29/9/2021: Delightful Bordeaux to Drink | Do you remember-the 21st night of September
In the blink of an eye, two shakes, a dance in September (see if you remember the song from the title of our mailer, just for fun). Such irony, the lyrics in this song "September" mentions the date that coincides with Mid-Autumn Festival this year. Well I know I had an incredible dinner with some friends of Wine Bond with some interesting bottles. So yea, I do remember 21st of September.....:)
Recap for September, we started with "A Collector's Treasures" Part 1 with some Italian-Rhone-Champagnes, then a bunch of Spot Burgundies including: Rousseau, Dugay-Py and Prieure Roch. "A Collector's Treasures" resumed with some Bordeaux and Burgundy in Part 2 (some of the wines are still available in our marketplace if you miss out, well priced ones for drinking). Mid September, it was an assortments of Torbreck, Almaviva, etc, but who could forget the special Musigny offer. In the third week, we had some well priced Bordeaux classified growths on offer and following close: a collection of highly rated Californian wines, then a "must buy" Bouchard offer. The wines in our last three offers were met with overwhelming response and snapped up quickly. I think for September, we were dancing with a lot of "trophy" wines, not to mention they were well-priced. When there is an irresistible offer, it was mostly met with good response from our members. But i must reiterate that all offer prices on Wine Bond marketplace are finalised by the seller. I will only go as far as recommending the selling price....In our last dance for September, these well-drinking and affordable Bordeaux are always my favourite. Wines in today's offer include the 2005 Reserve de la Comtesse and Malartic Lagraviere, 2009 La Gaffeliere and Les Forts de Latour and lastly, the 2010 and 2012 Canon La Gaffeliere (by Count Stefan von Neipperg). I remember the first time when I met Count Stefan here in mid 2000s. He is such a nice, humble and knowledgeable guy to talk to. We even rode together in my car when going for his Canon La Gaffeliere tasting and dinner. Since I met Count Stefan, two of his wines are always on my "must-buys": Canon La Gaffeliere and La Mondotte. Nevertheless, all the offers today are delightful to drink so don't miss.....
24/9/2021: Spot Offer: Assortments of Australian and Burgundy
In today's spot offer, we will feature a small parcel of well-drinking Australian wines from 2004 and 2005 vintages: three Shiraz from amazing producers. Then two Burgundy offers: Maison Leroy's Bourgogne and (never seen before in marketplace), a Hospices de Beaune Mazis Chambertin bottling élevage by Comte Liger Belair.
I love my Shiraz and like a lot of wine drinkers, my first encounters with wines were Australian. One particular mention for the 2004 Mitolo Savitar Shiraz. The Mitolo reminded me of the first time I met Ben Glaetzer. Such a talented winemaker who can rave about wines all night. I remember attending his wine dinner (in a restaurant defunct now) . After the wine dinner, we continue drinking with a group of friends till 2am: his passion is incredible and influencing. The next day, we tasted few vintages of the amazing Amon-Ra (hand carried by Ben into SG) and those were the times when Amon-Ra just started with a few vintages......Now look no further, guess who makes the wines at Mitolo......
23/9/2021: Bouchard Grand Crus | Facing the 86 to retain Consistency
Yes today's title is about 86, but we are not talking about the vintage 1986..(read on)...Bouchard Pe`re & Fils is one of Burgundy’s oldest wine-merchant houses. With 320 acres of vineyards, it’s also one of the region’s most important vineyard owners. They own plots across 450 different vineyards, including 183 acres in premier cru appellations and 30 acres in grand cru appellations. The brand has notable plots in four of Burgundy’s eight white Grands crus, and seven of the region’s 25 red Grands crus. The Prestigious appellations include: Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte, Corton-Charlemagne, Bonnes-Mares, Chambertin Clos-de-Beze and others. These are names that resonate with history, inspiring respect and encourage the pursuit of excellence.
In the history of Bouchard, probably the most notable event that shaped Bouchard, was when Henriot took over in the mid 90s and blind-tasted all of the Domaine’s Grand and Premier Crus with a group of French trade journalists. In order to distinguish quality moving forward, any wines that didn’t meet his standards of excellence was gone. As a result, he "86-d" about $2 million worth of wines. From then on, Bouchard is known (and even till today) as a symbol of quality for their wines.
Today, Bouchard’s négociant wine grapes are grown and vinified with the same care, in the same equipment, and by the same team as the wines from the Domaine’s own historic vineyards. In my experiences with their wines, they are certainly one of the most consistent producers: Very little or almost no bottle variance across same wines in the same OWC. Made really good wines, even in vintages that need a winemaker's intervention. In a few words, Bouchard's wines are always enjoyable. At times, I appreciate Bouchard's whites more than their reds because of its consistency.
In our special offer this week, these selected Grand Crus (Corton-Charlemagne, Chevalier-Montrachet) will speak for themselves. The Corton-Charlemagnes by Bouchard will certainly give other producers of the same commune a run for their money! We will also have a rare 2010 Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte (but only 6 bots avail), along with 3 bottles of the 2010 Le Montrachet. For the reds, an assortment of their Chambertin Clos-de-Beze from two strong vintages of 2009 and 2010, and a MAGNUM of the same wine from the excellent 2015. Bouchard's wines today, IMHO certainly will not face the "86-d" anymore!
