of Horsham, West Sussex
established 2000
Fine & Rare Wines
Summer 2013
orders@grandvin.co.uk
(01403)
259782
Introduction
When buying fine wine, one should consider how the bottles have been stored by the merchant. Too many are kept standing upright on high shelves near to bright lighting in warm temperatures for months, sometimes years, on end. This is no way to treat such treasures. All my stock slumbers in an underground cellar, providing the ideal conditions for slow maturation. I deal only in small parcels of fine wine, so you may find that some of the wines are in limited supply. Sometimes I have a few cases, sometimes just the odd bottle. The caption ‘limited stock’ usually means that less than six bottles remain.
I offer a 5% discount on six bottles or more, which may be mixed.
If you require a particular wine or vintage not listed here, just ask and I will endeavour to locate it for you.
About
Me
Every wine has been hand picked by me, a professional in the trade for fifteen years and holder of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma with Honours. In 2003 I passed the notoriously rigorous Master of Wine tasting examination.
So read on, and indulge yourself in some of the best that the wine world has to offer …
Michael Arditti
How to Order
Simply contact me by email or phone with your
desired quantities (please leave a message if I am not around). I offer free
delivery within 10 miles of Horsham, or 20 miles for orders over £100. For
national shipping rates please see Conditions of Sale.
Red Bordeaux
My specialist region. Nowhere else on earth does red wine achieve such balance between power and elegance, opulence and austerity. The list that follows covers up-and-coming producers among the lesser known areas, to the world-famous cru classé of Saint Emilion, Graves and the Médoc.
2009
Glorious weather throughout September and well into mid-October gave the bunches very long hang times, producing lovely ripe and fruit-filled wines. Comparable to 1990 or possibly 1982.
Château Cantemerle 2009, 5ème cru classé, Haut Médoc Halves £22
Sarget de Gruaud Larose 2009, Saint Julien £26
Château Batailley 2009, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac Halves £27
Goulée
2009, Médoc £30
Limited stock.
Château de Fonbel 2009, grand cru, Saint Emilion £31
Les Fiefs de Lagrange 2009, Saint Julien £32
Château
Moulin Riche 2009, Saint Julien
£35
Château Chasse Spleen 2009, Moulis £38
Limited stock.
Château Angludet 2009, Margaux £38
Reserve de la Comtesse 2009, Pauillac £42
Château Phélan Ségur 2009, Saint Estèphe £44
Château Durfort-Vivens 2009, 2ème cru classé, Margaux £45
2008
A successful year in a somewhat leaner style as defined by the cool growing season, not dissimilar to 1988.
Winemaker’s Collection 4 – Stephan Derenoncourt, Haut Médoc £35
An innovative concept – the terroir remains constant
(Ch d’Arsac) but the winemaker changes each vintage.
Château Beauregard 2008, Pomerol £39
Château Langoa Barton 2008, 3ème cru classé, Saint Julien
£46
Packed
full of smooth berry fruit but with the structure to last a generation, this is
a most impressive Langoa.
Château Pichon-Longueville Lalande 2008, 2ème cru classé, Pauillac £98
Limited
stock.
Château Lynch Bages 2008, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac £120
Spectacular
stuff, one of the best wines of the vintage! Beautiful definition,
concentration and ripeness. 2020 – 2030+.
Les Forts de Latour 2008, Pauillac £219
Limited stock.
2007
Cool and very wet summer, I recall sheltering under Anthony Barton’s umbrella. Some good wines were made however, for drinking in the medium term. (A great vintage in Sauternes though, see later section.)
Winemaker’s Collection 3 – Andrea Franchetti, Haut Médoc £28
Limited stock.
2006
A very good year producing tight, ageworthy wines despite the damp conditions in September.
Winemaker’s Collection 2 – Denis Dubourdieu,
Haut-Médoc
£30
Limited stock.
Château La Pointe 2006, Pomerol
£32
Good quality pomerol that won’t break the bank. Just
ready but will be best between 2014 and 2020.
Château Cantemerle 2006, 5ème cru classé, Haut Médoc £35
Fragrant and floral; always keen value. 90pts Robert
Parker.
Château Haut Bages Libéral 2006, 5ème cru classé,
Pauillac
£37
“Profound spice and fruit
notes, initially restrained, but opening into a chorus of aromas. Has a
succulent intensity, a carpet of red and black fruits, fully textured and long.
Hugely impressive, hugely rewarding. Drink from 2016,” Decanter Magazine.
Château Beychevelle 2006, 4ème cru classé, St Julien Halves £44
A gorgeous Beychevelle, silky and seductive.
