Jubilation is our newest wine in the Colgin Cellars collection. Jubilation is our Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine created with a selection of barrels that display earlier drinking characteristics from our three hillside vineyards.... Read More
The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and... Read More
Amazing aromatics, balsamic, caramelised red fruits, sweet almost marzipan/frangipane with lovely peonie floral elements alongside smoke and coffee. Pure and clean but given depth by a leathery savouriness and slightly grippy,... Read More
The collaboration features a limited edition ‘ready-to-wear’ version of the masterpiece carafe specially imagined by Kim Jones. The Hennessy X.O Limited Edition, encased in an aluminum second skin, stays true to the... Read More
A fresh combination is comprised by smoky green apple, orange peel and pear essence. Here too there is fine mid-palate density to the beautifully textured flavors that brim with dry extract that also serves to buffer the moderately... Read More
A deft application of wood can be found on the vaguely exotic aromas of white peach, lemon-lime and pretty floral whiffs. The sleek, intense and finer, if less concentrated and powerful, middle weight flavors also possess a beautiful... Read More
The 2020 Chardonnay hints at sweet corn but delivers vibrant apple and pineapple flavors. There's greater richness and texture than in the more polite 2021, but the wine remains medium-bodied and silky textured, with a lingering,... Read More
Lupi e Sirene comes from a unique site to the east of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, planted with bush vines at an extraordinary density of 11,000 vines per hectare. It brings together fragrant Mediterranean herbs with flinty,... Read More
Inky purple hues with dark plum, black cherry, cedar, cola and sweet toasted oak on the nose. A full-bodied entry with black berry, cocoa powder, brown spices and peppermint on the palate. Layered textures and focused tannins... Read More
The 2019 Barbaresco Masseria Roncaglie is the best Barbaresco I have ever tasted from Vietti. Bright, translucent and full of energy, the 2019 is stunning from the very first taste, and it was poured after all the Barolos in the... Read More
The 2019 Barolo Brunate is a powerhouse. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, mocha, gravel and scorched earth all build as this virile, potent Barolo struts its stuff. The Brunate, is another super-impressive wine in this range.... Read More
The 2021 Morgon Les Delys Vignes plantées en 1926 is deep and brooding, unwinding in the glass with aromas of wild berries, cherries, exotic spices, cracked black pepper and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, layered and... Read More
Bouland's 2021 Morgon Bellevue Sable opens in the glass with scents of cherries, plums, peonies and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, supple and giving, the sandy soils (and younger vines) from which it derives naturally... Read More
One of the last cuvées to be bottled this year was the 2021 Morgon Pré Jourdan, an impressive effort redolent of raspberries, cherries, sweet spices, rose petals and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy,... Read More
The 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir is a very serious wine. Rich, creamy and pliant, the 2021 possesses striking density and tons of character. Sweet red berry fruit, orange peel, dried herbs, mint and bright saline notes all race... Read More
There are roughly 6,000 cases of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso, a more forward, plush, sexy wine that's already drinking brilliantly. Loaded with red and black fruits as well as leafy herbs, violets, and tobacco notes,... Read More
The encounter of our Grand Crus. A blend of 2 vintages from specifically chosen vineyard blocks in AVIZE, OGER, CRAMANT and OIRY, all planted with Chardonnay.... Read More
A Brut Nature champagne
Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Vintage champagne
Always a vintage champagne, this cuvee comes from a single vineyard of 60 ares in AVIZE (Fosse aux pourceaux).
No heavy mechanical machines were used in the maintenance... Read More
An Extra Brut Champagne
Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Vintage champagne
Always a vintage champagne, this cuvee comes from two selected vineyard blocks (Bionnes in CRAMANT and Champbouton in AVIZE) with the same geological profile.... Read More
An Extra Brut champagne
Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Vintage champagne
Always a vintage champagne, this cuvee comes from 2 selected vineyard blocks in AVIZE (Robarts, Gros yeux) with the same geological profile. A deep layer of clay-rich... Read More
Very thick fruit for this appellation with a lovely texture – one of the best and most complete Bourgogne Rouges that I have ever tasted. Long, persistent, orange caramel fruit with a nutty, buttered finish.... Read More
A single Cru bottlings from Oiry located next to Cramant, originally the fruit from this site was blended along with the fruit that goes into Aurélien’s C+C bottling to produce a straight Blanc de Blancs. The single... Read More
Impressive aromas of fresh herbs from the Tuscan coast, such as sage, mint, rosemary and thyme. Blackcurrants, too. Full-bodied with fine, chewy tannins that show beautiful length and consistency. Racy and beautiful, with lots... Read More
A slightly earthier nose reflects ripe and beautifully layered aromas of black cherry, cassis and a plethora of floral nuances, especially violet. The round, delicious and almost tender medium-bodied flavors possess a highly seductive... Read More
The 2020 Barbaresco is a terrific entry-level wine from Bruno Rocca, if that term can even be used here. The warm growing season yielded a Barbaresco with lovely forward fruit, silky tannins and tons of upfront appeal. It’s... Read More
A ripe and mildly exotic but attractively fresh nose offers up notes of pear and apple compote that are trimmed in nuances of iodine, quinine and oyster shell. The rich, vibrant and delicious medium weight flavors exude a lovely... Read More
TO THE EYE: The pale gold aspect with platinum reflections shows brilliance.
