One of the most well oiled machines in the wine industry is the En Primeur system. It all started after the 2nd world war, merchants bought wines that were still in the barrel to help cash strapped estates bring money in and allow merchants to set their own prices. Over the years this has changed and now the estates are setting the prices, however in terms of distribution it is 2nd to none.

This method of wine distribution is now attracting wines from outside of France, not En Primeur per se as the wines offered are physical stocks.

It looks as if September is the month when more and more estates from around the world are distributing wines through Bordeaux merchants. You will see offers of Masseto, Opus One, Clos Apalta just to name a few.

Please find the latest releases in below. These wines are physical stock and we expect them to be in Hong Kong early 2023.

Contact our private sales team or through [email protected] if you want to know more about these releases.

 

 

 

 

2019 Opus One, Napa Valley, USA

HK$ 14,700 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% Malbec.” – 99/100 points, James Suckling

 

“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Opus One leaps from the glass with notes of Black Forest cake, Morello cherries, mulberries and fresh blackcurrants plus hints of licorice, wilted roses, Sichuan pepper and iron ore. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with juicy black, blue and red fruits, framed by velvety tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling earthy/mineral note. This is a truly magnificent Opus One in the making!” – 97-99/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

“The 2019 Opus One is a dense, beautifully layered wine, but it is also quite restrained. That should serve it well in time. Tasted next to the 2018, the 2019 possesses a bit more textural nuance and body, yet it has all the classicism that is such an Opus One signature. Bright floral accents linger on the sublime finish.” – 97/100 points, Vinous, Antonio Galloni

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.V. Overture, Napa Valley, USA

HK$ 6,600 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

Winery Tasting Notes: Overture is a timeless reflection of Opus One estate vineyards. This remarkable terroir expresses itself in the complex aromas, flavors and especially, textures of Overture. The classic blackberry and cassis character of Cabernet Sauvignon melds seamlessly with the black cherry, red currant and violet from the Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The blending of wine-lots across vintages and extended barrel aging give Overture a supple structure and silky texture.

 

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

 

 

 

 

 

2010 Château Latour, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Pauillac

EURO € 3,600 per case of 3 bottles x 0.75L

EURO € 7,200 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“The 2010 Latour is deep garnet in color, and—WOW—it erupts from the glass with powerful crème de cassis, Black Forest cake and blackberry pie scents plus intense sparks of dried roses, cigar boxes, fragrant earth and smoked meats with aniseed and crushed rocks wafts. Full-bodied, concentrated and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy texture and lovely freshness carrying the rich, opulent fruit to an epically long finish. It is incredibly tempting to drink now, but I suspect this hedonic experience isn't a scratch on the mind-blowing, otherworldly secrets this time capsule will have to reveal given another 7-10 years in bottle and continuing over the following fifty years++.” – 100/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

“Just over a third of the harvest made it into the grand vin to give a wine of startling concentration and purity, with lovely, forward cassis fruit and a hint of spice on the attack. The texture is fresh but not overly tannic, and there is a surprisingly sweet, silky feel cloaking the powerful extract. Best to wait another decade before trying this, but it will last a half-century beyond that. Moderate temperatures followed a flowering disrupted slightly by cool weather and rain. The summer was dry and sunny, if somewhat cool. The Merlot was picked beginning on the 20th of September and the Cabernet 4th of October. The final blend is just over 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with most of the balance being Merlot.” – 100/100 points, Decanter

 

“The aromas of flowers such as roses, violets and lilacs jump from the glass then turn to dark berries such as blueberries and blackberries. It's full-bodied, with velvety tannins and dense and intense with a chocolate, berry and currant character. This is juicy and rich with wood still showing a bit, but it's all coming together wonderfully.” – 100/100 points, James Suckling

 

