STELLAR SUMMER BOTTLES - The Wine Society...mix, an ambitious Bordeaux collaboration too! FINE WINE...

To order visit thewinesociety.com/fi newines or call 01438 741177 FNJUN19

STELLAR SUMMER BOTTLES

JUNE – AUGUST 2019 F INE WINE L I ST

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SUMMER SEASONINGSAs seasons change, so too do the world’s top wines, gathering over time that magical combination of complexity, refinement and, ultimately, readiness. Many of the treasures in this summer list have spent several seasons in our temperature-controlled warehouses doing just that. Others were selected specifically with the seasonings of summer food in mind, such as Emma from our Tastings Team’s personal picks and a style-straddling selection of top rosés.

And, whether it’s a keenly priced ‘Small Wonder’ from off the beaten track or a pitch-perfect Puligny-Montrachet, every wine in these pages goes some way to show the benefits of our Society’s 145 years of developing and diversifying. It’s a rather special ageing process, and we warmly invite you, our members, to reap the rewards.

- bone dry to intensely sweet

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CONtENtSNYEtIMBER 2003–PRESENt: SPARKLING ON tHE WORLD StAGE 3World-class Sussex fizz from a combination of our keeping stocks and the winery’s archive.

SMALL WONDERS: FINE WINE At £20 AND UNDER 4Sometimes the best bottles don’t need to cost a fortune.

SYMINGtON: A PORtUGUESE StAR 6We plunder our reserves from this Portuguese pioneer with Scottish origins and, to add to the mix, an ambitious Bordeaux collaboration too!

FINE WINE BUYERS’ FAVOURItES: JOANNA LOCKE MW 7Our buyer for Alsace, Portugal, South Africa and the Loire joins us for a game of ‘Desert Island Bottles’!

RIESLING: GEMS BEYOND GERMANY 8Mesme-riesling whites to show what can happen when this celebrated grape spreads its wings.

MAtURE AUSSIE CABERNEt: 2005-2009 9A rare chance to plunder our reserves of ready-to-drink gems from Leeuwin, Moss Wood and more.

EMMA BRIFFEtt’S SUMMER WINES FOR SUMMER FOOD 10The host of our popular food and wine matching events curates a culinary collection to cover all bases.

PULIGNY & MEURSAULt tO GO: tOP WHItE BURGUNDY FOR DRINKING NOW 11Two world-renowned sites, six growers, three vintages… one mouthwatering opportunity for Burgundy lovers.

tHE CASE FOR GERMAN PINOt NOIR 12Marcel Orford-Williams sets out a selection to show off Germany’s pinot prowess.

HANZELL: A GLASS OF CALIFORNIA HIStORY 13We’ve been tucking away our allocations of Hanzell’s glorious, restrained Sonoma pinot noir and chardonnay for a few years: now it’s time to help yourself, while you can.

COMMUNING WItH CLAREt 14A dozen ready-to-uncork ambassadors for the top communes of Bordeaux, hand picked by our buyer for the region, Tim Sykes.

FINE ROSÉS FOR SUMMER DINING PAGEThink pink for fine dining this summer with these standard-bearing still and sparkling wines.

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All photography shot on location at Nyetimber vineyards with our thanks.

3For advice visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call 01438 741177

NYEtIMBER 2003 – PRESENt: SPARKLING ON tHE WORLD StAGEI’ve been keen to add a Nyetimber section to a Fine Wine List for some time, and today is my lucky day! This Sussex house is one of the great sparkling wineries of the world. Indeed, only last year head winemaker Cherie Spriggs was named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year by the International Wine Challenge – the first time this award has gone to someone outside Champagne.

To build up an extra special selection I’ve been keeping a couple of wines back in our cellars, and was also given exclusive access to some back-vintage stock held at the winery. It’s been a joy to put this together, and I hope you’ll feel the same when you pop open these special wines.

FREDDY BULMER

BOTTLE SIX

Nyetimber ClassiC Cuvée brut Nv More than a decade in the planning, Nyetimber’s multi-vintage wine is a full-flavoured, savoury standard-bearer. Predominantly chardonnay alongside pinots noir and meunier, the blend is aged for more than three years on its yeast lees to add extra complexity and class. 12% ref L-SG2131 £31 £186

Nyetimber ClassiC Cuvée brut 2009 2009 was a superb year here and I selected this wine from Nyetimber’s own reserve stocks after a tasting of several vintages. This vintage won the overall Trophy for English sparkling wine from the International Wine Challenge back in 2014… and then again in 2019! A chardonnay-led blend, it’s still remarkably fresh, with a core of white fruit but starting to show development and real complexity. Drink now to 2025. 12% ref L-SG1691 £35 £210

Nyetimber rosé brut Nv Deep in colour and bold in flavour, with ripe red-fruit character, Braeburn apple-like acidity and a long finish. This is capable of handling everything from grouse to salami, but for an indulgent treat, try this with cured salmon. Drink now to 2022. 12% ref L-SG2311 £36 £216

Nyetimber blaNC de blaNCs brut 2010 Still remarkably youthful and taut for a nine-year-old wine, but the complexity of flavour has developed beautifully in bottle. 100% chardonnay and with aromas of pear, peach and vanilla, this is an elegant and balanced sparkler with great finesse and focus. Drink now to 2025. 12% ref L-SG2681 MC £38 £228

Nyetimber tilliNgtoN siNgle viNeyard brut 2013 A small-production single-vineyard wine made using only the very best fruit. With layers of complexity and charm, it strikes an exceptional balance between fresh precision and a toasty, brioche-like character. A special wine, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the world’s greats. Drink now to 2023. 12% Low stock: limited to six bottles per memberref L-SG2601 MC £85 £510

Nyetimber ClassiC Cuvée brut 2003 Stock is miniscule, but the wine is too good to miss, and it offers a taste of the ‘old’ Nyetimber style before Cherie Spriggs became winemaker. The 2003 is rich, mature and bold, with toffee notes mingling with ripe citrus and stone fruit. Bursting with personality, this is a mature treat and a piece of English sparkling history. Drink this year. 12% MC Available only as part of the Nyetimber Collection

