Burghound (95-98)

While the wood treatment is certainly evident it's more subtle on the overtly cool and restrained nose that is markedly spicy with its combination of relatively high-toned aromas of red cherry, raspberry, rose petal and a suggestion of earth. There is excellent power and punch to the large-scaled flavors that are a combination of power and refinement while being blessed with an abundance of sappy dry extract that imparts a seductive quality to the mouth coating, hugely long and very firmly structured finish. It's going to be interesting in 25 or 30 years' time to see which of these is the better wine, assuming that one of them will be!

Vinous (93-95)

The 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a very precise and focused bouquet, almost the epitome of transparency and utterly encapsulating. There is real mineralité here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very tensile from the start with tart red cherries, Japanese yuzu and orange zest that fans out beautifully on the finish. This is a Charmes-Chambertin with a skip in its step.

Vinous (95-97)

The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has a very perfumed bouquet, beautifully defined with fragrant raspberry preserve, wild strawberry, rose petal and crushed granite aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannin. It is not a powerful Clos Saint-Jacques nor the most complex, yet it is utterly harmonious and so silky smooth on the finish that you will find this nigh irresistible. Sensual and gunning for top position amongst the five Clos Saint-Jacques growers in this vintage.

Vinous (93)

The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 1er Cru is already showing a little maturity on the rim, possibly due to assiduous stem addition. The nose is open-knit and soft with brambly red fruit, perhaps needing a bit more delineation. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry and quite fleshy in style, with moderate acidity and a dash of white pepper. Plenty of extraction here. This just needs to develop a tad more tension and terroir expression on the finish. Otherwise it displays immense breeding. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.

Vinous (84-86)

The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos du Château matures in used oak, has a lifted crushed strawberry and rose petal scented bouquet. The palate is light in terms of body but nicely balanced with tart cherry fruit and a slightly attenuated finish.

Vinous (94-96)

The 2017 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru has a pixelated bouquet that really expresses the limestone soils of this vineyard: subtle pressed iris scents infuse the red berry fruit, all with brilliant delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. There is a fine bead of acidity here, again, a little spicy (the leitmotif throughout the Rousseau range) with impressive grip and persistence on the finish. Excellent.

Experience the highly coveted Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2017 - a venerated embodiment of sophistication and craftsmanship. Produced by master vintner Arnaud Ente, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, this Burgundy Red is truly a wine connoisseur's delight.

Grown in the prime Volnay region of France, on the mid-slope vineyard known as "Les Santenots du Milieu", this exclusive vintage captures the quintessential characteristics of its terroir. The 2017 release is a magnificent example of a refined and balanced Pinot Noir. Cultivated with an uncompromising hands-on approach, the grapes are diligently hand-sorted to ensure the highest quality.

Expect an ensemble of rich red fruits on the nose, elegantly followed by velvety layers of cherry and raspberry punctuated by subtle earthy undertones. The Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2017 brings an unforgettable wine-tasting journey, promising a spectacular finish that leaves a lingering complexity on the palate.

Vinous (90-92)

The 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Village comes from north-facing vineyards toward the upper slopes the last vines to ripen, as they can lie in the shade. Containing 80% whole bunch fruit, it has a well-defined, slightly tertiary bouquet with touches of black pepper and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate presents fresh red fruit, lightly spiced with white pepper, sage and a touch of tobacco, perhaps a little Morey-like in structure, but with a very long finish. Excellent.

Vinous (90-92)

The 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Village comes from north-facing vineyards toward the upper slopes the last vines to ripen, as they can lie in the shade. Containing 80% whole bunch fruit, it has a well-defined, slightly tertiary bouquet with touches of black pepper and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate presents fresh red fruit, lightly spiced with white pepper, sage and a touch of tobacco, perhaps a little Morey-like in structure, but with a very long finish. Excellent.

