Vinous (98)

The 2017 Dow’s Vintage Port showed a slight reduction and required more time to really open in the glass. Typical of Dow’s it has a more backward and introspective bouquet compared to its peers, scents of blackberry, clove, wild mint, cassis and vanilla, gradually gaining more intensity with aeration. The palate is simply glorious. It is built around a compelling tannic frame that seems finer than any Dow’s I have encountered apart from the ethereal 2011. There is so much energy coiled up in this Port, a sense of symmetry that is enthralling and yet you just know that it needs to be cellared for 15-20 years for it to reveal its full potential. For serious Port-lovers. One of the vintages most cerebral offerings. Total production is 5,250 cases.

Vinous (98)

The 2017 Dow’s Vintage Port showed a slight reduction and required more time to really open in the glass. Typical of Dow’s it has a more backward and introspective bouquet compared to its peers, scents of blackberry, clove, wild mint, cassis and vanilla, gradually gaining more intensity with aeration. The palate is simply glorious. It is built around a compelling tannic frame that seems finer than any Dow’s I have encountered apart from the ethereal 2011. There is so much energy coiled up in this Port, a sense of symmetry that is enthralling and yet you just know that it needs to be cellared for 15-20 years for it to reveal its full potential. For serious Port-lovers. One of the vintages most cerebral offerings. Total production is 5,250 cases.

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2019 Erdener Treppchen Riesling GG Alte Reben comes from two very old plots adjacent the Prälat (the upper part of the former original Treppchen and the lower Herzlay) that have never been replanted since long before World War I. It shows a clear, intense yet subtle and deep, highly complex but also refined bouquet of very fine red slate and herbal aromas as well as perfectly clear and elegant Riesling fruits. Silky textured, highly finessed and perfectly balanced on the palate, this is a very intense and juicy, enormously long and concentrated yet finessed and mouthwatering Treppchen with the crystalline grip of broken slate and the intensity and complexity of biblical vines in a great terroir. The 2019 Treppchen is arguably the finest dry wine I have ever tasted from Ernie Loosen. Highly recommended. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.

Wine Advocate (96+)

From volcanic soils, the 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling GG Alte Reben is beautifully clear, fresh and subtle on the precise and highly finessed bouquet of slate, iodine and herbal scents. The warm and elegant Riesling fruit intertwined with very fine herbal notes represents the very best of this exceptional grand cru in its original, much smaller size. Almost entirely sourced from the Urglück, this is a lush and intense, enormously powerful yet restrained and slatey Würzgarten GG with crystalline acidity that leads to a long, intense and still slightly astringent finish with refreshing lemon features. This wine is still developing and has the potential to become another giant of the vintage. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.

Wine Advocate (95-96)

The 2021 Ürziger Würzgarten GG Alte Reben offers a clear, beautifully refined and flinty bouquet of ripe and elegant Riesling fruit spiced with stony splinters. Lush and refined on the palate, this is a very elegant, saline and textured Riesling with enormous salinity in the mouth-watering, rich and intense finish. Definitely the finest GG of the vintage here. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted as a sample at the domaine in July 2022. To be bottled in October.

James Suckling (94)

Very fresh and vibrant, with terrific white tree fruit and peach aromas, but this has terrific structure for a Mosel Kabinett, the fine tannins underlining the fruit beautifully. Very long finish for a wine with such a light body. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Wine Advocate (96)

From vines planted in 1911 or earlier in the Laichen lieu-dit, Loosen's 2019 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling GG Alte Reben is sylphlike, highly delicate and fine in its multilayered, fruity, floral and crunchy/flinty bouquet that reveals very fine slate aromas and even salty notes. Absolutely fabulous! Silky textured, lush and generous yet highly finessed, this is an intense yet subtle, pure and minerally fresh Riesling from one of the Mosel's finest vineyard. The finish is long, fresh, piquant and sustainably structured as well as salty. Irresistible. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.

