En 2020, Selim Bocti a fondé Vintage Cellar, une application dédiée aux passionnés et collectionneurs de grands crus. Rencontre avec celui pour qui vin rime avec art de vivre.   Quel est votre concept ?   «Basée à Genève, l’application Vintage Cellar a été créée fin 2020. Ce n’est pas une simple plateforme en ligne, c’est avant tout un outil qui connecte des acheteurs et collectionneurs de vin afin de constituer leur cave patrimoniale sur la base des conseils de nos experts. Vintage Cellar vend une histoire, un projet, des expériences. Nous gérons et développons le patrimoine en vin de nos clients à haut pouvoir d’achat en fonction de leurs goûts, de leurs objectifs, et de leur lifestyle.   Vintage Cellar ne propose que les crus les plus prestigieux de la planète. Nos clients font appel à nous pour différentes raisons : pour collectionner, pour se constituer un patrimoine à long terme, pour leur consommation personnelle, par curiosité, ou encore une combinaison de tous ces facteurs.»   Parlez-nous de votre parcours oenologique. Pourquoi avez-vous décidé de créer Vintage Cellar ?   «Très tôt, j’ai été initié à l’univers du vin et des spiritueux à travers les activités du groupe familial Gabriel Bocti. Pendant toute ma carrière, j’ai été amené à tisser des liens étroits avec d’importants propriétaires et négociants en vin. Petit à petit, ces liens de travail se sont transformés en liens d’amitié. Il y a 20 ans, ma participation aux vendanges dans un château bordelais a été une révélation. Très vite, j’ai développé un nez et un palais affûté pour la dégustation.»   Pourquoi le mot vintage ?   «Le mot vintage a selon moi une connotation positive. Le vintage fait référence au savoir-faire, au millésime, au vieillissement en cave, c’est un style, un état d’esprit, et aussi un gage de qualité.»       Pourquoi faire appel à Vintage Cellar ?   «Vintage Cellar veille sur votre collection en permanence : nous abritons les vins acquis par nos clients dans nos caves spécialisées à Bordeaux. La fiscalité y est avantageuse puisque ces vins ne sont pas sujets à la TVA française tant qu’ils y restent. Nous délivrons des certificats de propriétés et d’assurance nominatifs, tout comme nous assurons l’expédition des vins en toute sécurité partout dans le monde.   Du chalet en montagne au yacht à la belle saison, nous livrons absolument partout. A l’image d’un service de conciergerie de luxe, nous offrons un suivi et un service individuel et personnalisé. En plus de la gestion et des conseils en investissements, nous proposons des attentions et des expériences en lien avec l’univers du vin totalement sur-mesure. L’organisation d’un événement privé, une visite d’un domaine exceptionnel, nous donnons accès à l’inaccessible.   Pour celles et ceux qui souhaiteraient installer leur cave chez eux, Vintage Cellar collabore étroitement avec des architectes et des professionnels pour créer le cocon idéal qui accueillera vos trésors dans les meilleures conditions possibles.»   A quoi ressemble votre collection personnelle ?   «Je suis un grand amoureux à la fois de vin et de cigare. Curieux, j’aime me laisser la chance de découvrir régulièrement des nouveautés. L’univers du vin est fascinant, et j’aime être surpris. Ma collection personnelle est donc plutôt éclectique, puisque je l’enrichis chaque année de nouvelles découvertes au rythme de mes visites de vignes dans le monde entier. De manière générale, j’apprécie les vins plutôt jeunes. Particulièrement attaché à la transmission, j’ai constitué une cave pour chacune de mes trois filles. Le vin est un produit rare, et je trouve beau de transmettre ce type de patrimoine à ses enfants.»   Vos conseils pour débuter une cave, et la faire grandir au fil des années ?   «Débuter une cave est un magnifique projet à tout âge, mais peut-être encore plus lorsque l’on est un jeune adulte, car cette collection vous suivra tout au long de votre parcours. Je dirais qu’il faut avant se faire plaisir en fonction de ses goûts, tout en investissant dans des valeurs sûres. Après avoir constitué une base solide, je conseillerais de maintenir une certaine diversité. Gardez aussi à l’esprit qu’une collection aura davantage de valeur si elle est organisée en caisses plutôt qu’en bouteilles éparses. Bien entendu, Vintage Cellar est votre interlocuteur privilégié pour vous accompagner et vous conseiller tout au long de ce projet de vie.»   ‍   Article par Victoria Javet pour Cote Magazine Switzerland, 26 février 2024.