ON THE NOSE: The aromas of this Sancerre Blanc are intense and give off complexity. Citrus (orange) notes mingle with nuances of elderflower, boxwood... Read More
44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 56% Merlot. A clear step up from the 2004, even though the vintages were not dissimilar in style. A more delicate grain of tannins is on display, perhaps because 2006 was the first vintage where they took... Read More
The idyllic seaside town of Cassis is justly celebrated as a vacation destination, but its wines are arguably the most finesse-driven examples of Provence rosé in the entire region; however, with fewer than a dozen producers... Read More
Even with the vivacious fruit of the 2021 vintage, the liveliness that we love about the Eola-Amity Hills comes through decisively in this year’s Eola-Amity Hills Cuvée. Bright and floral on the nose with an explosive... Read More
Ravishing pineapple and orange-peel nose with a hint of mint wafting over the deep fruit. Stunning combination of juiciness, concentration and vibrancy that runs right through the very long finish. So uplifting with great aging... Read More
You need some time to wrap your head around this mineral masterpiece. So pristine and delicate, in spite of the enormous concentration and stony power behind it. Yes, there are a ton of citrus, white-peach and wild-rose aromas... Read More
This medium-bodied, well-balanced wine from the Pellegrini family's vineyard offers tasty but subtle vanilla, fig, poached pear and toast flavors that blend beautifully on the palate, supported by a tangy, apricot note and... Read More
Still very young, but so deep and complex on the nose, the aromas ranging from green beans to white chocolate via all colors of pepper. Concentrated and polished on the medium-bodied palate, the balance reminds me of the great... Read More
This is also markedly floral in character with its nose of poached pear, apple compote and resin hints. There is good volume and mid-palate density to the medium weight flavors that also possess fine depth and persistence on the... Read More
Located on south-facing slopes by Nénin, this 2.5ha estate is one to watch. Has an old-school and understated Pomerol feel, with silky, enrobed tannins, a crushed mint leaf finish and a sense of pleasure without trying... Read More
A punchy and vibrant pale rosé with redcurrants, wild strawberries and flowers. Medium body with bright acidity. Fruity and comforting with a juicy, salivating finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
The careful assembly of old Chardonnay vines, all planted in soils marked by limestone, gives birth to a harmonious wine. The finely mineral notes, balanced on a delicately woody touch, underline the refined elegance of the wine.... Read More
A smaller St-Julien that again proves that this is an appellation to look out for in 2018. A race of heat through the finish but backed up by dense black fruits and a mint-leaf finish. One to note.
Bramble berries on the nose, quite rich. Lovely texture, bright, bold and charismatic - great charm, this shines bright in the glass and on the palate, lovely and round full of rich flavours with enough body and structure to give... 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
Discreet though easily perceptible wood influence is present on the aromas of green apple, lemon-lime, clove and a less obvious touch of mineral reduction. There is impressive mid-palate density to the bigger-bodied and more powerful... Read More
A decidedly ripe nose of plum, dark currant and mocha nuances evidences a lovely plethora of spice elements. The intense and relatively concentrated flavors possess a taut muscularity and a subtle minerality along with lovely... Read More
This full-bodied blend of 54% Sauvignon Blanc and 46% Semillon has a level of concentration and intensity that makes it the dry white wine of the vintage. Loads of minerality, a hint of subtle spice, but mostly just pure orange... Read More
In 2006, Don Julio, with his family, planted their final agave field. In honor of his devotion and craftsmanship, this agave harvest was carefully distilled, barreled, and set aside for a special use. To preserve this tequila... Read More
It’s such an honour to be able to make wine from these old, organically farmed vines at this historic vineyard owned by Ken and Karen Wright of Ken Wright Cellars. The vines were planted on their own roots back in 1983.... Read More
The Maresh bottling is one I feel very deeply entrained with each year, and more so with each vintage. These vines planted on their own roots in 1970. This time spent each year working in these blocks has changed me. I have the... Read More
This is my third Pinot produced from Weber Vineyard, a beautiful vineyard just down Worden Hill Road from Maresh Vineyard that I have prized for a very long time. The vines in this block were planted in 1983 on their own roots.... Read More
A firm, linear red with cherry, plum and hints of chocolate, as well as bark. Some fruit-tea leaves as well. It’s full-bodied and layered, chewy and intense. Fine tannins.
