of Horsham, West Sussex

 

established 2000

 

 

 

 

Fine & Rare Wines

Autumn 2009

 

 

orders@grandvin.co.uk

 

(01403) 259782

 

Introduction

 

The 2005s & 2006s are rolling in and the wines look tremendous, though the majority will take some years to reach their peak. My advice is to stock up while you can. Unfortunately worldwide demand for fine wine is driving prices up, not helped by the strength of the euro. I have endeavoured to find wines offering value at each price level.

 

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 twelve 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.

 

 

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.

 

2006

A successful year despite the damp conditions in September, though not as consistent as in ’05. The rule is to pick and choose carefully, which is exactly what I have done.

 

Château Beychevelle 2006, 4ème cru classé, St Julien                                          Halves            £22

A gorgeous Beychevelle, silky and seductive.

 

Winemaker’s Collection 2 – Denis Dubourdieu, Haut-Médoc                                                     £28

 

Château La Pointe 2006, Pomerol                                                                                                 £29

A really good pomerol at under thirty quid? Snap it up for ideal drinking between 2011 and 2016.

 

Clos Fourtet 2006, 1er grand cru classé, St Emilion                                                                    £45

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

 

Le Petit Mouton 2006, Pauillac                                                                                                           £79

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 much more affordable price. 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                                                                                               £12.50

A sturdy, traditional northern Médoc with a touch of austerity, to drink from 2010. 88pts RP.

 

Château Haut Bages Libéral 2005, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac                           Halves           £20

A mini Latour! (and just next door to it)

 

Goulée 2005, Médoc                                                                                                                            £28

I was blown away by this new wine from the team at Cos d’Estournel. Limited stock.

 

Château Labégorce 2005, Margaux                                                                                              £30

“True Margaux quality,” as Hugh Johnson puts it. I could not agree more - an absolute delight.

 

Château Chasse Spleen 2005, Moulis                                                                                          £32

 

Château Berliquet 2005, grand cru classé, St Emilion                                                                 £33

This is a château to watch - quality is soaring but prices have yet to catch up.

 

Château Cos Labory 2005, 5ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe                                                     £35

The finest wine from this estate I have ever tasted. Tannic, will reward patience. Drink from 2017.

 

Winemaker’s Collection 1 – Michel Rolland, Haut-Médoc                                                               £35

An innovative concept – the terroir remains constant (Ch d’Arsac) but the winemaker changes each vintage.

 

Château Lagrange 2005, 3ème cru classé, St Julien                                                                      £48

Wines of purity are the hallmark of Lagrange, good even in lesser vintages, and in a year like this – stunning.

 

Château Clinet 2005, Pomerol                                                                                                        £90

Powerful, muscular Pomerol built for the long term, this is my pick of the commune.

 

Château Figeac 2005, 1er grand cru classé, St Emilion                                                             £92

Full of freshness and elegance, this is St Emilion in the classic mode. Approach from 2015.

 

Château Pontet Canet 2005, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac                                                             £110

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                                                           £30

Hail naturally reduced the crop at this garagiste property. “The 2004 Quinault l’Enclos (77% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec) is impeccably clean, pure, and rich. Its dense blue/purple color is accompanied by a beautiful perfume of blueberries, acacia flowers, raspberries, and crushed rocks. Reeking of terroir, it offers elegant, medium-bodied, pure, textured, layered flavors, sweet but high tannin, admirable weight and equilibrium, and a long finish. Cellar it for 3-5 years and enjoy it over the following two decades.” 92pts Robert Parker

 

Clos du Marquis 2004, St Julien                                                                                                     £32

So good is the second wine of Léoville Las Cases, it is highly sought after in itself. Best after 2011.

 

Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2004, 1er grand cru classé, Saint Emilion                                   £38

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.

