Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)

Mid yellow in colour. The nose hints at majesty while keeping its powder dry. This takes time to build on the palate, it is more in yellow fruit than most of the Jadot wines, with a little sucrosity, and still the lemon citrus inflection which makes these 2020 whites work so well, and the expected length. Tasted: November 2021

Wine Spectator (94)

A harmonious red, offering an expression of cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors offset by a vibrant, well-integrated structure. Shows iron, tobacco, smoke and a hint of wild herbs, which weigh in as this evolves on the palate toward a lingering aftertaste. Delivers finesse and energy. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2038. 5,000 cases imported.

Burghound (98)

This seems to have changed very little in the past 10 years and it would be fair to describe its evolution as glacial as the ripe but exuberantly fresh nose is even spicier than that of the '05 Chambertin (see herein) with kaleidoscopic breadth and depth. Like its stablemate this is a big and imposingly-scaled effort that possesses outstanding mid-palate concentration as the tannin-buffering sap completely coats the mouth on the explosively long, muscular and powerful finale. Despite the strikingly good size, weight and punch this remains a beautifully well-balanced effort that will need at least another 10 years of cellar time because even though it's not quite as structured and backward as the Cham, it is nowhere close to being ready for prime time. That said, it should be genuinely breathtaking when it finally arrives at its apogee. Tasted twice in the last year with consistent results.

James Suckling (96)

Shows beautiful, ripe cabernet aromas with currants, plums, meat and smoke. Flowers, too. Full body, deep and ripe fruit and exquisite, ripe tannins. Flavorful finish. Tight right now, but shows excellent potential. Best ever. Try after 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)

I was blown away by the quality of the 2021 Château Lynch-Bages Blanc, which ranks with the top whites in the vintage. Offering awesome white grapefruit, floral, mint, and chalky notes, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a vivid, pure, chiseled mouthfeel, and a great finish. I'd be a buyer.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

The wine that launched the modern Syrah revolution in South Africa, even if it's sourced from two sites in the Swartland these days, rather than Somerset West. Almost indecently perfumed and alluring, this is a very immediate wine that will also reward cellaring. Sweet spices, red berry fruit, fine, savoury tannins and just a hint of oak with energetic acidity. 2023-31

The Real Review (98)

Light-mid yellow, bright, with complex aromas of bread crust, buttery croissant, oat biscuit and creamy lees nuances, the palate fresh and bright, intense and alive with lemon juice, lemon zest flavours—quite tight and reserved with a dry finish and tension that suggests it will build more complexity and richness with time. It's already an outstanding chardonnay of great flavour and refinement.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)

Aromatic white pepper, dried roses, sage and bay leaf spices, you are taken right into the heart of Tuscany. Elegant, structured, raspberry, pomegranate and redcurrant fruits, savoury and mouthwateringly dry, rippled with savoury aromatics of black tea, tobacco and underbrush. Alessandro Cellai winemaker, 66% new oak, 10 months in bottle after barrel ageing. Such a fan of this wine, just built to be shared.

Vinous (98)

The 2016 Sammarco is a dense, flamboyant wine. Inky red fruit, spice, cedar, tobacco, menthol and licorice are some of the notes that build in a statuesque Sammarco that dazzles from start to finish. A wine of stunning textural richness and intensity, Sammarco is translucent, sculpted and full of character. All the elements are so well balanced. Rose petal, cedar, tobacco and mint linger on the eternal finish. The 2016 is a magical wine that can be, surprisingly, enjoyed now or cellared for a number of years. Time in the glass just brings out its energy and vertical drive. Sammarco is quite possibly the single greatest value in high-end Italian wine. Don't miss it.

