“I am often asked who the up and coming stars are in Piedmont. Massimo Benevelli is surely one of them.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com

Founded in 1978 by Piero Benevelli, the father of current proprietor Massimo Benevelli, the estate has been going from strength to strength in recent years. The estate produces the classic wines of the Langhe that are great reflections of their origins. From Fresia, Dolcetto, and Barbera, to the three Barolo crus, each cuvee of the Estate exhibits their own character, with elegance and balance a common theme across the wines.

Yann Durieux the rebel winemaker of Burgundy is a protégé of the late Henri-Frédéric Roch, the co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and owner of Domaine Prieuré-Roch. Having worked at Domaine Prieure Roch, and being put in charge of the Domaine’s Clos de Beze Grand Cru vineyard due to his exceptional understanding of biodynamic viticulture, Yann Durieux struck out to start his own Domaine, Recrue des Sens in 2010.

Current proprietor Jérôme Billard is the third generation of this family estate, and he gained an expanded worldview by working around the world following his oenology studies in Dijon. He first worked for the Moueix family at Petrus in Pomerol and Dominus in Napa Valley, and followed that up with time at the Sacred Hill estate in New Zealand before returning to Domaine de la Noblaie in 2003.

A one of a kind cool climate South African Syrah, the Minimalist Wines Stars In The Dark 2019 is the second vintage of this wine by rising star South African winemaker Sam Lambson. It has earned rave reviews from critics, with South African wine guide Platter’s awarding the 5-stars accolade to the wine , and most recently with Neal Martin, the Bordeaux and South Africa critic for Vinous Media, writing an effusive review and rating the wine 97 points, joint top with only two other reds amongst all South African reds ever reviewed by Neal Martin. Pricing remains reasonable for now despite the world-class quality, but with less than 1,400 bottles produced, and now that the secret is out, it will become increasingly elusive.

Chateau Sisqueille Rivesaltes Vin Doux Naturel 1874 HKD 5,000 per 37.5cl

The 1874 Rivesaltes from Château Sesqueille comes from a single barrel bottled by Philippe Gayral in January 2013 and it was, in fact, the debut vintage from Sesqueille (sic). It is a remarkable slice of history. The bouquet belies its age with wonderful Japanese plum and scents of sloe that gradually unfold in the glass and enrapture the senses. The palate is complex and sensual with red plum at its core, flanked by white pepper, fennel and aniseed aromas that are all exquisitely defined. The finish feels elegant and pure. No wonder Gayral felt compelled to bottle this. It is now quite difficult to find but bottles might crop up from time to time. Tasted with Philippe Gayral.

Score: 97

Neal Martin, Vinous.com, June 2018

We are delighted to have sourced a parcel of the Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2016, one of only three wines from South America to be awarded 100 points by the Wine Advocate, and from an estate with vineyards topping World’s Best Vineyards* list for two years in a row.

With only 6,400 bottles produced, we are thrilled to be able to offer a small parcel of this wine in both loose bottles and OWC format all in stock in Hong Kong.

A magical wine from the unique Dorona di Venezia, a grape that was rescued from near extinction when the current proprietor of Tenuta Venissa discovered 88 such vine plants and decided to replant and revive a long tradition. Only 3,500 bottles are made on average per vintage, and rarer still in magnum format, this is a wine for the wine lover who has tried everything under the sun.

A monopoly vineyard in Puligny Montrachet with ninety percent of the vines 70 years old, the Clos de la Mouchere offers Grand Cru quality at Premier Cru price. Often an outperformer, the wine was amongst the top ten rated whites by Allen Meadows for the 2016 vintage. Our thoughts? Stock up now before the secret is out!

An under the market Sassicaia 2004 OWC, a pair of exciting Vietti Barolo 2016, the 100pts Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita, and a triumphant A.F. Gros Richebourg 2015. Read all about these wines here.

L’Hetre 2017, HKD 200 per 75cl

With Le Pin out of reach for most, and prices for L’If rising quickly since Jacques Thienpoint’s acquisition in 2010, L’Hetre represents a good value proposition with prices that may not remain at these levels for long.

Offer subject to final confirmation and remaining unsold. E. & O. E.

In today’s offer we are highlighting some of the wines that will arrive in August in Hong Kong, including rarities such as the 100 points wines from Egly Ouriet, Masseto, and Ricolma. There are also good value wines such as Chateau Meyney 2009, unique expressions such as Bel Air-Marquis d’Aligre 2010, and firm favourites such as a pair of Henri Bonneau CNDP Reserve de Celestins.

In a recent retrospective of the La Ricolma wines on Vinous.com, Antonio Galloni states that “today San Giusto a Rentennano sits comfortably alongside the best artisan estates anywhere and that La Ricolma is among the world’s most pedigreed wines.”

We are always on the lookout for this estate’s wines, and are delighted to be able to offer the below wines all in stock in Hong Kong, including the 100 points La Ricolma 2015.