“The 2010 Latour is conspicuously deep in colour. It has an intellectual, intense and captivating bouquet with mineral-rich black fruit, graphite and crushed rose petal scents. Utterly spellbinding. The palate is the real deal. Heavenly balance, perfect acidity with seamlessly integrated new oak, there is an enthralling crescendo towards a finish that is simply as good as Bordeaux gets. Impeccable.” – 100/100 points, Vinous, Neal Martin

 

 

2019 Masseto, Toscana IGT Tuscany, Italy

HK$ 16,950 per case of 3 bottles x 0.75L

HK$ 12,800 per case of 1 magnum

 

“Intense aromas of blackberries and black olives, together with hints of rosemary bush and lavender. Perfumed and nuanced. Full-bodied, yet so tight and integrated, with weightless tannins that frame the wine in a precise and curated fashion. Very structured and built for aging. It’s rather shy now, but will reward those who are patient. A kind of stealth in its nature. A more thought-provoking edition of Masseto. Needs time to show its true self.” – 99/100 points, James Suckling

“The 2019 Masseto is fabulous. Silky, gracious and super-refined, the 2019 is a total knock-out. So often Masseto is a powerhouse at this stage, but the 2019 is so elegant, so precise. This is the first year that includes Cabernet Franc, 10% in this case. I can’t say I am at all surprised given how much Franc has added to Massetino. Red berry fruit, mocha, cinnamon and blood orange lend freshness throughout. The 2019 has just been bottle, so it's early. But there certainly appears to be a lot to look forward to.” – 98+/100 points, Antonio Galloni

“This bottle opens a new chapter for one of Italy's most celebrated and collected wines. The first vintage made entirely in its dedicated state-of-the-art winery (and the first vintage with a 10% dabble of Cabernet Franc added to what has historically always been a pure expression of Merlot), the Masseto 2019 Masseto has two main themes at heart: concentration and elegance. And managing those two seemingly contrasting elements requires a little bit of magic. That's the Masseto magic we look for. The 2019 vintage delivers it in spades with lovely concentrated fruit, blackberry, integrated spice, tobacco, crushed slate, pencil shaving and lots of texture and fiber to push a lasting mouthfeel. The wine's richness translates into density and power to the palate, meanwhile the bouquet reveals fluidity and new sides as the wine opens in the glass. The finish is tapered and focused.” – 98/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

“Tightly wound now, with blackberry, black currant, iron, rosemary, cedar and toasty oak spice aromas and flavors. Though firm and compact, this has plenty of fruit that persists on the vibrant, lingering and complex finish. Reveals very refined tannins.” – 98/100 points, Wine Spectator

 

 

 

 

 

2020 Massetino, Toscana IGT Tuscany, Italy

HK$ 6,750 per case of 3 bottles x 0.75L

 

“The Masseto 2020 Massetino (Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc) is extremely generous and rich. This wine puts it all out there in full view with a bouquet that is stitched together with ripe blackberry and black cherry preserves, black stone or pencil shaving, sweet spice, cigar, smoke and tar. This was a warm and sunny vintage, and you feel the power of those sunbeams locked within the dark, opulent and concentrated fruit on display here. This is a special treat, and the 2020 edition offers a clear identity for Massetino.” – 95/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

Winery Tasting Notes: The bold, purple colour of Massetino 2020 immediately strikes the eye, ready to reveal its strong identity. The hints of ripe cherry and undergrowth perceived on the nose are consistent upon tasting, with beautiful crispness and freshness of the fruit. As an ideal combination of power and final flavour, Massetino 2020 perfectly embodies the typical traits of the vintage.

