All Americas
North and South America are home to a diverse array of fine wines that are gaining global recognition for their quality and character. With distinct climates, soils, and terroirs, the wine regions of the Americas produce a wide range of varietals, from rich and full-bodied reds to crisp and refreshing whites, as well as world-class sparkling and dessert wines.
In North America, the most famous wine regions are located in California, which produces the vast majority of fine wines in the United States. The Napa Valley is perhaps the most well-known region, renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, with prestigious vineyards such as Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, and Opus One leading the way in terms of quality and prestige. The Sonoma County is another top producer of fine wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with wineries such as Kistler and Rochioli earning international acclaim.
Further north, the Okanagan Valley in Canada is emerging as a producer of high-quality wines, particularly Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, with wineries such as Mission Hill and CheckMate Artisanal Winery leading the way.
In South America, Argentina's Mendoza region is renowned for its bold and full-bodied Malbecs, with vineyards such as Catena Zapata, Achaval-Ferrer, and Bodega Norton producing some of the country's most renowned wines. Chile's Casablanca and Colchagua Valleys are also highly regarded for their fine wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Carmenere, with top wineries such as Concha y Toro, Errazuriz, and Viña Montes earning critical acclaim.
Overall, the fine wines of North and South America offer a diverse and impressive selection of varietals, styles, and price points, making them accessible to both connoisseurs and casual wine drinkers alike. With a focus on quality and innovation, these regions are sure to continue producing exceptional wines for years to come.
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All Americas
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(12x75cl) 2017An extraordinary vintage, the Once Future Frank Block Teldeschi Zinfandel 2017 is an exquisite testament to winemaker Joel Peterson's dedication to traditional, handcrafted methods. Produced in the famous Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, California, the wine offers a unique, pure expression of this iconic region's Zinfandel grapes.
Peterson, renowned as the 'Godfather of Zinfandel', meticulously oversees each stage from vine to bottle. Aging the wine in French oak barrels elevates the intricate fruit notes into a harmonious blend. This Zinfandel presents a robust palate of dark berries, rich plum and indulgent hints of spice.
This limited-production wine displays a remarkable balance of depth and elegance. The Once Future Frank Block Teldeschi Zinfandel 2017 is a sought-after treasure for discerning connoisseurs seeking authenticity and sophistication. The careful attention to detail echoes through every sip of this gloriously luscious Zinfandel vintage.
Inc. VAT£551.21 -
(1x75cl) 1990Vinous (90)
The 1990 Opus One is another powerful wine built on a serious core of tannin and structure. There is plenty of richness in the glass, but a little less intensity and complexity than the best wines of this era. I imagine the 1990 will still be a delicious wine in another decade. The 1990 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.Inc. VAT£704.65 -
(6x75cl) 1992Vinous (90)
A mélange of dark raspberries, menthol, savory herbs and anise jump from the glass in the 1992 Opus One. The aromas are a little more advanced than the fruit, but the 1992 still has plenty of depth, richness and pure sensuality. Readers may want to give the 1992 a year or two to see if the tannins have a little more sweetness to give. In 1992 the blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.Inc. VAT£2,826.25 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Deep garnet-brick colour. Fragrant aromas of dried cranberries, prunes, cinnamon and cumin giving way to subtler earthy notes of leather and tar. A lot of discernable fruit remains on the palate framed by crisp acidity and a medium level of grainy tannins. Very long, layered finish. Drink now to 2018. Tasted April 2009.Inc. VAT£2,387.23 -
Wine Advocate (94)
This is one of the finest Opus Ones to date, offering a dark ruby/purple color, as well as a striking, intense bouquet of sweet licorice intermixed with blackberries, cassis, plums, and saddle leather. This seamless, full-bodied wine is more velvety-textured, opulent, and succulent than past vintages. The mid-palate is expansive and chewy. The long finish is filled with glycerin, ripe fruit, and sweet tannin. Drink this impressive, user-friendly yet richly concentrated effort over the next 15 years. Tel. (707) 963-1979; Fax (707) 944-9357Inc. VAT£567.20 -
(1x300cl) 1998Vinous (93)
Next to the 1997, the 1998 Opus One is naturally a bit slender, but it, too, boasts striking balance. Savory herbs, mint, licorice and plums are woven together in a fabric of notable class. Still young and vibrant, the 1998 is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade. The focus, length and persistence are all super-impressive, especially within the context of a challenging vintage. The 1998 is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£1,694.14 -
(1x75cl) 2001Vinous (92)
The 2001 Opus One bursts from the glass with layers of opulent fruit. Still quite youthful, the 2011 impresses for its elegant, mid-weight personality. Compared to the best wines of this era the 2001 comes across as a bit forward. I imagine the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so, but it won't be super long-lived next to its peers. Still, there is plenty to like here. The 2001 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£433.60 -
Vinous (92)
The 2001 Opus One bursts from the glass with layers of opulent fruit. Still quite youthful, the 2011 impresses for its elegant, mid-weight personality. Compared to the best wines of this era the 2001 comes across as a bit forward. I imagine the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so, but it won't be super long-lived next to its peers. Still, there is plenty to like here. The 2001 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£2,457.58 -
(1x75cl) 2006James Suckling (95)
Sage and mint in the nose, it is Opus style. Full bodied and layered, with polished tannins and wonderful length. This is tight, but fascinating still. This wine has a good future, very juicy, and will only keep getting better. Don't touch this until 2014.Inc. VAT£569.33 -
