2013 Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or
The objective of Clos des Lunes is clearly defined: to create a fine dry white wine that will with time become part of the same legend that describes the sweet wines of Sauternes. The winemaking practices at Clos des Lunes take inspiration from those of Domaine de Chevalier, and benefit from an expertise in creating impressive dry white wines.
“A great wine originates from great fruit. It is the natural expression of a great terroir. Man simply reveals it… The terroir determines everything”, explains Olivier Bernard. This approach, based upon an absolute respect for the terroir and the fruit, is put into practice through an endless pursuit of quality through research and constant refinement.
Just like at Chevalier, the harvest at Clos des Lunes is carried out by hand, with extreme care and several passes through the vines as the grapes reach maturity. It takes place in the morning. This level of precision throughout the picking and sorting processes makes it possible to obtain perfectly ripe fruit.
In the winery, the purity of the fruit therefore allows for a simple, natural vinification that enables the individual properties of the terroir to reveal themselves. Following the precise and plot-by-plot approach to harvesting, vinification takes place in small thermo-regulated vats of 50 hectolitres or in barrels. This is determined according to the quality of wine, following a very gentle, slow pressing of the grapes.
2016 Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Double Magnum)
Only 100 produced
£100.00 per double magnum
Lune d’Argent is the heart of Clos des Lunes’ production. We firmly believe in the future of this legendary terroir and its truly original style. With a touch of French oak, the Sémillon is dense and rich, the Sauvignon Blanc refined and precise. This cuvée of dry white wine promises to convey all the magic of Sauternes.
Chateau Pavie Macquin 2016
St Émilion Premiere Grand Cru Classe
£300.00 IB per case (6x75cl)
was £350.00
Delivered in its original wooden case
98 Points - Antonio Galloni “The 2016 Pavie Macquin is a total stunner. Rich, lush and inviting, the 2016 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal, lavender and mint are all given an extra kick of allure by silky tannins that caress the palate from start to finish. There is a level of precision and nuance here that is simply breathtaking. The purity of the fruit is just mind-boggling.”
Chateau Malartic Lagraviere Rouge 2016
Pessac-Léognan
@ £195.00 IB per case (6x75cl)
was £230.00
Delivered in its original wooden case
95 Points - Neal Martin "The 2016 Malartic-Lagravière has a wonderful bouquet of perfumed, mainly red fruit laced with potpourri, black olive tapenade and light brine-like aromas - a bouquet full of personality. The fresh, harmonious palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and just the right amount of salinity toward the loam-tinged finish. Bon vin from the Bonnies."
Delicious and affordable Bordeaux from famous Pomerol winemaker Denis Durantou of L'Eglise Clinet.
Chateau Montlandrie 2015
Castillon - Cotes de Bordeaux
£69.95 IB per case (6x75cl)
was £95.00
17+ Points - Matthew Jukes “The aroma here is sublime with the oak is already fully integrated into the mass of red fruit. As always this is a tannic beast and it will require eight to ten years to soften but the perfume suggests that it will be beautiful when it gets there. I am normally a little sceptical about Montlandrie, but in 2015 it is a success.”
"2016 Château Montlandrie is a rock star of a wine..."
Jeb Dunnuck
Chateau Montlandrie 2016
Castillon - Cotes de Bordeaux
£65.00 IB per case (6x75cl)
was £85.00
Jeb Dunnuck “Another one of those hidden gems from the Castillon region of Bordeaux, the 2016 Château Montlandrie is a rock star of a wine that readers should snatch up! From more clay soils (the region is mostly limestone) and with surprising power and richness, it offers a stacked bouquet of red and black currants, smoked earth, and chocolate. Full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe tannins and terrific balance, it’s a winner. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2019-2034.”
Chateau Montlandrie 2017
Castillon - Cotes de Bordeaux
£65.00 IB per case (6x75cl)
was £80.00
17+ Points - Matthew Jukes “Denis thinks that this vintage is even finer than his impressive 2016. There is serious density of flavour here and the tannins are rich and fondant with invigorating energy and power. The fruit is black and luxurious and the finish is long. This is a wine with real attitude and it will be one of the longer-lived examples on the Right Bank. It ought to offer superb value for money, too.”
2017 Saintayme
St Émilion Grand Cru
James Suckling “Ripe fruit with chocolate, spice and hints of raisins. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Really delicious.”