Decanter (97)

The 2016 vintage is a classic example, a superb blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 31% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc that’s still in its infancy. Subdued aromas of cassis, black cherries and nuanced herbaceous and tobacco notes. A lovely fluid entrance builds on concentration and complexity. Malbec’s seductive juiciness joins a vertical Cabernet structure, tannins and integrated oak, with a long, lingering finish. A wine to wait for.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

Aromas of underbrush, camphor, new leather and woodland berries mingle with a whiff of pressed rose petal on this compelling red. Still youthfully austere but already incredibly delicious, it delivers raspberry compote, truffle, tobacco and licorice framed in tightly knit, noble tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Another fantastic showing from this wonderful estate.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Aromas of leather, scorched earth, grilled herb and camphor come to the forefront along with a whiff of hazelnut. Savory and full-bodied, the compelling palate delivers dried cherry, orange zest, black licorice and baking spice set against youthfully firm but refined tannins.

Experience the delicacy of the Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires La Collection Crayeres 1996, a truly exceptional wine representing the epitome of sophistication and refinement. This vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne, produced by the revered Champagne house Charles Heidsieck, is exclusively crafted from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the grand crisp climats of Côte des Blancs. The masterful touch of winemakers integrate time-honoured traditional methods with state-of-the-art techniques to amplify the character of each grape, resulting in an enchanting medley of flavour.

This captivating wine boasts an exquisite interplay of ripe fruits, brioche and honeysuckle notes, and the ageing process in chalk cellars lends depth, complexity, and a remarkably long finish. The Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires La Collection Crayeres 1996 not only encapsulates the quintessence of its terroir, but also represents the unwavering dedication of the Heidsieck house to elevate champagne to exemplary heights.

Wine Advocate (93)

Opening in the glass with notes of cassis, plums, blackberries and smoke, the 2019 Morgon Côte du Py is medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with fine, powdery tannins and lively acids. An elegant rendition of this sometimes overtly muscular cuvée, much of the fruit derives from Javernières.

Wine Advocate (93)

Opening in the glass with notes of cassis, plums, blackberries and smoke, the 2019 Morgon Côte du Py is medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with fine, powdery tannins and lively acids. An elegant rendition of this sometimes overtly muscular cuvée, much of the fruit derives from Javernières.

James Suckling (98)

The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release.

Vinous (92)

The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is very pretty, showing musky, bright cherry, dried roses and savory spice. There’s remarkable purity here, with soft textures giving way to tart wild berry fruit complemented by zesty acids. It’s dry and lightly structured throughout the finale with lasting inner florals and a twang of sour citrus. This is far from your typical Rosso. The Costanti Rosso is a barrel selection that matures for one year in a combination of 60% tonneaux and 40% new 35-40 hectoliter barrels.

James Suckling (99)

The purity of fruit to this is fascinating with plums, currants and other dark fruits. Then there is another layer of spices and chocolate. So much cassis. Full and very layered with chewy polished tannins and a long, long finish. Just starting to open. Changes all the time. Still needs a year or two but gorgeous to drink already.

James Suckling (98)

Super aromas of nutmeg, cloves and dried flowers with plums and blackberries. Subtle yet so complex. Full-bodied, tight and integrated with ultra-fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Lasts for minutes. Very, very Cos. Harmony. Texturally marvellous. Drink in 2024.

The Wine Independent (100)

Deep garnet in color, the 2016 Cos d'Estournel is quite closed to start, requiring a lot of coaxing to bring out profound notions of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, black cherry compote, and rose oil, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, crushed rocks, and dried lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is both opulent and energetic, revealing loads of perfumed black fruit layers and a plush, polished texture, finishing with epic length and depth.

The Wine Independent (100)

Deep garnet in color, the 2016 Cos d'Estournel is quite closed to start, requiring a lot of coaxing to bring out profound notions of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, black cherry compote, and rose oil, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, crushed rocks, and dried lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is both opulent and energetic, revealing loads of perfumed black fruit layers and a plush, polished texture, finishing with epic length and depth.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94)

The 2019 Côte de Baleau takes quite a few minutes to settle in the glass. It has a very concentrated bouquet of black cherries, mulberry, touches of licorice and hints of graphite. The medium-bodied palate offers sappy black fruit and fine definition. Very focused, with a sensual and substantial finish. Superb.

