MEDITERRANEAN EDITION 2018
CONTENTS This year VSF celebrates 25 years selling fine wine to the yachting world and successfully growing the business year on year. From a stockholding of 35,000 bottles, the lion s share purchased from the finest producers around the world, VSF boasts perfect provenance, quick delivery and customer fidelity. When our founder started selling Aussie chardonnay to crew in 1993, it would have been hard to foresee how the company would grow as a leading supplier to the industry. This anniversary is the perfect opportunity for us to thank ALL of our customers for your trust and loyalty. We are looking forward to the next 25 years! LOCATIONS FRENCH RIVIERA +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com Languages English, French, Italian, Spanish, Czech VIAREGGIO +39 320 602 8236 viareggio@vsfgroup.com Languages English, Italian, French PALMA Office - +34 971 870 640 Mobile - +34 630 355 974 palma@vsfgroup.com Languages English, Spanish CROATIA croatia@vsfgroup.com LONDON infouk@vsfgroup.com The VSF Team CHAMPAGNE 5 SPARKLING 9 OLD WORLD ROSE 10 FRANCE 13 FRANCE WHITE Alsace 14 Loire 15 Burgundy 16 Bordeaux 21 Rhône 21 Southern France 22 FRANCE RED Burgundy 23 Beaujolais 27 Loire 27 BORDEAUX 28 LEFT BANK Médoc 30 St Estèphe 31 Pauillac 32 St Julien 34 Margaux 36 Graves & Pessac-Léognan 38 RIGHT BANK Pomerol 39 St Emilion 41 Rhône 44 Southern France 46 GERMANY & AUSTRIA 47 ITALY 48 ITALY WHITE 50 ITALY RED 52 North West & Piedmont 53 North East 54 Central & Tuscany 55 South & Islands 59 GREECE 59 SPAIN 61 NEW WORLD USA 62 ARGENTINA & CHILE 67 AUSTRALIA 68 NEW ZEALAND 70 SOUTH AFRICA 71 SWEET & FORTIFIED 72 SPIRITS & OTHER BEVERAGES 74 Services 76 Wine Courses 76 Delivery, Terms & Conditions 78 Tax Free Deliveries 79
CHAMPAGNE One of the most northern wine producing regions in the world, Champagne is located 90 miles northeast of Paris with 34,000 hectares of vines. Surrounding the Champagne hubs of Epernay and Reims, the region produces around a million bottles of Champagne a day. A technique said to have been invented by Dom Pérignon in 1688, Champagne is made using the traditional method whereby a second fermentation is induced in the bottle, producing CO2 which becomes trapped, resulting in a sparkling wine. Champagne style wines are now replicated all over the world. These premium wines are usually made from a blend of grapes: Chardonnay to add fruit and elegance; the red grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, for body and backbone. Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV 93pts A lovely rosé in an almost vinous style, with mouthwatering acidity and a fine, lacy mousse carrying appealing flavors of ripe raspberry, white cherry fruit, star anise, mandarin orange peel and honeysuckle. Lightly chalky on the lasting finish. CHAMPAGNE BILLECART-SALMON Still family run, the small house of Billecart-Salmon offers a range of black-grape dominated Champagnes with bright, complex fruit flavours resulting from a long, slow, cool fermentation process. Particularly well known for its elegant Rosé, Billecart-Salmon is a Champagne house for wine lovers: many who discover it drink few other Champagnes thereafter. Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve NV 31.00 Billecart-Salmon Brut Vintage 2007 50.00 Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV 51.00 BOLLINGER Bollinger has been making classic, Pinot-dominated Champagnes with great ageing potential and complexity since 1829. The house style is deliberately oxidative with much of the wine (all of the vintage and reserve wines, and a high proportion of Special Cuvée) being fermented in old oak barrels, resulting in rich toast, apple and spice flavours. A proportion of the reserve wines are aged in magnums under cork keeping the aromas and flavours fresh and helping to make Special Cuvée one of the most complex Non-Vintage Champagnes around. Bollinger Special Cuvée NV 38.00 Bollinger La Grande Année 2007 89.00 Bollinger Rosé NV 52.00 Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2005 125.00 Bollinger Special Cuvée NV 93pts Lovely aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry and currant fruit, graphite, toast and candied Meyer lemon zest are set in this racy Champagne, with a refined, finely detailed mousse. The mouthwatering finish is long and spicy. DELAMOTTE Delamotte Blanc de Blancs NV 37.00 The ideal aperitif, or delicious served with oysters, grilled fish or fresh radishes served with salt. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 5
CHAMPAGNE Dom Pérignon 2009 96pts There s a subtle power to this graceful Champagne, which boasts a firm, crystalline frame of acidity married to the fine, satinlike mousse and notes of white raspberry, brioche and Earl Grey tea. Seamless through to the long finish of smoke and spice accents, this opens beautifully in the glass. DOM PERIGNON Dom Pérignon, owned by Moët & Chandon, is an exclusively vintage prestige cuvée Champagne. It is made from roughly equal quantities (varying slightly according to the vintage) of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, grown only in the best vineyard sites in Champagne. During production, the wine sees no oak and is protected from oxidation as much as possible making it one of Champagne s most reductive, minerally styles with an overarching elegance, harmony and completeness. It is one of the most classic, famous, and eye-catching of all wines and consistently tastes as good as its reputation suggests it will. Dom Pérignon 2006 149.00 Dom Pérignon 2009 135.00 Dom Pérignon Magnum 2005/9 359.00 Dom Pérignon Jeroboam 2005 1,740.00 Dom Pérignon P2 1998 369.00 Dom Pérignon P2 2000 349.00 Dom Pérignon Rosé 2005 315.00 Dom Pérignon Rosé Magnum 2004 859.00 HENRI GIRAUD Henri Giraud Hommage NV 34.00 Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV 91pts A finely knit version that glides across the palate, this elegant blanc de blancs offers vibrant acidity layered with ripe Dijon pear, toast, pastry cream and candied lemon zest. CHARLES HEIDSIECK Charles Heidsieck founded his eponymous Champagne house in 1851 at the age of 29. He is credited with popularising Champagne in the United States where he became hugely popular and earned the nickname Champagne Charlie. The consistent high quality of the wines means their range is one of the most frequently awarded in Champagne. Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV 29.00 Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve NV 39.00 HENRIOT Founded in 1808, Henriot is one of the few remaining independent Champagne houses having been owned and managed by the same family for more than eight generations. The Chardonnay-dominant wines are fresh and elegant with a rich, toasty character from extended ageing on the lees (twice the legal requirement) and are exceptional value for money. Henriot Brut Souverain NV 28.00 Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV 39.00 Henriot Brut Millésimé 2005/6 49.00 Krug Vintage 2002 96pts Beautifully aromatic, this leads with aromas of ground clove, coffee liqueur and mandarin orange peel, adding crystallized honey, dried cherry, acacia blossom and toasted brioche notes on the expansive palate. Rich in flavor and broad in structure, with verve driving this through to the long, satiny finish. KRUG Krug is the only Champagne house to have created a prestige cuvée every year since it was founded in 1843. The house s flagship wine, Grande Cuvée, typically contains 35-50% reserve wines chosen from an extensive library of 150 different wines across more than 10 vintages. With fermentation in neutral oak barrels and ageing on the lees well beyond the legal minimum, the wines have incredible depth, richness and complexity and a unique personality all of their own. Krug Grande Cuvée NV 155.00 Krug Vintage 2002 369.00 Krug Clos de Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2002 1,249.00 Krug Clos d Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs 2000 2,380.00 Krug Rosé NV 249.00 6
CHAMPAGNE LAURENT-PERRIER Chardonnay forms the core of most of Laurent-Perrier s cuvées giving the wines a fresh, elegant style. The exception to this is their Cuvée Rosé, for which the house is best known. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, it is unusual in that it is made by the tricky saignée method. This is the technique by which the pink colour is obtained through maceration of the skins rather than the addition of red wine (the way most rosé Champagnes are made) and gives Laurent-Perrier Rosé its remarkable flavour. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV 93pts Laurent-Perrier Brut NV 29.00 Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV 118.00 Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé NV 59.00 An elegant Champagne, with good intensity. Hints of pastry cream and brioche accent the glazed apricot, candied ginger and lemon pâte de fruit flavors on the palate. Firm acidity creates a mouthwatering impression on racy, spiceand smoke-laced finish. Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV 91pts This is lacy in texture, featuring a firm frame of acidity and a smoke-tinged underpinning. Offers flavors of poached quince, toast and pickled ginger, with a crisp, citrusy finish. MOET & CHANDON Creating a true slice of Champagne, Moët & Chandon brings the characteristics of all three varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, into their blends. The wines are vinified non-oxidatively in stainless steel and undergo malolactic fermentation, giving them a soft, light, approachable style with a universal appeal that has made Moët & Chandon the world s most popular Champagne. Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial NV 35.00 Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial 20cl NV 12.50 Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial (demi-sec) NV 38.00 Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial (demi-sec) NV 46.00 Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2008/9 49.00 Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial NV 42.00 Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial 20cl NV 15.00 Moët & Chandon Ice Rosé Impérial (demi-sec) NV 51.00 PERRIER-JOUET Perrier-Jouët is a prestigious Epernay-based producer, famous for its cuvée Belle Epoque, instantly recognisable by its distinctive anemone-adorned bottle. Chardonnay from the Grand Cru vineyards of Cramant and Avize have the biggest influence on the house style which is one of lightness, elegance and finesse, featuring floral aromas and a delicate creaminess. Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV 34.00 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2007 149.00 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2008 136.00 Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé NV 48.00 LOUIS ROEDERER Most famous for their prestige cuvée Cristal which was first created in 1876 for the Tsar of Russia, Alexander II, the house of Louis Roederer is known for the sheer quality and style of their wines across the range. Roederer is the largest owner of organically-farmed (and increasingly, biodynamicallyfarmed) vineyards in Champagne. The wines are distinguished by their superb balance, finesse and elegance and their fine, creamy mousse. Louis Roederer Cristal 2009 96pts Vinous Rich, creamy and radiant, the 2009 Cristal captures all of the natural generosity of the vintage while also retaining a good bit of freshness and aromatic intensity. Immediate and totally sensual in its allure, the 2009 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV 35.00 Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck Brut Nature 2009 54.00 Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs 2010 59.00 Louis Roederer Cristal 2006 199.00 Louis Roederer Cristal 2007 174.00 Louis Roederer Cristal 2009 159.00 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé 2011 56.00 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2007 449.00 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2009 425.00 Perfect with lobster, beluga caviar, seared salmon or poached sea trout. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 7
CHAMPAGNE Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2006 97+pts Vinous The 2006 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut is simply fabulous. In most vintages, Dom Ruinart is a big, ample Champagne that shows the structure of the Montagne de Reims Chardonnay in the blend. The 2006 has plenty of textural resonance and richness, and yet I am also struck by its tension. RUINART Ruinart is Champagne s oldest house, with a history dating back to 1729. The Chardonnay grape is at the heart of all Ruinart s wines giving them freshness and bright fruit aromas. The wines, vinified non-oxidatively in stainless steel, have a minerally character in youth, developing toasty, smoky characteristics with bottle age. R de Ruinart Brut NV 41.00 Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV 56.00 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2006 139.00 Ruinart Rosé NV 56.00 Dom Ruinart Rosé 2002/4 195.00 SALON Salon is a tiny house producing what connoisseurs consider to be the quintessential Blanc de Blancs. In minuscule amounts (30,000 bottles a year, if at all) from over 35-year-old vines in Le Mesnil-sur- Oger (one of the greatest crus of the Côte de Blancs), Salon releases on average only about 3 times a decade. Salon S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2002 649.00 Salon S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2006 450.00 Try with panfried foie gras and truffle jus. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006 97+pts Vinous TAITTINGER In a beautiful twist on the norm, the Taittinger family bought back the Champagne House that bears their name from the demerger of a giant multinational in 2006, and the wines - always good - have been on fine form ever since. The house style is one of elegance and clarity of fruit with a creamy texture. The 2006 has been nothing short of magnificent both times I have tasted it. Comtes de Champagne remains the single best value (in relative terms) in tête de cuvée Champagne. Taittinger Brut Réserve NV 35.00 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006/7 115.00 Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV 46.00 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2006 135.00 VEUVE CLICQUOT Often considered the Champagne of the yachting fraternity, with its distinctive yellow-orange livery, the ultra-consistent style of its Pinot-dominated wines is what has made Veuve Clicquot one of the world s most popular classic, dry Champagnes. Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2006 94pts Veuve Clicquot Brut NV 37.00 Veuve Clicquot Brut 375ml NV 22.50 Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2008 53.00 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2006 122.00 Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé NV 45.00 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rosé 2006 230.00 A waft of spring blossom draws you into this elegant Champagne, whose subtle notes of poached quince, toasted brioche and mandarin orange gracefully ride the satiny mousse, supported by a vibrant backbone of acidity. 8
SPARKLING Sparkling wine is arguably the most technical style of wine in the world. Not only do these wines have to undergo a first fermentation in order to make alcohol, but also a second fermentation to produce the carbon dioxide giving the wine its fizz. This is done either in the same way as Champagne, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, or by using the tank method where it takes place inside a sealed tank. Produced all around the world, sparkling wine comes in a huge range of styles, from bone dry to perfumed and floral. ENGLAND Nyetimber Classic Cuvée 2009 33.00 Nyetimber Rosé NV 42.00 FRANCE Loire Langlois Crémant de Loire Brut NV 15.00 Langlois Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé NV 15.00 Nyetimber Rosé A beautiful sunset pink colour, with aromas of fresh red fruits and spice, followed by the quintessentially English flavours of redcurrant, raspberry and cherry that lead to an elegant, silky finish. ITALY Franciacorta Ca del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige NV 28.00 Delicious with tuna tataki or gravalax or simply on its own as an aperitif. Prosecco Andreola Vigneto Dirupo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry NV 17.00 Bisol Crede Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut NV 18.00 Bisol Relio Rive di Guia Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut 2017 23.00 Andreola Vigneto Dirupo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry NV 92pts Wine Enthusiast Fresh and balanced, this bright savory sparkler delivers mouthfuls of green apple, white peach and lemon peel. Crisp acidity keeps it refreshing while a soft mousse gives it plenty of finesse. It has a dry juicy finish. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 9
ROSE Rosé is produced in a variety of styles around the world, although perhaps the best known are those from Provence. Not only is this France s oldest wine region, having been making wine for over 2,600 years, but it is also the only one to focus on rosé. It even has a research institute dedicated to the style. Dry, crisp and refreshing, these wines are a blend of regional varieties such as Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. FRANCE Loire Domaine Fournier Les Belles Vignes Sancerre Rosé Sancerre 2015 19.00 Rhône Domaine de Mourchon Loubié Rosé Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret 2017 13.00 Domaine Fournier Les Belles Vignes Sancerre Rosé 2015 90pts Vinous Pale orange. Fresh strawberry and tangerine on the lively, spice-accented nose and in the mouth. Juicy and seamless in texture, showing very good clarity and a suave floral nuance on the back half. Closes long, sappy and extremely floral, leaving an exotic melon note behind. Provence Barbeyrolles Rosé Pétale de Rose Côtes de Provence 2016/17 26.00 Château La Coste Rosé Coteaux d Aix en Provence 2016/17 17.00 Château Hermitage Saint-Martin Cuvée ikon Côtes de Provence 2016/17 20.00 Château de Margüi Perle de Margüi Rosé Coteaux Varois en Provence 2016/17 17.00 La Mascaronne Quat saisons Côtes de Provence 2017 17.00 Château Mira Luna Rosé Coteaux Varois en Provence 2016 19.00 Miraval Rosé Côtes de Provence 2016/17 19.00 Domaine PiqueRoque Rosé IGP Maures 2016/17 6.50 Château Sainte Marguerite Cuvée Symphonie Côtes de Provence La Londe 2017 20.00 A refreshing aperitif or delicious served with fried or stuffed courgette flowers. CHATEAU D ESCLANS Sacha Lichine s exquisite rosés from Château d Esclans are fast becoming regarded as the finest range from Provence, if not in the world; a fitting testament to all the effort that has gone into the property s restoration, and the wines meticulous creation. Miraval Rosé 2016 90pts Vinous Limpid orange-pink. High-pitched aromas of fresh red berries and blood orange, along with hints of honeysuckle and peach. Silky and precise in the mouth, offering nicely concentrated strawberry, tangerine and floral pastille flavors that spread out steadily on the back half. Finishes minerally and long, showing suave, floral-driven persistence. Château d Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé Côtes de Provence 2017 19.00 Château d Esclans Rock Angel Rosé Côtes de Provence 2017 29.00 Château d Esclans Garrus Rosé Côtes de Provence 2016/17 110.00 CHATEAU MINUTY Château Minuty has been run by the Matton-Farnet family since 1936 and was one of only 23 estates in Provence to be awarded Cru Classé status in 1955. The vineyards on the slopes of Gassin and Ramatuelle, overlooking the bay of St Tropez, are farmed sustainably using no herbicides or pesticides, and only organic fertilisers. Minuty M Rosé Côtes de Provence 2016/17 14.00 Minuty Prestige Rosé Côtes de Provence 2016/17 19.00 Château Minuty Rose et Or Côtes de Provence 2016/17 29.00 Château Minuty Rose et Or Magnum Côtes de Provence 2017 64.00 Minuty 281 Rosé Côtes de Provence 2016/17 55.00 10
MIRABEAU EN PROVENCE Following their dream to make wine, husband and wife team Stephen and Jeanny moved to Provence with their young family from London in 2009. Since then they have gone on to make rosés which have captured the attention of wine critics the world over. Mirabeau Pure Rosé 2016 91pts Vinous Elegant, lively, silky and pure, it s a classy and perfectly balanced rosé that s about as good as Provençal rosés can get. Robert Parker Light brilliant pink. Mineral-accented aromas of raspberry and tangerine carry a suave floral topnote. Shows impressive intensity and depth on the palate, offering ripe red berry and cherry flavors and a touch of honeysuckle. Finishes on a chewy note, delivering solid punch, very good tenacity and a lingering floral note. Mirabeau Classic Rosé Côtes de Provence 2016/17 11.00 Mirabeau Pure Rosé Côtes de Provence 2016/17 15.00 DOMAINES OTT A perpetual favourite, Domaines Ott, with its distinctive bottle, is often simply a must-have. It comprises three properties: Château de Selle and Clos Mireille in Provence and Château Romassan in Bandol. Domaines Ott Rosé Bandol / Côtes de Provence 2016/17 23.00 BY.OTT Rosé Côtes de Provence 2016/17 12.00 A Rosato Aldobrandesca Antinori 2016 90pts Vinous ITALY A Rosato Aldobrandesca Antinori Toscana 2016 44.00 Alois Lageder Lagrein Rosé Alto Adige 2017 15.00 Bright dark pink. Lovely, with very delicate aromas and flavors of spicy red berries, quinine, cinnamon and violet. Fresh, juicy and smooth, with a lively long finish and a very clean, slightly tannic mouthfeel. This is a brand new wine from Antinori, that is made with Aleatico, the lovely aromatic red grape that is very much at home on the Tuscan coast. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 11