The Nyetimber Collection £162

Drink or store to 2021

A three-bottle case containing one bottle of each wine marked MC

ref L-MX19111

Low stock: limited to one case per member

4 To order visit thewinesociety.com/finewines or call 01438 741177

WHItE BOTTLE DOzEN

CampaNology margaret river ChardoNNay 2017 The Margaret River produces some of Australia’s best chardonnays. Several fetch eyewatering prices but this mouthwatering find made at Lenton Brae is superb value. Expect a flinty struck-match and lemon-peel aroma and a fresh, apple-and-peach led palate. Drink now to 2021. 13% ref L-AU21471 MC £10.50 £126

birgit brauNsteiN piNot blaNC 2017 Pristine and outright delicious pinot blanc from Austria’s mother of biodynamics and minimal intervention. The grape has a long history in Burgenland and this, with its sumptuous pear and pineapple fruit and fine freshness, shows why. Drink now to 2021. 13% ref L-AA2491 MC £12.95 £155

te mata estate hawke’s bay sauvigNoN blaNC 2018 Marlborough may be New Zealand’s most famous source of sauvignon but don’t overlook this refreshing Hawke’s Bay wine. Plenty of apple and peach flavours here, a light but intense palate and a mineral twist on the finish. Drink this year and next. 12.5% ref L-Nz10541 MC £13.50 £162

gewürztramiNer, Joseph hofstätter 2016 Hofstätter’s cellar is in the centre of Tramin (the original home of gewürztraminer) in northern Italy and their vineyards are on the slopes above. Naturally they take a great deal of pride in this wine, and the 2016 is beautifully scented, delicate, fresh and invigorating. Drink this year and next. 14% ref L-IT23811 £14.95 £179

raiNer wess alte rebeN grüNer veltliNer, kremstal 2017 From a father-and-daughter team from Austria’s Kremstal region who focus on white wines comes a thought-provoking, elegant and crisp old-vine grüner with a mineral freshness running through it. A special wine with bright acidity and a spicy twist to the flavour. Drink now to 2023. 13.5%

ref L-AA2331 £16.50 £198

somlói Juhfark, koloNiCs 2017 With the richness and generous full, dry flavour this is an excellent example of the sheer quality coming out of Hungary. Charming and complete with flavours of apple and straw before a mouthwatering savoury finish. Drink now to 2023. 13% ref L-HU1201 MC £16 £192

pouilly-fumé ‘les priNCes ermites’ 2016 A shimmering Loire Valley sauvignon with hints of passionfruit and the region’s hallmark flinty edge. A classic, elegant Pouilly-Fumé made by one of the leading lights of the appellation, Château de Tracy. Drink now to 2021. 13% ref L-LO14611 £16 £192

miles mossop saskia, Coastal 2015 A smart, seductive South African blend from one of the country’s star winemakers. Chenin blanc in the main, but the viognier grape makes its presence felt in the form of heady perfume and silky texture, while a splash of clairette ignites a spark of freshness. Richer fish dishes and even quite spicy food will sing with this. Drink now to 2022. 14% ref L-SA14121 MC £16 £192

gavi di gavi moNtessora, la giustiNiaNa 2017 Italy’s Gavi is deservedly popular and this famous estate in the heart of the commune has recently begun making wines worthy of its high reputation. With beguiling aroma and full dry flavour, this single-vineyard wine also ages to advantage. Drink now to 2025. 13% ref L-IT27471 MC £17 £204

CvNe moNopole ClassiCo blaNCo, rioJa 2014 A special release from Rioja titans CVNE made in the traditional style. Top-quality viura grapes are fermented, aged in American oak then blended in old sherry barrels, resulting in an extraordinary-tasting white. Aromatic, nutty and fresh with wonderful texture and length, and a salty sherry-like quality. Drink now to 2025. 13% ref L-SP11851 £20 £240

Small Wonders Whites Case £84

Drink or store to next year

A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each white wine marked MC

ref L-MX19115

want to build your own cellar full of ageworthy ‘small wonders’? Sign up to our new Vintage Cellar Plan, inspired by this Fine Wine List section, for just £35 a month! Visit thewinesociety.com/vintagecellarplan

SMALL WONDERS: FINE WINE At £20 OR UNDERThese ever-popular pages are inhabited (though often not for long!) by some of the keenest bargains in our fine-wine range. Ribera del Duero, Chianti Classico and Corbières will delight the classicists among us, while cutting-edge South Africa and an exciting clutch of artisan Austrians offer a tempting wander off the beaten path, with only a modest fee for the tour.

5To order visit thewinesociety.com/finewines or call 01438 741177 For advice visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call 01438 741177

RED BOTTLE DOzEN

val de loire veNdée mouliN blaNC piNot Noir, Jérémie mourat 2017 Exquisite Loire pinot noir from an organic vineyard in the sunny Vendée region. In this fine vintage, it’s brimming with bright, cherry fruit, while its silky texture is conveyed with lovely freshness and balance before a lingering finish. Drink now to 2022. 12.5% ref L-LO14681 MC £11.50 £138

the soCiety’s exhibitioN hawke’s bay red 2015 From one of New Zealand’s leading lights, Craggy Range, this has a wonderful tobacco-leaf and cassis perfume, with firm tannins that support dark bramble-fruit and mocha notes on the concentrated palate. Drink now to 2025. 13.5% ref L-Nz10061 MC £12.95 £155

moNtefalCo rosso, sCaCCiadiavoli 2016 A full-flavoured Italian sangiovese made distinctive with the addition of 15% of the slightly wild sagrantino grape, and tamed by 25% merlot. This vintage was the year owner Liu Pambuffetti’s daughter, Ithaca, was born so extra care was taken to make a great result! Drink now to 2023. 14% ref L-IT26501 MC £12.95 £155

moriC hausmarke red 2017 Burgundy lovers will find much to enjoy in this fine blend of blaufränkisch, zweigelt and pinot noir from a highly regarded Austrian grower. Soft, mellow plum aromas follow through to the palate with a dash of black cherry and savoury complexity. Drink now to 2021. 12.5% ref L-AA2561 MC £14.95 £179

spiCe route Chakalaka, swartlaNd 2015 A modern South African classic, overdelivering on character, flavour and ageing potential every year, and particularly in this cracking vintage. Always made from the same six Rhône grapes (proportions varying each year), it’s a velvety, rich, spicy blend that more than lives up to its reputation. Drink now to 2023. 14% ref L-SA14391 MC £14.95 £179

barbera d’alba, gb burlotto 2017 Fabio Alessandria makes two barberas from his vines in Roddi and Verduno. This, from a selection of his best grapes, is the fuller and richer of the two. 2017 was a warm vintage in north-east Italy and this is appropriately powerful, but with great balance thanks to ripe-fruit acidity. Drink now to 2023. 15.5%ref L-IT27051 £17 £204

