This is a long-celebrated blend of 85% Sangioveto (another name for Sangiovese) and 15% Malvasia Nera from one of the headline estates of Castellina in Chianti. The Castellare di Castellina 2019 I Sodi di S. Niccolò (with... Read More

In contrast to the bigger, richer Deus-Ex Machina, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous is all about finesse and elegance, probably due to the inclusion of Cinsault and Vaccarese in the blend. Deeper ruby/purple-hued,... 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

Black fruit coulis, intense spice aromas and some smoke on the nose. Powerful and robust in the best possible way, the tannins are remarkably polished for a Rhone red with stacks of mourvedre in it. Very compact core, but also... Read More

One of my favorite wines at this address, the 2022 Les Hauts-Lieux, derives from vines planted on a cooler, higher elevation on calcareous soils. These grapes, including more Mourvèdre (20%), are picked 15 days later than... Read More

The 2022 Quartet Red Wine blends 71% Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville with 16% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Syrah, all from Carneros. With only 19% new French oak, it's barely noticeable on the complex nose, which offers... Read More

The 2021 Backlit is an effortlessly balanced, expressive blend of 50% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 17% Grenache and 16% Carignan. Matured for 20 months in 33% new French oak, its oak spice is already well integrated into a core... Read More

The 2021 Falcoeira A Capilla was produced with the red grapes that were picked after September 10, a field blend of Mencía, Brancellao, Sousón, Garnacha Tintorera and other grapes from 45 terraces of a south-facing... Read More

This wine that changed the perception of Galician reds in 2010, and the 2021 As Caborcas is lighter and more aromatic, reflecting a more Atlantic but challenging year when they had to work hard to deliver this beauty. The vines... Read More

A touch of stewed plum fruit, though quite reserved aromatically. There's some welcome body and fruit here, and the alcohol is relatively mild. Finishes dry and savory. Well balanced and very drinkable.

The entrancing 2019 Munjebel Rosso FM (Feudo di Mezzo Sottana) blossoms in the glass, with a dusty mix of sweet minty herbs and bright cherry complemented by a hint of cinnamon sugar. Its textures are like pure silk slowly draped... Read More