95+ Point Wines

The 2022 Pinot Noir Cincuenta y Cinco hails from a single plot in Mainqué, Río Negro. Following its 50% whole-cluster fermentation, it underwent aging for one year, with 1/3 in used barrels, 1/3 in amphorae and 1/3... Read More

The 2019 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is Merlot-dominated, checking in as 53% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It's a more opulent wine compared to Haut-Brion, and the Merlot is front and... Read More

Once again there is plenty of floral influence to the even spicier aromas of exotic Asian style tea to the slightly riper red and dark berry fruit aromas. The supple and relatively rounded medium-bodied flavors possess better... Read More

Once again there is a plethora of floral elements adding elegance to the nose of cool and restrained aromas that also include an exotic tea component. There is a bit more size, weight and volume to the more powerful, and more... Read More

A restrained, spicy, airy and cool nose features relatively high-toned aromas of red cherry, raspberry, violets and rose petal. The delicious and admirably pure middle weight flavors display excellent delineation on the refined,... Read More

Grivault owns the largest portion of Meursault Perrieres – 2.54 hectares total. The Grivault wines are regular medal winners and frequently earn the coveted “Tasteviné” designation from the Chevaliers... Read More

Lots of burnt orange peel, nutmeg, hazelnut and ripe/dried strawberry aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with firm and linear tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Energetic and fine.

Tenuta Favot, Aldo Conterno's winery, is one of the most splendid estates in the Langhe. The Colonnello vineyard is a 45- to 50-year-old Nebbiolo in Bussia Soprana. The wine is fermented in stainless steel then aged for 28... Read More

A perfumed and fresh Barolo with orange peel, lavender, and white lilac character. Some nutmeg. Full-bodied with chewy tannins yet they are fine and polished. Plenty of reserved character at the finish. Highlights the excellence... Read More

Sourced from celebrated grape-grower Basie van Lill’s property, planted in 1981 and 1984. Light reduction before citrus, peach and earthiness as well as yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate, meanwhile, has excellent... Read More

A bold interpretation of Amarone. Refined aromas of licorice, dried cherries, camphor and menthol reverberate across a compact, dense mid-palate. At this early stage, the tannins feel largely oak-derived. But there is nothing... Read More

2020 was exceptionally dry, with 75% less rain than usual in the period between May and September, which resulted in an earlier harvest to produce a 2020 Almaviva with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carmenere (from Peumo), 6% Cabernet... Read More

Blackberries, blueberries, terra cotta, brick and white pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied with very tight and polished tannins that spread beautifully across the palate. Savory. Lightly chewy at the end.

A very fresh and floral red with blackberries, minerals and crushed cloves with some slate and white pepper. Medium body, fine tannins and a bright, energetic finish. Complex and refined. Drink in 2023, but already beautiful.... Read More

The bottled 2021 L'Ermita has lower alcohol than usual, 13.9% (the lowest ever!) and a pH of 3.31 with 5.62 grams of acidity. It fermented with 55% full clusters with indigenous yeasts in oak vats, with punching down of the... Read More

The 2022 Finca Dofí was produced with 88% Garnacha, 9% Cariñena, 2% Picapoll and 1% white grapes from a 12.5-hectare slope planted 18 to 38 years ago. It fermented with part of full clusters in oak vats with indigenous... Read More

Scented, delineated nose but has depth, too. It effuses wet-stone minerality that gives a thin overlay to the red and blue berries. Some spices, briar and hibiscus, too. Juicy and medium- to full-bodied on the palate, which is... Read More

The 2022 Finca Dofí was produced with 88% Garnacha, 9% Cariñena, 2% Picapoll and 1% white grapes from a 12.5-hectare slope planted 18 to 38 years ago. It fermented with part of full clusters in oak vats with indigenous... Read More

Precise nose with layers and layers of red berries, strawberries, blueberries, hibiscus, and minerals. Hint of moss, stems and white pepper, too. Beautifully knit and nimble with a precise, medium-bodied palate rounded by firm... Read More

The 2024 Grüner Veltliner Loibenberg Smaragd comes from a parcel of loess atop gneiss bedrock in the midslope of the south-facing site. The nose is shy, showing just a hint of savory yeast. With more air, a touch of fern... Read More