ChiaNti ClassiCo terre di CresCi, poggiotoNdo 2015 This fragrant, full but fresh wine comes from Greve in the heart of Chianti Classico. The beautifully tended grapes, grown in the old Montefioralle estate, are made into delightfully balanced wine by Alberto Antonini, one of the brightest of Italy’s current crop of winemakers. Drink now to 2022. 14% ref L-IT25371 £17 £204

valpoliCella ripasso superiore Capitel saN roCCo, tedesChi 2016 Full, well-balanced and structured with seductively smooth flavour after some ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, this Italian red has attractive persistent flavour and will offer delicious drinking now and for years to come. Drink now to 2028. 14.5% ref L-IT26401 £18 £216

bóhorquez, ribera del duero 2009 This small Spanish property has a prime location just next door to one of Ribera del Duero’s most famous estates. The house style here is all about elegance and the fully mature 2009 has hints of tobacco spice and plums which last and last on the finish. Drink now to 2021. 14% ref L-SP14251 £20 £240

Corbières le 3 de Castelmaure 2014 A rich, spicy southern red from what is without doubt one of the best co-operatives in France: small enough to be managed like a large domaine and capable of focusing on quality. Very full yet beautifully balanced and refined, and benefiting from some very well-judged barrel ageing. Drink now to 2021. 14% ref L-FC31831 MC £20 £240

Small Wonders Reds Case £85


A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each red wine marked MC

ref L-MX19114

‘...a velvety, rich, spicy blend that more than lives

up to its reputation’


SYMINGtON: A PORtUGUESE StAR

‘We are rather a curious blend of nationalities; a mixture of Scottish rationality and hard work, English common sense and Portuguese flair, emotion and romanticism.’ paul symington

Andrew James Symington arrived in Oporto from Scotland in 1882. Today the family business that bears his name is the largest vineyard owner in Portugal, as well as the biggest producer of organic wines. Though their history is inextricably woven into the story of Port, they were also early pioneers of unfortified wines, and it’s this that we celebrate here. Dive in and discover some of Portugal’s best wines, including Chryseia, which is (to add to the mix of nationalities!) a joint venture with Bordeaux grandee Bruno Prats

JOANNA LOCKE MW

RED BOTTLE DOzEN

altaNo, quiNta do ataíde douro 2013 A mature red from the hotter, dryer, eastern end of the upper Douro, which favours the organic production used here. This has a beautiful deep colour and the heady floral perfume of top Douro red. The palate is fresh and fine with well-managed tannins and a lick of integrated oak. Drink over the next year or so. 13.5% ref L-PW5801 £10.95 £131

quiNta do ataíde, douro 2015 Sporting an elegant new label to reflect the more refined style Charles Symington and his team have been working towards, this knockout vintage has delivered voluptuous, floral, perfumed fruit, refreshing minerality and a fine backbone of well-honed tannins. Drink now to 2022. 14.5% ref L-PW6791 £12.95 £155

prats & symiNgtoN post sCriptum de Chryseia, douro 2012 It is now nearly two decades since the Symingtons joined forces with their friend Bruno Prats, formerly of Château Cos d’Estournel in Bordeaux, to produce the flagship Douro red Chryseia. Post Scriptum was born later, in the spirit of a Bordeaux ‘second wine’, approachable younger but a fine wine in its own right. This is elegant, balanced and perfumed, with a hint of rich smokiness and long, silky flavour. Drink now to 2022. 13.5% Low stock: limited to three bottles per memberref L-PW5321 £17.50

prats & symiNgtoN Chryseia, douro 2013 Elegant in this more forward vintage, the 2013 offers more youthful, thus sweeter aromatic red and black-fruit aromas, with touches of cedar and smoke, gentle texture and lovely freshness, its structure and restrained power complemented by complex notes of almond and dry spice. Drink now to 2028. 13.5% ref L-PW7411 MC £49 £588

prats & symiNgtoN Chryseia 2007 First made in the 2000 vintage, Chryseia is now an established part of the international fine-wine firmament. The 2007 is a 50:50 blend of touriga nacional and touriga franca, which fared so well in this longer ripening vintage. Its 12 months in new French oak now fully integrated, it offers rich, savoury complex flavour, with hints of dry spice and tobacco, and a fresh, silky finish. Drink now to 2022. 14% MC Available only as part of the Chryseia Case

prats & symiNgtoN Chryseia 2011 From the celebrated 2011 vintage, this impressive, muscular, velvety wine is based on 65% touriga nacional for its structure and perfume, complemented by touriga franca which brings more body and savoury flavours. Very, very good now but it may be enjoyed to 2026. 14% MC Available only as part of the Chryseia Case

Chryseia Trio Case £135



ref L-MX19113

‘...smooth berry fruit now that will develop

more complex woodland notes over time’

To order visit thewinesociety.com/fi newines or call 01438 741177 7

FINE WINE BUYERS’ FAVOURItES: JOANNA LOCKE MW Answering the question ‘so what’s your favourite wine?’ is nigh impossible for anyone who works with wine (though if you’ve never played Desert Island Wines or Grapes I can highly recommend it with like-minded friends).

It is inevitable that we grow to love the wines we are most familiar with, so I make no excuse for the largely parochial selection below. Even a Desert Island eight would be tricky, but I have indulged in one or two of mine, and even got away with including grain as well as grape!

