29/12/2022: Goodbye 2022...Hello 2023 | Kick-starting Jan 2023 Offers Today
Twenty-two to Twenty-Three
It is time to say goodbye to Twenty-Two and prepare to welcome Twenty-Three. Wine Bond marketplace could not have accomplished its success in 2022, if not for all our member's constant interest. In fact, I remember every one of those offers. From the rare Burgundies of: Sylvain Cathiard, Comte Liger Belair, Armand Rousseau....to vintage Champagnes of Dom Perignon, Pol Roger, Taittinger, Cristal. Not forgetting the Bordeaux Classified Growths of: Chateau Lafite, Latour, Haut Brion, Petrus and the King of Napa Valley: Screaming Eagle (appeared twice)....we had an amazing run! Some offers were snatched up quickly, some slower....Time and tide waits for no man. Nevertheless, for everyone whom had been supporting Wine Bond's marketplace, whether you are a seller or a buyer, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say: THANK YOU!
2023 will be another challenging year and I hope to procure as many offers as I can, for all our members. Remember, only Wine Bond members get to purchase at these prices from marketplace on both the desktop and app version. Talking about the mobile app, Wine Bond mobile app will be offline after 31 Dec 2022. In the meantime, the web/desktop version www.winebond.net will be the only log-in, starting 1 Jan 2023. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Wine Bond marketplace will also see new changes in 2023. Some changes will include: Valuation service, seller's commission, wine listing period. We will announce them once ready. Another news that I wanted to share, is the face-lift of our current website. For the last few months, we had been working with an IT developer for a new version of Wine Bond's website. Some of our members may have experienced the occasional "hiccup" while we were running tests (and it seems like the cat is out of the bag for some). While every test was to ensure a new website runs smoothly (if not better) than the current one, we apologise again if we created some scares for our members. In 2023, look out for this new look.
Moving to today's offers. These newbies just arrived on marketplace after Christmas, and will kick-start our January 2023 offers. Even though we are unable to deliver these newbies this week, I assure you that we will deliver them next week when we are back. As usual, if you book them today, the last invoice/s of 2022 will be issued today. Also, most of the listings you see on marketplace today, will expire after 31 Dec 2022 (and may not be back again). If you are scrolling through marketplace and interested in any of the bottles, log in and book them before the last day of 2022.
Now for the Champagnes, and wishing everyone HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!
22/12/2022: Last Burgundy Offers before Christmas
I know right? It was supposed to be THE last offer last week, but these new postings on marketplace came in fast and furious early this week, so I had to share them in one last mailer. This week get interesting with a new list of well-drinking Burgundies including a couple of Louis Jadot Grand Crus from 1997, some Gaja, Dominus and others.
For today's offers, these amazing Burgundies should appeal to new or seasoned Burgundy collectors, especially for those came across Burgs from the 90s. We start with this: 2000 Coche Dury Meursault resurfaces if you missed it the last time. Then, the mature 1998 Ramonet Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Ruchottes should be easy-drinking. There's a couple of the 1999 and 2000 Ramonet Chassagne Les Ruchottes still available on marketplace (if anyone has any crazy idea to drink three vintages at one go to compare them)....The main feature in today's offers are these 97s from Louis Jadot, including the renowned Premier Cru Clos-St-Jacques, followed by three Grand Crus: Bonnes Mares, Chambertin-Clos de Beze and Grands Echezeaux. While the number "7" may not be a lucky number for Burgundians, the easy-drinking vintage of 1997 certainly makes up for it. Claire Naudin who runs Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand also appears for a first time with a 1999 Echezeaux Grand Cru. And to complete the Burgundy list, a 2005 Gros Freres Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru.
Next from Piedmont, a pair of Gaja's, the 97 Conteisa and 01 Sori San Lorenzo. These pair of prized cuvees are both from extraordinary vintages. Then a single listing for the 2007 Bruno Giacosa Santo Stephano Barbaresco. Don't miss these if you are a Piedmont fan.
The two older vintages of Dominus are as rare as it gets, 1987 and 1991. Special mention for the 1991, which I thought was one of the greatest Dominus made in the 90s. Last but not least, a single listing of the 1990 Penfolds Grange with perfect provenance.
With all these amazing offers today, I guess this is really THE last one for December. Here's wishing everyone a "Red, White and Sparkling" Christmas!......RS
15/12/2022: Burgundy | Champagne | Bordeaux | Australia and More
The Last Wine Dinner of 2022
It must be pure co-incidental...when a distinguished collector brought a bottle of the 2007 Emmanuel Rouget Echezeaux Grand Cru last week for our last wine dinner...a single bottle is actually available on marketplace now, and collectors shouldn't miss this. The 2007 Rouget Echezeaux is truly an all-round performer. Some of you may know I had been advocating about 2007 Burgundy being delicious, ready to drink and accessible now, even the Grand Cru. This bottle further confirms: a whiff of incense, then sweet red fruits, violets, minerals. Well integrated structure & balance. The 07 Rouget Echezeaux still teases with a tat of youthfulness , it should be good for another 10+ years, maybe wonderful.
