29/9/2022: Bordeaux Assortments Part 2 of 2: St-Julien | St-Estephe | and More
We continue with Part 2 of our Bordeaux offers, featuring wines from St-Julien, St-Estephe and other appellations.
All the wines in today's offers are from renowned Chateaus, starting with: 2005 and 11 Ducru Beaucaillou. This second growth promises the finest St-Julien. There are always chasers for Ducru, because Ducru is unbelievably consistent and delicious, and 2005 Ducru is simply amazing! Two cases of this vintage available, while only 6 bottles of the 2011 available.
Two vintages of Leoville Las Cases releases today: the 2011 and 15. Somehow, Leoville Las Cases really excel in challenging vintages, and in strong vintages, they become unbeatable. 2015 may just become another legendary Las Cases.
2010 and 11 Montrose. This wine is like a resident of our marketplace due to its popularity. The last time we offered the 2010 was in fact in May 2021, while the 2011 appears a first time here. For all the Montrose fans....just scroll down now.
Couple of others: the distinct 2011 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux, is Sauvignon Blanc at its finest for this vintage. 2015 Figeac from St-Emilion, is still a baby but will grow from strength to strength in a decade....and of course, last but not least, my favourite, both in terms of vintage and wine: 2010 Smith Haut Lafitte (rouge), just one case available.
I cannot stress how perfect these wines are. They looked as though they have just been released from the Chateau, all in impeccable condition! With these, we end our Bordeaux (and all) offers for September. If you had placed orders for both Part 1 and 2, we will consolidate your orders today, and your invoice will be sent out either this afternoon or Friday morning. All the wines will be ready next week for delivery, collection or transfer.
October begins soon...look out, we have lots of Burgundies coming.......
27/9/2022: Bordeaux Assortments Part 1 of 2: Pauillac
It is the last week of September, and we will end this month with two Bordeaux offers today and Thursday. We start with a list of dazzling Pauillacs for Part 1. On Thursday, it will be a couple of St-Julien, St-Estephe and others. Again, these wines are competitively priced, and quite possibly have the best provenance. All the wines are in OWC, but loose bottle purchase are available for all buyers.
Today's offer begins with three vintages of Lynch Bages: 2006, 09 and 10. The 09 and 10 are back-to-back awesome vintages, magnificent wines to own today, while the 06 may just be opening up. We have a few cases available for Lynch Bages but book them when you see them, as you won't find these prices anywhere else.
Jumping to the Second Growths, the Pichons are head-turners, especially the 2010 and 11 Pichon Barons, along with the 2011 Pichon Lalande. I am always fascinated with both Pichons, they perform magnificently as they age. I mean, when was the last time you had a bad Pichon (both Baron and Lalande)? For these three wines, only one case each available.
Pontet Canet is back, and two splendid vintages today: the 2010 and 15, both perfect Pontet Canets! Only two cases each available. Last but not least, two cases of the 2010 Clerc Milon. Don't miss the Clerc Milon as it hardly appears on marketplace and again, there is a reason why 2010 remains one of my favourite vintages. The opulence and balance in 2010 somehow only appear once in a decade....Have a great Tuesday!
21/9/2022: Ten Vintages of Chateau Rayas | Extremely Limited Bottles
Chateau Rayas from Southern Rhone, needs no introduction. The Reynaud family had been in Avignon, longer than some of the vines in the Chateauneuf. Some of us may have drank Chateau Raya's CDP from the 70s, 80s and 90s, made by the late Jacques Reynaud. After he passed away in 1997, his nephew Emmanuel Reynaud had to take over winemaking. During the transition period, the first few vintages made by Emmanuel were not like the wines that Jacques made (given the long period of time Jacques had in Chateau Rayas). This was because Emmanuel was previously making Chateau des Tours in Vacqueyras. During this transition period, he was still learning about everything else in Chateau Rayas, what this land could give. Adding to the fact that there were a lot of replanting in the vineyards, the vines were significantly younger. In the spectacular 2005 vintage, Chateau Rayas finally returned and reclaim the Crown of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Today, every vintage made by Emmanuel commands the highest price and is without a doubt, the best Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Southern Rhone.
For the last ten years, I had the pleasure to drink and taste many vintages made by Emmanuel. From vintages like 1999, 2001, 02 (which I could somewhat taste the struggle in his winemaking) to 2003, 04 vintage (more confidence and wines are more balance), and from 2005 onwards (it just gets better after this vintage). These vintages are like tracing the evolution of Emmanuel and the new Chateau Rayas. All I can say is he is doing everything right. For him to grasp the knowledge in making Chateau Rayas shine, in such a short span of less than 10 years, formidable. My favourite vintages (drank so far) remain 2008, 09 and 10 (despite all the critics rave about 05 and 07). To me, Chateau Rayas CDP is a wine that is very personal once you start tasting the different vintages. The 2008 and 09 were about freshness, elegance and purity in the fruits. The 2010 on the other hand, is just perfect in every way from start to finish.
Wine Bond is proud to offer ten assorted vintages (starting from 1999 to 2010) of Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape in this week's offer. These bottles come from a single collector whom had been collecting Chateau Rayas for more than a decade and half. All his bottles' provenance are impeccable, and I was fortunate to taste many bottles from this private collector. There are only a few bottles from each vintage in this offer, and this is probably the only time we will see a Chateau Rayas offer, maybe a first and (hopefully not) a last....Don't Miss!
