What follows is a compilation of magnums that CellarHand has in stock ready for the festive season. Please note that some wines are in extremely limited supply; for those marked with an *asterisk, we have fewer than THREE units available.
AUSTRALIA
CLOS CLARE Clare Valley
CULLEN Margaret River
GLAETZER Barossa Valley
MOUNT MARY Yarra Valley
FRANCE
JACQUESSON Champagne
LOUIS MICHEL Chablis
ANDRÉ BONHOMME Mâconnais
OSTERTAG Alsace
PAUL BLANCK Alsace
DOMINIQUE PIRON Beaujolais
AUSTRIA
EMMERICH KNOLL Wachau
F.X. PICHLER Wachau
PITTNAUER Burgenland
MORIC Burgenland
GERMANY
DR LOOSEN Mosel
HEYMANN-LÖWENSTEIN Mosel
GEORG BREUER Rheingau
DÖNNHOFF Nahe
A. CHRISTMANN Pfalz
WITTMANN Rheinhessen
HUBER Baden
ARMENIA
ZORAH Vayots Dzor
AUSTRALIA
2015 CLOS CLARE RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $72
One small, five-acre corner of a Riesling vineyard, in Watervale, was sectioned off 30 years ago to help the Barry family fund the purchase of some truly hallowed ground. The Florita was the greater vineyard and the tiny corner was named clos Clare by its new owner, artist and the designer of its eye-catching label, Ian Sanders. In 2007, the Barrys bought this little vineyard back but wisely kept the brands separate. Today, this incomparable wine is made by Sam Barry (Jim Barry’s grandson) and it is all about excitement – from the tender yet racy nose to the pellucid, glassy palate and beyond to a breakneck, high-drama finish. I have followed this wine for just short of twenty years and it has never failed to move me. The 2015 shows rare Riesling sophistication and no matter when or where you drink this wine you will recognise its unique signature scent and peerless poise. Matthew Jukes, 100 Best Australian Wines June 2016
2009 CULLEN KEVIN JOHN CHARDONNAY MAGNUM RRP $372
The flavours aren’t flashy or obvious but the first sip made me lean back in the chair and whisper Wow. It’s hard to describe why, though the wine’s piercing length is the main suspect. There are flavours of mineral and grapefruit, ripe pear and tropical fruit. There’s some creamy oak to be enjoyed too. But all these flavours feel refined and controlled. It’s a quiet but immensely confident wine. There’s a lot of lemony, spicy push through the finish. And it has both a sunniness and a seriousness. It is, undeniably, an outstanding chardonnay. 96 points. Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front July 2011
2010 CULLEN DIANA MADELINE MAGNUM RRP $320
A 77/10/6/4/3% blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, malbec and cabernet franc. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, its array of blackcurrant, redcurrant, earth and spice fruit flavours are clearly varietal. Effortless grace, sure to develop beautifully over the next 20-30 years. 96 points. James Halliday August 2012
*2009 GLAETZER AMON-RA MAGNUM RRP $287
Has the usual dense purple-crimson colour; there is an elusive Arabian/exotic spice nuance to the bouquet, the palate proclaiming the exceptional quality of the fruit and the mastery of Ben Glaetzer, able to invest this shiraz with so much dark berry flavour yet retain elegance. A beautiful wine. 96 points. James Halliday January 2011
*2012 MOUNT MARY TRIOLET MAGNUM RRP $199
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle, barrel-fermented in used French oak, and likewise matured in used oak. Shines brightly in the context of the vintage, with vibrant lemony fruit, crisp acidity and a long, cleansing and satisfying finish. Will become more complex with age in bottle, but that can be bypassed without committing vinous sacrilege. 96 points. James Halliday June 2014
2013 MOUNT MARY TRIOLET MAGNUM RRP $206
Vertical tastings suggest this blend (75/13/12% Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle) can outlive the Chardonnay, and that it needs more time to fully come out, as it were. There is a bracing zesty, almost crackling, array of flavours on the long palate, and it certainly invites the second, and the third, glass; the barrel ferment oak is easily swallowed up by the fruit. 95 points. James Halliday July 2013
2014 MOUNT MARY TRIOLET MAGNUM RRP $206
A 65/25/10% blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle; hand-picked, destemmed, lightly crushed, different cultured yeast strains for each parcel, 100% barrel-fermented, matured for 11 months in oak on partial solids with some stirring. Without question, the best white Bordeaux blend in Australia, combining richness with finesse and length – and above all else – dazzling complexity. 97 points. James Halliday July 2014
2014 MOUNT MARY CHARDONNAY MAGNUM RRP $224
Gleaming straw-green; a patrician of barrel fermented Chardonnays that has long since stood proud in the Mount Mary pantheon; fruit, oak and acidity are fused so tightly together deconstruction isn’t possible and, in any event, would be irrelevant. Great Yarra Valley Chardonnay, great length. 97 points. James Halliday July 2014
