The 2014 L'Evangile comes racing out of the blocks on the nose with plenty of black cherry, blueberry, cold stone and black truffle scents, quintessentially Pomerol with impressive delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly grainy texture, lovely black fruit here laced with Earl Grey, spice and sage, quite intense and fanning out gloriously towards the long finish. This seems to have gained precision after bottling and I did warn that it may merit a higher score. This is a deeply impressive L'Evangile that might challenge Lafite-Rothschild in the long term. Chapeau!

A Red wine from Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France. Made from Merlot 50%,Cabernet Sauvignon 50%

Hongyun lang is a high-end sauce-aroma baijiu. Its design concept comes from the blessing words "Hongyun Dang Tou" which means lucky star shining bright. The characteristics of Langjiu is all in this bottle with prominent sauce flavour, full bodied, sweet aftertaste and long lasting fragrance on empty glass. Truly a rare gem Baijiu.

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 2016 Duhart-Milon is a red Bordeaux blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot and shows plums, blueberries, cassis, violet and earth notes on the nose with full-bodied flavours on the palate of graphite, leafy herbs and sweet tannins. Drink from 2024-2042

This Highlands whisky aged in both ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks leaves full aromas of vanilla, chocolate, orange peel and cinnamon spice. The palate offers a smooth taste of nutmeg, candied orange peel, rich coffee, and hints of licourice. This a bold, robust, and formidable whisky that dad is sure to savour and enjoy over many months

93/100 Tim Atkin

Domaine l'Enclos' 2020 Chablis Grand Cru Vaudsier demonstrates both elegance and power: apple, pear, quince, orange and orange zest, notes of vanilla, bread crust and coffee with milk. Everything is dominated by a scent of sea air, dried oyster shell and seaweed. A great opening on the tongue, lots of light and juicy fruit combine with a fine acidity which is wonderfully integrated into the fondant of the fruit. A high-class Chablis.

92 Points-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The blend of this entry-level red from Rioja changes with the year, and the 2016 Sela is 87% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano and 6% Garnacha, reflecting a cooler year. The aim here is to produce a delicate and pleasant wine to have by the glass or with starters. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in oak barrels for 12 months. It's young and fruit-driven, has good freshness and is easy to drink, with almost unnoticeable tannins.

APPEARANCE: Deep violet red with bright tones of purple.
NOSE: Complex on the nose with deep aromas of cassis, black plums, spices and herbs from Provence in addition to smoked undertones, cloves, vanilla and cocoa.
PALATE: Approaches the palate with elegance as it flows sharp and juicy. Fresh and fruity mouthfeel that imposes flavors of wild fruit marmalade, balsamic undertones and toasts that define its complexity. Round and velvety tannins achieve good balance between tight acidity and a kind finish. Long finish with spiced and fruity aftertaste.

Octomore 13.1 is as youthful and dynamic as its super-heavily peated predecessors. Distilled patiently from the 2015 harvest of 100% Scottish Mainland barley, this single malt is malted to a stratospheric 137.3 PPM and matured in the highest quality American oak casks.

If heavy peat is what dad likes, gift him the Octomore, from the Islay distillery of Bruichladdich. Aged for five years in Bourbon barrels, the hidden peat smoke gives way to the floral, malty spirit and sweet American oak with smoked apricot jam, burnt heather and Turkish delight. Try any of the Octomore's for the peaty style.

Bowmore 15 Year Old is a prime example of a sherry cask finish, matured first in bourbon barrels and then for three years in Oloroso sherry casks. This process imparts a rich burnt sienna color and a robust, warming finish. The nose offers dark chocolate and raisin aromas, complemented by the signature Bowmore smokiness. On the palate, expect flavors of cedar wood and rich treacle toffee, with a finish of spicy toffee, sherry, and barley. This whisky has been awarded Gold at the 2018 International Wine & Spirit Competition and Double Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc (Pessac-Leognan) - a blend of 72% Semillon and 18% Sauvignon Blanc. The Semillon provides richness and acidity with the Sauvignon adding an array of citrus and stone fruits. White wine luxury - who says white wines can't age? Drink now to 2030.

"Subtle and profound aromas of blackberries, wet earth and sweet tobacco. Hints of spice, too. Full-bodied and so deep. It's incredibly vertical and long. Just like looking down a well. Firm and powerful tannins, yet polished and balanced. Goes on for minutes. One of the greatest ever. Try after 2025." ---James Suckling

The history of Château Durfort-Vivens is linked to the Durfort-Duras family. The consecration of Château Durfort-Vivens took place in 1855 with the obtaining of the prestigious title of Second Cru Classé. The owners who have succeeded one another until today have never ceased to improve the quality of the wine and extend the reputation of the château. The vinification is in cement and wood vats. Aging in 40% new barrels for 18 months.The result is a Margaux full of finesse and freshness.

The bouquet of Durfort-Vivens 2014 opens with clear aromas of black fruits such as cherry and blackberry to evolve towards more subtle aromas of truffle. In the mouth, the wine is revealed, silky and elegant. It is definitely a wine that carries the colors of the prestigious Margaux appellation.