JOANNA LOCKE MW

WHItE BOTTLE DOzEN

musCat réserve, trimbaCh 2017 I never cease to marvel at the sheer beauty of dry muscat. It has been one of the perks of my return to buying Alsace wines, and while it may not have the ‘nobility’ of riesling or the adaptability of chardonnay, its place in my Desert Island wine selection is secure (where I hope English asparagus will be in plentiful supply to accompany it!). Trimbach’s has the purity, freshness and balance to show off this grape’s exquisite bouquet and charm to perfection. Drink now to 2022. 12.5% ref L-AL14111 £14.95 £179

Coteaux du layoN saiNt-aubiN ‘les vareNNes’, domaiNe Cady 2015 Great sweet wines are among the hardest to make, demanding a dedication to quality and rigorous selection that can make them super expensive. Less celebrated than the classics of Bordeaux and Germany, Loire chenins are more of an insider secret and often much more modestly priced. This lovely pure expression comes from a young, fourth-generation grower whose older vines deliver further concentration to its fresh apricot and citrus-pith flavours, just starting to develop a little honeyed complexity. Drink now to 2030. 12% ref L-LO14191 £17 £204

magNum of vaCqueyras blaNC vieilles vigNes, Clos des Cazaux 2016 I was blown away by this white Rhône when I tried it at one of our press tastings last year. Rich and generous, approachable yet with extraordinary depth and complexity, for me it is quite reminiscent of some of today’s great Cape White Blends. Unlike the regular cuvée we also stock, this wine is only available in magnum. It more than justifies it! Drink now to 2023. 13.5% ref L-RH49914 £43 £129 per case of 3

RED BOTTLE DOzEN

magNum of saumur-ChampigNy ‘Cuvée traditioN’ domaiNe ratroN, Clos des Cordeliers 2015 Back to my Desert Island, here hoping for some company (or a Coravin) to justify the bottle format! At its best, cabernet franc speaks of its origins, with a taste of the earth that is hard to pin down, yet captivating and moreish. This is the delightful Ratron family’s regular cuvée but in a fine Loire red vintage, full of smooth berry fruit now that will develop more complex woodland notes over time. Drink now to 2023. 13% ref L-LO13894 £25 £75 per case of 3

vaN loggereNberg geroNimo CiNsault, stelleNbosCh-paarl 2017 Just occasionally, wines induce a well of emotion at the first sip and this was one of those special moments for me. That South Africa should be at the forefront of the revolution towards lighter styles of red wines may seem counterintuitive, but taste this thoughtful young grower’s wine and all questions fall away. A delicate beauty, refreshing, with an exquisite perfume evoking peppered strawberries, currants and violet, finishing whistle clean on the palate. Drink now to 2022. 13% ref L-SA13691 £23 £276

WHISKY BOTTLE DOzEN

litre of the soCiety’s speCial 16-year-old bleNded sCotCh whisky Once a loyal Grouse girl, I became a happy convert to our blend a few years ago, though sadly too late to introduce it to my father, who inspired my love of whisky. Hearing my colleague Sarah Knowles MW describe her voyage of discovery tasting through the aged malts and grains that have been carefully maturing in our name only adds to the pleasure. This really is a snip at the price. 40% ref L-WY781 £25 £300

For advice visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call 01438 741177

is nigh impossible

works with wine (though if you’ve never played

‘...smooth berry fruit now that will develop

more complex woodland notes over time’

RIESLING: GEMS BEYOND GERMANYA grape that glazes wine lovers’ eyes with love and longing, riesling is among the most enchanting and versatile things planted in this earth. For this selection, we decided to focus on the charms it can offer outside its homeland of Germany, with a particular focus on dry styles.

Each shows off the character of the region, whether South Africa or Italy, as well as the personality of the winemaker behind it. In short, it showcases everything we love about this ethereal grape, and we hope you enjoy exploring it.

BOTTLE DOzEN

laNghe riesliNg, poderi Colla 2016 This outstanding Italian wine is the only white that Tino Colla makes, confessing he prefers riesling over Piedmont’s native grapes! Pure in bouquet and intensely beautiful and balanced on the palate, it is superb by any international standard and fairly priced for its quality. 2016 is a particularly good year to boot. Drink now to 2022. 12.5% Low stock ref L-IT26011 £13.95 £167

spioeNkop riesliNg, elgiN 2016 The complex soils of the Cape’s cool, windswept Elgin valley are perfect for riesling, producing here a classicaly styled wine with crystalline mineral and lime notes, and the start of some kerosene complexity on the long, fresh finish. Drink now to 2023. 12.5% ref L-SA14681 £20 £240

riesliNg ‘pur de roChe’, Joseph CattiN 2015 The most celebrated home of riesling after Germany is Alsace, and this is a fitting ambassador for the region’s charms. A parcel of old vines close to this family’s fine cellars at Voegtlinshoffen produces a finely hewn, dry white with a refreshing mineral backbone. Drink now to 2022. 12.5% ref L-AL13751 £20 £240

prophet’s roCk CeNtral otago riesliNg 2015 New Zealander Paul Pujol spent some time working in Alsace and his past pours out in this concentrated lime and lemon-pith loaded riesling. An outstanding wine which has a track record for ageing beautifully, but it’s hard to resist now and perfectly ready to enjoy. Drink now to 2025. 13% ref L-Nz10581 £22 £264

grosset polish hill Clare valley riesliNg 2018 Australia’s Clare Valley makes some of the world’s finest riesling and Grosset are among the top names for a reason: this is world class, fresh, bone-dry and concentrated with lemon, peach and flint flavours that last on the long elegant finish. A wine with real tension that will cellar excellently although it can be enjoyed young too. Drink now to 2034. 12.7% ref L-AU21521 £28 £336

sChloss gobelsburg heiligeNsteiN riesliNg 2015 A remarkable wine from Austria’s best single-vineyard site for riesling and made by the country’s most established winery. A recent tasting showed that, after ageing this in our cellars for a few years, it is singing beautifully with a peach and lemon perfume and flint developing on the linear palate and a long, citrus-washed finish. Drink now to 2025. 13% ref L-AA1991 £29 £348

The Worldwide Riesling Collection £130


A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each wine in this section.

