Rest of World
Rest of World
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€190.38 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)One of my "go to" wines when I see it on a restaurant wine list, this intensely perfumed Syrah comes from seven vineyards, mostly on schist soils. Made with 90% whole bunches, it has more tannin than you think at first, layers of spice, violet and blackberry fruit and a refreshing tang. |
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Bekaa Valley | 1 | 18.5 (JR) |
Inc. TAX
€855.18 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)‘An exceptional year’, with a dry winter, fresh spring, good flowering. Mild summer with a cloudy July and August, and a hot, sunny September. Bright garnet. Pale rim. Broad and rich with a minty note. More mainstream than many in terms of its build and flavours. Still evolving but beautifully balanced. Lots of energy and transparency. No heaviness at all. Rich but lifted. Already gorgeous but there are tannins behind the exotic fruit and brilliant freshness. Still quite youthful. |
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Bekaa Valley | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,093.10 |
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Bekaa Valley | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€523.98 |
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Bekaa Valley | 3 | - |
Inc. TAX
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Bekaa Valley | 1 | 91 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€449.58 |
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Decanter (91)This single-vineyard wine, from Aana, is made in a modern style: concentrated and slightly reductive. It shows notes of new oak barrels, lovely red berry fruit (reminiscent of Grenache) and garrigue aromas. So Mediterranean on the palate, with sweet tannins, spices and a meaty hint on the aftertaste. A very friendly, easy-to-drink and enjoyable wine. It becomes even better and more refined a day after the bottle is opened. I would recommend decanting it. |
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Bekaa Valley | 5 | - |
Inc. TAX
€524.05 |
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Douro | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,412.21 |
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Wine Advocate (98)I was blown away by the elegance and subtleness of the 2021 Charme, I wine I know quite well and have followed from the first vintage (I think even a non-commercial release in the beginning). It's a red wine produced in Vale Mendiz where they make the Port, a mixture of vineyards from the village. It had a very short maceration of the full clusters in lagar, was pressed to barrels where it finished fermenting and was put through malolactic, was kept in barrel for nine months and then was transferred to the cellar in Quinta de Napoles. It has a very elegant and perfumed style, with no oak whatsoever. It's floral, with notes of red berries and herbs and a medium-bodied palate with refined, elegant tannins and a long and supple finish with a spicy twist (from the barrels? some 15% to 20% new). This wine has been changing through the years, and this has to be the most elegant version of it, following the path of the 2018. It has a moderate 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.56 and 5.7 grams of acidity. 9,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023. Superb! |
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Douro | 8 | - |
Inc. TAX
€236.68 |
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Coastal Region | 100 | 87 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€661.79 |
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Wine Advocate (87)The 2011 Eisen & Viljoen has a better set of aromatics than the 2012: blackberry, sage and graphite scents, quite reserved but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe black fruit mixed with blueberry and graphite. Like the 2012, there seems to be just a touch of bitterness on the finish, though not as procounced as the ensuing vintage, but detracting from what could have been a better wine. Re-tasting in South Africa with the owners, unfortunately I found the same thing. There were just 11 barrels produced. |
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Coastal Region | 5 | 86 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€667.79 |
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Wine Advocate (86)The 2012 Eisen & Viljoen has a well defined, quite focused bouquet with blackberry, smoke, cedar and undergrowth scents that have a Left Bank-like flair. The palate is medium-bodied with quite dense black fruit, and is nicely balanced, but I noticed a green note on the finish that knocks over what could have been a fine wine. That's a shame. I would be intrigued to taste another vintage. |
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Coastal Region | 15 | - |
Inc. TAX
€528.85 |