The 2009 Gracia competes handsomely with the spectacular 2005 and 2000 vintages. A slightly more evolved and fleshy effort, the inky/purple-hued 2009 (75 % Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a massive, thick... Read More
As ever when tasting the two together, the striking thing is the difference in character rather than quality between 2009 and 2010. This is tighter, more structured in its concentration, more broad shouldered, but still intensely... Read More
Blue and black fruit with spices and licorice on the nose. Graphite, too. Full and dense, but compact on the palate, with a plush yet tight, velvety texture and a long, fantastic finish. Needs four to six year to start to open.... Read More
Great nose of spices, dried herbs, chocolate and coffee. Very intense nose. Full-bodied, with fabulous tannins and finesse. This is layered and rich yet very harmonious. Best Monbusquet ever. Try after 2018.
Focused and linear with blueberry, crushed stone and purple fruit. It’s medium-bodied with firm, dusty tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Vivid as usual. One for the cellar. Best after 2024.
Very lemony on the nose. Generous fruit on the palate which is very candied. easy to drink, with good structure; it’s quite classy. White chocolate, pear and ripe peach on the finish. Terrific for the appellation.... Read More
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is silky and elegant, with lovely aromatic presence and impeccable balance. Sweet tobacco, cedar, dried flowers and mint all give this mid-weight Cabernet lovely complexity and nuance. The 2018 has... Read More
Sur lees aging in older barrels gives the wine a touch of richness and complexity to the aromas. Very sext freshness beautifully frames the fruitiness. A classic Forman Chardonnay.
Aromas of stone, pine needle and bark with blackcurrant and blackberry. Full-bodied with wonderfully concentration, yet it remains so refined and beautiful. So long with incredible forest-floor, light chocolate and wet-earth complexity... Read More
Alessandro Mori's Il Marroneto 2017 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a very distinguished and unique character that makes this wine easy to recognize in a lineup of Brunello. This hot and dry growing season made for more powerful... Read More
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon La Place Vineyard comes from a site in Calistoga and is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, all brought up in new oak. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, violets, white flowers, and a... Read More
More restrained on the nose than the Chassagne before it, but in no way a lighter wine. grilled almond fruit, very type Puligny – brioche bread coated with sugar. Very pungent and long-lasting on the palate, with butterscotch,... Read More
Butterscotch on the nose. super ripe on the palate; the thickest and most intense fruit so far, yet still has a lovely minerality to it. Meaty and juicy and perfume-scented, too, with an almond-marzipan finish.... Read More
A return to form in my eyes for Calon Ségur after the atypical 2018, rippling with elegance, balance and savoury blue fruits of Cabernet, with rose and peony flowers. Concentrated, chiselled and juicy, this has clear personality... Read More
For a medium-bodied dry riesling, this approaches the optimum. Very fine nose of peach and persimmon, together with touches of blood orange and fresh basil. Stunning interplay of fruit, racy acidity and wet-stone minerality. Breathtaking... Read More
Excellent ripeness for the difficult vintage, with plenty of lemon curd, orange rind and ginger. A bold and generous gruner veltliner with a creamy texture, the finish long, rich and supple. The beautifully integrated tannins... Read More
Powerful, but cool, with plenty of lime-zest and herbal freshness. Sleek and tightly wound with a very firm backbone, in spite of the expressive citrus, herbal and slightly austere mineral flavors that power the very long, precise... Read More
Location Loiben / Wachau Exposition / Elevation Foot of the mountain / 240 m Soil type Alluvial soil, sand Vineyard character No specific sites Average vine age of this vineyard 25 years (5 to 45-years) Density of planting 3‘500... Read More
Lovely precision and drive to this with aromas of lemon curd, brioche, praline, apricots, pomelos, mandarin zest and salted caramel. It’s held together by a sharp, citrusy backbone of acidity, balanced with a fine, silky... Read More
Aldea means “village” in Gallego; thus, this is Envínate’s “village wine”, produced from a combination of –minimum- 60-year-old plots located in the ancient vineyard region of Ribeira... Read More
Filled with floral, candied fruit, baking spices, Morello cherry, leather, and smoked meats, the 2017 SMD brings many unfolding layers to the table. Bright and juicy on the front of the palate, the wine’s dense, bold body... Read More
One of my favorites in the lineup, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon SJ Ranch checks in as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 22 months in 85% new barrels. It is just pure, classic Cabernet Sauvignon all the way, giving up a dense purple... Read More