21/9/2021: Unparalleled Collection of Californian Cabernets From the 2000s | A Few Perfect Wines
Recently, while having dinner at a friend's place, I was pleasantly greeted by the host opening a bottle of 2005 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an awesome winery which I had been following for many years, and a superb vintage made by Spottswoode. Apparently, I had sold him the 2005 while working for the SG distributor of Spottswoode years ago. The memories about us opening crazy Californian wines came flooding back, including years ago when he was with me and an MW, at a vertical dinner of Spottswoode featuring their Cabernets from the 90s to 2000s. Those notes I wrote on the amazing 90s Spottswoode are probably lost now but those were great times. When the 2005 was opened, the reminder of white flowers, blueberries immediately filled the glass. The finishing was complex, elegant and like Dumbledore pulling memories, I find this all too familiar. I seem to have forgotten how good the 2000s Californian Cabernets are performing.
In this week's offer, we have an unparalleled collection of Californian Cabernets from some of the best vintages. This collection comes from a prestigious collector who definitely knows his Californian Cabs. The 2004 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet (WA99) a wine which every Californian wine collector should hunt down! What about three perfect 2007 Verite's (WA100) La Muse, La Joie, La Desir, hardly attainable at times. 2005 Bond St Eden (WA97) are missing the brothers today (Melbury, Vecina, Pluribus), but still a great wine to drink nonetheless. The 2002 Dalle Valle Cabernet, 2003 Spottswoode Cabernet and 2006 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet, now matured and ready for drinking; can they fool someone in a blind tasting? Certainly, the Californian wineries made some amazing Cabernets from the 2000s, whether in the classical or modern style....Don't miss them today!
16/9/2021: 2008 and 2009 Bordeaux Classified Growths for Drinking | Best-Price in the Region
While I am certain not all wines on Wine Bond marketplace are competitively priced, I am certain that I know great deals when I see them, and today's offers are exactly that. When I promise great deals on wines, I intend to hold that promise so here they are.....These 2008 and 2009, well-drinking, easy to like, awesome vintages, irresistible, priced to sell Bordeaux (ok you get it), have landed in our marketplace, at the same time proving again that not all duty free wines are more expensive. The offers today are good examples, and prices are as good as it gets. Even at duty paid prices, you can be assured these 2008 and 2009 Bordeaux are priced (competitively and lower) from what you can get around this region (and you avoid the hassle of shipping them from overseas, clearing customs, paying duties, etc).
A particular mention for 2008 Montrose (in today's offer), as I personally had bought this wine En Primeur years ago. While I drank most of my bottles, it was the most enjoyable 2008 I drank from my stash of 08s Bordeaux. Closely in 2nd place was Leoville Barton. The 2008 Montrose was to me, the best St Estephe wine of this vintage, with its impeccable balance, the elegance and the long lingering finish that teases your palate constantly. Don't miss this.
All the wines had not moved from Source to Wine Bond so you can be assured of provenance and storage. Looking at today's offer.....so so tempting!
14/9/2021: 2005-06-07 Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Musigny Grand Cru Parcel Offer | 2015 Comte de Vogue Musigny Grand Cru
This week's spot offer is none other than the legendary Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Musigny Grand Cru, in a parcel of three single bottles from three vintages: 2005, 2006 and 2007. These bottles come from a rare collector who gets a "decent" allocation of Mugnier's wines, and is releasing three back vintages of the rare Musigny as a 3-bottle parcel.
My first encounter with JF Mugnier's Musigny was probably way back in 2005. when the wine company that I was working for, had bought some 2000 to 2002 vintages, assorted parcels of Mugnier's Musigny, Bonnes Mares, Chambolle 1er Cru Les Amoureuses and some Chambolle Musigny. The small parcel (though priced competitively to sell in an offer, and most were snapped up quickly), we ended with some balance bottles of the Musigny, Bonnes Mares and Amoureuses which eventually were sold after few weeks. At that time, if I told you the price of the 2000 and 2001 Musigny that we were selling was merely $5XX per bottle, you will probably say "You must be joking!" And for the stronger vintage like the 2002, they were priced just slightly above the 2001. Even then, we had customers querying about the exorbitant price tag of Mugnier's Musigny, the irony.....Today, Mugnier's Musigny remains an allocated wine for only some connoisseurs. In today's spot offer, we are only taking a single order via email. This parcel is as rare as it gets. Please see below for more details.
Also in today's offer, the 2015 Comte de Vogue Musigny V.V is back with an irresistible price. Again, these 6 bottles come from another serious collector whom I was acquainted with, well about the same time I got acquainted with Mugnier's Musigny (irony x 2). Today is Musigny day.....
9/9/2021: Assortments for Thursday | Torbreck | Almaviva | Yacochuya | Fluer Cardinale | Artadi Pagos Viejos
Let's bust the myth that duty free wines are more expensive on Wine Bond marketplace....not necessarily so. In today offers, we are going to bust this myth with these competitive duty free-->duty paid prices. Today's selection even though are listed as duty free, but with these duty paid price, it is going to be cheaper or same as some global wine merchant prices; plus these bottles are already here so there's no need to ship them. Let's have a look at these offers.
7/9/2021: A Collector's Treasures Part 2 | Burgundy and Bordeaux
Welcome to Part 2 of "A Collector's Treasures". With the new announcement yesterday, many will be switching back to "work from home", and these well-drinking bottles will be good companions while WFH. Nevertheless, staying safe is paramount, as is enjoying a tipple :)
We start with a bunch of tasty Chablis today, these bottles are affordable and drinking so well from producers like Domaine des Malandes, Christian Moreau and Louis Moreau. Not forgetting, there is a 2011 Henri Boillot Corton-Charlemagne in the white Burgundies.
