8/7/2025: A Burgundy Collection Part 1 of 2: Bouchard Pere & Fils | including La Romanee

Bouchard Pere & Fils stands today at the very heart of Burgundy. Founded in 1731, the house has weathered revolutions, wars, phylloxera, economic crises, climate change; yet it remains one of the largest proprietor of classified vineyards in the Cote d’Or. With close to three centuries of relentless acquisition, patient cellar work and fearless modernisation, the Domaine have produced a portfolio that ranges from humble Bourgogne to Grand Cru Montrachet.

 

It started with Michel Bouchard, a draper whom established a trading post in Beaune in 1731. His son Joseph, while peddling fabric, discovered casks of Volnay and Savigny, that made profitable ballast on the return journey. In 1746 they formalised their enterprise as Bouchard Pere & Fils, and in 1775 made the family’s first vineyard purchase in Volnay Caillerets. The convulsions of the French Revolution also paradoxically accelerated Bouchard’s rise. Nationalisation of church property flooded the market with prime vineyards, and the family was quick to bid on parcels at bargain prices. By 1791 the Domaine already possessed sites that remain pillars of the portfolio.

 

The nineteenth century saw an almost relentless acquisition campaign. Between 1820 and 1872 the family added "Greves Vigne de l’Enfant Jesus", Clos de la Mousse, and plots in Meursault. Purchases of Chevalier Montrachet was in fragments between 1850 - 1856, as well as buys in Beaune Clos du Roi, Chassagne En Remilly and Volnay enclaves. The crowning moment also came in 1838 when the Bouchards secured 0.89 ha in the centre of Montrachet itself, less than one percent of the fabled slope but enough to confer near mythical status. Subsequent purchases on the Chevalier terraces, including the jewel box 0.21 ha Monopole "La Cabotte", completed a line-up of unrivaled  white wines. The Le Montrachet plot (richer in clay than Chevalier) would become the "King of Kings", and the "La Cabotte" another crown jewel. 

 

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw phylloxera devouring Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alike, and global trade disrupted with World War I. The willingness to graft American root-stock sustained the Domaine but they took a toll. Nonetheless, it still managed to acquire small strips in Corton Charlemagne and Bonnes Mares. After World War II, a shift in the negociant model, turned from asset to burden as international drinkers sought estate bottlings. By the late 1980s, Bouchard’s reputation lagged behind, with inferior quality of its wines, corked and oxidised bottles. Joseph Henriot, who purchased the Domaine in 1995, immediately instituted a radical quality audit. Any bottles that failed his blind tasting was destroyed, and it counted almost 80% of the Domaine's inventory. Change was imminent.

 

Today, Bouchard farms 450 distinct parcels stretching 48 km from Gevrey to Santenay, making it Burgundy’s largest single owner of classified vines. The ledger lists these communes: Montrachet, Chevalier Montrachet, Batard Montrachet, Corton, Corton Charlemagne, Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Bonnes Mares, and 74 ha of Premier Crus: Meursault, Volnay, Pommard and Beaune. That breadth allows the Domaine to present a near encyclopaedia of Côte d’Or terroirs. The Domaine have retained a singular conviction: that time is the greatest craftsman of wine, and treat every bottle as a negotiation between patience and pleasure. On the cusp of full organic certification and under the stewardship of one of the world’s most influential wine groups, it enters its fourth century with both the humility of a custodian and the confidence of a pioneer.

 

Spotlight on La Romanee Grand Cru

Although La Romanee is a monopole of Domaine du Comte Liger Belair today, from the mid nineteenth century until 2001 the family entrusted Bouchard to vinify, mature and market part of the crop. The arrangement formally ended with the 2006 vintage, when the last barrels left Bouchard’s cellars. Bouchard’s La Romanee, distinguished by its traditional cork and white capsule, is markedly different from the Liger Belair expression, with slightly more new oak (about 40%) and longer elevage in bottle before release.