Tasted out of bottle, the 2021 Grenache is 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre that saw 60% stems and 21 months in 50% new demi-muids and the balance in used barrels. It has a slightly purer and more precise perfume... Read More

The stunning 2021 Mourvèdre shows the fresher, focused, slightly cooler style of the vintage perfectly while still being 100% Andremily goodness. Red and blue fruits, orange blossom, violets, leather, and peppery incense... Read More

Awesome notes of buttered citrus, toasted spice, brioche, toasted almonds, and white flowers all emerge from 2022 White Cuvee, a rich, full-bodied white based on 35% Chardonnay, 28% Roussanne, 21% Marsanne, and the rest Viognier.... Read More

Blended with 10% Petit Verdot for complexity, our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon showcases exceptional sites across the Valley, including fruit from Stags Leap and Diamond Mountain, in addition to other heritage vineyard sources.... Read More

This is really well crafted, with ultra-fine tannins that spread across the palate. It’s medium-bodied with a balance of currant, dark chocolate and hazelnut character. It’s so long and persistent, with gorgeous sophistication... Read More

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 1% Merlot and was matured for 18 months in 55% new French oak. It unfurls dramatically on the nose, red and black cherry preserves giving way to lilac,... Read More

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oliver Ranch was matured for 22 months in 80% new French oak. It takes some patience on the nose as it unfurls its aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, cast iron, lilac, fennel and gingerbread spices.... Read More

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Del Rio Vineyard was matured for 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has pure, layered scents of cassis, blueberries, milk chocolate, lilac, aniseed and conifer. The medium-bodied palate boasts a deep... Read More

I tasted the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon in October, not long after it was bottled in August. Grapes were harvested October 5 through November 3. It was blended with 3% Malbec, 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot and matured for 18 months... Read More

A vibrant, layered blend of 36% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and a final 5% of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this wine brings freshness and perfume to the classic Bordeaux framework. The nose opens with a mix... Read More

Pale straw with green highlights, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is savory and floral with aromatics of fresh herbs, grapefruit rind, beeswax, and soft floral notes as well as delicate oak spice. Medium-bodied, it has an elegant, supple... Read More

A wine that needs a few years of bottle age, the 2018 Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards checks in as 56% Cabernet Franc and 44% Merlot and offers a relatively reserved yet potential-laced bouquet of red and black fruits, chocolate,... Read More

Graphite dominates the nose, with restrained wild blackberry, meat, balsamic and aromatic herb notes. The attack is smooth, with a full body, youthful fruit character and muscular yet super-refined tannins allied to refreshing... Read More

The 2021 Fellom Ranch is a rich, demonstrative wine. Sage, lavender, bay leaf, black cherry and dried herbs abound. Firm, substantial tannins will need time to settle down. Tiny juice yields and thick skins produced an especially... Read More

The aromas to this are so complete and complex with smoked meat, dark berries, walnuts, spice and black tea. Full body, very deep and dark fruit with intense dark chocolate on the finish. Pure. Electric tannins and always polished.... Read More

Hildegard from Au Bon Climat has long been one of my favorite domestic white wines. Produced as an homage to the heritage varietals of Corton-Charlemagne, and Named after his wife, this blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Aligote... Read More

The 2019 Au Sommet Cabernet Sauvignon is magnificent. A classic mountain wine, the 2019 offers up an exciting mix of dark fruit, gravel, graphite, savory herbs, chocolate and menthol. The bouquet alone is mesmerizing, but there... Read More

A tasting of the constituent lieux-dits indicates that this will be a fresh, well-balanced style of Cornas. The acidity is high this year, and the tannins are classically Cornas in their granitic grain and intensity. A highly... Read More

I was able to taste a few lots destined for the 2021 Cornas Renaissance, and it appears to be a forward, charming wine with plenty of ripe fruit, medium body, and supple tannins. There's plenty of classic Clape character here,... Read More

Coming to market this fall, the Bartolo Mascarello 2019 Barolo represents a classic vintage in between two challenging growing seasons. Both 2018 and 2020 were hotter than 2019, resulting in higher alcohol levels. With fruit harvested... Read More