Moving to the red Burgundies, today's selection are all trophy producers and one of the best selection I have seen on the marketplace. One look at these listings and you will know this is a serious collector and connoisseur: Domaine Arlaud, Comte de Vogue, Dugat-Py, Domaine Ponsot, Domaine d'Eugenie....lots of Grand Crus and mostly at decent prices. Don't miss these Burgundies offers as they are usually snapped up quickly.
In the Bordeaux selection, an awesome listings of First Growths, but before that, a rare bottle of 2006 Laville Haut Brion Blanc. First growths include 95 and 08 Latour, 08 Mouton and Margaux, bunch of Haut Brions from 07, 08 and 10. Super Second Growth: 08 and 09 Leoville Las Cases follows as a hot favourite among our buyers, then some highly rated and PERFECT Pomerols (Clinet and L'Eglise Clinet). Last but not least, another perfect 100 pointer 09 Clos Fourtet (St Emilion) to finish today's offer. Won't hold you back any longer, login to buy while they are still there........RS
3/9/2021: Spot Offer: 2005 Armand Rousseau Clos-St-Jacques | 2006 Dugat-Py Chambertin | 2009 Prieure Roch Clos Goillotte PURE
It seems like Friday is always special. It's a bit impromptu, but we always have these "Out of the World" listings coming into our marketplace at the best times. Nuff said, these prices are generally lower than buying direct from UK / Europe or even Hong Kong, but it is the rarity, authenticity and provenance of these bottles which are more paramount. So its double the bonus for buyers: Lower than market price, perfect provenance, plus these bottles are already in Wine Bond. Did I mention there is a 2009 DRC Romanee-Conti as well? (left it out in the email title, but now that I got your attention (>??)? ). If you are reading this then scroll down to see the 2009 DRC Romanee-Conti offer. Have a great Friday and a good weekend...RS
2/9/2021: A Collector's Treasures Part 1 | Italy Rhone Champagne
September is here and it is harvest month. As the wineries in the Northern Hemisphere prepare for harvest, it looks like this year will be another year of minuscule production for most of the French. In places like Champagne, Alsace and Burgundy, where frost had been, and still is a problem, this year will probably be a small harvest for many. It will be interesting to see how the white Burgundies are going to perform for 2021 as they are usually picked early. This year, a lot will depend on the coming days. Harvest goes on, and to my friends preparing harvest, my hope is for shiny days and clear blue skies ahead.
Back to WineBond's marketplace for September: our first two offers (today and next Tuesday) will come from one particular collector who has an extensive and awesome list of wines for sale. In Part one, we will start with Champagnes, one Rhone and couple of Italians from Piedmont and Tuscany. From the Champagne selection, we have three awesome vintages to kick-start today's offer: 2000 Krug, the linear 2004 Bollinger RD, and the awesome 2006 Cristal. From Rhone Valley, a 2006 JL Chave Hermitage which is at the top of its game, this is a Hermitage for the serious. From Piedmont, we welcome back this Gaja collection (been a while since we have Gaja again on our marketplace, this round mostly only 1 bot each): 2006 Costa Russi, San Lorenzo, Soru Tildin, Sperss (an awesome horizontals of listing), followed by 2008 and 2009 Sperss. And from the Tuscans, another 2010 horizontals of Brunellos from top producers. Don't miss 2010 as it is a superb vintage of rich fruit flavours, freshness and ageability. Expect producers like Altesino, Argiano, Fuligni and other top producers. Lastly, the perfect 2013 Messorio is available once again.
In part two's offer next week, there will be some really interesting Burgundies and Bordeaux, especially the Burgundies which will definitely stir a lot of interest. Well drinking Chablis (for those who had been asking for these, here they come), Domaine Arlaud, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue, Domaine Dugat-Py and others. And from Bordeaux, some interesting first growths: Chateau Latour, Mouton-Rothschild, Margaux, Haut Brion, and some highly-rated right-bankers. The two offers (A Collector's Treasures Part 1 and 2), will be kept short and sweet in both the mailers due to the extensive list of wines on offer. Please pardon the simplicity of the mailers. If you need any tasting notes of the wines, please feel free to email me. Have a great start to September....RS
31/8/2021: Bordeaux Assortment Collection to End August
We will end August with another Bordeaux collection. These are listings not to be missed, and for the first time, we willl see two listings of the Carruades de Lafite by Chateau Lafite (2006 and 2009). The awesome Carruades de Lafite, comes from a collector who had bought these En Primeur. Provenance is excellent and impeccable.
Two back vintages, 1998 and 2000 Bahans Haut Brion (last vintage was 2006, after it was renamed to Le Clarence de Haut Brion in 2007). I always thought Bahans Haut Brion was a better name, but that's just me. The wine nonetheless is excellent, both vintages ready to drink.
From St-Emilion, we have two highly rated wines available: 2001 Pavie Decesse and 2001 Valandraud. If you are looking for some Merlot with vigour, look no further, these are great! Valandraud has been my "hunt down" St-Emilion for many years. From a garage production of mere 1200 bottles, this project by Jean-Luc Thunevin (Le Pin) had certainly grown in status. Not many may appreciate Valandraud but a well drinking vintage is impressive......adios August!