 

 

 

 

2016 Château d'Yquem, Premier Cru Superieur Classé, Sauternes, Bordeaux 

HK$9,000 per case of 6 half-bottles x 0.375L

HK$18,000 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 “A very classic Yquem. Breathtakingly wide spectrum of floral honey, exotic fruit (passion fruit, mango and pineapple), caramel and marzipan aromas. But none of this is a jot too much. In fact, the wine is extremely precise and finely nuanced. Wonderful freshness and textural complexity, in spite of the considerable concentration and extravagance. Very suave and sensual finish that goes on and on.” – 99/100 points, James Suckling

“The pale lemon-gold colored 2016 d'Yquem leaps from the glass with honeyed apricots, pineapple, green mango, crushed rocks, candied ginger, coriander seed and citrus peel with hints of orange blossom. The palate is very tightly wound, vibrant and refreshing with layer upon layer of minerals and spices, finishing with epic poise and persistence.” – 98+/100 points, Wine Advocate

“Despite a rich botrytis character, this balances impact with delicacy. Clear citrus on the nose with a hint of flint and smoke, allowing the soft white flowers and lime blossom to steal up on you slowly. There are caramel notes through the mid-palate and great persistency, as ever. Extremely elegant. This was the driest summer since 1898, and the harvest at Yquem lasted a full two months, from 4th September (for the dry white Y d'Yquem) through to 4th November for the final selection of botrytis berries. The final yield is 20hl/ha.” – 97/100 points, Decanter

 

 

 

2019 Solaia, Toscana IGT, Italy

HK$6,900 per case of 3 bottles x 0.75L

 

 

“This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc.” – 98/100 points, James Suckling 

 

“Wonderful raspberry and black cherry fragrance on the nose, ripe and sweet and expressive, aromas bursting from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this is giving a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and vibrant. A very serious wine, this is brooding and confident. It's showcasing lots of elements right now - ample, generous, hefty and stylish with flecks of red flowers, white pepper spice, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate. A dark horse at the moment waiting for its moment to fully shine.” – 97/100 points, Decanter

 

“2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading wine estate. The blend sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and a slightly lower percentage of Sangiovese. The current mix is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc (which has been creeping up in recent years, especially as the climate changes). The soils at the Solaia vineyard are rich in Galestro rock, which is an especially happy pairing with Cabernet Franc in particular.” – 97/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

“The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and exquisitely layered, the 2019 is so expressive right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate and grilled herbs all take shape. Here, too, the aromatics are alluring. Cabernet Franc is bumped up a bit in the blend, and that works so well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and buttoned up. Readers will have to be patient. The 2019 Solaia is the sort of wine I would like to spend a whole evening with. Aging was 18 months in 100% new French oak.” – 97/100 points, Vinous, Antonio Galloni

 

 

2019 Clos Apalta, Apalta DO, Chile

HK$ 4,170 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“A generous array of ripe black and blue fruit with pink peppercorns, green olives, dried flowers, toffee and chocolate orange. It’s full-bodied with firm, creamy and velvety tannins. Long and polished. Lovely salted caramel and olives at the end. Keeps going. Unfolds on the finish. 70% Carmenere, 18% Merlot, 8% Cabernet sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot.” – 99/100 points, James Suckling

 

From Winery: One of the oldest vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère in Chile, if not in the world, is the origin of this story. Tucked away in the Colchagua Valley, near the town of Santa Cruz, the Apalta Valley was the place selected by a visionary in the 1910s who planted. Recognized as “Wine of the Year” when its 2005 vintage was chosen TOP # 1 by the Wine Spectator magazine, Clos Apalta is the only South American wine that has received this award. In addition, the 2000 and 2001 vintages were also rated as TOP 3 and TOP 2 respectively in the same magazine. With the exceptional 2017 vintage, Clos Apalta was awarded for the third time 100 points by famed American journalist and wine critic James Suckling, consolidating its position in the «Legends of Chile».

