Tim Atkin MW (96)

Discover the exquisite Paulus Wine Co., Bartas Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2023, a testament to Stellenbosch's renowned terroir. Crafted by the esteemed Paulus Wine Co., this Chenin Blanc is meticulously vinified using hand-harvested grapes from the prestigious Bartas vineyard. The grapes undergo a gentle pressing followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their vibrant fruit character and crisp acidity. A subtle ageing on neutral oak allows for a harmonious integration of flavours without overshadowing the varietal's inherent freshness. The 2023 vintage reveals a brilliant golden hue, complemented by aromas of ripe pear, apple blossom, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it offers a lively acidity balanced with a nuanced complexity, showcasing notes of citrus zest and white peach, culminating in a clean, lingering finish. Ideal for pairing with seafood or light poultry dishes, this Chenin Blanc exemplifies Paulus Wine Co.'s dedication to quality and elegance.

The Paulus Wine Co., Bosberaad Chenin Blanc, Voor-Paarderberg 2023 is a quintessential expression of South Africa’s esteemed Swartland region. Crafted meticulously from hand-picked Chenin Blanc grapes, this wine undergoes a careful fermentation process in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant acidity and fresh fruit character. Paulus Wine Co., renowned for their commitment to sustainable viticulture, employs minimal intervention techniques, allowing the purest expression of the terroir to shine through. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and subtle floral notes, complemented by a crisp and balanced palate with a lingering minerality. The Voor-Paarderberg terroir imparts a unique complexity, making this 2023 vintage a remarkable addition to any fine wine collection. Perfectly suited to pair with seafood, poultry, or creamy cheeses, this Bosberaad Chenin Blanc exemplifies refined elegance and expert craftsmanship.

Hailing from the prestigious biodynamic vineyards in the Rhine region, the Peter Jacob Kuhn Mittelheimer St Nikolaus Riesling QBA Trocken 2018 is a testament to expertly orchestrated single variety vinification. Cultivated in Mittelheim, Germany, under the watchful eye of Peter Jacob Kuhn, this finely balanced wine boasts captivating minerality with a proud German specificity. The unique climatic profile paired with the careful handling of the indigenous Riesling grape variety strategically, results in a dry yet impressively intense flavour profile. As a Demeter certified winery, Kuhn's holistic approach emphasises harmony with nature, nurturing each grape from vine to bottle. Teeming with an expressive spiciness, outstanding juiciness, and a textured finish, each sip reveals layer upon layer of complexity. Savour the Peter Jacob Kuhn Mittelheimer St Nikolaus Riesling QBA Trocken 2018 for a reflection of impeccable German tradition expertly harmonised with contemporary biodynamic practices.

The Peter Jacob Kuhn Mittelheimer St Nikolaus Riesling QBA Trocken 2019 exemplifies the pinnacle of Riesling craftsmanship from the esteemed Mittelheim vineyards. Cultivated in the renowned Mittelheimer appellation, this 2019 vintage showcases the meticulous hand-harvesting and precise fermentation techniques employed by Peter Jacob Kuhn, a revered name in fine wine production. The Riesling grapes are carefully selected to ensure optimal acidity and aromatic complexity, resulting in a crisp, dry profile characteristic of Trocken styles. On the palate, vibrant notes of green apple, citrus, and subtle minerality intertwine, reflecting the terroir’s unique slate soils. The wine’s elegant structure and lingering finish make it a superb pairing for gourmet cuisine or as a distinguished aperitif. Peter Jacob Kuhn's dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every bottle, offering connoisseurs an exquisite expression of Riesling excellence. This Mittelheimer St Nikolaus Riesling QBA Trocken 2019 is a testament to the producer’s esteemed legacy and the exceptional terroir of Mittelheim.

Savour the unique complexity of the Peter Jakob Kühn Lenchen Riesling Kabinett 2021, an exquisite example of Germanic viniculture from the renowned Rheingau wine region. This biodynamic wine is created by one of the Germany's most esteemed vintners, Peter Jakob Kühn, following traditional and environmentally respectful principles. This wine is a glorious testament to the family's commitment to producing wines that echo their terroir.

Matured in large old oak barrels, the Lenchen Riesling Kabinett 2021 has an aromatic bouquet, revealing luscious accents of ripe peach and other tropical fruits, complemented by a subtle minerality. This is a beautifully crafted Kabinett, precisely balanced between residual sweetness and acidity, resulting in an exhilarating taste experience.