 

In our first of two parts offer for July, we present a rare and minuscule collection of back vintages Bouchards, spanning from Premier Cru to Grand Cru, both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Don't miss these limited and rare offerings, especially the Montrachet (2010, 2012) and La Romanee (1990, 96, 98). All the wines are priced-to-sell, have perfect provenance, and seeking new owners. Enjoy......RS

 

9/7/2025: Spot Offers: Bordeaux Relists - Prices Lowered | and more

The decade between 2000 and 2010 was one of resurgence and refinement in Bordeaux, characterized by alternating classic vintages and some extraordinary years. Improvements in vineyard management and cellar practices also began to show clear results. Notable vintages include the opulent and structured 2000, the universally lauded 2005, the ripe, powerful 2009 and balance all-rounder 2010. Other vintages that claim victims include the extremely hot 2003 (heat wave), or the extremely wet 2002 (that hampered ripening in its summer).  Cooler vintages like 2008 offered a return to classic balance wines with more traditional structure, but most notably a drop in En Primeur prices for this vintage. In summary, this decade saw a wide range of wines from this region that gave a colourful representation of the different vintages.

Today, the wines on offer are well-drinking, and the owner has decided to drop the prices further. Chateau's like Leoville Barton, Branaire Ducru, Smith Haut Lafitte, are just some familiar names, but scroll down to see the full list (including some Rhones, a Burg and a Brunello). Don't miss them today!......RS

 

10/7/2025: A Burgundy Collection Part 2 of 2 : Comtes Lafon Back Vintages | The Greatest Meursaults

The Lafon family began acquiring vineyard holdings in Meursault in the late 19th century. The origins of the estate date back to 1869, when the Boch family built a house and cellar in Clos de la Barre. Comte Jules Lafon a Parisian lawyer and Burgundy resident, then married Mlle Marie Boch in 1894, and over generations, methodically expanded and consolidated holdings, acquiring also top parcels in Meursault as well as Volnay and Monthelie.

 

The modern-day Domaine des Comtes Lafon was formally established between 1919 to 1926, by Comte Jules Lafon, a key figure in Burgundy’s post-phylloxera renaissance. He was instrumental in establishing Meursault’s reputation. After Jules Lafon’s passing, the Domaine entered a relatively quiet phase. For much of the mid-20th century, the family leased out many of their vines to local sharecroppers, and the wines were largely produced under other labels. The true renaissance came in the 1985 with Dominique Lafon, Jules’ great-grandson. Dominique began reclaiming the Domaine’s vineyards and ended the practice of leasing. This marked a radical shift, as the Domaine began producing wine from its own fruit once again, under full family control. Under Dominique’s stewardship, the Domaine transformed into one of Burgundy’s most prestigious Chardonnay producers.

 

Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a staunch defender of terroir. Each wine is made with the goal of expressing its unique origin, from the marl-rich, clay-limestone soils of Meursault to the higher elevation, stonier slopes of Volnay and Monthelie.  Dominique Lafon has said repeatedly that his job is not to make "Lafon wines" but rather to make true Meursault, true Charmes, true Genevrieres, and so forth.  A major part of Lafon’s success lies in their vineyard practices. The Domaine converted to organic farming in the early 1990s and began using bio-dynamic principles by 1998. This early shift to sustainable viticulture has become a defining feature of their wines, allowing for greater soil health, microbial life, and vine balance.  No synthetic herbicides or pesticides are used. Plowing is done by horse in some parcels, and cover crops are employed to regulate water and nitrogen uptake. The results are evident in the depth, minerality, and vibrancy of the wines.

 

Domaine des Comtes Lafon is perhaps most celebrated for its Meursaults. In fact, it is often cited in the same breath as other Meursault giants like Coche-Dury and Roulot. What makes their Meursaults so extraordinary is a combination of prime vineyard holdings, old vines, and meticulous farming.

 

Meursault (Blend of parcels)

This is a classic village-level Meursault made from various parcels including Les Vireuils, Les Narvaux, and Les Grands Charrons.

 

Meursault Clos de la Barre

This is a Monopole vineyard located just behind the family home. It covers 2.2 hectares and consistently over performs its village classification. Always polished and age-worthy.