The second wine from Pauillac sensation,
Château Pontet Canet
2008 Les Hauts de Pontet Canet
Winemaker "Very intense colour. The nose is dominated by fruit notes such as cherries and blackcurrants. A touch of cedar elegantly brings the nose together as a whole. On the mouth, the wine is well balanced and expresses with subtlety its purity and loyalty to the Pauillac’s territory. It really is Château Pontet-Canet’s little brother."
Stuart McCloskey "It’s difficult not to be impressed, silky / supple tannins work harmoniously with the high quality fruit. Cabernet flavours dominate with blackberry leaf, cassis with a touch of cocoa coming through as the wine starts to reach its tenth birthday. Really delicious but does require 2-3 hours in a decanter."
2011 Les Hauts de Pontet Canet
Stuart McCloskey "Alfred and his team produced a super-delicious wine during a difficult vintage. The Grand Vin equalling all the First-Growths and his second wine is comfortably comparable (if not better) than many second wines for double the money. This is a refined Pauillac and drinking beautifully now..."
Winemaker "Very deep colour. The nose is a complex spectrum of fruit and graphite notes with a touch of vanilla which comes to elevate the ensemble. A dense and distinctive mouth with a touch of silky tannins. A very beautiful wine of pure pleasure."
2015 Chateau Doisy-Vedrines
Sauternes
95-96 Points - James Suckling “This has phenolic tension and power with so much dried fruit character from pineapple to mango. Full, medium sweet and lively. Really excellent.”
The Family Selection Christmas Case
£99.00 per case (6x75cl)
SAVE £9.40
Our Family Selection is specially curated to give you and your loved ones optimum taste without breaking the bank. You are sure to raise a smile with these wines, and as for their price, they punch well above their weight. Maximum deliciousness and that's all. Truly scrumptious wines to share... or not!
Case includes:
1 x 2020 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc
1 x 2018 Soumah Upper Ngumby Chardonnay
1 x 2015 Topper's Mountain Bricolage Blanc
1 x 2017 Hardys HRB Shiraz
1 x 2018 Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon
1 x 2018 Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Merlot
The Luxurious Selection Christmas Case
£165.00 per case (6x75cl)
SAVE £10.80
Understanding how easy it is to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of our premium wines, we have hand-picked a collection of some of our truly spectacular and self-indulgent offerings.
Case includes:
1 x 2020 Mulline Sutherlands Creek Fume Blanc
1 x 2021 MMAD Vineyard Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc
1 x 2019 Glaetzer-Dixon Nouveau Chardonnay
1 x 2015 John's Blend Cabernet Sauvignon
1 x 2019 Utopos Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
1 x 2018 Shadowfax Pyrenees Shiraz 2018
The Hedonist's Selection Christmas Case
£259.00 per case (6x75cl)
SAVE £19.80
Whether you are hosting friends and family or choosing wine to take along to a gathering, with so much choice and many different preferences to take into account, we are aware that this can be far from an easy task.
Team Vinorium is here with a helping hand – we sat together and curated our most luxurious case yet. A selection of our favourite wines that all represent the highest peaks of our collection.
From spectacular, hedonistic Shiraz, to a majestic Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend and perfectly balanced Pinot Noir. A pair of 'must have' Chardonnays are included and of course the case wouldn't be complete without a bottle of Grand Vintage sparkling from the experts at House of Arras.
Nobody will be disappointed to find this selection under the tree on Christmas morning!
Case includes:
1 x 2013 House of Arras Grand Vintage 2013 (98 Points)
1 x 2017 Standish The Standish Shiraz (99 Points)
1 x 2018 Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Merlot (97+ - 98+ Points)
1 x 2018 Anthill Farms Comptche Ridge Pinot Noir
1 x 2019 Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay (98 Points)
1 x 2021 Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay (17.5+ Points)
SAVE £48.00 when you buy 6 bottles of the 98 Point House of Arras Grand Vintage 2013
House of Arras Grand Vintage 2013
98 Points - Decanter “This exudes opulence on a grand scale, from its rich, persistent mousse, through the surging complex flavours that wash luxuriously across the palate."
Buy 6 bottles and SAVE £48.00
Only £41.95 per bottle
House of Arras Blanc de Blancs NV
94 Points - Decanter “It shows Champagne-like finesse with delicate yeasty complexity, seductive creamy texture and a classy, persistent and refreshing finish."
