Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Chateau AusoneBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
From just 7 hectares of steep limestone slopes, Ausone is a wine of concentration, precision and mineral tension. Cabernet Franc dominates, giving iron-rich structure, dried-flower fragrance and an extraordinary seamless finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Chateau Cheval BlancBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Cabernet Franc-dominant Saint-Emilion of breathtaking silkiness: violets and graphite on the nose, an opulent yet precise palate of black cherry and tobacco, seamless tannin structure and a finish of uncommon length.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Chateau Haut-BrionBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Merlot-led first-growth Pessac-Leognan red combining cassis and graphite with earthy tobacco and cedar. Velvety tannins and exceptional length set it apart from Medoc peers.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
Chateau Haut-BrionBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still White
One of the world's rarest and most sought-after dry whites, Haut-Brion Blanc blends Semillon richness with Sauvignon Blanc precision. White peach, orange blossom, and mineral salinity build to a honeyed, lingering finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
Chateau La Mission Haut-BrionBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still White
Originally sold as Laville Haut-Brion until 2009, this is among the most complex dry whites of Bordeaux. Semillon richness and Sauvignon Blanc freshness fuse with 100% new oak to produce a wine of extraordinary mineral precision and creamy depth.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Chateau Lafite RothschildBordeaux$$$$$$$$$$Still Red
The archetype of Pauillac first-growth: Cabernet-dominant, with penetrating lead pencil and cassis aromatics, precise fine-grained tannins, and a finish that evolves over decades.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Chateau LafleurBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Unique Pomerol with an equal Cabernet Franc-Merlot split giving a perfumed floral lift and structural precision rarely seen in the appellation. Biodynamic farming since 2014; produced from just 4.5 hectares on the Pomerol plateau.
Dry · Full-bodied · High tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold
Chateau LatourBordeaux$$$$$$$$$$Still Red
The most structured and austere of the Pauillac first-growths. The L'Enclos parcel of old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon delivers extraordinary concentration and mineral tension; legendary longevity requires patience of decades.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative
Chateau Mouton RothschildBordeaux$$$$$$$$$$Still Red
The most opulent of the Pauillac first-growths; Mouton Rothschild emphasises blackcurrant concentration, dark chocolate, and an extrovert aromatic generosity that sets it apart from the pencil-mineral restraint of Lafite and Latour.
Dry · Full-bodied · High tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Romantic
Château MargauxBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The most perfumed of the Médoc first growths: haunting floral aromatics of roses and violets above a core of concentrated cassis, extraordinary saline minerality, and tannins demanding decades of patience.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Chateau AngelusBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
100% Cabernet Franc from two old-vine parcels aged 65-100 years at the pied de cote. Produced in tiny quantities (5-9 barriques) only in exceptional vintages, this is a monument to the iron-mineral potential of old Cabernet Franc on Saint-Emilion limestone.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Le PinBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Micro-estate garagiste Pomerol with supremely hedonistic Merlot character: mocha-laced plum and violet aromatics, a voluptuous, fleshy palate, and remarkable concentration from just 400-600 cases per year.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
PetrusBordeaux€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
100% Merlot from 11.4 ha of blue clay at Pomerol's centre. Silk-and-velvet texture with truffle, chocolate, and dark cherry at its core; structurally imposing yet hedonistic, with a finish that stretches for minutes.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine LeflaiveBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
A richer, broader grand cru with citrus, honey and hazelnut over a saline, powerful frame.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Georges RoumierBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A powerful, structured grand cru spanning two soil types, with dark fruit, iron and a firm, mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine LeroyBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Powerful, brooding Chambertin in the Leroy style: concentrated black fruit, spice and a firm mineral spine.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Armand RousseauBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The grand vin of Gevrey: powerful and structured, with dark fruit, spice and a long, mineral, age-worthy frame.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Trapet Pere et FilsBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Biodynamic Chambertin of finesse and energy, with dark berry, spice and a saline, mineral lift.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Armand RousseauBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
More perfumed and aristocratic than Chambertin itself, with rose, dark fruit and a silken, mineral length.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine FaiveleyBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Faiveley's flagship grand cru from old Clos de Beze vines, deep and perfumed with dark fruit and fine, firm tannins.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine Georges RoumierBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The most coveted premier cru in Burgundy: silky and floral, with rose, red fruit and a mineral, sensual finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine LeflaiveBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
Leflaive's flagship grand cru: taut, mineral and citrussy, with white flowers and a saline, persistent finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Maison Louis JadotBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