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FRANCE France produces 7-8 billion bottles of wine every year, second only to Italy in terms of volume. A key part of French culture, with 27 billion hectolitres being drunk in France annually, wine is produced throughout the country in every style. France s long-standing wine heritage gave birth to the appellation system, designed to preserve regional wine styles, which has been emulated all over Europe. France is also the source of many international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Champagne Paris Alsace Chablis Loire Burgundy Beaujolais Bordeaux Rhône Languedoc-Roussillon Provence Corsica 13
FRANCE WHITE ALSACE Protected by the Vosges Mountains, Alsace is one of the driest regions in France and due to its northern latitude has very long hours of sunshine during the growing season. This helps to ripen the grapes and produce some of the world s finest white wines. The wines from Alsace are produced from noble varieties such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer and unlike elsewhere in France, here, the name of the grape must appear on the label. The best vineyard sites have been given Grand Cru status. Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine Domaine Weinbach 2016 92pts ALSACE Gewurztraminer Cuvée Laurence Domaine Weinbach 2016 42.00 One of the best wines to serve with spicy dishes, perfect with Thai and Asian flavours. Pinot Gris Réserve Particulière Domaine Weinbach 2016 28.00 Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine Domaine Weinbach 2016/17 58.00 Broad and creamy flavors of Jonagold apple, orchard blossom, peach skin and ground ginger are set in a lithe and elegant frame, enlivened by a laser beam of acidity and an underpinning of spicy mineral. 14
FRANCE WHITE LOIRE Located between the centre and north of France, the Loire valley stretches 600 miles east to west and accounts for 8% of the country s vineyards including the famous appellations of Sancerre, Pouilly- Fumé, Muscadet and Vouvray. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are situated at the far eastern end of the Loire valley and arguably produce the world s greatest expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. Sancerre also produces high quality reds and rosés from Pinot Noir. The Loire is considered to be France s most diverse wine region given the different climates and soil types such a large region offers, and as such, produces wines in every style. LOIRE Carisannes Sauvignon Blanc H. Brochard 2016 8.00 Muscadet Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie Langlois-Chateau 2016 11.50 Saumur Saumur Vieilles Vignes Langlois-Chateau 2014 24.00 Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Domaine Huet 2016 90pts From the nine-hectare original vineyard of the Huet family, the 2016 Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Sec shows a citrus color followed by an intense, fresh and chalkymineral bouquet with lemon and some blossom aromas. This is a mediumbodied, round, elegant, remarkably lush and delicate Chenin Blanc from calcareous clay soils. Sancerre Clos du Roy Pascal Jolivet 2016 92pts Lovely talc, sweet pea, mâche and chive notes stream through, backed by a bracing, flint-edged finish. This is steely and pure, textbook Sancerre that can handle a little cellaring. Vouvray Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Domaine Huet (sec) 2016 24.00 Vouvray Le Mont Domaine Huet (demi-sec) 2015 38.00 Fantastic food pairing wine - try with Moroccan or Mediterranean flavours or sushi. Menetou-Salon Menetou-Salon Côtes de Morogues Domaine Fournier 2015 18.00 Sancerre Sancerre Classique H. Brochard 2016 16.00 Sancerre Le Mont Damné Didier Dagueneau 2014 190.00 Sancerre Château de Fontaine-Audon Langlois-Chateau 2015/16 22.00 Sancerre Clos du Roy Pascal Jolivet 2016/17 29.00 Sancerre Sauvage Pascal Jolivet 2016 48.00 Sancerre Comte Lafond 2016 22.00 Sancerre Grande Cuvée Comte Lafond 2014/15 33.00 Sancerre Haut de la Poussie 2014 43.00 Delicious with oily and meaty fish. Pouilly Fumé Pouilly Fumé Classique H. Brochard 2016 16.00 Pouilly Fumé Vieilles Vignes H. Brochard 2014/15 23.00 Pouilly Fumé Silex Didier Dagueneau 2014 190.00 Pouilly Fumé Ladoucette 2016/17 25.00 Pouilly Fumé Baron de L 2014/15 59.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 15
BURGUNDY WHITE Chablis Burgundy, or Bourgogne, is the source of the most majestic Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines in the world. The polar opposite of Bordeaux with its grand Châteaux, this is a complex region of smallholders with over 3,000 vineyard owners. 15 million cases are produced annually from 100 different appellations spanning 26,000 hectares. COTES DE BEAUNE Meursault COTES DE NUITS Vougeot Aloxe-Corton Beaune With reds made from Pinot Noir and whites from Chardonnay, these wines are not only long lived, but are also some of the most exceptional on the market. The region is split into 5 sub-regions: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais. Chassagne-Montrachet Puligny-Montrachet The most significant of these for the production of white wines are Chablis, the Côte de Beaune and the Mâconnais. MACONNAIS Pouilly-Fuissé Mâcon 16
FRANCE WHITE BURGUNDY Chablis Butteaux François Raveneau 2011 93pts Vinous The 2011 Chablis Butteaux is subtle, gracious and utterly impeccable in its elegance. All the elements are simply in the right place. Articulate, energetic and nuanced, the 2011 captures all the qualities of this 1er Cru site, in miniature. Chablis Preuses William Fèvre 2016 93-95pts Vinous Rich, spicy and sweet, with its ripe orchard fruit flavors leavened by a floral topnote. Very subtle, elegant yet extractrich wine with terrific dusty length and lift. Ultimately dry and classic, this wine reverberates on the palate for a minute or more. CHABLIS A very well-known name in the world of wine, Chablis is a northern region of 4,900ha celebrated for producing Chardonnays which are austere in character and display steely, fresh minerality. There are 40 vineyards which are classified as Premier Cru, and 7 Grand Cru vineyards which overlook the town of Chablis and the River Serein. Chablis Champs Royaux William Fèvre 2016 19.00 Chablis Louis Jadot 2016 22.00 Chablis J. Moreau & Fils 2016 24.00 Chablis Montée de Tonnerre La Chablisienne 1er Cru 2015/16 33.00 Chablis 1er Cru Joseph Drouhin 1er Cru 2015 37.00 Chablis Fourchaume William Fèvre 1er Cru 2017 35.00 Chablis Fourchaume J. Moreau & Fils 1er Cru 2016 44.00 Chablis Butteaux François Raveneau 1er Cru 2009 290.00 Chablis Butteaux François Raveneau 1er Cru 2011 290.00 Chablis Butteaux François Raveneau 1er Cru 2012 295.00 Chablis Butteaux François Raveneau 1er Cru 2013 289.00 Chablis Butteaux François Raveneau 1er Cru 2015 440.00 Chablis Grenouilles Château Grenouilles La Chablisienne Grand Cru 2013/14 69.00 Chablis Vaudésir Joseph Drouhin Grand Cru 2013/14 76.00 Chablis Bougros William Fèvre Grand Cru 2011/13 62.00 Chablis Preuses William Fèvre Grand Cru 2016 80.00 Chablis Vaudésir Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2015 89.00 Chablis Valmur J. Moreau & Fils Grand Cru 2012/15 73.00 Delicious with grilled or steamed lobster or poulet de Bresse, especially with truffles. BOURGOGNE Bourgogne Chardonnay Les Ursulines Jean-Claude Boisset 2015 19.00 Bourgogne Blanc Couvent des Jacobins Louis Jadot 2016 18.00 Bourgogne Blanc Cuvée Oligocène Patrick Javillier 2015/16 36.00 Corton-Charlemagne Domaine Bonneau du Martray 2011 93pts A mineral-driven bouquet linear and taut, with slate and granite aromas gradually unfurling in the glass. The palate is clean and fresh with supremely well-judged acidity. Touches of apricot and mango lie in the background with the citrus element playing the main role. COTE DE BEAUNE Aloxe-Corton Corton-Charlemagne Domaine Bonneau du Martray Grand Cru 2005 239.00 Corton-Charlemagne Domaine Bonneau du Martray Grand Cru 2009 235.00 Corton-Charlemagne Domaine Bonneau du Martray Grand Cru 2011 249.00 Corton-Charlemagne Domaine Bonneau du Martray Grand Cru 2013 255.00 Corton-Charlemagne Domaine Bonneau du Martray Grand Cru 2015 265.00 Corton-Charlemagne Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru 2011/13 168.00 Corton-Charlemagne Joseph Drouhin Grand Cru 13/14/15 195.00 Corton-Charlemagne Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2013/14 176.00 Fresh, diver-caught scallops, lightly seared with a crisp salad. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 17
FRANCE WHITE BURGUNDY Pernand-Vergelesses Pernand-Vergelesses Les Combottes Louis Jadot 2015 40.00 Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc Joseph Drouhin 2010 93pts Alluring aromas of citronella, buttered pastry and vanilla introduce this supple, harmonious white. Grace notes of lemon and toast add depth, while a mineral element chimes in on the long finish. Meursault Charmes Domaine Comtes Lafon 2011 93+pts Vinous Complex, vibrant aromas of peach, orange zest and lemon accented by white pepper. Rich, ripe, tactile and sweet, with the intense citrus and stone fruit flavors accented by peppery spices and complicated by vanilla and leesy nuances. Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Garenne Duc de Magenta Louis Jadot 2014 93pts Vinous Beaune Beaune du Château 1er Cru Blanc Bouchard Père & Fils 1er Cru 2015/16 35.00 Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc Joseph Drouhin 1er Cru 2010/15 149.00 Meursault Meursault Bouchard Père & Fils 2013/15 41.00 Meursault Joseph Drouhin 2015 63.00 Meursault Louis Jadot 2014 60.00 Meursault Clos du Cromin Patrick Javillier 2015 66.00 Meursault Cuvée Tête de Murger Patrick Javillier 2015 108.00 Meursault Clos de la Barre Domaine Comtes Lafon 2011 239.00 Meursault Clos de la Barre Domaine Comtes Lafon 2012 244.00 Meursault Clos de la Barre Domaine Comtes Lafon 2013 235.00 Meursault Genevrières Bouchard Père & Fils 1er Cru 2014 81.00 Meursault Charmes Joseph Drouhin 1er Cru 2013/14 110.00 Meursault Charmes Domaine Comtes Lafon 1er Cru 2011 295.00 Meursault Porusots Domaine Comtes Lafon 1er Cru 2011/12 295.00 Meursault Sous le Dos d Ane Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2010 199.00 Meursault Sous le Dos d Ane Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2011 205.00 Meursault Sous le Dos d Ane Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2013 219.00 Wonderful with fish or white meats in rich, creamy sauces. Puligny-Montrachet Puligny-Montrachet Jean-Marc Boillot 2016 72.00 Puligny-Montrachet Bouchard Père & Fils 2016 49.00 Puligny-Montrachet Joseph Drouhin 2013/15 76.00 Puligny-Montrachet Louis Jadot 2014 67.00 Puligny-Montrachet Etienne Sauzet 2014 89.00 Puligny-Montrachet Champs Canet Jean-Marc Boillot 1er Cru 2013/16 94.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Joseph Drouhin 1er Cru 2014/15 108.00 Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Garenne Duc de Magenta Louis Jadot 1er Cru 2013/14 95.00 Puligny-Montrachet Combettes Louis Jadot 1er Cru 2013 127.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Louis Jadot 1er Cru 2013 98.00 Puligny-Montrachet Folatières Etienne Sauzet 1er Cru 2014 239.00 Works beautifully with white fish such as sea bass, especially with fennel flavours. Very ripe, inviting aromas of yellow peach, butter and clove. Wonderfully rich, plush and sweet, but the ripe yellow peach fruit and creamy old-vines texture are enlivened by mineral lift. Finishes tactile and very long, with a strong impression of dry extract. A superb vintage for this consistently excellent wine bottling. 18
FRANCE WHITE BURGUNDY Puligny-Montrachet Le Clavoillon Domaine Leflaive 2012 94pts A classy white, creamy in texture and racy, featuring lemon, apple, hazelnut, nut oil and mineral aromas and flavors. Intense and airy at once, building to a long aftertaste of citrus and mineral. The oak lends the right amount of support and never gets in the way. Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Domaine Leflaive 1996 95pts Magnificently focused, brimming with mineral intensity and worldly complexity. Cleverly built, with medium-toasty oak notes, a tightly wound lemon and pink grapefruit juiciness and cigar-box aromas. Long finish. DOMAINE LEFLAIVE Domaine Leflaive is currently crafting what are undoubtedly some of the greatest Chardonnay wines on earth. Production is tiny, demand is stratospheric and prices are deservedly high (and rising). The land is farmed entirely biodynamically which eliminates all chemical intervention. The concentration achieved in the wines is quite remarkable. Puligny-Montrachet Le Clavoillon Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2010 325.00 Puligny-Montrachet Le Clavoillon Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2011 245.00 Puligny-Montrachet Le Clavoillon Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2012 259.00 Puligny-Montrachet Le Clavoillon Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2013 245.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 1999 390.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2005 395.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2006 369.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2010 465.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2011 349.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 1996 390.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2004 395.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2006 395.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2008 385.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2013 349.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2001 369.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2009 449.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2010 395.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2011 335.00 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles Domaine Leflaive 1er Cru 2013 369.00 Chassagne-Montrachet Chassagne-Montrachet Domaine Amiot Guy & Fils 2015 55.00 Chassagne-Montrachet Louis Jadot 2015 66.00 Chassagne-Montrachet Joseph Drouhin 2014 72.00 Chassagne-Montrachet Vergers Domaine Amiot Guy & Fils 1er Cru 2014/15 75.00 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Laguiche Joseph Drouhin 1er Cru 10/14/15 139.00 Chassagne-Montrachet Caillerets Jean-Marc Pillot 1er Cru 2015/16 99.00 Perfect served with seafood and fish dishes. Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Laguiche Joseph Drouhin 2010 94pts The terrific 2010 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Marquis de Laguiche is beautifully balanced from start to finish. This is all finesse and class. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 19
FRANCE WHITE BURGUNDY Bâtard-Montrachet Louis Jadot 2009 95pts Jadot s 2009 Batard-Montrachet is rich, layered, sensual and totally beguiling. Slate, smoke and crushed rocks are some of the notes that develop in the glass, adding complexity to the highly expressive, nuanced fruit. Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte Bouchard Père & Fils 2009 94pts Vinous Bright pale yellow. Steely aromas of apple, minerals and warm stone. Voluminous and powerful, with fat flavors of pear, menthol, crushed stone and iodine. Most impressive today on the very long, broad aftertaste, which saturates the palate with lemon and crushed stone. This boasts the sheer size and scale of a Montrachet. Montrachet Bâtard-Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2009 345.00 Bâtard-Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2014 390.00 Bâtard-Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2015 475.00 Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 1996 790.00 Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2010 810.00 Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2011 660.00 Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2014 650.00 Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2015 690.00 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2006 323.00 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2008 323.00 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2009 334.00 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2007 560.00 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2008 539.00 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2009 590.00 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2010 690.00 Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru 2007 370.00 Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru 2009 407.00 Chevalier-Montrachet Les Demoiselles Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2009 419.00 Chevalier-Montrachet Les Demoiselles Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2013 395.00 Chevalier-Montrachet Les Demoiselles Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2014 590.00 Chevalier-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2005 990.00 Chevalier-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2008 960.00 Chevalier-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2009 975.00 Chevalier-Montrachet Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru 2012 735.00 Montrachet Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru 2009/11 550.00 Montrachet Laguiche Joseph Drouhin Grand Cru 2006 689.00 Montrachet Laguiche Joseph Drouhin Grand Cru 2011 745.00 Montrachet Laguiche Joseph Drouhin Grand Cru 2014 789.00 Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2009 590.00 Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2012 599.00 Montrachet Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2013 610.00 Montrachet Louis Jadot 2009 94+pts Vinous Very ripe aromas of fresh apricot, mint, marzipan and smoky oak, with a suggestion of candied stone fruits. Big, rich and backward but a bit youthfully sullen. Outstanding intensity to the citrus, menthol and iodine flavors. As large-scaled as this is, there s no heaviness. MACONNAIS Mâcon Mâcon-Solutré Domaine Ferret 2015/16 22.00 Pouilly-Fuissé Pouilly-Fuissé Vignes Romanes Bouchard Père & Fils 2016 24.00 Pouilly-Fuissé Joseph Drouhin 2015 33.00 Pouilly-Fuissé Clos des Prouges Domaine Ferret 2015/16 46.00 Pouilly-Fuissé Terroir Roger Luquet 2015/16 19.00 20
FRANCE WHITE Château de Fieuzal Blanc 2010 91-94pts Vinous Spicy, perfumed aromas of violet and ginger, with hints of lime, peach and butter. Densely packed, nicely ripe flavors of tangerine, white peach and butter are lifted by sound acidity. Finishes long and impressively balanced, with superb finishing lift and thrust. BORDEAUX The original home of Sauvignon Blanc, white wines are produced in Bordeaux from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. Many of these are inexpensive dry whites from regions such as Entre-Deux-Mers and Graves, however there are also some outstanding producers making complex and age-worthy examples that are highly sought-after. Château de Fieuzal Blanc Péssac-Léognan 2010/12 77.00 Château Roquefort Blanc 2015/16 9.00 Château Latour Martillac Blanc Péssac-Léognan 2014 52.00 Château Laville Haut-Brion Blanc Péssac-Léognan 2006 590.00 Château Smith Haut-Lafitte Blanc Péssac-Léognan 2014 155.00 Perfect served with rich fish dishes such as crab and lobster. AILE D ARGENT BLANC DE MOUTON ROTHSCHILD Château Mouton Rothschild s white wine is an exercise in just how good white Bordeaux can be, and something of a bargain when you consider how much the red wines fetch. Absurdly rare and even more absurdly delicious. Aile d Argent Bordeaux Blanc de Mouton Rothschild 2007 91pts Lemon curd on the nose, with lemon peel and freshly cut flowers. Full and rich, offering a waxy and rich palate. Long and oily, with lots going on. Aile d Argent Bordeaux Blanc de Mouton Rothschild 2004 119.00 Aile d Argent Bordeaux Blanc de Mouton Rothschild 2008 129.00 Aile d Argent Bordeaux Blanc de Mouton Rothschild 2009 132.00 RHONE Condrieu Invitare M. Chapoutier 2015/16 54.00 Ermitage Le Méal Blanc M. Chapoutier 2012 195.00 Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette M. Chapoutier 2015 77.00 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Château Mont-Redon 2015 35.00 Pairs fantastically with roast turbot. Hermitage Blanc Chante- Alouette M. Chapoutier 95pts The finest vintage for this cuvée I ve ever tasted, the sensational 2015 Hermitage Chante Alouette boasts awesome notes of white peach, orange marmalade and white flowers in a rich, full-bodied, concentrated style. Coming from three different terroirs on Hermitage Hill (Méal, Les Murets and Chante Alouette), don t miss it! All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 21
FRANCE WHITE Domaines Ott Blanc de Blancs 2016 90pts This sports a minerally hint from the start, while light savory, white peach, nectarine and white raspberry notes fill in behind. Lengthy, with the mineral edge lingering nicely. SOUTHERN FRANCE With over 3,000 hours of sunlight a year and constant breezes and mistral winds keeping the risk of fungal disease at a minimum, the south of France is an ideal region for viticulture. A mixture of both local and international grapes is grown here, producing wines in a variety of styles. LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Domaine Les Roques Blanc JM Boillot IGP Pays d Oc 2013/14 11.50 Domaine La Gravette Sauvignon Blanc IGP Pays d Oc 2016/17 5.50 Domaine La Gravette Chardonnay IGP Pays d Oc 2016/17 5.50 Hegarty Les Nonnes Blanc Minervois 2014 18.00 PROVENCE Château de Bellet Cuvée Baron G Bellet 2015/16 38.00 Bomont de Cormeil Viognier Coteaux de Verdon 2014 20.00 Château Miraval Blanc Coteaux Varois en Provence 2016 24.00 Domaines Ott Blanc de Blancs Côtes de Provence 2015/19 22.00 Classic match with grilled fish and fish soups. CORSICA Clos Canarelli Blanc Corse Figari 2015/16 36.00 22
