Region: Burgundy
Sub Region: Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots
Variety: Pinot Noir
Country: France
Vintage: 2023

The Wine

Les Suchots is widely regarded as one of the finest Premier Crus in Vosne-Romanée, lying directly between Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Richebourg. Given its extraordinary location and remarkable consistency, it is often spoken of as a de facto Grand Cru, producing wines that combine the perfume and exotic spice of Vosne with exceptional depth and longevity.

Domaine de l'Arlot farms a small parcel within this celebrated vineyard under the same biodynamic principles that have transformed the estate over the past two decades. The limestone-rich soils, gentle east-facing slope and old vines consistently produce fruit of remarkable precision and natural balance.

Fruit is hand harvested before partial whole-bunch fermentation using indigenous yeasts. Gentle extraction and maturation in French oak preserve the vineyard's hallmark fragrance and silky texture while allowing the distinctive mineral character of Suchots to shine through.

Production is tiny, making this one of the rarest wines in the Domaine de l'Arlot portfolio and one of the most sought-after.

Cellared Says

There are very few Premier Crus I'd choose ahead of Suchots, and this is a wonderful example of why. It delivers much of the perfume, silk and complexity collectors chase in Vosne's Grand Crus, but at a considerably more approachable price. If you're looking for one bottle to put away for a decade or two, I'd start here.

Reviews

"A magnificent Suchots with exceptional aromatic complexity and beautifully refined tannins."

96–98 Points – Jasper Morris MW

"Brilliantly detailed and effortlessly elegant, with outstanding persistence."

95–97 Points – Neal Martin, Vinous

Region: Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2024

The Wine

Farrside comes from a northeast-facing slope on the By Farr property, where limestone sits beneath dark volcanic soils. Although it lies only a few hundred metres from Sangreal, the cooler site and darker soils give Farrside a very different expression — later picked, more savoury, more structured and with a distinctly darker-fruited edge.

The 2024 release feels like a wine from a site now fully in its stride. After more than two decades of working these vines, Farrside has moved well beyond simple power. There is plenty of depth here, but also finesse: red and black fruits, spice, forest floor, fine tannin and that signature Farrside savoury pull. Wild fermented in open-top fermenters, with 40–50% whole bunch/stem inclusion and élevage in new Allier oak, this is serious, detailed Geelong Pinot Noir with real character.

Cellared Says

Return to the Farrside. This is always the darker, more brooding sibling in the By Farr Pinot lineup, but the 2024 has a lovely sense of polish and generosity. Dark cherry, forest floor, spice and savoury oak sit around a plush core of fruit, with enough acid and fine tannin to keep everything pulled tight. There’s plenty of texture and depth, but it never feels heavy. A very good release, and one that should appeal to both Burgundy drinkers and Australian Pinot fans looking for something with a bit more edge.

Region: Eden Valley
Variety: Shiraz
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2022

In original Wooden Case Gift Box.

The Wine

Hill of Grace remains one of the defining wines of Australia: a single-vineyard Eden Valley Shiraz from ancient vines planted beside the historic Gnadenberg Church. The heart of the vineyard includes ancestor vines dating back to the 1860s, planted by Nicolaus Stanitzki, an ancestor of the Henschke family.

First produced by Cyril Henschke in 1958, Hill of Grace is now one of the most revered single-site Shiraz wines in the world. Today, Stephen and Prue Henschke continue that legacy through meticulous winemaking and regenerative viticulture, with organic and biodynamic principles guiding the management of the vineyard.

The 2022 vintage was mild and late, producing wines of lifted aromatics, freshness and long-term ageing potential. It is a very different expression to the powerful 2021: more perfumed, more precise, and perhaps more graceful in its frame. Blackberry, blueberry, plum, sage, bay leaf, black olive, sweet spice and fine-grained tannin all sit within a structure of exceptional length and composure.

This is a major Hill of Grace release: not simply powerful, but poised, detailed and deeply expressive of its ancient Eden Valley site.

Cellared Says

The 2021 Hill of Grace will likely remain the obvious investment vintage, but the 2022 may be the wine many collectors prefer to drink. It has the depth and authority expected of Hill of Grace, yet there is a cooler, more aromatic and more refined quality here that makes it utterly compelling.