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The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2013 boasts an exquisite finesse known only to ne plus ultra wines. Crafted with meticulous precision in the prestigious vineyards of Franschhoek, South Africa, this blend masterfully embodies the quintessence of its terroir. This elegant representation is primarily composed of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, showcasing exceptional complexity and depth. The pioneering producers, Normandie Estate with talents Drs. Jan Viljoen and Suzette Viljoen Eisen at helm, guarantee viticulture excellence. Rich tastes of blackberry, currant, and chocolate delight the palate, resulting in a lingering full-bodied finish. Maturation took place over 18 months in French oak barrels, further refining its sophisticated profile. The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2013 exemplifies the pinnacle of South African wine, promising a captivating experience for any discerning connoisseur. A worthy addition to your collection if there ever was one. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€451.43 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Arguably the most Burgundian of Cape Pinot Noirs, guided by the gentle hand of consultant Martin Prieur, this scented, refined red comesfrom three sites and is made with clones 113, 115 and 777. Savoury red fruit, bright acidity, filigree tannins and deftly integrated wood. |
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Porto | 10 | - |
Inc. TAX
€329.87 |
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From the oak-casked reserves of Portugal emanates a distinguished drink, the Pocas Tawny 10YO Port NV. Crafted by Pocas, a family-owned business with an enviable track record of creating fine wines since 1918, this Port is a testament to their celebrated wine-making skill. Matured for an exacting ten years in seasoned wooden barrels, Pocas Tawny 10YO Port NV acquires its unique amber colour and complex flavour profile. Notable for its rich, nutty aroma, it entices the senses with hints of dried fruits, honey, and a delicate touch of spice. Sourced from vineyards spread across the Douro region, widely hailed for its excellent growing conditions, the quality of the grapes is uncompromising. The meticulous pressed grape juice is then fermented and fortified before embarking on their long slumber within oak barrels. The result is Pocas Tawny 10YO Port NV, a seductive, well-rounded pleasure that leaves an enduring impression on any fine wine aficionado's palate. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,017.97 |
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Tim Atkin MW (98)Has any brand in South Africa achieved quite so much as Porseleinberg in less than a decade? This is the best vintage yet from this steep, brutal, extreme schist-rich site and that's saying a good deal. Big, bold and intense, with incredible, almost feral intensity, incense, tar and black pepper aromas and layers of inky dark fruit. A stunning wine from a stunning site, made by a gem of a winemaker. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 100 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,080.37 |
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Tim Atkin MW (100)In the right hands, great sites produce great wines. Since its inception in 2010, Porseleinberg has been one of the Cape's most exciting reds, but nothing quite prepared me for the transcendent brilliance of this wine. In uenced by some time spent at Domaine Jamet in Côte Rôtie - particularly their use of a submerged cap during fermentation - Callie Louw has made a stunning Syrah, proving his skills as both a farmer and a winemaker. In 2018, the style has shifted, away from power and grip to something more scented and re ned. Focused, nuanced and very delicately oaked, with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, clove and white pepper spice and textured tannins. Simply world class. 2023-35 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 99 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€883.57 |
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Tim Atkin MW (99)This remarkable site has established itself as one of the world's great Syrah vineyards in less than a decade. Sourced from four blocks totally 4.5 hectares, Callie Louw's stunning red is just short of perfection this year, but is still brilliant, confirming the evolution in style of the Jamet-inspired 2018. Leafy, spicy, rose petal aromas are supported by pure red berry fruit, detailed tannins and the faintest hint of oak. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€882.37 |
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Tim Atkin MW (98)"We pick the vintage," says Callie Louw, whose 2020 Porseleinberg is the second lightest in alcohol he's ever made at 13.6%. Fermented with 100% whole bunches using the submerged cap technique that transformed the wine in 2018, this is another scented, seamless stunner from Callie Louw. Aged in large foudres and 5% concrete eggs, it's a spicy, sappy, hauntingly elegant Syrah from a brutal site, with kelp, rose petal and fynbos aromas, juicy bramble and red berry fruit, fine tannins and a wonderful sense of energy. 2024-32 |
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Coastal Region | 2 | 99 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€959.24 |
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Tim Atkin MW (99)Given its consistently outstanding quality, it’s easy to forget that the average age of Porseleinberg's 14 hectares of vineyards is only seven years' old. Showing what Callie Louw calls a "little more crunch" in 2021, this is a Syrah with time on its side. Wild herb aromas of sage, oregano and rosemary introduce you to a palate that's dense yet refined, with lots of whole bunch spice and structure, negligible oak influence, detailed, layered tannins, some underlying grip and layers of dark berry fruit. One of the world's great reds from a very special site. 2025-32 |
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Douro | 14 | - |
Inc. TAX
€2,068.42 |