Château Talbot 2006, 4ème cru classé, St Julien
£45
A super example of Talbot this year, combining density with
elegance and poise. “A red with a solid core of blueberry and currant aromas, with spices
too. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a balanced finish. Very pretty.
92-95pts” James Suckling, Wine Spectator.
Clos Fourtet 2006, 1er grand cru classé, St Emilion
£49
This walled vineyard on the plateau, immediately
above the medieval town, produces a most wonderful expression of the Saint
Emilion terroir - concentrated
yet composed, with exquisite balance. Drink from 2014. 91pts RP
Château d’Armailhac 2006, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac
£50
A very successful vintage for the Rothschild stable,
this is one of the finest d’Armailhacs made. Drink 2013 – 2025. 91pts RP.
Le Petit Mouton 2006, Pauillac £155
From
the great terroir of Mouton Rothschild (best wine of the vintage), this is the
second wine made from young vines. Powerful and opulent with obvious class,
echoing the grand vin but at a fraction of the price. Approachable
already but with the ability to age for another ten plus years. Limited
stock.
2005
Low rainfall and perfect weather throughout the year produced fine quality at all levels. I tasted most of these from barrel in the spring of 2006 and cherry picked. The wines are ripe, concentrated and tannic – true vins de gardes.
Château Tour St Bonnet 2005, Médoc £16.50
A
well-loved, traditional northern Médoc with a touch of austerity, to drink from
2012. 88pts RP.
Château Haut Bages Libéral 2005, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac Halves £24
A mini Latour! (and just next door to it) Firm,
archetypal Pauillac that will age effortlessly. Drink from 2017.
Goulée 2005, Médoc £32
I
was blown away by this new wine from the team at Cos d’Estournel. Limited
stock.
Château Labégorce 2005, Margaux £33
“True Margaux quality,” as Hugh Johnson puts it. I
could not agree more - an absolute delight.
Winemaker’s Collection 1 – Michel Rolland, Haut Médoc £37
Limited
stock.
Château Berliquet 2005, grand cru classé, St Emilion £37
This is a château to watch - quality is soaring but
prices have yet to catch up.
Château Chasse Spleen 2005, Moulis £38
Château Cos Labory 2005, 5ème cru classé, Saint
Estèphe £39
The finest wine from this estate I have ever tasted.
Tannic, will reward patience. Drink from 2017.
Château Lagrange 2005, 3ème cru classé, St Julien £55
Wines of purity are the hallmark of Lagrange, good
even in lesser vintages, and in a year like this – stunning.
Château Langoa Barton 2005, 3ème cru classé, St Julien £59
The finest young Langoa I have ever tasted.
Limited stock.
Château Clinet 2005, Pomerol £92
Powerful, muscular Pomerol built for the long term,
this is my pick of the commune.
Château Figeac 2005, 1er grand cru classé, St
Emilion
£129
Full of freshness and elegance, this is St Emilion
in the classic mode. Approach from 2015.
Château Pontet Canet 2005, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac £160
A
true Pauillac and a giant in the making, this is of first growth stature. 96+
pts RP.
2004
After 2003 the vine naturally wanted to overproduce - the best wines were made by properties that managed to control their yields.
Château Quinault l’Enclos 2004, grand cru, Saint Emilion £34
Hail
naturally reduced the crop at this garagiste property. “An
elegant, pretty Quinault, the 2004 displays a dense ruby/purple color along
with a big, rich nose of licorice, black raspberries, cherries, and spice. This
blend of 71% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and
Malbec possesses an excellent texture, beautiful elegance and complexity, and
no hard edges. A seamlessly made, supple-textured, evolved, forward effort, it
can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years. This is a very strong effort in a
challenging vintage.” 91pts RP.
Clos du Marquis 2004, St Julien £40
So good is the second wine of Léoville Las Cases, it
is highly sought after in itself. Now to 2015+. Limited stock.
Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2004, 1er grand cru classé, Saint Emilion £53
Concentrated, modern St Emilion aged in 100% new oak.
Drink 2013 to 2019. Rated ***** Decanter Magazine. Limited stock.
2003
The heatwave
reduced the crop but produced some super-rich wines in the northern Médoc.
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2003, 5ème cru
classé, Pauillac
£38
A forward vintage for G-P-L, drinking nicely now. "Blackberry and
licorice aromas, with full body, very fine tannins and a long finish. Very
silky. So much for jammy wines in 2003. Very fresh and refined. Best after
2008.” 92/100 pts James Suckling, Wine Spectator, July 2006
Château
Marbuzet 2003, Saint Estèphe £39
This small 7ha plot is under the same ownership as Cos d’Estournel and
benefits from the same care and attention. Good value, this is seriously good
claret. Drink from 2012. 17 / 20 Jancis Robinson MW. Limited stock.
