Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

Sweet ripe berry fruits on the nose, depth of flavour, precision and clarity that last from the first to the last moment of this wine. Clear cocoa bean, espresso, chocolate, but also concentrated bilberry, blackberry and raspberry. The tannins are slate-strewn, textured, adding persistency and mouthwatering salinity to the palate. This is a brilliant Figeac, and ones that lovers of this wine should absolutely not miss. Harvest September 21 to October 15, 100% new oak for ageing.

Vinous (99)

The 2015 Flaccianello della Pieve is even more stratospheric than it was last year. Rich and ample on the palate, Flaccianello captures all of the best qualities of this radiant vintage. The blend of sites, all in higher altitude spots near the center of town, yields a gorgeous, riveting wine of the very highest level. Dense and brooding, with magnificent energy as well as nuance, the 2015 Flaccianello is positively stunning.

Vinous (92+)

Healthy medium red. Slightly stunted but pure aromas of red berries and black cherry are less exuberant than those of the Champeaux. Also more restrained and tightly wound in the mouth, but with vibrant acidity and a sensation of peppery grip giving the wine terrific inner-mouth energy. Classic 2013 in its tautness and cut. Finishes ripely tannic and long; this should be a beauty with mid-term cellaring.

Showcasing the reputable cru classé vineyards of Mosel, Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling GG Trocken 2020 is a harmonious symphony of quality and refinement. This splendid Riesling is produced by the illustrious Fritz Haag, a wine estate synonymous with premium consistency since 1605.

A true testament to the winemaker, this 2020 dry trocken exemplifies the virtues of German Riesling, delineating fruit intensity with remarkable finesse and clarity. With a disciplined yield restraint policy, every drop illustrates meticulous vinification and purposeful precision.

The Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling GG Trocken 2020 adroitly matures on its lees in traditional 1000-litre Mosel Fuder barrels. Marked by crystalline minerality and vibrant acidity, it whispers eloquent notes of green apple, peach, and exotic spices, delicately balanced by a captivating finish. Perfectly reflected through the prism of the Brauneberger Juffer terroir, it truly is the embodiment of germanic viticulture.

Wine Advocate (91)

A tribute to local tradition, the 2014 Barolo Albe represents an assembly of fruit from various vineyard plots throughout the area. Winemaking is classic in approach with a 25-day maceration period and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. This vintage shows silky, fine lines and a more accessible approach for near and medium-term drinking. I would recommend a few more years of bottle aging, however, to allow the wine the time to grow in texture and mouthfeel.

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.

Wine Enthusiast (93)

Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It's already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.

Wine Advocate (94+)

The 2015 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is a delicate and pure expression of Nebbiolo. The wine shows its naked beauty with pride, provocatively semi-dressed in lacy, floral aromas of wild rose and pressed violets. At this young age, the wine exhibits a gentle mix of fruity and floral characteristics that merge into the bouquet with intrepidness. The fruit from this vineyard within the Barolo township has maintained its freshness and crispness despite the heat of the 2015 growing season. I think it would be a lovely match for a veal piccata and cream sauce, with parsley and capers.

Wine Advocate (98)

From the Bricco delle Viole cru, or the vineyard most strongly associated with this historic estate, this is a versatile or "evergreen" wine that always delivers consistent results. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Bricco delle Viole sees fruit from a seven-hectare vineyard with high exposures positioned at 400 to 480 meters above sea level. This site shows characteristic Tortonian-era soils classified as Sant'Agata marl with fossils. These soils have an enormous capacity to regulate the ripening process, resulting in the longer growing seasons relished by the Nebbiolo grape. In a word, the profile here is classic. You get delicate fruit tones and wild rose with camphor ash, licorice and tar. The wine is beautifully harmonious and ethereal. Some 15,000 bottles are hitting the market now.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced.

Marvel at the magic of Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017. A rarity from the renowned Loire Valley region, this gem is the fruit of organic vineyards nurtured by Romain Guiberteau. Employing a minimalist approach, the grapes are hand-harvested, after which they undergo a gentle pressing, followed by natural fermentation in neutral oak barrels. The result? A wine that shines in its complexity and balance.

Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017 features a vibrant hue and distinctive mineral-rich aroma, a nod to the limestone-rich, south-facing vineyards of Les Arboises. On the palate unfolds a fine play of ripe cherries, dark berries, and earthy undertones — an encapsulation of the vineyard's terroir. Endowed with refined tannins and a prolonged aftertaste, it's a wine that expresses its character with grace and quiet confidence.

An unfiltered and unfined marvel, Guiberteau's star is justly rising in the global wine world. Experience the illustrious Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017 — a symphony of quality craftsmanship and authentic Loire Valley imprint.

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.