Fine white wines are the unmissable luxury trend that has been gaining popularity among sophisticated collectors in recent years. While those new to the fine wine world often think exclusively in red wine terms – a perception influenced by the historic development of the fine wine investment market – fine white wines offer an equally compelling and lucrative avenue. This is recognized by esteemed fine wine producers around the world. Think of estates famous for their reds that also produce exceptional white wine labels like Haut Brion Blanc, Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pape Clement Blanc, Cos d’Estournel Blanc, and Le Petit Cheval Blanc. Not to mention white Grand Cru Burgundy or aged German Riesling, which are highly sought-after and consistently set pricing records. The collectible appeal of fine white wines The first association that comes with ‘fine wine’ whose value will appreciate over time often tends to be age-worthy classics like the Bordeaux First Growths or the Super Tuscans. Yet the factors that make a wine age-worthy – balance, body and acidity – have little to do with its colour. Fine white wines not only rival their red counterparts in terms of quality and ability to age, but also in price and potential for appreciation. As the fine wine market has evolved significantly, with new regions coming into the spotlight, white wines have been keenly poised to benefit. They can serve to diversify a portfolio, enhancing the overall value and appeal of a collection. Today, white wines make up nearly 20% of the secondary market, which used to be dominated almost exclusively by reds just a decade ago.   An enhanced experience Beyond the rational reasons, fine white wines offer pleasure and a broader scope for experiences. Unlike many red wines, which often require years of aging to reach their peak, many fine whites can be enjoyed relatively young, offering immediate gratification while also rewarding those who choose to cellar them. Their versatility makes them an ideal for pairing with a wide array of cuisines, enabling more diverse gourmet dining experiences from casual lunches to lavish dinners. The health-conscious trend among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) also plays a role; white wines have lower tannin levels and are perceived as lighter alternatives to reds. This evolving preference reflects a broader lifestyle change where balance and variety are highly appreciated. Timing and seasonality With the summer season in full swing, now is the perfect time to consider adding fine white wines to your collection. After all, there is nothing like a chilled glass of an exceptional white to elevate a summer meal. For those looking to collect, the start of summer provides an excellent opportunity to explore and purchase these highly sought after wines before demand peaks. Vintage Cellar recommends Below are our top picks for summer 2024, sourced directly from producers. These wines make not only outstanding pairings but are also perfect additions to any cellar. Alvina Pernot Puligny-Montrachet Clos des Noyers Brets Domaine Alvina Pernot Puligny-Montrachet Clos des Noyers Brets is a hidden gem. As Neal Martin (Vinous) puts it, this wine is ‘impressive for a Village Cru’. Coming from the exceptional terroir of Puligny-Montrachet, limestone, marl, and clay soils give it its signature complex minerality. The wine offers great concentration and depth, with notes of lemon, apple, pear, and subtle oak nuances, delivering a creamy texture and a long, mineral-driven finish. The Alvina Pernot Puligny-Montrachet Clos des Noyers Brets pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, creamy pasta dishes, and soft cheeses, making it a versatile choice. Some of our favourite vintages include the 2020 and 2022, which can develop additional complexity over a decade or more. PierreGirardin Meursault Les Narvaux From the highest altitude section of Meursault, above the Premier Crus, Pierre Girardin’s Les Narvaux comes from 25+ year old vines. Fermented and aged in 85%new oak barrels for 12 months and 7 months in stainless steel, this unfined and unfiltered 100% Chardonnay is celebrated for its elegance and complexity. In the glass, it presents a pale golden hue and offers aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and green apples, with subtle notes of nuts and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is well-balanced and full-bodied, featuring flavours of lemon, pear, and apple, enhanced by a creamy texture and a long, refined finish. Pair it with salads, seafood and creamy dishes. François Raveneau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur No white wine recommendation list would be complete without a Chablis