Premier & Grand Cru Wines
Premier & Grand Cru Wines
Staff Picks
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Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteRecently awarded premier cru status "Les Crays” is a terroir of limestone scree on blue Pliensbachian marl. This south-facing slope, bright and protected from the cool north wind, produces fatty wines with chiseled minerality revealing rich and multiple citrus aromas. This cuvée is harvested on several plots planted between 1930 and 1966 forming 2.16 hectares in total. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (March 2025) Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - The Wine Front (2020) 91 Points - Decanter (2020) "In 2020, there
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Country: France, AlsaceGrapes: Pinot GrisABV: 13%Style: Aromatic Floral WhiteWines from the Grand Cru vineyard Froehn have exceptional aromatic purity, and this Pinot Gris is a medium-dry white wine, its nose is a delicate mix of smoked aromas (grilled almonds), honey, quince and candied fruits. An absolute treat. It is unctuous, harmonious and very refreshing on the palate. It also has long-lasting longevity, which makes it an excellent wine to age. About the Producer It was at Zellenberg in 1785 that Thomas Rentz became fascinated in winemaking, setting up his own vineRegular Price£22.95Bin End Sale - 25% off£17.22 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedChâteau Haut-Boutisse is one of the wines of Château Palais Cardinal, a family property that has existed since the middle of the 19th century and neighbour to the Grand Cru Classé Château Monbousquet. An average vine age of over 40 years and from the fabulous 2020 vintage gives a wine full of concentration, structure and classic Saint-Émilion traits. Taste Nose of coffee and plum with some velvety tannins on the palate. A wine full of charm and surprises brought by the vintage. Wine Press / Aw -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet FrancABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedIn common with all the leading properties in Saint Emilion, Chateau Palais Cardinal produced an exceptional 2022. Given 92/93 points from James Suckling, the 50-year-old vines allow Nicolas Ballande to produce an outstanding wine. In many ways the 2022 was the result of work that was started in 2008. It was then that this ancient estate was given a new lease of life after years of underperformance. The winery was completely overhauled with outdated presses and vats being replaced by state-of-the -
Country: Chile, Colchagua ValleyGrapes: CarmenereABV: 14%Style: Rich Full RedThe Caballo Loco Grand Cru Apalta 2022 is one of the best Chilean red wines you can buy. The flagship brand of multi-award-winning Valdeviso winery it is crafted from a blend of old vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Syrah in the renowned Apalta region of Chile's Colchagua Valley. Apalta grapes are highly prized by fine wine producers. The region’s Pacific-cooled Mediterranean climate is ideal for producing grapes that are complex, aromatic, fresh-tasting and well-balanced. The poor (apalta -
Country: Chile, Limari ValleyGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 14%Style: Rich Full RedThe Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru Limari is another of Valdivieso’s flagship wines, one that utilises fruit from their best plantings of Syrah, Carmenere, Malbec, and Pinot Noir grapes. While Limari is one of the finest of Chile’s wine regions, it’s also one of the most inhospitable. Annual rainfall of around 90mm (3.5 inches) combined with poor clay and chalk soils mean that vines struggle and the resulting fruit can be superb. A blend of Syrah, Carmenere, Malbec and Pinot Noir may not soun -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedAt the end of 2011, Peter Kwok (Owner of Chateau Haut Brisson and Enclos de Viaud) acquired Château Tour Saint Christophe with his daughter Karen and La Croix Saint Christophe is the second label of the Château. Traditional farming, Guyot pruning with natural grass between the rows combined with working the soil under the vine, de-budding, leaf removal and green harvest if necessary to maintain the environmental balance. 40-year-old vines, and 15 months in French Oak Barrels (60% new). A beautif -
