Wine Advocate (97)

The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the Cabernet Sauvignon logically feels and tastes most prominent. This is a dark and penetrating Tuscan red that is beautifully elevated, thanks to the extremely elegant and buoyant quality of the aromas. They lift gracefully from the glass with light-footed, almost fleeting character. However, don't underestimate the power and the concentration of the wine, because this vintage delivers both with abundance. I've had my eye on this estate since the vineyards were first planted some 20 years ago, and there is no doubt that this vintage brings Tenuta Argentiera into a new era as a Bolgheri protagonist. Some 80,000 bottles were made.

Decanter (96)

Despite its position at the southern end of the appellation Tenuta Argentiera is one of the highest estates in Bolgheri, with vineyards between 120 and 240 metres above sea level providing the grapes for this wine. The altitude increases the night and day average temperature differences, improving phenolic ripeness. The conversion from cordon to guyot training is increasing the freshness of the grapes. The blend doesn’t change, remaining 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. In 2017 the winery decided to avoid the production of Ventaglio, the 100% Cabernet Franc cru. Argentiera, however, is really good, confirming the usual grace of the wine with more density and power. On the nose a funky note of merde de poule follows clean, dark fruits with buttery and slightly leafy aromas, while the firm yet ripe palate ends with a dark chocolate character.

James Suckling (96)

Aromas of plums and berries with some chocolate and vanilla undertones. Full-bodied and layered with soft tannins that are bright at the end. Currants and blackberries. Currant bush, too. Love the tannin texture to this. Drink in 2025.

Decanter (100)

To attempt to describe the aroma, star anise and sandalwood would be suitable descriptors - but this is so pure and harmonious that this really smells of nothing other than itself. Perfectly weighted, perfectly balanced, with the most incredibly elegant tannins. This wine gave me goosebumps to taste, it’s hauntingly beautiful, the soul of Côte-Rôtie in a glass. It has everything you could hope for in a Côte-Rôtie, it’s pure perfection. It's rare for young wines to deliver such emotion.

Vinous (90-92)

The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet La Grande Montagne 1er Cru has a fresh and vibrant nose, clearly a level up from the Village Cru this year with more mineralité and tension. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, taut and fresh with a vibrant and poised, apricot and nectarine tinged finish. This will be delicious. Closure: Diam

Wine Advocate (94-96)

The 2013 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has an inviting, warm and enveloping bouquet that seems to surround the senses and give them a big hug. The palate is well balanced with fine tannins, animated citrus fruit underlying the black cherries and wild strawberry notes. There is really quite wonderful precision and focus on the finish. This is one of Jadot's best 2013s.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

The 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru was showing a little more reduction on the nose compared to the Clos Saint-Denis, although I felt that there is more detail and complexity in situ. The palate is very refined with filigree tannin, great tension and focus, a gentle grip in the mouth with an almost tart, tensile finish that lingers in the mouth. I also appreciate the spiciness on the aftertaste. Superb.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

Often one of the better bottlings from the Maison portfolio, this year's 2018 Corton-Clos du Roi Grand Cru (Maison Louis Jadot) is showing very well, revealing aromas of red berries, licorice, sweet soil tones and exotic spices. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a rounder, more enveloping profile than the Corton-Grèves, concluding with a nicely defined, mineral finish.

Tim Atkin MW (94)

A regal Puligny with high-toned aromatics, sweet spice undercurrents and dignified concentration, these 85-year-old vines always make a distinguished, concentrated Puligny. This is beautifully textured with a light waxiness that is wiped from the palate by exuberant acidity on the lingering finish. 2022-30

Decanter (92)

The Clos de la Barre is one of the highlights of the Jadot portfolio this year, wafting from the glass with a bouquet of raspberry, red cherry, candied peel and raw cocoa, elegantly framed by new oak. On the palate the wine is medium-full and supple, cool but open-knit. It's a giving and texturally refined Volnay.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)

Medium to deep purple, beautifully ripe, so much going on, plump lush raspberry but never losing its thread, more character in this warmer vintage rather than drying it. This is a very good Clos de la Barre, as good as I can remember. Tasted: November 2021

Decanter (95)

An utterly delicious Cinsault from Swartland pioneer and champion of the Cinsault revival in South Africa, Andre Adrian (Adi) Badenhorst. The Ramnasgras comes from a small vineyard on the estate, planted in the mid 50’s, and is the product of meticulous hand selection, fermentation in ‘dodgy old wooden vats’ and maturation in ‘less dodgy foudre for 12 months’. Such is Adi’s way, the wine is made with minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery and is a true reflection of the vintage conditions and Swartland terroir. This is full of red berries and perfumed floral notes with a mineral edge. A small production of 3,500 bottles, so worth seeking out and stocking-up if you can.

