Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Only the second release of this cuvée (it was first produced in 2016 and will be produced in 2019 as well), the 2018 Château Angelus Hommage A Elisabeth Bouchet is 100% Cabernet Franc coming from a single parcel of vines averaging between 60-80 years in age. It was vinified in stainless steel and the aging spanned 18 months in new French oak. It's another magical wine from this château that somehow manages to marry serious power and richness with a sense of purity and elegance, as well as complexity, that's something to behold. Deep purple-hued, it offers a sensational array of blackcurrant and cassis fruits intermixed with truffle, spring flowers, and a subtle meaty, baking spice character that develops with time in the glass. Full-bodied on the palate, it's flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and an expansive, seamless, heavenly mouthfeel. Everything is in the right place, and it has perfectly integrated oak along with a gorgeous finish. There are just 849 bottles produced, with a few larger formats, so I expect this to be just about impossible to find in the marketplace (nor will it be cheap), but it's as fine a Saint-Emilion as has ever been made. It needs a decade of cellaring, and I suspect it will have 40-50 years of overall longevity.

Vinous (98)

The 2018 Chambertin Grand Cru has a very intense, brilliantly-defined bouquet with laser-like precision, incredibly focused and perfectly integrated oak. Less generous than Bichot's Chambertin at the moment though - this is biding its time. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, insistent grip and plenty of freshness. Maybe just a little more confit in style than others. Still, a fabulous Chambertin that gains clarity and precision in the glass. Effortless. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.

Burghound (98)

Here too there is just enough wood in evidence to mention on the gorgeously spiced and intricately layered aromas of essence of red currant, floral, plum, earth and a whisper of the sauvage. Once again the mouthfeel of the notably more imposingly-scaled flavors is sleek with excellent minerality that really comes up on the super-saline finish that goes on and on. But what I really admire about the '16 Bèze is the texture because it's at once muscular yet highly seductive and refined. This is a very, very powerful wine that is seriously impressive in every respect. In a word, brilliant.

Vinous (97)

The 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru is blessed with a bouquet of real pedigree: very complex mixture of red and black brambly fruit, sous-bois, crushed stone and rose petal aromas. The harmony and delineation is outstanding. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, pliant tannins that lend this Clos Saint-Jacques symmetry and poise. Fresh and vibrant, it never relinquishes any of its breeding and tension. The finish is persistent and utterly captivating. Fabulous. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.

A product of elegant sophistication, the Auvenay Auxey Duresses La Macabre 2009 emanates from the revered wine region of Burgundy, France. Crafted by none other than the acclaimed domaine, Auvenay, under the expert guidance of winemaker Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy, this exceptional red wine boasts a highly limited production. The La Macabre sub-label showcases Bize-Leroy’s virtuosity in biodynamic viticulture, this specific vintage brims with character and depth.

An epitome of high-quality Pinot Noir, the Auvenay Auxey Duresses La Macabre 2009 vaunts an exquisite harmony of red fruit flavours and subtle hints of spices on the nose. Its seamless structure and polished tannins, coupled with nuances of forest floor, embody the meticulous attention to detail involved in its creation. This wine promises not just a captivating journey through its layers of complexity, but also a testament to the unparalleled dedication of Auvenay, ultimately making it a prized addition to any fine wine collection.

The Auvenay Bourgogne Aligote Sous Chatelet 2015 is an expression of exceptional winemaking from the venerable house of Domaine d'Auvenay, owned by Lalou Bize-Leroy. Nestled in the prestigious wine region of Burgundy, this Aligote is an exquisite sample of the producer's skill and dedication to precision and organic farming. The wine is made with the Aligote grape variety, providing it with unparalleled freshness and minerality.

Elevated in oak barrels for 18 months, Auvenay Bourgogne Aligote Sous Chatelet 2015 exhibits not only a vivid, pale gold colour but also a sensational aromatic profile brimming with white flowers, apple, citrus, and a touch of buttery notes. On the palate, it is characterized by its stocky structure, bright acidity and vivid minerality, culminating in a lengthy, rewarding finish. Savour the brilliance of the Auvenay Bourgogne Aligote Sous Chatelet 2015, a quintessential French white wine for the discerning wine aficionado.

Vinous (96)

The 2008 Meursault Narvaux emerges from the glass with tons of fruit and a radiant, expansive personality. This is a decidedly extroverted, flashy wine even within the context of the year. All of the elements flow together gracefully, culminating in an intense finish that is totally breathtaking.

The Auvenay Meursault 1er Cru Les Narvaux 2013, hailing from the esteemed Burgundy region, is a remarkable and highly sought-after white wine. Crafted by the reputable producer Domaine d'Auvenay under the direction of the legendary connoisseur Lalou Bize-Leroy, its excellence reflects the strict, biodynamic principles adhered to during its creation.

