12/06/2025: The Bold Collector Part 4 Finale: Chateau Rayas CDP Reserve and Pignan | Back Vintages

Enigmatic...iconic....these are the words associated with Chateau Rayas Reserve Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Renowned for its singular approach to wine-making, and its unwavering commitment in making an individualistic wine from Southern Rhone, Chateau Rayas has come a long way. Under the stewardship of the Reynaud family since 1880, Emmanuel Reynaud now holds the reins, and intend to pass on, and keep the tradition with the Reynauds. With a century of viticulture history, the wines had evolved through different leaderships, bringing a legendary status today.

Albert Reynaud was a visionary whom started Chateau Rayas in 1880, and held it till 1920, passing to his son after. Purchasing the estate as a rural retreat in a region ravaged by phylloxera, the foundation was about the planting of Grenache vines. It started in 1915, when fruits trees and woodlands were uprooted for vines. Before his work is done, he handed over the reins to his son Louis Reynaud.

For over 50 years between 1920 to 1978, Louis Reynaud's tenure marked a period of significant growth and innovation. He acquired Domaine des Tours in 1933 and Chateau de Fonsalette in 1945, further solidifying the family's presence in the region. It was also during this period that he defied the viticulture authorities, and placed "1er Grand Cru" on his wine labels, a distinguished name for his wines, by his own invention.

Upon Louis' death in 1978, his son (and third generation viticulturist) Jacques Reynaud, a reclusive and eccentric figure, took the helm. Despite his introverted nature, Jacques's stewardship was marked by meticulous attention to detail and a focus on producing wines of exceptional quality. Under his guidance, Chateau Rayas gained international acclaim, with standout vintages such as 1978, 1989, 1990, and 1995. Sadly, Jacques passed away suddenly in 1997.

Enter Emmanuel Reynaud, the only protege of Jacques, also nephew. Emmanuel had been making wines at Domaine des Tours since 1989, and unknown to himself, Jacques was quietly preparing him to take over the winery. In 1997, Emmanuel took control of Chateau Rayas, Chateau de Fonsalette, and Domaine des Tours, and brought the family's legacy to new heights. With wine-making constantly evolving, he implemented organic farming practices, hand-harvested grapes, whole-cluster fermentation. There was a lot of work and challenges, including the need to replant nearly 50% of the vineyards due to aging vines. The estate also used archaic wine-making practices and equipment, and some upgrade of equipments were necessary. Despite these obstacles, Emmanuel's dedication to quality and tradition has brought Chateau Rayas to new heights, with the 2005 vintage marking a significant turning point. And the rest they say, is history....

The flagship wine: Chateau Rayas Reserve Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is made entirely from Grenache, and known for its ethereal quality. Many may say the wine balances power with elegance, and each vintage earns acclaim for its exceptional quality. Many Burgundy connoisseurs would know Chateau Rayas wines, as they age like fine Burgundy, with an individual character and profile like no others.

Pignan is a second wine produced from younger vines on the estate. While it shares the same wine-making philosophy as Chateau Rayas Reserve Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it offers a more accessible entry point into the world of Chateau Rayas.

Under Emmanuel Reynaud's stewardship, Chateau Rayas has not only preserved its storied traditions but has also adapted to contemporary challenges. The estate remains a testament to the Reynaud family's dedication to producing wines of unparalleled quality and character. With the involvement of Emmanuel's sons, Benoit and Louis-Damien, the future of Chateau Rayas is poised to continue its legacy of excellence. The spirit of the Reynaud family remains strong in the Chateauneuf........RS

09/06/2025: The Bold Collector Part 3: Gantenbein | The Finest Swiss Pinot Noir

When connoisseurs start to notice Gantenbein's wines, they did not realise that Daniel and Marta Gantenbein had been doing their craft for decades. Some say Gantenbein's Pinot Noir is Switzerland's Romanee Conti. Some say this Pinot Noir is going to give the Burgundy Grand Crus a run for their money. I like to think that Gantenbein's Pinot Noir is the true interpretation of a fine Swiss Pinot Noir, made in the likeness of Burgundy, and hitting all the right notes.