Grand Cru and this Valmur from François Raveneau is an exquisite example. Regularly scoring above95 points from Neal Martin, the wine is renowned for its exceptional quality and considerable ageing potential spanning over 30 years. The terroir, with its Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils, imparts a distinctive minerality and vibrant acidity to the wine. On the palate, it is elegant and well-structured, featuring flavours of lemon, apple, and pear, with a long, crisp finish. Our pairing suggestions include with seafood, shellfish, and poultry dishes, making it a versatile choice for refined dining. Recent vintages like 2019, 2021 and2022 are highly recommended. Louis Jadot Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Les Demoiselles Another cult Burgundy producer, Louis Jadot’s Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Les Demoiselles is a complex wine that would reward cellaring and displays fabulous balance and completeness. The terroir, characterised by its stony limestones oils, contributes to the wine’s remarkable minerality and finesse. Full-bodied and richly textured, this white makes a sophisticated and luxurious pairing. The2010 and 2011 are some of its highest-scoring vintages from major critics, though more recent showings also promise immense pleasure. Château Grillet To finish off our selection is a wine from the northern Rhône with a touch of Burgundy: Château Grillet, whose profile has been influenced by cult Burgundian oneologist Max Leglise. The wine is made exclusively from Viognier, grown in the tiny appellation of Château-Grillet, which is known for its steep, terraced vineyards and granitic soils. This distinctive terroir imparts a singular character to the wine. Displaying a vibrant golden colour and offering a complex bouquet of apricots,

An extraordinary wine dinner event took place at the Yacht Club de Monaco with the prestigious Château-Figeac, St. Emilion Grand Cru Classé “A” renowned for its elegance and history.   This celebration took place in presence of Mr. Frederic Faye, General Manager and Winemaker of the property with an outstanding presentation of four of Figeac’s most coveted vintages: 2015, 2010, 2009 & the rare 1976 capturing everyone’s admiration.     The vintages savored throughout this memorable evening are available for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike on Vintage Cellar App.    

The Family behind Pontet-Canet The Tesseron family, originally known for founding a cognac company in 1905 by Abel Tesseron, has made a significant mark in the wine industry, particularly in Bordeaux. The family expanded into the Médoc region of Bordeaux when Guy Tesseron, Abel’s son, acquired Château Pontet Canet and Château Lafon Rochet in 1960. These estates are recognized for their quality and have remained within the family, with Alfred Tesseron, Guy’s son, currently leading the cognac company and co-presiding over Pontet Canet. The family’s commitment to excellence in winemaking is evident through the generations, with the latest being represented by Mélanie and Justine Tesseron. Château Lafon Rochet was passed down to Basile Tesseron from his father Michel, emphasizing the family’s dedication to producing fine wines as a lifelong commitment.   Pontet-Canet: A Journey through Time This vineyard stretches over 200 acres in the area of Pauillac. It’s like a big puzzle with over a hundred pieces, each piece being a small plot of land contributing to the vineyard’s overall magic. The soil here is special, filled with gravel and sitting on limestone, which is great for growing grapes. At Pontet-Canet, they believe in learning from the land. They don’t stick to one way of doing things; instead, they try different methods, learn what works best, and keep improving. This method has helped them grow better grapes and make better wine.   A New Approach to Winemaking A few years ago, Pontet-Canet started using biodynamic farming. This is a way of farming that works with nature, not against it. This change has made their wines even better, with a taste that feels more natural and pure. Each year, Pontet-Canet makes a new wine, and each wine tells a story of that year. Some years are tough, with bad weather making things difficult, but they always find a way to make great wine. These wines are special because they’re not just about the taste; they’re about the story of the land and the people who make them.   Looking Ahead Pontet-Canet has come a long way from its beginnings in the 18th century. What makes it stand out is how it respects its past while always looking for ways to do better. This vineyard shows that with care, respect for nature, and a willingness to learn, you can make something truly wonderful.