While the 2007 Rouget Echezeaux impresses, there were also a pair of 2007 and 2011 Georges Roumier Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras. Surprisingly, the 2007 Roumer Chambolle 1er Les Cras is full bloom and well-drinking with its: classic spice, cherries, plums, earth and silkiness on the finish. The 2011 has the same notes, but has a better grip than the 2007. I have lots of memories for countless 2011 red Burgs; not that they were fantastic, but it was challenging to appreciate them initially upon release. Trying to like 2011 Burgundy, brings "convincing" to a whole new level. That's what many winemakers faced when this vintage was released. It had been almost ten years since the release of 2011 red Burgs. Today, the 2011 has grown out of its infancy. Most of them are well-integrated and they taste better. This is a vintage that can be quite similar with the 2007 (in terms of weather conditions), with the exception that most producers did not destem the 2011 (to give the wines more structure and grip) and they were bigger in fruit profile than the 2007. Honestly, I quite enjoy 2011 red Burgs now, and I suspect it will be better drinking in one to two years; 2011 already has the structure it needs. In today's offer, don't miss the 2011 Fourrier Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos-St-Jacques. It is one of those vintages that is worth re-looking.
Back to other wines in our dinner. 2004 Coche Dury Meursault was exceeding expectations with notes of: citrus, lemon, nectarine and wet stones. This bottle is perfectly stored as it still has considerable acidity that salivates my palate. I would have failed miserably if this were in a blind tasting. 1990 Palmer stole the show at the start of the dinner (being the first red), with notes of: black fruits, cigar box, earth and sous bois. This is so ready for drinking so anyone who has any 89 and 90 Palmer, start drinking them soon. You will love it! The 1995 Comte de Vogue Bonnes Mares Grand Cru opened initially with notes of soil and red fruits, then slowly but surely it gains momentum: black fruits, mint, mushroom and plums. There is good firmness on the palate with a touch of funkiness (like what I would expect from a Morey-St-Denis). I love MSD btw, so don't get me wrong. Great bottle that evolved nicely towards the end of the dinner.
A last shout out to two other collectors whom brought the 1998 Dom Perignon P2 (to start) and a 1985 Dom Perignon (to end). For me, the 1998 Dom P2 was the best showing that night. The Champagne is PERFECT to drink now, just pure class! And for the 1985 Dom, astonishingly good with notes of: honey, apple tart, brioche, orange peel, good weight and body. This is also an awesome bottle and a fitting end to our last wine dinner of 2022....2023, here we come!
Back to today's offer, which predominantly are Burgundy, lots of both white and red Burgs including some unmissable 1999s. Together with the Burgs will be some Bordeaux, Champagnes, Australian, USA and others. Don't miss both the 1996 Deutz Cuvee Williams Rose and 2002 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill as more Champagnes appear today. As today's list is quite extensive, I will list all the wine names below, while you can scroll further down to see the prices and tasting notes:
13/12/2022: Spain x Rhone | The Battle Begins
Today we will embark on our second last offer on marketplace. It is only fitting, that today's offers for Spanish and Rhones are put side by side, while Thursday will see a more comprehensive assortment of Burgundy, Champagne and others.
The Spanish are famous for making amazing Tempranillo, but at the same time, Garnacha is the second most grown grape. It is also a historical grape that existed in Spain for decades (century old vines can still be found). Regions like Navarra, Rioja, Penedès and Priorat, use it mainly as a blend but there are also one hundred percent Garnacha wines made in the highest level, for example in Toro. In my visits to Spain, I had seen century old bush vines Garnacha, very much like the bush vines Grenache seen in Southern Rhone or South Australia. These old bush vines were still bearing one to three bunches of grapes despite their age.....amazing. The Southern Rhoners are also Masters of the Grenache varietal in the Chateauneuf. It is also used mainly for blending with other varietals, and Grenache remain the main varietal. We can say that both Spain and Southern Rhone are quite similar in using Grenache prominently in their wine blending. Talking about wine blending, recently I had an opportunity to attend a wine blending session with a winemaker...but I will save those details for another time (Cabernet Franc is an amazing varietal btw).
For many years, I remain a fan for wines from the Chateauneuf. These Southern Rhone wines age easily for decades, and they bring a whole new dimension after fifteen to twenty years. In the last decade, we cannot ignore the emergence of some Spanish producers that can potentially become the "next big thing". This is also the reason why some collectors are shifting focus.
Today's offer will start with some Spanish giants: two vintages and cases of Marques de Murrieta Dalmau Reserva (2005 and 2009), followed by a single listing of the 2005 Mas Doix Salanques. Next is the 2008 PSI, an amazing wine that can age..and age. The 2010 Pintia in MAGNUMS and JEROBOAMS can certainly last for decades too. From the Rhoners, we have a fantastic 2003 Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape in MAGNUMS, followed by two Tardieu Laurent, namely the 2006 Rasteau V.V and 2010 Cote Rotie. Both the Tardieu Laurent should be drinking well now. A single case of the 2005 Gourt de Mautens Rasteau appears and last but not least, some MAGNUMS of the 2014 M. Chapoutier Le Meal. In this wine battle of Spain x Rhone, you decide who is better.