My first encounter with Gantenbein's Pinot Noir, somewhat altered my perception of the Pinot Noir varietal, especially those planted outside of Burgundy. Being a fan of Burgundy for more than a decade, and also having tasted Pinot Noir from around the world, die-hard Burgundy fans may agree, that many producers have been emulating their Pinot Noir to notable Burgundy Domaines. The Californians and Oregons gave their best shot, so did the New Zealanders. Last week, at Vinexpo in Singapore, a French winemaker commented while I was tasting her wines: "Extraction of fruits, or exceptional fruits?" Somehow, it made me think about Gantenbein, and its Pinot Noir is indeed different. It has some of the old world profile of Burgundy, like its Asian spices and forward red fruit notes, and then deep mineral and some peppery notes. The intensity of the red fruits were also evident in bigger vintages, and in all its robustness (at times), there is an underlying elegance to it. Well done.

Daniel and Marta Gantenbein are known for their meticulous approach to viticulture and wine making, The estate is planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the primary focus. They apply a minimalist yet precise approach to wine-making, emphasizing terroir expression, low yields, and organic farming. The winery’s philosophy is deeply influenced by Burgundy, yet the unique alpine conditions with cool nights, steep slopes, and limestone-rich soils, impart a distinct freshness and minerality to the wines. For those familiar with Burgundy's Irancy, will relate the minerality in Gantenbein's Pinot Noir to this. The Gantenbeins adopt organic and sustainable farming, and cover crops promote biodiversity. Yields are low at 20–25 hectolitres/ha, and ensures high-quality fruit. Hand harvesting happens with every vintage, so is destemming with a rigourous sorting table. Aging happens in 30-50% new French Oak Barrels, mainly from Francois Freres (the renowned cooper). The wines are aged for 18 to 20 months with minimal intervention, and no fining and filtration. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered as well to retain purity.

So if the Gantenbeins had already started their winery back in 1982, you may ask: where were we looking all this while, and why did the last ten (or so) vintages become more noticeable to wine collectors? The fact is, only 2 percent of Swiss wines were exported, and most of their wines are sold locally in their domestic market. Between 2010 to 2015 (started with the excellent 2009 vintage in Burgundy that commanded high prices), wine connoisseurs started looking elsewhere for affordable Pinot Noir of the same caliber.  While Gantenbein's Pinot Noir were found and tasted, it was evident that this was a true hidden gem. Along came the wine critics attention, then ratings followed. Awareness became inevitable. With this global trend changing back then, Gantenbein fitted in perfectly.

Production of their Pinot Noir is around 6000 bottles annually, the completed wine is a remarkable Swiss Pinot Noir, proving that Switzerland can produce world-class, age-worthy wines. With meticulous vineyard work, Burgundian craftsmanship, and alpine terroir, Gantenbein’s wines are a testament to passion and precision. Maybe the global search for an alternative to Burgundy, assisted in their fame, quicker than others. For collectors and Burgundy lovers, Gantenbein offers a rare and thrilling alternative, one that beautifully marries Swiss freshness with the depth of great Pinot Noir. In classic Swiss tradition, Proscht! to Gantenbein.......RS

04/06/2025: The Bold Collector Part 2: Back Vintages Champagne Salon

Part two of the June offers by the Bold collector, will see one of the largest Salon listings on marketplace. Six rare bottles of the 1997 vintage, and substantial bottles of the 2006 and 2007, accompanied with a single (& rare) 2007 MAGNUM. These back vintage Salons don't just land, but they land with unbeatable prices. Don't wait, log in to buy now!......RS

02/06/2025: The Bold Collector Part 1: Californian Cult Wines with Quilceda Creek MAGNUMS

The BOLD collector....I had jokingly "confer" this title, from the day I got acquainted with this savvy wine collector. This is one individual whom has an unique style of collecting wines (by his own judgement). June is going to start with a huge collection (more than 60 wines) from different regions, and all these wines are offered from a single collector.