 

Meursault 1er Cru Boucheres

Located south of Meursault, adjacent to Perrières. The Boucheres is one of the Domaine’s more ethereal wines.. This parcel was replanted in the early 2000s, so older vintages may have shown less concentration, but by the mid-2010s, the vines began delivering much more depth.

 

Meursault 1er Cru, Charmes

This is arguably the most opulent and sensuous of the Lafon Premier Cru Meursault. The Domaine owns over 1.7 hectares of Charmes Dessus, the top portion of the climat.  Full-bodied and luxurious. Often mistaken for Grand Cru in blind tastings.

 

Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots

Poruzots lies mid-slope, just north of Genevrieres and east of Charmes, with heavier clay soils and some limestone.  It tends to be more robust and structured due to the richer soil composition. It is a broader wine, often with more pronounced oak influence when young, and it ages very well thanks to its structure and concentration.

 

Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d’Or

Goutte d’Or is the northernmost plot.  The name means “drop of gold,” a nod to both the richness of the wine and possibly the color of the grapes at harvest. Lafon’s Goutte d’Or is often seen as a bridge between Poruzots and Boucheres, combining power with finesse.

 

Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres

A more mineral and lifted counterpart to Charmes, the Domaine owns just under 1 hectare of this climat, known for its elegance and tension. Sleek and linear.

 

Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières

Perrieres is widely considered the “unofficial Grand Cru” of Meursault. Lafon’s holdings are small but potent. This wine represents the pinnacle of Meursault finesse and depth. Laser-focused minerality, vibrant, precise, and long.

 

Year after year, vintage after vintage, Comtes Lafon produces exceptional wines even in challenging years. They are arguably, one of the greatest producers of Meursaults. Dominique Lafon stepped back from day-to-day wine-making in 2017 and retired in 2021. The Domaine have continued to refine its style, leaning towards more freshness and delicacy while retaining depth.  Domaine des Comtes Lafon is more than just a great producer; it is an icon. Through decades of dedication, the Lafon family have elevated Meursault, to one that rivals Montrachet in prestige and complexity. They make, quite possibly, some of the greatest Meursaults today.

 

 

28/7/2025: Assortments Part 1 of 2: Old World Collection | Rhones and other French Gems | Spain and more

Though last week was quiet on marketplace, this week we are back with more amazing offers! While I was away for a few days last week, listings continued to flowed in, and they are ready for this week. Rest assured the wines featured today and tomorrow (back to back) are worth the wait.

The list of wines are consolidated over a few days, and it is good to see some wines (seldom featured) on marketplace. Look out for the perfect wines: 99-100 pointers by Usseglio and Clos-st-Jean from Southern Rhone, and some highly-rated Ermitages by the Northern ones.

Then, younger vintages of Burgundy from 201X, which I think all Burgundy Aficionados, should start tasting them (especially when some of them are at around ten years old now). The Vosne Romanee Premier crus by Dujac and Cathiard are as rare as they get, though only single bottle available per cuvee.

Other assortments from Bordeaux, Champagne and Loire make up the bulk of the French collection today, then a single listing of a Barolo, with some amazing Spanish wines from Rioja. The Spanish ones to look out for, are the pairs of 1964s (photos available upon request). Amazing Old World wines on offer today, don't miss them, and look out for the New World Wine collection tomorrow. Have a fruitful week ahead!....RS

 

29/7/2025: Assortments Part 2 of 2: New World Jewels | Harlan Estate First Vintage and More

The first commercial vintage release of Harlan Estate, was in fact the 1990, and it was released together with the 1991, back in 1996. You may wonder why two vintages were released in one year; it was how things worked then, a new winery trying to survive its primitive operations to keep things running. If you ever come across Harlan Estate in vintages of the 1987, 88 or 89, these three vintages were made but never released commercially, and most of these were special library bottles, or given to close friends and families of the winery back then. Almost 30 years later, a bottle of the 1990 Harlan Estate is gracing our offers today.