Wine Spectator (96)

This leans toward the tropical side, with mango and guava notes out front, while maple, date, blood orange and citrus oil flavors fill in behind. The finish kicks into another gear, taking off with honeysuckle, orange blossom and frangipane accents. Has almost unbridled power today, while maintaining serious cut. A very impressive showing in a rather overlooked vintage.

Vinous - Neal Martin (98)

Owners LVMH took the decision to delay the release of the 2019 Yquem until spring 2022. It was tasted with winemaker Sandrine Garbay in London. After the summer drought when Sauternes received just 2.5mm of rain until 26 July, that day saw a 112mm deluge that replenished underground reserves and gave ripening the push it needed. Dry and warm conditions prevailed throughout September when there was no sign of botrytis infection. That was finally provoked by 38mm of rain between 21 and 25 of September, followed by warm clement weather. After minor picking of Sauvignon Blanc on 7 of October, the main harvest began in earnest on 10 October. Pickers worked over the following five days, including Sunday. Time was of the essence because, as forecasts predicted, the weather suddenly changed on 14 of October with 40mm or rain. After that, the picking teams skirted between showers between 17 and 22 of October, though by now the fruit had begun to deteriorate. Therefore, the key aspect of this Yquem is the extremely tight picking window. The final blend contains 138g/L residual sugar, which is slightly less than the previous vintage, with 5.5g/L total acidity and 14.4% alcohol. Tasting the 2019, I noticed that it has a slightly paler hue compared to recent vintages (though I never read too much into the colour of young Sauternes.) For certain, it has a highly-aromatic bouquet that is beguiling in purity, enticing aromas of honeysuckle and saffron, soon joined by camomile, white flowers and orange blossom. It has wonderful delineation and gains intensity with aeration. The palate is supremely well-balanced with fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious and armed with just the right amount of viscosity, this Yquem is surprisingly understated at first but gains presence, offering irresistible flavours of layers of honey, lemongrass, lemon thyme and orange pith. Yquem is so tempting in its youth, but I feel that this vintage will repay those with the nous to cellar for at least a decade.

Halliday Wine Companion (97)

The bouquet surges from the glass, pink and yellow grapefruit to the fore, plus a desirable flick of funky complexity on the way through. It's entering its second life with the finale years away. It barely needs saying, but the savoury acidity is its staff of life. With deluxe chardonnays at $140-plus, this is positively cheap.

Jeb Dunnuck (97+)

The 2004 Champagne Plentitudes 2 is a stark contrast to the 2003 vintage and offers a more compact and linear expression, with energetic tension and persistence. Composed of 38% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir, the nose is flush with wet stone reminiscent of great Chablis, along with white nectarine and white flowers. The palate runs seamless with a super-fine mousse, vibrant peach orchard fruit, and a silky mineral texture. This may well prove to be the longer-lived of the two wines. Drink 2024-2044.

James Suckling (96-97)

Great texture to this wine with creamy, firm tannins that are so polished. Full and gorgeous. Very enticing. 96% merlot and 4% merlot.

Decanter (91)

Only just ripe on the nose, which is surprising for a hot year. Medium-bodied, really quite a fresh feel on the palate, and good energy. Tannins just a touch on the grainy side, but does have focus and intensity.

Wine Advocate (94+)

Dujac's 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is more reserved that the Clos Saint-Denis, unwinding in the glass with scents of red berries, plums, orange rind, cinnamon, peonies and sweet soil tones. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, serious and layered, with muscular structure, lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. While this remains a comparatively accessible, finesse-driven Clos de la Roche, at least a decade's patience will be required to see this begin to realize its potential.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2021 Pinot Noir MacIntyre Estate Vineyard is magnificent. Dark, plush and exceptionally vivid, the 2021 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. The mix of Calera and Swan clones yields an unctuous, rich Pinot that does not taste like a wine from sandy soils. The 2021 is sensational. I don't think I have ever tasted a wine like this before here. A rush of dark blue/purplish fruit, gravel, spice and menthol builds into the huge, structured finish. Unforgettable.