ref L-MX19116

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plaNtageNet mouNt barker CaberNet sauvigNoN 2009The first winery to be established in the Great Southern region, Plantagenet is an important part of the history of Western Australian wine. Harmony has always been the goal here and this was attained in 2009 with the addition of small amounts of cabernet franc, merlot and malbec, rounding and layering the palate. Drink now to 2029. 13.5% ref L-AU15521 £24 bottle £288 dozen

d’areNberg CoppermiNe road mClareN vale CaberNet sauvigNoN 2005 A superb vintage for Chester Osborn’s flagship cabernet. This is still generous and fruity with plum and black-cherry notes, but age has brought fascinating complementary leather and cigar-box aromas. On the palate, rich cassis, mocha and forest-floor notes are kept in check by vibrant fine acidity. Decant for an hour before drinking to really bring it to life. Drink now to 2025. 14.5% ref L-AU12521 £35 bottle £420 dozen

moss wood margaret river CaberNet sauvigNoN 2007 The start of a run of superb Margaret River vintages, 2007 produced a classic Moss Wood cabernet with complex notes of mulberry, mocha and cassis. Generous, full-bodied but soft and mellow after its temperature-controlled slumber with a long finish. Give it a couple of hours in a decanter to enjoy it at its best. Drink now to 2027. 14.5% ref L-AU13081 £42 bottle £504 dozen

MAtURE AUSSIE CABERNEt: 2005-2009When I open a top Australian cabernet with a decade’s age under its belt, I’m often struck by the same thought: this is still youthful! The best wines still seem to retain a lovely vibrant core of fruit, but what’s truly special is the spicy and savoury complexity that builds up around this fruit over time.

To give members the opportunity to experience this for themselves, we kept these top bottles in our temperature-controlled cellars. While all will age for longer if you have the patience, they are in a fantastic spot now. Stocks, however, are low: jump in while you can to avoid disappointment.

SARAH KNOWLES MW

For advice visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call 01438 741177

grosset gaia Clare valley 2009 An outstanding vintage for this cabernet-led Clare Valley blend, showing plush, pure blackberry fruit with star anise and cinnamon bark spice. Fine but firm tannins still hold the concentrated palate well. This wine will continue to improve with time but has wonderful charm now. Drink now to 2029. 13.7% ref L-AU15511 £34 bottle £408 dozen

leeuwiN estate art series CaberNet sauvigNoN 2009 One of Margaret River’s great wines in a top vintage characterised by complex flavours and ripe tannins. Deep ruby in colour, it has an abundance of blackberry and cedar aromas while the rich, elegant palate mingles violets, bay leaf and mocha. A delight. Drink now to 2029. 14% ref L-AU16781 £37 bottle £444 dozen

parker estate first growth CooNawarra 2005 Only made in top years using the best of this fine estate’s fruit. Coonawarra is famous for its terra rossa soils that give a distinctive character to the cabernet grown here, and this 2005 shows off its classic herb, spice and dark-berry fruit charms with aplomb before a long, savoury finish. Drink now to 2025. 14.5% ref L-AU18731 £50 bottle £600 dozen

10 To order visit thewinesociety.com/fi newines or call 01438 741177

The Summer Dining Case £200



ref L-MX19118

SPARKLING BOTTLE DOzEN

ChampagNe alfred gratieN blaNC de blaNCs 2012 I often sing the praises of Champagne as a food wine, and while this 100% chardonnay would make a fine aperitif for any occasion, it’s also a versatile option for the dinner table. It has a very fine mousse, crisp green-apple and pear flavours, and some toasty brioche and biscuit notes coming through on the finish, qualities that make it a great match for seafood (not to mention a Friday night fish-and-chips supper!). Drink now to 2023. 12.5% ref L-CH3941 £39 £468

WHItE BOTTLE DOzEN

Château de puligNy-moNtraChet, bourgogNe blaNC Clos du Château 2016 White Burgundy has also been a longstanding food-matching favourite of mine. I love chardonnay and here the combination of minerality, which gives the wine a moreish, savoury note, coupled with flavours of apple, creamy lemon curd and toasted hazelnuts, is spot on. A ‘baby’ Montrachet that would elevate a midweek roast chicken to a showstopping feast. Drink now to 2022. 12.5% ref L-BU67811 £24 £288

piNot gris graNd Cru sommerberg w, domaiNe albert boxler 2015 A wonderful, full-throttle style of Alsace pinot gris, this has enough weight and body to stand up to more robust dishes. Like the white Burgundy above, it has a mineral, savoury note, and its flavours of peach, lemon, honey and spicy ginger would work beautifully with dishes that have a bit of spice. Madhur Jaffrey’s ‘Mung and Toovar Dal cooked in a South Indian Manner’ is a winner! Drink now to 2027. 14.5% ref L-AL13881 £49 £588

RED BOTTLE DOzEN

domaiNes lupier el terroir garNaCha, Navarra 2012 Spain is the spiritual home of garnacha and this old-vine gem is a celebration of all that is good about this oft-overlooked grape. Rich, plush and packed with perfumed black cherry and bramble fruit, it also has complex smoky liquorice and clove notes coming through on the finish. Drinking this is rather like being enveloped in a huge bear hug, and it’s just as accommodating when it comes to food matches: red meats, game, rich Cheddar cheese – take your pick! Drink now to 2023. 14.5% ref L-SP14161 £17.50 £210

au boN Climat saNta barbara piNot Noir 2016 That rare thing: a top-class pinot noir at a non-remortgage price! Stylistically somewhere between the old world and the new, this smart Californian has heaps of redcurrant and creamy strawberry fruit, bright acidity, layers of cinnamon and clove spice and just a touch of earthy ‘farmyard’ character to add extra interest. All this makes it an excellent accompaniment to pan fried duck breast (Gordon Ramsay does an excellent version with a blackcurrant sauce) or, a particular favourite of mine, baked Brie with crusty bread. Drink now to 2026. 13.5%ref L-US7851 £25 £300

barolo baudaNa, luigi baudaNa 2010 An Italian classic and arguably the ultimate food-friendly red. This is stunningly poised between intensity and finesse: one moment it’s all heady floral notes of violet and rose, the next meaty, with dried fruit and herb flavours, pencil lead and tar. The high acidity and robust tannins really do need food to tame them. Italians often propose serving Barolo with wild boar, but as there seems to be a dearth of these roaming Hertfordshire at the mo, I’d suggest beef (cooked any way you like) or a roasted pumpkin and sage risotto. Drink now to 2030. 14% ref L-IT19161 £49 £588

EMMA BRIFFEtt’S SUMMER WINES FOR SUMMER FOODMany Society members will have met Emma during her nine years in our Tastings & Events Team. The host of our popular food and wine matching events here at our Stevenage headquarters and far beyond, she has a particular passion – and talent – for pairing the pleasures of the vine with the pleasures of the plate. Here we’ve invited her to do just that, picking a six-bottle selection for summer food, with her own notes adding a personal touch and a mixed case covering all culinary bases.

