Hole-in-One Award

The High Flying ‘LANG’ Spirit, ranked as one of the most valuable brands, is the most premium and recognizable brand in China.  Langjiu has also become a chosen brand for the state banquet for years and the official sponsor for a great number of national and global events.

This particular Qing Hua Lang 20 YO is the premium range of Langjiu series with attractive aging taste and satisfying lingering smell.

At twelve years old, this pre-teen is more than ready to be enjoyed! Bordeaux wines with dominant merlot tend to be more approachable and easier to enjoy as a younger wine. The merlot dominant wine is soft and smooth yet full of blackberry, plum, green pepper, smoke and vanilla aromas and flavours. 

Producer tasting notes: "Colour: High, intense layer with a red cherry background and red rim. Nose: As always, the RODA I are discreet when you bring them to the nose and little by little the aromas rise from the bottom, pulling wonderful sensations that fill the glass. There are many black fruits, but it has red flashes that make it shine, black plums dominate, and cherries appear next to it. Underneath are the earth, chocolate, aromatic plants and sweet spices, cinnamon, cloves… which complete this aromatic landscape. The oak slightly leaves its mark on the background. Palate: It's an example of the elegance of RODA I, very fine in the palate, with excellent tannin, silky and lively at the same time. Plums and cherries fill the mouth, slightly liqueur and fresh, it is a perfect and difficult balance. It is very long, with a powerful retronasal route." - Bodegas Roda

Chateau Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac) – there’s no denying that no matter what vintage, the name of Rothschild will carry the weight and cachet for selling itself, not to mention scoring very high. Cassis, raspberry coulis, and blackberry dominate on a palate of crisp tannins, enormous structure and concentration. Always give this time to age to allow the wine to come into itself. Drink from 2027- 2045. 

The history of Chateau Duhart-Milon is not as well known as it should be. In the 18th century the wines of Milon became the "second" wine for Chateau Lafite. The 1855 classification awarded Duhart-Milon the only 4th growth in Pauillac, recognizing it for the quality of its soil. Sometime between 1830-1840 35 acres was left to the Casteja family who subsequently possessed a 99acre vinyard name Duhart-Milon. Over the years the property changed hands many times and suffered a decline in the quality of the wines. The property was acquired in 1962 by the Rothschild family who totally overhauled the vineyards and brought back the quality of the wine as a 4th growth. The 2019 Duhart-Milon is a red Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with an up front fruity nose of black currant and blackberry, along with typical Pauillac nuances of pencil shavings, forest floor and cedar. Round, layered and creamy through the palate this wine has excellent potential for great ageing Drink from 2025-2045.

"Uplifting aroma of ripe blackberries and black plums, wrapped around by a layer of smoked bacon, sweet spices, cedar and forrest floor. Structured, dense and dry palate with most fruit elements hiding behind the big frame for now. Even at this young age, there is already some degree of balance between acidity and tannins after an hour in the decanter. Not ready to drink now, let it age for 3-5 years and this Margaux will develop gracefully for the next decade." - Wine Enthusiast

Wine Advocate-Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy- "This wine offers a unusual bouquest of candied cherry and cola aromas that are distinct to this wine. There is a savory side to the wine, with cedar and baking clove, its center of gravity defers to that candied cherry or creme de cassis characteristic."

The Le Clarence Haut-Brion is the 2nd wine of the first growth Chateau Haut-Brion. It was in 2007 that this wine was renamed Le Clarence Haut-Brion as a tribute to Clarence Dillon, who acquired the property in 1935. The 2016 vintage is a blend of 51% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a beautiful nose of cassis, violets, graphite and crushed rocks. Medium to full body, it has good concentration, grainy tannins and finishes with a long mineral note. Drink until 2036.

Mature plum, vanilla, toast and toasted oak sensations lead the nose. The palate opens with juicy black cherry and plum layered with coffee, dense chocolate and bitter espresso that slightly diminish the impact of its Nebbiolo pedigree and purity. It's already accessible but should also age well.- Wine Enthusiast

Mature plum, vanilla, toast and toasted oak sensations lead the nose. The palate opens with juicy black cherry and plum layered with coffee, dense chocolate and bitter espresso that slightly diminish the impact of its Nebbiolo pedigree and purity. It's already accessible but should also age well.- Wine Enthusiast

This impressive Magnum bottle (1.5L) is home to a stunner of a Cabernet Sauvignon, produced by Master of Wine, James Cluer. A youthful, deep purple-hued wine, which is a true expression of the vineyard’s soul. It shows Napa Valley’s trademark power with intensely ripe black fruit, dark chocolate nuances, licorice, and hints of black olive and dusty stones that are all hallmarks of this exquisite terroir. Perhaps what’s most intriguing is the density, the depth, the layers, and the complexity that keep you coming back for more. Enjoy!

The producer describes the wine as having a dark red color with a high layer. The nose is intense and features black fruit and cherry aromas, with a prominent plum scent and hints of sweet spices. The aroma also includes notes of earth and minerals. The wood used in aging is subtle and mostly hidden behind the spices. The taste is described as wide, powerful, and delicate, with a pleasant combination of sweetness and freshness. The tannins are smooth and the wine has a silky texture with notes of black plums, chocolate, and a hint of cigar box. The wine is said to be from an excellent vintage.

94 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate" Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it absolutely sings of red roses, black tea and tilled black soil with a core of crushed blackberries, Morello cherries and cassis plus a hint of cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of ripe black berries and floral layers, framed by soft, silken tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. (LPB)" (11/2018)

94 points - James Suckling

93 points - Wine Enthusiast

Chateau d'Armailhac showcases all of the hallmarks of its big brother, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, which is right next door. This is seriously juicy. Succulent ripe fruits dominate the palate, with a cool and racy undertone. The wine is ripe, showing flair and full of gravitas. Aged in 50 percent new and 50 percent old oak from Mouton itself, it has a creamy, fulfilling character. This is a wine which will certainly benefit from spending a few years in the cellar. This could be a treat and might just be a bargain too.

94 Points - James Suckling" Very minerally, silky and refined with a full body, firm tannins and currants, stones and citrus. Racy and fine. This has a little more Merlot in the blend but is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon as always. One of the best Armailhacs in a long time."