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Tasted blind at the 2012 Southwold tasting, the 2012 Ausone took more time to settle in the glass than its peers, eventually deciding upon briary, violet and cassis scentsvery floral and Margaux-like in style, not powerful but insistent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a crisp line of acidity, blackcurrant pastille mixed with cedar and a dash of spice, the wine finally revving up towards an intense and persistent finish that almost stains the mouth with its opulence. It is a gorgeous Saint Emilion from Pauline and Alain Vauthier. Tasted January 2016. - Rober Parker Jr

Guigal are one of the cornerstones of the Côte Rôtie appellation after Etienne Guigal founded the estate in 1946, tending vines that have produced world class wines for over 2,000 years. The 2005 Côte Rôtie is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Viognier is a truly remarkable wine from vintage that was considered difficult by many. That is impossible to tell when enjoying a bottle of this 100 Robert Parker pointed Côte Rôtie that is voluptuous and complex. Still tightly wound and a little shy, the 2005 will age easily for 20+ years which should be considered mandatory.

Another terrific success for the flagship estate (a 92-acre vineyard situated on the famed limestone and clay-rich slopes of Cote Pavie) of Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. 2011 may be the biggest, richest, most massive wine of the vintage. With thrilling levels of concentration, tremendous purity, high but sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, and terrific intensity, depth and palate presence, this larger-than-life effort will require 5-8 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly over the following 25-30 years.

The harvest began very early, on the 5th September, and lasted 9 weeks. This made is possible to reflect all the diversity of a year in which both flowering and veraison were very spread out. Picking began especially early at Yquem in 2014. Some 25% of the crop was brought in before the 15th of September, providing a rare and precious background of acidity.

Established in 1836, Madame Pommery is credited with creating the first vintage brut style of Champagne in 1874, at a time when most champagnes were excessively sweetened with sugar. This revolutionary dry style set the benchmark for the rest of Champagne and it is in this spirit that the style of Pommery endures; with each cuvée displaying sublime elegance, finesse and freshness. Pommery is one of the few Champagne Houses that produces their large formats in the actual bottle in order to allow for optimal ageing.

LAURENT PONSOT Grand Cru Cuvée du Saule , Griotte-Chambertin

LAURENT PONSOT Grand Cru Cuvée du Frêne, Chambertin-Clos de Beze