26/12/2023: Burgundy Assortments | Wines to end The Memorable 2023
"Over and Out"....I always wanted to say this, well at least for the end of 2023. Happy Boxing Day! Hope everyone had a good break over the long weekend, and for those whom are still having a break, enjoy the holidays.
A year has passed quickly. It is a time to look back at 2023 on what marketplace had achieved for the members. I think overall, marketplace had some good run of offers this year. We were all going strong in the first half. A rather unpredictable third quarter, then a challenging last quarter. Despite all these, I am grateful for the the support of all our sellers, for continuously posting wines for sale. Of course, we would not be successful from the support of all the buyers as well. Thank you.....
We all saw prices of fine wines dip from September this year. For the sellers whom were following this trend closely, some prices on marketplace were adjusted accordingly, which I felt was a good strategy. This year, it was more about flexibility and adapting to market trends and situations quickly. It was challenging for most sellers on marketplace knowing that some wines may be priced around 20% lower than the beginning of the year. Moving forward, I think it will be a while before fine wine prices bounce back. Just analyse some of the hammer prices in the recent wine auctions that ended in Hong Kong and you will know what I mean. I am hoping Fine Wines to hold its prices in the first quarter of 2024 and hopefully not dip further. Let's see.
Today's Burgundy offers are going to be interesting and it will be a blast to end 2023 with this small parcel of Burgundy. All the wines are priced to sell and will feature vintages from the 2010s. From Premier to Grand Crus, these are also producers we are familiar with. Don't miss any of these for our last offer of 2023, and see you in 2024! Over and out........RS
22/12/2023: Spot Offers: 2011 Pichon Baron and Pichon Lalande
A small offer for two 2011 Pichons (both in OWC of 6) just dropped in marketplace today. Both the 11s Pichon Lalande and Pichon Baron are well drinking now and purchase is available in loose bottles on marketplace. Delivery is available after Christmas, we will be back on 26 Dec (next Tuesday). Don't miss if you are a fan.......RS
21/12/2023: Parcel and Case Offers: From Italy , Bordeaux and More
Before we scroll below to look at today's offers, I would like to personally wish everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS....Happy Holidays! I hope you will be able to spend precious time with your friends and loved ones this season, wherever you are....
Case and parcel offers can at times be appealing to buyers when prices are competitive, and this is what today's offers are about. Even though majority of our offers come in loose bottles, once in a while we get these parcel listings, and most of the time they mean you will be getting the original case (or original wooden case OWC). This is especially for Bordeaux which may mean they are untouched since they are stored here at Wine Bond. These cases are usually pristine so it makes perfect sense to buy them, especially when the price is right and provenance is guaranteed. Today we have a couple of parcel listings by: Leeuwin Estate Art Series, some Italians (Tignanello, Barolos, etc), a few impressive Bordeaux, and one special Jacquesson Champagne.
As we count down to the long Christmas weekend, have a sparkling Christmas ahead!........RS
13/12/2023: Joseph Phelps Insignia and MMII Champagne Sets are Back
Back again in December, these three sets are now available for one more time so don't miss them.
The two Joseph Phelps Insignia 3 bottles sets (Set 1: 1997, 1999, 2001, Set 2: 2002, 2003, 2004) have perfect provenance, excellent ratings, right maturity, and are all priced attractively. If these well-aged Insignia could sing, they are now in perfect harmony. With most of the Insignia 20 years old and above, it is time for these wines to shine. This month, only 2 sets each are put out by the seller and as usual, order is available via email only.
At the same time, the Champagne MMII (2002) set including 1 bottle each of Dom Perignon, Cristal and Bollinger La Grande Annee, is made available again. For those whom missed out on this set, don't miss it today, order is available via email as well. Just 2 sets available.