Only 18 bottles remain
£23.90 per bottle
Over 85% of the stock already sold
NEW ARRIVALS
Our Aussie shipment remains safely en-route to the UK with an ETA of 28 December, which is desperately sad news to customers of La Judith and Utopos Sparkling Shiraz, Block 1 Shiraz and the 2021 Grenache. We paid close to £10,000 for this container shipment as timing was of the essence (this is comfortably double our normal budget) however, we still failed some of you. For this, I am truly sorry as I know some of your wished to share these wonderful wines during the Christmas break. Be assured that we did everything in our power. Sadly, the diminutive Vinorium is no match to the mighty powers of the shipping companies and the ocean tides. Of course, I have no objections should you wish to cancel your order – we will provide an immediate refund.
This container along with another, which departed Fremantle on 26 November will be heading to our new bonded partner, EHD London No.1 Bond Limited. London City Bond have been fantastic to work with – we have a wonderful relationship with the team at Vinothèque (now Eton Park) however, we require a new service which EHD London will fulfil. Ultimately, and except for your under bond client reserves (I will come back to this) all our stockholdings from our HQ warehouse and LCB will be heading to EHD along with the aforementioned containers. It will take time and will certainly not happen overnight (or prior to Christmas) as the volume of stock is substantial. We envisage two-to-three waves as this will provide an uninterrupted service.
Essentially, and under one roof, the team at EHD will offer the exact same service as both our HQ and LCB combined. Mixed cases, no minimum order quantity, pick and mix until your heart’s content along with full case orders, dealing with all our trade customers, imports, exports and client reserves. We have various distribution options available to us – DPD will continue as a primary partner. We will also use EHD’s own vehicles for the majority of London and trade deliveries.
Once we are settled and all our stocks have been transferred, we will transfer all your under bond reserves from LCB to EHD’s Fonthill site. A series of 24 subterranean bunkers, housed within secure perimeter fencing that was part of the former RAF Chilmark site. These concrete bunkers provide the perfect conditions for the storage of fine wine. You will be informed of the move… We will make contact in January regarding your duty paid reserves which are stored at our HQ.
All-in-all, we believe this move will provide us with more time time to focus on ‘wine’ and not logistics which comfortably takes up a quarter of our working week. Fear not, my team and I will always remain your direct point of contact (should something go awry). We will also be able to provide a better service to our trade customers and offer a full-week delivery schedule which you will benefit from too.
For so many reasons, 2022 will go down in the annuls of time as a ‘shocker’. Yet, and despite the ravages of continued global stupidity, we are coming out of the 2023 blocks firing with excitement. We will be launching our wine club during Q1. Existing customers (categorised as those who purchase wine) will automatically transfer across which will provide lots of goodies. Non-club members will be paying more for our wines, but we will encourage them to join the Vinorium family by paying a lifetime membership fee. The benefits far outweigh the small, capital outlay. Only club members will have access to ‘club’ prices, pre-arrival specials, unique parcels (and we’ve got some beauties lined-up for 2023) to name a few benefits…
Trade sales will form an important aspect of our day-to-day business and will ultimately be the catalyst to our growth, which we have planned for the next three years. We will be tackling all 1,000 independent merchants with key wines / brands from February. You may even see our wines in your local wine store and restaurants however, ‘club members’ will always have the upper hand on price and exclusivity… It’s a fine balancing act and one I am looking forward to.
January 2023: We will be welcoming three, new producers from Australia and one I am delighted to share one with you today. From the beautiful Margaret River, we welcome Cape Landing which caused a serious stir at last month’s Decanter Fine Wine Encounter – you may have met the owner himself, Mark Lewis who was busy pouring his beloved wines. In particular, Mark’s 2019 Blackwood Cabernet Sauvignon which is in huge demand, both domestically and internationally. Decanter’s glowing review and 98-points being the driving factor along with the wonderful flavour, which is the entire point of winemaking.
Mark has been busy pitching his wines whilst in London. Several high-profile restaurants have already placed an order, which we will happily facilitate on his behalf. Sadly, there isn’t much left – a mere 20-cases which we are releasing today, on a pre-arrival basis. My tasting note supports all the hype. It is deserved and you will be getting yourself a real treat.