15/9/2022: Burgundy Assortments: Roty | Rossignol Trapet | Drouhin | Rousseau
These Burgundy offers come at the perfect time, right after our Californian and other assortment offers in September. With these Burgundies all hailing from strong vintages, you know its time to take notice again. We start with a 09 Roty Gevrey 1er Fontenys. I wonder if it's still easy to find Roty's wines these days? Their Gevreys are actually really affordable. IMHO, a consistent producer in Gevrey. Next two wines are also strong contenders in their respective communes. The 05 Drouhin Clos de Mouches (rouge) is always highly sought after (not forgetting they also make the blanc). For me, both their rouge and blanc are great. 09 Drouhin Chambolle 1er Les Baudes is a rare cuvee only few know. Those whom own these bottles, are probably familiar with its vineyard location as well (just below Bonnes Mares). For this wonderful vintage, I am sure they will be snapped up quickly. The 15 Rossignol Trapet Chambertin Grand Cru, which has an abundant life (years) ahead. This is one classic Chambertin anyone should not miss. Last but not least, a surprise appearance for the 05 Rousseau Gevrey 1er Clos st Jacques. It's been a while since we last saw any Rousseau Clos St Jacques, don't wait.....
13/9/2022: The Biggest Lokoya Wine Offer | Stunner Stunner Stunner!
Lokoya Winery actually started as early as 1995, a project by Jackson's Family wines. The vision of Lokoya is to specialize in premium, minuscule lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, grown exclusively from a few select mountain appellations of between 1000-2100 feet. These wines were to showcase the best of these mountainous vineyards, but also create a distinct difference from the four terroirs, using only the varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. They had created a legacy after Chris Carpenter took over as winemaker in 2000.
I first met Chris Carpenter back in 2009. I was visiting Napa Valley and the wine company I worked for, arranged for me to meet Chris and taste Cardinale wines. Chris is a tall, buff guy, and all serious on wines. Jokingly, I told him that he has a striking resemblance to WWE wrestling in ring persona superstar: "Stone Cold Steve Austin" but more like the Steve Austin during his early days in WCW. He laughed out loud, and mentioned he did play football during his university days. We had a great time tasting the different vintages of Cardinale wines, and Chris shared his abundant knowledge, about grape-growing, winemaking and amongst those: music, food and believe it or not, bartending. When I was leaving Napa Valley, I had to carry some sample bottles of Lokoya Wines, as Chris was the winemaker for those wines as well. The bottles made it back to SG safely, and when we finally tasted them (after resting the bottles for couple of weeks), totally blown away!
When Jackson Family started acquiring different properties for their Lokoya project in the 90s to early 2000s, they were careful in choosing the vineyards, and wanted to focus on the types of wines from the premium mountain appellations. Today, they have four mountain appellations, a total of 75 acres, which 25 acres are planted with vines. Each wine has its own distinct profile. These are the characters:
Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from land of volcanic ash soil, and shows intriguing mix of aromas. There is lightness on the palate, and with good velvety structure. Good chalky and well integrated tannins with a smooth and easy finish.
Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a pretty floral aromatic to the bouquet, bright and lively aromatics. A soft entry quickly gains in complexity across the palate. Very good acidity with a lingering finish.
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark and beautiful wine, an exotic fruit profile with the best aromatics. There is a strong savory finish on the palate. This is both a powerful and balanced wine, with the most intense and persistent finish. This is the classiest wine out of the four mountain appellations.
Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon is the darkest of the four. The nose comes out more subtly than the other three, but the aromas disguise the depth, concentration and power found on the palate. The finish is all gravel and sweetness of dark fruits. Powerful tannins with a long persistent finish. Big wine!
Wine Bond Marketplace is proud to offer, the biggest Lokoya offering this year. These come from one of the biggest Lokoya collectors in Wine Bond, and all the wines came direct from Lokoya to Wine Bond’s storage. I believe all the four mountain appellations by Lokoya have very distinct and different characters. They appeal to different palates. For me, I really love the aromatic+softer Spring Mountain, and the classy Howell Mountain. If you had never drank (or kept) Lokoya wines, believe me, the wines truly impress, (pun intended...and for all the Wrestling fans out there) “Stunners”!
12/9/2022: Spot Offers: 2007 Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello | 2010 Verite La Joie and La Muse
Monday work can get a bit tardy, which is why we are throwing out some spot offers this afternoon.
The 2007 Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello is one beautiful Sangiovese, seasoned Brunello collectors can relate to its rarity. This is a beautiful wine many will want to get their hands on. Don't wait further.....
The other two spot offers are the 2010 Verite, namely the La Joie and La Muse. Verite (which means truth in French) is all about greatness. When we speak about Verite, these words come to mind: Elegance, finesse, softness, delicacy, complexity, balance. Both the 2010 Verites are price-to-sell so don't miss.
Remember, the Lokoya collection drops tomorrow. Then on Thursday, we have an assortment of Burgundies lined up. Have a fruitful Monday and week ahead!
