We are delighted to present a small selection of hidden gems from our stock list. Spanning various regions, varietals, vintages and price points, it’s an eclectic mix with one thing in common: something particularly interesting that makes them worth the effort to track down and secure.

 

We start with a Bordeaux, Chateau Guillot Clauzel 2020. From a tiny vineyard in Pomerol between Le Pin and Trotanoy and made by Guillaume Thienpont; this has a fantastic pedigree. From Burgundy, we have ultra-rare cases of Bachelet-Monnot’s Batard Montrachet, a Grand Cru so good that Allen Meadows says, “If you can find it, don’t hesitate”. 

 

Champagne is represented by Veuve Clicquot’s fascinating Extra old Serie 3. Made from a blend of reserved wines, some as old as 1990, this is a terrific Champagne and tremendous value. From Italy, we have our last case of 2018 Nervi-Conterno Gattinara Molsino. Made by the iconic Roberto Conterno and described by Galloni as being “utterly captivating” this has the potential to rival the best that Barolo has to offer.

 

Finally, we have our final bottles of Taylor’s Very Very Old Tawny Port. Made from a blend of ancient tawny ports from some of Taylor’s most precious barrels this is a complex masterpiece that must be tasted to be believed.

 

2020 Chateau Guillot Clauzel

3cs (6*75cl OWC) @ £360 per case in bond

2cs mags (3*150cl OWC) @ £395 per case in bond

94 points William Kelley

A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Guillot Clauzel has turned out beautifully. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark cherries, plums and licorice, it’s medium to full-bodied, elegantly layered and fleshy, with a vibrant core of fruit, polished tannins and a penetrating finish. As readers will remember, this 2.5-hectare estate has been managed by Vieux Château Certan’s Guillaume Thienpont since 2018. (2023) www.robertparker.com Drink 2025-2045

 

2020 Bachelet-Monnot, Batard Montrachet Grand Cru

2cs (3*75cl OC) @ £1,500 per case in bond

93-96 points Allen Meadows

Firm reduction. There is terrific underlying tension to the precise, powerful and strikingly textured flavors that conclude in an exceptionally compact finale that is firmly structured and built-to-age. This isn’t the densest Bâtard of the 2020 vintage, but the overall sense of harmony and balance is most impressive. If you can find it, don’t hesitate. (2022) www.burghound.com

 

NV Veuve Clicquot, Extra Old Serie 3

15cs (6*75cl OC) @ £295 per case in bond 

88-92 points Richard Juhlin

Reserve wines from 1990, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013 and the main part from 2014 aged 2 years together in a new tank and then another fermentation in bottle for three years. Then disgorged in 2022 and rested for another year before the wine leaves Reims. Very nice and stylish champagne. It would have liked to have a few more grams of dosage for my taste, but the sea tones and the appetizing minerality are ultra beautiful. Here there is a small yellow spring floral note together with citrus that gives a feeling of thirst-quenching mineral water with a slice of lemon on a hot summer day. (2023) www.champagneclub.com

 

2018 Nervi-Conterno, Gattinara Vigna Molsino

1cs (6*75cl OC) @ £540 per case in bond

98+ points Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Gattinara Molsino emerges from a relatively warm, sunny spot on the estate at 400 meters in elevation. It presents myriad shades of dark cherry/plum fruit, sage, menthol, new leather and dark spices. Potent and virile in the glass, the Molsino possesses tremendous drive as it builds into a deep, beautifully resonant finish that is utterly captivating. It’s a remarkable effort for the first year in which Roberto Conterno and his team were in charge. The ambition is pretty clear. Molsino will soon be the Monfortino of Alto Piemonte. (2022) www.vinous.com Drink 2028-2048

 

Taylor’s Very Very Old Tawny Port

6 btls (1*75cl OWC) @ £620 per bottle in bond 

99 points James Suckling

This is an over 80-year-old blend with amazing toffee, caramel, tangy orange and light balsamic character. Medium body, very sweet, yet there’s a freshness and lifted state that gives it length and intensity. So long and flavorful. Rum and raisin. Shows real very old tawny character. It’s like you are in the aging cellars with dirt floors and old wooden vats. Drink or hold. (2023) www.jamessuckling.com