8/12/2022: An Italian Collection Not to be Missed | Tignanello - Sassicaia and more
Two weeks of amazing offers; by next week we will complete all offers for this year. This month will see the biggest listings for the year, what a great way to end 2022...
From our first Champagne offer to Part two Bordeaux yesterday, many of our members were quick to spot wines whether they are of good vintages or prices. These are some of the most amazing wine offers I have seen. The amazing offers continue today with these Italians.
One case of 2006 Guidalberto kick off today's offer, this is an IGT that had stood the test of time. My last two encounters with this wine, it proved to be an easy drink to pop and pour, no decanting required. Some cheeses and salami work wonders with this wine. Three bottles each of the Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello and Brunello Rennina, both from the wonderful 2010 vintage. If you love a 2006 Brunello, then you will love the 2010. Although my thoughts are: the 2010 will need some time before they come around.
Next are the twin powerhouses that is on most Italian collectors' wish list, Tignanello and Sassicaia. We have one case each of the 2009 Tignanello in regular and MAGNUMS, but they will be available for loose purchases. Don't miss this chance. As usual, Sassicaia is a hot favourite amongst members here so book them early. Today, there are two cases each of two vintages available: 2005 and 2012.
Three individual listings from Piedmont to complete today's offer, we have a 2007 Conterno Fantino Barolo Ginestra in MAGNUM format and then, three JEROBOAMS of the 2011 Pira Barolo Boschis Mosconi. Last but not least, the 2012 Travaglini Gattinara Tre Vigne, in its iconic twisted bottle.
We will resume our regular Tuesday and Thursday mailers next week, with a Spanish then an assortment collection. The assortment collection will also include some Burgundies (probably the last few for this year) so look out for those. Have a wonderful Thursday!
7/12/2022: December Bordeaux Part 2: Pessac-Leognan | Pomerol | St-Emilion | Sauternes
The December Bordeaux offers continue today, starting with four offers from Pessac-Leognan: Two vintages and two cases each: 2001 and 02 Laville Haut Brion. These awesome Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc are aromatic, even with some bottle age, and are hard to source, especially those with perfect provenance. Also, the last vintage under the Laville label was in fact 2008, and from 2009 onwards, it had been changed to "La Mission Haut Brion Blanc". The Laville bottles are a collectible today. Then, from the same proprietor, one MAGNUM of the 2001 Haut Brion and one bottle of the 2004 Haut Brion.
Next, we have a single bottle of the 1983 Petrus from a single collector. I have included the actual photo of the bottle here (Note these conditions: stained and torn label, level is low neck). Feel free to reach out if you need more photos of this bottle.
From the right bank of St-Emilion: a superb 1990 Pavie, more than 2 cases available. Retaste a good ol' Pavie in this 1990 which you will not be able to find anywhere. Along with this, a classic 2003 Magdelaine.
Special in this week's Bordeaux offer, we have a big list of "sweets" from Sauternes et Barsac, in fact the most enticing list of "sweets" so far. Thinking of what to go with your Christmas log cakes or desserts? Look here as there is something for everyone. These offers include: Total of 3 cases: 1997 and 2003 Suduiraut, then one case each of the 1999 and 2001 Chateau de Malle (best buy in the Sauternes offer today). The 2001 Coutet is back, along with 2 cases of the 2002 d'Yquem. We complete these two amazing Bordeaux offers today....The Italian wine offers drop tomorrow....
6/12/2022: December Bordeaux Part 1: Pauillac | St-Julien | St-Estephe | Margaux
We are back with more Bordeaux offers for December. This month, the lists of Bordeaux are pretty extensive so I had to split them into two parts (Part 2 tomorrow). As usual. the first part will include the Left banks: Pauillac, St-Julien, St-Estephe and Margaux. Tomorrow's offer will include Right banks and the rest. Let's get ready to rumble!
From Pauillac, First Growth 2000 Mouton is back with 2 bottles. A MAGNUM of the same vintage, the 2000 Pichon Lalande (in perfect condition) then follows. And what is Pauillac without First Growth Chateau Lafite: two offers land today with a single bottle and MAGNUM each: 2004, then the 2009 in MAGNUM. Last from Pauillac, one case of the well-drinking 2009 Duhart Milon.
Next, representing St-Julien and St-Estephe: two cases each of perfectly aged and drinking: 2003 Leoville Poyferre and 2004 Montrose, irresistible prices again. These had been well-kept here in Wine Bond and I am sure drinkers will love both the classics. Then from Margaux: a rare MAGNUM of the perfectly rated 1990 Chateau Margaux, and 6 bottles of the 2015 Alter Ego (by Palmer).
Tomorrow's offers will be interesting as we move to Pessac-Leognan, St Emilion and Pomerol. There will also be a big list of Sauternes. Also, don't miss Thursday's Italian offers, with names like Sassicaia, Tignanello and more. This week's offer are aplenty and more are coming next week (Spanish and others) as we approach Christmas!