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

"Subtle and profound aromas of blackberries, wet earth and sweet tobacco. Hints of spice, too. Full-bodied and so deep. It's incredibly vertical and long. Just like looking down a well. Firm and powerful tannins, yet polished and balanced. Goes on for minutes. One of the greatest ever. Try after 2025." ---James Suckling

Reserve de la Comtesse is the second label of the Chateau Pichon Longueville, a 2nd growth of Pauillac in the 1855 Classification. From the suprisingly quality vintage of 2014, this wine is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot. With clear ageing potential (due to the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon) there is a deep core of plum, cassis, raspberry and cedar notes with a lush, concentrated and structured palate. Although this is in a good place for drinking now, it can be aged further.

Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere is a Premier Grand Cru Classe, located in the St. Emilion appellation on the right bank of Bordeaux. Owned by the von Neipperg family, there are links to viticulture here since the 13th century. Canon -la-Gaffeliere is one of only two Bordeaux properties that is Certified Organic. The 2014 is a red blend of 55% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of preserved blackberry, fig and black currant. The palate is medium-bodied with good structure and a spicy finish.

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. 

Winemaker Notes

A wine of good density ruby red, with brown, mahogany, biscuit hints. The rim is fairly thick and the legs are fine, clear, abundant and regular. At once expressive, forthright and complex. There are notes of all families of fragrance: fruit, flowers, and spices. The attack is forthright, round and suave, soothing even. The intense aromas initially recall the complexity of the nose. There is leather and lightly charred wood, and roasted notes. The beauty of the wine is revealed by its elegance rather than its full-flavor. The wine has an attractive aromatic range with a finish of remarkable elegance.

Chateau Haut-Bailly (Pessac-Leognan)- Chateau Haut-Bailly always delivers amazing wine, and this vintage is no exception. With aromatic and dense black fruits of cherry and cassis the 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot is savory and delightful with earthy minerality and tobacco nuances. Be patient and you will be rewarded with a supremely delicious wine. You won't have to wait too long though as 2024 will mark 10 years in the bottle and the wine will start to show well. Drink 2024-2035.

94 Points-Wine Enthusiast "Firm and still dry with the solid tannins, the wine's ripe fruitiness is developing well. The combination gives great potential. Black currant and berry fruits are both there with crisp juicy acidity. The aftertaste is a reminder that this wine has a long way to go. Drink from 2024. "

93 Poins-Vinous "The 2014 Lagrange is terrific. Bold, juicy and exuberant, the 2014 possesses striking balance and textural richness. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, iron, smoke and tobacco underpin a core of intense red-toned fruit in a super-expressive, layered wine endowed with real pedigree. The firm, muscular tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to."

94 Points-Wine Enthusiast Spicy, rich and full of ripe fruit, this wine has great potential. It is structured and dense while bringing out a stylish elegance. Blackberry fruit dominates the tannins to create a wine that has both concentration and fine fruit. Drink from 2022.

93 Points-Wine Spectator Very pure and expressive, featuring lovely violet and cassis aromas and flavors that stream forth, backed by light anise and graphite hints. Maintains a fresh feel through the finish, with light minerality engaging with the fruit. Best from 2019 through 2028.

Chateau Brane-Cantenac (Margaux)- Lovely, fragrant and elegant, this classy wine is well- defined with aromas of blackberry, cedar and tobacco with a palate of good structure and concentration, streamlined acidity, and velvety texture in this classic Margaux. Drink from 2025-2035.

Located in Graves, to the southwest of the Gironde Estuary, the Domaine itself is located in a clearing in the middle of forest which protects the vines from extreme temperatures, sometimes called a secret garden in the Graves. This is the concept of terroir that is so dear to many in France, especially Bordeaux. The terroir of Chevalier is like a greenhouse, a unique ecosystem that the grapes (mostly) benefit from.  ight bank of Bordeaux, to the east of the Gironde Estuary, the Domaine itself is lcoated in a clearing in the middle of forest which protects the vines from extreme temperatures, sometimes called a secret garden in the Graves. This is the concept of terroir that is so dear to many in France, especially Bordeaux. The terroir of Chevalier is like a greenhouse, a unique ecosystem that the grapes (mostly) benefit from. The 2014 Chevalier is a blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, and 5% petit verdot, giving a wine of great structure that will be a decade old next year. Refined, yet opulent with a full array of blackberries, blackcherry, earth, forest floor and spicy oak notes. 

From the Domaine of Clarence Dillon, this is the second label for the Chateau La Mission Haut Brion. (Not to be confused with Chateau Haut-Brion). Dillon purchased this famous vineyard in 1983 and has brought it to the fame it has today, situated next to its famous neighbour notwithstanding. The terroir is similar and the 26.6ha of vines features about half/half Cabernet Sauvigon/Merlot with a small amount of Petit Verdot. In 2007 a new cellar, bottling centre and tasting room were built, combining modern technology with tradition. The wine itself for this vintage is 54% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon and 1% cabernet franc. Great structure with fine-grained tannins that provides the backbone to flavours of blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and spice. It's almost ready to go - try in 2026 or hold for another 5-10 years.