8/9/2022: Spot Offer: 6 bots Parcel 1996 E. Rouget Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts
1996 was a big year for Emmanuel Rouget, as he officially took over the vineyard management and winemaking duties for Henri Jayer (when Henri was asked to retire). In fact prior to 1996, Emmanuel was already working with Henri, understudying. As the nephew of Henri, he was also making wines for George Jayer and his own Domaine, all at the same time. It was a monumental year for Emmanuel. Many were speculating if he could fill the shoes of Henri Jayer and he certainly proved himself to be a worthy protege. Today, Rouget's wines remain one of the most difficult wines to find by Burgundy aficionados.
Our marketplace spot offer today, is for a six bottles parcel of the 1996 Emmanuel Rouget Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts, and this is as rare as it gets. The seller had these in its original case of 12 and decided to let go of 6 as a parcel sale. The provenance cannot get any better! Regrettably, the parcel will not be broken up into loose bottles. The 1996 Rouget Les Beaumonts is going to be a great wine from start to finish, an awesome vintage to behold, don't miss it today!
7/9/2022: A Hundred Acre Collection | Ark and Kayli Morgan Cabernets
Hundred Acre wines, made by the genius Jayson Woodbridge, are every Cabernet Sauvignon lovers dream. These wines, easily make it to my "Top hundred wines to drink before I die" list (no pun intended)..... Yup, Hundred Acre offers land today!
In a very rare occasion back in 2017, I was invited to a private dinner with Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre. It was hosted by Jayson, at his guest house that overlook his Kayli Morgan vineyard. That night, he also had a private Chef to cook for us. I was in for a treat, a special night, a dinner with one of my idols whom I had followed for years! It turns out to be a great night of conversations about his wines, and understanding them. I learned so much from Jayson, an experience I will never forget. He was a virtuoso whom knows not just his wines well; but also his vines intricately. This is the reason why Hundred Acre Wines are ranked high, in the world of Iconic Cult Californian wines.
To me, Hundred Acre Wines are all about consistency and identity. When you drink a bottle of Hundred Acre, you know that you are only getting the best from Jayson. The balance in every bottle of Hundred Acre wine (even in different vintages) are truly impressive! Its identity is unmissable. Frankly, I had never come across another producer whom makes wines at this level. And honestly, there will never be one as talented as Jayson....
Wine Bond is glad to offer some Hundred Acre Wines today. We have a couple of back vintage offers from the two vineyards (that started it all): Ark and Kayli Morgan. This collection comes from a single owner, whom is a huge collector of Hundred Acre wines for years. The wines had never left our facility, provenance is guaranteed. Nuff said, scroll down to see the offers!
5/9/2022: Dugat-Py . Giacomo Conterno . La Mission Haut Brion
Today's assortment will feature three awesome wines from Dugat-Py, Giacomo Conterno and La Mission Haut Brion. These old world beauties are so ready to drink!
The 2005 Dugat-Py Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes is a special cuvee only few appreciate. Most Dugat-Py followers will find the 2005 village old vines, well-drinking accessible now. The same can be said for 2007 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia. Once you visit Giacomo Conterno, you understand why their wines stand out on their own. Their aged-Barolos show Nebbiolo so differently (as compared to when they are young) and the Francia Barolo is one that many still chase today. 1998 La Mission Haut Brion is back (after a long absence), and this vintage is one that will go a long way, in fact miles ahead if you still want to cellar them for a few years. Don't miss all these offers today.
30/8/2022: Last Assortment for August | Old and New World Selection
The long month of August brings forth lots of interesting offers, an unprecedented (most probably a record), close to 100 listings. Let's complete this month with this assortment of old and new world selections, these mature and well-drinking wines are for drinkers.
A couple of Aussie wines return today, starting with the 2012 Lethbridge Mietta Pinot Noir, a candied cool easy drinking Pinot Noir. Then, for the Shiraz fans, Torbreck Runrig returns with a 2007 vintage, a highly-rated wine with a friendly price tag today, along with Two Hands Ares Shiraz (2009) and D'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz (2005). All these wines are in full bloom and ready to drink. Moving all the way to Chile, a 2014 Almaviva to complete the New World selection.
From the Old World, a pair of 2010s from San Polino, the Brunello Riserva and the Brunello Helichrysum. These two perfect Brunellos are indeed formidable, with its drinking window (probably) just starting to open. I cannot reiterate how much I like the well-structured 2010 Brunellos, and these will also hold easily for more years. The 2013 Terroir Al Limit Les Manyes is a Priorat dream. The power of this wine is coupled with an underlying elegance that you don't find in many Priorats, this is a special one. Last but not least, the Valdespino Cardenal Palo Cortado VORS, probably one of the very few PERFECT Sherry one can find today. Sherry lovers shouldn't miss this.
See you in September!
25/8/2022: Domaine Lamy-Caillat | Rising from Chassagne-Montrachet
The micro-Domaine of Lamy-Caillat started modestly with only 1.2ha of vines, yet the whites they produce in Chassagne-Montrachet are some of the most intriguing whites many can only dream of owning. This is the work of Sebastien Caillat and Florence Lamy of Lamy-Caillat.
