As to the Grand Vin, the 2006 Latour showed beautifully. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance mostly Merlot, with a splash of Cabernet Franc, it offers a deep ruby/purple color to go with straight up classic Latour... Read More
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 1% Malbec. 20-day maceration and then aged for 17 months in 100% new French oak. Wet spring delayed flowering by two weeks and then came a very warm summer.... Read More
A vintage Vincent Chaperon is convinced has been misguidedly overlooked. 54% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir. Dosage 5g/l. This bottle was disgorged February 2019. For the background see this article.
Amazingly, obviously, Dom P on... Read More
Prominent notes of honeysuckle, Granny Smith apples, spice and a plenitude of spice elements are similarly wonderfully fresh and bright. The rich, delicious and succulent medium-bodied flavors also possess a highly sophisticated... Read More
Here too the restrained if wonderfully broad nose is gloriously spicy if perhaps not quite as floral on the mostly dark berry fruit scents. There is the same lovely purity and excellent energy of the Clos St. Jacques but with... Read More
A slightly riper nose features notes of poached plum, black raspberry, violet, lavender and a hint of Asian-style tea. The palate soaking broad-shouldered flavors possess outstanding density, which is a good thing considering... Read More
Even spicier liqueur-like aromas of plum, violet and earth are present on the cool and beautifully layered nose. There is very fine volume, power, richness and concentration to the powerful big-bodied flavors that coat the palate... Read More
Discreet wood frames the relatively high-toned aromas of various red berries along with a plentitude of floral and spice wisps along with a hint of fresh tobacco. There is outstanding power and mouth coating dry extract present... Read More
Blackberry, dried-blueberry, bitter-chocolate and some volcanic-ash and burnt-orange aromas. Crushed stone and subtle vanilla notes, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins framing a deep core of dark fruit. Dense,... Read More
Paolo Scavino, a renowned winery in the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy, has been guided by the Scavino family's passion and innovation for over a century. Founded by Lorenzo Scavino and his son Paolo in 1921, the winery... Read More
Paolo Scavino, a renowned winery in the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy, has been guided by the Scavino family's passion and innovation for over a century. Founded by Lorenzo Scavino and his son Paolo in 1921, the winery... Read More
The 2008 Champagne Rosé is another elegant expression, offering notes of cardamom, strawberry, and dried flowers. The palate is dry and well-structured and is balanced and long on the finish, with notes of dried orange... Read More
A brooding but quite pretty and elegant nose timidly reveals its array of essence of red currant, soil and lovely floral wisps. The middle weight flavors are not quite as dense but nonetheless there is both fine power and delineation... Read More
Very generous wood and menthol nuances still allow the liqueur-like aromas of red currant, violet and range of spice elements to be appreciated. There is first-rate power and punch to the moderately dense and beautifully textured... Read More
Founded in the early 20th century by Étienne Camuzet, a French Parliament member who acquired exceptional Burgundy vineyards, including prime plots in Clos de Vougeot. His daughter, Maria Noirot, bequeathed the domain to... Read More
Founded in the early 20th century by Étienne Camuzet, a French Parliament member who acquired exceptional Burgundy vineyards, including prime plots in Clos de Vougeot. His daughter, Maria Noirot, bequeathed the domain to... Read More
Founded in the early 20th century by Étienne Camuzet, a French Parliament member who acquired exceptional Burgundy vineyards, including prime plots in Clos de Vougeot. His daughter, Maria Noirot, bequeathed the domain to... Read More
Vivid aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, black licorice and fresh red chili. It’s full-bodied with layers of ripe, creamy tannins and beautiful dark fruit, as well as mushroom, dark earth and bark. Very balanced and cool.... Read More
An exceptionally spicy and floral-inflected nose adds breadth in the form of both red and dark pinot fruit. The racy, detailed and mineral-driven middle weight plus flavors possess fine mid-palate density while the beautifully... Read More
An airy, cool and expressive nose exhibits a touch of herbal tea character on the high-toned red berry fruit aromas that are liberally laced with soft earth and spice wisps. The sleek, supple and round middle weight flavors possess... Read More
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, established in 1970 with the purchase of the S.L.V. vineyard, achieved global recognition just six years later when its 1973 S.L.V. Estate Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over top Bordeaux Chateaux at... Read More
Taking things up a notch, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie pours a bit richer ruby hue, with a concentrated perfume of incense, leather, blackberry, and lavender oil. It is full-bodied and well-structured,... Read More
In 1901, Monsieur Bizot (Dominique’s great grandfather), built a superb cellar and home in Gevrey-Chambertin. At that time, the domaine owned “parcels” of vines stretching from Gevrey all the way down to Volnay.... Read More
Lots of pretty cooked fruit with plums and berries. Full body, blackberries, blueberries and hints of chocolate. Lots of fruit and new wood. Rich and impressive but good austerity underneath. Better in 2015.