BURGUNDY RED COTE DE NUITS The Côte de Nuits is a 20km stretch forming the northern part of the Côte d Or, Burgundy s golden slope, and it is here that most of the world s finest examples of Pinot Noir are produced. Named after the region s largest village, Nuits-Saint-Georges, 22 out of Burgundy s 23 red Grands Crus are located here, expressing a variety of styles. They tend to be weightier and deeper coloured than the Pinots produced on the Côte de Beaune. Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot and Nuits-Saints-Georges are known for their robust style of wine, whilst Chambolle-Musigny and Vosne-Romanée display finesse and elegance. COTE DE BEAUNE Despite the Côte de Beaune being well-known for its white wines, there is actually more red wine produced in the region. The Pinot Noirs from this southern half of the Côte d Or show softness and finesse with the best examples coming from Beaune, Pommard and Volnay as well as the exceptionally powerful Grand Cru of Corton. Dijon COTES DE NUITS Gevrey-Chambertin Morey-St-Denis Chambolle-Musigny Vosne-Romanée Vougeot Nuits-St-Georges Pommard Volnay COTES DE BEAUNE Chassagne-Montrachet Pernand-Vergelesses Aloxe-Corton Beaune 23
FRANCE RED BURGUNDY BOURGOGNE Bourgogne Pinot Noir Réserve Coteaux des Moines Bouchard Père & Fils 2015 14.00 Bourgogne Rouge Laforêt Joseph Drouhin 2015/16 22.00 Gevrey Chambertin Domaine de la Vougeraie 2014 92pts Cherry, currant and spice flavors are the hallmarks of this dense red. A mineral note adds interest as this builds to a long, sinewy finish. Echoes fruit and spice details on the long aftertaste. COTE DE NUITS Côte de Nuits Villages Le Vaucrain Louis Jadot 2013/14 31.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Gevrey-Chambertin Bouchard Père & Fils 2015 42.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Joseph Drouhin 2013 63.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Louis Jadot 2012/13 62.00 Gevrey Chambertin Domaine de la Vougeraie 2014 60.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers Bouchard Père & Fils 1er Cru 2014 115.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques Louis Jadot 1er Cru 2015 215.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Poissenots Louis Jadot 1er Cru 2013 107.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Le Clos Prieur Rossignol-Trapet 1er Cru 2014 92.00 Duck breast with pomegranate-citrus glaze. Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques Armand Rousseau 2011 96pts Vinous DOMAINE ARMAND ROUSSEAU Armand Rousseau is at the very top of the Burgundy hierarchy along with Domaine de la Romanée- Conti, Comte Georges de Vogüé and the late Henri Jayer. The wines are nothing less than sensational examples of just how good Pinot Noir can actually be. Absurdly rare and expensive, but for a reason. Rousseau s 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques is flat-out gorgeous. Waves of blue/purplish fruit hit the palate in an intense, explosive Burgundy loaded with pure class and pedigree. Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques Armand Rousseau 1er Cru 2009 785.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques Armand Rousseau 1er Cru 2010 990.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques Armand Rousseau 1er Cru 2011 690.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques Armand Rousseau 1er Cru 2012 795.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques Armand Rousseau 1er Cru 2013 590.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques Armand Rousseau 1er Cru 2014 890.00 Chambertin Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru 2013 249.00 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2013 410.00 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2014 422.00 Chapelle-Chambertin Le Clos Prieur Rossignol-Trapet Grand Cru 2014 149.00 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Louis Jadot 2013 95+pts Vinous Liqueur-like ripeness of red berries, dried cherry, musky underbrush and minerals, with treble notes of dried flowers and blood orange contributing sexy lift. Largescaled but remarkably light on its feet. This baby is alive! Morey-St-Denis Clos des Lambrays Domaine des Lambrays Grand Cru 2013 275.00 Clos des Lambrays Domaine des Lambrays Grand Cru 2014 280.00 Clos des Lambrays Domaine des Lambrays Grand Cru 2015 325.00 Delicious served with game and casseroles. Chambolle-Musigny Chambolle-Musigny Bouchard Père & Fils 2012/13 47.00 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Joseph Drouhin 1er Cru 2015 96.00 Bonnes Mares Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2015 440.00 24
FRANCE RED BURGUNDY DOMAINE COMTE GEORGES DE VOGUE It would be difficult to rank the truly great producers of Burgundy, but it would be more difficult to believe that Comte Georges de Vogüé would not feature in the top three list of every wine expert. With just 12.5 hectares of vineyard, the domaine has been in the same family s hands for over 500 years, and now the 20th generation is at the helm. Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Comte de Vogüé 2009 92pts The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru is a big step up from the Chambolle villages in this vintage. Bright red berries, flowers and spices are supported by vibrant layers of underlying minerality. I very much like the energy and focus here. The 1er Cru is made from young vines in Musigny. Chambolle-Musigny Comte de Vogüé 2008 259.00 Chambolle-Musigny Comte de Vogüé 2009 325.00 Chambolle-Musigny Comte de Vogüé 2010 319.00 Chambolle-Musigny Comte de Vogüé 2011 245.00 Chambolle-Musigny Comte de Vogüé 2012 259.00 Chambolle-Musigny Comte de Vogüé 2013 255.00 Chambolle-Musigny Comte de Vogüé 2014 285.00 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Comte de Vogüé 1er Cru 2009 495.00 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Comte de Vogüé 1er Cru 2010 490.00 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Comte de Vogüé 1er Cru 2012 455.00 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Comte de Vogüé 1er Cru 2014 449.00 Vougeot Clos Vougeot Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru 2013 182.00 Clos Vougeot Bouchard Père & Fils 2013 93pts Rich and mouthfilling, with a velvety texture carrying the cherry, raspberry, mineral and spice flavors eloquently. The refined tannins firm this up, leading to a lingering aftertaste. Vosne-Romanée / Flagey-Echézeaux Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots Bouchard Père & Fils 1er Cru 2008/12 119.00 Echezeaux Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru 2013 229.00 Echezeaux Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2013/14 244.00 Echezeaux Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2015 275.00 DOMAINE DE LA ROMANEE-CONTI Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, or DRC for short, is one of the world s most legendary wine estates, comprising some of the finest terroir on earth. Run by Aubert de Villaine, all 25ha of the domaine are Grands Crus, including two monopolies, and are farmed biodynamically. The resulting opulent and stylish wines are some of the most sought after and expensive in the world. Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 2011 94pts Vinous Literally jumps from the glass with a heady melange of dark red fruit, sweet floral notes and crushed rocks. Rich and explosive on the palate, yet backed up with significant structure and pure intensity, the 2011 is firing on all cylinders. Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2007 1,880.00 Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2008 1,950.00 Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2010 1,990.00 Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2011 1,890.00 Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2012 1,990.00 Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2013 1,900.00 Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2014 1,950.00 Grands Echézeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2010 2,250.00 Richebourg Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2006 2,390.00 Richebourg Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2007 2,290.00 Richebourg Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2008 2,450.00 Richebourg Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2014 2,350.00 La Tâche Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2013 3,450.00 La Tâche Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2014 3,550.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 25
FRANCE RED BURGUNDY Nuits-St-Georges Les Cailles Bouchard Père & Fils 2012 92pts Rich and spicy, this silky-textured red also boasts cherry and strawberry flavors. There are ample tannins, and the well-integrated oak shows a light touch. Excellent length. Nuits-St-Georges Nuits-St-Georges Joseph Drouhin 2013 62.00 Nuits-St-Georges Les Cailles Bouchard Père & Fils 1er Cru 2011/12 95.00 Nuits-St-Georges Procès Joseph Drouhin 1er Cru 2011/13 99.00 Nuits-St-Georges Les Boudots Louis Jadot 1er Cru 2013 96.00 Nuits St Georges Clos de Thorey Domaine de la Vougeraie 1er Cru 2013 85.00 Perfect with roast poultry and game. COTE DE BEAUNE Côte de Beaune Villages Louis Jadot 2013 26.00 Aloxe-Corton Aloxe Corton Louis Jadot 2012/13 58.00 Corton Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru 2011/13 112.00 Corton Pougets Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2011 99.00 Corton Pougets Louis Jadot Grand Cru 2015 125.00 Corton Pougets Louis Jadot 2015 93-95pts Pernand-Vergelesses Pernand-Vergelesses Clos de la Croix de Pierre Louis Jadot 1er Cru 2012/14 38.00 Savigny-lès-Beaune Savigny-lès-Beaune Louis Jadot 2013 34.00 The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, moderate depth, rounded in the mouth with layers of cranberry and strawberry fruit. There is a pinch of sea salt right on the finish that shows fine precision and focus. This is outstanding. Beaune Beaune du Château 1er Cru Rouge Bouchard Père & Fils 1er Cru 2014/15 35.00 Beaune Grèves Vigne de l Enfant Jésus Bouchard Père & Fils 1er Cru 2011/13 99.00 Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge Joseph Drouhin 1er Cru 2012 129.00 Volnay Caillerets Bouchard Père & Fils 2013 91pts Vinous Inviting scents of flowers, woodsmoke, leather and exotic spices. Pliant but firm, offering lovely inner-mouth floral lift to the flavors of cherry, minerals and leather. This seamless, silky wine shows a very nice balance of fruit and acidity. Pommard Pommard Louis Jadot 2012/14 59.00 Pommard Les Jarollières Jean-Marc Boillot 1er Cru 2013 87.00 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux Comte Armand 1er Cru 2014 229.00 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux Comte Armand 1er Cru 2015 295.00 Delicious with a classic Boeuf Bourguignon. Volnay Volnay Louis Jadot 2011 53.00 Volnay Caillerets Bouchard Père & Fils 1er Cru 2013/14 72.00 Chassagne-Montrachet Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Duc de Magenta Louis Jadot 1er Cru 2014 56.00 Chassagne-Montrachet Clos St Jean Jean-Marc Pillot 1er Cru 2015 110.00 Try with veal stew or the classic Burgundian cheese Epoisses. 26
FRANCE RED Morgon Château des Jacques Louis Jadot 2013 90pts A bright and perky nose: Morello cherry and cranberry leaf scents racing from the glass, all nicely defined and exuberant. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy, ripe red cherry and boysenberry fruit, very fleshy and supply in the mouth, almost a playful Morgon that slips down the throat a treat. Not an intellectual Morgon, but one that is very well crafted. BEAUJOLAIS Made exclusively from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais wines are often light bodied and fruity and delicious served chilled. The better examples come from the Beaujolais Villages which are on granite hills and offer a more complex flavour profile. Fleurie and Morgon are two of the best known of these crus and can improve over 10 years or so, evolving to taste like Pinot Noir. Beaujolais Villages Villa Ponciago 2014/16 10.00 Morgon Château des Jacques Louis Jadot 2013/14 18.00 Fleurie La Réserve Villa Ponciago 2014 19.00 Fleurie Château des Jacques Louis Jadot 2014 24.00 LOIRE Sancerre Rouge Comte Lafond 2013/14 22.00 Saumur Champigny Vieilles Vignes Domaine Langlois Chateau 2014 24.00 Saumur Champigny Vieilles Vignes Domaine Langlois Chateau 2014 Smoky perfume, bitter chocolate and sweet black/red currant fruit aromatics pepper the nose. In the mouth, the moreish mocha and cassis fruit flatter the palate with a generous texture. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 27
BORDEAUX France s most important wine region and the centre of the fine wine world, Bordeaux has 120,000 hectares under vine and produces over 900 million bottles a year. With 57 different appellations and 10,000 producers, Bordeaux is home to some of the world s finest Châteaux, producing long-lasting wines of exceptional quality. 88% of the production of Bordeaux is red wine, or Claret as it is known in the UK, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Bordeaux is also the source of dry whites made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, and some of the world s longest-lived sweet wines from Sauternes. The wines of the Bordeaux left bank were classified in 1855 and only five have atttained First Growth status - Château Lafite, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux and Château Haut Brion. Those Châteaux that made it into any of the five tiers of this classification will have Grand Cru Classé on the label. 28
LEFT BANK MEDOC Home to many of the biggest names in Bordeaux, the Médoc is the most famous red wine region in the world and includes the renowned appellations of St Estèphe, Pauillac, St Julien and Margaux. Situated on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, the best vineyard sites are located on gravelly outcrops close to the river. The left bank is well suited to the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and the wines produced here will generally have this as the dominant grape in the blend. ST ESTEPHE This is the most northerly of the important communes of the Médoc. The wines here take on a rustic style due to the high proportion of clay in the soil. As a result they can seem austere in their youth, however they display good acidity and colour and are exceptionally long-lived. PAUILLAC Considering that Pauillac is a small region of only 23km², three of the five First Growth Châteaux are located here Château Latour, Château Lafite and Château Mouton Rothschild with Grands Crus Classés representing 84% of the rest of the production. Fine, deep and gravelly soils mean that the vine roots reach a greater depth here than anywhere else in the Médoc. The resulting wines are intense and display great complexity. ST JULIEN St Julien is the smallest of the well-known Médoc communes at only 700ha with a uniform style thanks to the gravelly soils. Despite having no First Growth properties, St Julien is considered to offer the most consistent wines across the board, with impressive offerings year after year. MARGAUX The largest commune in the Médoc, and home to First Growth Château Margaux, Margaux is famous for producing the most elegant and alluring wines of the Left Bank. With the lightest and most gravelly soils in the Médoc, the finest examples of Margaux are intensely perfumed whilst also subtle and refined. PESSAC-LEOGNAN/GRAVES Pessac-Léognan is a district within Graves that was created in 1986 due to pressure from the vignerons who wanted to disassociate themselves from growers further south in the commune where the soils are much sandier. Pessac-Léognan is home to Châteaux Haut Brion, the only First Growth property outside of the Médoc. Médoc R. Gironde FRANCE St Estèphe Pauillac St Julien Margaux RIGHT BANK Bordeaux Pomerol St Emilion LEFT BANK Pessac-Léognan Graves RIGHT BANK POMEROL Pomerol is the smallest of the prestigious Bordeaux appellations with around only 150 producers and 740 hectares of vineyards. Demand and prices for these wines are high given that many of these are boutique growers making circa 1,000 cases a year. Pomerol is dominated by Merlot, producing rich and smooth wines, and features some iconic properties such as Château Pétrus. R. Garonne ST EMILION Located on the right bank of the Dordogne, St Emilion is one of the most important Bordeaux appellations in terms of both quality and quantities produced. Merlot is the predominant grape variety and is perfectly suited to the clay and chalk-rich soils here. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also grown. Given the high proportion of Merlot, these wines are much more approachable in youth than the more tannic examples produced on the left bank. 29
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX BORDEAUX Château Bras d Argent 2015 8.00 Château Roquefort 2014 10.00 Château Tour St Bonnet 2014 89pts Medium-bodied with fine tannin, good structure, plenty of tobacco-stained black fruit and a harmonious and very satisfying finish. Now, here is a lovely Cru Bourgeois that gives Bordeaux a good name. Recommended. LEFT BANK MEDOC Château Tour St Bonnet Médoc 2014 20.00 Château Potensac Médoc 2012 35.00 CHATEAU CAMENSAC The Camensac vineyards are on a gravelly elevation in the commune of St-Laurent-Médoc, and the excellent drainage afforded by the deep, stony soil is augmented by a system of field drains. The various plots, all entitled to the Haut-Médoc appellation, are cared for on an individual basis. Attractive ripe cherry and blackcurrant fruit intermixed with hints of damp earth, spice and new wood from this charming Médoc property. Château Camensac 5ème Cru Classé 2005 69.00 Château Camensac 5ème Cru Classé 2010 62.00 A perfect match with Asian dishes and hearty fish courses such as tuna. Château Cantemerle 2010 94+pts Broad, rich and intense on the palate, the wine has plenty of tannins, but they are sweet and well-integrated. Everything is delicately entwined into this beautiful, medium to full-bodied, dense purple wine. CHATEAU CANTEMERLE This prestigious property in the Médoc is most noted for featuring a high percentage of Merlot, making for an approachable, forward wine style which is drinkable in relative youth. A classed growth in the prestigious 1855 classification, the wines are something of a steal in terms of value. Château Cantemerle 5ème Cru Classé 1998 64.00 Château Cantemerle 5ème Cru Classé 2003 75.00 Château Cantemerle 5ème Cru Classé 2010 79.00 CHATEAU CHASSE-SPLEEN The unusual name of this property, undoubtedly the finest estate in Moulis, means (loosely) to chase away the blues, and how appropriate for such a great wine at a reasonable price. Had this property been considered for inclusion in the 1855 classification it surely would have been awarded high classed growth status, and would fetch vastly higher prices these days. Château Chasse-Spleen 2010 90pts Very supple and refined, with a crumpled velvet feel to the smoldering bay, tobacco and mulled spice hints surrounding the core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit. Flashes of cedar and sandalwood hang through the fine-grained finish. Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis 1995 69.00 Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis 2010 65.00 CHATEAU POUJEAUX The wines from Château Poujeaux in Moulis are often amongst the finest value on offer from the Médoc. Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) with the balance a mixture of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is a classically-styled Bordeaux. The vibrant flavours of cassis, damson and spice are intermingled with cedary oak and vanilla. Château Poujeaux Moulis 2000 75.00 Château Poujeaux Moulis 2003 69.00 Château Poujeaux Moulis 2005 75.00 Château Poujeaux Moulis 2014 59.00 30
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU SOCIANDO-MALLET This château was completely renovated in the 1970s and now, thanks to careful vineyard management, and investment in the latest technology in the winery, produces excellent wines. Château Sociando-Mallet 2010 92pts Vinous Densely packed, juicy and sweet, with excellent inner-mouth energy to the black raspberry and mineral flavors complicated by sexy smoky oak. Like some past outstanding vintages of Sociando-Mallet, this will make a great ringer in future tastings. Sociando Mallet makes no compromises and continues to produce one of the finest wines among non-classified estates in Haut-Medoc. Robert Parker Château Sociando-Mallet Haut-Médoc 1996 75.00 Château Sociando-Mallet Haut-Médoc 2010 69.00 ST ESTEPHE Château Beau-Site Cru Bourgeois 2010/14 31.00 Delicious with roast chicken or lamb cutlets. CHATEAU CALON-SEGUR Once part of the mighty Ségur estate, which at various times included Lafite and Mouton Rothschild, the Marquis de Ségur was very fond of Calon, and no account of Calon-Ségur is complete without reporting his assertion that I make my wine at Lafite and Latour but my heart is in Calon. Doubtless this is the reason why Calon-Ségur features a heart motif on its label, and throughout the exquisite château buildings. Château Calon-Ségur 2009 94pts Vinous Château Calon-Ségur 3ème Cru Classé 2000 195.00 Château Calon-Ségur 3ème Cru Classé 2009 199.00 Château Calon-Ségur 3ème Cru Classé 2010 210.00 Musky, highly complex nose offers plum, blackcurrant, camphor, menthol, violet and lavender. Remarkably silky and finegrained, combining outstanding subtle concentration and terrific inner-mouth energy. This very rich but classically dry Saint-Estephe finishes with lush, noble tannins and outstanding complexity. Château Montrose 2010 97pts Rock solid, displaying a dense core of plum, steeped currant and braised fig fruit, with racy charcoal and ganache notes. Intensely chalky, offering flesh and refinement to match the bracing minerality, this shows hints of grilled savory, iron, warm paving stone and bitter orange on the riveting finish. CHATEAU COS D ESTOURNEL The archetypal St Estèphe and almost as famous for its fantastic folly-like château building as it is for a wine which defines its commune, Cos is simply one of the must-have names. They are noted for producing amazing wines in every vintage, often being awarded the accolade of wine of the vintage in lesser years. Château Cos d Estournel 2ème Cru Classé 2000 289.00 Château Cos d Estournel 2ème Cru Classé 2003 319.00 Château Cos d Estournel 2ème Cru Classé 2005 335.00 Château Cos d Estournel 2ème Cru Classé 2006 195.00 Château Cos d Estournel 2ème Cru Classé 2008 195.00 Château Cos d Estournel 2ème Cru Classé 2010 355.00 Château Cos d Estournel 2ème Cru Classé 2011 190.00 CHATEAU MONTROSE Originally part of the Calon-Ségur estate, Montrose is young for a classed growth having only been planted in 1815. The robust Cabernet Sauvignon dominated style is a fabulous treat. Château Montrose 2ème Cru Classé 2000 265.00 Château Montrose 2ème Cru Classé 2005 249.00 Château Montrose 2ème Cru Classé 2008 169.00 Château Montrose 2ème Cru Classé 2010 390.00 Château Montrose 2ème Cru Classé 2011 149.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 31