August had been a long month, but the Marketplace is starting to see a lot of premium wine listings, and from all regions. September is going to be interesting as we already have a few lists from different sellers. We will surely see some really rare Burgundies (Comte de Vogue, Arlaud, Dugat-Py), bit of white Burgundies including some Chablis (yes, finally!), ultra-cult Californian, lots of well-drinking Bordeaux classified growths, a small Gaja collection with some Brunellos, and as you read this mailer, maybe (still awaiting final confirmation): A JF Mugnier Musigny Grand Cru parcel, a 2002 Champagne vintage parcel, some Domaine Leroy and D'Auvenay.....Fingers crossed for now, see you in September.
26/8/2021: Quilceda Creek and other Californian Wine Collection
We are back with our Californian offers and today, there will be some amazing Quilceda Creek Cabernets from Washington. Bressler's Cabernet are rare and hard to come by, especially these back vintages. These come from a superb Californian wine collector here, who had listed almost a vertical of 6 vintages (01,02,04,05,06,07) but only 2 bottles each available. With years needed to build a collection for these Bresslers, you can own them in one day! Only 1 rare bottle of the 2008 Ovid available today with the Bresslers. Last but not least, three vintages of Quilceda Creek (2008-2010) Cabernets are now available. For those following Quilceda Creek, will know that vintages after another, they had been making near-perfect wines. These Cabernets are not for the weak, the full throttle "coconuts" will coat your palate with a salivating finish....enjoy!
24/8/2021: 1998 Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz and Other Australia Back Vintage Collectables
These Australian back vintage collectables make me feel a bit nostalgic, like I was pulling out memories of these Australian wines again. Like many, I started tasting in Australian wines. Some of these, I had probably drank them more than a decade ago: including the legendary 1998 Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz (3 avail today). Even though there is only one bottle each of the 1996 and 1997 Clarendon Hills Astralis available, these are two awesome vintages (and probably only the winery has any library stocks). What about a 1998 Wynns John Riddoch, a classic Coonawarran rich, sumptuous "Terra Rossa" wine. And from Eden Valley, a 1998 Cyril Henschke that always brings a feminine side of Henschke for their followers. Wendouree is another unique producer, only seasoned drinkers know how rare this gets. The 1998 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro is a glorious wine today.
Last but not least, I know this is not Australian but it is hard to have a separate mailer for a great Chilean wine. 2004 Clos Apalta to finish today's offer. Stay safe and please look forward to our Californian and Quilceda Creek offer on Thursday!
20/8/2021: Spot Offer: 2003 Bouchard La Romanee with 2009 DRC Romanee Conti | The Wonderful Neighbours
When a special request came in yesterday, I was so excited for today's special spot offer parcel, as they will come from the two famous, wonderful, neighbouring vineyards of La Romanee and Romanee-Conti. This is definitely the most prize parcel in Wine Bond's marketplace.
For all the Burgundy aficionados out there, the pilgrimage to Vosne-Romanee especially to the vineyards of Romanee-Conti and La Romanee, is like going to the Holy Land. And for those who had been there (and stood at the gate of Romanee-Conti or to the minuscule La Romanee), you will surely know how special it is. If you were at La Romanee, you would had surely drove up the hill behind Romanee-Conti, where there were two tables which you can sit, have a picnic, sip on Burgundies, and be amazed at the view of Romanee-Conti, La Tache, La Grande Rue and the rest. Words don't do justice to the beauty of the land when you are there.
Let's go back to today's parcel offer: 6 bottles of 2003 Bouchard La Romanee Grand Cru, parcel with 1 bottle of 2009 DRC Romanee Conti Grand Cru. The 2003 was one of the last few vintages by Bouchard (last vintage being 2005) and production was really minuscule that year. It's a matter of time before all the Bouchard La Romanee are gone in the world. We have 6 bottles of the 2003 Bouchard La Romanee in today's offer. The 1 bottle of 2009 DRC Romanee Conti has the best provenance ever! I can safely say this bottle came from DRC direct through reefer shipment to Wine Bond for storage, went to the customer's account here, and it had never left ever since.
For today's parcel offer, we are only taking order via email and it will not be available for online purchase on marketplace. There is only 1 parcel available, hence please email me directly at: robin.soh@winebond,net or contact me on my mobile +65 9107 1998 to secure this. Have a great weekend ahead!
19/8/2021: Italy Back Vintage Collection | Tuscany Piedmont Veneto
We are back with a nice parcel of Italian wines, back vintages going back to the 1990s and 2000s. For all the Italian wine lovers out there, don't miss these splendid offers today.
To start, one MAGNUM each of the 2000 and 2003 Masseto available today if you missed our previous Masseto offers. Also, this is the first time we will see rare MAGNUM bottling of Masseto. Wait it gets better, the highly rated 2006 Sassicaia is back as well, together with a single bottle of the 1998 Tignanello.
We move to the Tuscans next. Couple of Brunellos including a 1997 Caparza "La Casa" Brunello and a 1999 Casanova di Neri Brunello Tenuta Nuova....Oh how I miss those 90s Brunellos when I start to read my tasting notes from before (frantically searching my little notebook). 2005 Valdicava Brunello is back again like "The Terminator", and price remains good. The 2013 Le Macchiole Messorio follows suit for those who missed it the last time.
Only one listing from Piedmont for the 2010 Roberto Voerzio Barolo Brunate, but that's enough to kill off the competition. This is certainly a wine that can be kept for a long time.
I wonder who will win if I pit the three Amarone against one another. 1999 and 2004 Masi Serego Vaio Amarone against the 2004 Galtarossa Amarone? Any 2004 Amarone is a good drink by the way......RS
17/8/2021: A French Affair Offer 3: Bordeaux Classified Growths Collection
Welcome to our last part of "A French Affair" offer, where we will end this in Bordeaux, after travelling through all the major wine regions of France. Today's offers are going to end on a high note. With these offer prices: hard to resist, these wines are.