2010 MOUNT MARY PINOT NOIR MAGNUM RRP $413
Beautiful limpid crimson; a fragrant, perfumed bouquet of red fruits leads into a glorious palate that effortlessly caresses the mouth with its display of red fruits in a silken web in no way dependant on oak, just the finest tannins. 97 points. James Halliday August 2012
*2010 MOUNT MARY QUINTET MAGNUM RRP $376
Whoowee, dig this perfume. Really complex aroma spectrum – immediately engaging too. Cassis, dark fruits, touch of briar herbal lift, flash of mint, chocolatey and stubbed out cigar embers. At once cool and rich. Slender ribbons of fruit, acid and fine bony tannin across the palate. Has that succulent but strict feel, like sucking on a hard lolly as it diminishes. Beautiful, medium-bodied feel too – the wine finishes long and pure, eddying with the linger of tannin and powdered slate-like minerality. It’s in that zone of refreshment and elegance, where a repeat visit to the glass is effortless but there’s lots to explore in texture and flavour. Could be a contender for best cabernet (and cabernet blend) for me for the year (2012 releases). 95 points. Mike Bennie, The Wine Front August 2012
2013 MOUNT MARY QUINTET MAGNUM RRP $325
Bright, clear colour; the fruit-filled, fragrant bouquet is followed by a classic Mount Mary palate: medium-bodied, and with a certain transparency akin to an orchestra with different instruments, the very essence thereof; near the flute are red fruits, the violin the black fruits, the bassoon tannins – all very different, but all in harmony, the sum of the parts greater than the whole. 96 points. James Halliday July 2015
2014 MOUNT MARY QUINTET MAGNUM RRP $325
While there wasn’t a lot of wine made in the Yarra Valley in ‘14 (wind and rain during flowering), some wine of very high quality was made – witness this. Mount Mary has shown over the decades that Quintet develops superbly, and this complex dark berry-flavoured Bordeaux blend will do just that. 97 points. James Halliday July 2016
FRANCE
NV JACQUESSON CUVÉE 739 MAGNUM RRP $264
Very fine perfume incorporating warm bread aromas, citrus pith and mixed candied citrus peel, dried apple, wet slate-mineral-like wafts. It’s got velocity in the palate, chalky, edgy, crystalline, more ‘mineral-like’ flavour and feel, set within the frisky tang of fruit and whoosh of firm bubbles. Really easy to drink, has a succulence in all the mix of things. Great. 94 points. Mike Bennie, The Wine Front April, 2016
NV JACQUESSON DÉGORGEMENT TARDIF 733 MAGNUM RRP $464
Jacquesson presented a pre-release offer of its first DT before anyone had tasted it – and the entire 16,000-bottle production sold out in one month. The phenolic texture and grip of 2005 make for a more firmly structured cuvée that is evolving more quickly than other 700 series releases. Crunchy grapefruit, lemon zest and pear definition is upheld amid layers of brioche, butterscotch, mixed spice and subtle tertiary notes of wood smoke. A wine of vitality on release, it has quickly evolved into developed characters of burnt orange, bitter almonds, fruit mince spice and wood spice, with a long, dry finish of hazelnut skin bitterness. 93 points. Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide 2016-2017
2004 JACQUESSON AVIZE CHAMP CAÏN MAGNUM RRP $826
This blanc de blancs gives the impression of generosity, then quickly pulls into a chiselled and streamlined vector of crunchy pear and apple fruit with a crisp grapefruit zest finish, accented with pristine aromas of pure apple blossom and a hint of nutmeg. Deep layers of fine, salty minerality are amplified by subtle barrel and fruit structure, and the textural influence of long lees ageing. An intricately structured champagne that will require at least five years to put flesh on its tense frame. 95 points. Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide 2014-2015
2005 JACQUESSON AVIZE CHAMP CAÏN MAGNUM RRP $826
The terroir of Avize is so all-consuming that you can literally smell the violent tidal wave of surging salt minerality coming. The bouquet is a salty sea breeze, a steamy whiff of bath salts that heralds an intricately crystalline salt structure. The frothing, energetic interplay between chalk minerality and beautiful acid line is captivating, amplified by subtle barrel texture and long lees age that gently massage the cut of Avize. Magnificent freshness and coiled potential, even at a decade of age, suggest that it calls for another decade yet to fully come into its own. There are few 2005 Champagnes of which this can be said. Jacquesson has conjured one of the finest. 97 points. Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide 2016-2017
*2005 JACQUESSON AVIZE VAUZELLE TERME MAGNUM RRP $826
