Vinous (88)

The 2022 Chassagne-Montrachet Village is matured in 20% new oak. It has a generous bouquet with orchard fruit, touches of almond and patisserie. It will require a couple of years to absorb the oak. The palate is well-balanced, with a fine bead of acidity countering the richness, though it needs to muster a little more complexity on the finish.

Vinous (98)

The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is quite possibly the most elegant, refined version of this wine I have ever tasted. It does not offer the immediacy or impact of either the 2015 or 2016, but, instead, impresses with its elegance, persistence and total class. Bright floral and spice notes add perfume to a core of red-toned fruit. The 2018 represents another move towards greater finesse at Fontodi. It spent a year in French oak barrel and a second year in cask.

Decanter (97)

At an elevation of 400 metres, Vigna del Sorbo boasts Chianti Classico’s classic Galestro soil. The warm southwest-facing vineyard typically yields a powerful, intense wine in need of ageing. The 2019 demonstrates all the wild, penetrating characteristics of this site but it comes into harmony quickly, revealing its balance and precision. Wood-driven top notes of smoke and vanilla meld into pressed violets, rosemary and liquorice. Luscious red cherry and dark plum flesh are wrapped in long, layered chalky tannins. Across the palate there's an energetic beam of unwavering acidity, giving the wine a linear feel. The finish reverberates with fennel and crushed stone.

Emerging from the esteemed vineyards of Saarburger Rausch, the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese 2009 offers an indulgent taste of superior German craftsmanship. Hand-harvested with meticulous precision, this outstanding wine reverberates with the expertise of the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken estate, revered for its dedication to viticulture since 1742. This magnificent Riesling Auslese exudes the distinct terroir of Saar Valley, a unique composition of weathered grey slate and iron-rich soil, delivering an indelible minerality in every sip.

Characterised by an aromatic bouquet of ripe apricots, candied lemon peel, and subtle hints of honey, it possesses a remarkable ageing potential. Its vibrant acidity and persistent sweetness yield perfect harmony, making the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese 2009 a cherished addition to any discerning wine collector's selection.

Wine Advocate (90+)

I absolutely have a soft spot for the Pelaverga grape that achieves such beautiful, but unusual, characteristics when given the chance. The 2018 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale is a happy and cheerful wine destined for easy-drinking occasions like with pizza or wood-fire flatbread with spicy sausage and broccoli. Native to Verduno in Piedmont, the grape typically shows a strong layer of freshly milled white pepper. That's exactly what you get in this cool and balanced vintage. This is a lean-bodied red to drink within the next 18 months.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

A great year for Brunello and this is like a breath of fresh air, transporting you to Tuscany. Emphasis on dried herbs, leather, campfire smoke with traces of sweet cherry, butterscotch and coffee bean. Love the soft and gentle waves of flavour that gather power through the palate; tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, and this is pretty irresistible. One of the original producers of Brunello in the 1800s, with vineyards planted between 250-400 metres above sea level, still setting the pace.

Wine Spectator (93)

Pretty, featuring rose, cherry, raspberry and mint flavors, with a touch of mineral. Supple, harmonious and elegant, offering a long finish. The aftertaste is tinged with orange peel and tobacco notes. Best from 2021 through 2036. 4,500 cases made.

Wine Spectator (94)

Elegant and expressive, this red evokes cherry, raspberry and floral notes, aligned to a refined structure. This is balanced and leaves an aftertaste of fruit, tobacco and iron. Best from 2023 through 2043. 3,300 cases made.

Vinous (95)

Conterno's 2017 Barolo Cerretta offers a classic expression of this Serralunga site. The tannins are just a bit nervy today, which lends a feeling of energy and brightness that is palpable. Bright floral and white pepper accents lift bright red-toned fruit in a Barolo that is wonderfully translucent and nuanced.

Wine Advocate (100)

The Giacomo Conterno 2014 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is made with 100% fruit from the Francia cru, which is not the case for the 2015 vintage (that sees 22% Arione in the blend) or likely future vintages. In a sense, this 100-point wine represents a milestone or a chapter finale in the long and exciting trajectory of Italy's collected and revered Monfortino. I've had the great fortune of tasting this wine from barrel over the course of four years and twice again this summer during my visits to the Conterno estates (in Gattinara and in Monforte d'Alba).