The 2020 El Escolladero and the La Condenada feel more backward than the rest of the 2020s. This comes from a zone known as El Meadero (not a very nice name in Spanish, I wouldn't bother putting it on the label), from a 0.95-hectare... Read More
The 2020s feel very elegant, and the 2020 Paso Las Mañas, which mentions the Paraje El Chorro in Samaniego where the vines are, is no exception. It has a very lively palate that is effervescent with freshness and chalky... Read More
As with other vintages, there is a plus of complexity and depth in the 2020 La Condenada, which mentions the Paraje Camino del Ciego from Baños de Ebro where the vineyard that names the wine is located, a 0.75-hectare plot... Read More
Moving to the reds, the 2019 Relevant is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance 10% Merlot and 5% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec. A ripe, fat, opulent, pleasure-bent effort, it has full-bodied aromas and flavors, lots of dark,... Read More
A slightly riper and more deeply pitched aromas of plum, dark cherry and more prominent floral elements. There is both better volume and richness to the delicious medium-bodied flavors that possess impressive intensity on the... Read More
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon 1555 Oakville wafts sensuously out of the glass with redcurrant jelly, black raspberries and rose oil scents, followed by a cassis and black plums core, with emerging suggestions... Read More
Always a smoking value that readers shouldn't miss, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature sports a dense purple color to go with beautiful cassis and blueberry-like fruits as well as bouquet garni, spice, and obvious, rocky... Read More
Here too there is a smoky whiff suffusing the more citrus-infused aromas of white fleshed fruit that display a floral top note. The rich and very generously proportioned middle weight flavors also possess first-rate density and... Read More
Fresh and crunchy pinot with aromas of fresh strawberries, peppercorns, green olives, freshly turned soil and rosemary stems. Lovely silky texture, yet firm too, with tight-grained tannins and bright acidity. Delicious balance... Read More
The cuvee opens with inviting notes of white florals and sweet spice which lead into juicy pink grapefruit, white peach and jasmine on the palate. Fresh apricot and a bracing salinity frame the finish.
Domaine Gagnard-Delagrange was created in 1959 with the marriage of Jacques Gagnard to Marie-Josèphe Delagrange. After the death of Jacques in 2009, Marie-Josèphe runs the domaine with the help of their grandson,... Read More
A potential candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2019 Hermitage is a massive, full-bodied, yet mineral-laced and undeniably classic wine from this estate. All of the components showed incredibly well, with the Le Méal... Read More
Another heavenly white from this estate is the 2020 Hermitage Blanc, which is the usual 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne from a mix lieux-dits. Incredibly perfumed with notes of acacia flowers, buttered stone fruits, toasted brioche,... Read More
This Rosé comes from two incredible sites: Luchsinger and St. Amant Vineyards. The rocky, volcanic site enjoys a warm growing season suitable to Touriga Nacional. Touriga is a late-ripening grape that needs some heat to... Read More
The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido emerges from own-rooted vines planted in 1973. Airy and gracious in feel, the 2021 is super-expressive right out of the gate. Lemon peel, candied lime, mint, white flowers and light tropical accents... Read More
Just 3.9 acres of Chardonnay are planted at Hirsch, and from this we produce one white wine per year. Originally planted by David Hirsch for Williams Selyem, we now keep all the Chardonnay grapes for the estate. 2021 was a cool... Read More
Very floral nose with bright red berries, some cedary oak and and an exotic hint of musk. Medium-to full-bodied with intense, spicy fruit flavors against a backdrop of lightly firm and lightly grainy tannins that together produce... Read More
Lovely wild-strawberry, raspberry and red-cherry fruit on the nose, together with mineral tinges. Medium-bodied and fresh with good intensity, despite the lighter structure this year. The tannins provide enough support to keep... Read More
Our ever-so-popular Rosé is back in stock, so get it while you can! This is Rosé of Pinot Noir, from a high-elevation vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains. Lush and fruity with a hint of eucalyptus.... Read More
The flagship 2020 Cornas is a beauty! Clearly in the same league as recent top vintages, it has a wild bouquet of black and blue fruits, liquid violets, game, and iron, with some incense and spice thrown in for good measure. It's... Read More
Pretty and cool yet definitely ripe aromas reveal notes of various dark berries, violet and rose petal. The suave and seductively textured medium weight flavors possess very fine density while the youthfully austere and moderately... Read More