Vinous (95-97)

The 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is 60% whole bunch fruit. It has a very natural, precise bouquet of almost crystalline red fruit infused with crushed stone, all correct and very focused. The well-balanced, tensile palate offers fresh acidity and an infectious sense of energy. Why can’t all Clos Vougeot be as refined and enthralling as this? Outstanding.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Corvées Pagets 1er Cru is 100% whole bunches. It has a very intense bouquet of brambly red fruit, briar, wild heather and light crushed rock aromas; more tertiary scents (damp moss?) emerge with time. The medium-bodied palate features supple tannin and just a slight lactic tincture on the entry, layers of tart red fruit infused with minerals and even a cheeky hint of Turkish Delight on the finish. This feels very long and tender.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Corvées Pagets 1er Cru is 100% whole bunches. It has a very intense bouquet of brambly red fruit, briar, wild heather and light crushed rock aromas; more tertiary scents (damp moss?) emerge with time. The medium-bodied palate features supple tannin and just a slight lactic tincture on the entry, layers of tart red fruit infused with minerals and even a cheeky hint of Turkish Delight on the finish. This feels very long and tender.

Vinous (89-91)

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Village is a blend of several vineyards that offer homogeneous ripeness but on different soils. It has quite an earthy, sous-bois tinged bouquet that is very well defined, the 60% whole bunches nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with a tart opening, and the 10% new oak lends discreet lift toward a persistent finish spiced with a dash of black pepper. Excellent.

Vinous (89-91)

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Village is a blend of several vineyards that offer homogeneous ripeness but on different soils. It has quite an earthy, sous-bois tinged bouquet that is very well defined, the 60% whole bunches nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with a tart opening, and the 10% new oak lends discreet lift toward a persistent finish spiced with a dash of black pepper. Excellent.

Vinous (88-90)

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Poisets has quite a rich bouquet compared to the other crus from Arnoux-Lachaux, offering bilberry and raspberry aromas and just a touch of iris. The stocky palate displays a firm backbone and plenty of sous-bois, here mixed with tobacco and spice, though it pulls up a little short on the finish. Fine.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2017 Vosne-Romanée Les Chaumes 1er Cru comes from the middle of a vineyard that traverses from top to bottom of the incline; this vintage contains around 50% whole bunches. It has a gorgeous bouquet with red currant, cranberry and light mineral notes, hints of bergamot and vervain tea emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with filigreed tannin, fine acidity and quite an insistent grip. The salinity floods through this Vosne-Romanée on the finish. Superb.

Vinous (88-90)

Containing 70% whole bunches, the 2017 Vosne-Romanée Village is a blend of Les Communes, Les Saules and Bossières. It has a very floral bouquet, with wilted rose petals infusing the brambly red fruit, and hints of lavender tucked in just beneath. The medium-bodied palate is strict and linear, offering quite firm tannin and perhaps just requiring a little more finesse toward the finish at the moment. This is quite an uncompromising Village Cru, but intellectually it is very satisfying.

Vinous (88-90)

Containing 70% whole bunches, the 2017 Vosne-Romanée Village is a blend of Les Communes, Les Saules and Bossières. It has a very floral bouquet, with wilted rose petals infusing the brambly red fruit, and hints of lavender tucked in just beneath. The medium-bodied palate is strict and linear, offering quite firm tannin and perhaps just requiring a little more finesse toward the finish at the moment. This is quite an uncompromising Village Cru, but intellectually it is very satisfying.

Vinous (95)

Dark, youthful purple. Powerful, smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice, olive and a hint of incense on the deeply perfumed nose. Juicy and sharply delineated in the mouth, offering concentrated, spice-laced blackberry, bitter cherry and fruitcake flavors that take on a smoky aspect as the wine opens up. In an ample but lively style, finishing juicy and extremely long, with building tannins adding framework and youthful grip.

The Aurelien Verdet Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Feusselottes 2017 presents a luscious fusion of refined freshness and delicious maturity. As an esteemed product from the Beaux Villages, this exquisite bottle encapsulates the grandeur of Burgundy's Le Chambolle-Musigny. The steward behind this masterpiece, Aurelien Verdet, is an audacious vigneron from an acclaimed family of winemakers. Honouring the traditional biodynamic winemaking practices, Verdet diligently hand-harvests the ripest grapes whilst respecting the unique terroir.

Unveiling sophisticated layers of sultry berries, vibrant red cherries, and subtle hints of spice, this 2017 vintage reveals the spectacular plot of Les Feusselottes. The wine's mesmerising depth and intensity of flavour bear testimony to the 18-month ageing process in French oak barrels, giving it a chic yet enduring finish. Experience the jubilant symphony of Aurelien Verdet Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Feusselottes 2017, a true Burgundy classic in every sip.