With almost two decades of collecting fine wines, and having a great eye (or palate) in promising wineries, I do envy his personal wine collection. The wineries featured in our June offers, will be in Four Parts Offer. These offers that take up the first two weeks of June, will see names like: Champagne Salon, Gantenbein, Lokoya, Hundred Acre, Chateau Rayas (2005 and before) and more. These wineries may be familiar to many today, but they were once, being newly discovered. The Bold collector certainly has a good eye for some of these perfectly rated (99-100 pointers) wines, since most of these wineries' inception. Good examples will be these back vintages from: Harlan Estate, Hundred Acre, Lokoya and Quilceda Creek (only MAGNUMS for this). Also, four back vintages (1990, 1996, 1999, 2005) of provenance-perfect Staglin Family Cabernet Sauvignons, are as rare as they get. Don't miss them as June lands, and have a fruitful week ahead!.....RS

26/05/2025: The Essential 2010s Bordeaux Left Bank Collection | OWCs and Ex-Chateau

A much awaited list of well-drinking, still maturing, 2010s Bordeaux Left Bank collection has landed. It doesn't get any better than the offers today. This long-awaited list of releases, are what every fine Bordeaux collector should not miss. If you are looking for that perfect bottle (or case) of Classified Growths, look no further. Not only are these available in OWCs (loose bottles also available for purchases), they are all Ex-Chateau. The full collection come from a single, seasoned collector, whom has decades of experience in collecting fine wines, be it Bordeaux or Burgundy. The bottles are all in impeccable condition and never left Wine Bond (since the day they arrived). I will vouch for the provenance, being acquainted with this collector for more than 15 years. Don't miss this awesome collection today, and scroll down now to view the offers. Have a great week ahead!......RS

20/05/2025: Sylvain Cathiard Premier Crus and The Elusive Romanee-St-Vivant

Owning a bottle of Romanee-St-Vivant made by the Cathiards, is probably more difficult than owning a bottle of the same by DRC....The Cathairds have over the decades, elevated their Romanee-St-Vivant to its current day prestige. With just 500-700 bottles produced per vintage, it is one of the rarest wine in the world today.

For decades, the competition between Richebourg and Romanee-St-Vivant, for its rank amongst the greatest Grand Crus of Vosne Romanee continues. The best on the top being: Romanee-Conti, La Romanee and La Tache. The wines from Romanee-St-Vivant today, can be said to be a worthy rival to Richebourg (known for its masculinity). Romanee-St-Vivant always bring a level of elegance into the competition, and the Cathiards defintiely know how to make an impressive Romanee St-Vivant. It is believed the Cathiards had been making Romanee-St-Vivant for Thomas-Moillard since the 1940s. The Moillards, previous owners for the Southeast Corner of RSV, had leased the land to both Arnoux and Cathiard. Subsequently, the Moillards in 1984, sold part of the Romanee-St-Vivant to both Robert Arnoux and Andre Cathiard, the remaining land were sold to Dujac in 2004. The Cathiard family connection to this land is not new, but highly significant. This plot is situated in the lower part of the slope, in between Dujac and Arnoux (Lachaux) holdings, where the soils are deep: a mix of limestone, clay and marl, with excellent drainage, forcing the vines to dig deep for nutrients, contributing to a wine of both power and elegance. Cathiard's parcel is among the finest.

While Cathiard’s Romanee-St-Vivant is one of the most coveted wines in Burgundy, often commanding prices comparable to DRC, it is also a wine that encapsulates the soul of the Romanee-St-Vivant: graceful yet profound, delicate yet powerful. Today, three wonderful vintages (2008,09,10) of the Romanee-St-Vivant by Sylvain Cathiard, are on offer along with some of his most prominent Premier Crus from both Nuits-St-Georges and Vosne-Romanee. All these back vintages have perfect provenance, wines coming directly from the Domaine to Wine Bond for storage. This distinguished Burgundy collector had kept his collection for more than a decade, a zealous fan of Cathiard's wines. This is as good as it gets, don't miss these impeccable bottles today!.......RS

08/05/2025: Not Your Usual Suspects: Eleni et Edouard Vocoret * Joliet * Holdvolgy * Schloss Lieser

What a quiet month of April, and a slow (but steady) start to May. For those whom have continued buying Bordeaux En Primeur, for this year's 2024 vintage, it is going to be your market. You may be lured into buying, judging by the release prices.. Chateau Lafite and Pontet Canet were already released last week, and the prices remind me of 2004 EP prices. The scores were ironically identical as well, though most of the 2024 scored slightly better. I am looking forward to see more release prices in the weeks to come. It is going to be interesting for this vintage.