Château Duhart Milon Rothschild 2003, 4ème cru classé, Pauillac £95
“Consumers should take note as this estate
is clearly benefiting from increased attention from the Rothschilds. The 2003
may be the finest Duhart-Milon made ... ever! A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon
and 27% Merlot, it boasts a deep ruby/purple hue in addition to a big, sweet
perfume of black fruits interwoven with roasted herbs and meat juice offered in
a muscular, full-bodied style. Full-bodied, dense, and well-structured, this stunning
cuvee is best consumed between 2010-2030. 92+pts” RP.
Château Léoville Barton 2003, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien £99
Unlike many Bordelais, Anthony Barton (the proprietor) is not one to
exaggerate, so when he says that this is the greatest wine he has ever produced
… Best from 2015. 98pts Wine Spectator
Carruades de Lafite 2003, Pauillac £320
“A spectacular value as
well as a sleeper of the vintage is the 135,000-bottle cuvee of 2003 Carruades
de Lafite (50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc). This
amazing effort rivals such superb second wines as the 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion
and 1982 Forts de Latour. A serious red, it is sexy, opulent, rich, and
luscious with silky tannin, enormous body, and wave after wave of mocha-infused
black cherry and cassis fruit. It is almost too good to be believed. 93pts”
Robert Parker. 2008+ to 2020. Limited stock. (Only 1 bottle remaining)
2002
A forgotten vintage and one that is often misunderstood. Climatic conditions favoured the left bank, indeed the Médoc cru classé made wines of real depth and structure very much in the classic mold; wines destined to age gracefully.
Château Langoa Barton 2002, 3ème cru classé, St Julien Halves £26
Sister château to Léoville Barton producing sturdy, traditional claret
worthy of extended ageing and good value to boot. Approach from 2012, but will
probably not hit its stride until 2017. “Nose dominated by sweet toasty oak,
but has elegance. Rich, pure, stylish, very concentrated Cabernet, tight, toasty
finish and exceptional length.” **** Decanter Magazine, April ’05. 90pts RP
Château Moulin Riche 2002, St Julien £27
Superbly made 2nd wine of Léoville Poyferré, choc full of
bramble fruit, classy oak and tobacco nuances with impressive density and firm
structure. Enjoy from 2012. Limited stock.
Château Rauzan-Ségla 2002, 2ème cru classé, Margaux £52
“53% of the crop made it
into this blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2%
Cabernet Franc. An outstanding wine with a dark ruby/purple colour and more
power, richness, and concentration than its younger sibling, the 2002 reveals
outstanding potential, exhibiting plenty of concentrated black currant fruit
with some vanilla, herbs, and liquorice. It has about the same level of tannin
as the 2003, but seems to have sweeter fruit and more mid-palate and length. 90
pts” Robert Parker. Limited stock.
Château Léoville Poyferré 2002, 2ème cru classé, St Julien £70
Tasted Nov ‘06 my notes read, “deeply coloured and seductively scented
with sweet cherry on the nose. A lovely palate, pure and concentrated with
supple but firm tannic structure and real power.” At its peak between 2011 and
2019. 90pts RP
Château Léoville Barton 2002, 2ème cru classé, St Julien £70
One of the top wines of the vintage! Drink 2014 to 2025. “Closed in
with only hints of fruit in evidence now. Brilliantly crafted modern style.
Rich carpet of fruit with encompassing fine tannins. Serious wine.” *****
Decanter Magazine, April ‘05. 92pts RP
Château Cos d'Estournel 2002, 2ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe £110
93pts RP. Expected apogee 2017 – 2028. Limited stock.
2000
A hugely successful year with great consistency across the region.
Château
Cantemerle 2000, 5ème cru classé, Haut Médoc Halves £25
Elegant and complex this has matured to a silky soft
texture. Drinking well now. Limited stock.
Château
Belgrave 2000, 5ème cru classé, Haut Médoc
£37
A
lesser known fifth growth that has been improving for some time, it offers real
value for money. Now to 2020.
Sarget
de Gruaud Larose 2000, Saint Julien £40
The
2nd wine of Château Gruaud Larose. A terrific, ageworthy claret and
cracking value. Drinking to 2017.
“This
château made a classic grand vin and the second wine is outstanding.
Very rich and plummy on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and plenty of
fruit on the finish. 91pts” James Suckling, Wine Spectator. Limited stock.
Château Lafon-Rochet 2000, 4ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe
£59
A
classically long-lived St Estèphe. 90pts Robert Parker. Limited stock.
Château La
Tour Figeac 2000, grand cru classé, Saint Emilion £60
An
estate to watch. 91pts RP. Limited stock.