Florence Lamy, daughter of Rene Lamy, and Sebastien Caillat had been making wines for Florence’s family: Domaine Rene Lamy-Pillot since 1998. Sebastien always had his own ideas about doing things differently but like many wine-making traditions (in some family Domaines), it was not possible with Rene Lamy-Pillot. In 2008 their elderly neighbour offered Sebastien and Florence to take over some vines and plots, but the number of hectares were very small. These Premier Crus however, were jewels of Chassagne-Montrachet, and thus Domaine Lamy-Caillat started in 2011.
The vineyards are farmed organically and vinification is old-school. Vineyards are farmed with meticulous care by Sebastien and nothing is left to chance. The fruit is pressed in an old mechanical press then stays in barrel for a full year undisturbed without any battonage. The wine then spends a second year in tank on lees with only one battonage before bottling. Sebastien, whom had spent years researching corks, has been working with only one supplier since 2002. The corks go deep in the bottle neck, then there is 4mm depth of wax, filling the gap right up to the top. The bottles sleep in the cellar until they are ordered, and then the wax capsule are all done individually by hand.
In their primitive years, Lamy-Caillat produce only around 6,000 bottles. Today, production is still minuscule between 10,000 to 12,000 bottles annually (depending on vintage). These Chassagne-Montrachets have all the richness and breadth you’d expect from the appellation: balanced with an intricate mineral and reductive tension. The wines are extremely pure and intense. The only drawback is the tiny quantities produced for these uber-rare white Burgundies. Due to the limited production, it is almost impossible to find Lamy-Caillat's wines on open market, with prices steadily increasing whenever bottles are found. It looks like another Domaine is set for greatness, one that is rising from Chassagne-Montrachet!
24/8/2022: Don Melchor Assortments and Limited Edition Set | Collectible Chilean
After more than three decades, Don Melchor has reached a solid position that enables it to express its own identity through the wine: Don Melchor. Named after Concha Y Toro’s founder, this is among Chile’s most-acclaimed, world class interpretation of Cabernet. This identity is built upon a base of three fundamental pillars: its impeccable heritage and history, the peerless conditions of its terroir, and the deep understanding and expertise in the making of the Don Melchor wine. Don Melchor’s style, complexity, and elegance are the extension of the perfect balance between the rocky soils in Puente Alto, the cold winds that slide down from the Andes Mountains, the generous climate of the Maipo Valley, the number of years the vines have taken to yield their best grapes, and the meticulous and caring work of the human hand.
The signature wine from the exquisitely tended Puente Alto vineyard, is 650 meters above sea level. The vineyard dates back to the mid-19th century, when the first pre-phylloxera French varieties were brought to Chile. Today, the vineyard consists of 127 hectares, divided into seven parcels, 90% of which are Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.1% are Cabernet Franc, 1.9% are Merlot, and 1% are Petit Verdot. Each parcel has been subdivided in order for very specific, detailed work that responds to the particular needs of each plant, row by row, to achieve the perfect balance with the weather characteristics of each year. Average vine age is over 30 years.
Every year, Winemaker Enrique Tirado travels to the small town of Lamarque, Bordeaux, France, to meet with renowned Bordeaux consultant Eric Boissenot, to taste approximately 150 lots from the vineyard and determine which lots, and in which proportions, will go into the new vintage of Don Melchor. Once the final blend has been defined, the new vintage of Don Melchor is transferred to French oak barrels from the Allier, Tronçois, and Nevers. Nearly two-thirds of the barrels are new, and the remaining one-third have had one prior use. After 14–15 months, the wine is bottled and aged for another year to develop the complexity and elegance before release.
In today's offer, we have an assortment of vintages for Don Melchor wines, along with some MAGNUMS. There is also a special limited edition dual box set (12 assorted bottles of 6 vintages) up for grabs. Don't miss these offers as Don Melchor remains one of the most collectible wines from Chile.
18/8/2022: Spot Offers: Huet cuvee Constance | Dom P2 | Faiveley Corton | Pegau CDP Capo
We are back with a Thursday spot offer. These wines had never been in our marketplace and are certainly interesting cuvees. Two of them have prefect scores, and rare finds as well in the open market. The 97 Huet Cuvee Constance is IMHO one of the best Chenin Blancs one can find from Loire. A back vintage cuvee Constance that is price friendlier than their current release? I say give me the 97 anytime. Owning a bottle of 98 Dom Perignon P2 is owning a piece of transition history (Oenothèque ---> Plénitude). The balance and energy in the 98 is impeccable and will be one that will go a long way. The 2011 Faiveley Clos des Cortons Monopole is starting to drink well, and an affordable Grand Cru that anyone should not miss. It is never easy to find a special Corton that can move one's heart (or should I say palate), but Faiveley certainly does theirs well. Last but not least, the 2007 Pegau CDP Cuvee de Capo should not be taken lightly here. This perfect CDP is every Rhone-lover's dream. Resistance is futile.....RS
16/8/2022: Bordeaux Collection: A Blast to the Past
Today's Bordeaux offers will feature wines that truly brings me back to the days when I was just an apprentice learning about Bordeaux wines. A nostalgic and strange feeling. I remember a winemaker whom told me these words "Appreciate what you drink and who you drink with....the late Josh Jensen of Calera"....How true! Some of the wines I had tasted multiple times, but I can still remember some (not all): the times I tasted them, where and with whom. As these wines evolve, I am sure they will bring lots of pleasure to Bordeaux fans. If you are looking for a blast to the past (I am sure you have your own memories of these wines), scroll down to see these offers....