 

Les Pagodes de Cos 2003, Saint Estèphe                                                          Halves            £18.50

The excellent 2nd wine of classed-growth Cos d’Estournel, made from the younger vines. Cos was one of the top wines in this vintage and the grand vin sells for around five times this. Will be at its peak from 2011 to 2017+. Limited stock.

 

Château Marbuzet 2003, Saint Estèphe                                                                                        £30

Under the same ownership as Cos d’Estournel, this is its little brother, if you like. A serious wine nevertheless and well regarded by the critics. Drink from 2011. 17 / 20 Jancis Robinson MW. Limited stock.

 

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2003, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac                                                      £37

A forward vintage for G-P-L, drinking nicely now to 2012. "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 Duhart Milon Rothschild 2003, 4ème cru classé, Pauillac                                           £55

“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                                                        £115

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                                                                                                £170

“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.

 

2002

A classic year favouring the left bank (ie Médoc).

 

Château Langoa Barton 2002, 3ème cru classé, St Julien                                 Halves            £20

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                                                                                           £23

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 2010. Limited stock.

 

Château Rauzan-Ségla 2002, 2ème cru classé, Margaux                                                          £40

“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                                                                  £45

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                                                                     £60

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                                              £85

93pts RP. Expected apogee 2017 – 2028. Limited stock.

 

Château Lafite 2002, 1er cru classé, Pauillac                                                                               £340

Limited stock.

 

2001

Overshadowed by 2000, yet a very good year for the right bank.

 

Château Pavie-Macquin 2001, grand cru classé, Saint Emilion                                                 £40

Promoted in 2006 to the rarified rank of premier grand cru classé. The 2001 is characteristically dark and brooding, and whilst approachable now, it will continue to develop for some years yet.

 

2000

A hugely successful year with great consistency across the region.

 

Château Cantemerle 2000, 5ème cru classé, Haut Médoc                                 Halves            £18

This is a big, beefy vintage for Cantemerle. Drink to 2010 to 2015+. Limited stock.

 

Château Belgrave 2000, 5ème cru classé, Haut Médoc                                                             £30

A lesser known estate that has been improving for some time. This will be marvellous with a few more years in the cellar. 2010 to 2013+. 88pts Robert Parker.

 

Sarget de Gruaud Larose 2000, Saint Julien                                                                                £32

The 2nd wine of Château Gruaud Larose. A terrific, ageworthy claret and cracking value. Drinking 2010 to 2016.

“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                                                  £44

A classically long-lived St Estèphe. 90pts Robert Parker. Limited stock.

 

Château La Tour Figeac 2000, grand cru classé, Saint Emilion                                                £45

An estate to watch. 91pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Château Lascombes 2000, 2ème cru classé, Margaux                                                              £48

The best Lascombes for thirty years. 2010 on. 90pts RP

 

Château Calon-Ségur 2000, 3ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe                                                   £85

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 2010 to 2030+. 95+pts RP. 95-100pts Wine Spectator.

 

Château d'Armailhac 2000, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac                            Magnum (1.5L)          £85

This property, owned by the Rothschilds of Mouton, is going from strength to strength. From 2010.

 

Château Gruaud Larose 2000, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                                    £90

This estate consistently produces great wines of class and structure. Another star from this stellar vintage. 94+pts RP.

2013 to 2025+.

 

Château Léoville Poyferré 2000, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                                 £100

This property has improved over the last ten years and now ranks among the top second growths. A stunning claret to enjoy from 2010. 95pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 2000, 2ème cru classé, Pauillac                                            £130

“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. 96 points,” Robert Parker. Limited stock.

 

Château Lynch Bages 2000, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac                                                              £140

A tour de force. Regularly performing like a second growth, many believe this is the best Lynch Bages ever made. 95+pts RP. Enjoy 2010 to 2020+.