Country: Chile, Curico ValleyGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados. A true standout from Chile, Caballo Loco Grand Cru Sagrada Familia 2021 is a rich and expressive red that blends power with finesse. Sourced from the warm Curicó Valley, this wine is bursting with ripe black fruit, dark chocolate, and spice, all wrapped in velvety tannins. Crafted by Valdivieso’s innovative Caballo Loco project, this Grand Cru captures the essence of its terroir while delivering depth, complexity, and a long, satisfying finish. Drink no -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe La Closerie de Fourtet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is the second wine of the outstanding Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Clos Fourtet. It's often said that second wines in great vintages are an excellent way to enjoy fine Bordeaux without incurring a financial hangover, and that's definitely the case here. Its (relatively) high location and limestone soils produce elegant, fresh-tasting wines full of elegance and finesse. Red berries, black cherries, purple plums, minerals and fresh, redcurrant -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13%Style: Classy Complex WhiteSavvy white Burgundy buyers know Montagny Premier Cru is arguably the region’s best-value wine. What Domaine Masse does, is couple value with wines of outstanding quality. Produced from their small parcel of low-yielding old Chardonnay vines, their 2023 Montagny has a level of concentration that’s rarely found in this prodigious vintage. Elegant and well-structured, the sensitive use of oak has given a fine white Burgundy that many famous name producers would envy. It is offerings like this that -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points - James Suckling. Second wines in great years have always been a great way for Bordeaux wine lovers to enjoy something special without breaking the bank. The Petit Corbin-Despagne Saint-Emilion 2018 is a prime example of this. The second wine of the Grand Cru Classe, Chateau Grand Corbin-Despagne, it shares much of its big brother's class and style, but being made from younger vines it's approachable young. Leading critic James Suckling gave the Petit Corbin-Despagne Saint-Emilion 2018 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 15%Style: Savoury Classic RedAt the end of 2011, Peter Kwok (Owner of Chateau Haut Brisson and Enclos de Viaud) acquired Château Tour Saint Christophe with his daughter Karen and La Croix Saint Christophe is the second label of the Château. Traditional farming, Guyot pruning with natural grass between the rows combined with working the soil under the vine, de-budding, leaf removal and green harvest if necessary to maintain the environmental balance. 40-year-old vines, and 15 months in French Oak Barrels (60% new). A beautif -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13%Style: Classy Complex WhiteDomaine Masse’s Rully 1er Cru Les Deux Terres Blanc 2022 ranks as one of the best value fine white Burgundies from this outstanding vintage. Crafted by Fabrice from his well-sited, old vine Chardonnay, his customary attention to detail paid off handsomely in this challenging, but brilliant year. Ripe, rounded and full, it remains elegant and poised and displays Rully’s signature smoky minerality and lovely floral notes. It is offerings like this that have seen demand for Domaine Masse’s wines so -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Complex Sparkling91 Points - Cellar Tracker - There is Champagne, and then there is Grand Cru Champagne, the pinnacle of Champagne excellence. This Grand Cru Champagne from the vineyards of Chouilly is not only significantly more affordable but also more refined than many big household names. The result is a stunning Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) Grand Cru Champagne with complex toasty and citrus notes that are perfectly balanced, offering fantastic value. It has a golden yellow colour with aromas of pastrie -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Tim Atkin, MW. The Relais de la Dominique is the second wine of Chateau La Dominique Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe and neighbour of the mighty Cheval Blanc. The Relais de la Dominique 2015 proves the value of second wines in great vintages - a second wine that scores 92 from Tim Atkin MW is worth seeking out. Now mature, its bouquet is a fascinating mix of cherries, flowers, mint, earth and spices. On the palate, it shares La Dominique's open, gentle style with its beauty and brilli -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteThis Montagny Premier Cru is round and delectable on the palate with lovely vivacity and minerality. With notes of oak, vanilla and brioche. It is round and delectable on the palate with lovely vivacity and minerality. The finish is long and fragrant with flowers of almond and both raw and cooked apple. "Very attractive nose of fresh pineapple and yellow grapefruit with delicate oak and a touch of something floral. Medium-bodied with nice creaminess from sur-lie aging, which complements the live -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Crisp Classic Sparkling92 Points - Vertdevin - This Rose Champagne is simply gorgeous! From Grand Cru producer Genet, the name 'Redblend 9208' denotes the blend of 92% Chardonnay and 8% Pinot Noir grapes used to produce this delicate feminine style Rose Champagne. Beautiful pale salmon colour and orange hints. Nice