A pair of 1982's kick-start our offer: Leoville Las Cases and Cos d'Estournel. This heavenly vintage and the two Chateau's need no introduction. They are perfectly stored at Wine Bond, great wines that needs a drinker's attention, much like the next two wines from 1989: Chateau Palmer (a wine that can rival it's own 90) and Troplong Mondot. Again, all the 82 and 89 Bordeaux are in the open drinking window...why wait?
The 1994 Pichon Lalande that is on offer today, is probably the best 94 Pichon Lalande I had seen. Perfect condition of seals, labels and they look like they came straight from the Chateau. It is amazing to find all these treasures our collectors have. Pichon Lalande did quite a different 94, and the perfume and classical Pichon Lalande whiff in this wine will seduce you. Following up on 94, the next wine is the 95 La Mission Haut Brion, this is another classic La Miss not to be missed. 95 Bordeaux were meant to be a "redemption" of what most Chateau could not do in 94, and the 95 La Miss certainly proved its worth by making a wine, which is still great to drink today.
Pichon Baron appears twice in our offer today: the spectacular 2000 in regular format, and MAGNUMS of the 2005. These offerings are from two of the strongest vintages from the 2000s, scroll below to believe the prices. For all the Pichon Baron fans, don't miss them as this second growth always sell out quickly in our marketplace.
Moving on to the next 2003 vintage, there will be two wines on offer: Leoville Poyferre and Troplong Mondot (for this 2003 Troplong Mondot, only OWC sale so do take note). These 2003 are dense and intense. And since we are on the number 3, this 3rd growth Kirwan from 2013 vintage is certainly punching above its weight. At today's offer price, I can drink them anytime.
Moving to the focus of today offer: The pair of perfect 2009 First Growths are great...great...great wines: 2009 Mouton and Haut Brion, are both perfect in their special way (perfect scores btw). Once again, I will not spoil the fun for you. Prices are unbelievable.
We will end today's offer on a high note with 2008 d'Yquem. Again, d'Yquem offers are always rare. Furthermore, the 6 bottles of d'Yquem come in an OWC, with perfect provenance. Have a wonderful Tuesday.......RS
10/8/2022: Artisan Champagnes: The Stars You Must Not Miss
Artisan Champagnes are back! One of the questions I always get is: Will these Champagnes age? Yes they certainly do. Last year, I opened some of my bottles: a 2004 Benoit Lahaye Millesime, and 2002 Sadi Malot Blanc de Blancs Millesime. I enjoy these Champagnes even with bottle age, and I must say: Artisan Champagnes are also hardy in terms of aging, but credit also goes to the fact that the vintages are strong.
Today's selection on marketplace are some of the best producers I follow. We start with some bottles of: Pierre Moncuit Nicole Moncuit V.V. and the LV07 David Leclapart L'Amateur. Both these Blanc de Blancs are strong contenders of the purest Chardonnays you can find. Special mention for Leclapart: my last few bottles of L'Amateur (LV06) were still drinking well. Moving on to H. Billiot for their cuvee Julie and Laetitia. These two cuvees are all about intensity and class, especially cuvee Laetitia, which the reserve wines are drawn from (as old as) 1983. It is hard not to love these two Champagnes by Billiot. Paul Bara is a Champagne House whom I chase. I had a rare opportunity to taste with Chantale Bara couple of years back and it was unforgettable. Located in Bouzy, P. Bara are near to both Champagne Pierre Paillard and Benoit Lahaye. Like them, Bara also specialise in Pinot Noir. Antoine Paillard has always been a good friend, and I will definitely see him whenever I am in Champagne. I remember my last visit when I was tasting Paillard Champagnes with Antoine, when Chantale (of Paul Bara) walked in with some bottles. We ended up drinking lots of Champagnes, and talked for hours in Paillard's tasting room, an experience I will never forget. Today, the 2000 Paul Bara Millesime and the 2002 Special Club are on offer, rare chances to own these rare bottles! The pair of 2009 Ulysse Collin Les Maillons (BDN) and Les Pierrieres (BDB) are two cuvees that Champagnes drinkers should not miss. Even though 2008 was considered another heavenly vintage, the 2009 are generous and have good expression of fruits, a vintage that is performing well like 2004. Do not underestimate the 2009, as it is a vintage yet to rise to its stardom. These Ulysse Collin Champagnes are as rare as it gets. Last but not least, the 2008 George Laval Cumieres Les Hautes Chevres (BDN). Great vintage, miniscule producer, amazing Champagne. Do I need to say more? Have a sparkling week!
4/8/2022: Burgundy Assortments: The Impressive Ones
With so many Burgundies, sometimes I find it hard to find wines that are unique is its own way. At times, the producer's name, commune or even vintage, already pre-determine how good the wine can be. It becomes pre-perceived in my mind. I am not sure if I can call it a skill or a curse? If a wine does not live up to a certain expectation, I just take it as a lesson learnt about the wine. Nevertheless, there are also instances when some friends or customers pull out an impressive and mysterious wine when hosting dinners, some obscure cuvee. Those instances truly gives an air of surprise and I love it! Today's offers are wines that are truly impressive and some of them, out of reach.