The grapes are fermented in new oak barrels and aged for a period of up to 24 months, resulting in a wine of outstanding depth and complexity. Boasting a luscious golden hue, Auvenay Meursault 1er Cru Les Narvaux 2013 delights the palate with notes of ripe stone fruit underscored by crisp minerality and a long, elegant finish. This wine's extraordinary resilience allows for impressive aging potential, making it a true collector's gem.

Elevate your wine collection with the Auvenay Meursault 1er Cru Les Narvaux 2013 - a testament to the exceptional calibre of Burgundy's terroir and vinicultural richness.

Wine Advocate (96)

All of the elements come together beautifully in the 2007 Barolo San Rocco, a wine that captures the essence of this great vintage as seen through the lens of one of Serralunga’s top sites. A dark, sensual Barolo, the San Rocco offers up a compelling array of blueberries, blackberries, smoke, licorice, spices and menthol. The finish is round, enveloping and powerful. There is an element of mystery to the San Rocco that is particularly intriguing. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 1959 Batailley mirrors previous encounters with this Pauillac. It has a typically opulent bouquet that is the signature of the vintage with mulberry and boysenberry fruit, juniper berries and thyme. I find this example less meaty than previous bottles, though. The palate is well defined with fine tannin, quite tensile with cedar and graphite towards the finish. It does not quite possess the panache of the 1961, which can be marvelous on the day. But I appreciate the generosity after so many years. Tasted at the château.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Moving to the two Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases and 35% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 12% Counoise, the rest other permitted varieties (Marc calls this a Mourvèdre vintage), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports an inky purple color as well as a textbook Mourvèdre nose of black, black fruits, smoked meats, crushed rocks, charcoal, and pepper. It's deep and full-bodied, with beautiful purity and building structure. Production is down 40%, but this brilliant wine is certainly in the same league as the 2016.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Cask sample, tasted at the domaine. What a stunning nose! Piercingly fresh and expressive notes of violet, garrigue and black-olive tapenade. Defined tannins support the fresh zesty mid palate and is all beautifully encased in a toasty cape of dark fruit.

James Suckling (92-93)

A linear and polished young red with compact, silky tannins that are polished and beautiful. Lots of blackberry, blackcurrant, mushroom and spice character. Very solid wine from here.

Vinous (99)

It’s almost impossible to imagine that the 1985 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Storica has just celebrated its thirty-sixth birthday. It displays a brilliant ruby red color and amazing clarity in the glass, with only the slightest bricking around the rim. The bouquet alone is enough to keep you at the edge of your seat, as if opening a cedar treasure box to find dusty rose and sour cherry offset by spiced orange, crushed dried sage and just the slightest hint of animal musk. This is total class, cool-toned and poised, seeming to hover across the palate with an air of red inner florals, as tart woodland berries mix with hints of black tea and lemon oils. There’s a bolt of nervous acidity that keeps the experience remarkably fresh, but also adds a highly attractive sweet and sour note. And finally, while structured and youthful in feel, it finishes completely fresh, vibrant even, with dried currants enlivened by nuances of grapefruit and mint that linger on and on. This is an experience wine in every sense of the word, hailing from a dry and warm harvest yet exemplifying the purity of Sangiovese, as well as its ability to mature for well over three decades. The 1985 La Storica comes directly from the winery’s aging vault, and it was reconditioned with a new cork in 2000.

Vinous (93)

Claudio Boggione's 2016 Barolo Brunate is all class. Beautifully perfumed and sensual, the 2016 captures all of the beguiling aromatic intensity that makes Nebbiolo and Barolo so captivating. Rose petal, mint, cedar, bright red cherry, dried flowers and star anise are some of the many notes that lift from the glass. Although Boggione's 2016 doesn't have the gravitas and power usually associated with Brunate, it is an archetype of traditionally-made Barolo that will delight readers with classically leaning palates. I loved it.

The Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 is an epitome of finesse and sophistication from the illustrious Barolo region of Italy. Crafted by renowned producer Claudio Boggione, the vino exudes harmony and balance, reflecting the artisan's meticulous attention to detail. In the creation process, it undergoes fermentation in steel, followed by ageing in large Slavonian oak casks for a span of 15 months, imbuing it with undeniable character.

The intense ruby red beauty encapsulates the authentic essence of Nebbiolo grapes, offering a rich bouquet of dried rose petals, tobacco leaves, and ripe fruits. On the palate, Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 presents a robust yet elegant flavour profile of red cherries, plums, and spices, underlined by soft tannins and an enduring finish.

With a limited production, each bottle is genuinely exclusive, making Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 a must-have for those seeking rarity and quality in fine wine.