 

Winery Tasting Notes: Intense dark purple red with violet blue edges. Expressive nose of ripe fruit plums and dry figs, opening towards subtle spices and elegant aromas of clover and sweet spices. Concentrated in the beginning opening towards a lively mid palate, with a well-constructed tannic frame and a very long lasting palate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos, Apalta DO, Chile

HK$ 1,380 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“Aromatic and herbal nose of thyme, bay leaves, currants, blackberries, licorice and pomelo pith. Medium-bodied with a fleshy, delicious and open palate. Ripe tannins. Plush and caressing finish. 49% Carmenere, 30% Merlot, 18% Cabernet sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot.” – 95/100 points, James Suckling

 

From Winery: Le Petit Clos is the second wine of Clos Apalta, created with the vintage 2014. Le Petit Clos originates from the same vineyard as Clos Apalta, and benefits from the exact same care both in the vineyard and in the cellar.

 

Winery Tasting Notes: Intense dark red garnet with purple violet edges. Expressive notes of well ripe fruit opening towards well integrated oak. The palate opens toward a concentrated structure, with well-defined tannins and good density. Long in the finish.

 

 

 

 

2020 Seña, Aconcagua Valley, Chile

HK$ 4,920 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“Complex, with savory, spicy character, showing tobacco, salted plums, olives, black cherries, cassis and a hint of white pepper on the nose, followed by a refined, savory, balsamic accent. A full-bodied Seña with juicy fruit chiseling into the tight, extremely fine-grained tannins. Long, bright and still elegant from this warm vintage. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 7% Petit Verdot. A wine with lots of harmony now, but better to drink from 2025.”

– 98/100 points, James Suckling

 

“The 2020 Seña was made in another warm, early-ripening year further complicated by the restrictions that came with the COVID pandemic, which hindered decision-making in the vineyard. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 7% Petit Verdot, it was aged for 22 months, 90% in French barrels and the rest in foudres. A purplish garnet red, the intense, ripe nose presents notes of herb, blackcurrant and plum while in the mouth the rich balance gives a gentle boost channeled by firm but restrained tannins. Juicy and relaxed with nuanced flavor, it will improve in the bottle.” – 94/100 points, Vinous

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020 Rocas de Seña, Aconcagua Valley, Chile

HK$ 2,040 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“Focused nose, showing fresh red chili chocolate with cigar, truffle, mint, olive and grilled meat. This is a medium-to full-bodied red with incredibly juicy and bright fruit and fine, caressing tannins that linger in the long, creamy but precise finish. Elegant and extremely drinkable with complexity. on top of 38% Malbec, 25% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Grenache and 8% Petit Verdot. The real deal. Second wine of Seña.” – 96/100 points, James Suckling

 

“A new second wine here, the 2020 Rocas de Seña is named after the rocky soils from Seña is different as it includes Mediterranean grapes in the blend. This is the first vintage produced, and it’s a blend of 38% Malbec, 25% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Grenache and 8% Petit Verdot from selected plots from their property in Aconcagua. The nose is very expressive, and the palate is juicy and textured palate, a little warmer and riper than the Seña, with that Mediterranean twist from the Garnacha and Syrah. It has an intense nose, quite primary, with red berries, herbs and even a citrus touch, but there is no sweetness at all. The fine tannins have grip, and the finish is dry and serious. The élevage was similar to the Seña, but in the future, they might go for a slightly shorter élevage and use some foudres. The wine has a very nice bright color and is still young and lively, very much in the serious and elegant style of the Seña, despite the warm inaugural vintage.” – 93/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

“The 2020 Rocas de Seña is the first vintage to be released on the market. A blend of 38% Malbec, 25% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Grenache and 8% Petit Verdot, it spent 22 months in French barrels, two thirds of them new. Purple in hue. The aromatic profile features country herbs, cherry and wax notes followed by hints of blackcurrant and blackberry against a cedar backdrop. Juicy on the palate with refined, reactive tannins, it has a core of vibrant freshness that invigorates the mouthfeel and lends energy to the long finish.” – 93/100 points, Vinous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020 Almaviva, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile

HK$ 6,492 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

 