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Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 is an exemplary reflection of the Douro Valley. This partnership of the Symington family, known for their remarkable holdings in the northern Portuguese river valley, and Bruno Prats, former owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel, has resulted in an opulent, deep-hued wine precision-crafted from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes. Rich fragrance of violets and fresh blackberries emanate from this wine, unveiling robust tannins and a nuanced finish that solidifies the 2011 vintage's reputation for exceptional longevity. The medieval-like steep terraces of carefully chosen vineyards yield limited quantities, adding to this wine's exclusivity. Precision winemaking techniques like foot treading in temperature-controlled granite lagares ensure a harmonious interplay of power and finesse. Resting in French oak barrels for 15 months, Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 boasts a complexity akin to Bordeaux-style essence, yet indelibly Portuguese, making it a treasure for serious collectors and oenophiles alike. |
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Douro | 4 | - |
Inc. TAX
€672.55 |
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Well regarded as a premier producer of Douro wines, Prats & Symington deftly crafted the Chryseia 2013 from a dry winter followed by an extremely hot summer, yielding flavours incomparable to previous vintages. Noted for the superb quality of touriga nacional and touriga franca grapes, this wine exudes a striking aromatic profile accentuated by blackberries, violets, and exotic spices - a direct product of meticulous winemaking and the unique Douro Superior terroir. The Prats & Symington Chryseia 2013 exhibits beautiful depth and complexity. Lush hints of black fruit are perfectly balanced by the wine's vibrant acidity and refined tannins, resulting in a seamless, long finish. No stone was left unturned during its production; 100% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, adding an extra layer of richness and texture. Prats & Symington's commitment to quality in creating the Chryseia 2013 sets a remarkable standard for Douro wines, promising an unrivalled wine-drinking experience. |
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Douro | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. TAX
€690.78 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)The first words I wrote in my tasting book were, ‘best Chryseia to date’. This is an incredible wine with so much character and accuracy it is impressive. I have visited this property and felt the aura emanating from these historic vineyards. This wine manages to bottle these mysterious elements allowing them to embed themselves into the intense, majestic and deeply fruited body of the two Touriga grapes. While this will be a long-lived wine, there is no doubt that it will appeal to impatient palates, too, given its tremendous and immediate appeal. I feel that this famous wine label is finally showing its full potential, and it has joined the pantheon of truly great red wine styles of the world in the 2018 vintage. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€823.62 |
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Hailing from the historic vineyards of Quinta do Crasto in Portugal's revered Douro Valley, Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 delivers an exquisite taste of profound depth and complexity. Created with meticulous care, it is a result of hand-picked harvest from 100-year-old vines and intense maturation in French oak barrels. The result is a wine that brims with an intricate, enchanting fruit profile. Tantalising notes of fresh blackberries, and expressive floral undertones blend harmoniously, promising an elegant, full-bodied taste. Exemplifying Quinta do Crasto's dedication to quality and tradition, the Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence, as one of Portugal’s most esteemed vineyards. With over a century of winemaking heritage, this wine is a captivating embodiment of Douro's bold, sunlit terroir. Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 truly captures the essence of Portuguese viniculture, offering connoisseurs an unforgettable journey into Douro Valley's rich wine legacy. |
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Douro | 4 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€256.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2018 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on which of two plots, in 90% new oak. It comes in at just 14.6% alcohol. More flavorful and aromatic than its sibling, the Touriga Franca, this is otherwise along the same lines. This Touriga Nacional maintains the Franca's mid-palate finesse, as well as the feeling it projects that it is the crushed essence of the grape. There's a little oak present, but not as much as you might think. This, too, will absorb the oak even better with a couple of years in the cellar, but the wood is very well handled. It is not really intrusive even now, and there is no "drenched in vanilla" demeanor at all. The tannins are very ripe, but with aeration this becomes much firmer on the finish, proving that it has the structure to age. Of all of Crasto's upper-level wines this report, it is probably this that most leans to hedonism, thanks to the aromatics and flavor, yet it is still very elegant and carefully crafted. It is never a sloppy fruit bomb. This succulent and enticing Touriga Nacional is impossible to resist, even today, but you will definitely be rewarded if you give it a few years of age to become more expressive. There were just 9,113 bottles produced, plus some larger format bottles. |