Château
Lascombes 2000, 2ème cru classé, Margaux £95
The
best Lascombes for thirty years. 2013 on. 90pts RP
Château
Calon-Ségur 2000, 3ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe £95
From
one of the finest terroirs in
Bordeaux, this château is back on form and has produced one of the wines of the
vintage.
To
drink from 2014 to 2030+. 92pts RP. 95-100pts Wine Spectator.
Château Gruaud Larose 2000, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien £119
This
estate consistently produces great wines of class and structure. Another star
from this stellar vintage. 2013 to 2030+. 94+pts RP. "Absolutely wonderful
aromas of flowers, currants and citrus. Full-bodied, yet very, very refined,
with a center core of fruit that tastes like crushed raspberries and goes on
and on. Greatest wine from this estate since 1945. Best after 2010." 95pts
WS
Château
d'Armailhac 2000, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac Magnum
(1.5L) £140
This
property, owned by the Rothschilds of Mouton, is going from strength to
strength. From 2011. 91pts RP.
Château
Léoville Poyferré 2000, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien
£155
This property
has improved over the last ten years and now ranks among the top second
growths. A stunning claret to enjoy from 2012. 95pts RP. Limited stock.
Château Pichon-Longueville Baron
2000, 2ème cru classé, Pauillac £225
“A spectacular effort,
this is a profound Pichon Baron and clearly my favourite vintage of this wine
since the 1989 and 1990. An inky purple colour offers up notes of barbecue
spices intermixed with new saddle leather, crème de cassis, melted liquorice,
creosote, and a hint of vanilla. The wine is full-bodied, tremendously concentrated,
with sweet tannin and a seamless finish that goes on for close to one minute.
This wine has great purity, tremendous texture, and fabulous upside potential.
This is a prodigious 2000! Anticipated maturity: 2008-2028. 97 points,” Robert
Parker.
Limited stock.
Château
Lynch Bages 2000, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac
£230
A
tour de force. Regularly performing like a second growth, many believe this is
the best Lynch Bages ever made. 95+pts RP. Enjoy 2015 to 2025+.
1999
A challenging year, but a handful of estates excelled. I have selected some of the best that managed to produce ripe, supple claret.
Château Lynch Bages 1999, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac £98
Ripe and rounded, this plump claret is always a joy to drink but has
enough structure and weight to mature for another ten years. 90pts RP. Limited stock.
Château Mouton-Rothschild 1999, 1er cru classé, Pauillac £355
At a tasting of the ’99 crus classés this was my top wine, showing all
the fabulous opulence of classic Mouton. Decant a few hours before serving and
drink until 2025. Label by Raymond Savignac, wrapped in original tissue. Limited stock.
1998
This remains an undervalued vintage compared to 2000. A hot, dry August ensured the grapes ripened well. The regions of Saint Emilion, Pomerol and the Graves saw perfect conditions for the harvest and have given truly great wines, as good or even better than the 2000s. The top estates in the Médoc made a rigorous selection and also produced some delicious wines.
Château Lagrange 1998, 3ème cru classé, Saint Julien
£55
This property produced a gorgeous ’98 with real
staying power. At peak 2016 to 2028. “Rich, perfumed, pure black fruits, touch
of sweet creaminess. Sweet fruit on palate, lovely melting tannins, refreshing
acidity, effortless. Top class,” Richard Bampfield MW, Decanter Magazine Jan
’06.
Château Kirwan 1998, 3ème cru classé, Margaux £56
In ascendance, and a great success in this vintage.
Michel Rolland consults. 90pts RP. “Very good earthy, wild violets, gamey
Cabernet bouquet, complex. Very fine length and excellent ripeness, proper
structure and superb tannins,” Steven Spurrier, Decanter Magazine Jan ’06.
Château La Gaffelière 1998, 1er grand cru classé, Saint Emilion £65
A fine
vintage for this estate, will drink beautifully from 2014.
Château Calon-Ségur 1998, 3ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe £75
Sumptuous fruit with plenty of ‘gras’ and firm but
ripe tannins. Best from 2012 to 2026. “This has class and personality and very
good fruit. The best Calon Ségur since 1959. Fine,” 17.5 / 20 Clive Coates MW.
92pts RP.
Château
Léoville Barton 1998, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien £75
Traditional claret from one of the finest and best loved St Juliens.
Real breed and concentration here. 2018 to 2025. 91pts RP.
Château Monbousquet
1998, grand cru, Saint Emilion £80
Gerard Perse has transformed this estate and now
produces opulent wines of great depth. Yields are kept very low – 30hl/ha and
the wine spends 18 months in 100% new French oak. Bottled unfined and
unfiltered. Drink this stunning vintage through to 2015. 94pts RP. Limited
stock.