This is not a wine built on excess. It is built on vineyard, patience and line. A remarkable release from one of Australia’s greatest sites.

Reviews

99+ Points – Ray Jordan
“May well be the prettiest Hill of Grace yet released. May also be the best, and that’s saying something.” Ray Jordan notes the wine’s black olive, bay leaf, sage, blackberry, blueberry, floral lift, immense fruit concentration and fine-grained tannins. Cellaring potential: 45 years.

99 Points – Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate
“The 2022 Hill of Grace Shiraz leads with dark fruit and an abundance of exotic spice.” Erin Larkin highlights blackberry, blueberry, tobacco, crushed quartz, ferrous undertones and detailed freshness, calling 2022 a sleeper vintage with serious longevity.

98 Points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Dave Brookes describes a wine of aromatic complexity, texture and elegance, with the fruit, tannin and structure moving in perfect harmony.

97 Points – The Wine Front
“Magical wine.” The Wine Front praises its boysenberry, saturated plum, sweet spice, peppercorn, musky fruit depth, long tannin and decades of cellaring potential.

18++/20 – Jancis Robinson MW
“A wine built to last.” Jancis Robinson notes its balance, ripe tannins and classic South Australian Shiraz identity.

19.5+/20 – Matthew Jukes
Matthew Jukes praises the wine’s restraint, structure, elegance and extraordinary waves of flavour, noting the coolness and freshness carried through the fruit.

Region: Eden Valley
Sub Region: Wheelwright Vineyard
Variety: Shiraz
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2022

The Wine

The Wheelwright Shiraz comes from a single Eden Valley vineyard planted by Cyril Henschke in 1968 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Henschke family winery. The wine itself was first released to commemorate 150 years of Henschke family winemaking and pays tribute to Johann Christian Henschke, the family’s founder, winemaker, stonemason and skilled wheelwright.

The Wheelwright Vineyard is the most southerly of Henschke’s three single-vineyard Shiraz sites and shows a different expression to both Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone. It is typically more red-fruited, floral, energetic and immediately expressive, with fine tannins and bright natural acidity.

The 2022 vintage suits the site beautifully. A mild, late season has delivered a wine of perfume, freshness and shape: red fruits, blueberry, violet, pepper, sage, flowering herbs, graphite and fine spice. It is matured for 20 months in French oak hogsheads, 10% new and 90% seasoned, giving polish and structure without overwhelming the vineyard character.

This is a beautifully seductive expression of Eden Valley Shiraz, with impressive depth, concentration and freshness. It is perhaps the most immediately charming of the 2022 Henschke Shiraz releases, while still carrying the structure and balance for long-term cellaring.

Cellared Says

The Wheelwright can sometimes sit in the shadow of Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, but the 2022 deserves real attention. It is fragrant, pure and beautifully shaped, with red fruit, spice, violet lift and fine chalky tannins.

For collectors, this is a smart addition alongside the two icons. For drinkers, it may be the most approachable and seductive of the trio, while still offering decades of life ahead. We often show this wine at our corporate events and it never fails to inspire the guests. A serious wine at a considered price.

Reviews

97 Points – Ray Jordan
“This distinctive wine has been an annual favourite of mine from the time it was first released.” Ray Jordan praises its bright red fruits, lively acidity, chalky tannins, peppery violet fragrance, depth and 30-year cellaring potential.

96 Points – Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate
Erin Larkin notes lifted spice, purple flowers, pomegranate, raspberry, red liquorice, pink peppercorn, olive tapenade and impressive persistence.

96 Points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Dave Brookes highlights blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, brown spice, flowering herbs, sage, violets, graphite and a graceful, sustained finish.

96 Points – Nick Ryan, The Australian
Nick Ryan describes vibrant berry fruit, Dutch liquorice, dark spice, violets, rosemary and plush, supple tannins.

18/20 – Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson notes composed aromatics, freshness, delicacy and a soothing, persistent finish.

18.5/20 – Matthew Jukes
Matthew Jukes calls it the most complete vintage of The Wheelwright to date, praising its purity, elegance and linear structure.

