About Our Wines

Reviews and Press Comments

What do independent sources think about Domaine Direct and our wines? Here are some of these reviews, starting with the most recent.

We also have a selection of reviews for our Leeuwin Estate wines.

Burgundy

Givry 1er cru rouge Clos Salomon 2006, Domaine Du Clos Salomon: Plenty of vibrant red fruit aromas here, alongside attractive notes of liquorice. The palate has a similarly primary character with red cherries leading the way, backed up by soft tannins and rounded off by an elegant finish. Up to 7 years+.
Decanter June 2008

Vire-Clesse Cuvee Speciale 2005, Andre Bonhomme: Big, round and exciting. Bold and peachy but should not disappoint.
Financial Times December 2007
Jancis Robinson MW

Domaine Hubert Lamy et Fils, Saint-Aubin: "Olivier, son of Hubert, has made this estate the top address in the village."
Decanter Magazine February 2007
Clive Coates MW

Chorey-les-Beaune 2004, Domaine Tollot-Beaut: ...the wine has a terrific nose, redolent of red cherry, and cranberries with lots of spice and smoky, coffeeish aromas and a hint of damp, earthy leaves and forest floor. On the palate this is bold and chewy, with plenty of crisp-edged, ripe red fruit...A characterful and very flavoursome Burgundy and very expressive. This will cellar and improve for many years if you can resist opening it now. Very good indeed/excellent.
www.wine-pages.com September 2006
Tom Cannavan

The Harpers special report on Burgundy lists the following growers - imported by Domaine Direct - amongst those who produce Good Value Burgundy:
Le Clos Salomon in Givry; Luc Brintet in Mercurey; Hubert Lamy & Fils in Saint-Aubin; Jean-Marc Pavelot in Savigny-les-Beaune; Tollot-Beaut and Chateau de Chorey in Chorey-les-Beaune; Bouvier in Marsannay; Henri Naudin Ferrand for good Cote de Nuits Villages; Ghislaine & Hugues Goisot in Saint-Bris.
Harpers March 2004
Clive Coates MW

Australia (excluding Leeuwin)

Jumbuk Cabernet Sauvignon 2001: "Restrained crunchy blackcurrant and exotic spiced oak. Bold fruit, tangy acidity and textured tannins in support. Violets on mid palate. Up to 5 years". Highly Recommended, 4 stars
Decanter Magazine March 2004
Patricia Stefanowicz MW

Jumbuk Shiraz 2001, Horrocks Wines, Clare Valley: "Eucalyptus, menthol, concentrated blackberry aroma with hint of vanilla. Juicy. Firm, tight structure. Moderate fruit weight plums/berries, balanced. 2-10 years. " Highly Recommended, 4 stars
Decanter Magazine November 2003

California

South Africa

Rudera Noble Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2005: Hand-selected botrytised berries: 100% native yeast ferment in new French small oak. Following in the exalted footsteps of the beautifully balanced, racy 03, came the 05...with deep syrupy richness; complex, complete and irresistible.
South African Wine Guide 2007
John Platter

Rudera Wines, Stellenbosch: Four-time winner of the annual Chenin Challenge and Diners Club Winemaker of the Year for the variety in 2001, Teddy Hall's position in any SA Chenin Hall of Fame is assured. The cigar-tooting weekend pilot is also recognised internationally...his wines have ranked among the best in the world. His aim is the same as it was 'one rainy evening in front of the fire' when Rudera was born: 'to produce the best wine possible, without cutting any corners at any time, regardless of the cost or effort.'
South African Wine Guide 2007
John Platter

Our general expertise

Domaine Direct is one of the finest Burgundy specialists in the country and if you are remotely serious about wine then you should be on their list.
MoneyWeek March 2008
Matthew Jukes

"Often described as a "minefield" for the wine buyer, Burgundy has been on a roll recently...but it remains essential to stick to the best producers, and it is great to have a real specialist merchant who loves the area, carefully selecting wines. Domaine Direct does so for both famous estates and some real over-performing gems from underrated corners of the territiory.
www.wine-pages.com October 2006
Tom Cannavan

Domaine Direct does seriously good wines and not all at stratospheric prices. Buyers Hilary Gibbs and Simon Taylor-Gill are clearly Burgundian fanatics but their wine list, though perhaps esoteric, is entirely lacking in snobbery.
The Field September 2005
Tom Doorley

With a modern take on Burgundy (the business was only started in 1981) Hilary Gibbs and Simon Taylor-Gill only do business with smaller domaines whose quality is good throughout their range, not (as with some top négociants) just at the top of the spectrum. The wine list (packed with detailed vintage notes, producer profiles and tasting notes) gives ample information to help with buying decisions, but for any further advice just pick up the phone; the team are renowned for their helpfulness. Despite the high quality on offer here, prices are not insurmountable, and the collection is organised specifically to make the hierarchies and sub-appellations of this difficult region understandable. Aside from its speciality (which covers a range of Burgundy half bottles), Domaine Direct also has a good stock of wines from Western Australia, California, Bordeaux, the South of France and South Africa.
Wine International March 2005
Susan Keevil

`Burgundy is the speciality here and you`d do well to find a better array of wines from this region. Simon Taylor-Gill and Hilary Gibbs pride themselves on having `the best, most rigorously selected  list of domaine-bottled burgundies` and the fact that they have been acknowledged as specialists right since the company`s inception in 1981 goes some way to proving this pride isn`t misplaced.

The rules by which Domaine Direct live are: `No compromise on quality; complete integrity in the buying process; absolute commitment to top quality service and insightful knowledge.`
The Which? Wine Guide 2003
Susan Keevil and Susy Atkins

"...a very fine selection of Burgundies, ranging from the modestly priced to the top end of the market....Wine lovers would be well advised to order a catalogue from the company - who provide an excellent delivery service, tested on many occasions by the Good Web Guide, and never found wanting."
The Good Web Guide 2003

"Anyone who wants to get serious about Burgundy must discover Domaine Direct."
Punch February 2002
Giles MacDonogh