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Douro | 1 | 96 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€474.78 |
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Decanter (96)Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva! |
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Douro | 4 | - |
Inc. TAX
€875.58 |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€867.18 |
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Douro | 12 | - |
Inc. TAX
€805.72 |
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The Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 represents the ultimate expression of fine Portuguese winemaking. This exquisite red blend is meticulously crafted by Cristiano van Zeller, a devoted vintner with a longstanding family pedigree in the Douro wine region. Nestled in the harsh yet beautiful terrains of Cima Corgo, this estate is renowned for its deep-rooted commitment to preserving the traditional styles and flavours of the Douro. The 2015 vintage stands out for its superb composition of indigenous varieties, predominantly Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, judiciously fermented to achieve a harmonious fusion of power and finesse. Matured for 22 months in French oak barrels, the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 presents a luxurious canvas of dark fruit flavours, underscored by earthy undertones and refined, well-integrated tannins. Savour its endless layers of complexity and depth. Every sip of the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 is a testament to the van Zeller's legacy and the timeless allure of Douro wine. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€162.78 |
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Vinous (95)The 2019 Cabernet Franc Dolomite has an energetic, tensile nose of wonderfully defined red and black fruit, sage, bell pepper and clove aromas; hints of dried blood emerge with time. The palate is very well balanced, taut and fresh, with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a harmonious, sophisticated finish, and suggestions of black pepper on the aftertaste. This is a brilliant Cabernet Franc from Raats that will age gloriously. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€421.98 |
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Vinous (97)The 2018 MR de Compostella is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It presents a compelling bouquet of blackberry, charcoal, cedar and tobacco, all showing wonderful delineation and focus. But it is not the most flamboyant on the nose compared to other vintages; this takes its time to open at a stately pace. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, perfectly judged acidity, a silky-smooth texture and an utterly harmonious, complex finish. Residues of allspice and clove linger on the long aftertaste. Brilliant. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (TA) |
In Bond
€140.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)One of my "go to" wines when I see it on a restaurant wine list, this intensely perfumed Syrah comes from seven vineyards, mostly on schist soils. Made with 90% whole bunches, it has more tannin than you think at first, layers of spice, violet and blackberry fruit and a refreshing tang. |
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Bekaa Valley | 1 | 18.5 (JR) |
In Bond
€694.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)‘An exceptional year’, with a dry winter, fresh spring, good flowering. Mild summer with a cloudy July and August, and a hot, sunny September. Bright garnet. Pale rim. Broad and rich with a minty note. More mainstream than many in terms of its build and flavours. Still evolving but beautifully balanced. Lots of energy and transparency. No heaviness at all. Rich but lifted. Already gorgeous but there are tannins behind the exotic fruit and brilliant freshness. Still quite youthful. |
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Bekaa Valley | 1 | - |
In Bond
€886.00 |
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Bekaa Valley | 1 | - |
In Bond
€418.00 |
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Bekaa Valley | 3 | - |
In Bond
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Bekaa Valley | 1 | 91 (DC) |
In Bond
€356.00 |
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Decanter (91)This single-vineyard wine, from Aana, is made in a modern style: concentrated and slightly reductive. It shows notes of new oak barrels, lovely red berry fruit (reminiscent of Grenache) and garrigue aromas. So Mediterranean on the palate, with sweet tannins, spices and a meaty hint on the aftertaste. A very friendly, easy-to-drink and enjoyable wine. It becomes even better and more refined a day after the bottle is opened. I would recommend decanting it. |
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Bekaa Valley | 5 | - |
In Bond
€418.00 |
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Douro | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,167.48 |