Hubert Lamy's St Aubins are pure and full of minerals, and I started following this producer since the mid 2000s. Today, their St Aubin 1er Crus remain affordable but I probably drank all my bottles too quickly. The 2013 Clos des Meix is on offer today. 2002 Louis Jadot Montrachet is a rare cuvee which White Burg lovers will fall in love, in its complexity and consistency. The official distributor in Singapore, used to allocate only 1 to 3 bottles per person. That's just how small the allocation is. Just two bottles available today. The 2007 Francois Raveneau Chablis Les Clos, makes the biggest impression in our white Burg offers today. This Grand Cru (which is on selected allocation) is probably the rarest Chablis any wine connoisseur can own. Many had tried to get hold of this magical wine and sadly, only few can ever get it. Four rare bottles available today.
Moving on to the red Burgs, the 2009 Bruno Clavelier Chambolle 1er Cru La Combe d'Orveaux is ultra-delicious, affordable and from a wonderful vintage. The same can be said for the similar vintage (2009) of Faiveley's Chambertin Clos-de-Beze. Again, this Grand Cru is starting to be accessible after more than a decade of slumber. Time to awake this giant. Btw, when was the last time we saw any Claude Dugat offers? I think it had been more than a year since we saw the village Gevrey Chambertin on marketplace? For all the "old school" Burgundy lovers, the Grand Cru today is not to be missed, 2006 Claude Dugat Charmes Chambertin appears for a first time and only three bottles available. Last but not least, 2007 Meo Camuzet Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Brulees wraps up our offer in a big way! This top Premier Cru at times, is being compared to its Richebourg neighbour and there is good reason why. Meo's Brulees, being in the southern (middle) slope of Brulees, is just next to Meo's Richebourg plot. The vines of the Brulees goes back to the 1930s, as old as the Richebourg. Maybe it should be called a "Baby Richebourg"?
Next week, we will be back with a huge Artisanal Champagne offer (on Wednesday as Tuesday is a public holiday). There will be some really affordable small house Champagnes with a few rare cuvees that are "must owns". See you again in our next offer, and have a great Thursday!
2/8/2022: August Begins: 1996 Latour with 1998 and 2001 Lafite Rothschild
August is here, and we begin with two first growths to kick-start marketplace offers. We have some really interesting assortments this month. Look out for some rare Artisanal Champagnes which are coming back again (the last time was in April), well-drinking Burgundies (as usual), and more Bordeaux offers mid to end August. Do log into your account to view Wine Bond marketplace from time to time, as there are also individual wine postings, for other Italian, Australian and Californian wines. You never know what you will find!
The two first growths on offer today, are no stranger. These wines have perfect provenance from storing at Wine Bond (belonging to wine connoisseurs whose collection I can only be jealous of). I always wonder if the 96 Latour will ever peak, and 20+ years later, it is still a showy wine. Time is on its side. For the 98 Lafite, this classical vintage will give Bordeaux drinkers tons of satisfaction and enjoyment, along with the 2001. Lafite always gave surprises, especially when you go back to re-taste different vintages from time to time. All the wines are priced to sell so it is going to be a great start to August! Don't miss them today....
28/7/2022: Assortments: 04 Cristal . 85 Fonseca Port . 15 and 16 Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc
We complete July with these last assortments, some impressive wines again, for the serious connoissuers: 2004 Cristal is gaining weight and growing from strength to strength. There is still a long life ahead of this Champagne. 1985 Fonseco Vintage Port is new, and though there are not many Port wine lovers whom I know, personally I collect a couple of Vintage and Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port. The attraction of Port wines? You know when you are drinking a good Port....somehow, you know....Last but not least, two vintages 2015 and 16 Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc, for the white Burg lovers. Don't let the label fool you, as Leflaive Bourgogne Blancs are full of depth and complexity. Just look at all the awesome communes they own. We complete our July offers today, a big shout out to all members whom have been supporting our marketplace, thank you.....see you in August!
26/7/2022: Huge Italy Assortments | Piedmont - Tuscany and more
Today's huge Italian offer will go out earlier than usual, as this is a big list of assortments with "to sell et to buy" prices. We start with a pair of 2008 and 2014 Tignanellos, then a 2009 Solaia. These two "brothers-in-arms" are no strangers to wine connoisseurs, and anyone who are fans of Super Tuscans will know these wines well. Next is 2008 Luce, another Super Tuscan by the Frescobaldi and Mondavi family. Did you know that the 2012 Luce won the Wine of the Year in Singapore couple of years back? 2008 is another well-drinking and balance vintage that is ready now, like the 2010 Ornellaia. Both 2008 and 2010 vintages are impressive Tuscan vintages. The 2009 Guado al Tasso slips in between, along with the 2012 Poggio di Sotto Brunello and 2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello Tenuta Nuova. Coming next, will be the Piedmonts.
A special 1997 Gaja San Lorenzo appears a first time on marketplace, then a 2004 Azelia Barolo Bricco Fiasco along with a 2004 Marengo Barolo Brunate. Last but not least, the 2003 Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella completes today's offer. There are only few days left to July, but we will have two more mailers lined up this week. A special Bordeaux spot offer, and an assortment.