Chateau Leoville Poyferre from Saint Julien was created in 1840 and is one of the Second Growths in the 1855 Classification. The 2014 vintage was marked by an Indian summer making this vintage successful.  This is a red blend of 60% Caberent Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc with a tiny bit of Petit Verdot to round it out. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, integrated oak and a hint of licorice. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine grained tannins and a persistent finish. drink from 2024-2030

Another well known Chateau from Margaux, this popular third growth of the 1855 Classification offers great value/quality from Margaux. With a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 20% Merlot, this is a ‘pretty' wine with floral and black tea notes interwoven with the plum, red cherry, cassis, cedar, and graphite. A classy wine that can be enjoyed now.

Winemaker Notes
Blend: 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon Product Description:
"Château Pavie Macquin owes its name to the grand-father of the current owners Albert Macquin (1852-1911), who used plant grafting as a way to save the Saint-Emilion vineyard, destroyed by phylloxera. The vineyard of Pavie Macquin, a family property of fifteen hectares, is located on the top of the Saint-Emilion plateau.
The clay and limestone soil, on a chalk/an asteriated limestone bedrock, allows a natural draining and an exceptionally continuous water supply. Strong clays result in fleshy, generous and powerful wines. The winemaker has to tame the natural power of the terroir in order to make this exceptional graceful wine." - Winery
Tasting notes:
Nose:violet, rose, truffle, earth, coffee, leather, tobacco, broccoli, berry, flower, currant, blackberry, cherry, cedar and cigar box
Taste:currant, black cherry, plum, bell pepper, olive, oak, smoke, toast, tar, tobacco, raspberry, cassis, violet, pepper, green bean, blackberry, cherry, asparagus, spice, ginger and vanilla

A third growth in the 1855 Classification, Chateau Desmirail is located in the Margaux appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. The name of this Chateau is unique as the property does not bear the name of its original owner, Marguerite Rauzan du Ribail, but rather that of her husband, Jean-Baptiste Desmirail. It is also one of the few chateaux with an ancient "Medocain" system - a gravity operated vat room that is still well-preserved. The red blend consists of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot and this 2014 is attractive and ready to drink now.

Located in the heart of the Graves, the Chateau is named after the family it belonged to until 1851. Now owned by the Quinn family, although more famous for minerally driven Bordeaux white blends, their red wines are also excellent. The current winemaker is a big believer in translation of terroir: he wants all the wines to have a sense of place. The 2014 Fieuzal is a red blend made with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc for a ripe and fruity wine with herbal and earthy nuances, underpinned with firm, yet refined tannins and well-balanced acidity. Exellent potential for ageing.

Chateau Angelus in St. Emilion, Bordeaux's right bank has been in existence since 1782. Now operated by Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal, who represents the 8th generation of the Bouard de Laforest family. Her goal is to ensure the Angelus name continues to represent excellence and timelessness. The Carillon d'Angelus is the second label of Chateau Angelus, this was first released fro the 1987 vintage. This wine is a red blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and is highly appreciated for its purity of fruit, velvety tannins and elegant finish. The high content of merlot makes it drinkable earlier in life, but can be aged for the next 8-12 years.

Winemaker Notes Blend: 60% Cabernet, 32% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot

93 Points-James Suckling" The cassis, dried-cranberry and herbal nose has some real complexity. Very expressive on the palate with great balance of crisp acidity, tannins and lively fruit. A joyful wine!"

91 Points-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Chateau Malescot St. Exupery is a 3rd growth of Margaux that sits right next to Chateau Margaux- one of the 5-first growths of Bordeaux. This exceptional terroir goes all the way back to 1697 when it was owned by the Escousses family. In the 1800's the property was handed to Jean-Baptiste Saint-Exupery enriching the name of the Chateau with HIS name. By June, 1955 the estate had only 7 ha of vines and the Zuger family began to restore the grounds and the castle. 30ha of the property are dedicated to the vines where the varieties of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot are grown. This is one of the most well-priced wines of Bordeaux and always well regarded, garnering high scores from critics. The 2016 vintage is comprised of 55% cabernet, 37% merlot and the 8% balance is cabernet franc and petit verdot. The wine scored high with typical notes of black currant, cedar, earth, tobacco and mocha around a backbone of fine tannins, and fresh acidity with a lengthy finish and great depth of character. Drink now to 2036

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider: "It was a close call picking a favorite here between LMHBB and HBB, but, perhaps the La Mission has just a bit more going here. The perfume is packed with honeysuckle, lemon rind, pomelo, white peaches and herbs, with a touch of spice cover all the bases. Full-bodied, rich, fleshy and deep, the wine fills your palate with wall of ripe, yellow and orange citrus, crushed rocks, mango and a dab of honey, with ample acidity to keep everything up-beat and fresh. Drink from 2025-2040." 97 Points