This tiny pocket is Jacquesson’s finest pocket of all, giving birth to a Champagne for long contemplation in large glasses and preferably not for at least five years yet. The 2005 is the vintage to drink while 2004 and 2002 mellow long in the cellar. This is a vintage driven by the structure and dry, textural grip of the season, expressed in notes of wood spice and quince. In time, fruit rises to enchanting reflections of poached strawberries, red apples and cherries, laced with ginger and exotic spice. A finely structured texture unites creamy lees age with chalk mineral depth. A rousing celebration of Aÿ Pinot Noir. 96 points. Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide 2016-2017
*2002 JACQUESSON DIZY CORNE BAUTRAY MAGNUM RRP $819
This is one of the most profound chardonnays of the Vallée de la Marne, yet from a site where no one believed good chardonnay could be grown, discovered only by the Chiquets when a 1995 vin-clair stood out. The mineral impression of this wine is inexplicable, from a site with chalk no less than 2.5 metres under the surface, in a village unrecognized for chardonnay of structure. Its violent, deep, frothing, salty minerality fills the palate with immense texture, drawn out with incredible persistence by super-focused acidity. Such is its aromatic intensity that I could smell it the moment it was poured on the table before me. Wonderful layers of yellow summer fruits leap out of the glass amid nougat, brioche and almond aromas. Its mineral structure and lively acidity control this intensity on the palate, propagating a finish that does not stop. 97 points. Tyson Stelzer
2004 JACQUESSON DIZY CORNE BAUTRAY MAGNUM RRP $826
Such is the immense tidal wave of surging, heaving salt minerality of overwhelming texture that crashes through the palate of this dizzying chardonnay that it might fool the unsuspecting with the impression that its phenolically heavy. It’s not. This is the voice of the soil over the tones of the fruit and the expression of the barrels. It’s powerful and pristine, with distinctive characters of cherry kernel, fennel, ginger, apple, lemon zest and Campari forming an intense background track to its mineral solo. It needs at least five years to calm down before daring to approach, and will likely live a lifetime. 95 points. Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide 2014-2015
*2005 JACQUESSON DIZY CORNE BAUTRAY MAGNUM RRP $826
Jean-Hervé has no idea why his father planted Chardonnay in Dizy, but a half a century later these old vines have tapped so deep into the terroir that the voice of the soil speaks above the tones of the fruit and the expression of the barrels. The chalk mineral impression of this cuvée is inexplicable, though irrefutable in all recent vintages, from a site no less than 2.5m under the surface, in a village unrecognised for Chardonnay of structure. Grapefruit and lemon zest are backed by the subtle almond-meal notes of long lees age, finishing structured and scaffolded with impressive energy and drive, a standout wine from a difficult season. A bottle tasted in Sydney showed more development of coffee bean, cocoa and blood orange flavours, with some bitter orange-zest grip on the finish. 96 points. Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide 2016-2017
*2007 JACQUESSON DIZY CORNE BAUTRAY MAGNUM RRP $846
A powerful, deep wine, the 2007 Dizy-Corne Bautray offers notable depth to match its ample frame. Still quite fresh and vibrant for the year, the Dizy-Corne Bautray wraps around the palate with layers of expressive yellow stone fruit nuances. Although the 2007 is not a super complex wine, it is impeccably balanced and harmonious, with a sense of spherical richness that is impossible to miss. There is plenty to like, that is for sure. Disgorged November, 2015 and bottled with zero dosage. This is the only lieu-dit Champagne Jacquesson bottled in the 2007 vintage. 94 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media August 2016
*1989 JACQUESSON DÉGORGEMENT TARDIF MILLÉSIME MAGNUM RRP $927
Severe frosts in spring were followed by a cold snap during flowering, causing coulure and millerandage. A very hot and sunny summer brought on an early, ripe harvest of low acidity. The wines are ample, opulent and very aromatic. This comes from the Grande Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and Vallée de l’Ardre and comprises 47% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Noir and 35% Pinot Meunier. – Jacquesson
*1990 JACQUESSON DÉGORGEMENT TARDIF MILLÉSIME MAGNUM RRP $927
While fully mature this remains admirably fresh with its array of brioche, lemon rind, baked apple and pronounced yeast aromas. There is fine intensity to the notably complex and markedly dry flavours that terminate in a crisp, intense and linear finish that delivers outstanding persistence. This is a wine of restraint and understatement yet the depth is impressive particularly for a non-dosage example as many do not develop to the same degree that this has. 93 points. Burghound October 2015
*1989 JACQUESSON DÉGORGEMENT TARDIF AVIZE GRAND CRU MAGNUM RRP $1055
100% Grand Cru Chardonnay fruit from the Côte des Blancs.
