Billaud-Simon is known for producing some of the finest expressions of classic Chablis. Their vineyards are virtually all Premier and Grand Cru and vine age is high, allowing them to produce wines of real depth and concentration.Harmonious and pure, with scents of peach and nectarine, this Chablis balances fruit and mineral flavours and acidity beautifully. A Chablis of an extremely high order.

A trained oenologist, Jean-Marc Pillot assumed responsibility for this estate relatively recently, elevating the property’s status greatly and producing what are considered to be some of the finest wines in Chassagne Montrachet. Vibrant in the glass and enticingly citrus in nature, with toasted characters in support. This is a deliciously natural Chassagne; ripe and fresh, with a hint of vanilla on the finish.

Domaine Boyer-Martenot is a family-run property, utilising traditional methods of production. One of Meursault’s rising stars, their philosophy is that great wine is made in the vineyard rather than the winery.Immediately mineral, but with a mouthfilling honeyed citrus character, hints of cinnamon spice and a long finish. A fine expression of both the terroir and the excellent vintage.

The vineyard of Murgers is at the Vosne-Romanée end of the village of Nuits-St-Georges and therefore the wines tend to combine the characteristics of both villages, making them some of the most elegant in Nuits-St-Georges. Redcurrant and black cherry notes are supported by firm-structured tannins and a mineral acidity. The fruit is sweet and ripe in character, but maintains Burgundy star Cathiard’s trademark purity.

The gracious and unassuming Cavallotto family claim sole ownership of Bricco Boschis in the Castliglione Falletto district of Barolo. Their wines are elegant and long-lived; perfect for the cellar. Fragrantly attractive on the nose, this has aromas of violet, liquorice and raspberries. On the palate the tannins are structural, but there is a rich core of tayberry fruit and a long delicately spiced finish.

Orders including this wine will be available for delivery from the first week of December.

2004 has been hailed as an excellent vintage across Italy, but particularly for Tuscany. The wines are comparable in quality to those of the great 2001 vintage, although they are generally richer and more structured. This has sweet cherry and floral scents on the nose and a touch of mocha. The palate is rounded and rich, with concentrated fruit compote characters overlaid with toasted oak.

Orders including this wine will be available for delivery from the first week of December.

Alejandro Fernández, considered by many to be the “master of Tempranillo”, makes elegant and sophisticated wines, which are expressive when young, but benefit greatly from age.With aromas of dark berry fruit and coffee, this is an enticing wine. On the palate, fine tannins, freshening acidity and a stony minerality provide a refined and elegant nature.

It is unusual in Rioja for a bodega to own its own vineyards, but La Rioja Alta attributes the high quality of its wines to the fact they do own and manage vineyards from which their fruit is sourced.
Rich and aromatic on the nose. There are ripe red berry fruit characters and cinnamon spice on the palate, with smooth and silky tannins. Balanced and fine, this is accessible, mature and expressive Rioja.

Orders including this wine will be available for delivery from the first week of December.

2007 in the Southern Rhône was described by critic Robert Parker as “the greatest vintage I have tasted in my thirty years” and this high quality is ably demonstrated by this classic Châteauneuf. Deliciously complex, with provençal herb characters overlaying dark berry fruit. This has a long finish, with fine velvety tannins and a touch of minerality. A truly great Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Orders including this wine will be available for delivery from the first week of December.

Alain Graillot started making wine in 1985 and is now one of the most respected producers in the appellation. His Crozes-Hermitage is known for its purity, balance and natural expression of classic Syrah.This is vibrant and scented, with violet and berry notes. On the palate, this is balanced and pure, with savoury, peppery nuances. A highly impressive Crozes-Hermitage.

This wine takes its name from wine-producer Cyril Henschke, creator of the legendary Hill of Grace. Marking the perfect balance between classic old world refinement and new world exuberance, this is a truly great wine. Rich and complex on the nose. The palate is balanced and harmonious, with ripe black berry fruit, cedar spice, silky tannins and a freshening acidity. Nothing short of superb.

Jim Barry has been making wine in the Clare Valley since 1947. The Armagh Shiraz is his flagship cuvée and the 2005 vintage scored 97 points in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate publication. Violet scented, with blackberry and cassis fruit. The palate is rich and voluptuous, with dark berry fruits, chocolate and a touch of eucalypt freshness. Very fine indeed.

Natural, pale, salmon pink in colour, this has an enticing perfume that hints at fresh summer fruits and white flowers. Refined and distinguished, with wild-strawberry and redcurrant on the palate balanced by Bollinger’s trademark toasted brioche character. There is a minerality on the long finish that suggests that this wine could have a long future, but it is also absolutely delicious now and will make excellent drinking over the coming festive period.

Orders including this wine will be available for delivery from the first week of December.