We start with two listings of the 1995 (3 bots) and 1996 (11 bots) Pichon Lalande. I had my fair share of Lalande's glorious days in the nineties, and they certainly made some interesting and classical ones, like the 95 and 96 back to back vintages that Pichon Lalande had done well. The nineties Pichon Lalandes certainly gave the First Growths a run for their money (coming from a second growth that was excellent). Only few bottles up for grabs today. Pairing up with the Pichon Lalande is a fresh listing of the 1996 Pichon Baron, a wine which amazes me every time. I remember pitting a nineties Pichon Baron against the same vintage of Latour (in blind), and the Pichon Baron stood its ground, persisted and fought hard!
As we move to St-Estephe and St-Julien, five MAGNUMS of the 1997 Cos d'Estournel are available this week, ready for drinking. Although 1997 was not a strong vintage, a MAGNUM is certainly worthy of the wait for those looking to pop a MAGNUM soon. The revisit of the perfect 2009 Leoville Las Cases (99 pointer) cometh, a "Super Second" not to be taken lightly. Just two bottles available in case you missed our previous listing before.
Couple of vintages by La Mission Haut Brion, including 1985, 2002, 2004 and 2011 (only 2011 is duty free, the first three vintages are duty paid). This highly sought-after wine from Pessac-Leognan is usually snapped up quickly so don't miss them on our marketplace again.
Two strong vintages of Les Forts de Latour. 2000 (duty paid) and 2005 (duty free). Its a rarity to see them on our marketplace, so I hope you secure them if you are a fan of this wine by Chateau Latour.
Last but not least, we end our Bordeaux trip in St-Emilion with a listing of the 2001 Pavie (11 bots), a Chateau that had produced vintage after vintages of consistent and great wines. The 2001 is just an amazing cuvee to own today.
With more duty free wines listed on our marketplace, I had also indicated the final price of these wines in the mailer (inclusive of duties and GST). The final invoice sent will include duties and GST. In any case, for any duty free wine listing, I am always available to calculate the final price for you.....RS
12/8/2021: A French Affair Offer Part 2: Burgundy and Bordeaux
We continue "A French Affair" offer Part Deux today. In Burgundy and Bordeaux, we certainly need a bit more time, so to start, after our last stop in Champagne, we will go back South to Burgundy. The drive from Champagne to Burgundy is usually smooth and scenic, and as we approach Chablis, this time we are going to give it a miss and drive on to Dijon. Upon entering Dijon, the first place we need to go is definitely Gevrey-Chambertin. The 2015 Bruno Clair Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques, bearing the elegance of the Petite Chapelle and the structure of the Cazatiers welcome us (with 6 bots available). After this, we continue towards two of my favourite communes: the elegant Chambolle-Musigny and the rustic Nuits-St-Georges. Single bottle of 2003 Meo Camuzet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, certainly one of the best Clos de Vougeot made despite a warm vintage. Then an amazing 2006 JF Mugnier Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses (3 bots duty free avail) awaits the patient one. Be surprise at how a winemaker can at times, turn an average vintage around to make it fascinating. Onwards to Vosne-Romanee, a rare 2004 Robert Arnoux Echezeaux, this is an old bottling before the Domaine changed its name to Arnoux-Lachaux in 2007. Despite being a green vintage, regular Burgundy lovers will know 2004 had blown off its greenness couple of years back. Who knew one had to keep their 2004s to enjoy the classical notes today: truly the beauty of Burgundies. 2002 Gros Frere Richebourg just gets better with time, and who knows when this is ready for drinking. The amazing but unpredictable 2002 still puzzles me today; but the Grand Cru from top producers like Gros Frere is still going to leave an impression.
While I would love to stay in Burgundy longer, it will need to bid us farewell, as we prepare ourselves for Bordeaux: Talbot is always a favourite among my St-Juliens even though some may need time. The 2000 Talbot (5 bots avail this week) had truly withstood the test of time. Two MAGNUMS: 1998 Lynch Bages and 1988 Rauzan Segla. These MAGNUMS had certainly aged well, and ready for any party. The 2002 Clos du Marquis (by Leoville Las Cases) and 2003 Lagrange are both at full maturity and at irresistible prices. 11 bots (Duty Free) 2004 Fleur Cardinale from St Emilion just managed to slide in between our offers today. Lastly, an affordable 1990 Lafaurie-Peyraguey, for those who has a sweet tooth for this blockbuster Sauternes.
Even though this is a small parcel of Bordeaux to start, we are going to have another Bordeaux collection of Top Classified Growths in our next part. See you in Part 3.
10/8/2021: A French Affair Offer Part 1: Rhone | Alsace | Champagne
Welcome to the start of "A French Affair" offer this week, which comes in three part offers. We are going to tour around the major wine-making regions of France from 10 to 17 August: Champagne, Burgundy, Alsace, Bordeaux and Rhone. The offers took us a while to prepare, but here they are finally...Let's go!
