Boxing Day Sale

Press Reviews

Wine Align

92 points - David Lawrason

This is a very tasty, rich, golden hued, well aged chardonnay-based sparkler with an involved nose of cashew, baked apple, nougat and honey. It is almost creamy in texture with fine mousse and very good acidity providing counterpoint. There is pleasant nutty bitterness on the finish; length is excellent.

91 points - Michael Godel

Varietal chardonnay that sees a year of lees aging with a dosage to reach the desired Brut. A richness and also dried herbal notes plus fennel that is offset by a creamy sweetness melting and melded through the pictorial texture of a wine so sharp and yet so soft. One imagines the Baud family being led by such humans and when a wine acts as an expression of they, well isn’t that the point in a wine like this? Drink 2022-2024. Tasted July 2022.

Baud’s Crémant is made in true Blanc de Blancs style, from 100 per cent chardonnay and though faintly if beautifully oxidative, the cuvée pulses with great energy. The scents of fraying ginger batons, scraped orange skin and baking almond cookies are all a treat for the olfactory. Just enough but not too much sweetness fleshes the the body to get down to density in mouthfeel but never abandons its airy character. A terrific Champagne alternative that was disgorged in October of 2017. Drink 2018-2022. Tasted April 2018.

Treve Ring

91 points

This family estate dates back to 1742, but it wasn't until 1950 when René Baud, 7th generation, rebuilt the vineyards, expanding from 4 hectares into 20 hectares over the years. Today the estate is managed by siblings Clémentine and Bastien, 9th generation. This sustainably farmed chardonnay is rooted in the Jura's marl and limestone soils and was fermented in stainless before a year on lees before disgorgement and release. Green apple, white florals, oyster shells, meadow herbs, meringue run the bright, sleek palate, with a bed of creamy lees. There's a lovely streaming anise note that leads to a lengthy finish. Drinking beautifully now, but will hold over the next couple years easy.

Press Reviews

Wine Align

91 points - David Lawrason

Saint Bris is a rare sauvignon blanc appellation in northern Burgundy, pres de Chablis, which is not all that far as the crow flies from Sancerre. And I definitely get that tight, firm if less mineral character here. Expect generous aromas and flavours of juniper, grapefruit, pine needle and gooseberry/guava. It is medium weight, firm and dry, with some bitterness. The length is excellent. Always fun to present it this blind to sauvignon blanc fans. Tasted January 2024

Value Rating:  5 Stars

90 points - John Szabo, MS

This is an uncommonly ripe and fruity sauvignon blanc from Saint Bris in Burgundy, round and creamy, quite full bodied despite just 12.5% alcohol declared, with ripe orchard and pineapple fruit leading. Acids are creamy yet still fresh, and length and depth are very good. And while I'd love a little more complexity at the price, or at least would have expected, the current international yardstick of inexorably increasing prices secures this wine a spot in a favourable quality/cost zone. At peak now I'd say to capture the fruit. Tasted January 2024.

90 points - Megha Jandhyala

Saint Bris is an appellation in Bourgogne that, unusually, is centred around sauvignon blanc. This is a lovely example, showing poise and grace but also inviting and expressive flavours of peaches, apricots, grapefruit, and a hint of passion fruit. The palate is medium bodied and fleshy, with juicy acids. The length is very good, with a refreshing citrusy finish. I would drink this over the next year or two. Tasted January 2024.

Press Reviews

Wine Align

90 points (2016) - David Lawrason

The 2016 vintage has put some punch into this inexpensive merlot-based Bordeaux. There is a sense of volume and energy. The nose is quite lifted with blackberry/raspberry fruit, notable herbal presence, some meatiness and spice. It is medium-full bodied, with warm alcohol, juicy acidity and some slightly green tannin. The length is excellent. Best 2025 to 2030

89 points (2016) - Michael Godel

Blends merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc for a Right bank bruiser, especially at the cost. The wood is still very much in charge and if the 2014 showing at this stage is any indication then 2016 will need even more time to unwind. In this stage the merlot is in full command, verdant, savoury, herbal and with toasty oak flavours yet settled. Wait on this one. Drink 2022-2026. Tasted November 2021.

Press Reviews

Wine Align

92 points - John Szabo, MS

Old vines, rolle, roussanne and grenache blanc, this is subtle and remarkably fresh white wine from the Languedoc, especially considering the hot and complicated 2023 vintage, here registered at just 12% alcohol, but it's not one of those simply early-picked, hot climate whites without flavour. The magic of balanced, old vines, resilient and capable of even quality year after tear. There's pretty extreme sapidity on offer here, a real saline blast of limestone and blinding light, and terrifically lingering finish. One of Brouca's best whites yet, drinking now but no rush - would be interesting to follow this over the next half dozen years. Tasted December 2024.

91 points - Michael Godel

Normandy-born Frédéric Brouca is one of southern France’s experimentally sound winemakers, a master of wine-styling disguise and blender of reds, whites, Rosé and also those suspected of being Rosé. Here he takes on the IGP of Hérault with a three-part blend of grenache blanc, roussanne and vermentino that speaks to the earth beneath the winemaker’s feet. Do not come here looking and surely not demanding fruit. Yes the grapes are the source, are shown the ropes and work to address our wishes but fruitiness is not the matter at hand. Elements of the earth, especially silt and salt to the “soult.” That being the core and soul of what matters in making and delivering honest wine. That this is and in a most unintentionally intentional way. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted December 2024.

91 points - Sara d'Amato

Schist-grown rolle meets roussane and grenache blanc in this cheery blend from the Faugères region of the Languedoc where French sommelier and self-taught winemaker Fréderic Brouca and his Canadian wife Elaine have set down some roots. Brimming with notes of yellow apple, lemon curd, chamomile, wildflower, lemon drop, sea salt, and mineral, this elegant and effortlessly drinkable white is notably complex and authentic. Cleanly made in a low-interventionish fashion using wild yeast and no filtration. Enjoy now in its youtful and expressive condition or hold another 2-3 years in bottle. Certified organic and vegan-friendly. Tasted December 2024.