SUMMER FOOD

Tastings & Events

of our popular food and wine

To order visit thewinesociety.com/finewines or call 01438 741177 11

Meursault 2015 Trio £189



ref L-MX19112

BOTTLE DOzEN

olivier leflaive, meursault 2015 A very successful cuvée. Franck Grux draws from both flat and hillside vineyards to produce this typically buttery yet broad wine, with good grip and structure supporting the ample fruit. The balance is excellent. Drink now to 2024. 13%

ref L-BU63141 MC £49 £588

domaiNe JaCques CarilloN, puligNy-moNtraChet 2014 There has been a Carillon making wine in Puligny since 1520 and today Jacques Carillon continues the tradition with his wife Sylvia. From a superb vintage, this is a delicate and floral wine; not a flashy style – it’s made so you don’t taste the barrels in which it was fermented and matured – it instead offers wonderful restraint and elegance. Drink this year and next. 13.5.% ref L-BU62871 £55 £660

Château de meursault, meursault premier Cru perrières 2015 From the upper, and best, part of Charmes, this is a rich and full Meursault, but underpinned with a lovely seam of acidity. 2015 is a lovely ripe vintage. The wines are rich and boldly flavoured and they retain a sense of place and are well proportioned. Drink now to 2023. 13.5.% ref L-BU65881 MC £69 £828

louis Jadot, meursault premier Cru geNevrières (domaiNe) 2015 From Jadot’s own vineyards, this was initially crisp and appley, but is now starting to take on a tinge of honey. Jadot make wines with good structure which are then kept about 18 months in barrel to soften and develop flavour. Drink now to 2025. 13.5% ref L-BU64441 MC £74 £888

domaiNe de moNtille, puligNy-moNtraChet premier Cru Cailleret 2013 Cailleret is a superb vineyard bordering Le Montrachet. Firm fruit and fresh acidity provided an excellent structure for development in bottle and this is now ready to enjoy. Drink now to 2023. 12.5% ref L-BU57911 £85 £1020

domaiNe heNri boillot, puligNy-moNtraChet premier Cru Clos de la mouChère 2015 From small yields and 70-year-old vines, this is broad and powerful yet muscular and well structured, yet with no excess fat. Superb. Drink now to 2022. 13.5% ref L-BU65021 £105 £1260

PULIGNY & MEURSAULt tO GO: tOP WHItE BURGUNDY FOR DRINKING NOWThis is a great opportunity to taste a range of different producers’ wines and decide whose style you like most. Different Burgundy appellations have a number of common traits, but each producer also has their own distinctive style and nuances.

Puligny-Montrachet is generally considered a taut and tense wine with a crystalline freshness and purity. Carillon’s is made in this classic style while Boillot’s Clos de La Mouchère has the concentration of a grand cru, but wears it lightly. The Meursault cliché is a rich and buttery style, with long barrel ageing, but there are producers who make a firmer, fresher and more steely expression.

Vintages overlay another layer of complexity, of course. 2013 is cool and fresh, 2015 warm and precocious. Goldilocks, and many wine lovers, would describe 2014 (one of the best years of the last two decades) as a nigh-perfect happy medium between the two: just right!

tOBY MORRHALL

BOTTLE DOzEN

spätburguNder kalkmergel, weiNgut Jülg 2016 From the border with Alsace, this ripe, barrel-aged pinot has fine succulent cherry-like fruit and though nicely rounded, conveys its power without heaviness. Drink now to 2023. 13.5%ref L-GE11981 £14.50 £174

haardt spätburguNder, müller-Catoir 2016 An elegant, soft and creamy wine with lovely cherry-pip flavours. This is a style best savoured young, and which is especially good with roast chicken or rabbit. Drink now to 2023. 13% ref L-GE12081 £18 £216

assmaNNshäuser spätburguNder, küNstler 2015 Pinot noir has been a fixture in this corner of Germany’s Rheingau for 500 years, where sheltered steep slopes give ideal protection to Burgundy’s signature red grape. This has depth of flavour and the richness of a great vintage. It will keep well and develop greater complexity if you can resist it now! Drink now to 2025. 13%ref L-GE11841 £22 £264

JeChtiNger eiChert spätburguNder, weiNgut berCher 2015 From a top estate in Baden and a superb vintage, this is an exceptional pinot with wonderfully scented fruit and great depth of flavour. Drink now to 2028. 13.5%ref L-GE12061 £25 £300

spätburguNder, marieNglas uNterturkheimer gips 2014 Care of an excellent vineyard in Wurttemberg, this full-flavoured, barrel-aged example would go beautifully with a venison stew. Drink now to 2027. 12.5% ref L-GE11321 £35 £420

piNot Noir sChlatter maltesergarteN, martiN wassmer 2015 A splendid, full-flavoured Baden wine that shows what can be done with low-yielding old vines in a well-sited vineyard. The 2015 is absolutely outstanding, offering considerable concentration and haunting cherry flavour. Drink now to 2026. 13.5%ref L-GE12341 £55 £660

tHE CASE FOR GERMAN PINOt NOIRPinot noir, or spätburgunder as it is more commonly known in German-speaking lands, is no new addition to Germany’s ever-evolving list of grape varieties. But until comparatively recently it was rarely made into anything more than a very light red of little merit. How things change! German pinot has come of age and recent vintages are exceptional. Climate change has undoubtedly played a part, and Burgundy is close by, providing a stylistic model for the wines. Fans of the former should not miss these.

MARCEL ORFORD-WILLIAMS

The Case For German Pinot Noir £168



ref L-MX19119

12

13For advice visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call 01438 741177

HANZELL: A GLASS OF CALIFORNIA HIStORYTucked away in the steep Mayacamas Mountains lies one of California’s original and best producers of pinot noir and chardonnay. Every time I have tried a glass of either over the years, I have adored them. Their restraint, precision and almost raw minerality add up to an arresting experience, and they communicate the nuances of terroir and vintage variation with fascinating and delicious clarity.

The only problem is there isn’t much to go round! We’ve been collecting and ageing several vintages patiently in our cellars, and now is the time to release the spoils. Act quickly.