“Fresh and deep nose, full of blueberries, minty cassis, mussels, cigars, dark spice and roasted sesame oak, which will need a year or two to fully integrate. A medium-to full-bodied Almaviva with supple, silky tannins and a wealth of black and blue fruit that provides a lot of charm now. Voluptuous and flattering on the palate, hallmarked by its tension and taut texture. Very long. This is the 25th anniversary bottling. 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carmenere, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot” - 99/100 points, James Suckling

 

“2020 Almaviva with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carmenere (from Peumo), 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, so with no Merlot this time. The process was as careful as possible, without using any bombs, doing manual and optical sorting of the grapes, pressing in small vertical presses and aging of 20 months in French oak barrels, 73% of them new and the rest second use. It still shows the effect of the élevage a bit, with abundant notes of sweet spices, a creamy touch and some smoke. I tasted it next to the 2019, and the wines have a very similar aromatic palette with a clear note of baked peppers. What was amazing in 2020 was that they harvested the Carmenere almost five weeks earlier than they normally would, and the result is not a green wine at all. As in all dry years, the wines show a little more tannic, a little in the style of the 2017—but the 2020 has more tension than the 2017, and the 2017 was more powerful and with a bigger tannic structure.” – 96/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

 

 

 

 

2020 Almaviva Epu, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile

HK$ 1,890 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“The current release of their second wine is the 2020 Epu. It's selected from the same terroir and vineyard in Puente Alto, one of the most reputed places for Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile, but from the younger vines (five- to 20-year-old vines) and harvested a little earlier to preserve acidity and fruit. In the warm and dry 2020 vintage, the wine was produced with a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Carmenere, 5% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, usually higher in Cabernet and lower in Carmenere than Almaviva. It has red ripe berries, the textbook blackberries and cassis and some creamy oak. It has mellow acidity, good freshness and balance, with a pH of 3.71 and 4.8 grams of acidity (tartaric). It matured for 12 months in French barriques, 10% new and 90% second use. The wine has a bright nose with a clean note of baked "morrón" peppers intermixed with red berry compote. It has a velvety plate with the luxurious texture of the modern Bordeaux, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins. It's approachable and round but should reward some time in bottle. This is a pretty serious Epu.” - 94/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

“Lots of finely roasted sweet spice and roasted sesame to the blackberries, cassis and iron, together with hints of blue fruit and cured meat. A medium-to full-bodied palate, filled with rather generous sweet berries. Fleshy, supple and savory with quite fine-grained tannins and a long finish. First year with 10% new wood. 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Carmenere, 5% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Already delicious, but can hold, too.” – 94/100 points, James Suckling

 

 

 

 

2020 Viñedo Chadwick, Maipo Valley, Chile

HK$8,250 per case of 3 bottles x 0.75L

 

“Deep nose, but also precise and nuanced, with high-grade cigar box, fresh red berries, currants, charcoal, grilled meat and olives. Fine cocoa bean and mint, too. Ultra-fine and polished with a very precise, rather linear palate for cabernet. Precise, restrained, classy and long with a hint of creme de cassis in the end. 100% cabernet sauvignon.” – 98/100 points, James Suckling

 

“The 2020 Viñedo Chadwick fermented in stainless steel and concrete or troncoconic vats, and this year more of the wine matured in Stockinger foudre—more than 25% of the volume—for 22 months. They did a softer extraction to compensate for the warmer year, and the moderate alcohol helped to keep the oak extraction to a minimum; as a result, the wine comes through as very harmonious and elegant. It has good ripeness and an absence of herbal and minty aromas; the wine from older vines behaves better—the grapes ripen and the alcohol (with good management of the irrigation) with moderate yields produce this unique Cabernet. The palate is round and velvety, keeping very good freshness and a texture and mouthfeel that does not reflect a warmer year at all. This is delicate and juicy with very good intensity of fruit and no room for sweetness or over-ripeness. A triumph over the natural conditions of the year.” – 97/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

 

 

 