The glorious sands of Evangelho Vineyard created one of the more elegant and perfumed examples of the Evangelho we have made. A blend of 1890s planted Zinfandel, Mourvèdre/Mataro, Carignan, Alicante, Palomino, and more,... Read More

From vines located at 670 metres above sea level in Randazzo on Etna's north side, this is earthy and juicy with plenty of wood and chocolate. Red and black fruits mingle with undergrowth for a very savoury expression coupled... Read More

The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Cavaliere displays a translucent ruby color. It wafts up with a dusting of sweet spice and lavender-laced blackberries. This is cool-toned and crisp, with ripe red berry fruits that slowly saturate... Read More

An exuberantly expressive nose combines notes of mostly red berries with plenty of earth character that is also reflected by the succulent, delicious and appealingly textured flavors that conclude in a slightly bitter pit fruit-inflected... Read More

Once again there is a plethora of floral elements serving as a pretty back drop to the aromas of just sliced citrus, star anise, jasmine tea and white peach. There is superb definition to the notably more mineral-driven medium-bodied... Read More

The 2023 Pinot Noir Bergström Vineyard displays a deep, jeweled ruby/magenta hue and has a more introspective profile. Notes of leather, sanguine, iron-rich earth, and cherry liqueur unfold from the glass. While it carries... Read More

The 2023 Pinot Noir Silice is layered and seductive, showing black raspberry liqueur, wet stones, toasted spice, cardamom, and black cherries. “Silice” means silica, and this wine comes from forest blocks planted in... Read More

Displays potent, mineral-accented dark berry preserve, olive paste and incense aromas that are complemented by floral oil, pipe tobacco and exotic spice flourishes. Chewy, densely packed and sharply focused on the palate, offering... Read More

A vivid ruby color with a garnet tinge and super-restrained nose of licorice, oak bark, smoke, wood, cigar box, leather, dark chocolate, crushed violets and prunes. Freshness and subtlety. Full-bodied and elegant on the palate... Read More

The bright yellow straw-hued 2021 Chardonnay Casteel is elegant and floral, with a more refined perfume of lemongrass, delicate baking spice, green apple, and fennel. Silky and refined, a note of citrus oils coats the palate with... Read More

Deep, glistening red. Vibrant red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by steadily building mineral and exotic spice flourishes. Seamless and expansive on the palate, offering sweet cherry-vanilla, boysenberry and spicecake... Read More

Incorporating 10% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot from a mix of sites in the Columbia Valley, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Père De Famille reveals a healthy ruby/purple hue to go with beautiful cassis fruits interwoven with notions... Read More

The terrific 2021 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain is a 60-40 blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from this vineyard in southern Napa. Vaguely floral and leafy, loaded with purple raspberries and cherries, this is really complex,... Read More

Dressed for a party, the Bibi Graetz 2019 Colore celebrates the estate's 20th anniversary with a special commemorative (2000-2019) bottle. This vintage of Colore is 100% Sangiovese (the small part of Colorino in the blend... Read More

Incredible aromas of brioche, bread dough and pie crust with superb, electrifying fruit, from peaches to fresh apples. It’s driven, mouthwatering and with fantastic structure, yet it’s so balanced and creamy. Very... Read More

The 2012 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elizabeth Salmon offers up hints of red berry fruit, ginger, spice, rosewater, mint and crushed flowers. There is a feeling of classic austerity that runs through the 2012. I would prefer... Read More

The Biondi-Santi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino brings us to a new chapter in the estate's history. This is the first vintage made entirely by the new team (under CEO Giampiero Bertolini and Technical Director Federico Radi)... Read More

Bottled in late-March 2024, Biondi Santi’s latest Brunello is built solidly on classic lines. Captivatingly austere, it hints at pomegranate and tea leaf to begin, with balsamic rosemary and sage blossom taking hold as it... Read More

The 2021 Rosso Di Montalcino was bottled in 2023 and is going to be released in May or June of 2025. Taking on a bit more pigment in this vintage and pouring a ruby/red color, it opens to aromas of darker berries, ripe black cherries,... Read More

Wild blackberries, pine cones, bark, chili chocolate, cracked pepper, cloves, iodine and crushed stones on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Lovely coolness and minerality to the dark fruit. Powerful, too. Try in... Read More

