted from 100% Petit Manseng grapes, the Quintessence Petit Manseng 2016 brilliantly encapsulates the unique terroir of Jurancon. Handpicked and carefully sorted, the grapes are then vinified and aged in oak barrels, contributing to its exceptional complexities. The wine's notable freshness elegantly intermingles with rich layers of tropical fruits and sweet spice aromas, achieving a harmonious balance.

This masterpiece is a testament to the art of winemaking at Domaine Cauhape. The Cauhape Jurancon Quintessence Petit Manseng 2016 is, in essence, a sublime example of prestigious French winemaking.

Wine Advocate (100)

Following a very long harvest stretching nearly two months, the 2015 Château d'Yquem came in at 13.9% alcohol and 144 grams per liter of residual sugar, sporting a pH of 3.65 and six grams per liter of tartaric acid. None of these numbers, however, even remotely begin to tell you how profound this wine is. The nose opens with electric notes of ripe pineapples, green mango, orange blossoms and lemon tart with hints of fungi, lime zest, crushed rocks and jasmine. The freshness on the palate is just astonishing, permeating and lifting layer upon layer of tropical fruits and earthy notions, all encased in a sumptuous texture and culminating in a very, very long, mineral-tinged finish. Truly, this is a legendary vintage for d'Yquem. I've been conservative with my drinking window here, and I would not be at all surprised if our descendants are drinking this vintage well into the next century.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.

Vinous - Neal Martin (98)

Owners LVMH took the decision to delay the release of the 2019 Yquem until spring 2022. It was tasted with winemaker Sandrine Garbay in London. After the summer drought when Sauternes received just 2.5mm of rain until 26 July, that day saw a 112mm deluge that replenished underground reserves and gave ripening the push it needed. Dry and warm conditions prevailed throughout September when there was no sign of botrytis infection. That was finally provoked by 38mm of rain between 21 and 25 of September, followed by warm clement weather. After minor picking of Sauvignon Blanc on 7 of October, the main harvest began in earnest on 10 October. Pickers worked over the following five days, including Sunday. Time was of the essence because, as forecasts predicted, the weather suddenly changed on 14 of October with 40mm or rain. After that, the picking teams skirted between showers between 17 and 22 of October, though by now the fruit had begun to deteriorate. Therefore, the key aspect of this Yquem is the extremely tight picking window. The final blend contains 138g/L residual sugar, which is slightly less than the previous vintage, with 5.5g/L total acidity and 14.4% alcohol. Tasting the 2019, I noticed that it has a slightly paler hue compared to recent vintages (though I never read too much into the colour of young Sauternes.) For certain, it has a highly-aromatic bouquet that is beguiling in purity, enticing aromas of honeysuckle and saffron, soon joined by camomile, white flowers and orange blossom. It has wonderful delineation and gains intensity with aeration. The palate is supremely well-balanced with fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious and armed with just the right amount of viscosity, this Yquem is surprisingly understated at first but gains presence, offering irresistible flavours of layers of honey, lemongrass, lemon thyme and orange pith. Yquem is so tempting in its youth, but I feel that this vintage will repay those with the nous to cellar for at least a decade.

The Wine Independent (97+)

The 2020 Château d'Yquem a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. It has 135 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.79. Pale lemon-gold colored, citrus and baking spice notes emerge slowly from the glass, rising to offer well-defined scents of candied ginger, orange blossoms, allspice, and almond tart, leading to a flamboyant core of peach cobbler, ripe, juicy pineapple, jasmine tea, and apple butter with a waft of saffron. The palate is full-bodied and characteristically rich, yet possesses impressive tension and therefore stunning harmony. Layers of exotic spices and fragrant white flower accents fill the palate, leading to a long finish with lingering chalk and mineral nuances. It’s a showy Yquem that is gregarious in youth but is reserving that extra something for those with the patience to wait twenty years or more.

The Wine Cellar Insider (98)

The complex aromatic profile explodes from the glass with pineapple, papaya, apricot, Meyer lemon, tangerine peels, caramel, honey, vanilla, saffron, cashews, and candied grapefruit in the aromatic profile. The palate resides perfectly in the middle of hedonism, and vibrancy. Clearly, there is ample sweetness, but the racy acidity provides incredible lift, energy, and length. The fruit expresses purity in its tangerines, oranges, mango, papaya, banana, and pineapples all slathered in honey. This is one of those Yquem's that can be enjoyed either as a sweet wine, or due to its vibrancy, with a diverse array of savory, and spicy dishes. Produced from a blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 148 Grams per liter, 14% ABV, 3.79 pH. Yields were only 8 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest took place over an extended time, September 12 - October 27, with 4 passes in total. As you can see, the harvest was quite long, but picking the heart of vintage took place mid-to late October. Drink from 2027-2075.

James Suckling (96)

Wonderful precision and depth right away on the nose, with dried pineapple, light apricot and hints of flint and slate. Medium-bodied palate that’s firm, bright and linear. Vivid,driven acidity adds focus and perfection. Dried lemon and a wonderful, creamy texture with a mineral undertone. Extremely long, almost endless. Sophistication here. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (97-99)

Pale to medium gold in color, the 2019 L'Extravagant is a powerhouse from start to finish. The nose is such a complex cocktail, it nearly blows you over with scents of pineapple upside-down cake, preserved mandarin peel, candied ginger and mango pudding plus nuances of acacia honey, beeswax, baker's yeast, wild fungi and burnt sugar. The palate is full-on pedal to the metal unctuousness with the rich sweetness beautifully offset by refreshing acidity and layer upon layer of savory, tropical fruit and earthy flavors, finishing with a long-lingering zesty lift. Strap yourselves in for this thrill ride and do not even attempt to drink anything else after this!