One of the great white Burgundies, intense and saline with citrus, hazelnut and a long, mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine DujacBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The most delicate Dujac grand cru, all rose, red berry and silk over a fine mineral frame.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine PonsotBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A finer, more perfumed Ponsot grand cru, with red fruit, spice and a savoury, mineral length.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine LeroyBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A dense, structured Clos de Vougeot with dark fruit and earthy power in the Leroy idiom.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Meo-CamuzetBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A rich, generous Clos de Vougeot with dark fruit, spice and a fleshy mid-palate.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Mugneret-GibourgBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
An elegant, perfumed Clos de Vougeot with red and black fruit and silky tannins.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine DujacBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Whole-cluster Morey grand cru of perfume and spice, with red and black fruit and a savoury, herbal lift.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine de la Romanee-ContiBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A more powerful, structured style from the Corton hill, with dark fruit, iron and firm tannins.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine Coche-DuryBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
A cult grand cru white: flinty and reductive, with citrus, hazelnut, gunflint and a saline, endless finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine de la Romanee-ContiBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The most approachable DRC grand cru young, with bright red fruit, spice and supple texture.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine Armand RousseauBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A grand-cru-quality premier cru: deep, spicy and finely structured, with dark fruit and a long mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine de la Romanee-ContiBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Structured and earthy, with dark cherry, spice and a firm, mineral backbone.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine de la Romanee-ContiBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
DRC's other monopole: darker and more muscular than Romanee-Conti, with violet, black fruit and a spiced, savoury core.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine Coche-DuryBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
The reference Meursault premier cru: intensely flinty and mineral, with citrus, hazelnut and a saline length.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine de la Romanee-ContiBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
The grandest of white Burgundies in DRC's hands: honeyed, spiced and powerful, with a saline, near-endless finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Bouchard Pere et FilsBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
The grandest white Burgundy in Bouchard's hands: powerful and saline, with citrus, honey and a long mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine LeflaiveBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
The white-Burgundy reference at its summit: profound, saline and tightly wound, with citrus, honey and an endless finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine des Comtes LafonBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
From a sliver of Le Montrachet, profound and saline with citrus, honey and an endless mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine RamonetBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still White
From a tiny parcel, a profound and saline Montrachet with citrus, honey and an endless mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine LeroyBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Biodynamic Musigny of extraordinary perfume and depth, with floral lift over a dense, mineral core.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Georges RoumierBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
From a tiny parcel, one of the most sought-after wines in the world: ethereal perfume over a deep, mineral core.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Maison Joseph DrouhinBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A perfumed, silky Musigny from biodynamic vines, with rose, red fruit and a fine mineral depth.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Comte Georges de VogueBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The largest owner of Musigny makes its grandest wine from old vines: aristocratic perfume over a profound, mineral core.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine de la Romanee-ContiBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The most opulent and broad-shouldered of the DRC reds, with dense black fruit, spice and a velvety, generous palate.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine LeroyBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Opulent and dense Vosne grand cru, layering black fruit, spice and earth over a velvety frame.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Meo-CamuzetBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Plush, deeply fruited Richebourg shaped by the Henri Jayer school, with dark berry, spice and polished tannins.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine de la Romanee-ContiBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The Vosne monopole at its most ethereal: rose, spice and dark berry layered over a silken, near-weightless palate of extraordinary persistence.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine de la Romanee-ContiBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The most delicate and lacy DRC grand cru, all rose, red berry and silk over fine-grained tannins.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Domaine Mugneret-GibourgBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Pure, finely chiselled Gevrey grand cru with dark cherry, spice and a mineral, lifted finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant
Domaine Meo-CamuzetBurgundy€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The famed Jayer cru: intense, spicy and mineral, with dark cherry and a long savoury finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Racy acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
KrugChampagne€€€€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
A single walled-vineyard Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs of intense purity: bone-dry, dense and saline with crystalline brightness and Krug's intellectual austerity.