Château Cos d'Estournel 1998, 2ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe £95
Rich and exotic, this is one of my very favourite châteaux and makes
wines close to first growth quality. Ready now, will drink well to 2015+. Limited stock.
Château
Troplong Mondot 1998, grand cru classé, Saint Emilion £105
A powerful
Saint Emilion built for the long haul. Recently promoted to premier grand cru
classé. 2012 to 2020+. 93pts RP.
Château Pape
Clément 1998, grand cru classé, Pessac Léognan £119
19 / 20
Stephen Spurrier. 93pts RP
Château La Mission Haut Brion 1998, grand cru classé, Pessac Léognan £300
Almost as
famous as its neighbour (below), La Mission produces tannic wines that require
patience. From 2014 to 2030.
Château Haut
Brion 1998, 1er cru classé, Pessac Léognan £495
From the
oldest of the great growths, comes arguably the top wine of the vintage. Drink
2012 to 2030+. 96+pts RP.
1996
A very fine vintage for the left bank communes of the Médoc and Graves.
Château Lagrange 1996, 3ème cru classé, Saint Julien £85
Always one of
my favourites. 92pts RP. Limited stock.
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 1996, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac £110
Outperforming its classification by miles, Clive Coates
MW rates it as “the best and most consistent Pauillac outside the first
growths.” Ready now, this sumptuous claret will drink to 2020 and possibly
beyond. 93+ from RP.
Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 1996, 2ème cru classé, Pauillac £160
"Pichon Longueville Baron's 1996 has turned out to be even
better than I thought from cask. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in
the blend (about 80%) resulted in a wine that has put on weight in the bottle.
An opaque purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of tobacco, new
saddle leather, roasted coffee, and cassis. It is dense, medium to full-bodied,
and backward, with moderately high tannin, but plenty of sweet fruit, glycerin,
and extract to balance out the wine's structure. This well-endowed, classic
Pauillac should be at its finest between 2006-2022." 91 points Robert Parker Limited stock.
Château Cos d'Estournel 1996, 2ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe £170
I
have tasted this several times, and there is no doubt about it, it is top
notch. Will age magnificently. 95pts RP. Limited stock.
Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1996, 2ème cru classé,
Saint Julien £250
The most
expensive second-growth, but Las Cases produces one of the finest of all
clarets, and since the mid ‘70s has been at first growth level. 98+pts RP.
Surely one of the greatest clarets of the 20th century; this can be
broached now, but would benefit from another five years ageing and drink well
for at least another ten years after that. Limited
stock.
Carruades de Lafite 1996,
Pauillac £250
2nd wine of first growth Château
Lafite in a vintage where Parker gave 100pts to the grand vin. The
family resemblance is unmistakable - understated elegance allied to richness
and complexity. Drink now. Limited stock. (Only 1 bottle
remaining)
1995
A very good year in Bordeaux, combining ripe fruit with structure, these are just starting to drink at their best.
Château Calon-Ségur 1995, 3ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe £110
“An absolutely amazing red, this third-growth
Bordeaux is remarkable for its layers of berry, violets and perfume. It's
full-bodied and very velvety on the palate, with masses of character and an
ultralong finish. 96pts” Wine Spectator. Drink to 2025.
Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1995, 2ème cru classé,
Saint Julien £170
Considering this is at first growth quality, it
seems a relative bargain. 95pts RP. Now to 2025. Limited stock.
Older Vintages
Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1994, 2ème cru classé,
Saint Julien £140
Las Cases produces masterpieces even in lesser years – the mark of a
top-level estate. 93pts RP. Limited stock.
Château Canon 1990, 1er grand cru classé, Saint
Emilion £85
In full maturity, drinking now. Limited stock.
Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1990, 2ème cru classé,
Saint Julien £300
A supreme claret at peak. 97pts RP. Limited stock.
White
Bordeaux
Domaine de Chevalier blanc 2004, grand cru classé,
Pessac Léognan £75
White Graves
doesn’t get better than this. Can be drunk with pleasure now, but will repay
cellaring for another ten to twenty years. 95pts RP.
Sauternes & Barsac
If vintage is important for red Bordeaux, it is crucial for Sauternes where annual climatic conditions dictate the presence of the beneficial fungus botrytis cinerea. I am very selective in the sweeties that I list; only the best will do.
Château Rayne Vigneau 2007, 1er cru classé,
Sauternes Halves £22
Really
impressive this year. Quite lovely, combining richness with raciness giving it
the ability to age for many years.
Château Doisy-Daëne 2007, 2ème
cru classé, Barsac Halves £23
A terrific
vintage for Barsac, the wines positively scintillate, and this is an absolute
classic.