Impenetrable, dark, purplish ruby. Meaty, savoury hints on a brooding, complex nose with notes of new oak practically absorbed in the intense fruit. Abundance of fruit and bags of tannins on the palate, but builds a perfect balance,... Read More
Sourced from 39 plots, the 2014 Champagne Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay, with 32% aged in oak, and it has 7 grams per liter dosage. It is highly expressive of classic elegance and purity, revealing aromas... Read More
An exceptionally pretty, indeed even perfumed, nose reflects aromas of dark currant, poached plum, newly turned earth and subtle anise hints. The refined and intense flavors possess good if not special density along with a beguiling... Read More
A broad-ranging and ripe nose offers up an equal plethora of floral nuances on the slightly riper array of black raspberry liqueur, sauvage and warm earth scents. Here too the palate impressive of the big-bodied flavors is quite... Read More
Gorgeous nose of praline, plums, chocolate orange, muscovado sugar and truffles. Full-bodied, polished and seductive, with a playful balance of ripe and fresh fruit and spice. Supple, firm tannins. 100% merlot. Drink from 2024.... Read More
Paolo Scavino is a renowned winemaker from the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy, where his family has been making wine since the early 1900s. He took over the estate from his father Enrico in the 1980s and is known for his meticulous... Read More
An all but mute nose only grudgingly reveals its aromas of freshly turned earth, the sauvage, dark raspberry and a hint of game character. There is excellent size, weight and mid-palate density to the big-bodied, robust and powerful... Read More
Olivier Leflaive is a family-run winery in Burgundy, France, established in 1984. They are dedicated to crafting high-quality wines while respecting the land and Burgundian traditions. Their philosophy emphasizes teamwork and... Read More
The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Giovanni Neri is a relatively new addition to the range from the southeast in Sesta. It pours a rich ruby hue, with aromas of perfumed red raspberry, herbes de Provence, wild strawberry, and a light... Read More
A much earthier and less elegant but even more complex nose displays notes of the sauvage, red and dark berries, newly turned earth, humus and a hint of exotic tea. There is excellent size, weight and punch to the tautly muscular... Read More
The name Sugarille refers to this Brunello di Montalcino's origins from the 4.5 hectare parish vineyard identified in a 1547 inventory. Situated on clay, limestone and galestro soils facing south, the 2018 vintage followed... Read More
The 2020 vintage in Bolgheri experienced a humid autumn with abundant rains from mid-October to the end of December. Temperatures were mild, sometimes above the seasonal average. February brought intense cold, with temperatures... Read More
Domaine des Epeneaux owes its name to the Clos des Epeneaux, a magnificent parcel of five hectares acquired by Nicolas Marey at the end of the 18th, beginning of the 19th century.
In 1828, the Clos des Epeneaux and related buildings,... Read More
The 2019 Ornellaia Il Vigore Bolgheri DOC Superiore is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The vintage was characterized by a highly variable climate, with periods of cold and... 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
Ridge Vineyards, founded in 1885 by Osea Perrone, is a historic winery located on Monte Bello Ridge in California. The winery was later acquired by a group of Stanford Research Institute engineers in the 1960s, who began producing... Read More
Fabulous aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, sage and mint. Lead pencil and graphite, too. Full body and ultra-fine tannins that are slowly transformed to ripe and beautiful fruit. Super polished and textured. Great finish.... Read More
This is the first wine to display any appreciable reduction and here it's enough to overshadow the underlying fruit. The elegant, pure and racy flavors are almost delicate with lovely underlying tension to the dusty and moderately... Read More
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, established in 1970 with the purchase of the S.L.V. vineyard, achieved global recognition just six years later when its 1973 S.L.V. Estate Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over top Bordeaux Chateaux at... Read More
The name Ca'marcanda (house of endless negotiations) refers to Angelo Gaja's lengthy process to acquire this Bolgheri vineyard, planted in limestone-rich white soils with clay and stones. Production began in 2000 after... Read More
Founded in the early 20th century by Étienne Camuzet, a French Parliament member who acquired exceptional Burgundy vineyards, including prime plots in Clos de Vougeot. His daughter, Maria Noirot, bequeathed the domain to... Read More
Very difficult spring with frost and some hail but lovely summer. They could choose when to pick, on 17/18 September so a month later than 2020. Quite a bit of wind so very healthy fruit. Good acidity, as in 2004 (less than 2008).... Read More
Named after ancient parish-owned lands mentioned in 715 AD, the Rennina Brunello di Montalcino comes from three southwest-facing vineyards surrounding the local church, planted in 25-year-old Eocene-era sandy, silty clay soils.... Read More
Ripe aromas include those of black currant, cherry, anise, lavender and a discreet touch of cassis. The delicious, dense and nicely energetic medium weight flavors exude a lovely minerality that adds a touch of lift to the firm,... Read More
Paolo Scavino is a renowned winemaker from the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy, where his family has been making wine since the early 1900s. He took over the estate from his father Enrico in the 1980s and is known for his meticulous... Read More
Dark ruby red colour, with garnet shades. The ancient art of aging in amphora enhances the aromas of cherry and blackberry; spicy note of white pepper, with hints of vanilla and roasted coffee. Full, enveloping and velvety taste.... Read More