*1990 JACQUESSON DÉGORGEMENT TARDIF AVIZE GRAND CRU MAGNUM RRP $1055
(Dégorgement Tardif 2008) Magnum. Extremely zesty and tight enough to send a shiver down the spine. No hurry whatsoever to drink this but a great aperitif. 18.5/20. Jancis Robinson June 2010
*1995 JACQUESSON DÉGORGEMENT TARDIF AVIZE GRAND CRU MAGNUM RRP $846
The 1995 Avize Grand Cru is beautifully complete, layered and nuanced. Almonds, smoke, lemon, apricot pit and white flowers are some of the many notes that take shape in the glass. The 1995 has both the complexity from extended time on its lees and the freshness of a late-disgorged bottling. Today, it is firing on all cylinders. This bottle was aged on the cork and disgorged in September 2013. The Avize Grand Cru, which has since been discontinued, runs its course with the 2000, which will be released in 2016. 95 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media May 2014
*1990 JACQUESSON DÉGORGEMENT TARDIF GRAND VIN MAGNUM RRP $1466
Spring frosts and coulure during flowering reduced what would have been a sizeable crop. Ideal sunny conditions during harvest completed a summer which was hot and mostly dry. The wines have an opulence and complexity which is offset by terrific freshness. This is 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from the Grande Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. – Jacquesson
*1996 JACQUESSON DÉGORGEMENT TARDIF MILLÉSIME MAGNUM RRP $1238
This is a blend of 57 percent pinot noir and 43 percent chardonnay, and this bottle was disgorged in July of 2012. Compared to Jacquesson’s 1996 Avize DT, this is generous and broad, feeling voluptuous where the other wine feels incisive and pointed. It’s honeyed and spicy, showing golden, ornate aromas of saffron, roasted nuts, dried fruit and incense, and while its acidity is firm, it doesn’t feel aggressive, making it somewhat more approachable than the Avize. It needs a great deal of time in the glass to fully emerge, revealing a subtle, layered complexity and long, harmonious length. Peter Liem, ChampagneGuide.net September 2012
*2013 LOUIS MICHEL CHABLIS MAGNUM RRP $93
Bold juicy flavours on offer here with sweet green apple, lemon barley, sea spray over shells, and a subtle floral note. Fresh faced but amply fruited, light chalky texture and a lemon rind tang to the finish, which offers satisfying length. Good typical Chablis takes some beating for sheer necking pleasure. 91 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front April 2015
2015 LOUIS MICHEL CHABLIS MAGNUM RRP $96
It’s Chablis all right, though a little more fruity and fleshy than some years. White stonefruit, almond, mint/aniseed, a little flintiness, but flavoursome and juicy with a silky almond gloss, punchy citrus acidity and subtle green tones throughout. Finish is modest, with a few stones scattered amongst the white peach. Lacks backbone, but it’s altogether pleasant to drink. 90 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front September 2016
2014 LOUIS MICHEL CHABLIS 1ER CRU MONTÉE DE TONNERRE MAGNUM RRP $176
Showing the purity that’s typical of Guillaume Michel’s style – oak is rarely if ever used – this superb wine comes from a single four-hectare parcel. Saline, yet showing the richness of the right bank with a stony bite and layers of flavour. 96 points. Tim Atkin MW, Gourmet Traveller WINE April 2016
2014 BONHOMME VIRÉ-CLESSÉ VIEILLES VIGNES MAGNUM RRP $115
(from vines between 75 and 95 years of age; spent its first 12 months in 25% new oak before being racked into tank for another 12 months): Pale, bright yellow. Pure peach and spicy oak on the nose. Juicy, lean and quite tight, with grapefruit and white peach flavors kept under wraps by rather sharp acidity. This very young wine, made from ten parcels on argilo-calcaire soil, will need at least a year or two in bottle to begin to express itself. Winemaker Aurélien Palthey told me the estate usually holds its bottled wines for a year but that this one will be released in January. 88+? points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media December 2016
2012 OSTERTAG MUENCHBERG GRAND CRU RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $206
Lightly honeyed and accented by ground spice and citrus zest notes, this dry white offers juicy acidity and flavours of glazed apricot, anise, beeswax and orchard blossom. Elegant, with a lasting, minerally finish. Drink now through 2019. 90 points. Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator October 2014
2014 PAUL BLANCK RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $83
A seriously lovely Alsace riesling, with all the expected flavour – and unexpected elegance and lightness of foot running alongside the synergistic fusion of fruit and acidity. There are none of the phenolic hoof prints of many young Alsace rieslings, instead hints of spiced pear and camomile. Bargain, and will glide through the next 20 years. Drink to 2034; 12.5% alc. 94 points. James Halliday August 2015
2013 PIRON BEAUJOLAIS MORGON CÔTE DU PY MAGNUM RRP $89
Deep ruby. Vibrant, mineral-tinged cherry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by suggestions of licorice, game and peppery spices. Sappy and energetic in style, offering black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that are given lift and spine by juicy acidity. Finishes with very good intensity and focus, leaving smoky mineral and cherry liqueur notes behind. 91 points. Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media July 2016
AUSTRIA
*2013 EMMERICH KNOLL VINOTHEKFÜLLUNG GRÜNER VELTLINER SMARAGD MAGNUM RRP $372
Deep gold. Creamy, satisfying. Polished. 18/20 Jancis Robinson June 2014
*2011 F.X. PICHLER KELLERBERG RIESLING SMARAGD MAGNUM RRP $289