Wine Advocate (94)

The 2018 Aalto reflects the cooler conditions of the year, with a more austere profile, subtle aromas and a harmonious palate. This is a classic example of modern, ripe and well-oaked Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, which this year feels creamy, juicy and balanced. This follows the path of 2017 with integrated oak (they used only around 20% new oak) and a lively palate in a more drinkable and approachable style. They added some new vineyards from the zone of Boada where the soils are red and the wines bring freshness and lots of fruit. The wine had a shorter maceration with the skins and a softer vinification. This is finer and more balanced, with finesse but still very much recognizable as Aalto. 300,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2020. They have a new white first produced in 2019 and a non-vintage red blend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the winery. They are also going to release small lots of library releases. The 2018s reflect the cooler year and show more integrated oak, following the path of the 2017.

Vinous (94)

The NV Extra Brut Grand Cru Complantée emerges from a parcel in Avize interplanted with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, Petit Meslier and Chardonnay. Exotic and beguiling in the glass, the Complantée is absolutely gorgeous. Kirsch, red plum, rose petal and spice give the wine striking aromatic intensity and lovely inner perfume. The red grapes seem especially expressive in this release. The Complantée is not an obvious wine, rather it is a Champagne of translucent finesse. This release is a blend of equal parts 2017 and 2016, vinified in neutral oak. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: April, 2020.

Wine Advocate (94)

Agraparts’ NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Terroirs F13 is – as usual for this cuvee – sourced roughly half-each from two vintages (here, complementary 2009 and 2008); grown entirely in Avize, Cramant, Oger and Oiry; vinified roughly one-quarter in demi-muid; and aged one year longer sur latte than their “7 Crus.” Effusively sweet and musky floral perfume suggesting heliotrope, narcissus, and lily-of-the-valley along with sourdough-like, pungent yeastiness and malted grain are allied in the nose to intimations of chalk dust, sea breeze and white peach. Lusciously juicy, fresh white peach and grapefruit are threaded on the polished palate with piquant peach kernel, pungent suggestions of sprouting grains, chalk, and salt. The sense of tension and vivacity here managing to harmonize with textural richness and caress is quite remarkable, especially considering that we’re only on the second rung of Agrapart’s portfolio. The finish engages imagination, salivary glands, and olfactors in equally strong measure, a suggestion of chewing peach fuzz and germinating sprouts compounding the sheer invigoration conveyed by this sensational value. (And bear in mind that this tasting note was made from a bottle that had only been disgorged a week before!) Plan to follow it for at least 4-5 years. Pascal and Fabrice Agrapart farm 24 acres morsellated into more than 60 parcels the length of the Cote des Blancs, overwhelmingly planted with selections massales (principally of the family’s own, generations-long devising) rather than clones. Viticulture is clearly a meticulous concern, and while this estate doesn’t subscribe to any labels, it has a lot in common – including absence of herbicides or pesticides; generally minimalist cellar protocol; manual- and in some instances horse-plowing – with soil-conscious growers of officially organic or biodynamic persuasion. “It’s in warm, dry vintages with low acidity that you most see the effect of working the soil and making the roots go deep,” opines Pascal Agrapart, adding “I recently had a wonderful experience with a 1976 that was still full of vivacity.” Vinification is majority in tank for the two least expensive bottlings, but otherwise in old demi-muids in which primary fermentation is spontaneous and generally leisurely, with malo-lactic conversion initiated via a vinous starter to insure steady completion. Agrapart’s 2012 vins clairs and 2011 reserves, incidentally – wine isn’t assembled and bottled here until the end of the summer – were delightful and fascinating when tasted from barrel this June. There was noteworthy clarity, vibrancy and complexity to every wine I tasted here in June and thereafter, so it would have broken my heart not to be able to report on the non-vintage wines, but to do so, I must confess I’m walking close to the line of the conventions I established for my reports, because neither disgorgement dates nor lots are actually indicated on the label or bottle here, but rather on the top of the cork, with the months assigned consecutive capital letters, followed by the last two digits of the year in which the wine was disgorged. This means you’ll either need to buy and remove the cage from the first bottle or get some cooperation from your merchant if you want to know when the wine was disgorged (and as at other addresses, this won’t always be a reliable indicator as to the base wines in question, because Agraparts disgorge their “7 Crus” and “Terroirs” bottlings monthly).

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2016 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Avizoise derives from lieux-dits Les Robarts and Les Gros Yeux in Avize, two sites that are characterized by deeper clays than those in the parcels that inform Minéral. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of apple blossom, citrus zest, confit orange, freshly baked bread and warm biscuits, it's full-bodied, satiny and layered, with terrific concentration, racy acids and a long, penetrating finish. This concentrated, vinous, chiseled Champagne is a remarkable wine!