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Wine Advocate (98)I was blown away by the elegance and subtleness of the 2021 Charme, I wine I know quite well and have followed from the first vintage (I think even a non-commercial release in the beginning). It's a red wine produced in Vale Mendiz where they make the Port, a mixture of vineyards from the village. It had a very short maceration of the full clusters in lagar, was pressed to barrels where it finished fermenting and was put through malolactic, was kept in barrel for nine months and then was transferred to the cellar in Quinta de Napoles. It has a very elegant and perfumed style, with no oak whatsoever. It's floral, with notes of red berries and herbs and a medium-bodied palate with refined, elegant tannins and a long and supple finish with a spicy twist (from the barrels? some 15% to 20% new). This wine has been changing through the years, and this has to be the most elegant version of it, following the path of the 2018. It has a moderate 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.56 and 5.7 grams of acidity. 9,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023. Superb! |
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Douro | 8 | - |
In Bond
€186.00 |
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Coastal Region | 100 | 87 (WA) |
In Bond
€533.00 |
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Wine Advocate (87)The 2011 Eisen & Viljoen has a better set of aromatics than the 2012: blackberry, sage and graphite scents, quite reserved but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe black fruit mixed with blueberry and graphite. Like the 2012, there seems to be just a touch of bitterness on the finish, though not as procounced as the ensuing vintage, but detracting from what could have been a better wine. Re-tasting in South Africa with the owners, unfortunately I found the same thing. There were just 11 barrels produced. |
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Coastal Region | 5 | 86 (WA) |
In Bond
€538.00 |
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Wine Advocate (86)The 2012 Eisen & Viljoen has a well defined, quite focused bouquet with blackberry, smoke, cedar and undergrowth scents that have a Left Bank-like flair. The palate is medium-bodied with quite dense black fruit, and is nicely balanced, but I noticed a green note on the finish that knocks over what could have been a fine wine. That's a shame. I would be intrigued to taste another vintage. |
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Coastal Region | 15 | - |
In Bond
€422.00 |
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The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2013 boasts an exquisite finesse known only to ne plus ultra wines. Crafted with meticulous precision in the prestigious vineyards of Franschhoek, South Africa, this blend masterfully embodies the quintessence of its terroir. This elegant representation is primarily composed of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, showcasing exceptional complexity and depth. The pioneering producers, Normandie Estate with talents Drs. Jan Viljoen and Suzette Viljoen Eisen at helm, guarantee viticulture excellence. Rich tastes of blackberry, currant, and chocolate delight the palate, resulting in a lingering full-bodied finish. Maturation took place over 18 months in French oak barrels, further refining its sophisticated profile. The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2013 exemplifies the pinnacle of South African wine, promising a captivating experience for any discerning connoisseur. A worthy addition to your collection if there ever was one. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
€354.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Arguably the most Burgundian of Cape Pinot Noirs, guided by the gentle hand of consultant Martin Prieur, this scented, refined red comesfrom three sites and is made with clones 113, 115 and 777. Savoury red fruit, bright acidity, filigree tannins and deftly integrated wood. |
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Porto | 10 | - |
In Bond
€242.00 |
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From the oak-casked reserves of Portugal emanates a distinguished drink, the Pocas Tawny 10YO Port NV. Crafted by Pocas, a family-owned business with an enviable track record of creating fine wines since 1918, this Port is a testament to their celebrated wine-making skill. Matured for an exacting ten years in seasoned wooden barrels, Pocas Tawny 10YO Port NV acquires its unique amber colour and complex flavour profile. Notable for its rich, nutty aroma, it entices the senses with hints of dried fruits, honey, and a delicate touch of spice. Sourced from vineyards spread across the Douro region, widely hailed for its excellent growing conditions, the quality of the grapes is uncompromising. The meticulous pressed grape juice is then fermented and fortified before embarking on their long slumber within oak barrels. The result is Pocas Tawny 10YO Port NV, a seductive, well-rounded pleasure that leaves an enduring impression on any fine wine aficionado's palate. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
In Bond
€811.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (98)Has any brand in South Africa achieved quite so much as Porseleinberg in less than a decade? This is the best vintage yet from this steep, brutal, extreme schist-rich site and that's saying a good deal. Big, bold and intense, with incredible, almost feral intensity, incense, tar and black pepper aromas and layers of inky dark fruit. A stunning wine from a stunning site, made by a gem of a winemaker. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 100 (TA) |
In Bond