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU ORMES DE PEZ Sadly the ormes (elms) of the village of Pez were lost in the great storm of winter 2000, although have since been replanted. The property is owned by the Cazes family (also owners of Lynch Bages) and their winemaking artistry certainly shows through here. Château Batailley 2010 95pts The nose offers outstanding delineation and mineralité. It positively fizzes in the glass with all that coiled-up energy, ladling out vivid blackberry and cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, but it is the detail and precision that achieves a level that makes the 2010 a benchmark for the Pauillac estate. Château Duhart-Milon Rothschild 2010 96pts Dense purple, with classic notes of cedar and lead pencil shavings as well as gobs of black currants and licorice, the wine has a full-bodied mouthfeel with fabulous precision and density. It also possesses a long, silky finish with moderately high tannins, but they are ripe and well-integrated. Château Ormes de Pez Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2005 79.00 Château Ormes de Pez Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2010 65.00 Château Ormes de Pez Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2011 55.00 s Works beautifully with a classic Daube Provençale. PAUILLAC CHATEAU BATAILLEY Château Batailley is a classically-styled Pauillac that exudes the near stereotypical aromas of cassis, cigar box and pencil shavings augmented by a coffee-bean texture and silky tannins. Really excellent value and delicious even in youth. Château Batailley 5ème Cru Classé 1996 85.00 Château Batailley 5ème Cru Classé 2003 89.00 Château Batailley 5ème Cru Classé 2010 95.00 CHATEAU DUHART-MILON ROTHSCHILD With 76 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Duhart is managed by Eric Kohler, technical director at Château Lafite Rothschild. It has the distinguished and reserved character so typical of Pauillac. The Rothschild family has invested heavily in this estate over the last 20 years in order to upgrade the quality, and their investments have certainly paid off handsomely. Robert Parker Château Duhart-Milon Rothschild 4ème Cru Classé 1999 168.00 Château Duhart-Milon Rothschild 4ème Cru Classé 2000 210.00 Château Duhart-Milon Rothschild 4ème Cru Classé 2010 175.00 CHATEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Lafite consistently produces one of the wines of the vintage year in, year out. In a great vintage it is a reasonable assumption that Lafite will have produced the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon in the whole Médoc and fashioned a wonderful, long-lived, currant and cedar scented, ethereal beauty. Château Lafite Rothschild 2003 100pts The 2003 Lafite Rothschild comes as close to perfection as any of the great Lafites made over the past three decades. Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 1986 1,428.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 1990 1,290.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 1998 1,150.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 1999 1,355.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2000 1,990.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2003 1,490.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2005 1,295.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2009 1,290.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2010 1,185.00 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2011 890.00 Serve with grilled lamb, gratin dauphinois and green beans with garlic. 32
CHATEAU LATOUR FRANCE RED BORDEAUX Latour is considered one of the most powerful, dense Pauillacs to be found and it needs to age. A very high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (sometimes as much as 94%) lends the wine huge power and structure. Tasting notes include leather and spice, enhanced by intense blackcurrant fruit. Château Latour 2003 100pts Château Latour 1er Cru Classé 1995 880.00 Château Latour 1er Cru Classé 1998 749.00 Château Latour 1er Cru Classé 1999 890.00 Château Latour 1er Cru Classé 2003 1,289.00 Château Latour 1er Cru Classé 2005 1,225.00 Administrator Frederic Engerer says the 2003 is the sexiest Latour ever made. Dense, thick and unctuously textured, this staggering Latour is undeniably the most sumptuous, opulent wine made here since the 1982 or 1961. CHATEAU LYNCH BAGES Always something of a relative bargain, Lynch Bages was awarded a derisory Fifth Growth status in 1855, perhaps the greatest travesty in the whole classification, as the property regularly performs at super second level. For many people, Lynch Bages epitomises the style of Pauillac with its cedary pencil shaving aromas and densely packed cassis fruit. Château Lynch Bages 5ème Cru Classé 1990 360.00 Château Lynch Bages 5ème Cru Classé 2000 375.00 Château Lynch Bages 5ème Cru Classé 2003 249.00 Château Lynch Bages 5ème Cru Classé 2005 275.00 Château Lynch Bages 5ème Cru Classé 2010 245.00 Château Lynch Bages 5ème Cru Classé 2011 185.00 Château Lynch Bages 2000 97pts Full-bodied with velvety tannins that have resolved themselves beautifully over the last eleven years, this wine is still an adolescent, but it exhibits admirable purity, texture, mouthfeel and power combined with elegance. One of the alltime great examples of Lynch Bages. CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD Château Mouton Rothschild is the only Château to achieve reclassification since 1855 when the wines from Bordeaux were sorted into five tiers according to the prices they were fetching on the market at the time. This unique recategorisation took place in 1973 when Mouton Rothschild entered into the realm of the top five Châteaux (Premiers Grands Crus Classés). The bottles from this vineyard are famous not only for the powerful yet deceptively smooth wine inside, but also for the colourful labels brought out each year which are designed by a different artist for each vintage. Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 1995 790.00 Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 1999 790.00 Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2000 1,990.00 Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2003 790.00 Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2005 990.00 Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2008 740.00 Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2010 975.00 Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classé 2011 619.00 Château Mouton Rothschild 2005 98pts Gorgeous, with singed alder and juniper notes starting to strut their stuff, while the immense core of steeped red currant, blackberry and plum fruit continues to wait in reserve. A light sanguine thread weaves in on the back end, which is driven by a serious bolt of iron. Shows terrific grip, length and cut. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 33
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU PICHON BARON Château Pichon Baron is one part of the split of the large Pichon estate. The fairytale château building and sumptuous label provide a glimpse of the beauty of the wine in the bottle. Occasionally overshadowed by the other half of the split, Château Pichon Lalande, the quality of more recent vintages of this wine is providing ample indication that the two properties were once one. Château Pichon Baron 1989 95pts What a nose here, from crushed mulberry to tanned leather to tar. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins that are soft and caressing, like cashmere. Château Pichon Baron 2ème Cru Classé 1989 275.00 Château Pichon Baron 2ème Cru Classé 1998 195.00 Château Pichon Baron 2ème Cru Classé 1999 209.00 Château Pichon Baron 2ème Cru Classé 2003 249.00 Château Pichon Baron 2ème Cru Classé 2005 255.00 Château Pichon Baron 2ème Cru Classé 2006 198.00 Château Pichon Baron 2ème Cru Classé 2010 290.00 Château Pichon Baron 2ème Cru Classé 2011 185.00 Lovely served with roast beef, veal or venison. CHATEAU PICHON LALANDE COMTESSE Pichon Lalande is made with a relatively high proportion of Merlot, and renowned as providing a softer, more tender version of Pauillac. The quality in vintages from the mid-eighties onwards has been nothing less than breathtaking. Château Pichon Lalande Comtesse 2009 95pts Château Pichon Lalande Comtesse 2ème Cru Classé 2003 229.00 Château Pichon Lalande Comtesse 2ème Cru Classé 2005 235.00 Château Pichon Lalande Comtesse 2ème Cru Classé 2009 265.00 Château Pichon Lalande Comtesse 2ème Cru Classé 2010 269.00 Château Pichon Lalande Comtesse 2ème Cru Classé 2011 189.00 A beautiful effort. It is a deep purplehued, charming, surprisingly open-knit Pauillac with wonderful freshness, a plump, fleshy mouthfeel, opulence and unctuosity, medium to full body and a well-delineated, luscious style. CHATEAU PONTET-CANET Proprietor Alfred Tesseron produces all his wines by wholly organic methods, a rarity in Bordeaux. A superstar wine from a property that borders Mouton Rothschild, it is outperforming its historic reputation by perhaps the greatest degree in the whole of Bordeaux. Château Pontet-Canet 5ème Cru Classé 2000 215.00 Château Pontet-Canet 5ème Cru Classé 2005 245.00 Château Pontet-Canet 5ème Cru Classé 2010 290.00 34 Château Pontet-Canet 2010 100pts An astounding, compelling wine. The freshness, laser-like precision, and full-bodied, massive richness and extract are simply remarkable to behold and experience. ST JULIEN CHATEAU BEYCHEVELLE According to legend, the name Beychevelle came from the Gascon bêcha vêla, meaning lower the sails. This was a reference to the fact that ships passing by the château lowered their sails in deference and allegiance to Admiral Jean-Louis Nogaret de la Valette, the property s first owner under Henri III. To this day, Beychevelle has the prettiest and most dramatic impact on the riverbank of the Gironde estuary. Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru Classé 1999 139.00 Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru Classé 2000 289.00 Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru Classé 2003 199.00 Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru Classé 2005 219.00 Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru Classé 2008 175.00 Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru Classé 2009 185.00 Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru Classé 2010 185.00 Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru Classé 2012 159.00
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CLOS DU MARQUIS Clos du Marquis is the second wine of Château Léoville Las Cases, cut from the same cloth and regularly a match for many high-classed growths. However, unlike with most second wines, the grapes actually come from a separate area of vineyards (rather than younger or less successful vines) surrounded on all sides by other Second Growths. Clos du Marquis 2000 94pts Clos du Marquis 2000 125.00 Clos du Marquis 2009 115.00 Clos du Marquis 2010 115.00 Clos du Marquis 2014 99.00 The nose shows loads of plum, spice and meat aromas, as well as hints of licorice. It s full-bodied, with firm, yet velvety textured tannins. It s big and rounded. If you can t afford Las Cases, try some of this. Some might call this a second wine, but it comes from a plot of vineyards not deemed worthy of Léoville Las Cases. So it s like its own estate. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2000 94pts This has mature hints, but there s great focus as the cedar, bay and leather notes race along with, rather than pull away from, the core of fig and blackberry fruit flavors. The long, bittersweet cocoa-dusted finish provides a solid bass line. CHATEAU DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU The name of this estate comes from the former owner, Mr. Ducru, and a description of the land it comprises: beau caillou literally means beautiful pebble. Pebbles and small stones permit good drainage of the soil, and their presence in the soils of the Médoc contributes hugely to the quality of the wines. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé 1982 389.00 Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé 1998 175.00 Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé 1999 210.00 Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé 2000 335.00 Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé 2003 269.00 Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé 2005 310.00 Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé 2010 339.00 Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé 2011 189.00 CHATEAU GLORIA Château Gloria was not around in the 1855 classification of Bordeaux Châteaux, and was therefore not graded. Whilst no one can really say what level it might have been awarded, most commentators agree that Gloria offers tremendous value for money, and is a great example of the St Julien style. Château Gloria Cru Bourgeois 2000 98.00 Château Gloria Cru Bourgeois 2010 95.00 Château Gloria Cru Bourgeois 2011 79.00 Fantastic with steak pie or stewed ox cheek. Château Léoville Barton 2010 96+pts A superstar of the vintage, the wine has notes of pen ink and creme de cassis, good acidity, sweet, subtle oak, and massive extraction and concentration. The beautiful purity, symmetry, and huge finish of nearly a minute make this one of the all-time great classics from Leoville Barton. CHATEAU LEOVILLE BARTON Léoville Barton is owned by Anthony Barton, a gently unassuming man who thinks that all wine, including his own, should be for drinking, and not just investment. The result being that his goal is to make the best Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wine he can. Great value and classy style Château Léoville Barton 2ème Cru Classé 1990 225.00 Château Léoville Barton 2ème Cru Classé 1998 145.00 Château Léoville Barton 2ème Cru Classé 1999 160.00 Château Léoville Barton 2ème Cru Classé 2000 220.00 Château Léoville Barton 2ème Cru Classé 2005 195.00 Château Léoville Barton 2ème Cru Classé 2010 210.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 35
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU LEOVILLE LAS CASES Léoville Las Cases is often regarded as the First Growth that never was, and not just geographically (it is separated from Château Latour only by a small stream). The wines are monumental in every way. Château Léoville Las Cases 2000 100pts Absolutely fantastic. This is one of the most exciting young reds I have tasted in a long, long time. It shows intense aromas of berries, currants and minerals, with hints of mint. Full-bodied and packed with fruit and tannins, its long finish is refined and silky. A benchmark for the vintage. Château Talbot 2006 91pts This displays blackberry, sweet tobacco and green coffee aromas. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a caressing texture. This has a really lovely mouthfeel for the vintage. Château Léoville Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé 1990 449.00 Château Léoville Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé 2000 490.00 Château Léoville Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé 2003 295.00 Château Léoville Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé 2005 390.00 Château Léoville Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé 2006 275.00 Château Léoville Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé 2009 429.00 Château Léoville Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé 2012 225.00 Château Léoville Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé 2014 245.00 CHATEAU TALBOT The wines of Château Talbot - named after John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury - are consistent and well balanced, showing ripe, luscious Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and cedar wood, typical of St Julien. Château Talbot 4ème Cru Classé 1990 129.00 Château Talbot 4ème Cru Classé 2000 179.00 Château Talbot 4ème Cru Classé 2005 175.00 Château Talbot 4ème Cru Classé 2006 125.00 Château Talbot 4ème Cru Classé 2009 129.00 Château Talbot 4ème Cru Classé 2010 125.00 Château Talbot 4ème Cru Classé 2011 99.00 Château Talbot 4ème Cru Classé 2014 89.00 MARGAUX Château Pontac Lynch Cru Bourgeois 2013/14 39.00 CHATEAU GISCOURS The high percentage of Merlot in the blend accounts for the wine s depth and richness of flavour as well as its approachability in youth. A classic Margaux name, now fully revitalised and back to fulfilling its colossal potential. Château Giscours 3ème Cru Classé 2000 159.00 Château Giscours 3ème Cru Classé 2005 155.00 Château Giscours 3ème Cru Classé 2008 98.00 Château Giscours 3ème Cru Classé 2010 118.00 Château Giscours 3ème Cru Classé 2011 95.00 Try with Japanese style steak dishes. Château Kirwan 1999 90pts Wonderful aromas of cassis and berries, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a delicious fruity aftertaste. Harmonious wine. Kirwan makes serious wine now. CHATEAU KIRWAN Mark Kirwan of Galway in Ireland gave his name to this Château back in the 18th century. The property s 40 hectares of vineyards have changed little in size and location since the 1855 classification. With heavy investment since the early 1990s, this Château has been totally revitalised and is passing through something of a golden age. Château Kirwan 3ème Cru Classé 1998 89.00 Château Kirwan 3ème Cru Classé 1999 89.00 Château Kirwan 3ème Cru Classé 2000 129.00 Château Kirwan 3ème Cru Classé 2003 119.00 Château Kirwan 3ème Cru Classé 2005 125.00 Château Kirwan 3ème Cru Classé 2006 95.00 36
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU MALESCOT ST EXUPERY Simon Malescot was King s Counsel to Louis XIV and Jean-Baptiste de St Exupéry was the grandfather of aviation pioneer and author, Antoine. The property is one of Margaux s prettiest and so is their wine. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine a wonderful blackcurrant flavour and supple texture, whilst the addition of Merlot lends softness and a rounded character. Château Malescot St Exupéry 2000 95pts Château Malescot St Exupéry 3ème Cru Classé 2000 179.00 Château Malescot St Exupéry 3ème Cru Classé 2003 129.00 Château Malescot St Exupéry 3ème Cru Classé 2006 109.00 Château Malescot St Exupéry 3ème Cru Classé 2011 89.00 This estate, which has continued to impress me in recent years, hit a home run in 2000. A wine of extraordinary balance, equilibrium, and purity, with supple tannins, this medium to fullbodied, concentrated effort is already compelling. Château Margaux 1996 100pts CHATEAU MARGAUX Possibly the most regal of Bordeaux s château buildings, Margaux is a byword for family-owned quality, panache and style. The softest and most approachable of the First Growth Châteaux, Margaux is a rounded, delicious wine that nevertheless reveals layer upon layer of spice, vanilla, smoke, fruit, coffee and cedar complexity. Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé 1986 769.00 Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé 1995 775.00 Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé 1996 990.00 Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé 1999 685.00 Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé 2000 1,440.00 Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé 2003 890.00 Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé 2005 1,198.00 Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé 2006 690.00 Roast partridge with gratin dauphinois or hard sheep s cheese. This is a Margaux that seems to light up the senses. It was outstanding in its youth... something that has not changed one bit over the intervening two decades. This may well turn out to be the Left Bank pinnacle of the 1990s. Château Prieuré-Lichine 2009 93pts The soft, sexy 2009 exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of raspberries, black cherries, black currants, smoke and forest floor. Opulent and round with an attractive viscosity as well as outstanding purity, depth and length. CHATEAU PALMER Boasting one of the most impressive château buildings in the Médoc (which alas has never been lived in), Palmer is widely regarded as the greatest Third Growth property and is more than occasionally believed to have produced the wine of the vintage, not just in Margaux, but in the whole of the region. Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé 1990 390.00 Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé 1995 298.00 Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé 1999 375.00 Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé 2000 489.00 Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé 2005 495.00 Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé 2006 295.00 Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé 2010 490.00 CHATEAU PRIEURE-LICHINE Made famous by the wine writer Alexis Lichine and still carrying his name, this property went from a neglected 11ha plot in the 1950s (albeit with much history and a good classification) to the stellar 70ha vineyard it is today. The wines are soft, supple and rich with varietal character and a great sense of Margaux. Château Prieuré-Lichine 4ème Cru Classé 1996 95.00 Château Prieuré-Lichine 4ème Cru Classé 2000 109.00 Château Prieuré-Lichine 4ème Cru Classé 2009 114.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 37