Two wines from Massena have also gained traction from the global trade. Namely the 97-point (care of Erin Larkin / RobertParker.com) for their 2019 Stonegarden Grenache. Originally, we were allocated zero as domestic sales were huge however, we pushed Jaysen Collins (the winemaker) for a little. 20 cases (6x75cl) will be arriving in the UK on the 28 December along with their most special, Verto Shiraz (another 97 pointer from Erin and a great tasting note too). The new, 2019 price was a huge increase and we (on your behalf) complained. The guys were fabulous and appreciated the difficulties us Brits are facing. Accordingly, we received the same price as the 2018 which is far below their domestic price tag of $100 per bottle. Grab it as the 2020 is going up in price, and considerably…
From the McLaren Vale, we offer a small volume of Stephen Pannell’s 2020 Old McDonald Grenache which has received huge acclaim from the leading wine critics. We asked for 600 bottles and received 120 bottles which are now available to order (ETA mid-January).
The ’21 has just received 99-points. Customers of the 2020 will receive first dibs of the ’21.
As ever, thank you for your continued support. Keep safe and well.
Cheers,
Stu
2019 Cape Landing Blackwood Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River
98 Points - Decanter
Tasted by: Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, Stefan Neumann MS, Matt Walls (at Decanter tasting room, London, 02 Oct 2021)
“Cape Landing is an independent, family-owned winery making classic Margaret River wines. Single-vineyard wines are made in order to reflect the style of each plot, integrating biodiversity, restoration and the maintenance of native species in the vineyards. The finest parcels of fruit from each vintage are selected for Blackwood Cabernet Sauvignon, and production is generally restricted to 1,800 bottles per year. Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW: Fragrant with notes of dill and rosemary. Loads of blackcurrant mixed with woodsmoke and spice. Acidity adds an element of freshness. Stefan Neumann MS: This is a highly perfumed style. Shows ripeness of dark fruit but it’s not too fruity or intense. Has a remarkable balance of power and concentration yet elegance. Matt Walls: A perfumed, pure Cabernet Sauvignon that feels very Margaret River; elegant, refined, pure. Very silky, velvety, plush, but still fresh and harmonious. Very seductive”
Stuart McCloskey, Tasted November 2022
“Archetypical Margaret River at its youthful (very) best – energetic, fresh, elegant and wonderfully refined. The bouquet develops to the tune of fresh mint, blackcurrant, bay leaf, damson, blueberry, violet, cedar and lead pencil. Mocha, lavender pastille and black liquorice, wafts of kelp develop with more aeration. The aromatics are highly addictive and constantly change with the passing of time. The palate is perfectly judged – simply perfect in ‘harmonious’ terms. Texturally, this provides everything I look for. The fruit builds and provides generosity yet, it remains fine boned and true to itself. The tannins are ethereal and provide the silkiest grip to the fruit. Acidity quenches and adds to its irresistibility. This is a beautifully proportioned wine and one which forces you to take counsel of the flavours and palate feel. Utterly sublime now, however, an amazing future lies ahead. Drink now to 2040. Decanted for 2-hours and served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware.”
£190.00 IB per case of six
Only 20 Cases are allocated
Delivery: The vessel left Fremantle last week. ETA into the UK, early January 2023. We will keep everyone abreast of exact delivery dates.
Our offer closes: 9:00am Friday 9 December 2022.
‘OLD MCDONALD’ BLEWITT SPRINGS,
MCLAREN VALE GRENACHE 2020
The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Old McDonald Vineyard, a 78-year-old unirrigated site in Blewitt Springs. Soils in this sub-region are sandy, with an underlying clay and ironstone base. The vines are south-east facing, in terraced contours, and sit 80 metres above sea level. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were fermented in an oak open-top fermenter with 20% whole bunches. The wine is bottled after 8-12 months in old oak foudres.
£192.00 IB per case of 6x75cl
20 x cases available
98 points – James Suckling, February 2022, James Suckling
“A rich blueberry fruit nose with violet, dark nectarine and some exotic tamarillo and papaya too. Pungent and distinctive. The palate has a fleshy core of plush fruit with commanding tannins that have so much power and energy but are delivered with grace. The flavors are blood orange, pink grapefruit, goji and red currant and are concentrated to the very end. Refreshing and packed with interest.”
97 points – Erin Larkin, July 2022, Wine Advocate
“The fruit for this 2020 Grenache was sourced from 78-year-old bush vines planted on the deep sands of Blewitt Springs, and it unpacks a never-ending parade of very fine, silty tannins in the mouth. In fact, the tannins are so fine, ripe and so impressive that, initially, they take the focus off the fruit; it is only from the mid-palate onward that the tannins recede into the fruit and the splendour of Mclaren Vale is fully on show for the first time. This is a region that manages purity, clarity, finesse, structure and strength all in one very elegant, neat package. A beautiful wine, through and through.”