€863.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (100)In the right hands, great sites produce great wines. Since its inception in 2010, Porseleinberg has been one of the Cape's most exciting reds, but nothing quite prepared me for the transcendent brilliance of this wine. In uenced by some time spent at Domaine Jamet in Côte Rôtie - particularly their use of a submerged cap during fermentation - Callie Louw has made a stunning Syrah, proving his skills as both a farmer and a winemaker. In 2018, the style has shifted, away from power and grip to something more scented and re ned. Focused, nuanced and very delicately oaked, with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, clove and white pepper spice and textured tannins. Simply world class. 2023-35 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 99 (TA) |
In Bond
€699.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (99)This remarkable site has established itself as one of the world's great Syrah vineyards in less than a decade. Sourced from four blocks totally 4.5 hectares, Callie Louw's stunning red is just short of perfection this year, but is still brilliant, confirming the evolution in style of the Jamet-inspired 2018. Leafy, spicy, rose petal aromas are supported by pure red berry fruit, detailed tannins and the faintest hint of oak. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
In Bond
€698.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (98)"We pick the vintage," says Callie Louw, whose 2020 Porseleinberg is the second lightest in alcohol he's ever made at 13.6%. Fermented with 100% whole bunches using the submerged cap technique that transformed the wine in 2018, this is another scented, seamless stunner from Callie Louw. Aged in large foudres and 5% concrete eggs, it's a spicy, sappy, hauntingly elegant Syrah from a brutal site, with kelp, rose petal and fynbos aromas, juicy bramble and red berry fruit, fine tannins and a wonderful sense of energy. 2024-32 |
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Coastal Region | 2 | 99 (TA) |
In Bond
€762.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (99)Given its consistently outstanding quality, it’s easy to forget that the average age of Porseleinberg's 14 hectares of vineyards is only seven years' old. Showing what Callie Louw calls a "little more crunch" in 2021, this is a Syrah with time on its side. Wild herb aromas of sage, oregano and rosemary introduce you to a palate that's dense yet refined, with lots of whole bunch spice and structure, negligible oak influence, detailed, layered tannins, some underlying grip and layers of dark berry fruit. One of the world's great reds from a very special site. 2025-32 |
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Douro | 14 | - |
In Bond
€1,705.00 |
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Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 is an exemplary reflection of the Douro Valley. This partnership of the Symington family, known for their remarkable holdings in the northern Portuguese river valley, and Bruno Prats, former owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel, has resulted in an opulent, deep-hued wine precision-crafted from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes. Rich fragrance of violets and fresh blackberries emanate from this wine, unveiling robust tannins and a nuanced finish that solidifies the 2011 vintage's reputation for exceptional longevity. The medieval-like steep terraces of carefully chosen vineyards yield limited quantities, adding to this wine's exclusivity. Precision winemaking techniques like foot treading in temperature-controlled granite lagares ensure a harmonious interplay of power and finesse. Resting in French oak barrels for 15 months, Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 boasts a complexity akin to Bordeaux-style essence, yet indelibly Portuguese, making it a treasure for serious collectors and oenophiles alike. |
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Douro | 4 | - |
In Bond
€538.00 |
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Well regarded as a premier producer of Douro wines, Prats & Symington deftly crafted the Chryseia 2013 from a dry winter followed by an extremely hot summer, yielding flavours incomparable to previous vintages. Noted for the superb quality of touriga nacional and touriga franca grapes, this wine exudes a striking aromatic profile accentuated by blackberries, violets, and exotic spices - a direct product of meticulous winemaking and the unique Douro Superior terroir. The Prats & Symington Chryseia 2013 exhibits beautiful depth and complexity. Lush hints of black fruit are perfectly balanced by the wine's vibrant acidity and refined tannins, resulting in a seamless, long finish. No stone was left unturned during its production; 100% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, adding an extra layer of richness and texture. Prats & Symington's commitment to quality in creating the Chryseia 2013 sets a remarkable standard for Douro wines, promising an unrivalled wine-drinking experience. |
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Douro | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
€557.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)The first words I wrote in my tasting book were, ‘best Chryseia to date’. This is an incredible wine with so much character and accuracy it is impressive. I have visited this property and felt the aura emanating from these historic vineyards. This wine manages to bottle these mysterious elements allowing them to embed themselves into the intense, majestic and deeply fruited body of the two Touriga grapes. While this will be a long-lived wine, there is no doubt that it will appeal to impatient palates, too, given its tremendous and immediate appeal. I feel that this famous wine label is finally showing its full potential, and it has joined the pantheon of truly great red wine styles of the world in the 2018 vintage. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