Greg Sherwood MW (97)

If the 2015 Lady May resembled a powerful, dense, Pauillac-styled Cabernet Sauvignon led red blend, and the 2016 a broader, softer expression from a warm dry vintage, then the 2017 is pretty much the antithesis, boasting the most elegant, silky, seamlessly harmonious texture combined with an attractively fragrant, Margaux-esque delicacy, an understated density and graceful precision. While super youthful, the wine inevitably displays some of the lush, alluring and reassuringly expensive new oak creaminess, boasting layers of warm buttered brown toast smothered in black currant preserve, fresh espresso, hints of mocha dust and delicate vanilla pod spice notes. But probably the most pleasing element about this wine is the way ex-winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain captured the truest essence of the 2017 vintage with its extreme purity, weightless fruit concentration that dances across the palate together with a focused, piercing intensity on the long, silky, luxurious finish. This is class personified and I for one am completely smitten. Drink on release and over 25+ years.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

Even better than the 2017 release - and there aren't many top Stellenbosch Bordeaux blends that you can say that about - this is a superb Lady May that makes light of the hot, dry conditions. Something of a sleeper, it's a brooding assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, aged in 92% new wood. Intense, smooth and textured, with graphite and cigar box aromas, fine-grained tannins and layered flavours of damson, fennel and blackcurrant leaf.

A sophisticated offering from the renowned Italian winemaker Tiziano Grasso, the Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 is a remarkable example of an expertly crafted Barolo. Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, this family-run winery marries traditional techniques with modern sensibility, transforming the region's prized Nebbiolo grapes into a symphony of depth and complexity.

This standout vintage intrigues in the glass with its vibrant crimson hues, commanding the attention of the senses with an opulent bouquet of ripe red fruits, elegant oak and subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 resounds with an impressive structure, harmoniously balanced tannins and acidity, prolonging to an enduring, beautifully nuanced finish.

Maturing gracefully since 2014, it tells a sensory story of its sun-drenched terroir, embodying Grasso's attention to detail and masterful winemaking. The Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 is a testament to the Grasso family's commitment to excellence, making it a prized addition to any wine collection.

Hailing from the esteemed Barolo region of Italy, the Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2018 invites you on a taste journey boasting of supreme class. Its rich, ruby hues create a tantalising prelude to the complex taste profiles within. Skilfully crafted through traditional winemaking techniques, this robust, Nebbiolo varietal is hand-picked to ensure optimal ripeness - a testament to Tiziano Grasso's artisanal approach.

Maturation in both large and small oak barrels for 30 months bestows upon this Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2018 an exquisite balance of fruit, spice, and smoky undertones. On the palate, sublime layers of red and black cherries, anise, and hints of truffle meld harmoniously, complemented by refined tannins and a seductively long finish. This wine, a product of a cooler vintage, resonates beautifully with connoisseurs seeking elegance and complexity.

From the hands of producer Tiziano Grasso, renowned for his precise crafting, Barolo Briccolina 2018 affirms the artistry of fine Italian winemaking.

Wine Advocate (98-100)

Subtle hints of fresh pea shoots accent characteristic dark notes of roasted meat, espresso and black olives in the full-bodied 2018 Cote Rotie La Landonne. Rich, concentrated and velvety-textured, with ample length and plenty of ripe tannins on the finish, it should benefit from a decade or more of bottle age—once it gets there. It's a brooding beast of a Cote Rotie that serious collectors will want to have in their cellars.

Wine Advocate (98-100)

Like the 2017, Guigal's 2018 Cote Rotie La Mouline boasts incredible aromatics, with highs ranging from violets and peppery spice to ripe blueberries and raspberries. The oak is in the background, supporting the supple fruit. Full-bodied, lush and silky, La Mouline seems to have it all in 2018.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-92)

(5 Star Wine) 10% new wood, about to be bottled. A similar rich crimson purple colour. A savoury and stylish deep red fruit on the nose, with spice behind. A pretty fantastic example of Chorey with life and depth, dark cherry fruit. Excellent tension, I think this will be gorgeous. Long, fine and sensual. Drink from 2026-2030. Tasted: November 2023.

The Wine Independent (100)

The 2019 Harlan Estate is deep garnet-purple in color. It swans out of the glass with graceful notions of fresh blackberries and boysenberries, leading to a core of blackcurrant pastilles and licorice, followed by suggestions of spice cake, dusty soil, cinnamon stick, and Sichuan pepper. The rich, black-fruited, full-bodied palate is sparked with electric black berry and earthy accents, framed by exquisitely ripe tannins and compelling tension, finishing long and earthy. Stunning!

James Suckling (99)

Extremely aromatic, with incredible wet-earth, bark, stone and graphite notes on the nose, then changing to violets, blackberries and blackcurrants. Full-bodied, yet so linear and fine, with titanium tannins that go on so long. Builds and builds then just rolls around the palate through the endless finish. Real Bordeaux here. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, and 4% petit verdot. Exceptional. Better after 2029.