effervescence with a fine string of bubbles. On the nose, delicate floral aromas of violet, rose, peony and iris followed by red fruits, such as redcurrant, cherry, raspberry and apricot. On the palate, smo -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteThe Sylvain Mosnier Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy is a classic example of Chablis. The Beauroy site, designated as a Premier Cru ‘climat,’ features limestone-rich soils that produce fresh, clean, and mineral-rich wines. Sylvain Mosnier's traditional approach avoids new oak, resulting in wines that are delightful when young but also have the potential to age and develop beautifully in the bottle. Wine Press Ratings 91 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard | Double Gold Medal (2021 Vintage) "Beautiful pale gold -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteFrom one of Chablis’ finest Premier Cru sites, this elegant Chardonnay balances crisp citrus and green apple with delicate floral notes and a flinty minerality. Aged on fine lees for added depth, it finishes long and refined. Sylvain Mosnier is known for crafting precise, terroir-driven Chablis that showcases the region’s purest expression. Perfect with seafood, creamy cheeses, or enjoyed on its own. Taste Bright and expressive, this Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet opens with zesty citrus, crisp -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Complex SparklingA wonderfully complex Blanc de Blancs champagne from the outstanding 2017 vintage. Michel Genet and his team are 'manufacteurs de Grands Crus' and their MG BB Vintage offers aromas of pastries with fragrances of fresh nuts and candied fruits, followed by tobacco, menthol anise and eucalyptus. This has a rich aromatic palette and powerful finish. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Jan 2025) About the Producer “Manufacteurs de Grands Crus”. Michel Genet like to call themselves “manufacteurs” (“artisans”) from th -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - Falstaff. Chateau Fombrauge has always been one of Saint-Emilion's most consistent Grand Cru Classes, but in 2016 it took its performance to a whole new level. Despite being awarded 94/100 by wine critics Falstaff, it remains affordable and as it enters its drinking window it's a must-buy wine for all Saint Emilion lovers. Blend: 93% Merlot | 7% Cabernet Franc Vivino Rating 4.2 (Apr 2025) Wine Press Ratings 92 Points - Jeff Leve (2016 Vintage) "Deep dark ruby with a firm core, purple -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe La Closerie de Fourtet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2017 is the second wine of the outstanding Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Clos Fourtet. It's often said that second wines in great vintages are an excellent way to enjoy fine Bordeaux without incurring a financial hangover, and that's the case here. Its (relatively) high location and limestone soils produce elegant, fresh-tasting wines full of elegance and finesse. Soft red berries, plums, black cherries, blackberries, minerals and fresh, redcu -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteRecently awarded premier cru status "Les Crays” is a terroir of limestone scree on blue Pliensbachian marl. This south-facing slope, bright and protected from the cool north wind, produces fatty wines with chiseled minerality revealing rich and multiple citrus aromas. This cuvée is harvested on several plots planted between 1930 and 1966 forming 2.16 hectares in total. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (March 2025) Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - The Wine Front (2020) 91 Points - Decanter (2020) "In 2020, there -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Cabernet Franc, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red93-94 Points - James Suckling. One of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious Grand Cru's, located right next door to the famed Château Cheval Blanc. From the oldest surviving wine producing château in Saint-Émilion comes this incredible Grand Cru Classe wine from a fabulous vintage. A sensationally moreish, fragrant and textured wine created by the renowned Olivier Decelle. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratings 93-94 Points - James Suckling "A dense and linear fruit. Gorgeous already." 91- -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Château Fonroque produced an excellent wine in 2017. The 2017 vintage was unusual and not without its challenges. A hard (-6°C) frost on the 28th of April reduced the potential crop significantly as did a lack of rain in the spring. Happily a dry summer and sunny autumn allowed Fonroque to bring in a relatively small, but healthy harvest. The grand vin is a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, a mix that played to the vintage’s strengths. Typically powerful and