Tomal is located in La Consulta, where many of the Uco Valley’s oldest vines are to be found. This combines fruit from 75-year-old Malbec vines with 15% made up of Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo and Syrah.... Read More

Spiced red and black fruits, new saddle leather, smoky tobacco, and lead pencil are just some of the nuances in the 2016 Prado Enea Gran Reserva, a pure, medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, beautifully textured Rioja from... Read More

In some senses this fino Sherry is the answer to ‘what would white Pingus taste like’, since Sisseck’s hunt for a limestone vineyard to make a great Spanish white wine ultimately took him to Jerez. And there’s... Read More

he 2019 Finca el Bosque is another single vineyard and comes from a site on a deep, gravelly escarpment overlooking the Ebro River. It offers more ripe blue fruits and cassis as well as sappy herbs, flowers, violets, graphite,... Read More

Deep and complex, with fresh black and blue fruit and an attractive floral and peppery note to this vintage, followed by hints of cedar, sweet spice and vanilla. Very dusty and juicy on the palate, with mealy, powdery tannins... Read More

If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you. Bollinger Champagne has made a number of cameos in James Bond films over the year. This non-vintage Special Cuvée is an example of a classic Champagne... Read More

Bollinger's 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that is clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness.... Read More

Enticing, fragrant aromas of toast, lemon zest and an earthy-smoky nuance lead to a palate of subtle Bosc-pear, mango, papaya, even pineapple flavors. Lifted by fresh acidity on the medium-bodied palate, the wine keeps unfolding... Read More

Bright in colour with gold reflections, the aromatics are immediately captivating, with marzipan, acacia, apricot and patisserie all vying for attention. It’s impossibly youthful yet reassuringly mature, a bread basket of... Read More

The 2019 Vecina is pure perfection, with a full-bodied, rich, concentrated, yet ultra-pure style that literally stopped me in my tracks. Cassis, currants, graphite, iron, violets, and spicy oak are just some of the nuances here,... Read More

Tight, intense and layered, this full-bodied wine can be appreciated now for its cocoa, blueberry and blackcurrant flavors, but will surely improve and gain complexity with time. Aged in 20% new oak, mostly barriques. Very fine-grained... Read More

The finesse and beauty of this wine are rather breathtaking, with currant, mint, spearmint, sandalwood and blackberry aromas that follow through engagingly to the palate. It starts off medium-bodied, but then grows on the palate... Read More

Attractive blueberries, brambles and cherries with spiced orange peel and lilac blossom, as well as some smoky dark spices and cocoa. Full, concentrated and very tense, with tightly packed but very polished and fine tannins. Shows... Read More

Pretty red fruits such as cherries in this wine with chewy tannins and fresh acidity. Toasted oak too. Needs time to come together. Dense and complete for this estate. Better than 2009. Better after 2016.

Aged nine months in 100% neutral oak barrels, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills offers crushed citrus, oyster shell, white flowers, and a kiss of salty minerality. It's medium-bodied, has remarkable purity, vibrant acidity,... Read More

Another brilliant vintage for the cuvée, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve The Poet & The Muse is a tiny production release that’s a barrel selection of the best in the vintage. Its deep purple hue is followed by... Read More

Rich and full-bodied, this is a serious high-end gruner veltliner with a wealth of candied-citrus aromas plus a touch of bergamot. Compact and concentrated with a great interplay of tannins and restrained ripeness. Long, very... Read More

A textural, vivid and precise Gigondas, exhibiting aromas of dark cherries, cassis, flowers, Mediterranean brush and warm spices. Full-bodied, it has powdery tannins and a refined texture, silky yet lively, sharp and vibrant.... Read More

Rich and complex nose with baked apples, ripe peaches, crushed almonds, brioche and biscuit. Full-bodied, deep and layered with fine bubbles and a sturdy, mineral backbone. Dry and chalky with a long finish and hints of nuttiness... Read More

A burst of black cherries and cloves gives way to shavings of cedar and lifting hints of mentholated herbs as the dynamic 2020 Brunello di Montalcino comes to life in the glass. This is soothingly round and pliant with an inner... Read More