Very rich and perfumed – almost crosses into Torrontés/Gewürztraminer territory. Very much a florist’s wine. Good but not classical. 16.5/20 Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com February 2013
*2013 F.X. PICHLER ‘M’ GRÜNER VELTLINER MAGNUM RRP $304
Lucas Pichler’s monumental 2013 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd M opens with an ultra-ripe, concentrated and slightly speck-y yet still precise and even mineral-scented bouquet on the nose. Very rich and intense on the palate, this elegant, full-bodied, densely textured and powerful Veltliner from late-harvested grapes reveals an aromatic and juicy fruit core along with a stunningly vibrant acidity that gives structure, length and a lifting as well as lingering salinity and piquancy. Maracuya and other tropical fruit flavors dominate the aromatic aftertaste. Although I have no experience with matured samples of this Austrian icon Veltliner, I suspect it has an aging potential of 5-10 years and should be cellared at least for another 2 or 3 years. 94 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate April 2015
*2011 F.X. PICHLER ‘M’ RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $289
Ripe melon and marshmallow flavors dominate this juicy white, layered with ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Creamy midpalate, with a finish of smoke and spice. Drink now through 2018. 91 points. Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator June 2013
*2013 F.X. PICHLER UNENDLICH RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $743
Pichler’s late harvested 2013 Riesling Smaragd Unendlich (German for unending, infinite, endless) opens with a clear, pure, precise and cool, mineral-fresh and aromatic white peach and fully ripe Riesling bouquet of great, yet not exaggerated, concentration. The wine is full-bodied, thrillingly mineral, tension-filled and elegant on the palate. This powerful, intense, highly complex and concentrated yet still fresh, precise and long-finishing Riesling elixir has a remarkable yet variety-typical racy acidity that structures and inspires. This is a great and potent Austrian Riesling tycoon. The wine is still extremely young and needs time to open up (better years than hours). However, its aging potential should be terrific. 95+ points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate April 2015
2015 PITTNAUER DOGMA ROSÉ MAGNUM RRP $120
A blend of biodynamic Blaufränkisch and St Laurent grapes grown on various light sandy sites around the Neusiedlersee in Burgenland. This undergoes spontaneous fermentation and nothing is added, including sulphur, throughout the entire process. Bottled unfiltered. It has a light, raspberry hue with a slight yeast haze, and surprises with intense aromas of strawberries, rhubarb and orange zest. It has a fresh and delicate mouthfeel and is juicy, soft and harmonious on the palate. Savoury tones round off the finish.
2013 PITTNAUER DOGMA ST LAURENT MAGNUM RRP $136
Liquid cherry jam spiked with cinnamon, cumin spice. Spot on. Cool and refreshing red wine of perky acidity, amaro sweet-sour, pomegranate crunch to close. It’s vibrant, vital, light on, so smashable. It’s not cerebral, nor is it trying to be, it invites you in instead and says ‘lay on the couch with your shoes on’. Welcoming freshness in red wine. Hello summer. 91 points. Mike Bennie, The Wine Front August 2016
2013 MORIC BURGENLAND BLAUFRÄNKISCH MAGNUM RRP $93
Spicy, peppery, twist of juniper berry twang, aniseed, boysenberry and blueberry and the like. Medium bodied, gently smoky, earthy and herbal, with a core of cool blue and purple fruits, juicy acidity and playful powdery tannin. The length is good, kiss of raspberry sweetness, cinched in by that tang of juniper on the finish. So much character. 92 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front November 2015
GERMANY
2015 DR LOOSEN BERNKASTELER LAY RIESLING KABINETT MAGNUM RRP $149
2015 DR LOOSEN WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING KABINETT MAGNUM RRP $149
2015 DR LOOSEN ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE MAGNUM RRP $144
Tank sample. Dense and spicy indeed! Very winning and juicy. Old style in a way… 17/20 Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com April 2016
2015 DR LOOSEN ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE MAGNUM RRP $145
This offers a gorgeous elegant feel of yellow peach, white minerals and earthy herbs. The wine is nicely playful and vibrant on the palate as more white minerals and juicy yellow fruits come through towards the airy and elegant finish. This proves light, airy and very hard to resist. It only needs a decade to fully integrate its youthful exuberance. 2025-2045. 93 points. Jean Fisch & David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines October 2016
2013 DR LOOSEN ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING AUSLESE MAGNUM RRP $227
The pure and flinty-piquant slate aromas intermixed with bright tropical fruit flavors such as pineapples but also floral and herbal notes lead the 2013 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese to an absolutely clear, delicious, delicate and filigreed, well balanced terroir ambassador of great finesse and elegance. This is the most subtle and refined Auslese of the 2013 vintage at Dr. Loosen. 95 points Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate February 2015
*2014 DR LOOSEN ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING AUSLESE MAGNUM RRP $227
The 2014 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese is even more open and refined on the clear, coolish and herbal-flavoured flavoured nose with its subtle slate and black olive aromas. Very sweet and intense on the palate, with a pure background and a piquant mineral acidity, this concentrated and elegant Riesling needs another 7-10 years to reach its first maturity. 93+ points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate March 2016