 

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                                                              £75

Ripe and rounded, this plump claret is always a joy to drink. Can be drunk now, but has enough structure and weight to mature for another five plus years. 90pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Château Mouton-Rothschild 1999, 1er cru classé, Pauillac                                                        £225

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 2020+. 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 La Tour Figeac 1998, grand cru classé, Saint Emilion                                                £42

Now to 2012+. “Voluptuous blackberry nose with wonderful definition. A beautiful palate with good acidity. Thick and chewy. Refined finish. Sophisticated wine. Long. Superb.” wine-journal.com Limited stock.

 

Château Lagrange 1998, 3ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                                             £45

This property produced a gorgeous ’98 with real staying power. At peak 2010 to 2015+. “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                                                                       £48

In ascendance, and a great success in this vintage. Michel Rolland consults. Still closed, this should blossom in another three to five years’ time. 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 Calon-Ségur 1998, 3ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe                                                   £52

Sumptuous fruit with plenty of ‘gras’ and firm but ripe tannins. Best from 2011 to 2015+. “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 Monbousquet 1998, grand cru, Saint Emilion                                                                £63

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.

 

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 1998, 2ème cru classé, Pauillac                                        £65

Full of cocoa and tobacco complexity, this ripe, hedonistic claret can be enjoyed already. Now to 2013. “Remarkably fresh, pure fruit, pastille-type fruit, backed up by creamy oak. Good intensity of flavour, classic Pauillac, really persistent. Very fine,” Richard Bampfield MW, Decanter Magazine Jan ’06. Limited stock.

 

Château Léoville Barton 1998, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                                    £65

Traditional claret from one of the finest and best loved St Juliens. Real breed and concentration here. 2010 to 2018. 91pts RP.

 

Château Troplong Mondot 1998, grand cru classé, Saint Emilion                                              £67

A powerful Saint Emilion built for the long haul. Recently promoted to premier grand cru classé. 2012 to 2020+. 93pts RP.

 

Château Cos d'Estournel 1998, 2ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe                                              £70

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 Pape Clément 1998, grand cru classé, Pessac Léognan                                           £99

19 / 20 Stephen Spurrier. 93pts RP

 

Château La Mission Haut Brion 1998, grand cru classé, Pessac Léognan                              £185

Almost as famous as its neighbour (below), La Mission produces tannic wines that require patience. From 2012 to 2025.

 

Château Haut Brion 1998, 1er cru classé, Pessac Léognan                                                      £350

From the oldest of the great growths, comes arguably the top wine of the vintage. Drink 2010 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                                                             £70

Always one of my favourites. Lovely sweet fruit, but still needs a few more years to soften up. 92pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 1996, 2ème cru classé, Pauillac                                        £80

"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

 

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 1996, 5ème cru classé, Pauillac                                                  £82

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 Cos d'Estournel 1996, 2ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe                                              £115

I have tasted this several times, and there is no doubt about it, it is top notch. Will age magnificently. 93pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Carruades de Lafite 1996, Pauillac                                                                                                £160

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 to 2010. Limited stock.

 

Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1996, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                            £225

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.

 

1995

A very good year in Bordeaux, combining ripe fruit with structure, these are just starting to drink at their best, but there’s certainly no hurry.

 

Château Calon-Ségur 1995, 3ème cru classé, Saint Estèphe                                                   £82

“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                                            £140

Considering this is at first growth quality, it seems a relative bargain. 95pts RP. Now to 2025. Limited stock.

 

Older Vintages

 

Château Canon 1990, 1er grand cru classé, Saint Emilion                                                         £75

In full maturity, drink now. Limited stock.

 

Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1994, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                            £80

Las Cases produces masterpieces even in lesser years – the mark of a top-level estate. 93pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1990, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                            £225

A supreme claret at peak. 97pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1985, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                            £150

93pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Château Léoville-Las-Cases 1983, 2ème cru classé, Saint Julien                                            £80

89pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Château Cantemerle 1952, 5ème cru classé, Haut Médoc                                                         £110

The mid ‘50s were a great period for this estate and the wines are now very rare. Limited stock.