A short note on some Champagne vintages: I was having a casual conversation with a well-respected wine connoisseur just days ago, about the Champagne vintages, in particular 2002 which is an awesome vintage and to me, is a voluptuous and perfect one. Throughout the conversation, we both agree that while Champagne vintage reports by critics can give an overall perspective of the vintage initially, revisits (years after) may not give an accurate analysis of how the Champagnes have evolved. For example, while revisiting some 2004, 05 and 06 Champagnes, we both found some Champagnes (Récoltant-Manipulant-RM or Négociant Manipulant-NM) making incredible cuvees after some aging. Just last week, I was invited to a wine dinner and the host graciously opened a 2006 Cristal, which was a pleasant surprise with notes of flowers, tropical fruits, light toastiness and minerals. The Champagne is well-rounded, balance and complete. I would not have guessed a 2006 but what an inspiring Champagne. The assemblage is perfect. We all know 2002 is an incredible vintage for Champagne, but I think it will show greatness the next time any one pops open a 2002.......RS
11/12/2023: Highly Rated Tuscans | Four Vintages of Fontodi Flaccianello
Sangoivese has never been so beautiful. Fontodi's Flaccianello is considered one of the best Super Tuscans, a jeweled wine. For many, it is ranked high with names like Ornellaia, Solaia and Tignanello. Fontodi’s flagship Flaccianello is made from a selection of the best grapes from the best parts of the Fontodi vineyards. The total area of vines grown for the Flacianello comprise of 90 hectares of vineyard, of which 90% are Sangiovese. They are situated in the prime Conca d'Oro' of Panzano and are fully organic. The soil here is classic galestro, the schistous clay on which the Sangiovese grape produces its best results.
The Flaccianello is truly, always special in its own way, and a wine that commands respect amongst many wine collectors. A good friend of mine (whom had worked for many wineries in Italy) once said "First there is Sangiovese, the King of varietals in Italy. And then there is Flaccianello!"
Today, four magnificent vintages of Flaccianello are in marketplace along with three other Tuscans, all not to be missed. It is a small offer no doubt, but all the wines are well-priced to sell. Don't miss these today......RS
6/12/2023: About Time We Pop Those Rare Champagnes!
https://mailchi.mp/be9cec983206/december2023-about-time-we-pop-those-rare-champagnes
Be it a good or bad year, it is about time we pop those rare Champagnes this festive season for Christmas and New Year. Yes, the year is almost over for 2023. With this last Champagne offer, I hope today's offer will be the best of all our past 2023 Champagne offers, and make this the perfect ending for 2023. With names like Dom, Krug, Cristal, Salon, Taittinger, Bollinger and Henri Giraud, there are going to be decisions made on which bottles to pop, and rest assured they will be fulfilling ones this festive season. Don't miss the last opportunity to pick up these Rare Champagnes. Like what we always say and do with tradition, after an EPIC wine dinner with amazing wines: "One for the road". Make your last one count and special!......RS
4/12/2023: Spot Offers: Two Prieure Roch Nuit-St-Georges Premier Cru | 2019 and 2020
A Spot offer for two Prieure Rochs today, this time will feature two recently vintages of the Nuits-St-Georges Premier Cru: 2019 NSG 1er Cru VV and 2020 NSG 1er Cru Le Clos des Corvees. The 2019 and 2020 Red Burgundy are two of the best vintages to emerge in recent years, in both the Cote-de-Nuits and Cote-de-Beaune. Many winemakers will tell you not to miss these two great vintages. Tasting a couple of 2019s and 2020s this year, personally I think the Cote-de-Nuits are the most impressive, and I am leaning towards 2020 as my preferred vintage (though I know there are some Burgundy lovers who swear 2019 is "The One"). It is similar to some winemakers telling you they prefer their 2019 Chardonnays even though 2020 had the perfect weather. It is all about your personal preference. Nonetheless, don't miss these two Prieure Rochs whether you are a fan of this producer or beginning to become a fan of these vintages........RS
24/11/2023: Spot Offers: One Last Burgundy Collection to End November
The last Spot Offer for November will be a list of 90s back vintage Burgundy, with a 2002 Pol Roger Winston Churchill, Amongst these 90s Burgundy Grand Crus, will be a some reposts, including a Burgundy MAGNUMS collection, don't miss these. As usual, some listings will be expiring end of this month so grab them while they are still on marketplace. Next week, I will consolidate a list of all the postings for November. Have a superb Friday.......RS
23/11/2023: New Arrival: A Burgundy Collection of Rare Grand Crus
A Short Word on The Current F&B Situation
Are we facing the biggest challenge of our times in the F&B industry? In recent months, news of some F&B establishment closures, have been circulating in my whatsapp and FB. It started with Corner House when it closed in June. Then, Restaurant Valentino announced closing at Christmas. Sushi Mitsuya along Tras Street closed their doors few days ago, while Restaurant Aoki is closing at the current location end of this year; but thankfully Restaurant Aoki also announced later that they will be relocating to another location next year but will only start operating in June 2024. There are more, and I have not even started on the Hawkers whom are "hanging up their wok". Many of my friends whom are in the F&B industry, are citing extremely difficult and challenging times, and this is an unprecedented situation. Is this truly The End Game? or is a new dining fad emerging? If you think I am talking about private dining / kitchen, think again. The closures are just as many as those popping up, we just don't hear it through the grapevine, until we hear it. Today, if we do not start supporting our local F&B, whether a restaurant or a hawker stall, they will be next on the "hit list". I think this year they face the biggest challenge in this industry. To all my friends in the F&B industry, hang in there. And to everyone else, if you are able to, please go forth and help support the Chef / Restaurateur / Owner of the F&B establishment whom you know or patronize, they will appreciate your generosity in these difficult times....