The offers today are "Not Your Usual Suspects". These are some names that hardly appear on marketplace, but they are all priced-to-sell. Maybe this whiff of fresh air is what marketplace or everyone needed. More information are in the individual offerings below.  Have a great Thursday!......RS

28/04/2025: Spot Offer: 2014 Arnoux-Lachaux Chambolle Musigny

Established in 1858, Arnoux-Lachaux is a family affair. Pascal Lachaux (son-in-law of the late Robert Arnoux) is the fifth generation making wine at this Domaine, which has significant Grand Cru holdings. He is now working in the winery with his son Charles who has joined him after working in wine regions in New Zealand, South Africa and Oregon. The Domaine’s wine has always been good and its quality and reputation are sharply rising.

“Compared to 2010-12 we have a normal crop. they are classic in the sense that the wines are very well-defined and different. I would drink 2011 and then 2014 before 2012 and 2013”......Charles Lachaux on the 2014 vintage

23/04/2025: Quintessential Californian Cabernet Sauvignons | Biggest List of Trophy Wines

Napa Valley's recognition as one of the world’s premier regions in wine-making, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon (rivaling even the storied appellations of Bordeaux), wouldn't have been possible if not for the pioneer winemakers of precision and terroir, whom paved the way. Over the last three decades, a select group of visionaries had set the bar high for aspiring winemakers in this wine-making region. Today, you will find these familiar names in our offers.

Earlier this week, I was verbally reminded about "The Judgement of Paris 1976", and my dusty copy of George M. Taber's book, provided me with some refreshment for this significant event. Ridge Monte Bello was one of the wines tasted and judged during this iconic tasting, and it came in overall fifth place (after Montrose, but before Leoville Las Cases). Bearing in mind the Monte Bello was a 1971, this showed how wine-making was already like back then. That virtuosity in wine-making, had influenced many throughout the 80s, while at the same time, the decades saw technology catch up. Today, renowned names like: Abreu, Araujo (nka Eisele Vineyard), Bryant Family, Harlan Estate, Colgin, Joseph Phelps, Kistler, Spottswoode, are just some names that have redefined "excellence of execution" in Californian wines. Their dedication has shaped global perceptions of New World wine-making and its identity.

The offers today took a while to complete, partly due to the extensive collection that were considered for selling. This list come from one of the most distinguished Californian wine collectors here in Wine Bond, and all the bottles have perfect provenance. They include:

- A rare collection of Kistler Chardonnays

- Two extremely elusive bottles of Marcassin Chardonnay (perfectly rated)

- A collection of Abreu and Araujo (Eisele) Cabernets and some Syrah

- Multiple back vintages of Bryant family Bettina and Cabernet Sauvignon

- Limited bottles of Harlan Maiden and Colgin

- Perfect scoring Phelps Insignia

- Trophy bottles of Ridge Monte Bello (and some MAGNUMS)

- Limited bottles of 1975 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon (which Tim Mondavi tasted himself)

- Five vintages of Spottswoode Estate Cabernets

- Back vintages of Calera Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs

Today's list of offers may be extensive, but they represent mainly, the quintessential Californian Cabernets of legendary status. Don't miss any of them if you are a fan, as these do not appear everyday. Have a great mid-week!......RS

14/04/2025: The Complete Piedmont and Tuscany Gems | Get Them for The Good Friday Long Weekend

It's been two weeks of quietude on marketplace...pardon the silence. While some of these extraordinary Italian selections quietly creep into marketplace, today's offers are a consolidation of old and new listings, but all interesting to sieve through. If you are fan, this complete Piedmont and Tuscany list will save you from all the scrolling and filtering. The collection include:

- Easy and ready-to-drink Dolcettos and Barberas from renowned producers.

- A most extensive collection of back vintage Barolos and Barbarescos, featuring producers like Brovia, Scavino, Cavallotto, La Spinetta and more

- Bruno Giacosa collection include: two perfect Barolo Riservas in MAGNUMS

- Giacomo Conterno collection include: 5 back vintages of Barolo Monfortino Riserva

- Astounding and perfect Super Tuscans: Ornellaia and Masseto

- Incredible Brunellos from recognizable producers

- An "almost" vertical collection of Soldera Brunello Riservas from the 90s

- MAGNUMS and JEROBOAMS for the big Parties

.....and many more

In preparation for this Good Friday, we are going to fulfill your orders by this week, for the Good Friday long weekend. Send in your orders these two days, and we will get the bottles to you latest by this Thursday. Have a great Monday!......RS