2002 Cristal Louis Roederer
Remarkably poised and complete, opening with notes of preserved lemon, baked apple and white peach, layered with toasted brioche, hazelnut and chalk. The palate is both expansive and precise, combining richness with extraordinary freshness. Fine, integrated mousse carries flavours of citrus oil, almond and subtle spice, finishing long, saline and effortlessly balanced. Fully mature yet still remarkably energetic, with clarity and harmony at every stage.
Rating: 97 points | Supplier: Berry Bros. & Rudd, Hedonism Wines | Price: £420–£550
2015 Chateau Haut-Brion
Deep and resonant on the nose, showing blackcurrant, plum and graphite, underscored by tobacco leaf, cedar and warm earth. The palate is layered and powerful yet impeccably controlled, with finely grained tannins and a seamless flow from attack to finish. Savoury, smoky notes emerge with air, adding depth and gravitas to the long, polished close. A wine of authority and precision rather than overt opulence.
Rating: 98 points | Supplier: Corney & Barrow, Justerini & Brooks | Price: £600–£750
Very nice