DBM Fine Wines

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Château Clarke owes its name to an Irish family who bought the estate in the 18th century. Baron Edmond de Rothschild purchased Château Clarke in 1973 and entirely renovated it. The 54 hectares of vines grow on clay limestone rises perfectly suited to the Merlot variety (practically unique among fine Médoc estates). Since September 2001, the grapes have been hand-picked and brought to the cellar in small crates so as not to bruise them. They are then carefully sorted, crushed, and fermented in superb wooden vats. The wine is moved by natural gravity flow from the vat room to the cellar’s lower level, where it ages (essentially in new oak barrels) for 14-18 months. Reflecting its terroir, Château Clarke is concentrated and elegant. It combines power and subtlety, and has great ageing potential.
Baron Benjamin de Rothschild has headed Château Clarke’s dynamic winemaking team since 1997, displaying a passion for excellence in keeping with his father’s vision.
©ugcb

Tasting Notes

Neal Martin 94-96/100
The 2016 Malescot-St-Exupery has an opulent, lavish and pure bouquet with billowing black cherry and blueberry fruit, a touch of mint and graphite emerging with time. I love the delineation to this Margaux. The palate is very well balanced, sensual and voluptuous in style, but that does not detract from the fine structure here and the precision towards the finish. Everything seems to be in its right place here; it is one of the best Malescot-St-Exupery that I have tasted and it is wonderful.

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28 hectares planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot

Tasting Notes

Neal Martin (Robert Parker) 95-97/100
The 2016 Rauzan-Segla (Rausan-Segla) is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot picked between 20 September and 15 October at 45 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is being aged in 60% new oak for 18 months. It has 13.2% alcohol. It has a very powerful and intense bouquet with layers of blackberry, kirsch, cedar and a touch of mint. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of fruit concentration: layers of ripe blackberry and boysenberry, segueing into what feels like a very spicy and peppery second half that seems to calm down and attain more nuance with aeration in the glass. It is a wonderful follow-up to the 2015 last year, although not quite with the same audacity and bravado. Tasted twice with consistent notes. The Wine Advocate 230, 28th Apr 2017

Tasting Notes

Jane Anson, Decanter 89/100
Owned by the Cazes family, this is a classic Graves that offers excellent value. The 2016 is a deep, rich ruby colour and attractively rustic in expression. It opens well in the glass, with a good balance of freshness and enticingly ripe plum fruits, kept in place by tannins that offer just the right amount of tension for a wine that is aimed at medium term drinking.
Drinking Window 2020-2030

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Chateau Villa Bel-Air is located in Saint-Morillon in the heart of the “Graves” appellation. In the 18th century, Louis Dufaure, Marquis de Lajarte, a councillor in the Bordeaux Parliament, built a beautiful classical mansion on the site of the Bel-Air wine property. Today, the interior design of the property is classified a Historical Monument. After a long dormant period, the property was bought in 1988 by Jean-Michel Cazes and his family. From this date they completely restructured the vineyards and the technical installations prompting Robert Parker in 2005 to comment "The property has undergone numerous improvements aimed at heightening the quality of the vineyard and its wines (…) Many wine lovers have yet to discover the excellence of this great wine."

Tasting Notes

Allen Meadows (Burghound) 88-90/100;
A ripe and attractively fresh nose features notes of violet, plum, earth and dark currant. There is both good detail and energy to the sleekly textured middle weight flavors that deliver solid length on the balanced finish that displays only a touch of rusticity.

Vintage Description

Burghound;
Erwan Faiveley described 2015 as a "great vintage for quality but not for quantity because there was a lot of shatter during the flowering. We chose to begin picking on the 2nd of September and overall the fruit was as clean as I have ever seen. Potential alcohols were excellent coming in as they did between 13 and 14%. Yields were quite disparate at between 25 and 35 hl/ha with very thick skins that natural gave us high solid to liquid ratios. As such we were very careful with the vinifications as it would have been very easy to over-extract the reds. Moreover because the stems were ripe and clean, we used more whole clusters than usual, which is to say between 25 and 30% for almost 75% of our wines. We also chose to lower the proportion of new wood somewhat with the balance being mostly from one year old wood. As to quality, I would say that 2015 was better in the Côte de Nuits than the Côte de Beaune and particularly from Chambolle to Gevrey. But I am also exceptionally happy with the quality of the reds from the Côte Chalonnaise." Since the internal decision was taken to change many things about the Faiveley wines in 2007, the wines have steadily improved and in particular have become more consistent. Acquisitions have of course helped as have new equipment (in particular the new vertical presses) along with throwing out much of the older oak that was giving inelegant tannins. The very fine quality of the Faiveley 2015s is of course partially due to the excellence of the vintage but I credit their commitment to raising the standard of their game as well. By the way, for those readers searching for a good, and serious, value play, considering picking up some of the Mercurey "Clos du Roy"; I believe that you will be impressed by the quality.