Greg Sherwood MW (96+)

After a bit of vintage shuffling, last years 2015 blockbuster was the last Savage Red blend to be bottled, reverting in 2017 to a pure 100% Syrah wine made from vines grown exclusively on granitic soils in both Stellenbosch and the Swartland. Farmed biodynamically, the Stellenbosch vineyard fruit makes up the lion’s share of this wine and indeed will comprise 100% of the Savage Red in 2018. The grapes spend two weeks on their skins with 50% whole-bunches used before spending 13 months in 500 litre barrels and a further 9 months in 3,200 litre conical foudre, or just under two years elevage in the cellar. A super smart and super concentrated expression, this later release allows one to revisit the fabulously complex aromatics and balance of the exceptional 2017 vintage. Loaded with piquant blueberries, saline cassis and blackberry opulence, the nose shows strikingly complex notes of pink musk, sweet grilled herbs, black peppercorn spice and is embellished with an intoxicating exotic sweet white lily blossom fragrance. The palate intensity is also tremendously impressive with a harmonious crystalline purity and classical elegance in abundance. Showing a slightly more overt, opulent personality to the broody foursquare 2015, this wine represents an evolution and growing maturity in the red winemaking of Duncan Savage. One of his best efforts to date no doubt.

Greg Sherwood MW (95+)

In 2017 the Savage Proprietary Red became a pure 100% Syrah wine and from 2018, the fruit was exclusively sourced in Stellenbosch from vineyards grown on decomposed granite soils in the Polkadraai Hills from organically farmed grapes. Always released a year behind the rest of the Savage range, this 2019 is a dense, dark, potent red from a powerful, concentrated, minerally focused vintage. On the nose the aromatics are marked by intense notes of earthy red and black berry fruits, inky saline notes of black cherries, pink musk, savoury cured meat nuances, black olives and a sappy cedary wood spice complexity. With 70% of whole clusters used in the fermentation, the palate shows pronounced chalky mineral tannins but also vibrantly fresh crunchy acids from the granitic soils. Raspberries and blueberries surge to the fore on this dense, powerfully structured wine, gaining in richness and intensity as the wine slowly unfurls in the glass. Like some of the greatest expression of Syrah in Cote Rotie, this wine shows a focused prowess and concentration together with an opulent richness framed by an underlying stony minerality. A wine with undeniable focus and structure but also a surfeit of seductive charm. Drink from 2022 to 2035+.

Tim Atkin MW (96)

The Savage Red is now a varietal Syrah from a vineyard on decomposed granite in Kuils River, right next door to the Polkadraai Hills. Peppery, pure and intense, with no new oak to occlude the flavours, lots of plum and blackberry fruit, detailed tannins and a stony, refreshing finish. Brilliant winemaking.

Vinous (94)

Even as we get to Spätlese level in the present collection, there is a delightfully cooling aspect to the 2020 Riesling Wiltinger Braune Kupp Spätlese A.P. #5 Le Gallais, here engendered by pear and honeydew melon laced with brown spices, but also lime, mint and basil. The buoyant midpalate impression is succulent as well as silken, with suggestions of quince preserves and marzipan emphasizing the ripeness and very lightly botrytized nature of the fruit without sacrificing the cooling elements or citric brightness. Somehow the lusciously lingering finish manages to be stimulating yet soothing and caressing. Citrus zest, cinnamon and mace serve for welcome counterpoint, but here is one of those rare instances at this address where I have the impression of slight excess sweetness that needs time to integrate.

