Standish Lamella 2019 and 2020 Duo

Lamella 2019

99-100 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The ’19 Lamella is without question a powerful and concentrated release. The bouquet offers warm earth, espresso, violet, mineral, lead pencil, bay leaf, dried herbs wrapped in a blanket of concentred black raspberry and dark, brambly fruits. Iron ore and that unmissable drift of marine unfurl beautifully along with a stronger accent of graphite. The palate is, as one would expect, full bodied and hurtles forward with enormous power and the backbone of a blue whale. This is monolithic in stature, but the wine’s symmetry is masterful – the breadth, depth and length all categorised as ‘incredible.’ The oak is seamlessly integrated, the balance perfect and the acidity adding a faultless nip of freshness. Waves of multi layered black fruits infused with minerals, with glimpses of lavender emerging. There’s an exotic quality to the fruit which adds to the hedonistic pleasure. The sheen is to die for and I love the textural brilliance. It’s one of those rare wines which leaves you in amazement. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware. Drinking window; Alas, this is one for the cellar and requires a decade to unfurl, but and with 24 hours in the decanter, this will provide you with a special moment in your life. This will be perfect in 20-30 years and will live on for 50-70 years (if not a century).”

Lamella 2020

98-100 Points - Stuart McCloskey “Unfurling at a glacial pace - my note arrives after three days in the decanter (without any signs of oxidation), which provides an insight into the wine’s sheer concentration. Glass-staining beetroot red journeys to a core of midnight black. The bouquet interests the heck out of me – potency juxtaposed with a sense of unerring restraint, which is an artform. Savoury at first, and brooding. Cooling graphite, coal and coconut provide lift before the wonderfully heady aromas of mulberry, blackcurrant pastille, creme de mûre, black raspberry, violet and dark, bitter chocolate arrive, star anise too. A wonderfully, exotic and sensational perfume which keeps you hooked. Make no mistake, this is a towering wine, but perfectly proportioned with a masterful touch. Texturally, Lamella is one of those wines that delivers immediate impact, the quality indisputable. The flavours run deep, as deep as the ocean and quite honestly are difficult to convey. Concentrated dark berries, crème de cassis, mulberry and blueberry liquor flood the palate. Mid-palate provides relief from the richness – bitter chocolate, wild herbs and liquorice. I sense bitter orange zest – Negroni-esque which spikes even more intrigue. Acidity provides freshness and lift. Structurally, this is rock-solid with firm, grippy tannins. The complexity and animation of this wine is simply jaw-dropping. Alas, this is one for the cellar and will be drinking from 2032 to 2050+. If you cannot resist, decant for at least 48 hours. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware.”