2020 L'Aventure, Estate Cuvée, Paso Robles, USA

HK$ 5,100 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“Dark chocolate, a bit animalistic, so brooding and dark. Sumptuous texture, rich and deep yet vibrant too, this is plush and opulent but there is refinement here, you can feel the sculpting of the fruit and the tannins, there is nuance and detail to the different aspects. It's still quite massy and bold, it's a big style, lots going on with plenty of power and punch but a deliciously bright and lifted understone with acidity to keep it from being too heavy. Strawberry touches, blackberries, cinnamon, pepper, toast, tobacco and cocoa, all melding together with a lingering piquancy that lasts and lasts. A classic and memorable wine.” – 97/100 points, Decanter

 

“Lastly, the 2020 Estate Cuvee is based on 45% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot, all of which is resting in around 85% new French oak. It has a deep purple hue as well as rock star notes of blackberries, ground pepper, chocolate, and chalky minerality. I love its texture, purity, and balance, and this is certainly another beautiful, classic wine from this talented team.” – 96-98+/100 points, Jeb Dunnuck

 

 

 

2020 L'Aventure, Côte à Côte, Paso Robles, USA

HK$ 4,680 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“The 2020 Cote a Cote checks in as 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 22% Mourvèdre, with the balance Graciano and Viognier, that was brought up in equal parts barrel, concrete, and amphora. It’s a full-bodied, ripe, sexy wine offering fabulous dark fruits as well as subtle violet and orange blossom aromatics. The balance is spot on, it has terrific purity, and it’s another brilliant wine in the making.” – 95-97/100 points, Jeb Dunnuck

 

“Floral and lifted on the nose, dark chocolate, violets and rose petals with sweet strawberries and pomegranates. This has a sticky side, balsamic touches but with herbal edges too. Thrilling with a lovely texture, you get the grip and pull from the fine but tense tannins, this has a purity an energy to it with excellent acidity. I like the direction and the push from start to finish. You get the California heat and the stewed strawberry fruit but there is also an elegance and energy to this where it doesn't feel overworked and still has freshness and a juicy appeal.” – 94/100 points, Decanter

 

 

 

2020 L'Aventure, Optimus, Paso Robles, USA

HK$ 2,700 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“Tobacco, tar, dark chocolate, floral touches, bitter blood orange, scrubland herbs - so much going on the nose, really aromatic and expressive in a dark, sticky way. Gorgeously lifted and lively, full of bright and crunchy red fruits that you're just not expecting after the nose, this is direct but it has a pristine quality to it. Tannins are fine and the whole taste is just so clean. Juicy, mouthwatering and joyful, really bright and playful, I love the whole lifted tone, almost verging on tangy and sour but just keeps the depth. You get a bit of saltiness too on the finish. I like this a lot, especially the touch of metallic, iron-filing, blood on the finish. Characterful. The first vintage to use an optical sorted at harvest.” – 93/100 points, Decanter 

 

“The entry level Optimus is always a sure bet, and the 2020 has lots to love, offering plenty of up-front dark fruit, pepper, and graphite notes in a full-bodied, deep, textured style.” - 92-94/100 points, Jeb Dunnuck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, USA

HK$ 10,560 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

“A very aromatic Insignia with pencil-shaving and graphite highlights to the dark fruit and blackberries. Full-bodied, yet tensioned and vertical, with very fine tannins that run deep and layered in the wine. Needs time to come together, but fantastic tension and structure.” – 98/100 points, James Suckling 

“Smells ripe and heady on the nose, expressive and seductive. This is rich and bold, it's edging on too much, with lots of wood on show in the slightly heavy texture, liquorice and coffee flavour and fullness in the mouth but there are such alluring and captivating aspects to this wine with striking details of rose, tobacco, blackberry, red berries and dark chocolate shavings on show. I like the fragranced aspects and the energetic acidity that gives lift and a sense of brightness but this is a strong, powerful and muscular wine that will need at least a decade to come around. Given enough time it will be beautiful.” – 97/100 points, Decanter