Vinous (96)
There is so much to like about the 2007 Opus One. A wine that captures the essence of the year, the 2007 is exotic, flashy and striking. Kirsch, rose petals, pomegranates and spices form a fabric of compelling beauty. The 2007 is rich, sumptuous and generous, just as it should be. Threads of striking perfume are woven throughout, adding aromatic lift and pure sensuality. Readers who like more structured wines are likely to gravitate towards vintages such as 2010, but years like 2007 offer immense pleasure and an immediacy I find impossible to resist. A sumptuous, layered finish rounds things out in stunning style. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.Inc. VAT£2,412.31 -
Vinous (95)
A gorgeous wine, the 2008 Opus One is just beginning to enter its first plateau of maturity. The tannins have softened while the aromatics show lovely complexity as well as depth. Blueberry, blackberry, gravel, lavender, licorice, leather and dark spice notes all add character. The 2008 is an especially dark, somber Opus One, although the softening tannins make the wine approachable today. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec.Inc. VAT£3,223.18 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2010 Opus One is on another level and is a deep, concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced beauty. From a cooler vintage that saw significant heat spikes later in the year, it has incredible purity in its cassis and darker fruits as well as leafy tobacco, flowers, and background oak. With a great mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and full-bodied richness on the palate, it’s a brilliant wine that has another two decades or more of prime drinking.Inc. VAT£2,417.98 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2010 Opus One is on another level and is a deep, concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced beauty. From a cooler vintage that saw significant heat spikes later in the year, it has incredible purity in its cassis and darker fruits as well as leafy tobacco, flowers, and background oak. With a great mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and full-bodied richness on the palate, it’s a brilliant wine that has another two decades or more of prime drinking.Inc. VAT£2,287.18 -
Vinous (94)
The 2011 Opus One comes across as quite powerful and intense. Raspberry jam, rose petals, savory herbs and mint, all come together beautifully in the glass. The tannins are going to need a few years to soften, but the 2011 continues to develop very nicely in bottle. This is a very strong showing, especially within the context of the year. The 2011 is dark and even a bit rough round the edges, particularly when tasted alongside the surrounding vintages. The lithe, mid-weight, savory style is at times more Old World than New, yet all the elements are in the right place.Inc. VAT£2,150.75 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.Inc. VAT£2,242.18 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.Inc. VAT£2,044.18 -
James Suckling (97)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.Inc. VAT£2,242.18 -
James Suckling (97)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.Inc. VAT£1,942.18 -
James Suckling (98)
Purity and brilliance on the nose with so much currant and flower character. Roses, currant bush and fresh leaves, too. Brightness is the word that comes to mind. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered. Juicy and so gorgeous now. Balance is so wonderful here. All about harmonious fruit and tannin balance. I like it slightly better than the excellent 2014. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£1,940.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.Inc. VAT£2,117.98 -
James Suckling (99)
Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.Inc. VAT£1,919.98 -
Decanter (96)
A fist of late summer cherries, raspberry and bilberry fruits set out their stall, all with the juicy character that confirms, even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus can deliver balance and sculpted elegance. Beautiful grip, creamy texture with a strikingly powerful tannic frame. As the wine stays in the glass the floral aromatics begin to bloom up. A brilliant Opus. 20 days maceration - around half what it would have been a decade ago. 54% native yeast, as part of their native yeast project. 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec complete the blend. Harvest spread out over 5th September to 8th October, just before the fires, by which time they had less than 10% of the fruit still out on the vines. 3.7pH. Review Date: 14th February 2020Inc. VAT£2,109.35 -
Decanter (96)
A fist of late summer cherries, raspberry and bilberry fruits set out their stall, all with the juicy character that confirms, even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus can deliver balance and sculpted elegance. Beautiful grip, creamy texture with a strikingly powerful tannic frame. As the wine stays in the glass the floral aromatics begin to bloom up. A brilliant Opus. 20 days maceration - around half what it would have been a decade ago. 54% native yeast, as part of their native yeast project. 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec complete the blend. Harvest spread out over 5th September to 8th October, just before the fires, by which time they had less than 10% of the fruit still out on the vines. 3.7pH. Review Date: 14th February 2020Inc. VAT£1,857.95 -
(1x600cl) 2018James Suckling (99)
Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.Inc. VAT£4,458.49 -
James Suckling (99)
Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.Inc. VAT£2,043.35 -
James Suckling (99)
Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.Inc. VAT£1,761.35 -
James Suckling (99)
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.Inc. VAT£2,108.52 -
(1x300cl) 2019James Suckling (99)
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.Inc. VAT£1,499.28 -
James Suckling (99)
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.Inc. VAT£4,412.16 -
James Suckling (99)
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.Inc. VAT£2,013.12
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(12x75cl) 2017
An extraordinary vintage, the Once Future Frank Block Teldeschi Zinfandel 2017 is an exquisite testament to winemaker Joel Peterson's dedication to traditional, handcrafted methods. Produced in the famous Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, California, the wine offers a unique, pure expression of this iconic region's Zinfandel grapes.