For part one, we will go south first starting with Rhone: A really rare collection of Louis de Vallouit (aka Domaine de Vallouit) for their old vintages: like the pair of 1978 L.de.Vallouit Cote Rotie and Hermitage. These come from vines as old as 40+ and 90+ years respectively. We're talking about the vineyards by L. de Vallouit which E.Guigal acquired after 2001. The pair of 78 (on offer today) were re-releases by the Domaine in the late nineties and the last of what one would say: a piece of history from the land. The Pegau CDP Reserve from 1990 is just an iconic wine that has reached its maturity. The patient one certainly reaps the rewards, i.e if you still have a bottle lying somewhere. If not, two bottles are available today. 2001 Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle is again available (last listing was back in early May), just two bottles and this time, a hard to resist price. The perfect Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis by E. Guigal is in da'house! (a short mention re: my previous mailer regarding this vintage which was the heavenly and turnaround vintage for Rhone). Don't miss the perfect Chateau d'Ampuis!
From Rhone, we move North-East towards Alsace: An Alsatian which is no stranger: 2003 Trimbach Clos St Hune, for the small community of Riesling lovers out there.
After Alsace, a few hours drive to Champagne: We have a collection of 1996's Champagnes, one set only available. Do note that for this 1996 Champagne Lot of 4 bottles (Krug, Dom Perignon, Salon, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame), we are only taking this particular lot via email. May the fastest buyer get it.
5/8/2021: 2012 and 2015 The Flight (aka Second Flight) by Screaming Eagle
These two lots of "The Flight" really come once in a blue moon. Some of us may be more familiar with "Second Flight" rather than "The Flight", which is in fact the renaming of Screaming Eagle's Second Flight. The first vintage being renamed was 2015. Whichever name it bears, for past or new vintages, the wine exudes the same profound quality and depth of another great wine by Screaming Eagle! On a separate note, I had the opportunity to savour past vintages of Second Flights (and some Screaming Eagles as well), and Second Flights are always about a certain elegance even though it comes from young vines (and also from the grapes that do not make the cut into the SE), the blends could be different as well every year so do not expect a monotonous taste profile.
In this week's offer, we have 2 OWC (of 3 bottles each) - 2012 Second Flight and 2015 The Flight. Both vintages are available as loose bottle purchases. If you are buying all 3 bottles of the same vintage, it will be in one OWC. If the purchase is in loose of 1 or 2 bottles, then the OWC will not be included. Don't miss this awesome offer today!
3/8/2021: Spot Offer: Lets Bring It! The Rare Burgundies
Let's bring it! These Burgundies will kick off August and the listings are as rare as it gets. The lots of Musigny (1999 and 2015 Comte de Vogue, 2002 Domaine de la Vougeraie) have LANDED in our marketplace! These Musigny's are ever so seductive, how can anyone resist them. Its the same with Domaine Prieure Roch in our spot offer today. Three bottles of the 2002 P Roch NSG 1er Cru Le Clos des Corvees in perfect provenance. Last but not least, the well drinking 2009 L'Arlot NSG 1er Cru Clos de Forets St Georges (4 bots) is begging to be uncorked. Have a great start to August!
29/7/2021: A Last Assortment of Collectables for July
In this week's offer, we have consolidated an assortments of collectables for our last July offer. Age or drink them now, these are highly rated and rare finds.
Rolf Binder is a good friend whom I know for many years. The acquisition by Accolade Wines reaffirms Rolf's hard work he had put in over the years. I reminiscence the days when we would meet in Tanunda Hotel, or when he is in Singapore and I will host him at Jade Palace. We will sip on a bottle of Grüner Veltliner (yes he is a big fan), or his Bulls Blood and Hanisch, and at times some Burgundies. 6 bottles of the 2005 Hanisch (WA98) available this week.
Bass Phillip had come a long way since my first encounter with their Pinot Noir back in the 2000s. I remember their allocation were so minuscule, there were hardly any bottles to sell. With Jean-Marie Fourrier involve now, this producer is flying. Some of our regular collectors may remember the release price years ago. If you still have these older bottles, remember to keep these precious Pinots. 6 bottles of the 2014 Bass Phillips Estate Pinot Noir on offer.
Who can resist a 2005 Clos L'Eglise (with Chateau Clinet, Chateau L’Eglise Clinet and Chateau Trotanoy as neighbours). With a string of famous winemakers and consultants who had their share in making wines for the Chateau over the years, this is one shining Pomerol producer.
The Rhone CDP's seem to always do well on odd-number vintages in the 2000s (1,3,5,7,9...until 2010 came and made sure it made one heavenly vintage). This week, a perfect 2009 Beaucastel CDP Hommage a Jacques Perrin, at an unbelievable price. Only 3 bots available.
Couple of interesting Burgundies includes: 6 bots 2005 JF Mugnier NSG 1er Cru Clos de la Marechale. The Clos de la Marechale was previously leased by Mugnier to Faiveley for 25 years and took back in early 2000s. The 2005 was in fact the first great vintage by Frederic for the Clos. Next are 6 bots 2005 Lucien le Moine Clos de la Roche, and a rare lot of: 6 bots 2003 Bouchard La Romanee, all priced to sell on our marketplace.
27/7/2021: Spot Offer: The Elusive 2016 La Mission Haut Brion Blanc
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Blanc is a great white wine of Bordeaux. In 2007, new cellars with advance technology, a tasting room, a bottling center and an advanced storage is created. From Frontenac’s quarry, the stone was extracted to build a winery. Until the 2008 vintage, the wine was sold as Laville Haut Brion. The name and label changed with the legendary 2009 vintage.
The rare white wine from La Mission Haut Brion is made by the same team as Haut Brion Blanc. The 2.5 hectare vineyard produces around 6000 bottles annually. There is more Semillon planted, than Sauvignon Blanc (which is the opposite of Haut Brion Blanc).