“The 2019 Insignia is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. The vineyard sources this year include: 32% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 23% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 14% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 3% Barboza (Stags Leap District) and 2% El Venadito (Oak Knoll District). The wine is aging for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little swirling to unlock a gorgeous perfume of black cherry compote, stewed plums and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of bay leaves, red roses, underbrush and pencil lead plus a hint of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit preserves layers with finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and layered.” – 96-98/100 points, Wine Advocate

 

 

 

2019 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA

HK$ 3,150 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 

“Always powerfully built, this vintage spent 18 months ageing in a mix of 48% new French and American oak. All the classic underpinnings are there, from blackberry and graphite, to scented wild herbs, crème de cassis and cedar, accompanied by gobs of palate-coating, sculpted tannins. Finishes with espresso, cured meat and violets.” – 94/100 points, Decanter 

“Blackberry and light dried fruit with oyster-shell undertones. It’s full-bodied with round, lightly chewy tannins that nicely accentuate the fruit character. Walnuts and wet earth.” – 94/100 points, James Suckling 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Peter Michael Les Pavots, USA

HK$ 9,810 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025. -  99/100 points, James Suckling

 

2019 Peter Michael Au Paradis, USA

HK$ 9,810 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

Aromas of spice, ink, blackberries and currants. Very aromatic! Full-bodied, yet so tight and fresh with firm, velvety tannins. The beautiful center-palate of fruit is so enticing and the finish goes on for minutes. Coolness at the end with blue fruit. Stunning really. Give it time, if you can keep your hands off it. 76% cabernet sauvignon, 16% cabernet franc, and 8% merlot. Best after 2025.  -  99/100 points, James Suckling

 

 

 

 

2019 Inglenook, Rubicon, Napa Valley, USA

HK$ 7,860 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

“Aromas of ripe berries, sweet vanilla, licorice, dark chocolate and bread crust. Notes of dried herbs and pinewood, too. So well grounded. Smooth, with a lingering, silky mouth-feel. Full body and ripe, chewy tannins. Toned and muscular with hints of crushed rocks. Firm, linear finish.” – 97/100 points, James Suckling

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose pops with vivacious notes of warm cassis, blackberry pie and redcurrant jelly, plus hints of crushed rocks, bay leaves and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a solid, firm and grainy texture with a lively backbone cutting through dense earth-laced layers, finishing long and minerally. Impressive!”

– 96+/100 points, Wine Advocate

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon offers a captivating mix of textural intensity and vibrancy. Black cherry, spice, rose petal, menthol and licorice are all beautifully delineated. A wine of vertical lift and drive, the 2019 has the vibrancy to develop beautifully for years to come.” – 95/100 points, Vinous, Antonio Galloni

 

 

 

 

2019 Inglenook, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA

HK$ 3,360 per case of 6 bottles x 0.75L

 “This shows notes of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants with hints of licorice, cloves, walnuts and chocolate. It has full body and a velvety tannin structure. Juicy and vibrant fruit on the palate with a touch of earthiness. Smooth and delicious. Long, fruity finish. Very pure fruit.” – 95/100 points, James Suckling

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most potent wines I have tasted from Inglenook in a long time. Readers should be patient, as the 2019 is a mere infant. A rush of black cherry, mocha, licorice, spice and leather builds as this sumptuous, towering wine gradually opens with a bit of aeration. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in bottle, as the grippy tannins need time to soften.” – 94/100 points, Vinous, Antonio Galloni

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with compelling scents of blackcurrant pastilles, black raspberries and kirsch with suggestions of pencil shavings, wild sage and crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played with a lively backbone and the slightest grip of tannins, finishing long and savory.” – 92-94+ /100 points, Wine Advocate

 

Contact our private sales team or through [email protected] if you want to know more about these releases.