Today's offers are all about these New World jewels, mainly from California. Other than the earlier mentioned 1990 Harlan Estate, they will also include some Australian and New Zealand. The notable and rare bottles in today's offers include:

 

1996 Opus One

1996 Phelps Insignia

2001 Harlan Estate (100 pointer)

2015 Sine Que Non (3 bots)

2011 Bell Hill Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

 

That almost marks the end of our July offers, except there may be one more Champagne offer coming, if it comes. If not, then August......RS

 

4/8/2025: SG60 National Day Specials Part 1 of 2: Bordeaux (OWC and loose) | Burgundy | Champagne

Welcome to SG60 National Day week! Like the lyrics in this year's theme song "Here we are", I cannot agree more on this verse "Our spirit's forever, look how far we've come".....It seems like SG50 was not long ago, but it was in fact, exactly a decade ago. 60 is the magical number this year. Growing up here in this multi-cultural society, where I call home for the last four decades + and counting, I have witnessed the growth and changes through the awesome era of the 80s,90s and 2000s. I am definitely looking forward to the next decade towards SG70. Happy Birthday Singapore!

 

This week, we have prepared two offers back to back, for today and tomorrow, in conjunction with the celebrations of SG60. With more than 60 listings these two days, more than half the listings have wine critics' scores of 96 points and above, some even attaining perfect scores of 99-100 pointers. These are probably one of the best offers on board marketplace this year. We start with a huge Bordeaux offer today (loose and OWC bottles), along with some Burgundy and Champagnes. Look out for the pair of rare Rousseau Clos-St-Jacques, then DRC Romaee St Vivant, and Cristal + Cristal Rose, as these hardly appear. All the wines are competitively priced to sell, so don't miss them.

Send in your orders before this Wednesday, and we will make sure you receive the bottles latest by Friday, in time for the National Day this weekend. Have a wonderful celebration this coming week!......RS

 

5/8/2025: SG60 National Day Specials Part 2 of 2: Rhone | Italy | California | Australia

Today is the release for Part 2 of our SG 60 National Day Specials. Since the history of Singapore have always been an interest of mine, it's just right that I dive into some of it in today's mailer, especially about the alcohol trade in this little red dot. From the colonization of Singapore in the 1800's, when the British were here, they began bringing in alcoholic products into Asia to trade, not just by the British, but also the Europeans whom were traveling around this region. It was mainly French Brandy (Cognac), British made Gin, Sherry and Port from Portugal and some British Ale. Wines were only beginning to gain popularity around mid 1800's, and mainly table wines and some Clarets from France (through London wine merchants). Fast forward to the 1960s: Wines became more popular, but it was still French Clarets (Bordeaux), but also Italian wines were coming in, mainly Chianti's or Vino da Tavola (table wines) and some Champagnes. Other than Beer (ale), French Cognac was still the main alcoholic beverage of choice. Michel Martell, whom is a friend, and runs his own Negociant business today, is also Grandson of Rene-Firino Martell. Michel, frequently in his presentation, talks about how his Grandfather would travel to Singapore in the 60s and 70s to promote their family Martell Cognacs. Stories of Rene attending events (promoting) in Singapore Cricket Club, Singapore Recreational Club, and attending dignitaries' parties were aplenty. In a span of 60 years, from our independence in 1965, we have indeed come a long way through our own evolution of tastes, education and standards. Today, a vast variety of alcoholic beverages can be found in Singapore.  In terms of wines, we have everything: from Old to New World, from conventional to natural wines, from mass production to minuscule producers. I can always proudly mention to anyone "If you can name it, we have it!".....and I am so proud to be a part of this constantly evolving wine trade for the last twenty years.....Happy SG 60 Singapore!