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Domaine Faiveley traces its history back to 1823 and through seven generations they have built up an exceptional vineyard portfolio including 50 hectares in Côte de Nuits, 15 in Côte de Beaune and 75 in Côte Chalonnaise. Indeed the latest addition of 20 ha in Gevrey Chambertin was added as recently as October 2013. These are denoted below as ‘Domaine Faiveley’ while wines from purchased fruit are ‘Maison Faiveley’.

The name of this 1er cru, a monopole from Domaine Faiveley, most probably originates from the English "My Land", the name given to this area by an English dignitary. This clos produces a powerful, direct and well-balanced wine from 15 ha.

Tasting Notes

94 points, Antonio Galloni Mar 2016, Vinous.com
The 2012 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is pure class. A decidedly sensual, inviting Bricco delle Viole, the 2012 fleshes out in the glass with an effortless, inviting personality that is impossible to resist. Deep red cherry and plum notes open up first, followed by the classic floral notes that are so typical of this site. In 2012, the Bricco delle Viole is quite forward and fruit-driven, with essentially none of the angular contours that are typical when the wine is young. All of that means the 2012 will deliver immense pleasure pretty much upon release. There is so much to like here. The only real question is whether the 2012 will shut down in bottle or not. This is another addictively delicious Barolo from the Vajra family.


Brilliant ruby red with notes of cherries, brandied cherries, dark berries, violets and dried roses which recall nuances of citrus fruits and mint. On the palate noble and silky tannins. Very balanced with a long finish of fresh, delicate spices.

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Aldo Vaira's wines are characterised by pristine flavours and clearly defined perfumes. These characters are attributable to the position of his vineyards at about 400 metres above sea level in the village of Vergne in the commune of Barolo. G.D. Vajra was established in 1972 and named after Aldo's father, Giuseppe Domenico. Aldo has been gradually increasing the area under vine to 60 hectares, of which 10 are Nebbiolo for Barolo, located in such strategic spots as Bricco delle Viole, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne. A traditionalist, Aldo adheres to old-style winemaking methods, though blends these with new techniques, such as temperature controlled fermentation, to produce such superbly elegant wines.

The 'Bricco delle Viole' vineyard is located at altitudes of 380-470 metres above sea level in the commune of Barolo and covers 4.79 hectares. One part of the vineyard is planted with vines which are now over 60 years old and yield less than 30 hectolitres per hectare. Its high altitude and long ripening season gives the wine an aromatic complexity and richness that is lacking in lower vineyards.

Tasting Notes

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
"While juicy Merlot dominates this wine, the structure comes from the perfumed Cabernet Sauvignon that brings out the tannins, while the fruit is packed with blackberry flavors. This ripe wine needs to develop over the next few years. Drink from 2017."

Vintage Description

60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

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It was back in 1890 that the Roses family and Château Haut Bellevue started their story. The estate now boasts 16 hectares of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot on magnificent soils composed exclusively of light gravel on the stretch of higher land between Margaux and Saint Estèphe on the banks of the Gironde that has built the reputation of the Médoc. Corinne and Alain Roses have succeeded in getting the very essence out of their land.

Tasting Notes

Very well mannered, excellent balance and lovely integration. Clean texture, super. Sweet and rounded, very attractive mocha flavour. Not overdone. Lovely refined tannins, succulent texture, fine tannins. Delicious. (AB/SM Apr 2010)
Jancis Robinson MW : 15 Robert Parker: 89-91

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The Guichard family have owned Ch Siaurac since 1832, and Paul Goldschmidt has been in charge for the past decade. Last year François Pinault, proprietor of Ch Latour purchased a half share and his technical team are now familiarising themselves with the property with a view to further investment.

Ch Siaurac is one of the largest estates in Lalande de Pomerol, which itself is an extension of the Pomerol plateau. There are 40 separate plots of vines extending to 46 hectares incorporating gravels and clays, planted with 72 % Merlot, 22 % Cabernet-Franc and 6 % Malbec.

The Chateau lies less than 1km from Ch Petrus!

Vintage Description

Rich NV is a precise replica of Brut Réserve NV being blended from 30 still base wines from different vineyards, different vintages and the three main grape varieties but with a dosage of 34g/l making it the perfect drink for occasions when something a little less dry is called for.

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Pol Roger founded his Champagne house in 1849 and it is still proudly independent, under family control. It owns 89 hectares of vineyards on prime sites of the Vallée d'Epernay and on the Côte de Blancs. Its cellars run for 7km and are on three levels, the deepest known as the 'cave de prise de mousse' at 33m below street level. As the name suggests this is where the wine undergoes its secondary fermentation in bottle. The fact that this deep cellar is at 9oC or less rather than the normal cellar temperature of 11-12oC prolongs this fermentation and contributes to the quality and particular style of the wines and their famously fine bubbles.