2/12/2022: Spot Offers: 2004 Harlan Estate OWC of 6 bots | 2002-03-04 Clos Apalta
The vintage 2004 in Napa Valley is a classic one. This is a vintage that many vignerons remember as a steady vintage of small and healthy yields . When 2004 Harlan was released, it was the most memorable wine I tasted that year. Back then, being new in this trade, my mentor taught me how to decant the Harlans (under his supervision of course), and had me taste through them before the wine dinner. I remember there were six vintages and 2004 was the last vintage in the line-up. There were couple of 90s to early 2000s as well. By late noon, the wines were all sitting in different decanters, some already showy. 2004 was all ready to go despite being the youngest vintage. After the wine dinner, the 2004 Harlan Estate allocation (for that year) were completely sold out! Till today, the 2004 Harlan Estate was one of the classiest wine in my memory.
In our spot offer today, we have an OWC of 6 bottles, for the 2004 Harlan Estate. The collector whom listed this, prefers to sell it as an OWC of 6 and will not be selling them loose. This is an amazing wine which had brought back fond memories for me and just one OWC available today. Don't miss!
Along with today's Harlan spot offer, will be 3 sets of Clos Apalta. Each set will consists 1 bottle each of these vintages: 2002, 03 and 04. For these 3 sets, we will only take orders via email.
Next week, for ALL the Bordeaux wine fanatics, we will have two amazing Bordeaux offers back to back, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Orders will be consolidated from both the Bordeaux offers and confirmation will be on Wednesday. We then continue with an Italian offer on Thursday. There will be lots of wine offers line up all the way to Christmas, don't miss any of them before the holidays!
1/12/2022: The BIGGEST List of Vintage Champagne Offer This Year
As I was preparing this mailer (back in November), I wondered: What will the last few offers for 2022 be, as we head to December? We are one month away from 2023.....Then "Boom"...these Champagne listings came in from a few collectors here in Wine Bond. Boy, are we in for a treat, and in time for Christmas and New Year. We are going to end 2022 on a high note as these vintage Champagnes are all priced-to-sell, and possibly the best Champagne offers you will come across.
The King of Artisanal Champagnes has landed: Two rare listing of Jacques Selosse including the Rose and Blanc de Blancs Substance. If Selosse is kick-starting today's offers, you know we are all serious.
Four vintages of Cristal including 2008, 09, 12 and 13. Do note that only the 2013 comes with gift box this time round. Again, past offers of Cristal were sold quickly so book them fast.
If it ain't DOM next, then it ain't a Champagne offer. Three vintages of the DOM P2, the 1998, 2000 and 2002, followed by two vintages of Dom Perignon, the 2008 and 2012. Honestly, I regret not getting enough of the perfect 2008s so I will be aiming for both the 2008 Cristal and Dom today. Gonna put in a bit of competition.
Classic Pol Roger is in the house, with a 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs and 2008 Sir Winston Churchill. Pol Roger Champagne's richness is a good ol' classic I love. These two cuvees are perfect examples.
Taittinger is next, with both the 2007 Comtes de Champagne and Comtes de Champagne Rose. The duo of similar vintage can truly create magic and sparkle.
Some rare and loose bottles of Salon for all Salon fans out there. Four vintages including the 1996, 97, 99 and 2006. All the Salons will feature less than 3 bottles each so if you are a die-hard Salon fan, just scroll down to the bottom part of the mailer.
Two individual offers for: 2006 Billecart Salon Cuvee Elisabeth Rose and the 2006 Krug to complete our Champagne offers. Don't miss any of these Champagnes today, the BIGGEST and last Champagne offer of 2022!
29/11/2022: An Assortment to Close November | Harlan Estate - The Maiden and more
We will close November with these new listings include: A rare 1931 PX by Toro Albala and 1996 Quinta do Noval Nacional Port. Then, two wines by Harlan Estate including: 2012 The Maiden and 2008 Harlan Estate. There are also couple of repostings on marketplace so feel free to scroll through them online. Have a good Monday!
24/11/2022: Comte Liger Belair is Back! Village and Premier Crus from 2008 to 2010
Two rare Burgundy offers, three great producers, all happening in one week. After our Tuesday offer for Comte de Vogue and Fontaine-Gagnard, Comte Liger Belair returns after a long hiatus. Our last two offers that featured CLB wines were in fact early this year in January and February and they were all gone in a flash. Comte Liger Belair's wines are just RARE, especially back vintages which appear only in auctions. Today, CLB is ranked high alongside DRC and Leroy, the demand for its bottles ever increasing as Burgundy connoisseurs hunt them down. It has become the most successful Domaine in Burgundy from the last two decade, and the wines are BACK TODAY on marketplace!