Today's Burgundy offers come from one of the most respected wine collectors here at Wine Bond. Periodically, his wines appear and when they do, these are all wonderful cuvees, and extremely rare ones. These should be owned by new Burgundy aficionados if you are looking for something special. Some of the producers featured in today's offers (those back vintages), are almost impossible to find. One very good example will be the 2006 Robert Arnoux Romanee-St-Vivant (n.k.a Arnoux-Lachaux). Many cuvees are from prestigious Domaines, so as you scroll down the offer, don't miss any of these.
Tomorrow we will have a spot offer of some Burgundies, a few recap on some reposts, and that will end our November offers. Have a great Thursday........RS
21/11/2023: Maison Leroy Villages + Three Vintages of Leflaive Bienvenue-Batard Montrachet
If there were an option to choose a certain producer's wine to "buy in", knowing that it will appreciate in value by folds, I would have chosen Leroy's wines. For all the seasoned Burgundy collectors whom collected and bought Leroy Wines from the 90s....just wanted to jog some memories for old times sake....Anyone still remember the Culina shop at Orchard Boulevard below Park House? I think that place was where I picked up my first Maison Leroy (white cap) bottle (and let's not even talk about the price back then). Even after it moved to Dempsey, I would periodically drop in to pick up bottles by Maison Leroy, placed in wooden boxes. Once in a while, if lucky, maybe i'll be able to spot some Domaine bottlings (red capsule). Those were the only time I wished the Domaine wines were priced wrongly as a Maison bottling....
When wines like Leroys are accessible and affordable, it benefits many of us drinkers. Those times, we did not have problems finding and buying these bottles. Today, it becomes an uphill task trying to find these bottles in Singapore. Certainly, this in turn created the "coravin problem". I will explain a bit more: Over the last 5 years, I have seen a substantial amount of Leroy's bottles (Domaine and Maison), being "coravined" (maybe just in small volume out of the bottle), then trying to be sold as a pristine bottle. With the "vintage needle" (aka the super slim needle) available, and the fact that they are making it slimmer than its standard needle, some may think they can get away with such acts. Well, think again. It is not foolproof as there are bound to be traces if someone as precise and meticulous like me, looks close enough. This is a classic example of a good technology falling into the wrong hands and being used in a fraudulent way. Coravin is, in my own opinion, a double-edged sword.
Today's rare Maison Leroy bottles are pristine, inspected, and with full provenance guaranteed. Even though this is a small parcel of their Village wines, I appreciate the seller presenting this parcel for sale, and probably the first Maison Leroy parcel on Wine Bond marketplace. Along with these, will be three vintages of Leflaive Bienvenue-Batard Montrachet (2008, 09, 10). Don't miss any of these, as they are as rare as they get.......RS
16/11/2023: Henschke Mt Edelstone | Other Assortments including Burgundy
It seems, Singapore is in the limelight again. Recently the wine industry disclosed news about the most famous wine counterfeiter, sharing bottles "Made by R.K", and this happened in Singapore. Bottles include the 1990 DRC Romanee-Conti and Petrus. The most fascinating "fake" I think, was actually the mention of a 1990 JF Mugnier Musigny. I have seen a good number of bottles of DRC and Petrus fakes, but a Mugnier Musigny? Wow. If you have not read this, click here to read it on Wine Searcher.
Assortments on Wine Bond marketplace are getting interesting, and sometimes, these assortments are more interesting than having the regular stable Bordeaux and Burgundy. The collectors varies here at Wine Bond so there is always something for everyone. While I think these new world assortments are not worthy to be faked, nowadays I am not so sure anymore.
Three vintages of Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz kickstart today's offers, with the 2012 packaged in a 60th anniversary box. This is followed by a rare 2018 Penfolds Grange that comes in its original red gift box.