The Peter Jakob Kühn Lenchen Riesling Kabinett 2021 sets a delightful benchmark in energetic, vibrant, and multi-layered Riesling expressions. An entrancing choice for connoisseurs seeking excellence in Riesling.'s

As a pinnacle expression of German viticulture, the Peter Jakob Kuhn Oestricher Doosberg Riesling GG 2017 exemplifies elegance and verve. Emanating from the Rheingau region, this fine wine is lovingly crafted by venerated producer Peter Jakob Kühn, an advocate of biodynamic winemaking since 2004. This standout Riesling is born on the slopes of the Doosberg vineyard, where mineral-rich slate soils mirror the cool climate's nuance.

The meticulous winemaking process retains the grapes' inherent character whilst exhibiting a profound depth of flavour. On the palate, this 2017 vintage unveils an orchestra of invigorating acidity balanced by innate sweetness, embodying the quintessence of great German Riesling. Subtle notes of lime, green apple and mineral fill the sensory profile.

With sustainability as its core ethos, Peter Jakob Kuhn remains the paragon of excellence, manifesting in the Oestricher Doosberg Riesling GG 2017, a testament to the enduring charm of German wine.

Peter Jakob Kuhn Oestricher Doosberg Riesling GG 2018 epitomises the quintessential expression of Pfalz terroir. Cultivated on the esteemed Doosberg slope, the vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure and a complex soil composition of sandstone and clay, ideal for Riesling varietals. Hand-harvested with meticulous care, the grapes are selected to ensure only the highest quality proceeds to fermentation. Designated as 'Große Gewächs', this wine reflects exceptional standards, with fermentation carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant acidity and nuanced aromatics. The wine matures in neutral vessels, allowing the pure fruit essence to flourish unabated. This 2018 vintage displays a brilliant pale gold hue, unveiling intense notes of citrus, ripe stone fruits, and subtle mineral undertones, culminating in a refined, lingering finish. Produced by the distinguished Peter Jakob Kuhn family, renowned for their dedication to quality and tradition, this Riesling GG stands as a masterful testament to elegance and precision.

The Peter Jakob Kuhn Schlehdorn Riesling Trocken 2017 epitomises Austrian craftsmanship in viticulture. Sourced from the esteemed Schlehdorn vineyard in the Wachau region, this dry Riesling benefits from the terrace’s unique granite and slate soils, which impart a distinctive minerality. Peter Jakob Kuhn, renowned for his commitment to sustainable practices, employs hand-harvesting techniques to ensure only the finest grapes are selected. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, the wine preserves its vibrant acidity and exquisite purity. The 2017 vintage showcases a brilliant pale straw hue, complemented by intense aromas of citrus zest, green apple, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of freshness and complexity, with a lingering mineral finish. Ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, or aged cheeses, the Schlehdorn Riesling Trocken 2017 reflects Peter Jakob Kuhn’s dedication to quality and the rich terroir of Wachau. A distinguished choice for the discerning wine connoisseur.

Introducing the Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett Fass 5 Auction 2022, an embodiment of Mosel winemaking's quintessential finesse. Artisanally crafted by the esteemed Florian Lauer in Germany, this Riesling exhibits a vibrant vitality that connoisseurs cherish. Grown on the iconic Ayler Kupp hillside, renowned for its steep, slate-rich slopes, the grapes express a unique mineral complexity that unmistakably reflects their original terroir.

The 2022 vintage, characterised by its perfect balance of ripe, sweet fruit and refreshing acidity, captured in a bottle labelled "Fass 5," demarcates its exclusive Auction range. Florian Lauer's meticulous, traditional methods yield a wine that's simultaneously elegant and intense. Aromatic notes of green apple, juicy peach, and citrus intertwine with a delicate honeyed finish, promising a delightful wine experience.

The Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett Fass 5 Auction 2022 is a testament to a timeless wine-making legacy and a thrilling treat for fine wine lovers.

Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Riesling Spatlese Fass 23 Auktion 2022 exemplifies exceptional Riesling craftsmanship from the renowned Peter Lauer estate in the esteemed Ayler Kupp vineyards. This Spätlese is meticulously hand-harvested to ensure optimal ripeness, reflecting the unique terroir of the Fass 23 block. Fermented in precise stainless steel tanks, the 2022 vintage preserves the varietal’s vibrant acidity and intricate aromatic profile. Tasting notes reveal layers of ripe peach, honeyed apricot, and a subtle minerality, harmoniously balanced with a touch of sweetness. Peter Lauer’s dedication to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques is evident in every bottle, delivering a wine of remarkable depth and elegance. The Ayler Kupp Riesling Spätlese Fass 23 Auktion 2022 offers a lingering finish, making it an ideal companion for fine cuisine or a distinguished addition to any connoisseur’s collection. Experience the pinnacle of Riesling excellence with this exquisite vintage.

Crafted with precision and finesse, Peter Lauer Feils Riesling GG 2018 bears testimony to Germany's exceptional wine-making tradition. Sourced primarily in the idyllic vineyards of Saar, this dry Riesling is the brainchild of the esteemed Florian Lauer, renowned for his unwavering commitment to perpetuate ancestral wine-making techniques. This vintage offers an enticing blend of minerality and tension with a refreshing acidity making it an exceptional company for any gastronomic experience.

The meticulously handpicked grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation, ensuing a distinct, unparalleled taste. Each sip unveils a delectable harmony of citrus notes, green apple tanginess and a restrained honeyed sweetness indicative of its impeccable vineyard origin. Imagine this bottle bringing intricate, delicate flavours unfurling on your palate, revealing its layered complexity with each swirl. An exquisite embodiment of its terroir, Peter Lauer Feils Riesling GG 2018 is indeed a testament to the celebrated mastery of German viticulture.

Experience the unrivalled brilliance of Peter Lauer Saarfeilser GG Fass 13 2017, a prestigious wine finely crafted from 100% Riesling grapes in the revered Saar region of Germany. This exquisite single-vineyard offering from the renowned Lauer family, custodians of the art of winemaking since the 17th century, is an embodiment of impeccable quality dictated by strict German VDP classification. Aged gracefully in old, large barrels, flavour development is practiced to perfection, culminating in a wine of profound minerality, delicate fruitiness, and vivid acidity. Remarkably dry for a Saar Riesling, it exudes alluring notes of citrus, green apple, and a whisper of spice. Peter Lauer Saarfeilser GG Fass 13 2017's complexity, depth, and undeniable elegance herald a new benchmark for dry German Rieslings. An absolute gem, it stands an embodiment of the Lauer estate's dedication to tradition and finesse, enveloped in every bottle.

Marvellously complex, yet meticulously balanced, the Peter Lauer Schonfels Fass 11 GG 2019 merits the high acclaim associated with its name. This Riesling is masterfully produced in the distinct terroir of the Schonfels vineyard in Ayler, Germany by the renowned Lauer estate. The Lauer family, grounded in tradition from as early as 1830, is known for crafting characteristically dry, potent Rieslings using spontaneous fermentation methods only.

This exceptional 2019 vintage, characterised by its robust structure and potent minerality, exhibits an exquisite variety of flavours and aromas. It presents delicate notes of vibrant citrus fruits that subtly complement an undercurrent of exquisite smoky minerality. Maturing harmoniously in large old oak Fuder barrels, the Peter Lauer Schonfels Fass 11 GG 2019 offers a wine that's not only unique but irresistibly delectable, perfectly articulating the quality standard of the Lauer lineage.

Wine Advocate (91)

Delve into the remarkable flavours of the Pocas Colheita Port 1997, a distinguished offering from Portugal's Douro region. Cultivated and crafted by Pocas, an esteemed family-run winery established in 1918, this fine port represents their rich tradition and mastery of port winemaking. A ‘colheita’ port is a tawny port from a single vintage year, and this notable 1997 edition belies its age in a display of unrivalled excellence.

With 22 years of maturation in wooden barrels, the Pocas Colheita Port 1997 proffers layers of rich, complex flavours - toasted nuts, dried fruits, and delicate hints of spice balanced by an elegant, lingering finish. Lauded by connoisseurs worldwide, its beautiful amber hue is indicative of its quality and depth. Whether enjoyed as a meditative sipper or paired with indulgent desserts, the Pocas Colheita Port 1997 is an opulent journey through the distinguished history and artistry of Pocas.