These back vintages between 2008 to 2010 are some of the best vintages by Louis-Michel, and these are truly blessed vintages. From the gentle weather of 2008, to the perfect 2009, and then the consistent 2010, these three vintages were some of the best vintages to own in the 2000s. Today, they are almost impossible to find in the open market, especially bottles of sound provenance. If you are a die-hard CLB follower, whom started noticing CLB wines from the 2000s (the commercial release for some of these village wines started with 2003 and 2004, and some as early as 2002), the vintages in today's offer will certainly bring a smile.
Having drank older vintages of CLB wines over the past decade, sometimes I wonder how they are performing now. If you are thinking alike, look seriously into today's CLB offers. I cannot stress enough, how perfect the provenance are for all these bottles. The collector whom is releasing these wines, has been a CLB collector for more than a decade. As the bottles are very limited today, less than 3 bottles per cuvee and some only single bottle, book them early to avoid disappointment. Have a great Thursday!
22/11/2022: Comte de Vogue and Fontaine-Gagnard Collection | Back Vintages 2007-2010
As we approach the end of November, I think it will be good to share more on what is coming this week. And in our Thursday mailer, will share on what is coming in December. Let's look at today's offer, as Burgundies are back. This week's offers are loaded with lots of back vintage Burgundy from 2007 to 2010, from renowned producers.
Comte de Vogue is back, and we have a small collection up for sale. A single listing of the 2009 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru (a rare sight on marketplace) followed by three vintages of the Bonnes Mares Grand Cru. These back vintages are as good as it get, since they have perfect provenance from a single collector. Ditto for the next, a Fontaine-Gagnard collection which belongs to the same owner. When I got the list of Fontaine-Gagnards, I almost forgot how i love this producer whom makes amazing whites from Chassagne-Montrachet. This is a wine-making family whom has deep roots in Chassagne and the family tree include: Gagnard-Delagrange, Fontaine-Gagnard, Blain-Gagnard and Jean-Noel Gagnard-Caroline Lestime. These back vintage whites are simply delicious now. In today's Fontaine-Gagnard offers, we have some 2007 and 08 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Caillerets and La Romanee, followed by three vintages each (2007,08,09) Batard-Montrachet and Criots-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru. Again, these prices are ideal and friendly, plus they had been well-kept in Wine Bond for the last decade. Don't miss them.....
Arriving on Thursday......
We will have a small parcel of Comte Liger Belair's wines that include these village cuvees: Vosne Romanee, Colombiere and Clos du Chateau. These back vintages between 2008 to 2010, with perfect provenance, are every CLB's fan dream. Other than those mentioned above, there will also be two vintages of the Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Cras, one vintage of the Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Chaumes, and one vintage of the Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Petit Monts. Comte Liger Belair's wines are uber-rare and hot, so look out for this offer as there are only less than 3 bots of each wines available.
10/11/2022: White Burgs Continue | Leflaive - Bonneau du Martray - Jean-Noel Gagnard and more
Last week's white Burgundy offer was indeed irresistible. With more than half of the wines sold, it is encouraging to know that more are paying attention to white Burgs. Let's have another round this week.
Leflaive appears this week, with three vintages : 2014, 15, 16 Bourgogne Blanc, along with a 2015 Puligy Montrachet. There are no big Premier Cru names of Clavoillon, Folatieres or Pucelles today, but one day they will appear, I am sure.
Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne is back again, this time with 6 bottles each of the 2015 and 16 vintages. Everyone should try and own a bottle of Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne. When DRC announce their first vintage of Corton-Charlemagne (2019), any back vintages of Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne will be a good piece of history to own (die-hard fans will know the story).
Three single bottle of Jean-Noel Gagnard whites: the 1998 Batard Montrachet Grand Cru, 2010 Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champs Gain and 2011 Les Caillerets. Minuscule supply, elegant, aromatic....Caroline from JN Gagnard is rigorous in her selection of fruits at harvest, and you can literally taste purity in her wines.
Other assortments including single bottle of: 2005 Louis Jadot Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrieres and 2011 Pierre Morey Meursault Les Tessons, both coming into marketplace just yesterday. To complete this week's offers, these two red Burgs also got listed just yesterday: the 2005 Louis Jadot Pommard 1er Cru Les Grand Epenots and 2013 Philippe Livera Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles Once again, Burgundy offers are aplenty this week, but book those bottles quickly if you want them. Have a wonderful Thursday!
8/11/2022: Piedmont Collection | Gaja and Giacosa
Gaja and Giacosa are definitely legendary producers from Piedmont and they are like two brothers-in-arms, whenever conversations arise for makers of top Barolos and Barbarescos. They certainly make the most amazing Nebbiolos.
These wines age (like) forever, and many seasoned collectors (of Gaja and Giacosa) always advise me when new vintage releases: "Don't touch them till a decade later". Being me, I always have the tendency to pop the bottles early, and it was a hard way of learning. After a period of tasting older vintages, I realise I'm missing out on so much more (if I was patient). Believe me: after a decade, they become extremely well-integrated. Today's offer will feature some amazing Gaja and Giacosa, both Barbarescos and Barolos. Bottles are very limited, let's go:
From Gaja, three bottles each of the 2009 and 14 Gaja Barbaresco, followed by some 2007 and 2009 Sperss. Recently, I had a bottle of the 2016 Gaja Barbaresco, and it was superb! Typical red cherries, spices, herbacious with fine tannins and a velvety finish. It lasted throughout the night and it was hard to resist sipping. The 2016 vintage was somewhat like the 2009, and also bear some resemblance to the 2006. 2016 will be another magnificent vintage. I am guessing some of the wines in today's offers will also see rewards in the near term.