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX GRAVES & PESSAC-LEOGNAN CHATEAU DE FIEUZAL De Fieuzal s red is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated Pessac-Léognan of huge poise and finesse. This small property, owned by an Irish philanthropist, produces wines (both red and white) that punch considerably above their weight. Château Haut-Bailly 2010 95pts Chewy and brambly, but integrated, this carries a very hefty core of espresso, ganache, mulled plum and blackberry fruit. The purity starts to shine through on the finish, which drips with cassis and is threaded with a long warm paving stone note. Château de Fieuzal Grand Cru Classé 1998 69.00 Château de Fieuzal Grand Cru Classé 2008 75.00 Slow cooked beef stew in red wine with potato purée. CHATEAU HAUT-BAILLY Haut-Bailly is a Pessac property that is home to some of the oldest vines in Bordeaux. When phylloxera struck in the late 19th century, the owner at the time was against grafting onto American rootstock so the estate includes a 4 hectare plot of ungrafted vines that are over 100 years old. The resulting wine is at last regaining its reputation as one of the very best. Château Haut-Bailly Grand Cru Classé 1995 135.00 Château Haut-Bailly Grand Cru Classé 1999 149.00 Château Haut-Bailly Grand Cru Classé 2003 125.00 Château Haut-Bailly Grand Cru Classé 2010 195.00 Château Haut Brion 2005 100pts With its elegance and finesse, it is not as powerful as La Mission, but the nobility and complexity of the aromatics, incredible fragrance (subtle smoke and blue, red, and black fruits) that persists in the glass, full-bodied mouthfeel (though very light and delicate on its feet), and incredible length characterize this great Haut-Brion. CHATEAU HAUT BRION Haut Brion was the first wine estate to start bottling its own wine in the early 17th century, rather than selling in bulk to négociants, and it consequently gained in fame and value thanks in particular to claret lovers in London. It is therefore considered the forefather of the great Bordeaux growths. Naturally it was placed at the top of the famous 1855 Médoc Classification. While I have always admired Haut-Brion, now I am addicted to its perfume and complexity. Robert Parker Château Haut Brion 1er Cru Classé 1995 690.00 Château Haut Brion 1er Cru Classé 1996 645.00 Château Haut Brion 1er Cru Classé 1998 755.00 Château Haut Brion 1er Cru Classé 1999 710.00 Château Haut Brion 1er Cru Classé 2000 990.00 Château Haut Brion 1er Cru Classé 2003 685.00 Château Haut Brion 1er Cru Classé 2005 1,190.00 Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2009 100pts The wine s remarkable concentration offers up an unctuous/viscous texture, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet, sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors and massive density. Perhaps a once in a lifetime La Mission-Haut-Brion. CHATEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION The neighbour of Haut Brion, with the same owner and under the same winemaking stewardship, somehow La Mission has only been recognised as producing the magnificent, pure and seamless wines it does relatively recently. It can still offer a saving on its more illustrious stable-mate but often produces an equal, and more than occasionally superior, wine. Château La Mission Haut-Brion Grand Cru Classé 2000 865.00 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Grand Cru Classé 2005 885.00 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Grand Cru Classé 2006 390.00 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Grand Cru Classé 2008 360.00 Château La Mission Haut-Brion Grand Cru Classé 2009 945.00 38
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU PAPE CLEMENT Owned by the indomitable Bernard Magrez and under the oenological guidance of vinous magician Michel Rolland, Château Pape Clément is now making some extraordinarily brilliant wines. The Château is enjoying a dramatic rise in popularity in consequence. Château Pape Clément 2005 99pts Pape Clement s 2005 has an opaque purple color and smoky barbecue and chocolaty notes intermixed with cassis and blackberries. There is also some underlying minerality in this full-bodied, super-concentrated wine, which has wonderfully sweet, well-integrated tannins. Château Pape Clément Grand Cru Classé 1990 245.00 Château Pape Clément Grand Cru Classé 1995 165.00 Château Pape Clément Grand Cru Classé 1998 195.00 Château Pape Clément Grand Cru Classé 1999 179.00 Château Pape Clément Grand Cru Classé 2003 189.00 Château Pape Clément Grand Cru Classé 2005 285.00 Château Pape Clément Grand Cru Classé 2011 159.00 RIGHT BANK POMEROL Domaine de l Eglise 2009/10 63.00 Château Mazeyres 2012/14 40.00 Vieux Château Certan 1999 155.00 Delicious with blanquette de veau. Château Certan de May 2005 95+pts Beautiful coffee, cedar wood, Christmas fruitcake, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit jump from the glass of this full-bodied, rich, multi-layered, and very impressive Certan de May. This is a beauty. CHATEAU CERTAN DE MAY The French Revolution led to the division of the Certan domain, leaving the de May family with a small parcel of the original property, then called Petit-Certan. 70% Merlot in the vineyards, and the production just about reaches 2000 cases in a good year. Château Certan de May 1999 99.00 Château Certan de May 2003 145.00 Château Certan de May 2005 189.00 Château Certan de May 2010 195.00 CHATEAU CLINET A tiny production from this property which still offers excellent value compared to its neighbours. The wines offer a massive, deeply extracted version of Merlot with full blown new oak treatment. Château Clinet 2000 225.00 Château Clinet 2011 148.00 Château Clinet 2011 95pts Clinet has produced a blockbuster wine, even in the lighter, less consistent vintage of 2011. It reveals a dense purple color as well as an abundance of black cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice, incense and a touch of camphor. Brilliant! CHATEAU L EGLISE-CLINET This small 5.5 hectare vineyard has been in the hands of the same family for over a century. Thanks to his vines averaging 40 years old, Denis Durantou makes wines that fully express the complexity of this exceptional clay-gravel terroir. Château L Eglise-Clinet 1995 269.00 Château L Eglise-Clinet 2000 490.00 Château L Eglise-Clinet 2004 210.00 Château L Eglise-Clinet 2005 590.00 Tournedos Rossini - steak with foie gras and black truffles. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 39
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU L EVANGILE L Evangile consistently produces very fine Pomerol and its best vintages are amongst the very best of the entire commune, if not the whole of Bordeaux. It comes as little surprise to discover that the property is owned by Lafite Rothschild. Château L Evangile 2010 98+pts Stunningly rich and black/purple in color, the 2010 L Evangile offers up the tell-tale floral note as well as black raspberry jam intermixed with cassis and kirsch. There are also ethereal floral notes and a hint of background oak. Château L Evangile 2006 219.00 Château L Evangile 2010 365.00 CHATEAU LA FLEUR-PETRUS This charming estate is located between Pétrus and Château La Fleur, and delivers all the pedigree and quality that this enviable position suggests. Hardly surprising as, like Trotanoy, it is owned and managed by the supremely talented Christian Moueix. Château La Fleur-Pétrus 1998 390.00 Château La Fleur-Pétrus 1999 295.00 Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2000 395.00 Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2005 395.00 Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2010 410.00 CHATEAU GAZIN Neighbouring Pétrus and Evangile, Gazin offers great value for such a well situated Pomerol. The label reflects the fact that the property was originally a farm belonging to the Knights Hospitaliers of St John in the Middle Ages. Château Gazin 2005 96+pts An inky plum/purple color, stunning concentration, a boatload of tannin, and unlimited upside potential. Sweet cassis, plum, vanilla and truffle notes are followed by a dense, deep, profound wine with blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, high extraction, and a multilayered texture. Pétrus 2000 100pts Extremely full-bodied, with great fruit purity, an unmistakable note of underbrush, black truffle, intense black cherries, licorice, and mulberry, the wine seems to show no evidence of oak whatsoever. It has a sumptuous, unctuous texture, plenty of tannin, but also vibrancy and brightness. Château Gazin 2003 175.00 Château Gazin 2005 189.00 Château Gazin 2010 195.00 Roast duck or even Chinese-style duck pancakes. CHATEAU NENIN Owned by the proprietors of St Julien s superstar Léoville Las Cases, and featuring a rather high percentage of Cabernet Franc for a Pomerol estate, this is the most left bank-like of the wines from the commune. Château Nénin 1995 90.00 Château Nénin 1998 125.00 Château Nénin 2004 79.00 PETRUS Probably the greatest and certainly the most famous red wine in all of Bordeaux, and perhaps the world. Because of their extraordinarily rigorous selection (sometimes they only use 50% of the crop), Pétrus consistently make the best possible wine every vintage. This impacts on the quantity produced each year (between 1000 and 3000 cases only) but maintains the wine s legendary reputation. Pétrus 2000 4,950.00 Pétrus 2003 2,990.00 Pétrus 2004 2,850.00 Pétrus 2006 2,995.00 Pétrus 2008 2,995.00 Pétrus 2009 3,950.00 Pétrus 2010 4,850.00 Pétrus 2011 2,975.00 Pétrus 2012 2,950.00 Pétrus 2013 2,750.00 40
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU TROTANOY Trotanoy has 7.2 hectares of mainly Merlot vines, just west of Château Pétrus and owned by the same family, so the comparison with the greatest of Pomerol s properties is almost complete. Château Trotanoy 1998 97pts Very sweet, plummy fruit on the nose, with hints of milk chocolate and spices. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a big, juicy palate. A subtle wine that builds on the palate. It s sort of like a weight-lifting ballerina. Really impressive. Château Trotanoy 1996 225.00 Château Trotanoy 1998 455.00 Château Trotanoy 1999 225.00 Château Trotanoy 2005 345.00 ST EMILION Château Ausone 1er Grand Cru Classé A 1995 790.00 Château Belregard-Figeac Grand Cru 2011 30.00 Le Dôme Grand Cru 2005 190.00 Château Fombrauge Grand Cru Classé 2010/15 50.00 Delicious with steak or cheese-based pasta dishes. CHATEAU ANGELUS Château Angélus was officially recognized as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1996. It has consistently delivered superb wines ever since. Powerful and massive, it has concentrated blackcurrant, redcurrant and leather on the palate given structure by firm tannins which soften with time. As with almost all St Emilion wines, this is made principally from Merlot. Château Angélus 2005 100pts This sensational, opaque, bluish/purple wine offers up notes of vanillia, spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, plus a touch of licorice. It is full-bodied, multidimensional and layered. Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2005 94+pts Château Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé A 1998 425.00 Château Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé A 1999 390.00 Château Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2000 690.00 Château Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2003 495.00 Château Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2005 595.00 Château Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2010 545.00 CHATEAU BEAU-SEJOUR BECOT Beau-Séjour Bécot is in the upper echelon of Bordeaux right bank producers but, unusually, the property lost but then regained its Premier Grand Cru status as a result of vineyard acquisition. It was relegated to Grand Cru Classé after the incorporation of some non Premier Grand Cru vineyards, but having proven that they could produce not just typical, but great St Emilion wine, in 1996 it was reinstated as a Premier Grand Cru and deservedly so. Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 1er Grand Cru Classé 1999 90.00 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 1er Grand Cru Classé 2000 159.00 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 1er Grand Cru Classé 2003 135.00 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 1er Grand Cru Classé 2005 145.00 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 1er Grand Cru Classé 2010 129.00 A beautiful wine from Beau-Séjour Bécot, the color of the 2005 is an opaque purple and the wine is loaded with notes of cedar wood, Asian spice, blackberry and cassis fruit. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 41
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU CHEVAL BLANC What really sets Cheval Blanc apart is its unusual mixture of grape varieties planted as a result of its position on the gravel outcrop that dominates St Emilion. The main grape is Cabernet Franc, augmented by the more expected Merlot and only a minuscule amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. The origin of the White Horse name is lost in time. Château Cheval Blanc 2005 100pts This is another fabulous wine and a perfect expression for this vintage. It is difficult to forget the gorgeous blueberry and raspberry fruit, full body, sweet tannin, a multi-layered texture, and purity and palate presence of this stunning wine. Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 1986 659.00 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 1988 649.00 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 1989 725.00 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 1995 755.00 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 1996 698.00 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2000 1,145.00 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2003 689.00 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2005 1,099.00 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2010 1,295.00 CHATEAU LA COUSPAUDE La Couspaude is one of the most famous garagiste properties in St Emilion, although in this case the wine is made at a château and not in a garage! The production is tiny, and the awards are coming thick and fast - this is truly a wine estate in the ascendancy offering wonderful examples of concentrated, Merlot-dominated wines. Château La Couspaude 2000 92pts Serious wine. Loads of chocolate, raspberry and cherry character. Full-bodied, with lots of vanilla and reduced raspberry flavors. Long and caressing. Modern and exciting. Best Couspaude I have ever tasted. Château La Couspaude Grand Cru Classé 2000 119.00 Château La Couspaude Grand Cru Classé 2003 98.00 Château La Couspaude Grand Cru Classé 2005 125.00 CHATEAU FIGEAC Situated, like Cheval Blanc, on the gravel soils of the west of the region, Figeac uses around 70% Cabernet in its wine, making it the most Médoc-like of the right bank properties. A typographically exquisite label and classic winemaking also mark out this fine estate. Château Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé 1982 490.00 Château Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé 2000 345.00 Château Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé 2005 355.00 Château Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé 2009 345.00 Château Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé 2010 390.00 Château Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé 2011 225.00 Château La Gaffelière 2009 95+pts 2009 is one of the all time great Gaffelieres produced.the 2009 reveals compelling elegance, tremendous intensity and oppulence and more viscosity than one normally sees. Lots of kirsch, licorice, incence, truffle, asphalt, blackberry and cassis notes dominate the aromatics and flavours of this full-bodied, flamboyantly pure St Emilion. CHATEAU LA GAFFELIERE Still in the hands of the Malet Roquefort family after more than three centuries, Château La Gaffelière is one of the oldest family-owned properties in St Emilion. A leper colony existed in the area during the medieval period, hence the name Gaffelière, deriving from the old French word gaffet meaning leper. Today the vineyards comprise 22 hectares with an enviable position between those of Château Ausone and Château Pavie. Château La Gaffelière 1er Grand Cru Classé 2003 125.00 Château La Gaffelière 1er Grand Cru Classé 2009 179.00 Serve with partridge or pheasant and dishes containing mushrooms or truffles. 42
FRANCE RED BORDEAUX CHATEAU TROPLONG MONDOT The late Christine Valette totally restored and revived the venerable Troplong Mondot estate with its 33 hectares of prime land in the heart of St Emilion. The vineyards are managed sustainably without the use of pesticides and around a third of the vineyards are cultivated only with horses. It came as no surprise in 1996 when the wines were elevated to 1er Grand Cru Classé status where they have remained ever since. Château Troplong Mondot 2005 100pts Dense purple, it offers notes of white chocolate, blackberry, cassis and licorice as well as a hint of truffle and some subtle background oak. Full-bodied, multilayered, and spectacularly pure and rich, it is a tour de force, and a great tribute to an incredible woman. Château Troplong Mondot 1er Grand Cru Classé 1990 390.00 Château Troplong Mondot 1er Grand Cru Classé 1999 139.00 Château Troplong Mondot 1er Grand Cru Classé 2005 398.00 Château Troplong Mondot 1er Grand Cru Classé 2006 189.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 43
RHONE The northern Rhône contains some of the oldest vineyards in France producing elegant wines made from Syrah which are both powerful and have the capacity to age. Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie are the stars of the north, needing at least a decade to show at their best. St Joseph and Cornas produce more accessible examples whilst Crozes-Hermitage offers great value for money. The valley floor opens out in the southern Rhône, with vines planted low to the ground in goblet formation to protect them from the strong mistral winds. The soils here are made up of round stones from the ancient river bed and these retain the warmth of the day, helping to fully ripen the grapes of the heat-loving Grenache. The best wine villages of the Côtes du Rhône have been given their own appellation such as Gigondas and the well-known Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Following the Rhône River from north to south, this southern French wine region is 250 km in length with 200 communes producing wine in a wide range of styles. Côte-Rôtie St-Joseph NORTHERN RHONE Crozes-Hermitage Hermitage FRANCE Cornas Gigondas SOUTHERN RHONE Châteauneuf-du-Pape Avignon 44
FRANCE RED NORTHERN RHONE CORNAS Cornas Confidence Domaine Eric et Joel Durand 2013 56.00 Côte-Rôtie La Mordorée M. Chapoutier 2012 97pts Incredible notes of violets, peppery spice, spring flowers, rose petal and darker berry fruit. This is followed by a full-bodied, sweetly fruited, expansive Cote-Rotie that s perfectly balanced, has beautiful midpalate density, and ultra-fine tannin that emerge on the finish. CÔTE-RÔTIE Côte-Rôtie Bonnevaux J. Boutin 2012 52.00 Côte Rôtie La Mordorée M. Chapoutier 2012 149.00 A beautiful pairing for roast beef or lamb. ETIENNE GUIGAL Founded by Etienne Guigal in the 1940s, and now run by his son Marcel, there is little variance from the belief that Guigal is the greatest producer of Côte-Rôtie of all. In the past 20 years I have spent visiting wineries and vignerons, I have never seen a producer so fanatical about quality as Marcel Guigal. Robert Parker Côte-Rôtie La Turque E. Guigal 2009 100pts Loaded with notions of smoked meats, blackberries, blackcurrants, beef blood and espresso roast. Thick, unctuous, hugely concentrated and long, it s a heavenly wine I guarantee will put a smile on your face. Côte-Rôtie La Landonne E. Guigal 2003 790.00 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne E. Guigal 2006 360.00 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne E. Guigal 2008 290.00 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne E. Guigal 2009 550.00 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline E. Guigal 2004 325.00 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline E. Guigal 2006 335.00 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline E. Guigal 2008 295.00 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline E. Guigal 2009 590.00 Côte-Rôtie La Turque E. Guigal 2002 319.00 Côte-Rôtie La Turque E. Guigal 2003 780.00 Côte-Rôtie La Turque E. Guigal 2005 635.00 Côte-Rôtie La Turque E. Guigal 2006 295.00 Côte-Rôtie La Turque E. Guigal 2008 295.00 Côte-Rôtie La Turque E. Guigal 2009 590.00 CROZES-HERMITAGE Crozes-Hermitage Les Hauts Granites J. Boutin 2016 21.00 Hermitage J-L. Chave 2001 95pts This is an elegant, sinewy vintage that is just starting to hit its stride, with a strong sanguine and cedar frame to the core of dried red currant, cherry pit and red licorice notes. A racy iron note is now in full throat on the finish. HERMITAGE Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne M. Chapoutier 2012/13 88.00 Ermitage Le Méal Rouge M. Chapoutier 2012 259.00 Ermitage Le Pavillon Rouge M. Chapoutier 2012 390.00 Hermitage J-L. Chave 2001 349.00 ST JOSEPH St Joseph Lautaret Domaine Eric et Joel Durand 2014 30.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 45