Vinous (93)

The “regular” 2020 Riesling Scharzhofberger Kabinett (bearing A.P. #3) leads with quince and peach accented by mint, cress, ginger and lemon, setting up an overall impression of coolness, but also of brightness, with stimulating cut and pungency analogous to that of the corresponding Braune Kupp. In the background is a greenhouse-like amalgam of flowers and foliage. The phenolic concentration here belies a vintage with relatively generous yields even as the efficacious acidity and levity defy preconceptions concerning a year marked by summer heat and drought. The multifaceted finish, transparent to wet stone underpinnings, is tongue-tinglingly vibrant. Here is a Riesling Kabinett to really grab and hold your attention even as it delivers consummate refreshment and a bit of thought-provoking intrigue to accompany its entertainment value.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2019 Scharzhofberger Spätlese is brilliant, digitally precise and spicy on the clear, elegant, deep and terroir-typical nose with mango and papaya aromas. Tropical fruit aromas on the juicy, elegant, refined and seamless palate lead to a salty-piquant, mouth-watering and stimulating finish with great finesse and precision. This is Scharzhofberger at its very best and a Spätlese close to perfection! Tasted in April 2020.

Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is a sublime blend hailing from Stellenbosch, a premier wine-producing region in South Africa. This sumptuous red is exquisitely crafted by Louis Strydom, chief winemaker at the prestigious Ernie Els Wines estate. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and matured for 18 months in fine French Oak barrels to yield an opulent and smooth finish.

The Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is a dignified wine, boasting aromas of ripe, dark fruit and structured tannins, mirroring the rolling vineyards in which it is birthed. Notes of blackcurrant, cherry and mocha imbue it with a harmonious balance of richness and complexity, perfect for discerning palates. This bottled poetry is the manifestation of international sportsman and winery owner, Ernie Els's, dedication to excellence. Savour this beautifully matured Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of South Africa - the epitome of fine wine.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2020 Kiedrich Riesling Trocken is very clear, pure, refined and flinty on the elegant and complex, beautifully silky and coolish, classic Rheingau Riesling nose that indicates finely weathered and spicy slate and quartzite soils with delicate fruit or even floral aromas. On the palate, this is a wide and juicy, very fine and elegant, perfectly balanced Riesling with fine, crystalline acidity structure and a long and intense, well concentrated but always salty-crystalline finish. This is a gorgeous Kiedricher Riesling with very delicate tannin grip on the finish. 12.5% stated alcohol. Screw-cap closure. Tasted from AP 5 21 in November 2021.

James Suckling (95)

The super-intense wild-herb, lemon-balm and Amalfi-lemon character is married to no less fundamental minerality, then all of this is packed into a sleek body. Crystalline finish that’s extremely long and fine for the village-wine category. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

James Suckling (98)

Anyone who doubts the greatness of the best wines from the 2020 vintage in Germany should taste this extremely complex and pristine dry riesling. Enormous minerality and structure, in spite of only being medium-bodied. So finely nuanced. Very long finish, in which slatey and chalky elements are beautifully interwoven with the white-peach and Amalfi-lemon aromas. Enormous aging potential. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (96)

What beautiful wild-rose, rose-hip and lemon-balm aromas this off-dry riesling has! Stunning mineral intensity and brilliance on the sleek and very focused palate. Very long finish that’s simultaneously juicy and as sharp as a Japanese cook’s knife. Vegan. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (97)

The extremely complex wild-herb and berry aromas drag you inexorably into this massively structured riesling that’s barely off-dry. Great concentration and so finely nuanced on the palate. Stunning interplay of minerality and juicy, peachy fruit. Very long, super-silky finish that’s very pure. Vegan. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (92)