2015 DR LOOSEN ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING AUSLESE MAGNUM RRP $255
This offers a gorgeous nose of yellow peach wrapped into a hint of apricot, some white minerals and lots of fine spices. The wine is gorgeously fruity and vibrant on the palate and leaves a superb yet playful “Auslese GK” feel in the creamy and vibrant finish. 2025-2040. 92-91 points. Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines October 2016
2015 DR LOOSEN ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING AUSLESE MAGNUM RRP $255
This offers a great nose of yellow peach and grapefruit wrapped into almond, honeyed herbs and fine spices. The honeyed side takes over on the ravishingly playful palate and leaves a slightly broad but nicely Auslese GK feel in the long finish. 2025-2045+. 91-94 points. Jean Fisch & David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines October 2016
2015 DR LOOSEN ERDENER PRÄLAT RIESLING AUSLESE GOLDKAPSEL MAGNUM RRP $384
This offers a gorgeous elegant nose of yellow peach, spices and herbs. A beautifully elegant touch of airy minerals adds a gorgeous side to the smooth and delicately creamy feel on the palate, where honeyed fruits and smoky minerals woe for attention. The finish is focused, precise and delicately sweet. This is a stunningly complex rendition of dessert wine from the Prälat in the making! 2030-2055. 94-96 points. Jean Fisch & David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines October 2016
2015 HEYMANN-LÖWENSTEIN SCHIEFERTERRASSEN RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $114
The 2015er Trocken Schieferterrassen is made from the Estate’s holdings in Winningen (Domgarten, Brückstück and Hamm) and Kobern (Fahrberg and Weissenberg) as well as from declassified fruit from its “cru” vineyards. It offers a gorgeous nose of marzipan, herbs and spices. The wine is delicately baroque and full of character on the palate as ripe yellow fruits are nicely complemented by spicy herbs and a hint of tartness in the finish. 2018-2025. 88 points. Jean Fisch & David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines October 2016
2013 HEYMANN-LÖWENSTEIN UHLEN ROTH LAY RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $248
Tasted from the barrel, the 2013 Winningen Uhlen R(oth Lay) Grosse Lage Riesling trocken shows an elderflower and Almdudler nose (an Austrian, sweetened carbonated beverage flavoured with herbs) along with ripe Riesling and apple fruit as well as herbal slate flavors. There is a racy-mineral attack on the full-bodied and creamy/juicy palate and also the long and complex finish is marked by the iron-rich terroir of the Uhlen’s Roth Lay parcel. The wine is dense, elegant and firmly structured and the finish is tension-filled, expressive and enormously persistent. Again the Uhlen R is Reinhard Löwenstein’s most impressive dry Riesling rivalled in 2013 only by the stunning Laubach. 93+ points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate May 2015
2014 HEYMANN-LÖWENSTEIN UHLEN ROTH LAY RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $228
Served from the decanter as a barrel sample, the 2014 Riesling Uhlen R ‘VDP Grosse Lage’ from the Roth Lay plot offers an intensely fruity and lovely flinty/smoky bouquet, with mango flavors and very fine slate and herbal aromas that indicate great purity and intensity. Full-bodied, rich and round on the palate, with a lot of finesse and tension, this is on its way to develop into a beauty that combines contradictory attributes: richness and concentration with purity, density with finesse, and power with elegance. The finish is highly promising. This is one of the Mosel wines of 2014 you shouldn’t miss! 95-97 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate March 2016
*2014 GEORG BREUER SCHLOSSBERG RIESLING GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $336
Super stony and pure on the very deep and intense nose, which displays ripe fruit and refreshing lemon aromas, the 2014 Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg Riesling Trocken is a full-bodied, powerful wine with melting stones as well as an enormous salinity and structure. It is very grippy, firmly structured, and very long and complex. A great and persistent wine. Lots of finesse and elegance. 94 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate December 2015
2014 DÖNNHOFF ESTATE RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $93
Gleaming straw-green; elegance personified, delicate yet with laser precision; grapefruit and apple flow through the length of the palate, strung along a strand of bright acidity; excellent length. Will grow and grow on its perfect balance. Drink to 2034; 11.5% alc. 95 points. James Halliday August 2015
2014 DÖNNHOFF TONSCHIEFER RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $114
This bottling based as usual on the heavily clay- (Ton) rich slate of the Oberhäuser Kieselberg no doubt also reflects that site’s superior ventilation in eclipsing this year’s basic dry generic. Apple and white peach are mingled with hints of orange and grapefruit and tinged with brown spices on the nose. The aforementioned fruits collaborate for a colourful and succulent mid-palate where peach stone piquancy and wet stone add interesting counterpoint. A cooling combination of floral and herbal inner-mouth elements delightfully complements the fruit in a succulently sustained finish. 90 points. David Schildknecht, Vinous Media May 2016
2013 DÖNNHOFF DELLCHEN RIESLING GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $264