Other Relists include:
2018 Standish The Relic
2015 JJ Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese GK
2003 Trimbach Riesling Clos St Hune
New additions include:
2014 Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan
2019 The Flight (fka Second Flight) by Screaming Eagle
2003 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeaux
1969 Musar (actual photo in mailer below)
2004 Comtes Lafon Meursault 1er Cru Charmes
2012 Meo Camuzet Clos de Vougeot
2015 Castagnier Clos St Denis
2016 Armand Rousseau Chambertin
2019 Verite 3-bots OWC Assortment (***order via email only for this set***)
Next week, we will have some interesting new additions, including a small parcel of Maison Leroy Villages and Domaine Leflaive Grand Crus. Another Burgundy offer will then complete November's offers, followed by a recap of listings for November. It's Thursday, start indulging......RS
14/11/2023: Champagnes Are Here | Cristal . Cristal Rosé . Ulysse Collin and More
Welcome back from the long weekend, hope everyone had a good break. Today we head back to our long awaited Champagne offers, which brings us to this region known for making amazing bubblies, with limited production but constantly being rediscovered. There are lots of minuscule producers in Champagne, some hardly represented or found here in Singapore. Champagne production for these, can sometimes satisfy their local market, with a few exception for exports. I remember Bertrand Gautherot when I first visited Vouette et Sorbee. His production was so limited that they hardly made it here to SG. Even when I visited him personally, It took long conversations with him to get a small allocation.
In Wine Bond marketplace, Champagnes on offer these days; can be compared to getting a rare bottle from Champagne. It seems like these offers are getting few and far between. With all the hype on Champagne prices fluctuating every now and then, and news about "difficult vintages" in alternate years, I cannot agree more on production being very limited. The fact is this region have had more frost than any other wine viticulture region in France, and lighting small fires in the vineyard does not really help. Vines do shut down in these environment. Just imagine a person holding a candle in a sub-zero degree C environment, trying to keep warm. You know what I mean....
With all these considerations, it makes sense for Champagne collectors these days, to keep their prized cuvees. In fact, the Champagnes on offer today are probably one of the smallest offers we had thus far. In today's offers, if you find something you like, i think it will be wise to just grab them. Scroll down to see the offers, and have a great Tuesday and start of the week......RS
9/11/2023: November Bordeaux | Loving these St-Juliens...with Lafon Rochet and More
I am not sure which is better: A strong and recent vintage Bordeaux to buy (and cellar), or one that is ready to drink now. How about a bit and mix of both, plus really attractive prices? Let us cut to the chase. Today's Bordeaux list is an awesome one, and mostly priced to sell. I think many will find it irresistible so don't miss any of them. This is probably the only Bordeaux offer you need, to stock up for the coming Christmas and New Year parties.
A decent collection of St Juliens start us off; and if you are starting to scroll, try and finish seeing all the offers, as there are lots of gems, well-priced ones to buy. These St-Juliens hail from some really strong vintages like 2015 and 16. Special mention not to miss Leoville Las Cases if you are a fan.
Following shortly after the St-Juls, a small collection of St-Emilion, then Four vintages of Lafon Rochet, featuring young and accessible vintages. Don't miss this super St-Estephe, a wine that always over-performs and impresses. Four other assortments from different communes then close the Bordeaux offer.
Early next week, we will be going back to Champagnes, then some assortments from New and Old World. We might close November with a bit of Burgundies, probably consolidating 1 to 2 offers. Have a wonderful Thursday.......RS
6/11/2023: Aldo Conterno x Luciano Sandrone | The Legacy of Their Barolo Continues
Legends come and go, but their legacy continues. For all the Barolo collectors, I am sure Aldo Conterno and Luciano Sandrone are two magnificent Barolo producers whom had etched their wines deeply in many of our memories. Even though Aldo left us more than 10 years ago, while Luciano left us early this year, the world had their fair share of great Barolos (by these two producers) for at least a quarter of a century.
I have enormous respect for these two Piedmont producers, both their Barolos taught me a lot about the Nebbiolo grape when I was an apprentice. Over the years, I had drank respectable vintages, and also some tough ones. In those difficult years, they really do shine. Both producers certainly made wines that represent the best of Piedmont.
Today's offers are going to be memorable. The Aldo Conterno collection (though miniscule) will feature two back vintages of the GranBussia Riserva (2005 and 08, both perfect scores). Other cuvees include back vintages of the Bussia, Colonnello, Cicala and Romirasco. The rarity of the GranBussia Riserva can at times, be so diffcult to find, it can be compared to "Trying to get a bottle of Romanee-Conti"...if you know what I mean. From Luciano Sandrone, three back vintages of the Le Vigne that are ready now. Again, I think Sandrone's Barolos need a lot of patience, but now is the time for his 03, 04 to shine, while 09 Le Vigne is only starting its drinking window, My love for Piedmont 2004 remains faithful, which I think is going to be another legendary vintage. Don't miss these offers today!