So complex, with hibiscus, orange peel, dark strawberry, sandalwood, and rose hip on the nose. Medium to full body with a linear, intensely fresh and minerally finish. Crushed stone and chalk. Give this at least three years to... Read More
This is very mineral, with raspberry, bergamot and some sandalwood. Aromatic. Medium to full body, firm and creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Orange peel, too. Chalky. Drinkable on release in 2023, but better in 2024.... Read More
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is highly aromatic with black cherry, anise, dried herbs. Full-bodied and with vibrant acidity, the palate has crisp black fruit and red plum, and moves into more savory herbal tones of amaro and... Read More
I loved the 2020 Cornas Renaissance, a ripe, fleshy, supple, and already undeniably delicious Cornas. Darker berries, plums, garrigue, and peppery game notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with... Read More
Strong black pepper, cloves, saffron and smoked cedar notes, adding up to spicy fruit and oak influence. A little overpowering on the attack but it settles down and this has excellent personality and hold. Good stuff. 5% Cabernet... Read More
Powerful and enjoyable Cos. Needs to be given time in the glass to reveal the impressively velvety texture, and the sheer depth of bitter black chocolate, black truffle and coffee notes. The tannins sit back and then build slowly... Read More
A serious, brooding nose, darkly seductive with touches of sweet oak and black berries. Alive and fruit forward on the palate but also quite linear and direct. The instant generosity of fruit flavours is really appealing, the... Read More
Among the whites of the vintage, the 2016 Château Pape Clément Blanc is one of the most concentrated, deep, and full-bodied whites out there, offering up a red wine-like structure to go with beautiful notes of white... Read More
SELECTION OF OLD VINEYARDS
In the philosophy of our company, the aging of wines has always played a role of crucial importance. It is for this reason that today we are proud to be able to market the most aged vintages directly... Read More
The 2021 HGIII is the most complex and layered vintage to date. Explosive aromatics of blackberry, Bing cherry and pomegranate intertwine with savory layers of pink peppercorn, fennel and crushed rose petals. The palate presents... Read More
This graceful Champagne offers hints of smoke and toasted brioche that transition to patisserie apple and blackberry fruit, candied ginger and mandarin orange peel notes. Seamlessly knit and mouthwatering, with a minerally underpinning... Read More
Strawberries, red cherries, bark, walnuts, cedar and chocolate orange on the nose with hints of truffle. Medium-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Focused and flavorful. Better from 2022.
Racines is a collaboration between Tyler Winery’s Justin Willett, Domaine de Montille’s Étienne de Montille and Brian Sieve, and Rodolphe Péters of Champagne Pierre Péters, working with entirely... Read More
Enough wood to notice surrounds the equally ripe aromas of mocha, black raspberry and spicy poached plum. The super-sleek, dense and wonderfully energetic medium-bodied flavors brim with both minerality and dry extract that helps... Read More
Pure, bright hue. An intensely fruity, expressive and generous wine. The palate is round and fleshy with aromas of yellow fruits such as peach, apricot and mirabelle plum. A rich and indulgent wine with good texture that can be... Read More
The 2020 Barbera d'Alba is another wine that shows the greater refinement at Sandrone these days. Even so, there's plenty of richness in the ripe red cherry, plum, mocha and spice flavors. Soft, silky contours wrap it... Read More
Racines is a collaboration by two classic houses from France, led by Etienne de Montille and Brian Sieve of Burgundy and Rodolphe Peters of Champagne. The team came together to join their individual experiences in hand-crafting... Read More
The 2019 Torre Muga is always a more powerful, ripe expression of Rioja that never loses its sense of place. Deep ruby/purple, with a glorious bouquet of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and crushed stone, it hits the... Read More
Brilliant scarlet color. Spice-tinged black raspberry and cherry scents are complicated by suggestions of potpourri, musky earth and smoky minerals. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering chewy red/dark berry, bitter cherry... Read More
I continue to love what vigneron Philippe Bravay accomplishes from his estate in the northern part of the appellation, and his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is another finesse-driven, incredibly beautiful expression of this magical... Read More
Produced primarily from the Grand Crus of Pfersigberg and Eichberg only produced only in the best vintages. The wine is fermented with natural yeast in 100-year-old oak vats and see an average annual production of 4,500 bottles.... Read More
Sourced from seven vineyard sites, each fermented separately, and aged for 10 months in neutral French oak followed by one year in large cask, the 2017 Barolo is floral with orange blossom, clove, white pepper, and candied cherry.... Read More