Region: California
Sub Region: Napa Valley – Calistoga
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc
Country: USA
Vintage: 2019

The Wine

Château Montelena’s Estate Cabernet is the flagship red from one of Napa Valley’s most historically important wineries. The estate vineyard lies north of Calistoga at the foot of Mount Saint Helena, combining old alluvial soils on the valley floor with fractured volcanic material on the higher hillside parcels.

The varied geology is central to the wine. Alluvial sections contribute breadth and classic Cabernet fruit, while the low-yielding volcanic slopes provide mineral structure and muscular tannins. Cold nights and afternoon air moving down from Mount Saint Helena help preserve acidity despite Calistoga’s warm daytime conditions.

The 2019 is approximately 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It matured for 22 months in French oak, 40% new—a restrained proportion by contemporary Napa standards. The season allowed slow, cohesive ripening, producing ripe fruit without sacrificing the classical structure and moderate alcohol associated with Montelena.

Dark currant, cherry, lavender, cedar and chocolate sit within a broad but disciplined palate, with firm acidity and long, mineral tannins suggesting decades of development.

Cellared Says

Montelena offers a very different expression from the glossy, heavily extracted end of Napa Cabernet. There is ample fruit and richness, but the wine remains grounded by acidity, savoury detail and a genuine expectation of long-term ageing. The 2019 is approachable enough to tempt now, although its real value will emerge after another decade. Near perfect scores means this should be in your cellar.

Reviews

“Bright red-toned fruits and dried wild herbs… crushed stones and earthen minerality.”

99 Points – Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter

“Silky, plush tannins wrap around dark fruit, chocolate, lavender, spice and leather.”

96 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“Mixed currants and cherries… rich, expansive and velvety, with a lingering, mouthwatering finish.”

96+ Points – Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate

Region: California
Sub Region: Central Coast
Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault & Petite Sirah
Country: USA
Vintage: 2023

The Wine

Le Cigare Volant helped establish Randall Grahm and Bonny Doon as pioneers of Rhône varieties in California. Named after a famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape ordinance banning flying saucers from the local vineyards, the wine combines irreverent presentation with a serious commitment to Mediterranean grape varieties.

The 2023 is 69% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 14% Cinsault and 2% Petite Sirah. Grenache provides red fruit and generosity, Syrah contributes pepper and darker savoury notes, while Cinsault adds fragrance and lift. The small Petite Sirah component supplies colour and additional structure.

This is a fresher, more immediately drinkable Cigare rather than a dense imitation of Châteauneuf. Wild strawberry, rhubarb, redcurrant and raspberry are joined by tobacco, fennel and cracked pepper, with moderate tannin and enough acidity to keep the finish lively.

Cellared Says

Le Cigare Volant remains one of California’s great original Rhône-inspired wines. The 2023 is particularly appealing because it delivers genuine character without unnecessary weight or oak. It is interesting enough for the committed wine drinker but generous and accessible enough to open midweek. I had dinner with Randall Graham, (original winemaker) and what an utter legend he was. His stories of moving Rhone varieties into the US and doing things his way was super inspiring, with just enough craziness to make you understand the whole UFO thing. Buy it, drink it, enjoy it.

Reviews

“Fresh redcurrant aromas layered in earth and herbs… raspberry and strawberry with fennel pollen and cracked pepper.”

93 Points – Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Region: California
Sub Region: Multi-vineyard California blend
Variety: Pinot Noir
Country: USA
Vintage: 2020

The Wine

Isabelle is Au Bon Climat’s flagship Pinot Noir and one of Jim Clendenen’s most personal wines, named after his daughter. Rather than representing one vineyard, it is assembled through a rigorous barrel selection from the finest Pinot Noir parcels available to the estate across six vineyards and four Californian appellations.

The concept is deliberately Burgundian: individual sites are fermented and matured separately before the most complete barrels are selected for the final blend. This allows Isabelle to combine the perfume and freshness of cooler vineyards with the depth and structure of warmer parcels.

The 2020 is dark and savoury for Pinot Noir, with black cherry, plum and dried red fruit joined by lavender, herbs, baking spice and forest-floor complexity. Extended élevage builds a supple texture while the wine’s fresh acidity and fine tannins prevent it from becoming heavy.