FRANCE RED SOUTHERN RHONE CÔTES DU RHÔNE Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition Domaine de Mourchon 2014/15 16.00 Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Grande Réserve Domaine de Mourchon 2013/14 24.00 Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Grande Réserve Domaine de Mourchon 2013 91pts GIGONDAS Gigondas M. Chapoutier 2015 29.00 Try with beef stroganoff or spare ribs. Ripe and racy, with excellent definition to the cassis, blackberry and raspberry fruit, supported by light bramble and anise accents and driving through the chalkedged finish. CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Châteauneuf-du-Pape Côtes Capelan La Ferme du Mont 2012/13 69.00 DOMAINE DE LA JANASSE Established in 1973 by Aimé Sabon, Janasse remains in the family and is now run by the brother and sister team of Christophe and Isabelle. With 80ha the wines stand out for the sheer quality of the base material, as well as the skill and vision of the Sabons. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Domaine de la Janasse 2004 125.00 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Domaine de la Janasse 2008 89.00 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Domaine de la Janasse 2011 135.00 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Domaine de la Janasse 2011 96pts Exhibiting gorgeous black fruits, spice-box, toast, licorice and roasted meat-like qualities on the nose, it is full-bodied, concentrated and layered on the palate, with loads of texture, yet delivers no weight, heat, or ever puts a foot wrong. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Mont-Redon 2015 39.00 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Vieux Télégraphe 2014 79.00 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Vieux Télégraphe 2015 74.00 Delicious with slow-cooked pork or lamb. SOUTHERN FRANCE LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Domaine la Gravette Rouge IGP Pays d Oc 2014 4.50 Domaine Les Roques Rouge JM Boillot IGP Pays d Oc 2013 11.50 Domaine Treloar Tahi Côtes de Roussillon 2009 25.00 Hegarty No. 1 Minervois 2011 21.00 Domaine Treloar Tahi 2009 90pts PROVENCE Château d Esclans Déesse Diane IGP Var 2011/13 27.00 Domaine PiqueRoque Rouge Côtes de Provence 2015 9.00 Domaines Ott Rouge Côtes de Provence 2012/13 24.00 La Mascaronne Cuvée Guy da Nine Côtes de Provence 2007/10 38.00 A pretty, perfumed bouquet of iodine, iron, leafy herbs and darker blackberry and currant-styled fruits. Medium-bodied, rich and textured, with fabulous purity, this blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mouvedre will continue to impress. CORSICA Clos Canarelli Rouge Corse Figari 2014/15 31.00 46
GERMANY & AUSTRIA Germany has 102,000 hectares under vine and is the tenth largest wine producer in the world. Home to the world s greatest Rieslings, white grapes make up 65% of all plantings. The cool climate produces wines with incredible precision and focused fruit flavours balanced by finely tuned acidity. Austrian wine recently came into its own following a wine scandal in 1985 which led to a complete restructuring of the industry, making Austria one of the top countries in the world for production standards. The wines display great elegance and acidity with delicate aromatics. Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese Dönnhoff 2010 93pts GERMANY Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese Dönnhoff Nahe 2010/14 35.00 Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg Riesling Dry Ehrenfels Grosses Gewächs Leitz Rheingau 2014/16 62.00 Rüdesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Spätlese Leitz Rheingau 2011/14 26.00 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett Dr Loosen Mosel 2015/16 22.00 Try with baked fish in a cream or butter sauce or serve as an aperitif with charcuterie. Ripe citrus and apple flavors dominate this rich spätlese, which features accents of ginger and spice. Glazed apricot notes fill the finish, which lingers with slate and white pepper hints. AUSTRIA Grüner Veltliner Löss Jurtschitsch Kamptal 2015 18.00 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett Dr Loosen 2015 91pts The 2015 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett is clear and flinty on the nose and delivers the typical ripe, lush and sensual fruit aromas of this famous grand cru. Piquant and racy, but also lush and juicy on the palate, this is a pure, fine and elegant but pretty sweet Kabinett. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 47
ITALY Home to more than 2000 grape varieties and some of the oldest wine regions in the world, Italy produces more wine than any other country with the 2016 harvest reaching 48.8 million hectolitres. Italy has over 1 million vineyards under cultivation, producing wines from almost every region, renowned worldwide for their broad variety. Each region has its own style with the most significant in terms of both quantity and quality being Piedmont, Tuscany and Veneto. Italy s best-known grapes are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Barbera and Montepulciano alongside international varieties, in particular Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 48
PIEDMONT Located in the north west of Italy, Piedmont has a continental climate influenced by its proximity to both the Alps and the Ligurian Apennines. Since Roman times, Piedmont has been considered the fine wine capital of Italy and has the country s highest proportion of DOC and DOCG wines even though it only accounts for 7% of its production. TUSCANY Italy s oldest wine region, Tuscany is also its 5th largest, producing the third highest amount of DOC/DOCG quality wines despite only producing around 6% of the country s volume of wine. This is largely due to the region s poor soils which encourage producers to grow small yields of high quality grapes. Gavi DOCG is Piedmont s best-known dry white wine made from the Cortese grape grown around the town of Gavi itself. Whites are also made from the indigenous Roero near the town of Arneis. Nebbiolo is the king of red wine grapes in Piedmont and is planted on all of the best sites. Nebbiolo, the variety behind Barbaresco and Barolo, produces wines with pronounced aromas of tar, roses and truffles which age fantastically often needing at least ten years before they really come into their own. Barbera and Dolcetto are grown around the towns of Asti and Alba producing easier drinking styles that are more accessible from a younger age. BARBARESCO A third of the size of neighbouring Barolo, and 50 years younger, Barbaresco is renowned for producing some of Italy s finest wines. Thanks largely to the efforts of Angelo Gaja, the region has been recognised for its real potential and it was granted DOCG status is 1980. Barbaresco Barolo Piedmont Liguria Lombardy Tuscany Tuscany has a unique terrain with more than two thirds of it being hilly which benefits the predominant grape variety, Sangiovese, as it needs direct sunlight to ripen fully. Two of Italy s most famous wines are found in Tuscany Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. SUPER TUSCAN The term Super Tuscan first emerged in the 1970s to describe a new wave of wine being made outside of DOC/DOCG regulations to a very high quality, and commanding high Alto Adige Friuli-Venezia Giulia Veneto prices to match. Many of these wines achieved a cult Venice following and as a result, the Italian classification system was changed to give these DOC or DOCG status. Some producers still prefer to use IGP Toscana. BAROLO Barolo DOC was founded in 1966 and upgraded Umbria to DOCG status in 1980, which seems appropriate given that this is not only Italy s most famous wine region, but is ROME also widely regarded to be its best. Reds are made from 100% Nebbiolo Naples Campania Puglia which capitalises on the long, warm Sardinia summers and the unique terroir, with each village sitting upon its own hill surrounded by vineyards. Sicily All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 49
ITALY WHITE LIGURIA Vermentino Riviera Ligure di Ponente Terre Bianche Riviera Ligure di Ponente 2016/17 18.00 Rossj Bass Chardonnay Angelo Gaja 2016 90+pts Crisp and luminous, the 2016 Langhe Rossj-Bass is Chardonnay enhanced with a tiny part Sauvignon Blanc. This second grape only constitutes 5% of the blend, yet its presence is felt in a big way. The wine presents pristine and sharply delineated tones of exotic fruit, peach and white rose. PIEDMONT Roero Arneis Paolo Manzone 2016 17.00 Gavi White Label La Scolca 2016/17 15.00 Gavi dei Gavi Black Label La Scolca 2016/17 29.00 Gavi La Scolca d Antan La Scolca 2006 78.00 ANGELO GAJA Rossj Bass Chardonnay Angelo Gaja Langhe 2016 99.00 Alteni di Brassica Sauvignon Blanc Angelo Gaja Langhe 2012/14 108.00 Try with lobster thermidor or scallops with black pudding. Porer Pinot Grigio Alois Lageder 2015 90pts This is a clean and pristine white wine that offers pretty aromatic intensity with citrus blossom, white peach and honeydew melon. The wine shows that signature richness and subtle creaminess that is so distinctive of Alois Lageder and his biodynamic farming. Gaia & Rey Chardonnay Angelo Gaja Langhe 2006 295.00 Gaia & Rey Chardonnay Angelo Gaja Langhe 2009 289.00 Gaia & Rey Chardonnay Angelo Gaja Langhe 2010 289.00 Gaia & Rey Chardonnay Angelo Gaja Langhe 2014 299.00 Gaia & Rey Chardonnay Angelo Gaja Langhe 2015 299.00 LOMBARDY Ca del Bosco Chardonnay Curtefranca 2011 89.00 TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE Porer Pinot Grigio Alois Lageder Alto Adige 2015/16 23.00 Löwengang Chardonnay Alois Lageder Alto Adige 2012/13 45.00 Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita Trentino-Alto Adige 2016/17 13.00 Sanct Valentin Chardonnay St Michael Eppan Alto Adige 2015 29.00 Sanct Valentin Sauvignon Blanc St Michael Eppan Alto Adige 2016 29.00 Were Dreams Jermann 2013 92pts FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA Sauvignon Blanc Jermann 2016/17 25.00 Vintage Tunina Jermann 2014 59.00 Were Dreams Jermann 13/14/15 59.00 Capo Martino Jermann 2012 66.00 Excellent with octopus sautéed with rosemary and chickpea purée. A rich and creamy white, balanced by vibrant, finely knit acidity, with toasted brioche, honey and lime blossom notes, layered with glazed nectarine and kumquat accents. Long and minerally on the finish, with lingering touches of smoke and spice. 50
ITALY WHITE VENETO Soave Classico La Rocca Pieropan 2014/15 38.00 Cervaro della Sala Antinori 2013 94pts TUSCANY San Angelo Pinot Grigio Banfi 2016/17 19.00 Codice V Vermentino Belguardo 2016 22.00 Vistamare Ca Marcanda Angelo Gaja 2015 44.00 Monteverro Chardonnay 2012 98.00 I never get enough of this beautiful wine. The aging potential of this celebrated white wine has been proven and demonstrated with tasting after tasting. This vintage is balanced and fresh with brimstone, stone fruit and creamy peach. With time, it will show more mineral nuances and additional aging sophistication. UMBRIA Cervaro della Sala Antinori 2013/14 65.00 Orvieto Classico Campogrande Antinori 2015/16 12.00 Fettucine alfredo or smoked meats and cheeses. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 51
ITALY RED Popularity for Italian fine wines has recently soared due to the fact that not only do they need less cellaring than their French counterparts, but also offer incredible value for money. Red wines are produced in every style from all over the country using predominantly local grape varieties, with more international ones being planted as the demand for Super Tuscans increases.
ITALY RED LIGURIA Rossese di Dolceacqua Terre Bianche 2015/16 19.00 Darmagi Angelo Gaja 1999 94pts Vinous This is a gorgeous showing from the 1999 Darmagi. When it was young, the 1999 was compact, but today the 1999 possesses exceptional balance, while retaining an essentially mid-weight expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. PIEDMONT LANGHE Langhe Rosso Luvi Paolo Manzone 2015/16 19.00 Sito Moresco Angelo Gaja 2013/15 54.00 Darmagi Angelo Gaja 1990 325.00 Darmagi Angelo Gaja 1997 295.00 Darmagi Angelo Gaja 1999 275.00 Darmagi Angelo Gaja 2004 249.00 Barbera d Asti Bricco dell Uccellone Braida 2010 94pts Vinous Focused and vibrant to the core, the 2010 captures the energy of this great vintage in spades. Black cherries, plums, graphite, spices and crushed rocks rush out of the glass in a super-exciting wine bursting with vitality. ALBA Barbera d Alba Fiorenza Paolo Manzone 2015/16 16.00 Dolcetto d Alba Magna Paolo Manzone 2016/17 12.00 Nebbiolo d Alba Valmaggiore Luciano Sandrone 2014/15 30.00 Delicious with meat ragu, or dishes including fresh Burrata or Feta cheese. ASTI Barbera d Asti Bricco dell Uccellone Braida 2008/10 69.00 BARBARESCO Barbaresco Prunotto 2010/12 39.00 ANGELO GAJA Responsible for revolutionising the Italian wine industry, Angelo Gaja is a name that commands a great deal of respect in the wine world. Now running this winemaking dynasty alongside his daughter Gaia, the Gaja family continue to produce arguably Italy s most iconic wines. The range encompasses wines that define Barbaresco, as well as properties and vineyards in Barolo, Maremma and Montalcino. Barbaresco Costa Russi Angelo Gaja 2013 98pts Vinous The 2013 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a real head-turner. Crystalline and utterly vivid in its expression of Nebbiolo, the 2013 is all class. The 2013 has been stunningly beautiful on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. Barbaresco Angelo Gaja 2000 295.00 Barbaresco Angelo Gaja 2003 275.00 Barbaresco Angelo Gaja 2008 285.00 Barbaresco Angelo Gaja 2011 245.00 Barbaresco Angelo Gaja 2012 239.00 Barbaresco Costa Russi Angelo Gaja 1997 490.00 Barbaresco Costa Russi Angelo Gaja 2006 395.00 Barbaresco Costa Russi Angelo Gaja 2013 469.00 Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn Angelo Gaja 1998 390.00 Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn Angelo Gaja 2006 395.00 Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn Angelo Gaja 2013 469.00 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo Angelo Gaja 2013 475.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 53
ITALY RED Barolo Le Vigne Luciano Sandrone 2010 100pts Vinous Sandrone s 2010 Barolo Le Vigne is one of the wines of the vintage, hands down. Rich, layered and utterly impeccable, the Le Vigne boasts stunning depth and richness. Dried rose petal, tar, mint, wild flowers and cinnamon flow through to the multidimensional finish. BAROLO PAOLO MANZONE Barolo Serralunga Paolo Manzone 2013/14 45.00 Barolo Meriame Paolo Manzone 2011/14 75.00 Barolo Riserva Paolo Manzone 2011/12 95.00 LUCIANO SANDRONE Barolo Le Vigne Luciano Sandrone 2004 198.00 Barolo Le Vigne Luciano Sandrone 2005 175.00 Barolo Le Vigne Luciano Sandrone 2009 145.00 Barolo Le Vigne Luciano Sandrone 2010 292.00 Barolo Le Vigne Luciano Sandrone 2011 149.00 Barolo Le Vigne Luciano Sandrone 2012 135.00 Barolo Le Vigne Luciano Sandrone 2013 165.00 Barolo Cannubi Boschis Luciano Sandrone 2012 160.00 Barolo Aleste Luciano Sandrone 2013 189.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 2008 96+pts The 2008 Sperss is exotic, dark and totally seductive. Black cherries, mint, licorice, flowers, spices and juniper berries meld together in the glass, all supported by firm, insistent tannins. ANGELO GAJA Barolo Dagromis Angelo Gaja 2013/14 89.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 1995 289.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 1996 290.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 1999 395.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 2000 355.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 2003 329.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 2004 360.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 2005 335.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 2008 265.00 Barolo Sperss Angelo Gaja 2011 270.00 ALTO ADIGE Pinot Nero Franz Haas Alto Adige 2012/15 30.00 MCM Merlot Alois Lageder Alto Adige 2008/9 54.00 Delicious with veal, lamb or rabbit casseroles. Podere dei Blumeri Schiopetto 2006 92pts Vinous The 2006 Podere dei Blumeri Rosso is a big, opulent wine loaded with succulent dark blackberries, blueberries, wild herbs and French oak. This wine possesses terrific depth and richness in a full-bodied, dense style. FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA Podere dei Blumeri Schiopetto Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2006/7 27.00 VENETO Amarone della Valpolicella Vigna Garzon Pieropan Veneto 2013/14 69.00 Amarone Classico Vaio Armaron Serego Alighieri Masi Veneto 2011 99.00 Try with the classic pairing of risotto all Amarone or with aged Parmegiano Reggiano. 54
ITALY RED TUSCANY TOSCANA ROSSO Santa Cristina Antinori 2014 14.00 Chianti Classico Castello di Fonterutoli 2008 91pts A taut, well-toned red, laced with cherry and raspberry flavors and married to a firm structure. Rich and complex, yet open in texture, ending on a cedary note. Tenuta Belguardo 2015 93pts CHIANTI Chianti Classico Marchese Antinori Riserva 2014 41.00 Chianti Classico Badia a Passignano Antinori Gran Selezione 2010 52.00 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli 2015 20.00 Chianti Classico Castello di Fonterutoli 2008 54.00 Chianti Classico Ser Lapo Riserva Privata Castello di Fonterutoli Riserva 2013 34.00 MONTALCINO Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne Antinori 2012/13 68.00 Brunello di Montalcino Banfi 2011/12 45.00 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio all Oro Banfi 2012 142.00 Rosso di Montalcino Le Chiuse 2016 29.00 Brunello di Montalcino Le Chiuse 2013 74.00 Brunello di Montalcino Santa Restituta Rennina Angelo Gaja 2004 189.00 Brunello di Montalcino Santa Restituta Sugarille Angelo Gaja 2004 195.00 VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO Vino Nobile di Montepulciano la Braccesca Antinori 2012/13 24.00 Here is a wine that is really coming into its own. This is a rich and beautifully integrated blend that offers balanced power and a fully rich or concentrated style. Dark fruit, spice and leather peel back in thick, delicious layers. SUPER TUSCAN TENUTA BELGUARDO Serrata Belguardo Toscana 2014/15 16.00 Tenuta Belguardo Maremma Toscana 2007 54.00 Tenuta Belguardo Maremma Toscana 2008 60.00 Tenuta Belguardo Maremma Toscana 2015 52.00 Delicious served with aged cold cuts or with mildly spicy dishes. TENUTA DI BISERNO From the Lodovico Antinori stable, Biserno in Bolgheri is easily Italy s best new discovery. This delicious, rounded Bordeaux blend plays in the same team as Ornellaia and Sassicaia, but is, for the moment at least, a veritable bargain. Biserno Tenuta di Biserno 2009 95pts Despite the ownership of Lodovico Antinori and the presence of an all-star team of winemakers that includes Michel Rolland, Tenuta di Biserno remains one of the best kept secrets in Bolgheri. Wine Advocate The 2009 Biserno is humming with energy and bold fruit flavors of blackberry, chocolate-covered cherry, rum cake, exotic spice, moist pipe tobacco and dried garden herb. It shows enormous balance and a profound, opulent mouthfeel. The finish is long and extra smooth. Il Pino di Biserno Toscana 2014 65.00 Biserno Tenuta di Biserno Toscana 2008 210.00 Biserno Tenuta di Biserno Toscana 2009 195.00 Biserno Tenuta di Biserno Toscana 2012 159.00 Biserno Tenuta di Biserno Toscana 2013 149.00 Lodovico Tenuta di Biserno Toscana 2008 345.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 55
ITALY RED CAIAROSSA Caiarossa Toscana 2007 52.00 Siepi Fonterutoli 2008 93pts Shades of black fruit, currant and cherry highlight this dense, concentrated red, which is balanced and lively, with an integrated structure. All the components come together on the long finish. CA MARCANDA Magari Angelo Gaja Toscana 2010 54.00 Ca Marcanda Angelo Gaja Bolgheri 2011/13 140.00 CASTELLO FONTERUTOLI Siepi Fonterutoli Toscana 2005 92.00 Siepi Fonterutoli Toscana 2008 92.00 GUADO AL TASSO Cont Ugo Tenuta Guado al Tasso Antinori Bolgheri 2011/12 47.00 Guado al Tasso Antinori Bolgheri 2012/13 133.00 Braised veal with mushrooms or Parmesan. Monteverro 2010 96pts The flagship estate wine, 2010 Monteverro, is absolutely stunning. The excellence of the 2010 vintage is on full display thanks to the integrity of the fruit, the supple richness of the mouthfeel and the tangy sweetness of the finish. Le Serre Nuove dell Ornellaia 2012 92pts MONTEVERRO Monteverro Toscana 2009 189.00 Monteverro Toscana 2010 189.00 Monteverro Toscana 2014 199.00 TENUTA DELL ORNELLAIA With its famous vineyards on gentle hills sloping down to the sea, Ornellaia sits at the heart of Bolgheri and produces world-class Bordeaux-inspired blends consisting principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. From the flagship wine, Ornellaia, to the estate s second wine Serre Nuove and its smaller brother Le Volte, this is a range of wines of impeccable breeding, finesse, quality and style. Le Volte dell Ornellaia Toscana 2012 22.00 Le Serre Nuove dell Ornellaia Bolgheri 2012 47.00 Ornellaia Bolgheri 1995 265.00 Ornellaia Bolgheri 1996 255.00 Ornellaia Bolgheri 2003 295.00 Ornellaia Bolgheri 2006 335.00 Ornellaia Bolgheri 2008 290.00 Ornellaia Bolgheri 2009 295.00 Ornellaia Bolgheri 2011 265.00 Ornellaia Bolgheri 2012 265.00 The 2012 Bolgheri Le Serre Nuove is a voluptuous and generous wine that bursts forth with wild-cherry aromas, blackberry, crème de cassis, oak spice and smoke. It awards pleasure and smoothness, thanks to its plump tannins and ripe fruit overtones. 56