James Suckling (95-96)

Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s full and chewy with a powerful finish. Tar and graphite at the end. Solid core of fruit and tannin here. One of the most structured I have had from here. Cazes family making the difference.

Halliday Wine Companion (99)

Australia's finest single-vineyard site? I think so. With its core of gnarled shiraz vines planted circa 1860 and its picture-perfect location alongside the Gnadenberg church, it is a much adored and discussed vineyard which has been producing stellar wines since the first single-vineyard Hill of Grace was released in 1958. Today, those original vines are bolstered with its 'young' 100+ and 35+yo kinfolk and aged in 83/17% French/American oak hogsheads (29% new) for 18 months. Grace by name, grace by nature; it's a perfectly framed, elegant snapshot of pristine fruit, site and season. Precisely ripened berry fruits are underscored with notes of Chinese five-spice, sage, jasmine, licorice, mocha, blackberry pastille, charcuterie, wild flowers and cherry clafoutis. Pitch-perfect and elegant on the palate, the tannin-acid architecture tuned and sympatico with the pristine ancestor-vine fruit and a very long, silken finish that resonates with style and place. My goodness it's lovely.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-96)

5 Star Wine. 50% whole bunch, with one third new wood. This has a deliciously inviting fresh purple colour and a ravishing bouquet, all about the fruit. No sign of the stems. I loved this cuvee in 2017 and again this year. If this is in your price point, don’t hesitate. There is a really classy finish with fruit and light tannic structure perfectly balanced.

Kerin O'Keefe (97)

This fragrant, gorgeous red opens with enticing scents of rose hips, new leather and forest berries. Showing the house style of extreme elegance and vibrancy, the focused, racy palate features juicy red cherries, white pepper and dark spices encased in taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized. Absolutely fantastic. Drink 2026–2043.

Vinous (93)

The 2021 Morgon Côte du Py, matured in used barrels, has a more complex bouquet than the Corcelette: a melange of red and black fruit, potpourri/lavender, and a faint hint of curry leaf that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a fine backbone considering the growing season. This is very fresh and saline with quite a strict finish. You could attempt this now though I would be intrigued to age this for another two or three years before broaching.

Vinous (93)

The 2022 Morgon Côte du Py has another very attractive bouquet with just a touch more fruit intensity than the Côte du Py, wonderful mineralité and tension. Very composed. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a little sturdier than the Cuvée Corcelette. There’s fine grip toward the finish with a persistent peppery aftertaste. Be patient.

Burghound (90-93)

An agreeably fresh nose freely offers up its array of spicy and perfumed red berries, soft earth and a floral whiff. There is fine mid-palate density to the seductively textured, even succulent, medium weight flavors that exude a subtle minerality on the lightly austere, firm and balanced finale. This is lovely and worth considering

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2020 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese is intense and complex on the still introverted but complex nose that shows clear, bright fruit aromas (baby pineapple) intermingled with fine, flinty slate notes. What an aristocratic appearance! Round, crystalline and saline on the palate, this 2020 Auslese is much more openhearted and fruity as well as frisky and frivolous than it pretends to be on the nose. This is a really Catholic Riesling or a picture-book Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese. Its finish, however, is Protestant: rigorously linear, straight and with serious structure and grip. All in all, this is the world's most ecumenical Sonnenuhr. Pure fascination. 7% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine from AP 38 21 in July 2022.

Vinous (97+)

Krug's 2004 Vintage is absolutely mesmerizing. Layers of bright, chiseled fruit open up effortlessly as the wine fleshes out with time in the glass. Persistent and beautifully focused, with a translucent sense of energy, the 2004 captures all the best qualities of the year. Moreover, the 2004 is clearly superior to the consistently underwhelming 2002 and the best Krug Vintage since 1996. Readers who can find it should not hesitate, as it is a magical bottle.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

One of the monumental wines in the vintage is the 2016 Château Eglise Clinet from proprietor Denis Durantou. Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this utterly perfect wine boasts a saturated purple color as well as an essence of Pomerol bouquet of ripe black cherries, blackcurrant liqueur, smoked tobacco, camphor, and graphite. Deep, full-bodied, incredibly powerful, and layered, yet always with class and balance, it offers a remarkable marriage of power and finesse. It’s already sexy and seductive yet also a baby, and needs 7-8 years of cellaring. It should keep for 3-4 decades (probably longer), but why wait?