Dry · Full-bodied · Racy acidity · Elegant · Romantic
Louis RoedererChampagne€€€€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Cristal in rose form: fine red fruit and pink grapefruit over chalk and spice, with a silky texture and the same saline, racy length as the white.
Dry · Full-bodied · Racy acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Champagne SalonChampagne€€€€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
One of Champagne's most mystical wines, made only in declared years from a single Grand Cru village: citrus and white flowers over iodine and chalk, with crystalline, racy intensity and extraordinary length.
Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Contemplative · Funky
Domaine Jacques SelosseChampagne€€€€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
A solera-based Avize Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary intensity: dried apricot, walnut and curry spice over honey and smoke, with oxidative depth, vinous power and saline length.
Sweet · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative
Quinta do NovalDouro Valley€€€€€€€€€€Fortified Port
One of the rarest and most legendary wines in the world, from a tiny block of ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines, declared only in exceptional years and capable of ageing for generations.
Dessert · Full-bodied · Racy acidity · Contemplative
Weingut Egon Muller - ScharzhofMosel€€€€€€€€€€Dessert Noble Rot
The most expensive young white wine on earth in great vintages: a tiny-production, intensely botrytised Scharzhofberg TBA of liqueur-like concentration and electric acidity.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Romantic
GajaPiedmont€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The most charming and aromatic of Gaja's Barbaresco crus, Costa Russi pairs an abundance of strawberry and red fruit with verbena and marzipan, silky tannin and an elegant finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
GajaPiedmont€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The most austere and powerful of Gaja's Barbaresco crus, Sori San Lorenzo shows graphite, licorice and dried cherry over firm youthful tannin and a refreshing acid spine.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
GajaPiedmont€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A south-facing cru above Costa Russi, Sori Tildin is the smoky, elegantly austere face of Gaja's Barbaresco: graphite, licorice and firm yet polished tannin over a refreshing spine of acidity.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold
Giacomo ConternoPiedmont€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The summit of traditional Barolo, made only in great vintages from the Cascina Francia and Arione vineyards in Serralunga, with wild-swing fermentation and six to eight years in large old barrel before release.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative
Domaine Jean-Louis ChaveRhone Valley€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The rarest wine in the Northern Rhone. Cuvee Cathelin is made only in exceptional vintages from a single lieu-dit selection on the Hermitage hill. Named for the painter Jean Cathelin who collaborated with the domaine.
Dry · Full-bodied · High tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold
Dominio de PingusRibera del Duero€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A micro-production Tinto Fino from single old-vine parcels in La Horra, characterised by intense concentration of dark fruit, mineral depth and dense, ripe tannins that reward long cellaring.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Biondi-SantiTuscany€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Released only in exceptional vintages, the Riserva is one of the world's most fabled wines for cellar capacity.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative
MassetoTuscany€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
100 percent Merlot from a 7-hectare blue-clay parcel inside the Ornellaia estate. Widely considered Italy's most prestigious Merlot and a global benchmark for the variety outside Bordeaux.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Case Basse di Gianfranco SolderaTuscany€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Single-vineyard Sangiovese from the Intistieti parcel, the sibling cuvee to Case Basse with subtle iron-and-iris perfume.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant
Case Basse di Gianfranco SolderaTuscany€€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Soldera's flagship pure Sangiovese, now under Toscana IGT after withdrawing from Brunello DOCG. Ethereal, perfumed, profound.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold
Giuseppe QuintarelliVeneto€€€€€€€€€€Dessert Passito
Quintarelli's Bordeaux varieties treated to the Valpolicella appassimento method: dried Cabernet and Merlot producing extraordinary density, graphite-inflected fruit and a seamlessly long finish.