21/7/2022: Irresistible Bordeaux | Latour . Cheval Blanc and many more
It's been a while since we had a Bordeaux offer. For all the Bordeaux wine lovers, today's offers are going to be irresistible. These returning Bordeaux, will feature two spectacular wines: The 2004 Latour and 2005 Cheval Blanc, both appearing for a first time.
Along with them, are more offers of classified growths not to be missed. 1996 Lynch Bages is all fine and ready. This will drink superbly now. 2003 Montrose is a wine that had defied the odds of a "hot" vintage to become a great wine. Think you know 2003 Bordeaux? Think again...2006 Pavie is probably still looking for more time as the vintage is one which spells mystery, but I am sure patience will ensure it joins the ranks of other great Pavies. 2008 Pontet Canet returns again, as usual this "super fifth growth" is popular among collectors, not to mention its friendly price tag. Last but not least, the 2010 Leoville Poyferre: this Chateau IS a super second growth to me, after showing in multiple vintages that they are able to make exceptional wines. 2010 is a classic example. Don't miss out on today's Bordeaux offer, as this will be the only Bordeaux offer for July. Next week, we will be back with some Italian wines along with other assortments.
19/7/2022: Last Call for These Cathiards Before They Vanish | Michel Gaunoux Pommard Grands Epenots
It is Tuesday and we have two awesome producers on offer today: Cathiard's Vosne Romanee Premier Crus return this week with new and competitive prices for the En Orveau and Reignots. However, these prices will not last forever in marketplace as the listings will end soon. Catch them while they are still here! Along with En Orveau and Reignots, will be two new listings of the 2012 and 17 Malconsorts, again competitively priced to sell. Regrettably, all the Cathiard offers are only available in single bottle, so fastest finger first.
Michel Gaunoux is another producer whom I had been following for years. For all the Gaunoux followers (there are actually a couple of Gaunoux producers in Burgundy as the Gaunouxs are also a historical wine-making family), will know that Alexandre Gaunoux (current winemaker for Michel Gaunoux) is following family tradition. He ages their wine in the cellar and does late releases for current vintages. The release is three years after harvest, and again, not all the bottles are released. They keep one of the largest reserve wines in their family, and older vintages of their wines are released from time to time. Just to give an example, I was fortunate to drink some of his 1997 Pommard 1er Cru Grand Epenots around seven years ago. Not to mention the re-release prices never sky-rocket and remain affordable, it's like going "Back to the future" of drinking past vintages which I missed. Today, three vintages of Michel Gaunoux's Pommard 1er Cru Les Grand Epenots are on offer: 2009, 11 and 14. Only two bottles each available, so don't miss them today....
14/7/2022: Domaine Bizot Offer | Ex-Domaine from A Connoisseur's Collection
Cult, micro-domaine, miniscule production, old school…these are words that can be associated with Jean-Yves Bizot. Bottling five to ten thousand bottles annually for his TOTAL production (depending on vintage), this is Domaine Bizot. A producer for fine Burgundies, making remarkable and uber-limited cuvees, Bizot's wines are always hunted by Burgundy aficionados. Very much like Domaine Leroy and Domaine de la Romanee Conti, Domaine Bizot's prized and rare cuvees are also one of the most difficult wines to find today.
Owning only 3.5ha of very old vines, Jean-Yves Bizot is indeed a Burgundy garagiste. When he took over the family vineyards in the early 90s, he began to look back at the wines from the 70s, 80s, which mostly were high in tannins and structure. They age differently, as compared to the wines from the 50s and 60s when true blue farmers made their wines. Those were the wines he reminisce, and began to embark on his wine-making journey with his family vines. The first was to remove sulphur completely. Then other details like organic farming, low yields and tall vine technique (like Leroy) are implemented. His family vines go back to the 60s, and some even go back to the 30s so fruit yield is extremely low; there is no compromise during harvest. Everything is minimal intervention, there is no de-stemming of berries. New French oak (Rousseau Tonnellerie) are used for all his wines including the Bourgogne Rouge, and the wines are not blended across barrels. All the wines are bottled by hand.
Being a geologist and professor of viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Jean-Yves certainly knows in-depth about wine-making and the land, in particular about soil. He believes that red and white soil are not necessarily suited for Pinot Noir or Chardonnay respectively. Some examples are: Corton Hill has more red soil but they also plant Chardonnays (Corton Blanc). Puligny-Montrachet used to plant more Pinot Noirs than Chardonnay. Chassagne-Montrachet has both plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Marsannay has plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blancs. With these in mind, there is no boundary to what a winemaker, in particular Jean-Yves can achieve. Below are some of the wines and land he owns:
Bourgogne Blanc Les Violettes:
A tiny parcel of old vines right next to Clos de Vougeot and has been in the family since the middle of the 20th century. It has always been planted with Chardonnay. The vines are planted between 1940 and 1965
Bourgogne Blanc Hautes Cotes-de-Nuits
The vines come from the lieu-dit Les Violettes, which is in the appellation of Vosne-Romanée, old vines adjacent to Clos Vougeot. This is another miniscule production.
Bourgogne Rouge
A blend of each appellation’s remaining wine after fermentation that do not fit into barrels, in particular Le Chapitre, and aged in barrel.