The 2020 Meursault Les Charmes 1er Cru has a perfumed bouquet with citrus peel, chai tea, hints of white chocolate and a touch of stem ginger. There is ample weight on the palate, quite sapid with a fine line of acidity, just... 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
October 2022, we visited Maker’s Mark Distillery in Kentucky to select a single barrel. Maker’s Mark does their barrel program differently from any other distillery, such that one isn’t... Read More
There’s purity and focus to this wine with blackberry, blackcurrant and spices, such as nutmeg. Ink pot, bark and asphalt, too. So long and polished. Chewy tannins. Hints of stone and ash. 88% cabernet sauvignon. 7% cabernet... Read More
I always find the wines of Domaine du Cayron to be singular and exotic, and I love them, but admittedly, they’re not for everyone. Their 2020 Gigondas checks in as 78% Grenache, 14% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault and Mourvèdre... Read More
One of Burgundy’s most highly-regarded estates, the 20 acres of Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron are now controlled by Sophie Meunier-Confuron and her husband Alain Meunier. They took over from Sophie’s father in 1988,... Read More
There is clear austerity on the approach, with the fruit pulling inwards through the mid-palate before widening out. It has an impressive texture with fleshy plum and ripe red apple fruit. You can feel the softness of the tannins,... Read More
Thomas Pico is a rising star in the appellation and is taking great risks to farm organically in an inhospitable growing climate. The wines are concentrated and opulent, yet racy and intensely saline. Vent d Ange means wind of... Read More
Leave it to Breton to take summer heat and turn it into a light summer breeze in a glass. No matter the elements, Breton always manages to bring out the best in his Gamay. His guiding principle is simply to make Morgon he wants... Read More
An elegant, pure and equally airy nose is even more elegant with its combination of white flower, sea breeze, mineral reduction and quinine scents. The crystalline middle weight flavors are almost painfully intensity with superb... Read More
Distinctly earthy aromas of wild red and dark raspberry and the sauvage introduce solidly concentrated and voluminous medium-bodied flavors that conclude in a sappy, palate coating and dusty finish that offers very fine depth... Read More
Mild reduction masks everything but background nuances of spice and earth. The rich and relatively full-bodied flavors possess fine mid-palate density as well as a taut muscularity while displaying solid length on the dusty and... Read More
This is a beautiful, juicy, merlot-based red with melted-chocolate and berry aromas and flavors. It’s full and creamy with lovely balance and attractive character, showing freshness and layers of fruit. Violets and berries... Read More
Another wine that showed better this go-round as well is the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Da Capo, and it's always a good sign when a wine gets better over the course of its élevage. Plenty of ripe black... Read More
It’s a great wine, offering full-bodied richness and depth in a rich, concentrated, satisfying package. Classic Cabernet notes of cassis, tobacco, and chocolate all emerge from the glass, and it has ripe tannins, no hard... Read More
Pinot Noir takes a slight edge over Chardonnay in the NV Champagne Cuvée Laetitia Brut (60% of the blend), and it has a softer approach aromatically, with a bit more refined sophistication. Here things come into focus with... Read More
Generous and demonstrative, the 2018 Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. Thevenet bursts from the glass with aromas of pear, peach, honeycomb, blanched almonds and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny,... Read More
A thoroughly moreish and high-quality Brane Cantenac, this is silky and seductive with impressive extraction of the tannins giving backbone and support to brambled and cassis fruits. Plenty of crushed stone and spice to add a... Read More
I love it when a wine steals up on you, and you very definitely get that here, taking its time on the first attack then rapidly expanding outwards and upwards. Undoubtedly it will knit down as Las Cases can't help itself but... Read More
This has so much tannic power, with density, layers and structure along with layers of blackberry, liquorice, baked earth, cigar box and the signature exotic spices of Mouton. A big, textured and complex wine that is taking it... Read More
St Julien's largest property at 110ha (up there with Lagrange if you're keeping track), this has lovely plump black fruits on the nose. Takes hold right from the start, with clear tannic build and a silky character to... Read More
Bottled three weeks prior to my visit, the 2020 Viré-Clessé has a delightful yellow plum and jasmine scented bouquet that opens discretely. The palate is well balanced with apricot and white peach, just a dab of... Read More
Graceful and fragrant, with delicately layered cherry and raspberry flavors laced with rose petal, dusky spices and a hint of fresh forest floor. Ends with refined tannins.