Peterson, renowned as the 'Godfather of Zinfandel', meticulously oversees each stage from vine to bottle. Aging the wine in French oak barrels elevates the intricate fruit notes into a harmonious blend. This Zinfandel presents a robust palate of dark berries, rich plum and indulgent hints of spice.
This limited-production wine displays a remarkable balance of depth and elegance. The Once Future Frank Block Teldeschi Zinfandel 2017 is a sought-after treasure for discerning connoisseurs seeking authenticity and sophistication. The careful attention to detail echoes through every sip of this gloriously luscious Zinfandel vintage.
In Bond£418.00 -
(1x75cl) 1990
Vinous (90)
The 1990 Opus One is another powerful wine built on a serious core of tannin and structure. There is plenty of richness in the glass, but a little less intensity and complexity than the best wines of this era. I imagine the 1990 will still be a delicious wine in another decade. The 1990 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.In Bond£584.54 -
(6x75cl) 1992
Vinous (90)
A mélange of dark raspberries, menthol, savory herbs and anise jump from the glass in the 1992 Opus One. The aromas are a little more advanced than the fruit, but the 1992 still has plenty of depth, richness and pure sensuality. Readers may want to give the 1992 a year or two to see if the tannins have a little more sweetness to give. In 1992 the blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.In Bond£2,339.18 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Deep garnet-brick colour. Fragrant aromas of dried cranberries, prunes, cinnamon and cumin giving way to subtler earthy notes of leather and tar. A lot of discernable fruit remains on the palate framed by crisp acidity and a medium level of grainy tannins. Very long, layered finish. Drink now to 2018. Tasted April 2009.In Bond£1,976.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
This is one of the finest Opus Ones to date, offering a dark ruby/purple color, as well as a striking, intense bouquet of sweet licorice intermixed with blackberries, cassis, plums, and saddle leather. This seamless, full-bodied wine is more velvety-textured, opulent, and succulent than past vintages. The mid-palate is expansive and chewy. The long finish is filled with glycerin, ripe fruit, and sweet tannin. Drink this impressive, user-friendly yet richly concentrated effort over the next 15 years. Tel. (707) 963-1979; Fax (707) 944-9357In Bond£470.00 -
(1x300cl) 1998
Vinous (93)
Next to the 1997, the 1998 Opus One is naturally a bit slender, but it, too, boasts striking balance. Savory herbs, mint, licorice and plums are woven together in a fabric of notable class. Still young and vibrant, the 1998 is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade. The focus, length and persistence are all super-impressive, especially within the context of a challenging vintage. The 1998 is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.In Bond£1,398.00 -
(1x75cl) 2001
Vinous (92)
The 2001 Opus One bursts from the glass with layers of opulent fruit. Still quite youthful, the 2011 impresses for its elegant, mid-weight personality. Compared to the best wines of this era the 2001 comes across as a bit forward. I imagine the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so, but it won't be super long-lived next to its peers. Still, there is plenty to like here. The 2001 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.In Bond£358.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2001 Opus One bursts from the glass with layers of opulent fruit. Still quite youthful, the 2011 impresses for its elegant, mid-weight personality. Compared to the best wines of this era the 2001 comes across as a bit forward. I imagine the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so, but it won't be super long-lived next to its peers. Still, there is plenty to like here. The 2001 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.In Bond£2,028.00 -
(1x75cl) 2006
James Suckling (95)
Sage and mint in the nose, it is Opus style. Full bodied and layered, with polished tannins and wonderful length. This is tight, but fascinating still. This wine has a good future, very juicy, and will only keep getting better. Don't touch this until 2014.In Bond£471.13 -
Vinous (96)
There is so much to like about the 2007 Opus One. A wine that captures the essence of the year, the 2007 is exotic, flashy and striking. Kirsch, rose petals, pomegranates and spices form a fabric of compelling beauty. The 2007 is rich, sumptuous and generous, just as it should be. Threads of striking perfume are woven throughout, adding aromatic lift and pure sensuality. Readers who like more structured wines are likely to gravitate towards vintages such as 2010, but years like 2007 offer immense pleasure and an immediacy I find impossible to resist. A sumptuous, layered finish rounds things out in stunning style. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.Inc. VAT£2,388.00 -
Vinous (95)