Château Suduiraut 2003, 1er cru classé, Sauternes Halves £26
Christian
Seely is clearly intent on pushing the quality at Suduiraut higher than it has
ever been. I tasted this from barrel and it was one of the greatest
young Sauternes I have ever experienced. Limited stock.
Château Rieussec 2003, 1er cru classé, Sauternes Halves £26
“This is a bodybuilder of a wine. Massive. Full-bodied, very
sweet, yet you don't feel it. It seems almost tannic, but there is great
sweetness and power. Ginger and honey. Fantastic wine,” James Suckling, Wine
Spectator. Limited stock.
Château La Tour Blanche 2003, 1er cru classé,
Sauternes Halves £30
“Dark gold
in color already, with intense aromas of dried apricots, citrus, honey and
maple syrup with lots of spice. Full bodied, with lovely sweetness and a long,
creamy peach tart, tobacco, honey aftertaste. This is pure botrytis. Best ever
from here. Has an incredible finish. Best after 2010, 97pts” James Suckling,
Wine Spectator. Limited stock.
Château de Myrat 2007, 2ème
cru classé, Barsac £37
A
real find, I was impressed by the quality at this resurgent château. Clearly so
was Mr Parker awarding it 92pts.
Château Raymond Lafon 2009, Sauternes
£45
This
is the best of the non-classed growths, though it undoubtedly matches their
level. 19/20 Jancis Robinson MW.
Château Rieussec 2003, 1er cru classé, Sauternes £47
Château Rieussec 1997, 1er cru classé, Sauternes £52
Red Burgundy
Côte de Beaune
Pommard ‘En
Brescul’ 2008, Domaine Jean-Luc Joillot
£29
Should make for delicious drinking between
2013 and 2018. Limited stock.
Volnay 2005,
Domaine Michel Lafarge £37
Lafarge is renowned as one of the great
traditionalists. Can be drunk in its youth or aged for ten years.
Volnay 1er cru
Fremiet 2005, Domaine Marquis d'Angerville £69
Côte de Nuits
Gevrey-Chambertin
2009, Domaine Frédéric Esmonin
£31
Juicy red fruit with the underlying firmness of the
village, this is natural and unforced. Delicious! Drink from 2013. Limited
stock.
Nuits St
Georges 1er cru Les Bousselots 2005, Domaine Remoriquet £36
A rising star in (the) Nuits. Classic, structured
burgundy for laying down.
Gevrey-Chambertin
‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2006, Domaine Fourrier
£40
Premier cru quality here from very old vines planted
to the north of the village. Drink 2014 – 2020. Limited stock.
Nuits St Georges
1er cru Les Bousselots 1999, Domaine Remoriquet £42
A powerful vintage, drinking beautifully now and for
some years to come. Limited stock.
Vosne-Romanée
2009, Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg
£53
Absolutely lovely expression; fragrant and feminine
but with underlying power and richness. Top quality. Limited stock.
Vosne-Romanée
2002, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard £55
Vosne sits at the heart of the Côte d’Or and for me
offers the most complete illustration of red burgundy. This top-drawer village
wine is equal to many growers’ premier cru. Drinking supremely now. Limited
stock.
Nuits St
Georges 1er cru Les Pruliers 2009, Domaine Henri Gouges
£60
From the best domaine in Nuits (in my opinion) this
has all the steeliness associated with the village. Will be outstanding but
needs time. 2020 - 2030. Limited stock.
Gevrey-Chambertin
‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2005, Domaine Denis Bachelet
£69
Terrific Gevrey, capable of gaining fine complexity
for ten years or more. Very small production and much in demand.
Limited stock.
White Burgundy
Chablis ‘La
Sereine’ 2004, La Chablisienne £13
Mature Chablis like this, sourced direct from the
producer, is a treat to be savoured. Drink now to 2013+. Limited stock.
Chablis 1er cru
Beauregard 2006, La Chablisienne £19
Beautifully rounded and complex. Limited stock.
Chassagne-Montrachet
‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2008, Domaine Borgeot £25
A floral, mineral style with the merest hint of oak. Bottled unfiltered.
Meursault ‘Les
Tessons’ 2006, Domaine Michel Bouzereau £29
Now at its peak, this ripe vintage has attractive
balance and charm.
Meursault ‘Sous
la Velle’ 2006, Domaine Michelot £35
I love the wines of Michelot. Elegance, richness and
complexity - all that Meursault should be. They age well too.
Limited stock.
Chassagne-Montrachet
2009, Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard
£37
Serious example of chassagne with finely crafted
citrus fruit allied to more savoury notes and beautifully integrated oak. Great
length in the mouth. Limited stock.