ITALY RED MASSETO One of Italy s most sought after and rarest wines, Masseto is made from a mosaic of small individual plots of Merlot planted over 7ha on the Masseto hill overlooking the Mediterranean. Each of these plots is treated and vinified separately by the passionate and dedicated team who take meticulous care to produce this iconic wine. The result is a wine with great complexity and balance that is hugely popular among wine aficionados around the world. Masseto 2004 100pts Vinous Incredibly silky, bright and polished, with captivating aromatics, nuanced red cherry fruit and stunning overall balance. The mid-weight, gracious style bears some resemblance to the 2010. Masseto Toscana 1995 790.00 Masseto Toscana 1996 750.00 Masseto Toscana 1997 875.00 Masseto Toscana 1999 825.00 Masseto Toscana 2000 790.00 Masseto Toscana 2002 795.00 Masseto Toscana 2003 795.00 Masseto Toscana 2004 890.00 Masseto Toscana 2007 750.00 Masseto Toscana 2008 770.00 Masseto Toscana 2009 740.00 Masseto Toscana 2011 780.00 Masseto Toscana 2014 725.00 Guidalberto Tenuta San Guido 2016 94+pts Dark cherry and blackberry segue to spice, tar, leather and sweet fruit at the end. The mouthfeel is elegantly shaped, silky and nuanced. This may well be the best vintage of Guidalberto I have yet tasted. Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido 2009 97+pts Vinous Extremely primary and pure, offering sharply defined cassis, violet and mineral flavors of great class. The perfectly integrated acidity and a vibrant floral character from the cabernet franc give the middle palate terrific lift. Finishes with noble tannins and outstanding palatestaining length. TENUTA SAN GUIDO This is the winery that coined the phrase Super Tuscan, producing Cabernet blends from the 1940s due to the Marchese s love for Bordeaux wines. Originally only able to call these wines Vino da Tavola, it is a testament to the quality of Sassicaia that the DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia was created specifically for it. Guidalberto is the second wine of this incredible winery. Unquestionably one of the most compelling and dramatic Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever tasted, it continues to go from strength to strength. Robert Parker Guidalberto Tenuta San Guido Toscana 2016 54.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 1999 345.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2001 390.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2003 335.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2005 319.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2006 390.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2007 355.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2008 325.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2009 279.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2010 279.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2011 265.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2012 259.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2013 249.00 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia 2014 239.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 57
ITALY RED Solengo Argiano 1999 94pts A wine with a generous amount of everything, but in a harmonious, pretty way. An abundance of tobacco, cedar and berry character. Full-bodied and chewy, with loads of fruit and a long, long finish. SOLENGO Solengo Argiano Toscana 1998 144.00 Solengo Argiano Toscana 1999 162.00 Ideal with red meats and strong flavoured cheeses. SOLAIA Solaia (derived from the Italian word meaning the sun) was first produced in 1978 from a parcel of Cabernet within the Tignanello vineyard that was deemed to be of such high quality that the Marchese decided to vinify it separately. Since then the quantity has increased from the original 3,600 bottles and the Solaia vineyard now consists of 20ha. Solaia is only produced in the best vintages and truly reflects its terroir. An elegant and captivating wine from the Antinori stable. Solaia Antinori Toscana 2000 295.00 Solaia Antinori Toscana 2006 350.00 Solaia Antinori Toscana 2007 355.00 Solaia Antinori Toscana 2008 290.00 Solaia Antinori Toscana 2009 315.00 Solaia Antinori Toscana 2010 360.00 Solaia Antinori Toscana 2012 349.00 Solaia Antinori Toscana 2013 345.00 Solaia Antinori 2010 98pts Vinous The 2010 has it all; expressive aromatics, wonderfully nuanced fruit and tons of supporting structure. In time, the 2010 will be recognized as one of the all-time legendary Solaias. Actually, it already is. TIGNANELLO Antinori s flagship wine, Tignanello, was the first wine in Tuscany to blend the local Sangiovese with non-traditional varieties, and became one of the focal points of the Tuscan revolution that occurred over the latter part of the 20th century. A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged for 12 months in small oak barriques, this classic Super-Tuscan combines Chianti-like suppleness with Bordeaux-esque style. Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2001 255.00 Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2006 195.00 Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2008 142.00 Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2009 149.00 Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2010 149.00 Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2011 139.00 Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2012 145.00 Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2013 129.00 Tignanello Antinori Toscana 2014 125.00 Tignanello Antinori 2008 94pts Unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. The 2008 isn t a huge or obvious Tignanello, rather it is a wine that impresses for its sublime elegance and precision. Understated layers of fruit caress the palate like cashmere in this impeccable, soft wine. 58
ITALY / GREECE CAMPANIA Taurasi Feudi di San Gregorio Campania 2008 32.00 NeroSanlore Gulfi 2008 92+pts Vinous Tar, smoke, licorice, incense and the blackest of fruit emerge from this powerful, full-bodied Sicilian red. Leather, earthiness and graphite are some of the nuances that add a baritone-like sense of gravitas on the finish. A huge, powerful finish rounds out in this brooding, imposing wine. SARDINIA Turriga Argiolas Isola dei Nuraghi 2012 96.00 SICILY Mille e una Notte Donnafugata Sicily 2006 94.00 NeroSanlore Gulfi Sicily 2008 45.00 Delicious with dense fish soups or spaghetti alla puttanesca. GREECE Assyrtiko Wild Ferment Gaia Santorini 2015/16 32.00 Assyrtiko Wild Ferment Gaia 2015 91pts Lush and caressing in texture, it shows fine fruit and tastes great, handling the wood rather brilliantly, showing it mostly in the slightly sweet hint on the edge. It also seems nicely concentrated this year. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 59
SPAIN Spain is the third largest producer of wines in the world with over a million acres under vine, more than any other country. Given the diversity of the country s landscape and climates, and the fact that Spain is home to 60 regional DOs, it s hardly surprising that it produces wines in a variety of styles. From the fresh whites made from Albariño in Rías Baixas to top end reds from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, there is a huge amount of exciting wine available, offering fantastic value for money. RIOJA Spain s most famous wine region, Rioja is situated in the north of the country just south of the Cantabrian Mountains. The wines are normally a blend of grapes, the majority being Tempranillo with some Garnacha and Graciano. Traditional style Rioja is distinguished by long periods of barrel ageing, whereas the modern style favours the fruit and freshness of Tempranillo. Rioja is only ever released onto the market when it is ready to drink and as such, offers incredible value for money. Rías Baixas Navarra Rioja Toro Ribera del Duero Campo de Borja Cataluña Priorato Rueda Madrid Pago Campo de la Guardia Mallorca Alicante 60
SPAIN Albariño Pazo de Señorans Selección Añada 2009 93pts Very young, complex, nuanced and harmonious, with developed aromas mixing primary sensations that remain after all these years as well as more complex notes of lees, smoke and flint stone. The palate is even more complex, with great depth and an array of flavors that remain after you swallow. WHITE Conde de Valdemar Blanco Viura Verdejo Rioja 2016 8.00 Pazo de Señorans Albariño Rías Baixas 2016 19.00 Pazo de Señorans Albariño Selección de Añada Rías Baixas 2009 49.00 The perfect partner to all shellfish dishes. RED RIOJA Conde de Valdemar Tempranillo Rioja 2016/17 8.00 Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva Rioja 2008 27.00 Roda Reserva Rioja 10/11/13 42.00 Roda I Reserva Rioja 2007/8 77.00 Serve with slow-cooked lamb and salsa verde. Vega Sicilia Unico 2006 98pts RIBERA DEL DUERO Corimbo La Horra Ribera del Duero 2010 35.00 Emilio Moro Crianza Ribera del Duero 2011/13 29.00 Vega Sicilia Alión Ribera del Duero 2014 99.00 Vega Sicilia Unico Ribera del Duero 2006 445.00 A very developed and classical nose, very expressive, ripe and exuberant with an herbal twist, combining classical and modern characteristics and with a good balance between youth and development. It has to be one of the best recent vintages of Único. All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 61
USA A significant wine player, the USA is the fourth largest producer of wine after France, Italy and Spain, with wine produced in all 50 states. California is by far the most significant state with it accounting for 90% of the country s wine output, from tiny producers to some of the world s largest brands. Napa and Sonoma in California are responsible for producing some of the world s best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Washington in New York State produces some fantastic Bordeaux blends whilst Oregon is known for outstanding Pinot Noir. WASHINGTON OREGON CALIFORNIA MENDOCINO Anderson Valley SONOMA COUNTY NAPA VALLEY Russian River Valley Santa Cruz Mountains Paso Robles Santa Maria Valley 62
USA WHITE Eroica Riesling Dr Loosen and Chateau Ste Michelle 2010 90pts Green apple and crabapple as well as pineapple, white peach and honeydew melon inform a bright but (at 12.5% alcohol) quite substantial palate and a combination of density and vivacity such as is scarcely possible in wine from any other grape. WHITE WASHINGTON Eroica Riesling Dr Loosen and Chateau Ste Michelle Washington 2010 37.00 CALIFORNIA Conundrum California 2010/14 39.00 CALIFORNIA NORTH COAST Cakebread Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015 69.00 Scallops with a beurre blanc sauce. Clos du Val Chardonnay Napa Valley 2014 37.00 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2013/15 49.00 Far Niente Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015 129.00 Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 95pts The honeysuckle, white currants, quince and wet rock/mineral notes of the crisp yet full-bodied, concentrated 2012 Chardonnay Vine Hill are fresh, lively, exuberant and, at the same time, powerful and elegant. This is a beauty, combining both elegance and depth. KISTLER Founded in 1978 by Steve Kistler, the winery continues to be family owned and operated today. Dedicated to fashioning world class Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs using traditional Burgundian techniques, their single vineyard wines represent some of the world s finest examples of these varietals. Kistler Les Noisetiers Chardonnay Sonoma 2014/15 126.00 Kistler McCrea Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma 2010 275.00 Kistler McCrea Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma 2011 275.00 Kistler McCrea Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma 2014 235.00 Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma 2011 269.00 Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma 2012 279.00 Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma 2013 285.00 Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma 2014 279.00 Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2015 90pts Opening with apricot, guava and honey toast scents with a waft of butterscotch, the 2015 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch has a medium body laden with ripe stone fruit and toast flavors, marked by a lively backbone and finishing clean and fresh. Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley 2013 158.00 Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay Russian River 2015 95.00 Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River 2012 135.00 Stag s Leap Cellars Karia Chardonnay Napa Valley 2016 59.00 CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST Mer Soleil Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2013/14 69.00 Poppy Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2014 25.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 63
USA RED L Ecole No. 41 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee 2007 92pts Polished, vibrant and distinctive for the guava accents around a supple core of cherry and spice, all of it lingering as the finish revs up. Shows some cedar notes as well. This one has pizzazz. RED WASHINGTON Col Solare Marchesi Antinori and Chateau Ste Michelle Columbian Valley 2006 89.00 L Ecole No. 41 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee Walla Walla Valley 2007/8 89.00 OREGON Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Oregon 2014/15 56.00 Delicious paired with duck with a balsamic and honey glaze. CALIFORNIA Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant California 2007 69.00 Sean Thackrey Pleiades California NV 57.00 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 95pts CALIFORNIA NORTH COAST CAYMUS Proprietor Chuck Wagner has to be one of the most avuncular and modest figures in California s winemaking fraternity and so it is pleasantly appropriate that he owns some of the greatest vineyards and regularly fashions some of the best wines in the whole country. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014 139.00 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013 290.00 This zeroes in on a rich, hedonistic core of wild berry, blackberry, plum and currant flavors, with a graceful, elegant mouthfeel and supple, caressing tannins. The long and powerful yet refined aftertaste keeps reverberating fruit generosity while maintaining Cabernet s strength of personality. Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1998 105.00 Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 110.00 DOMINUS Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property of Dominus. One of the stars of the Napa Valley, Dominus is known for its architectural winery, immaculate vineyards, small production and exceptional quality. Dominus Christian Moueix Napa Valley 2011 265.00 Dominus Christian Moueix Napa Valley 2012 390.00 Dominus Christian Moueix 2012 98+pts The exuberance and drama in the stunning nose offers up notes of Asian spice, ripe black currants, kirsch, tobacco leaf and Christmas fruitcake. It is fullbodied and opulent, with no hard edges, a seamless integration of acidity, wood and tannin and a density and richness that are built to go on for 25-30 years. Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley 2013 88.00 Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013 115.00 Duckhorn Vineyards Goldeneye Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2014 92.00 Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Merlot Napa Valley 2013 149.00 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012 289.00 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013 295.00 Harlan Estate Napa Valley 2000 849.00 64
USA RED OPUS ONE A collaboration between the Rothschilds of Bordeaux (Château Mouton Rothschild) and Robert Mondavi of the Napa Valley, Opus One is probably California s single most famous exported wine. Capturing the best of both worlds in a truly sublime example of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Opus One 2013 97+pts Opus One Napa Valley 2011 425.00 Opus One Napa Valley 2012 465.00 Opus One Napa Valley 2013 495.00 Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir Carneros 2012/14 145.00 Velvety textured, without a hard edge to be found, notes of crème de cassis, blueberry, subtle wood and floral notes gently rise from the wine s dense purple color. Beautifully fullbodied and extraordinarily elegant and pure. JOSEPH PHELPS Founded in 1973 and located near St Helena, Joseph Phelps is one of the most respected wineries in Napa Valley. Family owned and operated to this day, the vineyards are farmed using sustainable practices and their portfolio of wines is 100% estate grown since the 2009 vintage. Insignia is their flagship Bordeaux blend and is one of California s most iconic wines. Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012 115.00 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2004 375.00 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2009 375.00 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2012 395.00 Screaming Eagle 2010 100pts Utter perfection, the 2010 Screaming Eagle boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with a staggering bouquet of spring flowers, graphite, creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice and subtle toast in the background. Opulent and full-bodied with a multidimensional personality, gorgeous purity and a stunning, flawless texture. Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros 2013 62.00 Screaming Eagle 2010 3,450.00 Sebastiani Merlot Alexander Valley 2010/14 45.00 Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013/14 55.00 An ideal match for fillet of beef. Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2012/14 32.00 SHAFER VINEYARDS Shafer Vineyards, located in Napa Valley s Stags Leap District is managed by father and son team John and Doug Shafer. Acquired by John Shafer in 1972, the winemaking team have been working together since the very first vintage in 1978. Year in year out, this is one of the superstar wineries, not only in Napa Valley and all of California, but in the entire world. Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 100pts It is stunningly rich, with classic, fragrant notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, graphite and spring flowers. It exhibits an opaque purple color, with a full-bodied, massive mouthfeel, but no heaviness, and again, a flawless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood. Robert Parker Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2013 136.00 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2010 490.00 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2011 395.00 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2013 490.00 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2011 155.00 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2010/11 225.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 65
USA RED STAG S LEAP WINE CELLARS Dramatic improvements have been made in recent years at Stag s Leap Wine Cellars, which was sold to a consortium led by Tuscany s Piero Antinori in 2007. Antinori brought in consultant Renzo Cotarella to get this winery back to the lofty heights it achieved in the seventies and eighties. They seem to be well on their way given the high quality of recent releases. Stag s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 2012 96pts Dense ruby/purple to the rim, beautiful blackberry and cassis fruit, cedar wood, toast and earth jump from the glass. Full-bodied and layered, but with nothing out of balance, this is probably the strongest Cask 23 since the glory years of the mid-80s. Ridge Monte Bello 2011 94pts Vinous Ridge s 2011 Monte Bello shows beautifully. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, spices and graphite form an attractive core of flavors and textures. Hints of sage, lavender and black fruits add the final shades of nuance. Stag s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Napa Valley 2014 89.00 Stag s Leap Wine Cellars Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2009/10 195.00 Stag s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Napa Valley 2012 219.00 Stag s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Napa Valley 2013 360.00 Sean Thackrey Orion Syrah Napa Valley 2010/12 198.00 Sean Thackrey Aquila Sangiovese Mendocino 2000/3 89.00 CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST Ojai Bien Nacido Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley 2012 74.00 Ojai Puerto del Mar Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2014 66.00 Ojai Roll Ranch Syrah California 2005 59.00 Ojai Bien Nacido Syrah Santa Maria Valley 2013 66.00 Poppy Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2014/15 25.00 Poppy Pinot Noir Monterey County 2013 26.00 RIDGE Grapevines were first planted on Monte Bello Ridge in 1855 by Osea Perrone, a doctor and prominent member of the northern California Italian immigrant community. Surviving Prohibition, these vineyards now form the backbone of Ridge. Led by the charismatic and talismanic figure of Paul Draper, Ridge is one of the greatest wine estates, not just in California, but the world. Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 1999 295.00 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2000 325.00 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2003 319.00 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2010 295.00 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2011 279.00 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2012 295.00 Sine Qua Non Stock Syrah 2012 98pts SINE QUA NON Some of the most collectible and hard to find wines from America. Sine Qua Non may literally mean indispensible, but given that such small quantities are made by Manfred Krankl s winery, these wines are only likely to find their way into the hands of a select few. About as good as it gets across the board, these singular, incredible wines are the result of an obsessive attention to detail at all stages of the wine making process. 66 It offers stunning notes of blackcurrants, cassis, smoked meats, ground pepper and wild herbs to go with a full-bodied, unctuous, layered, yet always graceful and elegant feel on the palate. Nicely structured, with perfect overall balance. Sine Qua Non Stock Syrah Central Coast 2012 498.00 Sine Qua Non Stein Grenache Central Coast 2012 495.00 Sine Qua Non Male Syrah Central Coast 2013 325.00 Sine Qua Non Female Grenache Central Coast 2013 325.00 Sine Qua Non Piranha Waterdance Syrah Central Coast 2014 449.00 Sine Qua Non Shakti Grenache Central Coast 2014 469.00 Pulled pork with BBQ sauce.