In Bond
€677.00 |
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Hailing from the historic vineyards of Quinta do Crasto in Portugal's revered Douro Valley, Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 delivers an exquisite taste of profound depth and complexity. Created with meticulous care, it is a result of hand-picked harvest from 100-year-old vines and intense maturation in French oak barrels. The result is a wine that brims with an intricate, enchanting fruit profile. Tantalising notes of fresh blackberries, and expressive floral undertones blend harmoniously, promising an elegant, full-bodied taste. Exemplifying Quinta do Crasto's dedication to quality and tradition, the Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence, as one of Portugal’s most esteemed vineyards. With over a century of winemaking heritage, this wine is a captivating embodiment of Douro's bold, sunlit terroir. Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 truly captures the essence of Portuguese viniculture, offering connoisseurs an unforgettable journey into Douro Valley's rich wine legacy. |
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Douro | 4 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
€204.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2018 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on which of two plots, in 90% new oak. It comes in at just 14.6% alcohol. More flavorful and aromatic than its sibling, the Touriga Franca, this is otherwise along the same lines. This Touriga Nacional maintains the Franca's mid-palate finesse, as well as the feeling it projects that it is the crushed essence of the grape. There's a little oak present, but not as much as you might think. This, too, will absorb the oak even better with a couple of years in the cellar, but the wood is very well handled. It is not really intrusive even now, and there is no "drenched in vanilla" demeanor at all. The tannins are very ripe, but with aeration this becomes much firmer on the finish, proving that it has the structure to age. Of all of Crasto's upper-level wines this report, it is probably this that most leans to hedonism, thanks to the aromatics and flavor, yet it is still very elegant and carefully crafted. It is never a sloppy fruit bomb. This succulent and enticing Touriga Nacional is impossible to resist, even today, but you will definitely be rewarded if you give it a few years of age to become more expressive. There were just 9,113 bottles produced, plus some larger format bottles. |
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Douro | 1 | 96 (DC) |
In Bond
€377.00 |
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Decanter (96)Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva! |
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Douro | 4 | - |
In Bond
€711.00 |
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Douro | 1 | - |
In Bond
€704.00 |
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Douro | 12 | - |
In Bond
€649.00 |
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The Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 represents the ultimate expression of fine Portuguese winemaking. This exquisite red blend is meticulously crafted by Cristiano van Zeller, a devoted vintner with a longstanding family pedigree in the Douro wine region. Nestled in the harsh yet beautiful terrains of Cima Corgo, this estate is renowned for its deep-rooted commitment to preserving the traditional styles and flavours of the Douro. The 2015 vintage stands out for its superb composition of indigenous varieties, predominantly Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, judiciously fermented to achieve a harmonious fusion of power and finesse. Matured for 22 months in French oak barrels, the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 presents a luxurious canvas of dark fruit flavours, underscored by earthy undertones and refined, well-integrated tannins. Savour its endless layers of complexity and depth. Every sip of the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 is a testament to the van Zeller's legacy and the timeless allure of Douro wine. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€117.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2019 Cabernet Franc Dolomite has an energetic, tensile nose of wonderfully defined red and black fruit, sage, bell pepper and clove aromas; hints of dried blood emerge with time. The palate is very well balanced, taut and fresh, with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a harmonious, sophisticated finish, and suggestions of black pepper on the aftertaste. This is a brilliant Cabernet Franc from Raats that will age gloriously. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
€333.00 |
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Vinous (97)The 2018 MR de Compostella is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It presents a compelling bouquet of blackberry, charcoal, cedar and tobacco, all showing wonderful delineation and focus. But it is not the most flamboyant on the nose compared to other vintages; this takes its time to open at a stately pace. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, perfectly judged acidity, a silky-smooth texture and an utterly harmonious, complex finish. Residues of allspice and clove linger on the long aftertaste. Brilliant. |
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