A cooler and wonderfully pure nose reflects notes of ripe red berries, humus and a gamy nuance. There is excellent underlying tension to the chiseled and intensely mineral-suffused flavors that are tautly muscular and quite powerful... 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
Firm reduction dominates the fruit at present. The rich and more voluminous flavors possess both good volume and a more subtle mineral streak on the even more attractively textured medium-bodied flavors that are quite finely detailed... Read More
The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Champs Gain unwinds in the glass with aromas of pear, fresh bread, confit citrus and toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied, bright and chalky, with a charming core of fruit, lively acids... Read More
This too is markedly restrained and only grudgingly reveals its aromas of cool citrus, anise, essence of pear and a pretty range of floral elements. The succulent but decidedly punchy and powerful larger-scaled flavors possess... Read More
There is a whiff of the exotic present on the slightly honeyed aromas of white peach, freshly sliced citrus and a floral top note. The succulent, even seductively textured medium-bodied flavors possess both good volume and density... Read More
A notably more restrained nose is both cool and pure with its combination of spiced pear, Granny Smith apples, lemon-lime and petrol aromas. There is impressive mid-palate density to the unusually powerful medium-bodied flavors... Read More
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is elegant, deep and classy. Inky dark purplish fruit, savory herbs, menthol, licorice and spice. The purity of the fruit is remarkable today. There is plenty of youthful Howell Mountain... Read More
Slightly riper aromas are comprised by notes of black raspberry, plum, wood and soft spice wisps. The delicious middle weight flavors possess both good volume and mid-palate density, all wrapped in a clean, chalky and saline-suffused... Read More
Elegant and airy if restrained aromas display notes of pure and fresh dark currant and an abundance of floral nuances that include rose petal, violet and lavender. There is both excellent tension and precision to the focused flavors... Read More
A tight nose, but the aromas of dark-red berries and violets are very pretty. Some nice forest-floor notes blend in well. Full-bodied with very well-formed tannins that show both polish and finesse, providing a solid backbone... Read More
A red with walnuts, cocoa, currants and spices. Medium-to full-bodied, very intense and linear. Lovely length and beauty. Such finesse. 44% petit verdot (Vine Hill), 44% cabernet franc (To Kolan) and 12% cabernet franc (To Kolan).... Read More
Domaine Leflaive, a family-owned winery since its creation, has a rich history dating back to 1717. Brice de La Morandière, the great-grandson of the founder, represents the fourth generation and continues the family legacy... Read More
In 1901, Monsieur Bizot (Dominique’s great grandfather), built a superb cellar and home in Gevrey-Chambertin. At that time, the domaine owned “parcels” of vines stretching from Gevrey all the way down to Volnay.... Read More
Tenuta Guado al Tasso is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC, on the coast of upper Maremma, about one hundred kilometers southwest from Florence. This appellation has a relatively recent history, DOC Bolgheri was... Read More
Compelling and evolving aromas emerge from the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Ragnaie VV, which packs in more concentration and another layer of depth, with ripe red cherry, fresh pine, and wet asphalt. Medium to full-bodied, with... Read More
The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli is lush with ripe red cherry, crushed stones, and forest floor. It has a more expansive nature on the palate, with ripe and velvety tannins that bring more richness and depth... Read More
This exciting Champagne house is lead by winemaker Juliette Alips, a protégé of prestigious producers like Louis Roederer. Alips sources grapes from exceptional Grand Cru vineyards, showcasing the finest terroirs... Read More
This exciting Champagne house is lead by winemaker Juliette Alips, a protégé of prestigious producers like Louis Roederer. Alips sources grapes from exceptional Grand Cru vineyards, showcasing the finest terroirs... Read More
The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Passo Del Lume is vibrant and minty with fresh herbs, orange peel, bergamot, and raspberry. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with pure notes of blood orange, red cherry, and tea leaf. It offers... Read More
Intense aromas of black fruit, cocoa powder, black olives, dried violets, tar and cigar box. Some black peppercorn, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Incredible intensity and purity of fruit with gorgeous... Read More
An ultra-fresh, cool and airy nose presents an array of various dark berries and floral elements. I very much like the sense of underlying tension and minerality on the delineated middle weight flavors that terminate in an overtly... Read More
Marciano Estate revitalized a proud winegrowing history that dates to the mid-19th century. The property upon which our vineyards are planted was part of the Bourn family estate, a country residence for one of San Francisco’s... Read More
Notes of wood and reduction are all that can be discerned at present. More interesting are the finer if less concentrated flavors that flash excellent minerality on the delicate, refined and youthfully austere finale. This is... Read More
Domaine Leflaive, a family-owned winery since 1717, is a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. With a total of 24 hectares in Puligny-Montrachet and 20 hectares in Mâconnais, the domaine is dedicated to cultivating... Read More
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Barrel sample.