During harvest, the white grapes are picked in the pre-dawn hours. The cool and often cold night air retains the freshness in the fruit and retards oxidation, allowing more freshness and purity to shine through in the fruit. After the early morning sorting, the grapes are crushed using a pneumatic press. There is no contact between the juice and the skins. The wines are barrel fermented in 100% new, French oak barrels from Allier for between 13-16 months before bottling. There is no malolactic fermentation and there is almost never any stirring of the lees. In 25 years, the Dillon family has put forward all the technical strengths of this wine. Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is really an insider’s wine and remain an elusive wine to many collectors.
22/7/2021: The Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Collection
What started as a venture into wine-making in 1997, with only one ton of grapes and some make-shift wine-making equipment, made two Pinot Lovers rise to become the top Pinot Noir producer in California. This is the story of Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. Since that vintage, they have nurtured relationships with the best growers and honed their wine-making skills, making sure they are focused on the vision and values with which they began.
Today, Dan, Michael and founding partner Chris Costello, work very closely to maintain the quality and consistency of the entire Kosta Browne experience. In 2011, Kosta Browne was heralded as the top Pinot Noir producer in California. This accomplishment exhibits the development of Kosta Browne’s importance to the region and the exceptional level of their wines.
This week, we have a beautiful collection of Kosta Browne Pinot Noir coming into marketplace for all you Pinot Noir lovers out there! Don't miss this awesome collection.
21/7/2021: More Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Available on Marketplace
For our friends and customers who missed the Sea Smoke Pinot Noir offer in Marketplace back in May, good news! We have more bottles of Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, including "Southing", "Ten" and a rare "Sea Spray" (the Sparkling) available today. This collection consist of vintages between 2011 to 2017, some of the best vintages in the last ten years. They will drink well now and also have years ahead of them. Don't miss!
(P.S: This week will be Pinot Noir Galore, and tomorrow will be another offer of Kosta Browne's Pinot Noirs. Do note that invoices for both offers will be sent tomorrow afternoon.)
15/7/2021: Pingus Flor de Pingus | R Rostaing Cote Blonde La Landonne | E. Guigal d'Ampuis | SQN Mr K Strawman
Peter Sisseck's Pingus and Flor de Pingus are in the high ranks with some of the world's best producers like Coche Dury, E. Guigal or Giacomo Conterno. Indeed, Pingus and Flor de Pingus are some of the rarest wines, not just respected but at times unattainable. This is one Tempranillo that had brought Spanish wines to the world stage of cult wines. In today's offer, we have three exceptional offers: 2005 Pingus (A perfect vintage) and two vintages of 2003 and 2005 Flor de Pingus.
Cote-Rotie's had certainly move up the ranks from the late 90s, Rene Rostaing made some of the best vintages and the mysterious and prized single-vineyards: La Landonne and Côte Blonde had captured the world's attention. These are two extraordinary expressions of very different terroirs, filled with historic characters and new found agricultural techniques. Landonne is dark and powerful, while Côte Blonde is lithe and explosive; yet both are imbued with the finesse for which Rostaing is famed. Two listings of the 2000 La Landonne and Cote Blonde by Rostaing offered today.
E. Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis, is produced from seven legendary and illustrious plots, in the heart of Cote Rotie. This is certainly a wine with more than a century of viticulture and exceptional terroir to make one treasured cuvee. Three bottles of the 2012 vintage available now on marketplace.
No introduction needed for Cult Cali producer: "Sine Qua Non" ; but only little know that between 1998 and 2006, Sine Qua Non also made a range of sweet wines in collaboration with famed Austrian winemaker Alois Kracher labeled "Mr K". Strawman was one of the cuvee that denotes a style akin to the Vin de Paille wines of the Rhône Valley whereby grapes are air-dried on straw mats for several months before fermentation. The 2006 is made from 100% Marsanne from the Beckmen Vineyard and contains 240g/L of residual sugar. 2006 vintage was also the final release of sweet wines under the "Mr K" moniker after the untimely death of Kracher. This last vintage of the 2006 Mr K Strawman (2 halves avail) to wrap up this week offers........Enjoy!
13/7/2021: Spot Offer: Burgundy Assortment for July
This week's spot offers, are small parcels of Burgundies coming from a few collectors. These Burgundies are hard to come by....like all Burgundies in our marketplace..
Three vintages of Vincent Girardin's Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Le Combettes (07,08,10) at uber attractive prices. Great for the white Burg drinkers who appreciate, or hunting a ready Chardonnay.
2004 and 2011 Jacques Prieur Montrachet Grand Cru. The 2011 will easily hold for years to come, while the 2004 is going to be a thirst-quencher for those wanting to try a Montrachet Grand Cru that is waiting to "WOW"!
Lucien Le Moine is one great producer, Mounir Saouma pays great attention to his Richebourg + Romanee-St-Vivant, and these are just two highly sought-after Grand Crus that Connoisseurs seek out. This week, we have 1 bot of the RARE 2008 Richebourg on offer.
Frederic Magnien is one of the producers whom I had been following for many years, and never fail to try their wines whenever I can. For those who read the previous mailer will know that Jacques Devauges worked at Frederic Magnien prior to joining Domaine de L'Arlot, and F Magnien's Bonnes-Mares remains one of the most affordable Grand Cru from the commune of Chambolle-Musigny. Make no mistake, F Magnien's Bonnnes-Mares is as good as any other Bonnes-Mares producers, like the 2012 in today's spot offer.......Enjoy!