Giacosa is next with some bottles of the 2008 Barbaresco Asili and 2011 Barbaresco Santo Stephano. These Giacosa Barbarescos are priced competitively today (only Giacosa fans will know). And what is a Giacosa offer if the Barolo Riserva Le Rocche is missing? Three bottles each of the 2008 and 2011 on offer today. Of course, both the Barolo Riservas are meant for the long haul, and will last easily for another decade...or more.
4/11/2022: White Burgundy Assortments | Grand Crus from Bouchard, Faiveley and more
November is here, so is the rain....it is probably going to be my favourite month. As the weather becomes cooler with the rain coming in (and stretching to December), it makes perfect excuse to drink more. For me, if I wanted to enjoy a few more tipple, then it is definitely white Burgs. As I prepare this offer, I realise how much I miss them over the last year, especially the Grand Crus. For e.g: from the commune of Corton-Charlemagne. I remember the very first time I tasted Bonneau du Martray's and fell in love with it. The stoniness and minerals, just amazing! Then, came Michel Niellon's Chevalier-Montrachet which made me explore the other Grand Crus: Bienvenue-Batard, Criots-Batard, Batard and Montrachet. On the Premier Cru level, these amazing crus like: Folatieres, Pucelles, Combettes, Caillerets remain tops in my list. If you have the same interest in these amazing white burgs, then today's offers are all about them.
We start with a 2015 Bernard Moreau 1er Cru Morgeots, then couple of Corton-Charlemagnes by Bonneau du Martray (2011), Bruno Clair (2015) and Bouchard (2010). The Bouchards then continue with a Chevalier-Montrachet (2012) and Chevalier La Cabotte (2010). These two vintages (2010 and 12) by Bouchard are probably some of the most delicious whites I had come across. Two Premier crus from H. Boillot: Clos de la Mouchere Monopole (2014) and Folatieres (2014), the two Premier Crus are just "wow wines". Last but not least, couple of Faiveley: the Batard-Montrachet (2010,11,14) and Bienvenue-Batard Montrachet (2010, 11).
If you find some of these cuvees familiar, you are actually right, and had been following our marketplace offers closely. The last time some of these appeared was exactly one year ago. Don't miss all these offers today, as they might not be back again. Have a great Friday and long weekend ahead!
25/10/2022: Burgundy Assortments | 2017 Chateau d'Yquem halves | 2001 Artadi Grandes Anadas
We are going to run one last offer for October with these assortments. The first offer starts with a bang! The 2017 Chateau d'Yquem in halves (375ml). There are 48 halves available, and these babies are pure perfection. They will age gracefully for its long long life ahead.
Three Burgundies: the 2005 Domaine de Montille Corton Les Pougets Grand Cru, 2006 Louis Remy Latricieres Chambertin Grand Cru, and the 2008 Comte de Vogue Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses. These back vintages Burgundies will be interesting to taste after more than a decade of cellarage here in Wine Bond.
Last but not least, the 2001 Artadi Grandes Anadas is a wine that will blow anyone away with its array of flavours and intensity. Don't miss all these offers today!
20/10/2022: Bordeaux Assortments for October | Second Growths Galore
We have past mid October, and heading to the festives very soon. The first four Burgundy offers early this month were well responded by majority of our members, and it shows how much Burgundy is demanded these days, especially on Wine Bond marketplace. We hope to bring more Burgundy offers in November or December....Thank you for the support, and stay tuned!
We continue October with these Second Growths offers: Four vintages of Cos d'Estournel, 2003, 04, 11 and 12, bottles are abundant. Most of the Cos'D are below $200 a bottle, collectors should grab these affordable gems while they are here, whether by loose or by the case. 2012 Leoville Las Cases is next and a superb wine, one that will last for a long time. I love the 2012s (both Cos'D and Leoville Las Cases), as they are starting to show after ten years, and there is also good potential for most of the left banks to go beyond twenty years. 2012 is a beautiful vintage. Next wine on offer is the highly accessible 2011 Pichon Baron. Though 2011 was a challenging vintage, they are tasty and becoming classics. It is hard to relate 2011 to any vintage for the past decade, as it was one which had both drought and erratic rain altogether. If I had to compare 2011, the weather was in some ways similar to 2001. Seasoned Bordeaux drinkers will remember the vintage 2004, when the 04s tasted green/leafy upon release. It took more than ten years for the greenness / leafiness to blow off, which by then, the 2004 became a classic vintage to drink until today. This could be the same for the 2011s, I suspect. Nonetheless, at this attractive price for the 2011 Pichon Baron, I think everyone can enjoy this.