 

In today's offer, if we randomly choose a few wines, we can literally do a line-up of "Perfect Scoring Wine"... In part 2 (and final) of our SG 60 offers, these wines are not for the Novice drinkers. These are wines of intensity, depth, multi-faceted gems that are made by people of passion.  From Rhone to Italy (from the Old World), California and Australia (from the New World), these perfect scoring wines will sweep you off your feet, I'll let you explore this list. Have a productive Tuesday!.....RS

 

11/8/2025: Monday Spot Offers: George Laval | Goerges Noellat | Giuseppe Rinaldi

Champagne Georges Laval

Champagne Georges Laval is a small organic viticulturist based in the village of Cumieres in the Vallee de la Marne. Founded in 1971 by Georges Laval and now run by his son Vincent, the estate farms just 2.5 hectares of vines, focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Laval’s Champagnes are known for their purity, minimal intervention, and extended aging, resulting in wines with remarkable depth and precision.  Dosage is kept extremely low, allowing the terroir to shine. The Cumieres terroir, with its clay-limestone soils, lends a distinct mineral intensity to the wines. Highlights include the Les Chenes and Les Hautes-Chevres, which showcase the elegance and complexity of Laval’s meticulous craftsmanship. No more than 14000 bottles are made annually.

 

Domaine Georges Noellat

Domaine Georges Noellat is a historic estate in Vosne-Romanee, now revitalized under the leadership of Maxime Cheurlin, the great-grandson of Georges Noellat. After reclaiming vineyards once leased to Domaine Leroy, Maxime has elevated the Domaine’s reputation with expressive, terroir-driven Pinot Noirs. The holdings include prized parcels in Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, with standout wines like the Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts and Les Petits Monts. Cheurlin apprenticed with Emmanuel Rouget (cousin wih Emmanuel's sons), and employs organic practices, whole-cluster fermentation, minimal new oak, crafting wines that balance power with finesse. His approach combines modern precision with traditional Burgundian elegance, making Domaine Georges Noellat a rising star in the Cote de Nuits.

 

Giuseppe Rinaldi

Giuseppe Rinaldi, was one of Barolo’s most iconic traditionalists, and his legacy lives on through his daughters Marta and Carlotta. Based in the heart of the Langhe, the estate farms some of Piedmont’s greatest vineyards, including Cannubi San Lorenzo, Brunate, and Ravera. Rinaldi’s Barolos are celebrated for their long macerations, large Slavonian oak aging, and unwavering commitment to traditional methods. The wines are powerful yet refined, with intense Nebbiolo character: tar, roses, and earth, with remarkable aging potential. Though the estate no longer produces the legendary Brunate-Le Coste due to regulatory changes, the current Brunate and Tre Tine bottlings remain benchmarks of classic Barolo. Rinaldi’s philosophy of authenticity and respect for tradition continues to inspire Barolo purists worldwide.

 

18/8/2025: Monday Spot Offers: Ghislaine Barthod | Yvon Metras | Egon Muller Lange Goldkapsel and more

 (No write up)

 

5/9/2025: The Visionary Alvaro Palacios and his Wines | include wines from Descendientes de Jose Palacios

Alvaro Palacios is not just a winemaker; he is a visionary who reshaped the modern Spanish wine landscape. Hailing from Rioja's prestigious Palacios Remondo family, he sought his own path, training in Bordeaux at Chateau Petrus, before embarking on a quest to unearth Spain's forgotten terroirs.

 

His journey led him to the rugged, slate slopes of Priorat. In the late 1980s, when the region was nearly abandoned, Alvaro and his nephew Rene Barbier Jr., pioneered the modern Priorat revolution. They identified ancient Garnacha and Carinena vines on steep hillsides (costers) and proved that these terroirs could produce wines of unparalleled depth, power, and elegance. His work single-handedly catapulted Priorat back onto the world stage.

 

Later, he turned his attention to his family's estate in Rioja, bringing his terroir-driven philosophy to challenge and redefine the region's traditional style. He introduced the concept of vinya classificada (classified vineyard), focusing on single-site expressions from unique plots, much like the Grand Crus of Burgundy.

 

Alvaro Palacios wines are defined by a quest for authenticity. They are profound expressions of place, made from old vines grown on unique soils (primarily slate and chalk). The wine-making is precise and non-interventionist, aiming to purely translate the vineyard's voice into the bottle. These are wines of immense power, yet they are always balanced by a captivating, weightless elegance.