Very ripe yet still reasonably fresh aromas are comprised by notes of roasted plum, black cherry, cassis and earth. The dense, powerful and muscular broad-shouldered flavors are supported by a very firm tannic spine on the robust,... Read More
Here too the restrained and wonderfully elegant nose is kaleidoscopically spicy with its aromas of soy, hoisin, exotic tea and airy dark berry fruit. The rich, powerful and enveloping larger-scaled flavors coat the palate with... Read More
Restrained, pure and strikingly spicy aromas are comprised by notes of violet, rose petal, lilac, Asian-style tea and sandalwood. The gorgeously textured, even satiny, flavors glide across that palate while displaying an almost... Read More
Le Ragnaie’s ‘entry-level’ Brunello wasn’t impoverished by the estate’s single-vineyard bottlings. It shows dried pressed violets and plump crushed cherry right out of the gate, with great purity.... Read More
The 2019 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict is a powerful, brooding wine. The high percentage of stems (75%) undoubtedly adds savory intensity, but it also masks some site character. The 2019 is a gorgeous wine, but it is also austere... Read More
The 2019 Chardonnay Wenzlau Family Vineyard is a compelling wine from this site. The pedigree is evident from the first taste. Orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and beams of salinity play off a distinctly phenolic feel. The Wenzlau... Read More
A gorgeous wine, the 2019 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard dazzles with its purity and translucence. Crushed rocks, lemon confit, white flowers and mint give the 2019 its brilliant, sculpted personality. Soaring aromatics and bright... Read More
The 2013 All Great Things is a wine of beautiful depth and perfect ripeness. The aromas are of rich black cherry and currants layered with toasty French oak. Across the palate, this wine is dense and lush with amazing concentration... Read More
All Great Things is a beautiful collection of wine crafted in Napa Valley by world-renowned winemaker Heidi Barrett. Every year, Heidi is given the opportunity and free rein to scour the valley for the best grapes that serve as... Read More
Our Estate Cabernet has deep claret coloring with aromas of berry, plum and dark cherries. The toasty French oak component shows off the beautiful fruit. Lush and soft across the palate with nice, ripe character and a touch of... Read More
Tobacco, tar, dark chocolate, floral touches, bitter blood orange, scrubland herbs - so much going on the nose, really aromatic and expressive in a dark, sticky way. Gorgeously lifted and lively, full of bright and crunchy red... Read More
One of the finest wines in the vintage is the 2019 Maya Proprietary Red Wine, and red wine doesn’t get any better. The usual blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, its deep purple hue is followed by an incredible... Read More
The 2019 Red Blend Grus is a blend of 75% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, 7% Garnacha, 2% Malbec, 2% Cariñena and 1% Petit Verdot from Alcohuaz, Elqui, aged in concrete and foudres. Intense purplish-red in hue. The nose offers... Read More
On another level, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée A Tempo Blanc checks in as one-third each of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne that will spend 18 months in concrete eggs and old barrels, with its malolactic... Read More
2017 was a low-yielding year, so I also tasted the 2018 Reserva, their flagship red wine that wants to be a representation of the village of La Aguilera—fine, serious and elegant. It's 95% Tempranillo with the remaining... Read More
The 2019 Art Series Chardonnay is rich and savory but pure and saline too. There is white peach, red apples, curry leaf and brine. The way the flavor moves across the palate is testament to the phenolics that course through the... Read More
GSM stands for the initials of the varieties Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, which is a commonly used blend in many parts of the world. T stands for Tempranillo, which is NOT something that is found very often blended with the... Read More
The domaine has 5ha in the Hautes Côtes village of Arcenant, lieu-dit Derrière le Bois de Chevrey, where the family had a long-standing attachment and patriarch Jean Gros loved to hunt. Fermented in stainless steel... Read More
Subtle currant, light sandalwood and some cherry aromas. Full-bodied, yet fine-tuned and polished with tannins that melt beautifully into the wine. Long and focused. Beauty and balance to this. Better after 2022.