Two other new listings to add to today's list: 1998 La Croix de Casse and 1996 Virgine de Valandraud. Then a couple of other Bordeaux wines are relisted again and will stay till end October. If you need to stock up wines in preparation of the festives, log into our marketplace to view the full listings. Have a good Thursday!
18/10/2022: 2008 to 2010 Sylvain Cathiard Nuits-St-Georges and Vosne Romanee 1er Crus
Save the best for last...To me, Cathiard's wines are definitely One of The Best. Sometimes, I ask myself if there are any substitute for Cathiard's wines, maybe the same 1er Cru from another producer?....For those die-hard Cathiard followers, I think you have the answer.
This list of wines on offer today, are a fragment of the full range of wines by Cathiard. Yet, these limited bottles of 1er Crus will leave a long lasting impression, not just from their individual communes/vineyards, but also from three strong vintages: 2008,09 and 10. Let's go:
A single offering today: for the 2008 Chambolle-Musigny Clos de l'Orme, the only village and Chambolle in today's offer. What makes the Chambolle beautiful, is the weightlessness of this wine, its abundant elegance and balance all in one. If you missed this Chambolle couple of months back in our last Cathiard offer, don't miss it today.
Two Nuits-St-Georges Premier Crus. First, three vintages 2008,09 and 10 of the Aux Thorey. This Nuits-St-Georges is about flavours on the mid palate, a refined NSG with terroir expression, and probably a good introduction to the Cathiard's expression of a Nuits-St-Georges Premier Cru.
Next, we have the 2008,09,10 Aux Murgers, which is an aromatic, pure and intense wine. The Murgers will make you appreciate how beautiful and complete this Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru is. As the Aux Murger is closer to Vosne Romanee, there is this rusticity and minerality, coupled with weight, power and flavours all in one, a magical one in fact. Both Nuits-St-Georges 1er Crus are special in their own way.
Last but not least, 2008, 09, 10 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru En Orveau, is a classical Vosne of balance and structure. The En Orveau is a classy wine by itself: energetic, complex, velvety. From all of Cathiard's Vosne Romanee 1er Crus, the En Orveau (of more than 75 years old vines) is probably the most charming one. When it is ready, it is beautiful!
17/10/2022: Monday Spot Offers: E. Guigal Doriane | Bollinger R.D | Fourny Notre Dame
We are back with our Monday Spot Offers: make your Monday interesting, we will...E.Guigal's La Doriane returns with a 2015 vintage, just one case available. The young and multi-dimensional La Doriane (which I tried recently) is rich and in evolution. Open the bottle, pour in a glass, then wait for its magic. The rocky minerals creeps slowly onto your palate, then it gains weight in an hour or so. The finish is spectacular. A perfect Viognier! 2002 Bollinger R.D is one magnificent Champagne. This is a rare cuvee to find today, and a lasting one as well. Fans of Bollinger should not miss this. The rare 2004 Veuve Fourny Cuvee du Clos Faubourg Notre Dame is a rarity, bottling less than five hundred bottles from an exceptional vintage. This is from a single vineyard of old vines. Between 2002 and 2004 Champagnes, the competition is tight but I like 2002 for its weight, 2004 for its completeness. Both vintages are awesome to own anyways...Have a fruitful Monday everyone!
14/10/2022: All White: Etienne Sauzet and Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey
The all white collection are going to be a blast. These mature whites from the 2000s, are going to give Burgundy lovers, new dimensions to well-aged Chardonnays. Make no mistake, both E. Sauzet and Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey whites are for connoisseurs who truly appreciate them.
My favourite white Burgundy producer, never a doubt Sauzet, the love for his wines spanning over seventeen years, since the first time I tasted his Puligny-Montrachets. Sauzet's whites are impeccable, and it is pure satisfaction just to drink them. It is the same with Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey's whites, whom Pierre-Yves has proven to be at the highest level of winemaking since his days at Marc Colin. Let's have a look at today's offer:
From Sauzet, couple of Puligny-Montrachet 1er Crus Folatieres, Perrieres and Combettes from 2006 and 07 vintages. Then, only 1 bottle each of the 2002 and 04 Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru. For all the 1er and Grand Crus by Sauzet, the drinking window cannot get any perfect, than now. From PYCM, only two of the Chassagne Montrachet 1er Crus are on offer, the Chenevottes and Caillerets, both from 2008. This classic vintage is all about balance, and PYCM made some impressive 08's. It will be good to revisit them.
Next week, don't miss out on our last Burgundy offer, as Cathiard is back again.....Have a great Friday!
6/10/2022: Hudelot-Noellat | Dugat-Py and other Burgundy Assortments
October begins! In my last mailer for Arlaud, I wanted to write more on the list of offers for this month, but decided that Arlaud offer should have a write up on its own. Nonetheless, the up and coming offers will be included in today's email. October will be a month of interesting Burgundy offers, then Bordeaux and other assortments towards end of October. We are not far from the year-end festives (Christmas and New Year). October to November will be good months to start stashing on the "necessary drinks" for your festives. Let's look at some up and coming offers.