 

The Legacy of Descendientes de Jose Palacios

While Alvaro was revolutionizing Priorat, his nephew Ricardo Perez (also from the Palacios family) was exploring another forgotten region: Bierzo. Together, they founded Descendientes de Jose Palacios in 1998 in honor of Jose Palacios (Alvaro's father).

Their mission was to unlock the potential of the local Mencia grape, grown on the region's steep, slate-and-clay hillsides. They sought out the oldest, highest-elevation vineyards, many with pre-phylloxera vines, in the village of Corullón.

Like its Priorat counterpart, Descendientes de J. Palacios is fiercely dedicated to terroir. They champion the unique parajes (vineyard sites) of Bierzo, producing wines that are aromatic, deeply mineral, and surprisingly elegant for their concentration. They have set the absolute benchmark for quality in Bierzo and created some of the most soulful and sought-after wines in Spain.

 

Alvaro Palacios Curated Selection of Icons

Les Aubaguetes (Priorat)

From a north-facing vineyard in Gratallops, this wine is often described as the most elegant and aromatic of Palacios's top Priorats. The north exposure preserves freshness, while the ancient Garnacha vines on pure slate yield incredible complexity. A symphony of red fruits, a breathtaking expression of finesse.

 

Quinon de Valmira (Rioja)

This wine is Alvaro's Rioja revolution in a bottle. Sourced from a high-altitude, north-facing vineyard on chalky soil, it is majorly Garnacha, a radical departure from Rioja's Tempranillo tradition. It redefines what Rioja can be. A wine of stunning precision and elegance.

 

L'Ermita Velles Vinyes (Priorat)

The legendary flagship. The wine that put Priorat on the map. From an extremely steep vineyard of ancient Garnacha vines interspersed with white grapes on pure slate. It is produced only in the best years, in minuscule quantities. The ultimate expression of power and elegance. Monumental structure and a seemingly endless, mineral-finish. It is not just a wine; it is an experience and a collector's item.

 

Descendientes de J. Palacios

La Faraona (Bierzo)

The stuff of legend. From a tiny, impossibly steep 0.8-acre plot of pre-phylloxera Mencia, this is one of the rarest and most coveted wines in Spain. Production is often fewer than 300 bottles per year. Ethereal and hauntingly complex, a palate that is incredibly deep yet weightless. A wine of sublime purity, energy, and mineral drive that leaves a permanent impression.

 

Moncerbal (Bierzo)

From a south-facing slate vineyard in Corullon, Moncerbal is a powerful expression of the Mencía grape. The exposure gives it more ripeness and structure compared to its stablemates, making it a bold and intense single-vineyard wine. A powerful, structured wine, full-bodied and intense, yet retains a stunning core of acidity and fine-grained tannins that promise extraordinary aging potential.

 

The Alvaro Palacios collection that is going out on offer, comes from one of the biggest fan and collector of Alvaro's wines. All the wines came direct from the winery to Wine Bond for the member's storage, and have never left our facility. Provenance is absolutely perfect. With Alvaro Palacios creating these perfect and iconic wines, it is time to pick up these bottles and experience Spanish wines like no others. Have a great Friday and weekend ahead!.........RS

 

9/9/2025: Spot Offers: Burgundy and Rhone Assortments | A Few Good Wines

After some high scoring Alvaros Palacios' Priorat and Rioja wines, we are back today with a Spot Offer for this collection of Burgundies and Rhones, a few good ones. This seller had been collecting wines from the 2000s, and due to his enlarging collection of wines (especially Rhones), he is letting go some of them today. Most of the wines have decent ratings, while a couple of jewels are high-scoring, almost perfect in fact. Prices here are as friendly as most European merchants, plus you get them immediately. Don't miss out on these today!.......RS

18/9/2025: Spot Offers: Limited bottles | Egly Ouriet . Cedric Bouchard . La Rioja Alta 890 and more

 (No write up)