Well within itself but complex, compelling and racy. Cool, fresh and reserved on the nose but with a density of dark fruit apparent. Lively,... Read More
Pol Roger, a family-owned and operated Champagne house founded in 1849, takes immense pride in crafting some of the world's finest Champagnes for over 160 years. The house owns 55% of the vineyards used in their production,... Read More
There is more depth to the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova, with light smoky earth, black cherry, licorice, and black pepper. It is polished with fresh crunchy fruit yet retains a good amount of concentration, with notes... Read More
Olivier Leflaive, a member of the renowned Leflaive family, established Maison Olivier Leflaive in 1985. With a focus on quality and a team directed by Olivier himself, the maison sources grapes from top vineyards, including those... Read More
Winemakers from father to son: near the town of Auxerre, Chablis is halfway between Dijon and Paris. The Vocoret family has been cultivating the vines for four generations. A vineyard located on the clay-limestone hillsides, which... Read More
Elegant and airy floral wisps are present on the nicely spicy and bright aromas of various red berries, plum and soft wood influence. The round, delicious and attractively textured flavors also brim with minerality that adds a... Read More
The 2014 Pinot Noir Ysabel Van der Kamp Vineyard is bright, perfumed and lifted, with expressive red fruit and floral notes. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, game, orange peel, mint and crushed flowers are nicely delineated in this... Read More
The 2020 Estate Cuvee is the flagship and checks in as 45% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Petit Verdot. It has a big, black-fruited bouquet with lots of graphite, smoky oak, chocolate, and chalky minerality. This carries... Read More
More subtle though not invisible wood with the same hint of vanilla frames the lemon and floral aromas of essence of green apple. The sleek, intense and overtly mineral-driven flavors terminate in a bitter lemon-inflected finish... Read More
A notably ripe nose offers up notes of poached plum, cassis, spice and prominent earth scents. The round, delicious and very rich medium-bodied flavors are bigger but not as vibrant while exhibiting fine depth and persistence... Read More
Blackberries, peppery herbs, graphite, iron, and liquid violet notes all emerge from the 2020 Cote A Cote, a pure, brilliantly textured, full-bodied blend based on 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre. It has a touch... Read More
Lustrous, deep ruby with orange tinges. Minerally and brooding on the nose and still quite closed. Lots of suave yet tangy fruit. A little bit massive right now but hugely promising and with firm but super-refined tannins. Long,... Read More
The Castel Grand Vin is a 90+ rated wine from the famed Judean Hills region in Israel. It is one of the most consistent high-end wines produced in Israel. The varieties used to create this wine are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,... Read More
From a vineyard located in a natural amphitheater, the 2019 Pinot Noir Bergstrom Vineyard is fragrant of cranberry preserve, iron rich earth, and baking spice. The palate is full-bodied, with notes of turned earth, dried cherry,... Read More
Lustrous deep ruby. A little closed but with great purity of fruit on the nose. Waves of concentrated, intense fruit on the palate. Suave and elegant and generous at the same time, showing true cru quality. Fantastic, chewy, tactile... Read More
Domaine Faiveley is a historic Burgundy producer with a deep respect for tradition. Founded in 1825, the winery has been family-owned for seven generations, and their holdings span across Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations.... Read More
Aromas of perfumes and violets with blueberries follow through to a medium body with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine and show muscle and length. Linear and toned. Give this time to open and show you more. Try... Read More
Maison Louis Latour is a family-run company and one of the most respected négociant-éléveurs in Burgundy, renowned for its high-quality red and white wines. Founded in 1797, the company has built a reputation... Read More