SARAH KNOWLES MW

The Hanzell Vineyards Collection £289



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WHItE BOTTLE SIX

haNzell viNeyards soNoma CouNty ChardoNNay 2010 Winemaker Michael McNeill describes 2010 as a ‘classic’, and after some time in bottle this beautifully balanced wine is singing. Still fresh and bright, its poised lemon-skin and green-apple notes are now complemented by hazelnut and honey, coming together in a long mineral-driven finish. Drink now to 2023. 14.5% Available only as part of the Hanzell Vineyards Collection Case

haNzell viNeyards soNoma CouNty ChardoNNay 2015 The 2015 vintage is the current release and will benefit from a little time in a decanter. It is tight but tantalising on the nose with lemon, nectarine and a touch of toast, but on the palate the oak disappears, leaving crisp bright acidity and complex flavours of lemon, almond, chalk and apple. Drink now to 2027. 14% Low stock: limited to six bottles per memberref L-US8381 £36 £216

haNzell viNeyards soNoma CouNty ChardoNNay 2013 A warm vintage with good yields has given us a delightful chardonnay here with a tempting, toasty lemon-curd nose and mouthwatering palate that mingles lemon pith, oyster shell and Granny Smith apples. Drink now to 2025. 14.5% Low stock: limited to six bottles per memberref L-US8401 £40 £240

RED BOTTLE SIX

haNzell viNeyards soNoma CouNty piNot Noir 2009 The 2009 is very much open for business, its cranberry and redcurrant core now garlanded with leather, spice, pepper and an alluring autumnal scent. Snap it up while you can. Drink now to 2024. 14.5% Available only as part of the Hanzell Vineyards Collection Case

haNzell viNeyards soNoma CouNty piNot Noir 2011 A cool vintage, producing a particularly perfumed pinot with red-berry fruit and fascinating herb and spice aromas. Silky on the palate but not without tension, it finishes with an intricate mix of sage, rhubarb and black pepper. Drink now to 2026. 13.5% Available only as part of the Hanzell Vineyards Collection Case

haNzell viNeyards soNoma CouNty piNot Noir 2015 The 2015 has a sense of effortless class already but it will age fantastically well. Ripe and raspberry-led on the nose with some enticing strawberry aromas, all joined on the juicy palate by spicy, sappy herbal notes that will unfurl and develop over time. Drink now to 2028. 14% Low stock: limited to six bottles per member ref L-US8391 £55 £330


COMMUNING WItH CLAREtThe largest fine-wine region in the world, Bordeaux is home to an array of communes with characteristics all their own. Here I’ve picked out a single wine from a dozen of the foremost appellations that I believe particularly reflect these different places’ personalities. What’s more, all are from good-to-outstanding years, including the magnificent 2010 vintage. The 2012s are at a particularly sweet spot, and so I couldn’t resist featuring these in a mixed case.

Most were purchased shortly after bottling, and have been maturing in our temperature-controlled cellars undisturbed since. After tasting them, I can confirm all are now ready to be disturbed!

tIM SYKES

BOTTLE DOzEN

Château piCard, saiNt-estèphe 2010 An outstanding vintage across Bordeaux, 2010 was especially good for the structured style of Saint-Estèphe. As a result, Château Picard upped the amount of cabernet sauvignon in their blend to 90%, and it’s worked beautifully. This is a full-flavoured wine that will sing with a Sunday roast after a little time in a decanter. Drink now to 2025. 13% Low stock: limited to six bottles per member ref L-CM14991 £16.50

Château fourCas borie, listraC 2012 Listrac is too often overlooked but this subtle and entrancing wine – made by Bruno Borie of Ducru-Beaucaillou fame – shows the quality it can achieve. A spicy, bright, merlot-led blend with hints of vanilla and spice on the nose, and refined, clean-cut fruit on the palate, and deservedly voted a Wine Champion in our rigorous blind tastings last year. Drink now to 2024. 13.5% ref L-CM20621 £16.50 £198

Château puy-blaNquet, saiNt-emilioN 2012 A Saint-Emilion property that has gone from strength to strength in recent years, Puy-Blanquet made a succulent, fresh and finely balanced 2012 that’s perfect to uncork and enjoy now. Excellent sweet flavour and impressive length on the finish here. Drink now to 2024. 13.5%ref L-CS9131 MC £17 £204

Château dutruCh graNd pouJeaux, moulis-eN-médoC 2012 A great buy from this small village in the Haut-Médoc. Savoury and perfumed, with dark fruit and forest-floor notes on the palate, this offers tremendous value for its quality. Decant it in advance to really let the aromas shine. Drink now to 2029. 13% Low stockref L-CM17181 £18 £216

george Cuvée du Château puygueraud, fraNCs Côtes de bordeaux 2010 Ripe, appetising claret, offering a delicious interplay between malbec and cabernet franc’s freshness, perfume and vibrant fruit, backed up with 20% merlot. In the dry 2010 vintage, Puygueraud’s relatively cool soil was a huge asset and the results are excellent. Drink this year and next. 14.5% ref L-CS7971 £18 £216

madame, Château de pitray, CastilloN Côtes de bordeaux 2012 This much-loved red from a stone’s throw away from Saint-Emilion was absolutely singing at a recent tasting. Combining supple, fleshy fruit and sweet, soft tannins the wine is everything one could wish for from this highly regarded property. Delicious. Drink now to 2021. 13% ref L-CB4451 £18 £216

15To order visit thewinesociety.com/finewines or call 01438 741177 For advice visit thewinesociety.com/advice or call 01438 741177

BOTTLE DOzEN

Château lagrave-martillaC, pessaC-léogNaN 2014 The finest part of the Graves district, Pessac produces wines with fresh fruit, fine bouquet and medium weight. The second wine of highly regarded Château Latour-Martillac exhibits these qualities beautfully. Lovely sweet-fruit character on the nose, with cedar and leather notes on the silky, fresh palate. Drink now to 2024. 13%ref L-CM19811 MC £20 £240

Château la dauphiNe, froNsaC 2010 A spectacular success in 2010. Good Fronsac has a knack for combining real finesse with a satisfying velvety texture, and this captures it perfectly. The finest estate in the region, and no expense is spared to ensure it stays that way. Drink now to 2022. 14.5%ref L-CS7941A £20 £240