Wine Advocate (93)

Based on the 2019 vintage and disgorged in April 2022, Agrapart's NV Brut 7 Crus wafts from the glass with scents of crisp green apple, freshly baked bread, white flowers and buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's an ample, incisive wine, with racy acids and a saline finish. When the range begins like this, you know you're in the presence of one of Champagne's greatest producers.

Wine Advocate (95)

Disgorged in April 2019 with three grams per liter dosage, the 2012 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Minéral is showing brilliantly, bursting from the glass with aromas of ripe citrus fruit, warm bread, green apples and crushed chalk. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with a tensile, chalky core that displays considerable concentration and structuring dry extract, as well as a racy spine of acidity. This comes warmly recommended.

Vinous (94)

The 2013 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral is powerful, ample and generous. All of the natural richness of 2013 comes through in this striking, layered exquisitely beautiful Champagne that melds together the essence of top sites in Avize (Les Champboutons) and Cramant (Les Bionnes). Dried citrus, lemon oil, almond and savory herbs add striking shades of nuance throughout, but what is most remarkable about the Minéral is the interplay of textural richness and energy. A Champagne of total seduction, the 2013 simply has it all. Dosage: 5 gr/L. Disgorged: May, 2019.

Vinous (94)

The 2014 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral is a powerful, intense Champagne that captures all of the natural power of these old vines in Avize and Cramant. Aptly named, the Minéral is infused with tremendous mineral and soil inflections that give a real feeling of gravitas. Crushed rocks, slate, chalk and citrus accents are some of the many nuances that emerge with a bit of time in the glass. This release is fabulous. It is also a reticent wine, though, so at least a year or two in bottle will help soften. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: April, 2020.

Vinous (96)

The 2013 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vénus is a gorgeous and eccentric wine. Sweet floral and minty overtones give the Vénus its distinctive high-toned profile. The richness and depth of this Chardonnay from a parcel planted in 1959 that has always been manually farmed, comes alive with a bit of time in the glass. The Vénus is such a special Champagne, as it is elusive and constantly changing in the glass as it shows a different side of its personality with each taste. I very much admire the sense of precision here. Vénus remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Champagne. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2019.

Vinous (95)

The 2015 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Vénus Grand Cru is sublime. Lemon confit, menthol, dried herbs and white pepper all meld together in the glass. More of a wine than Champagne, the Vénus is creamy and open-knit, with lovely freshness and plenty of character. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2021.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru has a cool as a cucumber nose, Zen-like, opening reluctantly to reveal scents of wet limestone, flint and a touch of chalk. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, harmonious and focused with orange zest towards the effervescent finish that lingers in the mouth. One of Chavy’s best offerings this year - excellent.

Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)

Voge's old vine cuvée, the 2016 Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes is a head turner that balances loads of clean, classic Syrah fruit with the textbook pepper, mineral and garrigue character that's the hallmark of the appellation. Full-bodied, elegant and balanced, with present yet fine tannin, it's going to be accessible in its youth, yet cruise for 10-15 years given its balance.

Decanter (96)

Vines with an average age of 60 years from lieux-dits Combe, Patou, La Côte, Les Mazards and Chaillot provide the fruit for this Cornas. It spends 20 months in barriques, around 20% new. There are multiple layers to the aromatic palate: rosemary, thyme, herbal bitters, blackberry, blackcurrant and loganberry. A medium-bodied, concentrated but unforced wine with no excessive extraction, a subtly spiced finish and sinewy, brushed tannins. Detailed, focussed, structured and textural, this is captivating and true to its terroir.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2017 Cairanne L'Estevenas has indeed turned out to be super. A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, it shows more of the Syrah side at the moment, with floral notes, peppery spice, black olives and licorice all making appearances on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, with a supple, creamy feel and a rich, chewy finish. Impressive! Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Wine Advocate (95)

Carlo Ferrini's Alberelli di Giodo is a newish reality on Etna that presented its first vintage in 2016, following years of Etna winemaking experience by this celebrated Tuscan consultant. He now has the 2017 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese on the market. This is an extremely elegant and expressive interpretation of Nerello Mascalese with lots of crisp energy and lively freshness. Obtaining this level of vigor is not always easy with this finicky grape, but Carlo nails it. His wine is supported by an extremely fine and silky texture, and the bouquet is impeccably clean and pure. There is a drying mineral note that reminds you of its volcanic roots and recalls the 2017 vintage heat. The vines are 80 years old and planted at 950 meters in elevation. This is Carlo's only Etna wine (for now) and he makes 7,200 bottles.