Puligny Montrachet
1er cru Les Champs Gains 2004, Domaine Michel Bouzereau
£37
Limited stock.
Corton-Charlemagne
grand cru 2005, Domaine Bonneau du Martray
£110
Arguably the best example of this grand burgundy, it
ages with grace for twenty years or more.
Rhône Valley
Hermitage ‘La
Chapelle’ 1996, Jaboulet Ainé £79
One of the true greats of the Northern Rhône with its
powerful aromas of leather and spice. Now to 2025+. “Really deep, thick and
black. Unbelievable legs. This has a real cassis nose. Intense, classic,
spicily scented. Crushed blackcurrants. Damp leaves. Massive wine. Huge tannic
structure. Strong acidity, which augurs well for the future. Has everything.
Will last for 50 years. Could this be like the ’61? The formidable arrangement
of fruit, acidity and tannin gives it superpower status,” Serena Sutcliffe MW. Limited
stock.
Château de
Beaucastel 2001, Châteauneuf-du-Pape £80
A stunning vintage of this top estate, one of the
best in the last twenty years, will mature for many years to come. 96pts RP. Limited
stock.
Germany
Purity,
elegance and longevity. The following reads like a who’s who of german
winegrowers. Riesling doesn’t get better than this.
Maximin
Grünhäuser Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese 2001, von Schubert Halves £16
Brauneberger
Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2009, Fritz Haag Halves £17
Limited stock.
Brauneberger
Juffer Riesling Kabinett 2006, Fritz Haag
£18
Napoleon named this one of his ‘pearls of the Mosel’.
Juffer is one of the finest vineyards in Brauneberg (it faces due south across
the Mosel) and Haag the best proponent. Delish already but can mature further.
Limited stock.
Piesporter
Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett 2009, Reinhold Haart £20
This has the depth and richness of a spätlese - super
stuff. Limited stock.
Maximin
Grünhäuser Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett 2001, von Schubert
£20
Top estate of the Ruwer and a top vintage. Ready now,
this will continue to mature over the next five to ten years.
Maximin
Grünhäuser Abtsberg Riesling Spätlese 2006, von Schubert
£25
The considerable richness here is clasped by minerally
acidity in a vice-like grip creating a thrilling tension between fruit and
structure. Drinking from 2013 and over the following decade or two (there
really is no hurry). Limited stock.
Schlossböckelheimer
Felsen Turmchen Riesling Spätlese 2006, Helmut Dönnhoff £29
From a tiny 1ha enclave surrounding the ‘turmchen’
(tower) within the great Felsenberg vineyard. Limited stock.
Kreuznacher
Krötenpfuhl Riesling Spätlese 2006, Helmut Dönnhoff
£29
The undisputed maestro of the Nahe does it again.
Limited stock.
Piesporter
Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese 2006, Reinhold Haart £33
Not to be confused with the mass-produced dross that
is Piesporter Michelsberg, this is from one of the great Mosel vineyards that
made Piesport famous in the first place. Haart is the finest producer in this
village and this beauty will age effortlessly. Limited stock.
Wehlener
Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2006, J J Prüm
£36
A legendary estate and arguably the best in Germany.
Expect this to blossom after ten to twenty years in bottle. Limited stock.
Zeltinger
Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2006, J J Prüm
£36
Will take time to reach its apogee, but will be worth
the wait. 2016 to 2030+ Limited stock.
Wehlener
Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2010, J J Prüm
£36
Limited stock.
Wehlener
Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2001, J J Prüm
£77
Drinking from 2015 on, and on and on!
Australia
Wynns ‘Black Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2000, Coonawarra £24
Possessing a
satin-like texture and beginning to develop secondary complexity, this is
drinking well. Limited stock.
Wynns ‘Black
Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Coonawarra £26
Limited stock.
Wynns ‘Black
Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Coonawarra £26
Limited stock.
Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 1996, Coonawarra £50
Intensely concentrated, this impressive brew is
built to last. Now to 2015+.
d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz
2005, McLaren Vale £37
After its debut vintage in ‘94, this has rapidly
gained cult status. ‘Dead Arm’ refers to the disease that affects these old
vines and reduces their yield with a corresponding increase in fruit
concentration. “The 2005 The Dead
Arm Shiraz is sourced from ancient head-pruned vines. It was aged for 22 months
in a mix of new and used French and American oak. It is opaque purple/black
with an expansive perfume of toast, smoke, spice box, mineral, pencil lead,
tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, opulent, and
super-concentrated, this structured, lengthy wine will benefit from 3-5 years
of cellaring and drink well through 2025.” 95pts Wine Advocate.