Cellared Says

Isabelle is the wine to buy when you want to understand Au Bon Climat beyond the regional bottlings. It is not intended as a transparent single-site study; it is a winemaker’s selection, bringing together the estate’s best barrels to create something deeper, more complete and built for the cellar. It is simply excellent and a personal recommendation.

Reviews

“Wild black plum roasted over sagebrush… salty charcuterie, quince jam and dried cherry.”

95 Points – Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

“Spiced red and black berry fruits, spring flowers, savoury herbs and baking spice.”

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Chianti Classico DOCG – Lamole UGA
Variety: Sangiovese
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2022

The Wine

Filetta di Lamole is Fontodi’s high-altitude expression of Sangiovese, produced from vineyards around Lamole rather than the estate’s warmer home vineyards in Panzano. Sitting at approximately 620 metres, the site is among the highest in Chianti Classico and produces a distinctly more perfumed, delicate and mineral style.

The seven-hectare vineyard is planted on weathered Macigno sandstone. These loose, sandy and highly permeable soils restrict vigour and encourage deep root systems, while the elevation delivers cool nights and a long growing season. South and south-west exposures provide enough sunlight to ripen Sangiovese fully without sacrificing freshness.

The certified-organic fruit is fermented in concrete before approximately 18 months in large 25-hectolitre French oak casks. This restrained élevage preserves Lamole’s floral aromatics, red-fruit purity and fine tannins rather than adding obvious oak sweetness.

Cellared Says

Filetta di Lamole shows the lighter, more aromatic side of Chianti Classico without becoming insubstantial. It is more lifted and finely drawn than Fontodi’s Panzano wines, making it an excellent choice for Burgundy drinkers exploring serious Sangiovese. There are times when Chianti Classico underwhelms, this isn’t one of them.

Reviews

“Wild cherry, white pepper, sage, mint and dried herbs… soft, silky and caressing.”

93 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“Perfumed and lacy… plum, blackberry and fruitcake flavours.”

93 Points – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Variety: Sangiovese
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2019

The Wine

La Màgia occupies a single, organically certified vineyard in the south-eastern sector of Montalcino, overlooking the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. The estate’s 15 hectares of Sangiovese sit between 400 and 450 metres, with a south-easterly exposure and surrounding woodland that help temper the warmth of this part of the denomination.

The Schwarz family arrived from Alto Adige in the 1970s, with second-generation winemaker Fabian Schwarz taking control of the estate in 2011. His approach sits between strict tradition and modern precision: organically farmed fruit, long maceration and extended maturation, but with 500-litre French oak tonneaux used to build texture rather than the more conventional large Slavonian botti.

The 2019 was produced from 100% Sangiovese grown on stony, sandy soils over clay. Fermentation took place in a combination of stainless steel and large wooden vats, followed by approximately 40 days on skins. The wine then matured for 36 months in 500-litre French oak tonneaux—around one-third new and the remainder second use—before a further seven months in bottle.

The elevation and cooling airflow are particularly important in 2019, a vintage that gave La Màgia both concentration and energy. Dark raspberry, cherry and pomegranate are joined by lavender, rosemary, mint and crushed stone, while vibrant acidity and finely textured tannins keep the wine focused rather than heavy.

This is a contemporary interpretation of Brunello, but not a heavily polished one. The oak adds shape and spice without overwhelming the Sangiovese, and the wine retains the savoury, herbal and mineral qualities of its high-altitude site.

Cellared Says

La Màgia remains relatively under-recognised beside many of Montalcino’s established names, which is precisely why it is interesting. The 2019 combines the depth of a great Brunello vintage with altitude-driven freshness and exceptionally well-managed tannins. It has enough fruit to impress now, but the structure suggests its best drinking will come after another five to ten years in the cellar. Recent tastings show that the 2019 is the collector wine, the 2020 is the restaurant wine, as in its already in peak drinking window.

Reviews

“The nose opens fresh and cool, with aromas of eucalyptus, wild mint and fennel.”

96 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Expressive, lifted floral notes with lots of bright red fruit, followed by fresh rosemary and thyme.”

95 Points – James Suckling

“Black raspberries, lavender, sage, wet stone and crushed rocks…elegant and velvety on the palate.”

94 Points – Eric Guido, Vinous

“Ripe and seductive…lavender, black raspberries, sweet Mediterranean herbs and cola.”

93 Points – Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com