Crafted by master vigneron Henri Bonneau, the revered Henri Bonneau Les Rouliers Vin de France NV is an exuberant symphony of complex flavour and bouquet. Originating from the wondrous terroir of Southern Rhône, this natural vin de table displays Richard-like dedication to the art of winemaking. Drawing from old-vine Grenache, this ruby liquid showcases rich, profound notes of black fruit, exotic spices, and hauntingly elegant earthiness, sure to enrapture the senses.

Intensive manual labour ensures careful selection, producing grapes expressive of time and place. Aging takes place in a labyrinth of ancient barrels, adding to the mystique and unique character of each bottle. The result is an ethereal wine, exhibiting luscious complexity and longevity making the Henri Bonneau Les Rouliers Vin de France NV a coveted addition to any collection.

Ignore trends and taste the Rhone Valley's timeless tradition personified in this most enchanting bottling by Henri Bonneau.

James Suckling (97)

An edgy, lively Champagne with bread dough, dried apples and apricots. Toffee with caramel with a lifted sense. Light oxidation with some nuts and saltiness. Full-bodied and very layered with so much going on. Creme brulee, pie crust and zingy acidity. Minty and lively. Strawberries and oranges coming through. This is 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay, all fermented in wood, 60% new. Drink now.

Vinous (96)

The 2009 Il Caberlot has developed beautifully since I last tasted it. Dark red cherries, dark raspberries, rose petals, mint and licorice all explode from the glass. Rich, vibrant and beautifully alive, the 2009 impresses for its superb balance and class. This is a stunning wine that brings together the intensely savory personality of the Cabernet Franc/Merlot hybrid allied to the voluptuousness of the warm vintage. Today, the 2009 comes across as fresher and more vibrant than the 2011s. Any way you look at it, the 2009 is a stunning Caberlot.

Vinous (97)

Opaque ruby. Vibrant blackberry, cherry, incense, Moroccan spice, potpourri and smoky mineral qualities on the expansive, seductively perfumed nose. Offers vibrant black and blue fruit, spicecake, olive and floral pastille flavors that show bright detail and energetic mineral lift. The floral and spice notes recur strongly on the youthfully gripping finish, which features mounting tannins and lingering smokiness.

Wine Advocate (90-92)

The 2015 Bourgogne Chapitre Vieilles Vignes, which now includes a small parcel of younger vines, is one of the best generic red Burgundy wines that you can find. This does not disappoint. It has a beautifully defined bouquet with blackberry and raspberry aromas, real intensity, almost brooding in quality. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, quite rounded redcurrant and cranberry notes on the entry, wonderful acidity and genuine weight and presence on the finish. Never underestimate the quality of this wine.

Vinous (94)

The 2020 Beaune Clos des Mouches 1er Cru, which comes from deeper soils than the Beaune Grèves, has a mixture of red and black fruit and is a touch more expressive with a discrete marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, very layered with a gentle but insistent grip on the finish. This is one of the finest Clos des Mouches that I have tasted.

Greg Sherwood MW (96)

This certainly is a deep, broody exotic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that is more reminiscent of a cool vintage Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon than anything from Bordeaux or the Cape. Opened and tasted over 4 to 5 hours, the wine hits its stride surprisingly quickly with plenty of perfumed purple flowers, violets, bruleed black berries, baked blueberry crumble, crème de cassis and a pleasing note of mocha and vanilla pod spice. Initial notes of kelp and maritime seashore salinity quickly give way to a more weighty, sensual melange of black berry compote nuances and hints of cherry kirsch liquor. While this wine certainly shows all the deft elegance and finesse we associate with the 2017 vintage, it also displays a certain extra gravitas, power and weight of fruit concentration combined with great poise, density and a seamlessly textured mineral graphite finish. This is a dark horse that will drink well on release and age deceptively well for 20+ years.

Immerse yourself in the world-class offering from a cherished German wine-making tradition with Knewitz Hundertgulden Riesling 2017. The vineyard, situated in Appenheim, has been nurtured by the Knewitz family for generations. The Hundertgulden vineyard, revered for its top-quality soil, provides the ultimate condition for the cultivation of Riesling grapes. In the accurate hands of Tobias Knewitz, these hand-picked grapes are crafted into a magical experience.

The Knewitz Hundertgulden Riesling 2017 is a testament to this meticulous craftsmanship. This dry Riesling is invitingly fragrant, bursting with zesty lime and minerality. Its lasting finish, echoing notes of white peach, mirrors the elegant complexity common in wines of the Rheinhessen region. Aged meticulously in stainless steel tanks, its purity and high minerality, unspoiled by wood, rise to the fore.