Limited stock.
d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm'
Shiraz 2004, McLaren Vale
£39
“An inky /
purple color is accompanied by a glorious perfume of creosote / melted road
tar, blackberry and cassis liqueur, pepper and spice. This deep, rich,
full-bodied, tannic shiraz should be drinkable in 2-3 years and will last for
two decades or more. It is the finest Dead Arm since the 2001,” 95pts Robert
Parker, Oct ‘06.
d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz
2003, McLaren Vale
£43
95pts RP.
d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz
2002, McLaren Vale
£39
A structured vintage, this should be just about ready. 92+pts RP.
d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm'
Shiraz 2000, McLaren Vale
£50
Limited stock.
d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm'
Shiraz 1999, McLaren Vale
£60
Limited stock.
d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm'
Shiraz 1998, McLaren Vale
£69
“The 1998 The Dead Arm Shiraz (from a vineyard
planted prior to 1890) is outrageously rich, spectacular stuff, the likes of
which only Australia seems capable of making. Whiners may complain that it is
too big, too rich, too flavorful, and too damn good, but this opaque purple-colored
offering is loaded with blackberry liqueur, smoke, charcoal, pepper, cassis,
and licorice. Unctuously-textured and full-bodied, but neither heavy nor
overbearing, the wine's sweet tannin and low acidity are hidden in the cascade
of fruit and glycerin that melt on the palate. This riveting, compelling effort
can be drunk now, but promises to age well for two decades or more,” 98pts
Robert Parker. Limited stock.
d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm'
Shiraz 1996, McLaren Vale
£75
“Year
in and year out d'Arenberg's finest cuvee is their spectacular Shiraz made from
100+ year old, head-pruned vines. It is an exquisite, multi-dimensional wine
that is sure to make a formidable impression with readers. It is aged in 100%
new oak, tipping the scales at a whopping 14.9% alcohol, yet has a glorious
level of fruit and extract. The full-bodied, port-like 1996 Dead Arm Shiraz
displays scents of black fruits, prunes, licorice, and pepper. Thick, rich, and
unctuously-textured, this is a dazzling old vine Shiraz that can be drunk now,
or cellared for 15-20 years,” 96pts Robert Parker.
Limited stock.
Vintage Port
Ready to drink
Niepoort Vintage Port 1994 £59
One of the few top quality port shippers that is not British owned. Can
lay down for another five to ten years.
Niepoort Vintage Port 1992 £62
Full throttle port capable of maturing further until at least 2020.
Dow Vintage Port 1994 £66
96pts RP. One of the stars of the vintage. Limited stock.
For laying down
Fonseca Vintage Port 2000 £70
A fantastic young vintage to lay down for between
ten and forty years. 95+pts from Mr Parker. Limited stock.
Madeira
Cossart Gordon Bual Vintage Madeira 1969 £145
Sublime dessert wine with immense complexity, aged in the traditional manner
spending
35 years in cask. Complete with wooden gift box and certificate of age.
Limited stock.
Additional Services
Advice
I offer free
advice on what to choose, how to build up a cellar, storage and drinking dates.
Tutored
Tastings
From time to
time, I organise tutored tastings of fine wine in the Sussex area. Entry is by
pre-paid ticket; check the web site for details. Alternatively, I am happy to
conduct informative wine tastings on any subject, at a venue of your choice and
to suit your budget. Please enquire for a quotation.
Note on Lead Capsules
Fine wines
prior to the mid eighties were often bottled with lead foils. After removing
the foil capsule and before decanting, the rim of the bottle should be wiped
with a damp cloth to remove any possible traces of contaminant.
Conditions of Sale
Fine wines are inherently
limited in quantity and are offered subject to availability.
Sale is to persons within
the UK only, over 18 years of age.
Prices quoted are per
bottle and duty paid. No VAT is chargeable or redeemable. Prices correct at
time of printing, but may change without notice. 5% discount on orders of six
bottles or more.
Payment is due on issue of
invoice. Title of goods remains with Michael Arditti until payment has been
made in full.
Bottle size is 75cl unless
otherwise specified.
Delivery is free within a
10 mile radius of Horsham, or 20 miles for orders over £100. Under £100,
delivery is charged at £5 within this area. For the rest of mainland UK, carriage
will be charged at cost, currently £9 for a single bottle, £22 for 6 - 12
bottles.
Unfortunately credit /
debit cards cannot be accepted. Cheques should be made payable to 'Michael
Arditti'.
Though I am careful to
select the best stock available, the ullage and condition of older wines may
vary. I am happy to provide a condition report on request.
Claims for refund in the
event of cork spoilage must be accompanied by bottle and contents.
E & OE.
v136
Text ã 2013 Michael Arditti