It is the beginning of a new week, and we have more offers coming, including the BIG Bordeaux list for November, then Champagnes and assortments from both the New and Old World. Maybe another Burgundy for November, let's see. Stay with us this month for these offers, and have a fruitful start to the week........RS
1/11/2023: California Back Vintage Sets: Caymus SS . Dominus . Phelps Insignia | 2002 Champagne Set . 90 Salon
It is the first day of November and we have some more amazing offers lined up this month. To kick start November will be today's special set offers: Four Californian Back Vintages sets, along with a 2002 Champagne set. Next week, we will have more offers coming, they include: New listings of Bordeaux are on the way, along with Champagnes (probably the best month to stock up). Other assortments in November include wines from Australia, California, Alsace and maybe a few Burgundy listings.
Today's offers are special. These back vintages California sets are selected from three prominent producers namely: Caymus (SS), Dominus and J.Phelps (Insignia). If you know how difficult it is to find back vintage (of more than 15 years), perfect provenance bottles for these Californian Cult wines, look no further and just scroll down to our offers below. The offers today are deserving for any Californian Wine Collector as they have perfect provenance, and are extremely limited (3 sets of each offer only). All the Californian wine sets come from a single seller, and a very serious collector (if you view the vintages below, you'd concure). Don't miss these amazing Cali Cult sets today. Do note that we are taking orders via email only for these sets.
Along with the Californian sets, the same seller has also assembled a 2002 (MMII) Champagne set that include 1 bottle each from vintage 2002: Dom Perignon, Cristal and Bollinger Grande Annee. Again, for this Champagne set, do note that it is also available for order via email only. Brand new in a listing today, two bottles of the 1990 Salon. This Champagne is already live on marketplace so log in to buy now. Have a great start to November.......RS
27/10/2023: Spot Offer: Domaine Prieure Roch | Rare 1 bottle Clos-de-Beze and more
Yannick Champ is quite a character. He appreciates the drinkers and those who love his wines. From the time when I first met him in Singapore, I find him one of the most charismatic winemakers from Burgundy. I remembered assisting a team in preparation of his wines for a big DPR wine dinner years ago. Before his wine dinner, as usual he speaks to the few of us, asking questions to see if we understood the wines of Burgundy and of his Domaine. Once he becomes comfortable with the team, he leaves everything to us for the wine preparation. He is also one of the most appreciative individual, always thanking the "wine team" and the attendees, always patiently talking to individuals about his wines. Those were really a long time ago, when the NSG 1er Cru Clos des Corvees cost $350 a bottle. In those days, when we poured DPR wines, only a handful of individuals knew his wines, and then a few converts followed after. Today, his followers are countless and like all renowned Burgundy Domaines, allocation becomes small. I assisted in two other DPR wine dinners in the later years.
Today's spot offer is minuscule. We only have five bottles of Domaine Prieure Roch's wines, and most DPR collectors can relate how difficult it is to get his wines nowadays, especially the Grand Crus, namely the Chambertin Clos-de-Beze. Only 1 bottle available today. In fact, all the rest of the cuvees in today's offer are all single bottle. Don't miss any of them, and have a great Friday and weekend ahead.......RS
26/10/2023: Ready Steady Burgundy Part 2 of 2: Pierre Damoy . Dugat-Py . Assortments
The second part of this Burgundy offer will feature wines by Pierre Damoy and also a comprehensive list of Dugat-Pys, mainly from vintages 2009 and 2010. These two back to back sturdy vintages are opening up beautifully. Some 1er Crus or selected Grand Crus are in their drinking window. Even though some say Grand Crus probably should hold for a few years, I thought some 09 Grand Crus are showing beautifully now. I wouldn't say they are in the perfect drinking window, but if you missed out (or would like to revisit) them, now is a good time. The next few years will be interesting times to try 09 and 10 Grand Crus.
If there were one great Chambertin and Chambertin Clos-de-Beze to choose, from an array of producers, one of my choices will be Pierre Damoy, a producer whom I had followed for more than a decade. On my first two visits to Burgundy many years ago, I emailed Pierre to see if he was around, and twice our schedule could not meet. On my third try, I finally managed to meet this maestro, and the bottles and back vintages he opened at tasting, were all gorgeous. In fact, he is all about precision, like how he manage his cellars. With his majority of land holdings in Grand Cru, it is justified that we have three of his 2009 Grand Crus (Chapelle, Chambertin, Clos-de-Beze) available on offer today.
