Wines

One of the greatest wines produced in Bordeaux this year is the 2019 Lafite Rothschild, an impeccably balanced classic of immense charm and grace. Wafting from the glass with arresting aromas of cassis, blackberries and cherries mingled with violets,

So much sweet tobacco, Spanish cedar, dried flowers, dark mushrooms and roses. Really aromatic. This is so polished and very powerful, yet ethereal and refined at the same time. The finish goes on for minutes. Tight and harmonious. You want to drink

A dry Champagne with apricots, figs, praline, chalk, lemons and pastries on the nose. Light-to medium-bodied with sharp acidity and fine bubbles. Focused and mineral with some toasted walnut to close. Chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Drink now.

A very pretty rosé with dried-strawberry and apple aromas and flavors. Some spiced-pear and iron undertones. Cranberries, too. Full-bodied with precision and tightness. Focused and solid. Fine bubbles and length. Always an excellent rosé. Drink now.

The 2020 Beaune Clos du Roi 1er Cru has an atttactive, floral bouquet, touches of dried rose petals percolating through the redcurrant and wild strawberry aromas. There is more transparency here than in other cuvees. The palate is well balanced with

Floral and expressive with nice bright raspberry and cherry fruit. Has good acidity and a chalky, mineral core: a lovely expressive wine

A hot year with drought issues made Bollinger seek freshness and subtlety via Pinot Noirs of north facing terroirs and an unusually high proportion of Chardonnay (40%). The nose oozes lush red berry fruit, golden raisins and tropical fruit exuberance.

Bollinger's 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that is clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness. "Balance was hard to achieve in 20

Intense and rich and at the same time nuanced and complex. The small concentrated grapes ultimately produced an ultimate gastronomic masterpiece. The scent cannonade is classic Bollinger, but fresh and more nuanced than I expected from the vintage. Stone

The purity and clarity to the nose of this wine are really exceptional with crushed berries, cherries and currants. Fruit and density are so impressive, yet this is so linear on the center palate, which gives it direction and focus. Fabulous. Better

Ayala's Brut Majeur has undergone reinvention with the 2019 base, now boasting more Chardonnay than any other NV from the major houses. The style is delicate and snappy with yellow apple, lime and sweet pear fruit, subtly backed up by a touch of creaminess.

A strong offering at the basic level from Ayala. Pinot noir leads the blend in fresh and vibrant style. The palate has plenty of wild cherry, peach, nectarine and grapefruit flavor. Neat and crisp finish. Drink now.