Dark and brooding, the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casaccia slowly blossoms in the glass with a dramatic mix of steeped plums, cinnamon sticks, grilled herbs and sweet lavender. This is a model of purity, lifted and refined... Read More

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is dreamy, with a darkly floral bouquet that blends dried rose and violet with hints of sour cherry, blackberry and Tuscan dust. This is silky-smooth and round in feel, with fresh... Read More

Coming mostly from Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Grand Daddy is another dense purple-hued effort offering incredible purity in its ripe black fruits, scorched earth,... Read More

Leading off the To Kalon releases, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Three Kings is based on Clone 7 and was brought up in new barrels. There are 132 cases produced, and it's loaded with ripe blackberry... Read More

Currants and black berries with citrus undertones as well as flowers. Medium-bodied with medium velvety tannins and a freshness and brightness. Lots of energy. Cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese and merlot. Drinkable now but better... Read More

The Castello di Monsanto 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Il Poggio (with the San Donato in Poggio location listed on the front label) offers a twofold approach with plenty of fresh cherry fruit and blueberry on the... Read More

Aromas of black cherries and citrus with some graphite and smoke. Medium-bodied with firm, juicy tannins that are chewy now, but will soften with age. Racy and long at the end. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2024.... Read More

Complex and sophisticated with seamless layers of ripe and dried cherries, truffles, caramel, dried flowers, nutmeg, chocolate orange and cassis. It’s full-bodied, layered and polished, with firm tannins that are well integrated.... Read More

Elegant and perfumed nose with violets, spices, fresh blackberries, blueberries and touches of chiles, chocolate, cigar box and white pepper. Super juicy on the palate with compact, fine tannins and an extremely long finish.... Read More

Lemon zest, pineapple, white pepper, cloves, jasmine, crushed stones and chalk on the nose. Medium-bodied, focused and phenolic. Very fine, mineral and tight with persistent energy and vivid acidity. Creamy, with salted-almond... Read More

Wickedly fresh, the 2021 Syrah En Cerise Vineyard opens with a dark mix of wilted violets, ashen stones, rubbed sage and musky currants. It's juicy and round with masses of black cherry fruits underscored by saline minerals... Read More

Once again discreet wood frames the aromas of spiced plum, dark currant, anise, exotic tea and a whiff of kirsch. There is once again excellent intensity to the delicious and relatively supple mid-palate of the larger-bodied flavors... Read More

A transparent, youthful ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Mindego Ridge is from south of the bay in the Santa Cruz Mountains and shows off a refined and lifted profile. The nose offers a wild bouquet of pine, fresh herbs, cranberry,... Read More

The 2023 Chardonnay Carex is a bright straw/yellow color. It has delicate, fresh reduction and is refreshing and expressive, with aromas of sea spray, jasmine, lemon balm, and elegant toasted spice. The palate has fantastic structure... Read More

A bright red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Cuvée Annabelle was tasted as a barrel sample and offers wild aromatics in its savory aromas of cranberries, windswept herbs, and finely coiled tannins. It has even acidity and a... Read More

François de Nicolay succinctly described the 2022 growing season as hot and dry but with no disease pressure to speak of, which always makes things easier to manage. However, fruit maturities spiked at the end and it was... Read More

The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard has delicate aromas of lemon peel, citrus blossom, bread dough and petrichor. The light-bodied palate surprises with its concentrated, honeyed fruits balanced by vibrant acidity. With a... Read More

The 2021 Chardonnay Zotovich is bright and focused, with terrific depth and tons of character. Savory and mineral notes are pushed forward, while the fruit is more in the background. Citrus peel, dried flowers, herbs, mint, sage... Read More

I loved the 2021 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, which is up with the best in the lineup. Ripe red fruits (cherries, strawberries, mulberries) as well as some spice and pretty floral notes emerge on the nose, and it hits... Read More

Such pure and beautiful aromas of blackberries and black cherries with violets and red roses. So aromatic and enticing. Full-bodied with extremely integrated tannins that are velvety and curated. Fresh and sweet fruit at the end... Read More

A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, all aged in new French oak, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill appears destined to be another classic. Penetrating aromas of cassis and red berries are joined by hints... Read More