Buying wine En Primeur offers a variety of potential benefits. In this article, we will look in more detail at some specific examples of wines released En Primeur and how they have performed over time. The En Primeur system offers investors the opportunity to purchase wine from a winery while it is still in the barrel, allowing them to secure bottles at potentially lower prices compared to their future retail prices. This exclusive opportunity can be a profitable venture, as illustrated by the decade-long performance of two exemplary wines – Les Carmes Haut Brion and La Conseillante. Les Carmes Haut Brion: A Decade of Liquid Gold The journey of Les Carmes Haut Brion over the past decade, with purchases made during the En Primeur period, paints an enticing picture of significant returns. La Conseillante: A Symphony of Investment Returns While the trajectory of La Conseillante offers a more nuanced tale of fluctuating performance, it also testifies to the exciting possibilities and rewards of En Primeur investment. Termed the “Vintage of the Century”, this extraordinary vintage represents a golden opportunity for En Primeur investing that could redefine the future of wine investment. It is easily a match for 2019, 2016 and 2006 – often considered the strongest vintages of the last two decades. This is important because the better the year, the better the potential for appreciation, and this can be seen with the incredibly strong scores for many wines in the recent En Primeur campaign. The key with 2022 is that not all Chateaux did well, meaning that while there is incredible value to be had, it is important to be aware of where to find it. Beyond this, En Primeur offers more than just potential profits: The prestige of owning top-tier wines from their first release The opportunity to secure bottles that may be limited in quantity once released to the broader market The potential for substantial returns, as shown by our highlighted wines     The Last Sip: Unleashing the Power of En Primeur Investment Investing in En Primeur requires a deep understanding of the market as not every wine will perform, even when it comes to extraordinary vintages like the 2022. At Vintage Cellar, our wine experts have a detailed grasp of market factors, and using this in conjunction with data from Liv-ex and Wine Lister, are able to give you the best guidance possible when creating a portfolio of En Primeur wines. With careful research, an understanding of market dynamics, and an appreciation for wine, you can convert your passion into a rewarding En Primeur investment strategy. Reach out today for a free consultation with a dedicated wine expert.  

Bordeaux En Primeur 2023: the Unique Opportunity to Start your Collection The Bordeaux En Primeur 2023 campaign has been underway for a few weeks, setting the stage for what promises to be an exceptional vintage. Whispers of unprecedented quality and an impressive array of wines have energized the wine community, suggesting that the Bordeaux 2023 vintage may redefine expectations. At Vintage Cellar, we’ve closely followed the campaign, captivated by the insights from the esteemed châteaux. Producer and expert insights paint a vivid picture – a vintage destined to enthrall the palate and become a cornerstone of any discerning collection. These pronouncements resonate deeply with our own wine experts, whose commitment to exceptional quality reflects in our meticulously curated portfolio. Highlight on Key Châteaux and Their 2023 Releases The 2023 Bordeaux vintage has captivated us with its exceptional quality and remarkable diversity. Esteemed estates across the region have risen to the challenge of a demanding year, producing a collection of truly stunning wines. Let’s delve into some of the highlights that have particularly impressed our team at Vintage Cellar. First, Château Lynch-Bages, with its deep garnet colour and purple hues, promises a rich aromatic palette marked by impressively mature tannins and remarkable acidity. Then the 2023 Château Haut-Brion offers a lovely nose of ripe red and black fruits, with touches of licorice adding a pleasant complexity. On the palate, the wine starts off smooth and inviting, developing into a powerful and flavorful expression with a long-lasting finish. It’s a classic Haut-Brion, unmistakably. We couldn’t agree more with Jean-Philippe Delmas, Deputy Managing Director, who remarked, “This vintage will remain a reference.” For the highly coveted Château Cheval Blanc, each parcel has contributed to a “very Cheval Blanc” vintage, ensuring each bottle reflects the estate’s style and the climatic conditions of the year, while Carillon d’Angelus, with its bright, aromatic berries, a hint of florality, and some spice notes, embodies the excellence that St. Emilion offers. The 2023 vintage at Château Angelus stands out as innovative and unconventional and has succeeded in surprising us. Despite a wet, warm spring leading to outbreaks of disease across 90% of the vineyards by July, the 2023 Bordeaux vintage stands out for the resilience and innovative spirit of its vintners. Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy, Head Winemaker at Château Mouton Rothschild, describes the 2023 vintage as “a surprising paradox,” where warm conditions yielded wines with the characteristics of a cool vintage, thanks to the weather during the harvest and masterful blending choices. From our perspective, this paradox makes the vintage even more intriguing and delightful. Why En Primeur Matters The Bordeaux En Primeur campaign offers wine collectors and investors an unparalleled opportunity to secure allocations of the most esteemed Bordeaux wines while they are still in the barrel. This unique event allows enthusiasts to anticipate the remarkable selections from prestigious châteaux such as Château Haut-Brion, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Lynch-Bages. It’s a chance to build an enviable wine portfolio that promises exceptional taste and wise investment. This venture into the heart of the Bordeaux wine region ensures early claims to a vintage that has already stirred significant interest among wine lovers worldwide. Navigating the Bordeaux En Primeur 2023 with Vintage Cellar As the en primeur campaign progresses, Vintage Cellar encourages wine enthusiasts and collectors to seize this opportunity and secure their allocations. The 2023 vintage in Bordeaux is a testament to the region’s resilience and the unwavering commitment of its winemakers. For those who have already made their purchases, rest assured that your investment in the 2023 vintage will be rewarded with wines of remarkable quality and character. This vintage promises to be a highlight in any cellar, offering a captivating drinking experience for years to come. Vintage Cellar is here to guide you through the en primeur process, ensuring you have access to the finest wines from this remarkable vintage. Contact our wine advisor today to book a consultation and secure your allocations before they sell out.

The Bordeaux 2022 vintage has garnered immense praise from wine experts, with critics like James Suckling, Antonio Galloni, and Neal Martin providing their insights and assessments. This extraordinary year has left an indelible mark on Bordeaux wines, showcasing a unique combination of ideal weather conditions, exceptional grape quality, and the region’s ability to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. The 2022 vintage has set a new benchmark for Bordeaux, offering wines that are characterized by their full-bodied nature, complexity, age-worthiness, and the potential for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring. Moreover, experts suggest that investing in Bordeaux 2022 wines can be a rewarding endeavor. In this article, we will explore the evaluations and highlights from renowned critics, providing a comprehensive overview of the remarkable Bordeaux 2022 vintage.   James Suckling, a highly respected wine critic, describes the Bordeaux 2022 vintage as truly exceptional and believes it sets a new benchmark for the region. Suckling notes that this is the 40th vintage he has tasted en primeur, and he is impressed by the way Bordeaux faced the challenges of climate change, particularly the hot and dry conditions of the 2022 growing season. While the red wines steal the spotlight, Suckling also highlights the greatness of Sauternes wines in this vintage, with exceptional botrytis-affected wines produced. He praises the overall quality consistency across estates, from more modest ones to the grand châteaux, and identifies several wines with potential 100-point scores.   Top scorers: Château Cheval Blanc: 99-100 Points Château Lafite Rothschild: 99-100 Points Le Pin: 99-100 Points Château Leoville Las Cases: 99-100 Points Château Pontet-Canet: 99-100 Points   Antonio Galloni, in his report, expresses his enthusiasm for the Bordeaux 2022 vintage, describing the best wines as magnificent and viscerally thrilling. He considers them some of the most memorable young wines he has ever tasted. Galloni highlights the combination of flavor intensity, energy, and finesse found in these wines, which he describes as magical. He believes that the Bordeaux 2022 vintage showcases the region’s ability to thrive in the face of climate change. While some wines are considered a bit fragile, he is enchanted by the advancements in viticulture and winemaking.   Top scorers: Château Léoville-Las Cases: 98-100 Points Vieux Château Certan: 98-100 Points Château La Gaffeliere: 98-100 Points Château Cheval Blanc: 98-100 Points Château Beau-Séjour Bécot: 98-100 Points   Neil Martin shares his perspective on the Bordeaux 2022 vintage, emphasizing his frustration with estates insisting on individual tastings rather than larger events. He acknowledges the verdant health of the vines prior to harvest but questions the impact of the hot and dry conditions on the wines, despite some producers arguing otherwise. Martin finds the wines to be suffused with freshness, offering notable depth, freshness, and finely-sculpted tannins. While praising the best wines as dazzling, he also highlights some wines that exhibit flaws attributable to human error in picking dates. Martin emphasizes that these wines are meant for long-term aging and that terroir played a guiding role, resulting in a partial flattening of the hierarchical pyramid. Saint-Julien stands out as a standout region in his assessment.   