Never the biggest puncher among the Grosse Gewächse, the Dellchen tends to state its case through elegance and finesse, and in this way 2013 does not differ from preceding vintages. It would be true to say that the acidity is more pronounced in this vintage, giving the wine a very lively character and very subtly chiselled purity. It is probably a little less fruity than in previous years, but does have a fine herbal finish to produce the customary complexity. 18/20 Michael Schmidt jancisrobinson.com September 2014
2014 DÖNNHOFF DELLCHEN RIESLING GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $264
Coolish, very clear, subtle but multi-layered on the highly elegant, finesse-full and flinty nose starts the 2014 Riesling Dellchen GG. This is a full-bodied, pure, very elegant, highly complex and frisky Riesling of great finesse and lots of salt. The wine is bone dry, but so intense, pure and mineral… so fine and so intense. This is probably the finest Dellchen I have tasted. Extraordinary! “We have picked the Dellchen earlier than we used to do in former years, when we tended to wait and to wait…” says Helmut Dönnhoff. “In 2014, botrytis forced us to pick earlier and now we are very happy with the result because we aim for clarity and precision.” 95 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate March 2016
*2013 DÖNNHOFF HERMANNSHÖHLE RIESLING SPÄTLESE MAGNUM RRP $206
Smoky notes, some wet stone, freshly zested mixed citrus. Juicy and crisp texture to taste, but also has an inward concentration matched to a bristle of zingy acidity. Quite a unique flavour spectrum, complex, layered, with a tingle through the finish. Pretty epic in its drive and energy, finding supreme interest and balance. Wicked. 95 points. Mike Bennie, The Wine Front February 2015
2013 A. CHRISTMANN IDIG GROSSES GEWÄCHS RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $264
Some toasty notes, drizzle of honey, punch of ripe green apple. It’s a beautiful bouquet, evocative of complex, layered Riesling. Hedonistic flavours of green apple, honey, brioche, but with crackling acidity, lively chalky fringes, a focus, but also generosity and drive. Slate and lime characters. Driven and delicious. 97 points. Mike Bennie, The Wine Front March 2015
2014 A. CHRISTMANN IDIG GROSSES GEWÄCHS RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $264
Christmann’s iconic 2014 Königsbacher Idig Riesling trocken GG is pure, intense, fresh, and displays chalk and lemon flavors on the concentrated, complex nose. Full-bodied and round on the palate, very elegant, intense and firmly structured, but also full of finesse and a certain lightness, this is great dry Riesling with a very long, complex finish. Again, like in 2013, a great character and among the finest dry German Rieslings of the vintage. Just to see how it feels, I blended the Idig with the Königsbacher, which comes from the lower part of the Idig, and the wine was still terrific in its purity and terroir expression – even fresher and leaner. 95 points Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate December, 2015
2015 A. CHRISTMANN IDIG GROSSES GEWÄCHS RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $288
Noble oaky flavors intertwined with a perfume of ripe stone fruits, lemons, herbs and crushed stones open to the very deep, complex and concentrated 2015 Königsbacher Idig Riesling Trocken GG. This full-bodied, powerful, round and juicy, yet vital and finesse-full Riesling reveals a dense and silky texture. The wine is structured with fine tannins and a highly elegant, mouthwatering and mineral acidity. The oak is still detectable in the beginning, but gets very well integrated with (some hours of) aeration. The finish is pure and salty, as well as powerful, sappy and aromatic. The 2015 Idig is very fine, but also compact and powerful. This will need some years to unfold its great character. 95 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate August 2016
2015 WITTMANN ESTATE MAGNUM RRP $85
Bottled early April. Very intense floral nose and good balance on the palate – not too austere. Lots to enjoy here. Very fluid and flavourful. Would make a great wine in a resto or wine bar. 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com October 2016
*2014 WITTMANN BRUNNENHÄUSCHEN GROSSES GEWÄCHS RIESLING MAGNUM RRP $264
The 2014 Westhofen Brunnenhäuschen Riesling trocken GG is very intense on the nose, where yeasty lemon flavors and crushed stones are displayed. Very restrained on the pure, fresh and piquant palate with lots of finesse, this dry Riesling reveals a complex old vines intensity and expressive finish as well as a great aging potential. 93-94 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate December 2015
2012 HUBER MALTERDINGER PINOT NOIR MAGNUM RRP $136
Good colour; Huber grows and makes pinot of world class; the bouquet is fragrant and very expressive, hinting at the cherry and plum fruit that has a juicy succulence as it rolls over the back-palate and into the finish and aftertaste. 95 points. James Halliday September 2015
2013 HUBER MALTERDINGER PINOT NOIR MAGNUM RRP $136
Spicy and sappy, smoky cherry and plum with oak well in the background. Light to medium bodied, spicy and undergrowthy, with crunch of acidity and a fine dusting of tannin. A bit minerally and has precision, without being too strict. Finish is good too. Likely better with a couple of years on it too, though attractive now. 92 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front May, 2016
2013 HUBER ALTE REBEN PINOT NOIR MAGNUM RRP $200