 

 

White Bordeaux

 

Domaine de Chevalier blanc 2004, grand cru classé, Pessac Léognan                                   £55

White Graves doesn’t get better than this. Can be drunk with pleasure now, but will repay cellaring for another ten to twenty years.

 

 

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 Coutet 2003, 1er cru classé, Barsac                                                          Halves            £23

95pts James Suckling, Wine Spectator. Limited stock.

 

Château Suduiraut 2003, 1er cru classé, Sauternes                                                Halves            £25

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 Climens 2004, 1er cru classé, Barsac                                                               Halves            £27

“This has a very deep, almost meaty nose, certainly showing a huge amount of depth and complexity rather than just primary notes. Lovely style on the palate, again showing great depth and complexity, with soft acidity melded with honey, stone fruit, quince and pineapple, roasted together in a very complete panoply of flavour. Very distinct style in this vintage, huge and really incomparable; there is not a wine here close to this. 18+/20” www.thewinedoctor.com

 

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 Doisy-Védrines 2001, 2ème cru classé, Barsac                                                                  £35

My favourite second-growth in a superb vintage.

 

Château Rieussec 2003, 1er cru classé, Sauternes                                                                            £47

 

 

Red Burgundy

 

Côte de Beaune

 

Volnay 2005, Domaine Michel Lafarge                                                                                          £36

Lafarge is one of the very best producers in this village. Can be drunk in youth or aged for ten years.

 

Volnay 1er cru Fremiet 2005, Domaine Marquis d'Angerville                                                         £62

 

Côte de Nuits

 

Nuits St Georges 1er cru Les Bousselots 2005, Domaine Remoriquet                                    £35

A rising star in (the) Nuits. Classic, structured burgundy for laying down.

 

Gevrey-Chambertin ‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2006, Domaine Fourrier                                                   £36

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                                    £38

A powerful vintage. Just ready, drink now to 2014. Limited stock.

 

Vosne-Romanée 2002, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard                                                                     £40

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. Drink now to 2012. Limited stock.

 

Gevrey-Chambertin ‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2005, Domaine Denis Bachelet                                      £55

Terrific Gevrey, capable of gaining fine complexity for ten years or more. Limited stock.

 

 

White Burgundy

 

Meursault ‘Les Tessons’ 2006, Domaine Michel Bouzereau                                                      £30

                                                                                                                                                               

Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru Les Champs-Gains 2004, Domaine Michel Bouzereau               £35

Scrumptious example and an absolute classic – a rich citrus core overlaid with beguiling notes of butter, nut and fresh pastry. Serve at 12°C. Limited stock.

 

Corton-Charlemagne grand cru 2005, Domaine Bonneau du Martray                                       £90

This needs no introduction to burgundy lovers, so I ain’t gonna give it one!

 

 

Rhône Valley

 

Château de Beaucastel 2001, Châteauneuf-du-Pape                                                                 £60

Stunning vintage to lay down for ten or more years. 96pts RP. Limited stock.

 

Hermitage ‘La Chapelle’ 1996, Jaboulet Ainé                                                                              £66

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.

 

 

Germany

Purity, elegance and longevity. Riesling doesn’t get better than this. The ‘03s are ready to drink, the ’06s will reward further bottle age.

 

Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett 2006, Fritz Haag                                                             £17

Napolean named this one of his ‘pearls of the Mosel’. Juffer is the finest vineyard in Brauneberg (it faces due south across the Mosel) and Haag the best proponent. Delish already but will improve further. Best from 2012. Limited stock.

 

Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett 2001, Carl von Schubert                              £20

Top estate of the Ruwer. All von Schubert’s wines are fine, but the Abtsberg vineyard gives the greatest of all. Superb vintage.

Just ready, this will continue to mature over the next five to ten years.