8/7/2021: An Irresistible Bordeaux Wine Offer
Yes! We are back with our Bordeaux wine offers. Every year this period, everyone is focus on the En-Primeur campaign and release prices. Co-incidentally without fail, many wine merchants will release some back vintages of classified growths for sale. In my opinion, it is always good to compare these back vintages with current release: on prices, vintages, or to rediscover what we missed before.
In our marketplace selection this week, these carefully selected Bordeaux comes from wine collectors (whom have the best collection ever), and in pristine condition, perfect provenance.....like the 1982 Leoville Barton (a rare traditional claret). Or the two listings of the 2006 Pichons (Baron and Lalande) at unbelievable prices, exclusively for Wine Bond customers. How about a perfect (100 pointer) 2009 Pontet Canet that some missed out back then? Next are two "La Miss" Haut Brion from 1994 and 2001 vintages: these two vintages really show how every small details add up to the final wine in bottle. A well-planned drainage of the land, great wine-making, can overcome weather conditions and produce aromatic wines. As we move to Pomerol, seasoned drinkers will probably recognise La Conseillante's consistency. For me, it was always the distinct hint of pepper in the finish (Cabernet Franc). Onward to St-Emilion, the two listings of 2001 and 2006 Tertre-Roteboeuf are rare sights in our marketplace or even anywhere else. Don't miss them since they are here only for a short while (or when sold out). 2008 Pavie will be another hard to resist wine with their velvety and full bodied finish. Certainly one of the best St-Emilions to have in your cellar.
There are more jewels in today's list and I can go on, but I won't hold you back......Have a great Thursday!
6/7/2021: Spot Offer: A Small Parcel of 2013 Domaine de L’Arlot Whites and Reds
Domaine de L’Arlot is owned by Jean-Pierre de Smet, who spent eight years alongside Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac before taking over L’Arlot in 1986. Today, the Domaine consists of 14 hectares planted to mostly Pinot Noir, with 5% devoted to Chardonnay for their ultra-rare white wines. The oldest vines are 70+ years old, with the average age close to 50. The estate’s core is in the Monopoles of Clos des Forêts Saint Georges and Clos de l’Arlot, and also plots of Romanee-St-Vivant and Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots.
Jacques Devauges joined Domaine de L'Arlot in 2011. He had previously worked at Domaine de la Vougeraie, Frédéric Magnien and Domaine Michel Magnien in Morey Saint-Denis, after studying Oenology. Jacques retained the core values of L'Arlot including biodynamic farming. At the end of 2014, Jacques left to join Clos de Tart and the talented Geraldine Godot took over the Domaine in 2015.
Regardless, Domaine de L’Arlot is committed to maintaining their classic, elegant style of terroir driven wines. The perfume, silkiness and flickering clarity of Domaine de L'Arlot's wines are born of their vineyards. This producer brings the finesse of their terroir to the fore with their approach to wine growing and élevage. Biodynamic farming, perfect, well-sorted fruit, gentle extraction and whole bunch use, all play their part. Every step, from vineyard to bottle, is tailored to underline purity and finesse. These are the sort of divine pleasure only classic Burgundy delivers.
This week, we have a small parcel of 2013 Domaine de L'Arlot's wines on offer. Don't miss these attractive Burgundies now.
1/7/2021: Hello July: An Italian Collection | Exceptional Burgundy Listing
Hello July.....What a crazy June (P2HA)! And yes, six months of 2021 are behind us already. In Wine Bond marketplace, we welcome July with new listings. Look out for some of these wines coming in our July offers starting next week: Pingus & Flor de Pingus, Sassicaia, La Conseillante, La Mission Haut Brion, Le Tertre-Roteboeuf, Rene Rostaings and more surprises......As we start to see a wide range of wines being sold. From fine wines (Screaming Eagle, Masseto, Drouhin Marquis de Laguiche, etc), we also have affordable and well-drinking bottles like today's offer: A nice Italian collection of Dolcetto, Barbera, Barolo and in particular, a new listing of 2004 Brunellos.
A focus on Dolcetto and Barbera: They are amongst the most flexible, food-friendly wines. These are what the Piedmontese will drink on a daily basis. Dolcetto is more delicate than Barbera and weather conditions certainly affect Dolcetto more. They are also picked very early in September. The early ripening grapes generally produce wines with low levels of acidity. It is also an easy drinking, fruit forward wine for early consumption. Top producers like Mascarello further age them in oak barrels after fermentation in cement vats. Barbera is generally leaner and more penetrating, relying on its acidity, rather than its tannins, for structure. Barbera is the more serious wine, and in recent years, producers have reduce crop levels to make riper and more concentrated wines. Some also go further by using French Barriques for ageing, and the result of recent vintages of Barbera: these Barberas can and will age nicely. Both Dolcetto and Barbera (over the last decade) had seen significant improvements in wine-making, which also contributed to better wines. Prices of Dolcetto and Barbera from renowned producers also seem to push slightly higher over the last five years but make no mistake, we are seeing some of the most consistent and delicious Dolcetto and Barbera to come out of Piedmont in the last few years.
In this week's Italian listings, we have producers like: Mascarello, Rinaldi, G Conterno, Domenico Clerico, Frescobaldi, Ciacci. Other than the Italian collection, we also have two exceptional Burgundy listings of : 2002 Domaine de la Vougeraie Musigny Grand Cru and 2008 Thibault Liger Belair Richebourg Grand Cru. Both Burgundy listings only available in few bottles so seize them while they are still in marketplace......Have a great July!