This fine wine is a gem for Riesling enthusiasts, displaying exemplary tradition and innovation in each bottle. Experience the Knewitz Hundertgulden Riesling 2017 and savour the essence of Rheinhessen winemaking.

Wine Spectator (98)

A very youthful '95. Delicate. Intense aromas of ginger, citrus, candied berry and multigrain bread turn to honey, roasted almonds and graphite on the palate. It's all underscored by a precise structure and creamy texture. Its structure keeps it persistent through the long finish. A picture of precision and intensity. Drink now through 2025. 1,700 cases imported. -BS

Jancis Robinson (19)

ID 113015. Disgorged winter 2012-13. 46% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier. Named ‘Vivacious Radiance’ at Krug. A truly unique year with particularly challenging circumstances. The first harvest was on 23 August, the earliest since 1822. Pale gold. Pungent nose. Very tight. Hint of putty on the nose. Opens out on the palate. Masses to chew on. Real concentration. Perfect for drinking now. Dry but complete. Intellectual and great balance. Very impressive.

Wine Advocate (96+)

Compared to Krug's 160th edition, the bright golden-yellow colored NV Grande Cuvée 166ème Édition (ID117010) is still a baby that shows the chalky and fruity features of a young white Burgundy intermixed with notes of Schwarzwälder Kirsch (dark cherries with black chocolate) and floral (ammonia) flavors on the pure, fresh and elegant yet intense and still yeasty brioche nose with its ripe apple aromas and refreshingly bright (lemon juice) overtones. Round, wide and very elegant yet also straight and tense on the palate, this 2010-dominated cuvée is very delicate, fresh and chalky but also dense and lush in its vinous texture. The finish is well-structured, fresh and persistent, indicating great complexity and vibrancy. However, I would wait at least another three years, during which time the 166th edition will gain even more finesse and quiet. The 166ème Édition is composed of 140 wines from 13 different harvests between 1998 and 2010, and it's a blend of 45% Pinot Noir with 39% Chardonnay and 16% Pinot Meunier, the latter of which provides the vivacity that the Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs surprisingly didn't have in 2010, a vintage that was marked by its "tumultuous climate," as Eric Lebel writes.

Jancis Robinson (19)

A blend of 198 wines from 11 different years, with the youngest the acclaimed 2012, back to a precious, powerfully aromatic lot of Verzenay Pinot Noir 1996. The final blend – 52% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 13% Meunier – was bottled in 2013 and aged for seven years in Krug’s cellars in Reims. Yields in 2012 were 20% lower than usual because of a succession of meteorological events including frost, rain, storms and hail in winter and spring 2012, followed by the driest ripening season since 1974. Notably intense aroma with crème pâtissière dominant. Masses of extract and remarkable acidity underpinned by great depth of flavour and beautiful balance on the finish. I think this is going to be a really great, glamorous Krug Grande Cuvée that will continue to develop in bottle for many years to come. I suspect it will be even more enjoyable from the end of 2020. The length on the palate is remarkable. This is magnificently precise, a great tribute to the work of the old cellarmaster Eric Lebel, who is still in the background, and a wonderful welcome to his successor Julie Cavil, who has been learning from him since 2006.

Decanter (97)

With cinnamon, orange, nutmeg characters, this is full-bodied but still fresh, with a real depth on the palate. It finishes dry and savoury, with dry spices, rose and a touch of meatiness. There’s some tannin on the tongue on the finish, too. A deeply complex rosé that could only be from Tavel. 24 months in foudres, then 24 months in bottle before release. Gently cloudy, and taking on a slightly orange note to the colour - showing some age.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pure is the standard 100% Grenache, from a single parcel of old vines located at the intersection of the Grand Pierre, Rayas, and Pointu lieux-dits, that was brought up all in a single foudre. Coming from sandy, cooler soils, it offers a surprisingly dark purple hue to go with a stunning nose of black cherry liqueur, wild strawberries, roasted herbs, licorice, graphite, and chalky minerality. Straight-up stunning, with full-bodied richness and a voluptuous, seamless texture carrying awesome tannins and a monster of a finish, this stunning Grenache brings classic power and richness with no sensation of weight or heaviness. It reminds me of the 2005 and is a sensational Châteauneuf du Pape that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. Hats off (again) to the genius of the young Julien Barrot!

Wine Spectator (97)

Not shy, this pumps lush, dark plum, cassis and fig fruit forward, backed by contrasting waves of grippy tobacco and licorice snap. Dense and muscular until the finish, when a well-buried chalky minerality begins to emerge, adding refinement and cut. A big style, built for the cellar. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2042. — JM

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, plum, mushroom and wood undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Savory and fleshy texture on the palate. Well balanced. Flavorful finish with length. Such polish and composure for a young wine. So classy! Try after 2026.