Top scorers: Château Cheval Blanc: 98-100 Points Château Léoville-Las Cases: 98-100 Points Château L’Église Clinet: 98 Points Château Montrose: 97-99 Points Château Lafleur: 97-99 Points   Jane Anson’s evaluation of the Bordeaux 2022 vintage offers a distinct perspective. She focuses on tasting notes and scores, highlighting the high levels of tannin, color, and alcohol in the wines. Anson suggests caution with drinking windows due to the alcohol content. She notes the different approaches taken by producers, with stronger second wines in the northern Médoc and an advantage on Saint-Emilion’s limestone plateau. Pomerol is described as having a “muscular swaggering style” in this vintage.   Top scorers: Château Margaux: 98-100 Points Château Latour: 98-100 Points Château Cheval Blanc: 98-100 Points Château Ausone: 98-100 Points Château Lafleur: 98-100 Points   Ella Lister’s exploration of the Bordeaux 2022 vintage reveals exceptional qualities defying expectations. She emphasizes the wines’ brilliance, density, concentration, and surprising freshness, along with diverse enchanting textures. ‘These wines exhibit remarkable flavours while maintaining finesse and energy, surpassing all odds despite challenging conditions’. Bordeaux 2022 is a vintage of unparalleled excellence, showcasing the region’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines. The Bordeaux 2022 vintage, praised by various critics, offers full-bodied, complex, and age-worthy wines for immediate enjoyment or cellaring, making them a valuable choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.   Top scorers: Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion: 96-99 Points Château Latour: 96-98 Points Petrus: 96-98 Points Château Ducru Beaucaillou: 95-98 Points Château L’Evangile: 95-98 Points

This January marks the start of Burgundy 2022 En Primeur and the perfect opportunity to add some of these fabulous wines to your collection. The 2022 vintage is being lauded as one of the finest vintages in Burgundy in living memory. Despite the warming temperatures, the almost perfect conditions and increasing skill of grape growers returned good quantities of beautiful berries that have translated into equally beautiful, age-worthy and highly collectable wines. Almost Perfect Vintage Conditions in 2022 2022 was one of Burgundy’s warmest and sunniest on record, yet despite this it has returned wines with fabulous freshness and balance. The well-timed watering of the vines from rains at the end of June and mid-August, as well as cool nights in the summer months allowed the vines to relax and temper the speed of the ripening process. The rain also effectively “diluted” the berries, bringing the concentrated flavors and sugars back into balance on the run in to harvest across the end of August and the first days of September, as producers welcomed bunches of near perfect fruit to the cellar.   Domaine Henri Boillot produces stunning reds and whites from across the Côte de Beaune. Age Worthy Reds The red wines of the 2022 vintage are widely reported to be already showing beautifully, even in their unfinished state as barrel samples. The Pinot Noir is supplying plush, crunchy red fruits, supple tannic structure, restrained alcohol and perfectly balanced freshness. All this adds up to a vintage of red Burgundies that will taste fabulous on release but will undoubtedly age for decades for those with the will power to allow them to do so. As Charles Van Canneyt himself put it, “I think it’s a charming vintage. The wonderful balance makes it both approachable and cellar-worthy.”   Volumes Ease Price Pressure A main factor for price rises across Burgundy in recent years has been the limited quantities available following low yielding vintages. The 2022 vintage, however, has been lauded as a return to “normal” volumes, and with the 2023 vintage also looking set to produce similar quantities, the pressure on producers and their baron cellars has been alleviated for now. This means that prices for this January’s En Primeur campaign look set to remain steady, which itself is an increasingly rare occurrence.   Domaine Charles Van Canneyt is one of Northern Burgundy’s most sought after, terroir-focused producers.   The Burgundy 2022 En Primeur Campaign Burgundy is one of the most iconic names in the world of fine wine, producing the finest expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay anywhere in the world. These wines, from across renowned villages, especially the 640 Premier Cru and 33 Grand Cru vineyards, are now some of the most sought after, collectible and investment worthy wines money can buy. January’s En Primeur campaign gives the Burgundy lovers in our Vintage Cellar community crucial access to rare wines and exceptional releases.