Luca Maroni 99pts！

The Pic Saint-Loup was elevated to AOC status in 2016 in recognition of the region’s consistently outstanding wines. Named after the peak which bears the same name, the waters here are pristine, and the south-facing vineyards embrace the cool breezes of the Mediterranean.

La Closiere is an 80/20 split of the region’s iconic Syrah and Grenache. Small barrels are used for the Syrah (half of them new), while the Grenache is left to its own devices in larger 2,000L foudres. At 15% alcohol level, this is a hefty beast of a red but retains a beautiful elegance thanks to exquisite craftsmanship.

Château Lavabre La Closerie 2018 has been racking up some excellent scores from the world’s top wine critics…

“… a blockbuster bouquet of black fruits, camphor, graphite, ground pepper, and cured meats. With a touch more finesse and focus compared to the appellation release, it's full-bodied and has a beautifully balanced, concentrated, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish…”

“Blueberries, blackberries and licorice notes mark the nose, supported by hints of crushed stone and spicy oak. It's full-bodied and ripe but still balanced, with a more streamlined feel than the other Lavabre reds, along with silky tannins and a long, licorice-laden finish.”

“Opulent! Incredibly concentrated… Lots of sweetness but at the same time it isn't sweet. Fig molasses. Coal dust. Graphite. Caraway. Lots of texture on those tannins… Huge power and broad, glossy, muscled shoulders. Nothing understated about this wine."

90-92pts, Neal Martin, 2015

91pts, Bettane et Desseauve, 2015

93pts, James Suckling

Our Buyer for Bordeaux, Jean-Marc Sauboua, praises this wine as "Lovely mellow maturity to this well-aged Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, a sibling to Château Plaisance", their flagship Grand Cru.

The 65-year-old vines are planted on prized gravel and sandy soils in the southwest of Saint-Émilion, which means they are very well drained and the grapes at harvest time are exceptionally concentrated. The fruit is hand-picked and meticulously selected.

This opulent Gold-winning Grand Cru is a Merlot dominant blend (80%) with the balance made up of Cabernet Franc (10%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). A careful hand in the vineyard and the cellar, along with 14+ months' ageing in new oak, ensure pretty fruit with enough power and structure to age. Indeed, it’s rare to obtain a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru with over 10 years’ age and at such a sensible price!

Enjoy aromas of mature red fruits, tobacco, earthy undergrowth, as well as tertiary elements of leather. Over 10 years cellaring has resulted in a silky palate of mellow red fruit, earthy tobacco and gentle spice oak notes. Stand the bottle upright a few hours, so that any sediment there is will drop to the bottom. Then carefully decant. Serve with simple dishes to show it at its best – roast duck or crisp pork belly works best.

Anthonius and Leonarda Ham saw that the Western Heretaunga region of Hawke's Bay, with its ancient riverbeds and moderate climate, held the secret to fine wines.

They planted vineyards in this area, now known as the Bridge Pa Triangle district, and were one of the subregion's first wineries.

They remain family-owned today and have received Trophies for their impressive wines. 30 years later, they have converted fully to organic viticulture, with certification from the 2023 vintage.

New Zealander Barry Riwai is the winemaker. With considerable experience all over the world, he is well suited to produce this elegant Kiwi take on a Bordeaux blend.

The Manzanos family have over 125 years of history as grape growers, and just in 2002 completed a state of the art winery. This bodega lies in Rioja Alavesa, where the rivers Ebro and Ega join, which affords beautiful views over the landscape. The early death of their father saw the fifth generation, Victor and David Manzanos (still only in their 20s), take up the reins, and judging by recent reviews they are doing an excellent job.

The grapes for this Reserva – Tempranillo with a high proportion of Graciano and Garnacha – all come from high vineyards, at least 40 years old. Even then, only the very best go into the wine. Ageing in small barriques for two years and the rest in bottle has added layers of complexity that will slowly unfurl.