Emanating from the revered terroirs of Burgundy, France, the Aurelien Verdet Nuits Saint Georges Rouge 2017 delivers a sublime, fruity complexity unique to Pinot Noir. From the hands of esteemed winemaker Aurélien Verdet, well-regarded for crafting aromatic depth, this wine allowed its vineyard roots to extensively delve into soils harboured for centuries. Verdet's commitment to organic viticulture and minimal intervention allows for an authentic expression of place.

Born in one of the world's most renowned wine regions, the Nuits-Saint-Georges, this vintage is a masterpiece with a palate defined by robust red currant, black cherry, and pronounced spice. Densely layered with a sumptuous finish, it pairs seamlessly with robust dishes as it evolves in the glass.

Experience pure, nuanced sophistication and enjoy a bottle of Aurelien Verdet Nuits Saint Georges Rouge 2017, a perfect testament to the fine wines of Burgundy. Don't miss this occasion to savour a bottle of profound elegance and longevity.

Wine Advocate (98)

The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Ausone is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. It sashays out of the glass with gregarious scents of baked red and black plums, wild blueberries and boysenberries plus touches of violets, espresso, licorice and melted chocolate with wafts of iron ore and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, featuring beautifully ripe, silken tannins and bold freshness to support the fragrant multi-layers, finishing very long and very minerally.

Wine Advocate (98)

The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Ausone is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. It sashays out of the glass with gregarious scents of baked red and black plums, wild blueberries and boysenberries plus touches of violets, espresso, licorice and melted chocolate with wafts of iron ore and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, featuring beautifully ripe, silken tannins and bold freshness to support the fragrant multi-layers, finishing very long and very minerally.

Wine Advocate (98)

The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Ausone is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. It sashays out of the glass with gregarious scents of baked red and black plums, wild blueberries and boysenberries plus touches of violets, espresso, licorice and melted chocolate with wafts of iron ore and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, featuring beautifully ripe, silken tannins and bold freshness to support the fragrant multi-layers, finishing very long and very minerally.

Wine Advocate (98)

The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Ausone is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. It sashays out of the glass with gregarious scents of baked red and black plums, wild blueberries and boysenberries plus touches of violets, espresso, licorice and melted chocolate with wafts of iron ore and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, featuring beautifully ripe, silken tannins and bold freshness to support the fragrant multi-layers, finishing very long and very minerally.

Exemplifying the finesse of a classic Bordeaux, the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Pauillac The Rothschild Collection 2017 hails from a legendary winemaker with renowned expertise rooted in the world's most prestigious winemaking region. This Pauillac is a union of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, carefully selected from high-quality vineyards on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.

Masterfully crafted by estate wine-grower, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, this vintage exhibits a captivating complexity. The meticulous maturation process in oak barrels endows a beautifully balanced harmony between profound Cabernet structure and the velvety grace of Merlot.

Distinctive aromas of blackcurrant, toasted spices and leather, segue into indulgent layers of dark fruit and earthy truffle, defining the wine's profound character. The Baron Philippe de Rothschild Pauillac The Rothschild Collection 2017 serves as a testament to the winery’s commitment to excellence, cementing its place in the upper echelons of viniculture.

Wine Advocate (96+)

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Beau-Sejour Becot sails out of the glass with pronounced black cherries, kirsch, baked plums and boysenberries scents plus nuances of bay leaves, star anise and pencil shavings with a waft of roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of juicy black fruits with a firm backbone of rounded tannins and bold freshness, finishing with great length and purity.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Moving to the two Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases and 35% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 12% Counoise, the rest other permitted varieties (Marc calls this a Mourvèdre vintage), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports an inky purple color as well as a textbook Mourvèdre nose of black, black fruits, smoked meats, crushed rocks, charcoal, and pepper. It's deep and full-bodied, with beautiful purity and building structure. Production is down 40%, but this brilliant wine is certainly in the same league as the 2016.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Moving to the two Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases and 35% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 12% Counoise, the rest other permitted varieties (Marc calls this a Mourvèdre vintage), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports an inky purple color as well as a textbook Mourvèdre nose of black, black fruits, smoked meats, crushed rocks, charcoal, and pepper. It's deep and full-bodied, with beautiful purity and building structure. Production is down 40%, but this brilliant wine is certainly in the same league as the 2016.