Next week, there will only be one offer on Friday 14 October, featuring some Premier and Grand Crus from two legendary producers of white Burgundy: Etienne Sauzet and Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. Expect well drinking vintages like 2002, 04, 06, 07 and 08. Sauzet and PYCM fans, look out for next Friday's mailer.
On 18 October (Tues), will be the last Burgundy offer for October. And we always save the best for last: Sylvain Cathiard is back! This time round, it will be a list of his Premier Cru: Nuits-st-George and Vosne Romanee, featuring vintages from 2008, 09 and 10. Again, if Cathiard is in your list of "must-owns", then you must not miss this as we went through great lengths to finally have these Cathiards on our marketplace.
From 20 October to the end of the month, cases of Bordeaux are lining up. Expect well-drinking Second Growths like Pichon Baron, Leoville Las Cases, Cos d'Estournel and more. Back to today's offer.
The Burgundies today will feature lots of prominent producers, cuvees and vintages. We start with Hudelot-Noellat: 09 Clos de Vougeot, 99 Richebourg, and 09 Romanee-St-Vivant. There's only one bottle each so start snatching!
Dugat-Py returns, and this time round, with more cuvees to choose from: 10 Bourgogne cuvee Halinard, followed by two back to back great vintages 09 and 10: Gevrey Chambertin Evocelles and Pommard Le Levriere Tres V.V. Dugat-Py to me, is really "underrated". Not all collectors appreciate these intense cuvees. Their wines deserve more attention and always leave a deep impression. Personally I enjoy Dugat-Py's wines, so give these wines a bit of love!
Couple of assorted producers will wrap things up: 09 Denis Bachelet Charmes Chambertin V.V (ultra rare), 09 Lignier Michelot Clos de la Roche. These two Grand Crus from a strong vintage are outstanding. New owners will definitely enjoy them. Last but not least, a single bottle of the rare 08 Drouhin Musigny Grand Cru. Did I mention all the wines in today's offer come from one single collector? Yes they do; and if this collector owns a Drouhin Musigny, you know he is absolutely serious.....
4/10/2022: Domaine Arlaud Grand Crus | The Land The Man
Domaine Arlaud, helmed by Cyprien Arlaud, is "the man" whom has shone through the ranks of top Burgundy winemakers. Other than making top class Pinot Noirs, Cyprien is truly a dedicated farmer at heart. Taking over the reins at the Domaine since 1997, Cyprien’s wines are delicious when drank young (upon release), while the wines become better integrated while aged in the long term, in particular the Grand Crus. Introducing biodynamic farming to the estate in 1998, the quality of grapes had improved significantly over the years.
The first time I met Cyprien in Burgundy was back in 2012. While walking in the vineyards, he asked me to grab a handful of soil, and smell the minerality in it. “If it is in the soil, then it is in the wine” he said about "the land". In fact, it is so true with all the biodynamic producers whom I spoke with over the years. You see: the rootstocks (before biodynamic farming) spread across the surface of the soil, and they become “superficial” and rootstocks fight with neighbouring ones for water. In biodynamic farming, the rootstocks go deep into the soil (where there is water retention), and the minerals are abundant. With these, the grapes offer wonderful clarity of the terroir, rich and intense flavours and good nuances.
Domaine Arlaud was one of the first few wine estates in Burgundy to realise the detrimental effect that modern agricultural practices exerted on the environment and the wines. They are aware of the negative impact it had on the uniqueness of the terroirs. Following this, the winery ceased the use of chemicals like herbicides in their vineyards in 1998. Today, the vineyards of Domaine Arlaud implement and use organic and biodynamic principles and methods of agriculture. They do not allow the use of pesticides, chemical treatments, and synthetic fertilizers. Two horses still plough the vineyards today. During harvest, all the fruits are hand-picked. All these ensure and enhance the standard of the soil, planted grapevines, and eventually, the wines. For the barrels, the oak are 20-30% new, so the wines are not overwhelmed with new oak, and develop into elegant wines with depth, minerals and a velvety finish. Their Grand Crus are extremely limited. Recently, I had a chance to taste a bottle of the 2005 Domaine Arlaud Clos-St-Denis Grand Cru: Black cherries, dried flowers and herbs, with a whiff of cedar wood. Stoniness on the palate, with good balance and grip. An awesome seventeen year old Grand Cru. Can definitely hold longer but yes…Impressive.
Wine Bond is glad to offer a parcel of Domaine Arlaud’s Grand Crus between vintages 2007 – 2010. These wines come from a single collector, a fine-wine connoisseur collecting for almost two decades. All his wines have always been in Wine Bond and never left here, hence provenance is guaranteed. The only regret (I think) is: there are only few bottles of Arlaud’s Grand Crus offered today. From: Charmes-Chambertin ? Clos-St-Denis ? Clos de la Roche ? Bonnes Mares, I am sure many Burgundy aficionados know how limited they are…and these perfectly-aged back-vintages are really harder to find. Don’t wait……