 

Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Spätlese 2003, Gunderloch                                                  £21

Rich, sun-ripened cox apple flavours and a juicy finish. Limited stock.

 

Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck Riesling Spätlese 2003, J Leitz                                                  £21

An opulent Rheingau now showing mature notes of wild honey and hints of kerosene. Limited stock.

 

Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Riesling Spätlese 2006, Carl von Schubert                             £22

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.

 

Kreuznacher Krötenpfuhl Riesling Spätlese 2006, Helmut Dönnhoff                                          £29

The undisputed maestro of the Nahe. Limited stock.

 

Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2006, J J Prüm                                                             £31

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                                                                £31

Will take time to reach its apogee, but will be worth the wait. 2016 to 2030+ Limited stock.

 

 

California

 

Shafer Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1982, Napa                                                                                   £60

With fruit sourced from their own hillside vineyards this is the forerunner to the cult ‘Hillside Select’, and is a rarity indeed. Amazing freshness and depth of fruit for a wine of this age; the colour is still deep with a pink rim, the tannins are fine but supportive. Immaculately preserved, this will drink until at least 2010. Limited stock.

 

 

Australia

 

Wynns ‘Black Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Coonawarra                                                   £20

Limited stock.

 

Wynns ‘Black Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Coonawarra                                                   £22

Limited stock.

 

Wynns ‘Black Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2000, Coonawarra                                                   £22

Limited stock.

 

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz 2001, South Australia                                                           £25

This ain’t called ‘poor man’s Grange’ for nothing! Aged in American oak casks that previously held the flagship, it is a huge wine of immense complexity – bramble, mint, liquorice and leather, with a finish that goes on for ages. Matures for up to fifteen years.  Great vintage. Limited stock.

 

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 1998, South Australia                                                                            £35

Matured in older wood to show off the full depth of the predominantly Barossa fruit. Chief winemaker Peter Gago believes this will mature for 45 years! Limited stock.

 

Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 1996, Coonawarra                                                  £45

Intensely concentrated, this impressive brew is built to last. Now to 2015.

 

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz-Cabernet 1994, South Australia                                                          £45

Another cracking vintage. Limited stock.

 

d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz 2005, McLaren Vale                                                             £30

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                                                             £35

 “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                                                             £40

95pts RP.

 

d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz 2002, McLaren Vale                                                             £38

A structured vintage, this is best enjoyed from 2009. 92+pts RP.

 

d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz 2001, McLaren Vale                                                             £60

“Readers should be on the look out for the 2001 The Dead Arm Shiraz, one of the greatest examples of this cuvee. Its dense black/purple colour is accompanied by celestial aromas of melted licorice, graphite, blackberries, cassis, incense, anise and toasty oak. Fabulously concentrated, with great purity, an unctuous, viscous texture, and an
amazingly long, 60-second plus finish, this fabulous baby will need 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following 20-25 years,” 98+pts Robert Parker. Limited stock.

 

d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz 1998, McLaren Vale                                                             £60

“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                                                             £65

“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

 

Warre Vintage Port 1991                                                                                                                 £49

Classic house making elegant port with an intriguing mineral edge. Awarded **** Decanter Magazine, June '04.

Drinking beautifully now to 2015. Limited stock.

 

For laying down

 

Niepoort Vintage Port 1994                                                                                                            £48

One of the few top quality port shippers that is not British owned. To lay down for another five to ten years.

 

Niepoort Vintage Port 1992                                                                                                            £50

Full throttle port that will benefit from a couple more years in the cellar and drink well until 2020+.

 

Dow Vintage Port 1994                                                                                                                   £59

96pts RP. One of the stars of the vintage. Best after 2010. Limited stock.

 

Fonseca Vintage Port 2000                                                                                                            £66

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                                                                                £110

Sublime dessert wine with immense complexity, aged for 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 inclusive of taxes. 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.

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.                                                                                                v118 Text  ã 2009 Michael Arditti