The organic 2020 Rheingau Riesling Trocken is clear, intense and complex on the very elegant and finely mineral nose. Supple, structured and persistently salty on the palate, this is a silky, lush and mouth-filling Riesling with a beautiful character and terroir expression. The finish is long, crystalline and highly stimulating with salinity and delicate juiciness. This was sourced from Lorch, Kiedrich, Hattenheim, Eltville and other destinations, which explains the complex character of this generic Rheingau Riesling. 12.5% stated alcohol. Screw-cap closure. Tasted from AP 23 21 in November 2021.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2015 Reserva Conde de Vimioso is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Aragonez and the rest Syrah, aged for 18 months in oak ranging from new to third use. It comes in at 14% alcohol. Concentrated, beautifully structured and rather on the powerful side on opening, this is not quite ready to drink, although you could certainly approach it now. With an hour of air, it actually drank very well. Another year or two in the cellar would help it, though. It went like this: on opening, a bit oaky and not ready; after an hour, beautiful. Add a couple of points to the score. Leave it on the table for three hours and then let it air in a glass for half an hour—gorgeous. Add more points. Of the Tejo onslaught this issue, this was probably my favorite. The oak is a bit prominent now, but it doesn't come close to subsuming the nuanced fruit. That first hour of aeration lets the mid-palate absorb the wood very well. The complex flavor medley runs from blueberries to beef. The mid-palate eventually shows some fine finesse, although this is certainly burlier than its unoaked sibling this issue. This well-crafted red is a refined and silky beauty with a bit of a crisp edge. I suspect that it will eventually show far more complexity as well. This is not imported, so the price is just an estimate.

Founded in 1824 in the east Highland foothills of the Grampian Mountains, Fettercairn is a distillery that is very much on the up in recent years. A redeveloped brand at the distillery and an increased focus on prestige bottlings, it is beginning to be more recognised around the world for the unique spirit that comes off it’s elegant stills.

A whisky of renowned purity and finesse, Fettercairn’s classic style is achieved courtesy of a unique still cooling process by which irrigation tubes drench the stills in cool, pure water, cooling the copper causing the harsher oils and phenolic in the vapour to fall back into the still, rather than proceed into the spirit safe.

With ineffably fine spirit and patient devotion to maturation, Fettercairn is best at older age statements, making casks with in-built age a particularly compelling proposition. A stable mate of Dalmore, one of the most sought-after malts in the world, Fettercairn is a no-brainier to buy into while its still available at reasonable prices. Much like Glenrothes followed Macallan into the realm of rarefied for exclusivity, Fettercairn is sure to follow Dalmore into the stratosphere given time.


We are pleased to have secured this superb 12-year-old cask of Fettercairn at an excellent price and with a classic, delicate nutty malt profile it is exactly what you want from a Bourbon-aged Highlander. Still above 60% at this age, look for this to age gracefully for many years to come. Really no need to rush this one.

Wine Advocate (96)

The 2000 Fonseca continues to exude finesse and focus on the nose, with pure blackberry, juniper berries, licorice and a touch of sloes, perhaps as Adrian Bridge remarked, just beginning to close after ten years in bottle. The palate is underpinned by very fine tannins, a sensual, svelte texture with wonderful acidity. The harmony and symmetry is alluring, the finish precise and demonstrating the persistency to suggest a long future ahead. Drink 2020-2060.

Wine Advocate (97-99)

The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.

James Suckling (98)

Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.

James Suckling (98)

Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.

Richard Mayson (18.5)

The second label for Fonseca, a blend fromQuinta do Panascal in the Távora Valley and Fonseca’s estates in the Pinhão Valley. Lovely, ripe expressive dark chocolate concentration on the nose, this really sings from the glass; dense and voluptuous on the palate, super-ripe and plummy with luscious texture backed by firm, gravelly tannins that extend to a broad, gripping finish. Glorious. This will be a keeper.

Emerging from the esteemed vineyards of Saarburger Rausch, the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese 2009 offers an indulgent taste of superior German craftsmanship. Hand-harvested with meticulous precision, this outstanding wine reverberates with the expertise of the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken estate, revered for its dedication to viticulture since 1742. This magnificent Riesling Auslese exudes the distinct terroir of Saar Valley, a unique composition of weathered grey slate and iron-rich soil, delivering an indelible minerality in every sip.

Characterised by an aromatic bouquet of ripe apricots, candied lemon peel, and subtle hints of honey, it possesses a remarkable ageing potential. Its vibrant acidity and persistent sweetness yield perfect harmony, making the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese 2009 a cherished addition to any discerning wine collector's selection.