Duagt-Py is a producer whom I feel is always underrated and sometimes under-appreciated. For years, I was working as his distributor and when we try his wines young (new vintage releases), some of the village and 1er Crus have these big fruits and tannins on entry, and then a very identifiable structural finish (a lot of the cuvees are using whole bunches and not destemmed). The colour is deep garnet, beautiful. Now, leave these bottles (village and 1er Crus) for between six to eight years, then try them again. You will find most of them are completely transformed, and unlike its initial infancy. The colour looks still, a deep concentrated garnet, but the transformation of freshness is coupled with an elegant and textural finish. If you are fan of Claude Dugat's wines (cousin), actually Dugat-Py is very similar if you have the patience. They start to become accessible, and you may also understand "Vieilles Vignes"-s depth in his bottles better. Most of his vines are 65 to 100 years old and frankly, I must say not many Domaines have holdings like his today. If you can find any bottles of 1970s Maison Leroy Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux or Charmes Chambertin, it probably came from Bernard Dugat's vineyard. Don't miss the big list of Dugat-Py's collection today, as these 09s and 10s are all perfectly-aged and ready for you and the world!
We complete the two part Burgundy offers with two other assortments from Etienne Sauzet and Anne Gros. If you had not received any invoice from yesterday's offer, it will be ready when today's offer go out, as I am consolidating orders for these two offers. Tomorrow a small parcel of Domaine Prieure Roch drops in a spot offer.....RS
25/10/2023: Ready Steady Burgundy Part 1 of 2: Fourrier . Arlaud . Fontaine Gagnard
Let's start with these renowned producers for our Burgundy offers (Part 1), since it is going to be the epilogue of offers for October. Yes, I admit it took a while to prepare this huge list of offers. Like all offers that go out, there is a lot of co-ordination work between sellers and myself. These include: valuation, checking of physical bottles, setting of prices, followed by preparation of listings, offers, tasting notes, pictures. Then there may also be filtering and classifying of wines by regions so that they go out as themed offers, just like the three producers featured in today's offer.
These three producers are making wines at the highest level: Fontaine-Gagnard, Arlaud and Fourrier. They need no further introduction to all Burgundy aficionados. A fellow wine lover once asked me "How do you find Gagnard's wines?" (since there are a few "Gagnards"). Having tried couple of vintages and cuvees by: Blain-Gagnard, Jean-Noel Gagnard and Fontaine-Gagnard, my reply was this: "Every wine the Gagnards make are fantastic, but any whites by Fontaine-Gagnard is magical!"
That is the same for Domaine Arlaud. Having followed this producer for years, I fall in love with his Clos-St-Denis every single time. His Bonnes Mares and Charmes Chambertin both come tied at second place. Cyprien Arlaud has the magical touch of using the right % of oak barrels differently for whole clusters and destemmed fruits. That alone is a skilled craft.
Last but not least, Jean-Marie Fourrier of Domaine Fourrier has spent his whole life mastering his craft of wine-making. Having been mentored by Henri Jayer himself, this Gevrey-Chambertin producer started young in his family vineyards, and has a masterplan for everything. This include a strict (small) allocation to all his distributors around the world. There is always high demand for his wines on secondary market. Fourrier's wines are made on the highest level of precision...spotless some say.
Our Burgundy offers this week are going to be back to back to back, as Part 2 will follow tomorrow, then on Friday, there will be another Burgundy spot offer for some DPR. Yes, it is going to be a tough week...a tough week to choose......RS
20/10/2023: 2000....Cheval Blanc . Montrose . Dom Perignon
2000 is without a doubt, one of the vintages championing Bordeaux classified growths into the limelight. From the wine-making period of Bordeaux, from the 1990s to 2000s, I think 2000 had really gained attention to Bordeaux wine connoisseurs, luring them back to re-look into what's coming in their future. Were there any interesting vintages from the 90s? Certainly: 95 the redemption vintage, 96 were exceptional Pauillac and St Julien, 98 the classical vintage for St Emilion. That's about it if I can remember. The vintage 2000 made all the vintages in the 90s looked difficult. From the Classified Growths of Left to Right bank, they all did well in 2000, some were exceptional. With the influx of new oenologists, precise viticulture, change in wine-making methods and technological advances, this would open a brand new world for Bordeaux wines. And the rest they say is history.