A gorgeous wine, the 2008 Opus One is just beginning to enter its first plateau of maturity. The tannins have softened while the aromatics show lovely complexity as well as depth. Blueberry, blackberry, gravel, lavender, licorice, leather and dark spice notes all add character. The 2008 is an especially dark, somber Opus One, although the softening tannins make the wine approachable today. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec.In Bond£2,666.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2010 Opus One is on another level and is a deep, concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced beauty. From a cooler vintage that saw significant heat spikes later in the year, it has incredible purity in its cassis and darker fruits as well as leafy tobacco, flowers, and background oak. With a great mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and full-bodied richness on the palate, it’s a brilliant wine that has another two decades or more of prime drinking.In Bond£1,995.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2010 Opus One is on another level and is a deep, concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced beauty. From a cooler vintage that saw significant heat spikes later in the year, it has incredible purity in its cassis and darker fruits as well as leafy tobacco, flowers, and background oak. With a great mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and full-bodied richness on the palate, it’s a brilliant wine that has another two decades or more of prime drinking.In Bond£1,886.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2011 Opus One comes across as quite powerful and intense. Raspberry jam, rose petals, savory herbs and mint, all come together beautifully in the glass. The tannins are going to need a few years to soften, but the 2011 continues to develop very nicely in bottle. This is a very strong showing, especially within the context of the year. The 2011 is dark and even a bit rough round the edges, particularly when tasted alongside the surrounding vintages. The lithe, mid-weight, savory style is at times more Old World than New, yet all the elements are in the right place.In Bond£1,773.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.In Bond£1,848.50 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.In Bond£1,683.50 -
James Suckling (97)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.In Bond£1,848.50 -
James Suckling (97)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.In Bond£1,598.50 -
James Suckling (98)
Purity and brilliance on the nose with so much currant and flower character. Roses, currant bush and fresh leaves, too. Brightness is the word that comes to mind. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered. Juicy and so gorgeous now. Balance is so wonderful here. All about harmonious fruit and tannin balance. I like it slightly better than the excellent 2014. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink or hold.In Bond£1,596.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.In Bond£1,745.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.In Bond£1,580.00 -
Decanter (96)
A fist of late summer cherries, raspberry and bilberry fruits set out their stall, all with the juicy character that confirms, even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus can deliver balance and sculpted elegance. Beautiful grip, creamy texture with a strikingly powerful tannic frame. As the wine stays in the glass the floral aromatics begin to bloom up. A brilliant Opus. 20 days maceration - around half what it would have been a decade ago. 54% native yeast, as part of their native yeast project. 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec complete the blend. Harvest spread out over 5th September to 8th October, just before the fires, by which time they had less than 10% of the fruit still out on the vines. 3.7pH. Review Date: 14th February 2020In Bond£1,738.50 -
Decanter (96)
A fist of late summer cherries, raspberry and bilberry fruits set out their stall, all with the juicy character that confirms, even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus can deliver balance and sculpted elegance. Beautiful grip, creamy texture with a strikingly powerful tannic frame. As the wine stays in the glass the floral aromatics begin to bloom up. A brilliant Opus. 20 days maceration - around half what it would have been a decade ago. 54% native yeast, as part of their native yeast project. 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec complete the blend. Harvest spread out over 5th September to 8th October, just before the fires, by which time they had less than 10% of the fruit still out on the vines. 3.7pH. Review Date: 14th February 2020In Bond£1,529.00 -
(1x600cl) 2018
James Suckling (99)
Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.In Bond£3,689.69 -
James Suckling (99)
Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.In Bond£1,683.50 -
James Suckling (99)
Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.In Bond£1,448.50 -
James Suckling (99)
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.In Bond£1,738.50 -
(1x300cl) 2019
James Suckling (99)
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.In Bond£1,237.00 -
James Suckling (99)
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.In Bond£3,652.00 -
James Suckling (99)
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.In Bond£1,659.00
North America is somewhat difficult to pigeonhole – though technically ‘new world’, it is in the Northern Hemisphere, and the wines have the same devoted fan base (and often first-growth prices) as many classic European wines. Cooler climate Cabs, Merlots, Pinots, Chardonnays and Rieslings with old-world structure can all be found, though if anything is lacking by comparison it is consistency.
South America is an exciting new melting pot of styles and flavours with a range of soils types and altitudes – taking international varietals and finishing with French winemaking techniques, or in the case of Argentinian Malbec, adopting a largely unloved grape and making it their own.