Château aNgludet, margaux 2012 Margaux is a byword for finesse, offering intense flavour but without any heaviness. This fantastic property made a delicious, relatively early-drinking encapsulation of this style. 12% of the blend is petit verdot, which adds depth of flavour and flesh to complement the fine, ripe merlot and gentle cabernet. A treat. Drink now to 2025. 13% ref L-CM16881 MC £26 £312

domaiNe de l’eglise, pomerol 2010 A classic right bank claret from the heart of the famed Pomerol plateau, which was so successful in the great 2010 vintage. Generously fruity, velvety and complete, this is ready to drink but also has the structure to age well. Drink now to 2030. 14% ref L-CS8111 MC £38 £456

Château pibraN, pauillaC 2010 Many consider Pauillac the very essence of claret and this well-structured wine is well priced for its quality. Offering simultaneous freshness and classicism, its restrained cassis fruit is complemented beautifully by a touch of spice and fine oak. Drink now to 2025. 13.5% ref L-CM16491A MC £42 £504

Château gloria, saiNt-JulieN 2010 Encapsulating the immediate charm and appeal of Saint-Julien, Gloria’s 2010 is harmonious and highly appealing, with a bigger body than usual but losing none of its trademark character. Drink now to 2025. 13.5% Low stock: limited to three bottles per memberref L-CM15351 MC £45

2012 Communing With Claret Case £99


A six-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:

Château Fourcas Borie, Listrac 2012Château Dutruch Grand Poujeaux, Moulis-en-Médoc 2012Madame, Château de Pitray, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2012

ref L-MX19120

Communing With Claret: The Top Regions £170


A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each wine marked MC

ref L-MX19121

16 To order visit thewinesociety.com/fi newines or call 01438 741177

thewinesociety.com/finewines01438 741177The Wine Society, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2BT

this offer is available until Sunday 11th August, 2019 while stocks last.

Our buyers only source the wines they truly believe in, so you can explore with 100% confi dence. And if you don’t like a wine for any reason, we’ll give you a refund. Find out more atthewinesociety.com/passionbeforeprofi t

FINE ROSÉS FOR SUMMER DININGWhen it comes to summer dining, rosé can be every bit as serious as white and red – a fact not lost on our members judging by sales. Beyond being pink, these still and sparkling wines have another thing in common: they were all crafted by their winemakers – and selected by us – with food in mind. So think pink for your summer dining table and enjoy!

StILL WINES BOTTLE PER SIX

sCassabarile marsigliaNa Nera rosato, saNta veNere 2018 The 2018 vintage of this highly original and delicious Italian wine is a great success. Made from organically cultivated local Calabrian marsigliana nera grapes, it has an aroma of wild red fruits and natural sweet yet fresh flavour. Drink this year and next. 12.5% ref L-IT27461 MC £12.50 £150

Corbières alba, Château ollieux-romaNis 2018 If the rugged Corbières sounds an unlikely source of Provence-style pink, try this outstanding full-flavoured example from one of its most talented winemakers, Pierre Bories. Drink now to 2021. 13% ref L-FC36771 MC £12.50 £150

Côtes de proveNCe rosé tibur, Château du galoupet 2015 Made from the local tibouren grape, which produces a very fine and full-flavoured wine with a real aptitude for food matching, this needed some time, but is now perfectly ready to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to match it with spicier food! Drink now to 2022. 14% ref L-FC36801 MC £13.95 £167

saNCerre rosé, domaiNe serge laloue 2018 This famous Loire region’s rosé is made in discreet volumes from the pinot noir grape. Vinified effectively like a white, it keeps its essential freshness while sporting only the lightest tint of beautiful pink. A delight, reminiscent of the first strawberries and redcurrants of summer. Drink this year and next. 13.5% ref L-LO14841 MC £17 £204

tavel libiamo, domaiNe maby 2017 A splendidly full, savoury and rich wine from one of the top producers in this rosé-only Rhône appellation. Richard Maby has used an unusual blend – 50:50 grenache noir and grenache blanc – and co-fermented the grapes in large oak barrels to give the wine even greater amplitude. A serious statement for fine food. Drink now to 2026. 14% ref L-RH53481 MC £17 £204

CoNtiNo rosado, rioJa 2017 This substantial Spanish rosado used to be made only for Contino’s friends and family to enjoy, so we’re thrilled to have got our hands on some. A blend of red Rioja grapes garnacha and graciano with a touch of the white viura variety, it’s briefly aged in oak to give the wine a fine food-friendly texture. Drink now to 2021. 14.5% ref L-SP14621 MC £20 £240

SPARKLING WINES BOTTLE DOzEN

Camel valley piNot Noir rosé brut 2016 A sensational sparkler from Cornwall, and the vinous equivalent of biting into a perfectly ripe freshly picked strawberry or raspberry. The 2015 swept the board at the Decanter and International Wine Challenge awards; and the 2016 just won a gold Decanter medal too! Drink now to 2022. 12.5% ref L-SG2721 £29 £348

ChampagNe boizel rosé brut Nv Boizel’s rosé is special: all delicacy and lightness of touch. The secret is the addition of red wine from ripe pinot noir grapes to the final blend, creating a fine fizz that will complement anything from cold roast beef to summer fruits. 12% ref L-CH1891 £42 £420 six for five price

The Fine Rosé Collection £89

Drink or store to next year

A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each wine marked MC

ref L-MX19117

the wine even greater amplitude. A serious statement for fine food. Drink now to 2026. 14%

CoNtiNo rosado, rioJa 2017 for Contino’s friends and family to enjoy, so we’re thrilled to have got our hands on some. A blend of red Rioja grapes garnacha and graciano with a touch of the white viura variety, it’s

SPARKLING WINES Camel valley piNot Noir rosé brut 2016 Cornwall, and the vinous equivalent of biting into a perfectly ripe freshly picked strawberry or

and the 2016 just won a gold

ChampagNe boizel rosé brut Nv of touch. The secret is the addition of red wine from ripe pinot noir grapes to the final blend, creating a fine fizz that will complement anything from cold roast beef to summer fruits. 12%

six for five price

STELLAR SUMMER BOTTLES - The Wine Society...mix, an ambitious Bordeaux collaboration too! FINE WINE...

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