Today, two rare and OWC Bordeaux are in our spot offers. A case each of the 2000 Cheval Blanc and Montrose. These had been stored in Wine Bond for more than a decade, previously they were shipped reefer direct from UK to Singapore. For the Cheval Blanc and Montrose, do note that they are only available for OWC (12 bots) purchase and not loose bottles. Along with these two cases, a separate spot offer (of the same vintage 2000) Dom Perignon with perfect provenance, available for loose bottle purchases. Don't miss these three offers today, and have a great Friday and weekend ahead.....RS
18/10/2023: A Small Parcel of Californian Wines | Pahlmeyer is back
Pahlmeyer Wines are no stranger to all Californian wine collectors. While their Merlot is sometimes compared to Kapcsandy's Roberta Reserva (also Merlot), personally I think they are quite different. Kapcsandy's Roberta Reserva tends to be more elegant and less dense or fruit forward, while Pahlmeyer has a reputation of making more forward and consistent Merlot every year. My late mentor (Denis Malbec) whom was in charge of winemaking at Kapcsandy in their primitive years, made a great foundation for them, Both Pahlmeyer and Kapcsandy make amazing wines IMHO. Pahlmeyer's Proprietary Red is also a unique cuvee that is ranked high among the best Napa Valley Cabernets. No wonder it is a favourite among wine critics. Again, I think it is difficult to compare Pahlmeyer's Proprietary Red with other producers, as it is a class on its own.
Today, we have a small parcel of some back vintages Pahlmeyer Merlot, Proprietary Red and a single Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Among these, three other separate cuvees, including a rare (non-commerical release) 2008 Coattails Pinot Noir. For all Californian wine collectors, don't miss any of these back-vintages, provenance guaranteed wines...and have a blast this Wednesday.....RS
16/10/2023: Italy Offer Part 2 of 2: From North to South | The Forgotten Bottles
The second part of the Italy offer drops today, we are going from North to South to cover the rest of these Italy regions, with some very recognizable names...Antinori included...It is a Monday but a brand new start of the week. These amazing offers kick start this week...
Sometimes, I wonder what it is like to forget about a wine. Nope, I do not mean forget the taste profile of the wine. Do you remember where you bought your bottles from? and the reason for buying them? To me, every bottle has a story. Even for some bottles of mine, I do forget why I bought them initially. It really is difficult to keep track of ALL the bottles, some spanning more than a decade ago. Various reasons of buying could be:
> liking the taste profile of a wine (through wine tasting or dinner).
> A fellow wine enthusiast recommended it
> From bin-end sales or last bottles
> Doing a favour or supporting someone whom you know
> A special vintage to remember and many more reasons
Whichever the reason for buying that bottle in your collection, never forget why it was bought. I call these The Forgotten Bottles. These bottles may one day (who knows), help find your first love in wine? Or maybe recall the good memories? Cerebration....
Today's offers are aplenty and include two big names: Antinori's Guado al Tasso appears in multiple vintages, along with Ornellaia's Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia. There are also other interesting cuvees available, some from Piedmont, Umbria and others. All the wines are price to sell, just scroll down and you will know what I mean...
This week, we will have one more spot offer for some American wines, before we head back to Burgundy (and probably just in time for my recovery and back to work in the office). Have a great start to the week!........RS
13/10/2023: Italy Offer Part 1 of 2: Under The Tuscan Sun
The Year was 2014, and Vinitaly was one of the biggest wine exhibitions that year. It was to be held in Veneto in early April, and through a corsortium of Brunello producers, I was invited to attend Vinitaly. It was going to be my first trip to Veneto, but never would I imagine myself to end up in Tuscany, just for one special day. It was my own "Under the Tuscan Sun".
I landed in Milan on the first day of 2014 Vinitaly, together with a friend from Malaysia. He represented some big Italian names in the Malaysia wine market and is a senior veteran whom many in the wine industry respect. After four days of meetings and tastings, we met in our hotel lobby for dinner, and he casually asked if I would like to join his team for a visit to Antinori. They will be driving from Veneto to Tuscany to do a one day visit and tasting (it was a good 2.5-3 hours drive, past Florence). At that time, Antinori had just opened their new "Cantina", a brand new visitors tasting facility, so it was a chance I would not miss. We packed our bags and went together early next morning.
