Although it has been in the wine scene for many years, Winebox has been quite reserved in its "appearances," offering only a few opportunities for professionals to engage with its remarkable collection.
However, some time ago, it decided to unveil a significant portion of its range, featuring legendary names such as Chapoutier (pictured), Huet, and Jean Paul Droin. This move towards openness has filled my notebook with countless exceptional wines. These come from a wide range of price points, as Winebox not only boasts prestigious treasures but also offers many gems that make you do a double-take at their incredible quality-to-price ratio. This variety certainly complicates the task of curating a list like the one below!
White wines
Beyer Emile, Riesling Grand Cru Eichberg 2020: The E9 from this historic Alsatian producer includes grapes from the Eichberg vineyard established in 1754! This bottle is a nectar of honey, yellow fruits, and petrol, with an endless finish that promises to become epic in a decade. (9/10)
Billaud Samuel, Chablis 2021: I don’t recall having tasted a wine that offers such a masterclass in minerality. Ethereal, exceptionally long, yet still youthful and reserved, it stands out as a top-tier basic Chablis with Premier Cru quality. (8.5/10)
Chapoutier, St Peray Les Tanneurs 2021: This intensely concentrated, "tight" cuvée based on Roussanne compels a rethink of affordable whites from the Rhône! Mineral, tannic, and bursting with aromas of yellow fruits and honeysuckle. Cellar for +10 years! (8.5/10)
Chapoutier, Hermitage D’Orée 2012: You might find white wines of comparable quality for considerably less than €250, but it’s unlikely you’ll discover a complexity of truffle and butter, a remarkable body, endless length, and utmost status packaged together! (9.5/10)
Glen Carlou, Sauvignon Blanc 2021: South Africa finds one of its strongest cards in the guise of this popular variety. Here, it presents an explosive, smooth, and refreshing expression, featuring typical aromas of green pepper. Best Buy! (8/10)
Huet, Le Haut Lieu Sec 2022: A great producer, an exceptional variety, and a charismatic vineyard. This Chenin Blanc from Vouvray is still in its infancy; however, it possesses perfectly integrated acidity and a lovely "warm" sweetness. Best from 2030! (8.5/10)
Kladou, White Diva 2024: The Rethymno winery impresses not only with its Sauvignon Blanc but also with this explosive Vidiano, featuring persistent peach flavour and expressive pear aromas. By 2028, it may well reach 8.5! (8/10)
Lehmann Peter, Master’s Wigan Riesling 2016: A world-class bomb of petroleum and flint from Eden Valley, showcasing remarkable concentration, impressive length, and incredible freshness. Perfect for another 5-10 years! Australia at its best! (9/10)
Marius, Blanc 2023: The renowned Michel Chapoutier presents this Vermentino from Southern France, highlighting the typical minerality and distinctive acidity of the variety. All this is delivered with exemplary clarity at an incredible price of €8.50! (8/10)
Oikonomou, Odyssey 2018: You can avoid the odyssey of searching for a world-class white by pouring this blend of Thracian and Vilan into your glass. It features remarkable concentration and power, a resinous character, and elegant oxidation. (9/10)
Trenel, Pouilly-Vinzelles “Les Quarts” 2019: This barrel-aged, exquisite Burgundy comes from 10 hectares planted with 55-year-old vines. Aromas of incense and yellow fruits abound, while its volume and richness are complemented by notable length. Best enjoyed in 2-3 years. (8.5/10)
Red WinesBland`s Laira, Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon 2018: Coonawarra is considered one of the most "European" regions in Australia, and the BCS confirms this with aromas of green pepper, a relatively light body, and notably fresh fruit. (8.5/10)
Chapoutier, Cornas Les Arenes 2020: This Cornas packs a serious punch in the arena of Syrah. Black fruits and gossamer notes set you in the mode of the Northern Rhône, while its structure and length, with hints of ink and graphite, ensure a promising 15-year lifespan. (9/10)
Chapoutier, Crozes Hermitage Les Meysonniers 2019: Although it primarily matures in concrete tanks, this wild, full-bodied Syrah, with its dense black fruit, achieves excellence! Place a case in the cellar until 2032! (8.5/10)
Chapoutier, Hermitage Sizeranne 2018: M.C. can take you on various Hermitage journeys for over €250! However, this dense cuvée, bursting with chocolate, black fruit, and tar, priced at €93, exclaims “not necessary!” (9/10)
Dos Luciadas, Eleivera 2018: Priced at €14, it offers concentration and body fit for a €50 wine! This 15% red made from the Touriga Nacional variety showcases the grandeur of Portugal`s Douro, presenting an elegant side of the "gym style." (8.5/10)
Glen Carlou, Mr Shumba 2022: This Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coastal Region of South Africa features a dense aroma of sweet blackberry and thyme, with a full-bodied presence. It’s a bit wild, but at €13.50, there’s no room for complaints… (8/10)
Glen Carlou, Collection Pinotage 2021: Although it is primarily based in Paarl, the renowned producer selects cup-trained vines from Swartland for this explosive, easy-drinking cuvée, featuring aromas of camphor and smoke, with low acidity. (8.5/10)
Oikonomou, Antigone 2004: This wine showcases a light body, an ethereal sense of red fruits, sage, and fine leather, with velvety tannins. A Liatico that, if it were to move a few thousand kilometres north, would be considered a Grand Cru Burgundy… (9/10)
Sparkling and Sweet Wines
Bila-Haut, Banyuls Rimage 2018: Chapoutier ventures into the realm of exceptional sweet red Banyuls. This fortified Grenache Rouge conceals its 16% alcohol content while showcasing aromas of sage, strawberry jam, and spiced flavour. (8.5/10)
Huet, Le Mont Moelleux 2022: While its dry Chenin Blancs are exceptional, the sweet ones are simply breathtaking! The esteemed producer from Vouvray impresses with notes of jasmine, yellow fruits, and botrytis, along with a touch of acidity for necessary balance. (9.5/10)
Lehmann Peter, Botrytis Semillon 2021: This intensely aromatic sweet wine comes from a specific plot in Eden Valley next to the river. Its nose offers petrol and lemon verbena, complemented by a light body and delicate sweet-sour balance. (9/10)
Trenel, Crémant de Bourgogne NV: I`ve always regarded the sparkling wines of Burgundy as the best affordable alternative to Champagne, and Trenel’s creamy, full-bodied offering with its toasty character at €25 makes me admire it even more! (8.5/10)
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