Huber’s 2013 Spätburgunder Alte Reben comes from a selection of vines that average 40 years of age and are planted on shell limestone soils, including the crus. The wine displays a deep, spicy, clear and slightly flinty cherry and red berry bouquet, which has remarkable finesse and precision. Medium to full-bodied, juicy, fresh and refined, this is a beautifully elegant and balanced Pinot Noir. There are present yet silky tannins and a long, clear, fresh and aromatic finish. This is an excellent little cru with grip and stimulating authenticity. 91 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate August 2016
*2011 HUBER PINOT NOIR BIENENBERG GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $268
Medium to deep ruby with purple tinge. The Bienenberg really is one of those rare wines that can conjure up images of a sunny autumn afternoon with its delightful fragrance of bonfire smoke, rosehip hedgerows and raspberry bushes. The juicy acidity of cherries and redcurrants demonstrates that Huber has resisted the temptation to pick his grapes too late, and equal restraint is shown by the lack of any strongly roasted notes – a gentle spicy sandalwood notion the only concession to oak. A lively and supple Grosses Gewächs for the uncomplicated appreciation of fine Spätburgunder. 18/20 Michael Schmidt, jancisrobinson.com August 2013
2012 HUBER PINOT NOIR BIENENBERG GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $288
As you ascend the steps of the quality ladder of Huber, the quality of each wine seems to be incapable of being overtaken, but it is. Here there is a perfect union between the varietal expression and a silken mosaic of tannins, oak the hidden backing of the mosaic. Simply beautiful. 97 points. James Halliday September 2015
2013 HUBER PINOT NOIR BIENENBERG GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $288
From more than 60-year-old German clones, the 2013 Bienenberg Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs displays an intense nose of ripe dark fruit, and some peppery and other spicy aromas. Full-bodied, round and full of finesse, grip and tension, this is a fleshy, well-concentrated and refreshing Pinot Noir. This drinks lovely today, but can age over 6-8 years. 93 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate August 2016
*2011 HUBER PINOT NOIR SCHLOSSBERG GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $320
Schlossberg’s steep vineyards have been planted since 1492, and all the work is done by hand; the winery works with gravity flow, and the wine spends 18 months in barrel. It is bright crimson in colour, fragrant red cherry aromas allied with some (not excessive) new oak, then a palate with very good line and length, the tannins fine-grained. 96 points. James Halliday November 2014
2013 HUBER PINOT NOIR SCHLOSSBERG GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $336
None of Huber’s Grosse Gewächse are short of fruit, but although the Schlossberg exhibits its fair fragrance of plums and blackberries, they merely act in support of a darker and deeper minerally expression. Shaved pencil, graphite and forest undergrowth represent a most intriguing and almost mysterious composition of aromas. On the palate the fruit of dark berries insists on its juicy ways, supported by fine spices, but then a cool stony notion takes command. Compact structure, full body and firm grip demand to be given time to agree on harmony. 18/20 Michael Schmidt, jancisrobinson.com September 2015
*2011 HUBER PINOT NOIR SOMMERHALDE GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $268
If Bombacher awakes associations of bombast, only the colour of the Sommerhalde with its deep plum hue and distinctive purple rim could be seen to do justice to that image. The nose conjures up an image of a hazy Indian summer’s afternoon, with bonfire smoke drifting across meadows and hedgerows exuding fragrances of wild herbs and autumn fruit. For those who don’t get out that much (or far), juicy morello cherries, ripe plums and mouthwatering redcurrants are served well by a generous contribution of sandalwood spices, dried herbs and expertly toasted aromas. A tight minerality partners assertive tannins to provide a firm structure. Spätburgunder suave and sophisticated. 19/20 Michael Schmidt, jancisrobinson.com August 2013
*2012 HUBER PINOT NOIR SOMMERHALDE GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $288
Concentrated plum hue with bright purple rim. We have had minerality, fruit and power in Huber’s other three Grosse Gewächse. The Bombacher literally excels in the field, or to be more precise, meadow, with herbs and hay evoking associations of a warm Indian summer. Sweet cherries and mouthwateringly juicy plums deliver plenty of fruit, barriques donate tasteful notes of cloves and cedar, firm tannins and an assertive acidity complete a solid structure. The poor man’s Wildenstein, not so much in taste, but in terms of value for money. 18.5/20 Michael Schmidt, jancisrobinson.com September 2014
2013 HUBER PINOT NOIR SOMMERHALDE GROSSES GEWÄCHS MAGNUM RRP $288
The Sommerhalde charms with a seductive perfume of exotic spices, orchard blossom and fine cigar smoke. On the palate things get a little more intense with lashings of fleshy plums and juicy morello cherries making the early running, only to be reined in by flavours of dark chocolate, dust from the grindstone, roasted hazelnuts and a subtle mix of herbs and spices. Still youthful, but already very elegant. 18/20 Michael Schmidt, jancisrobinson.com September 2015
ARMENIA
2014 ZORAH KARASÌ ARENI NOIR MAGNUM RRP $128
Mid cherry. Sweet cherry aroma. A slight toasty note even though there is no barrel or oak influence here. Not as long and layered as the 2015. Still has a lot of spice, less expressive at the moment. More savoury and darker and very very fine texture. Tightened up a bit from the time in bottle, more graphite and mineral on the finish. 17+/20 Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com July 2016