The drive to Tuscany was scenic and easy, utilizing just one highway throughout the whole drive. Taking small breaks along the way, the drive took slightly less than 3 hours with 2 drivers rotated. As we approach The Cantina Antinori around 11am, the spectacular architecture of the building just blew me away....It was magnificent. If anyone has been to Port Phillip Estate in Mornington Peninsula (just 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne, whom also owns Kooyong), Port Phillip back in late 2000s, built a brand new Visitor center building coupled with a tasting room, restaurant, etc....and Cantina Antinori reminded me exactly of Port Phillup's building. Both are Alchemies of Architecture.
As we arrived, the group of us were welcomed by the cellar master. I followed in the trade tasting and lunch, then a visit to see the younger wines in barrels. When there were finally free time to roam around the surrounding vineyards, the first thing I did was walk into the different vineyards, and dig my hand into the soil. Like a farmer, I started sniffing the terroir. Wow, limestone and clay with small stony pebbles. The vines are all tended meticulously. No wonder Antinori IS the Master of Tuscan's Sangiovese. Standing at the top of a hilly vineyard, with the surrounding mountainous landscape, and the sun coming down on the vines, reflecting shades of sparkle into my eye, it truly was my own "Under the Tuscan Sun" experience of a lifetime. Breathtaking.....
Today's offers will start with a Tuscany collection of well-drinking wines, by a seasoned collector here at Wine Bond. This collection will come in two part offers, and I am starting Part 1, which will feature all the wines from Tuscany. Part 2 will feature wines from Bolgheri (Southwest Tuscany) and other Italian regions. These wines and vintages are meticulously selected as they are all: reaching its drinking window, and are interesting cuvees to own. Most of them have good (if not great) ratings...and are priced friendly to sell. If anyone needs any tasting notes, feel free to email me and I will send them through. Don't miss these Tuscan beauties in Part 1....while Part 2 drops early next week. Have a great Friday......RS
10/10/2023: Spot Offer: A Small Selection of Burgundy from a Single Collector
Heart and Passion. This is what the team at Wine Bond have. Ever wondered why we check every single bottle coming into Wine Bond for ALL our customers? Because the team here knows we are the first line of defense when it comes to wines coming in for our members. And it takes heart and passion to do what we do, which also means identifying any dubious bottles: Be it a bottle that seem to be coravined, a label that did not seem right, a foil seal that has been tampered with. Ullage of old bottles.
Paying attention to details like these are what we do, on a daily basis. Yesterday I saw a FB advert of another wine storage facility whom mention they are the industry leader. Debatable....
Back to today's offers. A small spot offer to start this week, but I promise there will be more Burgundy offers coming as I am trying to secure another member's collection for the coming mailers. Hopefully, these names like Arlaud, Fourrier, Fontaine-Gagnard, Dugat-Py and Pierre Damoy may appear soon. Today however, these three cuvees will grace this spot offer: the 05 Sylvain Cathiard Malconsorts makes a rare appearance, along with a 06 Ponsot Clos de la Roche, then a 07 Meo Camuzet Richebourg. Three powerhouse producer names even though it is just a minuscule offer, don't miss......RS
4/10/2023: The Rare MAGNUMS of GAJA | And More BIG FORMATS
October is here. We have more offers lined up this month, with another BIG Burgundy list coming next week. Talking about BIG, these BIG formats are going to kick-start October, with some rare listings of Gaja's Barbarescos and Barolo, all in MAGNUMS: Costa Russi, Sori Tildin, Sperss and San Lorenzo. And it gets better, these are all back vintages namely from 1988, 95, 96 and 99. Quantities however, are very limited and there is only one each per vintage and wine.
Today's rare collection of MAGNUMS come from one of the biggest wine collectors here at Wine Bond, also one of the biggest supporters of Marketplace. Provenance is as good as it gets and this is the last thing you need to worry about. Complimenting these Gaja MAGNUMS, will be two MAGNUMS of the 1998 and 99 Sassicaia, any Sassicaia fans should not miss. I had probably seen, Sassicaia MAGNUMS listed once in a blue blue moon on marketplace. A couple of other assorted MAGNUMS complete this offer including the Kistler Laguna Pinot Noir, Dominus, Louis Jadot Grands-Echezeaux (pardon the photo of this) and Costanti's Brunello Riserva. As we cut closer to Christmas and New Year, October and November are favorable months to pick up more wines for your year-end parties. MAGNUMS are definitely awesome for these parties or wine groups so book them early. Also, look for more offers coming next week, and have a great start to October......RS