The young red 2021 Vino Tinto is one of the first 2021 reds from Galicia that I taste from bottle. 2021 is supposed to be a return to the conditions of the vintages from yesteryear—cooler and with less ripeness, lower alcohol... Read More
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota is compact with menthol oils, sage, dark iron-rich earth, and cassis. The palate is savory, with tightly wound structure, and delivers dried herbs, fresh fig, violets, and scorched earth.... Read More
I get the same peony and violet aromatics here as I did in Forts de Latour. This is powerful, muscular, not even getting close to being ready. The tannins crowd in from the mid palate onwards, extremely physical in the way they... Read More
The year was full of contrasts and the summer changeable, with the wetter periods never quite making up for the earlier hydric deficit. Eventually, in the month before grape picking (16 September), it was as much the spells of... Read More
Liqueur-like aromas of spicy red and dark pinot fruit lead to super-sleek and vibrant middle weight flavors that possess a highly beguiling texture that carries over to the dusty, complex and bitter pit fruit-inflected finish... Read More
A very complex, aged Rioja with savory plums, mushrooms, bark, red earth, orange peel and cedar. Quite juicy, fresh and bright on the palate with a tangy, zesty palate, full of berries and oranges. Firm, long and complex with... Read More
Fennel, lemon and mineral aromas follow through to bone-dry palate, with medium body and creamy, fine lees. Beautifully poised and delicious. Drink now.
From the southern, cooler end of the valley, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville offers a vibrant, lively bouquet of blue fruits, sappy herbs, truffle, tobacco, and hints of gravelly earth. It brings plenty of richness on... Read More
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder comes from the Amentet Vineyard and is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Its deep purple/blue color is followed by a powerful, structured wine that gives up beautiful black... Read More
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Details is stunning. Vibrant and explosive in the glass, the Details Cabernet shows just how compelling Cabernet can be beyond Napa Valley. Gravel, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, plum and incense... Read More
Sourced from the estate's steepest slope, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Del Rio was aged in 100% new French oak. It is rich with pine resin, blackberry and perfectly ripe black plum. The palate is full and has another gear delivering... Read More
This is a brilliant Calon Ségur, absolutely one to search out. Dripping with lush brambled fruit, from ripe damsons to sleek blackberries and touches of hedgerow that add an unforced juiciness through what is a powerful... Read More
Inky purple in colour, with peony and iris aromatics, then a whoosh of freshness that makes your mouth water before you are even halfway through. This is extremely impressive, well balanced, with fine tannins and real discretion... Read More
Always open in the exposition of the origins of its wines, Philipponnat has upped the stakes of late by not only adding foudres to its vinification armoury but also increasing volumes from two separate Réserves Perpétuelles.... Read More
This accelerates on the palate with incredibly ripe tannins and finesse. Full body, roasted fruit, leather and grilled meat. Dried flowers, too. It shows superb tannin backbone and polish. Tight and youthful. Just starting to... Read More
Pouilly-Vinzelles La Soufrandière’s younger brother and comes from a plot belonging to our maternal Grand-Father. The vines – aged 50 on average- lay on the lower part of the Pouilly-Vinzelles slope. They form... Read More
The delicate and complex olfactory expression opens on aromas which remind of white flower, exotic fruits. There is a very beautiful complexity for a vintage where the end-of-season’s sun brought a lot to the aromas. Excellent... Read More
An earthy, well-aged Rioja with complex aromas of dried oranges, savory dried plums, mushrooms, tobacco and wet leaves. Distinctively zesty with bright, citrusy fruit on the medium-bodied palate, rounded by firm, juicy tannins.... Read More
The 2019 Chardonnay Ma Douce is a beauty, and it has a slightly richer style than the 2020 while staying pure, focused, and elegant. Gorgeous honeysuckle, white flowers, toasted bread, and stone fruits emerge from the glass, and... Read More
I was greatly impressed by the 2008 El Puntido Gran Reserva, a wine with a more traditional profile than the majority of wines from the Eguren family. At age 14, the wine is glorious, still young and with a mixture of primary... Read More
A terrific expression of a Pinot-dominated wine from sites around the village of Dizy, with Meunier in the ascendant, lending notes of brioche, soft red fruit and an approachably fruity personality. The wine wears its 8 g/L of... Read More
The 2016 Brut Millésime Carte d’Or is a very pretty, focused Champagne. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, yet the Chardonnay really dominates in both its flavor profile and airy, rather lifted feel.... Read More