ARGENTINA & CHILE Viña Leyda Falaris Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 90pts Whilst South America has been making wine since the 1500s, it wasn t until plantings of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère were brought over from France in 1800 that Argentina and Chile started making wine of notable quality. Now producing wine across all price points, the industry is booming, with Argentina famous for Malbec from Mendoza, and Chile for fantastic cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère and Sauvignon Blanc. This white offers an elegant, airy texture, with lush, juicy flavors of apricot tart, baked peach, guava and roasted pineapple, all supported by bright acidity. Long and rich on the cream-filled finish. CHILE WHITE Viña Leyda Falaris Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Leyda Valley 2012 25.00 Villa Montes Sauvignon Blanc Curico Valley 2016/17 10.00 Montes Classic Chardonnay Curico Valley 2015/16 12.00 Montes Alpha Chardonnay Casablanca Valley 2014/15 20.00 Montes Purple Angel Carménère 2014 93pts Svelte and plush, with concentrated dark plum and cherry pie flavors that are loaded with Asian spice notes. Offers a fleshy core, which is flanked by plenty of savory accents. Dark chocolate details show on the finish. Cheval des Andes 2013 96pts CHILE RED Viña Almaviva Maipo Valley 2009 189.00 Villa Montes Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley 2015/16 10.00 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley 2013/14 20.00 Montes Purple Angel Carmenère Colchagua Valley 2014/15 59.00 Perfect with a spicy chilli or lamb rogan josh. ARGENTINA Cheval des Andes Mendoza 2013 95.00 Privada Bodega Norton Mendoza 2014 39.00 Pascual Toso Malbec Mendoza 2015/16 14.00 Pascual Toso Magdalena Malbec Cabernet Mendoza 2007 95.00 Steak, bone marrow and pommes Anna. It has great balance and freshness, with great elegance, and super-refined tannins. I ve never tasted such an elegant Cheval des Andes, all about finesse and balance. Bravo to the new team! All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 67
AUSTRALIA Generally considered to be the most successful New World wine producer, largely due to building a brand around Shiraz, Australia produces wines in a wide variety of styles. Shiraz and Chardonnay make up 44% of total plantings, with increasing amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir being grown. The wine regions vary hugely: from the Barossa, home to the oldest vines in Australia and producing top quality Shiraz; to Clare Valley, famous for some of the country s richest Rieslings.
AUSTRALIA Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2014 93+pts The Riesling Polish Hill presents a very attractive nose filled with citrus and floral aromas set off by notes of herbs, fennel, coriander seed and a touch of wet pebbles. Light-bodied and dry, the palate reveals intense flavors enlivened by seamless acidity and a long finish with a mineral note. WHITE Devil s Corner Sauvignon Blanc Tasmania 2016 18.00 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling Clare Valley 2014/15 42.00 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay South-East Australia 1999 159.00 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay South-East Australia 2007 175.00 Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills 2014/15 36.00 Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills 2017 22.00 Wakefield Estate Promised Land Unwooded Chardonnay South Australia 2016 14.00 Wakefield Estate Chardonnay Clare Valley 2016 19.00 Wakefield Estate Riesling Clare Valley 2014 21.00 A delicious aperitif, or perfect served with charcuterie. RED Devil s Corner Pinot Noir Tasmania 2016/17 20.00 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz Eden Valley 2008 590.00 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz Eden Valley 2009 625.00 Langmeil Fifth Wave Grenache 2009 92pts Vinous Potent, spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, mocha and candied flowers. Fleshy and open-knit on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering sweet dark berry and cherry flavors and a hint of spicecake. A vanilla note comes up with air and carries through a smooth, gently tannic finish. LANGMEIL WINERY Family owned and operated, Langmeil is the home of the Barossa and Australia s oldest known surviving vineyard, planted to Shiraz in 1843, from where the iconic Freedom 1843 Shiraz hails. Although it is only 21 vintages since the Lindner family re-established the abandoned winery, Langmeil has achieved considerable success and it is consistently awarded five red stars in the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion placing it in the top 10% of Australia s premium producers. Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley 2014/15 29.00 Langmeil Fifth Wave Grenache Barossa Valley 2009 52.00 Langmeil Orphan Bank Shiraz Barossa Valley 2013/14 66.00 Langmeil The 1843 Freedom Shiraz Barossa Valley 2012/14 124.00 PENFOLDS GRANGE Grange is Australia s icon wine, and deservedly so. Richly textured, intensely concentrated and packed with fruit, these are immensely complex, beguiling wines that seduce the senses. Grange, Penfolds flagship wine, is, by many accounts, the most renowned and world-famous wine produced in Australia. Penfolds Grange 2008 100pts An utterly majestic Shiraz, sleek and seamless, brimming with ripeness on a framework that allows for grace and expressiveness in equal measure. The intensity of fresh blueberry and plum fruit holds attention until the nuances kick in, offering glints of exotic spice, coffee, cocoa, bay leaf and mint. Robert Parker Penfolds Grange South Australia 2005 595.00 Penfolds Grange South Australia 2006 610.00 Penfolds Grange South Australia 2008 680.00 Penfolds Grange South Australia 2009 609.00 Penfolds Grange South Australia 2012 645.00 Penfolds Grange South Australia 2013 590.00 Shaw & Smith Shiraz Adelaide Hills 2014 36.00 Wakefield Estate Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet South Australia 2014/15 14.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 69
NEW ZEALAND Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has become synonymous with New Zealand and is now a brand in its own right. There is far more to the wine industry here than just Sauvignon however - fantastic Pinot Noir from Central Otago, Syrah from Hawkes Bay and Chardonnay from Marlborough, all displaying a purity of fruit unique to New Zealand. WHITE Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2017 27.00 CLOUDY BAY Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. At the time, it was almost an unimaginable place to set up a vineyard. However, Cloudy Bay s founder, David Hohnen, was convinced of its potential to produce great wine and so invested in the best land of the region. Since then, Marlborough has risen to become New Zealand s leading wine region, as well as one of the finest winemaking locations in the world. Felton Road Chardonnay 2013 91pts Pretty white blossom notes orange and peach blossoms over a core of grapefruit, white peaches and baking bread with a hint of marzipan. Medium bodied and still very tight in the mouth, it has great tension lifting the citrus and stone fruit flavors, finishing long and creamy. Cloudy Bay Chardonnay Marlborough 2015/16 34.00 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016/17 30.00 Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014/15 54.00 Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Riesling Martinborough 2014 21.00 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 25.00 Felton Road Chardonnay Central Otago 2013/16 55.00 Jackson Estates Stich Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015/16 18.00 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015/17 20.00 Kim Crawford Pinot Gris Marlborough 2016 19.00 Ram s Hill Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013 30.00 RED Auntsfield Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011 52.00 Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 39.00 Craggy Range Sophia Bordeaux Blend 2014 92pts Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with an expressive cassis, pencil shavings and blackberry-laced nose with some cloves and chocolate box nuances. The medium to full-bodied palate offers a nice backbone of grainy tannins and refreshing acidity supporting the generous fruit, finishing long with some lively herbal notes. CRAGGY RANGE When Craggy Range was established in 1997, owners Terry Peabody and Steve Smith set about selecting the best parcels of land they could find in New Zealand to make wines that spoke of their place. Choosing the best vineyard sites for Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay and Te Muna Road in Martinborough, the wines display amazing aromatics, purity and complexity. Craggy Range Syrah Gimblett Gravels 2013 28.00 Craggy Range Sophia Bordeaux Blend Gimblett Gravels 2014 52.00 Felton Road Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014/15 68.00 Jackson Estates Vintage Widow Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 29.00 RM Wines Trademark Syrah Hawke s Bay 2011 59.00 70
SOUTH AFRICA Thanks to the hard work of several very talented winemakers and the privatisation of the state-controlled winemaking co-operative, the South African wine industry has taken a huge change in direction in the last 20 years. Previously known for cheap wines that often ended up being distilled into brandy before hitting the shelves, the now vibrant industry is earning a reputation for some of the most exciting wines on the market. South Africa is famous for Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the indigenous Pinotage. Waterford Estate Chardonnay 2015 92pts An intense bouquet with complex notes of white peach, linseed oil, a touch of dried apricot and peony. The palate is well balanced with a slight viscosity on the entry, the acidity nicely judged with peach skin and guava vying for attention on the composed finish. WHITE Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2015/16 19.00 Jordan Inspector Péringuey Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2015/16 15.00 Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc Constantia 2015/16 20.00 Vergelegen G.V.B. White Stellenbosch 2010 35.00 Waterford Estate Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2015 27.00 RED Chamonix Pinotage Greywacke Franschhoek 2014 25.00 Jordan The Prospector Syrah Stellenbosch 2013/15 20.00 Klippenkop Pinotage Coastal Region 2015 9.00 VERGELEGEN Renowned as being one of South Africa s best wine producers, the Vergelegen estate was founded in 1700. Since then it has been owned by some of the world s great explorers and visionaries, each of whom, in their own way, has helped shape Vergelegen into what it is today: a world-class estate. First producing wine in 1992, Vergelegen has since won over 200 awards and attracted lots of international recognition for their hand crafted wines. Vergelegen G.V.B. Red Stellenbosch 2007 44.00 Vergelegen V Stellenbosch 2007 99.00 Vergelegen G.V.B. Red 2007 92+pts Vinous Superripe aromas of black raspberry, coffee liqueur, chocolate and mocha. Broad, concentrated and sweet, with flavors of dark berries, spices and cocoa powder complemented by salty minerality and sappy oak. 4G WINE ESTATE 4G Wine Estate is a recently established wine producer combining Old World craftsmanship and expertise with state-of-the-art technologies and the best terroirs of the Cape to produce world-class wines. Dubbed the First Growth of the Cape, these wines are rapidly gaining cult status around the world. The Echo of G. 2012 2012 184.00 G. 2013 Waldweben 2013 555.00 G. 2014 67 Imizuzu 2014 520.00 All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 71
SWEET & FORTIFIED Royal Tokaji Szt Tamás 1st Growth Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2005 Marmalade, fruitcake and spice with caramel, orange blossom, coffee, peach liqueur and hazelnut complexity. Simply magnificent. The wines from Szt Tamás are the best of the best. Classed a First Growth in 1700, today it is the most expensive vineyard in its commune. SWEET GERMANY Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule Dr Loosen Mosel 2009 75.00 Erdener Prälat Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule Dr Loosen Mosel 2012 75.00 HUNGARY Royal Tokaji Szt Tamás 1st Growth Aszú 6 Puttonyos 50cl bottle 2005 135.00 Perfect served with tarte tatin and vanilla ice cream. FRANCE Château La Fontaine 2010/11 28.00 CHATEAU RIEUSSEC Rieussec has long been considered the second greatest property in Sauternes after Yquem and with masterful performances year in, year out, it is not hard to taste why. It is presented in the full, rich, fruity, caramel, marmalade and smoky style, and yet manages to retain a degree of lemon zest freshness. Château Rieussec 2009 97pts The palate is wonderfully balanced with botrytis-rich fruit, a multilayered and opulent Rieussec that somehow maintains quite brilliant balance towards the minerally finish. This is one of the great wines from the estate in the modern age. Château Rieussec 1er Cru Classé 1996 79.00 Château Rieussec half bottle 1er Cru Classé 1999 55.00 Château Rieussec 1er Cru Classé 2001 165.00 Château Rieussec half bottle 1er Cru Classé 2003 44.00 Château Rieussec 1er Cru Classé 2009 99.00 Château Rieussec 1er Cru Classé 2010 89.00 CHATEAU D YQUEM A Château which has now acquired legendary status, thanks to its history (it was established in the 1500s, and came top of the sweet-wine producing estates in the 1855 Classification) and for its finesse and concentration. It can last, if stored correctly, for up to a century. Made, as are all sweet Bordeaux wines, from Sémillon and aged for four years in oak barrels. Château d Yquem 2001 100pts The nose is like the throbbing engine of an Aston Martin Vantage, ready to go. It is so packed with intensity. The palate is perfectly balanced and laden with botrytis, with heavenly focus and a crescendo of flavors that take your breath away: acacia honey, yellow plum, white peach and orange sorbet. Château d Yquem half bottle 1er Cru Supérieur 1989 290.00 Château d Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur 1990 349.00 Château d Yquem half bottle 1er Cru Supérieur 1995 225.00 Château d Yquem half bottle 1er Cru Supérieur 1996 195.00 Château d Yquem half bottle 1er Cru Supérieur 1998 179.00 Château d Yquem half bottle 1er Cru Supérieur 1999 169.00 Château d Yquem half bottle 1er Cru Supérieur 2001 365.00 Château d Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur 2003 345.00 Château d Yquem half bottle 1er Cru Supérieur 2003 189.00 Château d Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur 2004 290.00 Château d Yquem half bottle 1er Cru Supérieur 2005 275.00 Château d Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur 2010 525.00 72
SWEET & FORTIFIED Moscato d Asti Paolo Saracco 2016 92pts This wine comes to us from one of the finest producers of sweet Moscato that I know of. The bouquet is redolent of honey, sweet peach and exotic fruit. In the mouth, the wine is creamy and rich. This vintage strikes me as particularly well put together and articulate. Vin de Constance Klein Constantia 2008 95pts ITALY Moscato d Asti Paolo Saracco 2016 20.00 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé Donnafugata 2009 85.00 Recioto della Valpolicella Sant Ulderico Monte Dall Oro 50cl bottle 2006 67.00 Try with chocolate desserts or on its own with coffee. SOUTH AFRICA Vin de Constance Klein Constantia 50cl bottle 2008 76.00 AUSTRALIA Campbells Rutherglen Muscat half bottle NV 19.00 FORTIFIED SHERRY Hidalgo Manzanilla La Gitana NV 15.50 Serve with tapas style dishes or as an aperitif with almonds and olives. Hidalgo Amontillado Seco Napoleon 50cl bottle NV 17.00 Hidalgo Pedro Ximénez Triana 50cl bottle NV 22.00 Offers a very complex bouquet with fresh pineapple, quince, Japanese yuzu, just a hint of grass clippings and then later mille fieulle. It feels smooth and pure gentle in the mouth, caressing the senses with its quince and marmalade tinged finish with a suggestion of shaved ginger on the aftertaste. Wonderful! PORT Taylor s Late Bottled Vintage 2005/7 21.95 Taylor s 10 Year Old Tawny NV 34.50 Taylor s 20 Year Old Tawny NV 59.00 Taylor s 30 Year Old Tawny NV 115.00 Taylor s 40 Year Old Tawny NV 195.00 Taylor s Quinta de Vargellas 2001/2 46.00 Taylor s Vintage 1985 135.00 Taylor s 40 Year Old Tawny 95pts MADEIRA H & H Medium Rich Single Harvest 50cl bottle 1998 38.00 H & H 10 Year Old Sercial 50cl bottle NV 29.00 Big, weighty and mouth filling, this is an aromatic Tawny that finishes with acidity and tension. Grippy on the finish, its flavors become more interesting as long as it sits in the glass (or on your palate). All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 73
SPIRITS BEER & SOFT DRINKS SPIRITS We have a huge selection of spirits in stock from everyday bar essentials to the world s finest spirits and rare collectables. Our range evolves constantly and is too broad to include in its entirety here so please get in touch for our latest list. We can also provide you with hard-to-source back bar ingredients for cocktails and mixology. BEER Our warehouse is home to an extensive range of beers and light beers from all over the world. Please get in touch for availability, whatever style you are after. SOFT DRINKS & WATER We have a large choice of soft drinks, including hard-to-find sodas and mixers, and artesian waters. For our full provisioning list and order form, please get in touch provisioning@vsfgroup.com
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SERVICES We believe that wine is much more than just a drink and as such we offer a range of services to enhance your guests enjoyment. Whether we can help with building a creative wine list or by arranging a bespoke trip to a top end winery, our wine team is on hand to assist you, your crew and your guests. Cellar Planning Evaluation and assessment for new builds Consultation for shore based cellars Wine Tastings & Events for Guests Tutored tastings on board Wine dinners Vineyard and winery visits Wine Training for Crew WSET courses either on board or in training centres Bespoke wine education and training sessions on board, including food and wine pairing Cocktail Training for Crew On board cocktail training Wine List Consultation Wine Advice Information on grape varieties, regions and vintages Storage Serving guidelines temperature and glassware Wine tasting notes, information and food recommendations 76
WINE COURSES VSF offers a range of professional courses as well as tailor-made training sessions to suit your needs. WSET COURSES VSF is a longstanding Approved Programme Provider for the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) courses, Levels 1-3. The WSET is a globally recognised examination body, meaning that any candidate who passes one of the exams will receive an official certificate vand qualification a great addition to any yachting or hospitality CV. Please contact us at info@vsfgroup.com for further information and details of forthcoming dates. Whatever your question, please contact a member of our team info@vsfgroup.com All prices are in Euros before Tax www.vsfgroup.com FOR ORDERS t: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com 77
DELIVERY Our fleet of vans is on hand to deliver free of charge to ports throughout the Côte d Azur from St Tropez to Imperia (subject to a minimum order). For van deliveries further afield, please call for a quote: +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 Our Riviera office lines are open 8am 10 pm, 7 days a week from May until October and Monday to Friday throughout the winter months. For deliveries from Viareggio and Palma please call the relevant office for stock, availabilities, sourcing and delivery. WORLDWIDE We can safely and securely send your wine order to almost anywhere in the world, wherever your yacht is moored. Our network of freight forwarders and airfreight agents ensures swift and reliable delivery directly from our warehouse. Please call or e-mail for an estimate on time and costs. TERMS & CONDITIONS Please enjoy alcohol in moderation. All wines and vintages are subject to availability. E&OE. All prices in this list are in Euros before tax. This list replaces all previous and is valid from 1st April 2018 until 30th November 2018. Other wines will become available throughout the season, and some featured in this list are are or in very limited supply and may run out. Please call us for advice about current stocks at any time. All goods remain the property of VSF until paid for in full. We cannot accept returns once products have been signed for and taken on board. 78 Cover image by Tobias Hägg, www.airpixelsmedia.com
TAX-FREE DELIVERIES IN FRANCE If your yacht and charter fulfils specific conditions, you may be eligible for a tax-free wine and/or provisions order which VSF is happy and able to fulfil. The following conditions must all be met THE YACHT IS COMMERCIALLY REGISTERED THE YACHT HAS A PERMANENT CREW THE YACHT IS USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY THE YACHT IS AT LEAST 15M LONG THE YACHT MUST EXIT FRENCH WATERS FOR AT LEAST 70% OF TRIPS PER YEAR NOT MORE THAN 50% OF CHARTERS IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR CAN BE STATIC THE GOODS PURCHASED CANNOT BE FOR A STATIC CHARTER THE AMOUNT PURCHASED IS IN KEEPING WITH THE DURATION OF THE CHARTER AND ITS NUMBER OF GUESTS You will need to provide copies of the following in advance of any delivery CERTIFICATE OF COMMERCIAL REGISTRATION THE SPECIFIC CHARTER AGREEMENT CREW LIST DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE The Customs Agents fees for processing a tax free delivery are at least 199. Therefore tax-free delivery is only worthwhile when the tax on an order exceeds 199 usually a minimum of 1,020 for a wine and spirits order or 3,620 for soft drinks. Please note that due to Customs constraints we need at least 48 hours notice to carry out a tax free delivery. We will also need to be informed at the time of placing an order whether a tax-free delivery is required. Tax-free delivery cannot be arranged after the goods have been delivered. Deliveries can only be made during Customs hours and following receipt of their approval. Due to Customs office hours this means deliveries can only be made 09.00 12.00 or 14.00 17.00, Monday Friday. No return of goods can be accepted once the delivery has cleared Customs. Goods delivered tax free cannot legally be taken off board without going through an import procedure, involving paying significant customs charges as well as VAT. Customs reserve the right to board the vessel at the time of delivery and subsequently. There are potentially serious consequences for false declarations. Please note that the invoice must be issued in the name of the company as it appears on the certificate of commercial registration. PAYMENT We accept cash, credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) and wire transfers. Please let us know how you wish to pay when ordering. Unless previously agreed, payment is due in full on delivery. 79
VSF GROUP Village d Entreprises, 230 Route des Dolines, 06560 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France +33 (0)4 22 10 67 70 info@vsfgroup.com www.vsfgroup.com 80 VSFGroup @VSFGroup @VSFGroup