The Wine Cru

07/10/2026

W**e Cru Wednesday - the w**es of Chile have developed beautifully over the last few decades, and this w**e is probably one of, if not, the best w**e to come out of Chile. The article details the whys and wherefores of it. We have been lucky enough to try earlier vintages and we currently stock the 2020 vintage. Heady stuff!

Have you tried it?

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There may be one of the great drinks dynasties behind Clos Apalta, but its focus is on exceptional terroir rather than any family prestige.

04/10/2026

This week’s selection brings together two great traditions of ageing: Bordeaux and Vintage Port.

🍷 Château Durfort-Vivens 2008
🍷 Château La Dominique 2005
🍷 Warre’s Vintage Port 2007
🍷 Quarles Harris Vintage Port 2003

From Margaux and Saint-Émilion to two very different Vintage Ports, four bottles showing just how beautifully w**e can evolve with time.

Which one would you choose?

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04/10/2026

Chateau du Tertre Vintage 2009

Château du Tertre is located in Margaux in the “Left-Bank” Médoc region of northern Bordeaux, France. The château was classified as a fifth growth in the 1855 classification of the Médoc and Graves. It is one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux, dating back more than 1000 years. the 2009 vintage was exceptional for the region.

Typical Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. 75cl bottle. Abv 13%

Bottle condition, capsule good, label a little grubby, w**e level in neck

Tasting Note 28/03/2026 -93 Points

Pristine condition, perfect level and cork. Not decanted. Gorgeous aromas - just wow. To***co, mint, beef stew, raspberries and jalapenos, white pepper. Light body, juicy and lively, mild but grippy tannins, expands nicely on the finish, very good length. The potential of Du Tertre is inherently limited, but this is at perfect peak.

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02/10/2026

Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse Vintage 2003

Château Grand-Puy Ducasse is located in the commune of Pauillac. Under the name Artigues Arnaud, it was rated as a Fifth Growth in the Bordeaux classification. The Grand Vin is a Bordeaux-blend of predominately Merlot complimented with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are hand-harvested and selections take place both in the vineyard and on arrival at the w**ery. It is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, and is aged for 18-24 months in French oak barrels with a proportion of new wood. 2003 was the vintage of the heat wave and there was a fear that it negatively effected the w**es, however the w**es have turned out better than expected.

Typical Blend, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc. 75cl bottle. Abv 13%

Bottle condition, capsule good, label good, w**e level in neck

Tasting Note 15/02/2026 -91 Points

Cedar, cigar, cassis. Tertiary but balanced. Very enjoyable.

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30/09/2026

W**e Cru Wednesday - Love this article on the re-release of Chateau Climens, one of Bordeaux’s best sweet white w**es. If you’ve not tried any of their sweet w**es this is an excellent w**e to try as it’s fully mature, although it will last for a couple of decades more, and a great 30th celebration gift. We just happen to have a couple of bottles from the original release!

Have you tried a sweet w**e from Bordeaux?

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Château Climens has returned to its cellars to re-release a limited quantity of its 1996 Barsac, including just 12 double-magnums. db's Bordeaux correspondent Colin Hay revisits a vintage once described by former owner Bérénice Lurton as a ‘diva’ and finds it on sublime form.

29/09/2026

Great w**es from Talaska w**ery in southern Poland!

27/09/2026

This week’s selection is all about maturity and character.

🍷 Château Marquis d’Alesme 1966
🥂 Van Loveren Special Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 1992
🍷 Château Musar 2012 Magnum
🍷 Château Gloria 2006

From a six-decade-old Margaux to a mature late-harvest Gewürztraminer, with Château Musar in magnum and a classic Saint-Julien completing the line-up.

Four bottles, four very different expressions of time.

Which would you choose?

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27/09/2026

Chateau Gloria Vintage 2008

Created by Henri Martin, this estate is unique in having been built up piece by piece over several years through the purchase of parcels, the majority of which were classified as “grands crus” in 1855. The origin of the terroirs and the painstaking growing and vinification techniques are the reasons why its quality is recognised worldwide. The 2008 vintage was good, but stop short of being great. Some very nice w**es

Tasting Note 15/04/2026 91 Points

A classic foursquare St Julien, with a superb lithe structure. Fresh and mineral this had cassis and leather characters underpinned with well-integrated tannins and seasoned with spice. The oak influence is now fully resolved and the finish lingering, resulting in a really satisfying and delicious claret.

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25/09/2026

Chateau De Sales Vintage 2011

Château de Sales is the largest estate in the Pomerol appellation. It produces Merlot dominant blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and is known as one of the few estates in the region with the kind of historic building more commonly associated with the châteaux of the Médoc. The property has been in the de Lambert family for more than five centuries, although the château itself wasn’t built until the 17th Century.

Typical Blend Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc. 75cl bottle. Abv 13%

Bottle condition, capsule good, label becoming loose, w**e level in neck

Tasting Note 12/02/2022 -91 Points

Quite a dense and sturdy w**e, with plum and damson fruit and good length. This is very attractive to drink now but it has the substance to last for several years yet.

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23/09/2026

W**e Cru Wednesday - love port and love this article on the subject of vintage port. Like a new pet it's not just for Christmas. There are many myths and legends surrounding the enjoyment of port and these are well covered. It can last for many decades making it an ideal gift to celebrate a milestone birthday or wedding anniversary. I had a wonderful bottle of Cockburn’s 1963 for my sixtieth birthday!

What’s the oldest vintage port you’ve had?

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From passing the decanter to choosing the right glass, Port comes with more traditions than most drinks. Gabriel Stone explains which serving rules still matter, which can safely be ignored and why enjoying Port need not be a formal affair.