Tasting Notes

Burghound 91/100;
A wonderfully fresh nose is more restrained than that the Latricières with an even earthier array of deeply pitched black currant, plum and violent scented aromas that are again trimmed in gentle wood nuances. The overtly muscular and attractively stony big-bodied flavors possess solid mid-palate concentration that does a fine job of buffering the firm supporting tannins on the moderately austere, persistent and slightly better balanced finish. This backward effort will likely need 12 to 15 years to reveal its full potential.

Neal Martin, erobertparker.com 91-93/100; The 2013 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, which is matured in 40% new oak, has a more complex bouquet than the Latricieres-Chambertin '13 at present with that marine leitmotif returning here. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, good body and energy with touches of orange rind toward the harmonious finish. This is one of the standouts from Rossignol-Trapet this year. Excellent. Reviewed Jan 2015

Vintage Description

Neal Martin erobertparker.com, Jan 2015; ....There is much more refinement and precision nowadays and I feel that Rossignol-Trapet is a name that now deserves higher respect. “It was quite a difficult vintage in the beginning: wet and cold,” Nicolas explained. “It was not very warm and in June a lot of old vines were affected by poor flowering. In September, the sugar was very slow to accumulate, but the tannins achieved phenolic ripeness in the end. We started picking on 6 October and lasted only 5 days, one of the shortest we have ever had. This was because of the pressure of rot. The millerandage meant that on some days there was not so much to sort. The quantity in 2013 is only 15% more than 2012 that was our lowest ever! We sorted in the vineyard and in the winery (on a vibrating sorting table), especially for the younger vines. This year we used a Pellenc destemmer that does not crush the berries and this was a great help. The vinification was not very complicated, with a small amount of pigeage, 6 or 7 times only with daily remontage, a little more at the end in order to prevent reduction. The malolactics finished between February and April as the cellars are not so cold. We don’t add a lot of sulfur because we are certified by Demeter who limit its use to 70-milligrams.”

These were mainly superb follow-ups to their 2012s, even if one or two of their vineyards were touched by hail. At the top end those grand crus really prove their class, in particular the Chapelle-Chambertin and Chambertin itself. Perhaps the premier crus do not quite have the class of their 2012s, but wines like the Gevrey la Petite Chapelle punch above their weight. Overall, I was immensely pleased with these 2013s and, given that they tend to be more reasonably priced than other Gevrey growers, they come highly recommended.

Tasting Notes

From vineyard sites in Luján de Cuyo, Maipu and Valle de Uco at altitudes of 2300 to 3835 feet above sea level. The diurnal temperature variations, long growing season and altitude give a tremendous purity of fruit. These sites are semi desert and irrigation is an essential. Yields are limited to around 3.2 tons per hectare.

Initially there is a period of 2-3 days cold soak then fermented with selected and native yeasts in 8 and 18 ton closed top stainless steel tanks. Total maceration approx 16 days. Native malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel and the wine is aged for 8 months in French and American oak of which 20% is new.

A dark shade of garnet with ruby reflections. Aromas of black cherry, black currant, briar patch, hard candy and pencil shavings on the nose. Bright and luscious on the palate, with black cherry, blackberry, plum, abundant dark chocolate and subtle notes of earl grey tea and black pepper keeping it balanced. Viscous and round, with plush tannins and a delicious finish.

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After visiting Argentina in 1989, Californian trail-blazer Paul Hobbs became deeply interested in both the terroir and Argentine culture, noticing the unique potential for Malbec and other varietals in the region. After meeting two kindred spirits, Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud, they founded Viña Cobos in 1997 and since then there has been no looking back. Utilising gnarly old vines, careful vineyard selection, very low yields and an unerring empathy for the raw materials, Viña Cobos craft intense yet balanced wines that showcase the elegance and beauty of this region.

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Mas de Daumas Gassac was established in the 1970s when Aimé Guibert,a Parisian glove manufacturer purchased the property, and since then has come to be described by some as the Grand Cru of Languedoc. After the renowned oenologist Professor Henri Enjalbert pointed out that the unique combination of the red glacial soils beneath the local garrigue with the altitude and currents of cool air that passed over the slopes made this an ideal spot for viticulture, Aimés passion for wine was ignited. He Planted un-cloned Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The Guibert mantra is that uniformity is the enemy of quality. They tracked down some vines propagated from cuttings taken in some of the great Bordeaux properties during the 1930s & 1940s. And, as in the best Medoc chateaux, their choice was based on quality and diversity rather than on yield and disease resistance. Once Gault et Millau labelled the estate as the Languedoc Chateau Lafite; sales of the red wine exploded. Today three of Aimé's sons, Samuel, Roman and Gaël work in the business.

Tasting Notes

Robert Parker 93/100
The 2001 El Bugader is one of the finest Syrah-based offerings I have tasted from Spain. An 8,000-bottle blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 18 months in new French oak, it possesses an inky/black/purple color in addition to a sumptuous perfume of spring flowers, creme de cassis, and blackberries. Heady and intense, with low acidity as well as a fleshy, full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel, it should be enjoyed during its first 7-8 years of life. Impressive! 26th Apr 2004 - 152, The Wine Advocate