"This wine has such endurance of flavor in the mouth that I can still taste it after having written the note." Erin Larkin, RobertParker.com
2019 Massena Stonegarden Grenache
97 Points - Erin Larkin, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate “The 2019 Stonegarden Grenache is made with fruit from the Stonegarden Vineyard (bush vines planted circa 1858) in the Eden Valley. This is so good. It shows all of the mineralogy and graphite tannins that are so commonly found in the Eden Valley—part of what makes it such a special place. I was there recently, and driving up Mengler's Hill not only affords you a most epic view back over the Barossa Valley floor, but I find it the best place to understand the rocks in the earth that rise up out of the ground there. This wine has such endurance of flavor in the mouth that I can still taste it after having written the note. Hungarian salami, pink peppercorns, pencil shavings, raspberry pip, salted licorice, black cherries, cocoa powder... you want more? Also fennel seeds, pepper and blackberries. The tannins shape all aspects of this wine and carry it over the long (and fresh) finish.”
£145.00 IB per case of six
Only 20 Cases available
Docking in the UK: 28 December. Delivery week of 16 January
"This 2019 Vertø Barossa Shiraz is a super impressive wine." Erin Larkin, RobertParker.com
2019 Massena VertÅ Barossa Shiraz
Only 20 Cases available @ £160.00 IB per case ($600 dollars back in Oz)
97 Points - Erin Larkin, RobertParker.com "This 2019 Vertø Barossa Shiraz is a super impressive wine. With density, blood and root vegetables (roasted beetroot and the like), this has lashings of licorice strap, fresh leather, aniseed, cocoa powder and Christmas cake spice. The intensity of the 2019 season is on show, and it is important to really lean into this wine, let it absorb you, because there are an infinite amount of folds and layers here to experience. The tannins are velvety and plush but not overblown. It's even a little savory. Fermented and matured in a combination of ceramic egg and French oak of varying sizes. Balance 101."
Origin: A selection of Old Vine Shiraz vineyards across the Eden and Barossa Valleys, blended together to create a wine of density and intensity. Open fermented and matured in a combination of ceramic egg and new and seasoned French Oak casks, this is a combination of exceptional vineyards and minimal intervention in the winery.
Winemaking: The vineyards are hand harvested in the cool of the morning and left to slowly commence fermentation under a layer of inert gas. Some stalks and whole berries are combined in the ferment, with daily plunging by hand over the course of several weeks. After draining the free run, the skins are gently transferred to a basket press and pressed slowly overnight. Select parcels are transferred to ceramic eggs to give the natural lees stirring to develop palate structure and breath. Other parcels are aged in a mix of 225L and 500L new and seasoned French Oak barrels for 20 months. The wine is then racked to tank and bottled without fining or filtration.
Docking in the UK: 28 December. Delivery week of 16 January
2020 Relatos del Callejon Malbec
From only £17.18 per bottle
97 Points – Platinum award – Decanter “Intensely perfumed, with a pretty nose of lifted violet, delicate raspberry and plush black cherry, while the vibrant palate is graced with cedar, thyme, lush plum, a refined mineral tension and ends on a perfumed, long finish. Very good!”
* Delivery expected week commencing 9th January *
A cautionary word about Christmas deliveries.
As the UK turns to strike action, which is causing unfathomable losses to many businesses, the strain on the courier network is already clear to see. This week alone, we have endured three, missed collections from DPD. At the footer of today’s communique, we have provided a breakdown of our opening hours and dispatch dates however, I would not take the huge risk and wait until the last few days. Put simply, you are dicing with courier death – it will be a shambles. Moreso given Royal Mail's position to strike during key, December dates.
The team are I will be working each Friday (9th, 16th and 23rd) and plan to dispatch orders during the morning of the 9th and 16th.
Ordinarily, we offer a next working day delivery service, but I would park this thought and ready yourselves for a 24-48-72-hour service instead. Prepare your Christmas wines / gifts early and avoid the stress.
Clearly, this is lacking Christmas cheer, but I prefer to provide you with the honest picture.
• Last orders will leave our HQ on Thursday 22nd December at 3.00pm
• HQ collection available: Cut off for collection is
12.00 noon on Friday 23rd December
• Our HQ closes at 1.00pm Friday 23rd December.
• We reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday 3rd January
• All orders placed after 3pm on Thursday 22nd December
will be despatched on Tuesday 3rd January 2023
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