Bourgogne Rouge “La Chapitre”
Three lieux-dits in the Côte d’Or permitted on labels in conjunction with the Bourgogne: Le Chapitre, En Montre Cul and La Chapelle Notre-Dame (which is in Ladoix-Serrigny). Le Chapitre comes from a single parcel of old vines, and produced the “tête de cuvee” of the commune.
Marsannay "Clos du Roy"
A small parcel that is special to Bizot. Some years, the production was only 150 bottles (less than a barrel). It is at the southern end, not far from Longeroies, up towards the top of the slope where the land is drier with less soil.
Vosne Romanee
Plantings from 1930s. Village parcels from a blend of four different plots: Les Communes, Les Jardins, Les Colombieres, and Les Saules.
Vosne Romanee "Les Jachees"
From vines planted in 1930, this may be the most celebrated Vosne Romanee parcel, just below his Echezeaux parcel. It is village appellation and Domaine Bizot is the only one to bottle this separately. It is also the biggest parcel of the Domaine. Roughly one quarter of Les Jachees is owned by Domaine Bizot, 0.63 ha of 2.5 ha.
Wine Bond is please to offer these rare bottles of Domaine Bizot wines for the first time on our marketplace. These bottles come from a discerning wine connoisseur, whom had gotten them directly from the Domaine. The wines were shipped directly from Domaine to his storage at Wine Bond so there is no better provenance. All the bottles are in perfect condition, and these are as rare as it get. Don’t miss this Bizot offer today!
12/7/2022: Champagnes! The MAGNUMS Collection
We are back with a Champagne offer this month, and today is a special collection of some MAGNUMS from a single collector. These MAGNUMS come in very limited quantities so fastest fingers first: two back vintages from Dom Perignon, namely the 1993 and 95 which will drink superbly. For me, I will pop the 93 Dom MAG now, knowing that it is ready, while the 95 is capable of holding for a few more years. The rarity of these MAGNUMS come with perfect provenance, and are must-owns for all Champagne connoisseurs. Along with the Dom MAGS will be 2 MAGNUMS of the Armand de Brignac Brut Rose (comes in its individual wooden box). Again, the Armand de Brignac Brut Rose MAGNUM is a rare gem and priced to sell. Don't miss these Champagne offers!
8/7/2022: Stella di Campalto Brunello Riserva | Burgundy Assortments
It takes pure grit to make wines, and Stella di Campalto is one whom had taken this leap. I started to notice Stella's wines around 2013. The first time I encountered her Brunello Riserva (was from a friend who is a Brunello specialist), I asked him "What is the wine you just poured? It's so.....different!" Then, I thought SDC's wines had its own identity, impressive for a new producer. It was going to bring BDM to a whole new level. Production was approximately 5000 bottles of the Brunello Riserva and believe it or not, a distributor's yearly allocation was only 120 bottles.
In the early years of Stella's wine-making, it was not all rosy. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that she inherited the old and broken Biondi Santi house along with the untouched vineyards that had plantings from the 1950s. Those old vines became the foundation of her wines. Initially, a deal was almost made between Stella and Altesino, for Altesino to rent her vineyards. However, after serious consideration, Stella decided to make her own wines instead. Her neighbor, Poggio di Sotto, knowing that Stella did not know about wine-making, helped in the first few vintages. Subsequently, Stella hired the late Giusseppe Bianchini of Ciacci Piccolomini, to help her plant the vineyards, and she consulted with the legendary and late Gianfranco Soldera in wine-making. The wines are aged in old oak vats for up to 45 months, then without fining or filtration are bottled. The first bottlings were filled by hand.
Over the years, Stella had become a good friend. Pre-covid, whenever I was at Vinitaly, I will drop by her booth to say hi, and taste her new releases of Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. Tasting Stella's wines, it’s not difficult to understand why her wines are full of energy; in between you find delicate and elegant notes, then power that consumes your palate. The only, other superlative Brunello that makes me weep with contentment is Case Basse Soldera.
Today, in a rare release on Wine Bond marketplace: 2 bots of 2009, and 2 MAGNUMS of the 2010 Stella di Campalto Brunello Riserva are now available. Don't miss these, they are as rare as they get. Along with the SDC offer, a list of Burgundies: The 2010 Leflaive Macon Verze along the 2011 Comte Lafon Volnay 1er Cru Santenots returns. Then 6 bottles of the 2015 Jayer-Gilles Echezeaux du Dessus along with 1 bottle of the 2014 Arnoux Lachaux Echezeaux are now of offer. It's Friday and going to be a long weekend, have a good break and see you next week!
5/7/2022: July Begins: Burgundy Assortments
July Begins, and we are back with more Burgundies to kick-start this month's offers. We are starting strong: a couple of 2009s (an awesome vintage) and 2010. The 2009 Comte de Vogue Musigny VV is in da house! Then a rare Clos du Lambray levels the competition (representing MSD). Today's selections are small, but impressive, albeit minuscule quantities. Two vintages, 2009 & 10 Comte Armand Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux Monopole...I call this the missing one in the Burgundy map, followed by MAGNUMS of a 2010 Leflaive Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Pucelles. We've only just begun for July, more Burgundies will be coming soon.