Wine Advocate (100)

Disgorged in September 2020 with four grams per liter dosage, Bollinger's 2008 Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Françaises is one of the monumental wines of this great vintage. Soaring from the glass with a generous, honeyed bouquet of pear, orange rind, dried fruits, mocha and toasted bread, it's full-bodied, textural and enveloping, with huge concentration, racy acids and a pillowy mousse. Vinous, rich and sumptuous, it concludes with an immensely long, resonant finish. Bollinger waited until the grapes of these ungrafted vines attained 11% potential alcohol before harvesting, and they have produced the most powerful wine of the vintage—as well as one of the most profound.

Vinous (96+)

Bollinger’s 2009 Vieilles Vignes Françaises is tightly wound and reserved, which is quite surprising given the warm, dry weather of the vintage. That won’t be a problem in time, of course, but readers should plan on being patient. With a few hours of air, apricot, plum, spice, dried cherry and candied orange peel start to appear, but the 2009 remains rather taut. In some years, VVF can be quite opulent, 2002 and 2010 come to mind. The 2009, on the other hand is much more vibrant. I wouldn’t plan on opening a bottle anytime soon. VVF remains one of the most compelling wines – still or sparkling – in the world. It emerges from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines in Aÿ’s Chaudes Terres and Clos St. Jacques lieu-dits and is vinified and aged in barrel. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.

Vinous (97)

The 2010 Vieilles Vignes Françaises dazzles from the very first impression with striking aromatic presence and utterly captivating balance. Mirabelle, sweet red cherry, jasmine and passion fruit are some of the many notes that give the 2010 its decidedly racy, exotic personality. The 2010 exudes rare energy for this vintage, which was hardly easy in the field, not to mention real pedigree. It is absolutely unforgettable. I only hope to have a chance to taste it again someday.

Vinous (95)

The 2013 Vieilles Vignes Francaises is a powerhouse. Deep in color, the 2013 is rich and ample in feel. Apricot, spice, orange jam, cedar, dried herbs, ginger, honey and leather all meld together in a VVF that is decidedly opulent and vinous, despite the cool season and harvest that took place on September 27, late by present-day standards. Sadly, production has decreased steadily since 2008. Accumulated drought has been a challenge. Those conditions are, of course, amplified by the walls of the clos in these two parcels and the naturally warm climate of Aÿ. I find the 2013 decidedly exotic and a bit on the heavy side. Those lucky enough to own it will experience one of the most distinctive wines in all of Champagne. Production was less than 1,000 bottles.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

The 2017 Barolo Bricco Boschis is highly aromatic with anise, dried leather, and burnt orange. Ripe and structured, it offers ripe cherry, turned forest floor, and a long finish. The warmth of the vintage is felt while remaining fresh. Drink 2024-2042.

Vinous (92+)

Cavallotto’s 2018 Barolo Bricco Boschis is a powerhouse. A blast of sweet dark cherry, menthol, licorice, gravel and incense hits the palate. Youthful and quite strapping in terms of its presence, the 2018 holds quite a bit of promise. That’s the good news. But readers will have to be patient, as the tannins are quite searing at this stage for a wine that has typically been a bit more forthcoming. This is an especially serious edition of the Bricco Boschis Barolo.

Wine Advocate (97)

Here is a beautiful wine for the ages. The 2010 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe captures the timeless beauty and balance of the vintage with exuberance and authenticity. The wine makes a delicate but lasting impression on the senses with lingering tones of wild berry, licorice and white truffle. All the aromas are pegged to a concrete sense of place. There is a savory and warm side to the bouquet that builds in momentum. This is a very pretty wine that will embrace many long years of cellar aging.

Vinous (96)

The 2013 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is fabulous. The aromatics alone are thrilling. This is what Barolo is all about. Rose petal, holiday spice cake, leather, blood orange and macerated cherry abound. Silky and powerful, the 2013 shows tons of density on the palate and yet remains light on its feet for such a big wine. The wine's sensuality offers a mirage of accessibility, but the 2013 is best cellared for at least a handful of years. There is nothing like Barolo, and this is a terrific example. The 2013 saw 36-38 days on the skins followed by five years in cask, with a preference for larger and more neutral oak that allows for a more gradual pace of aging in the cellar than smaller casks.

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 (99)

A combination of an extraordinary vintage and a fantastic producer are behind this stunning wine. It opens with aromas recalling woodland berry, pipe tobacco, forest floor, balsamic notes of camphor and new leather. Still youthfully austere, the firmly structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, licorice, ground clove and iron notes set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it well balanced

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Meursault Les Perrières 1er Cru is very harmonious on the nose. Yellow flowers, Japanese yuzu, quince and orange zest open with aeration whilst maintaining superb focus. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, taut and fresh with a welcome bitter lemon note that upholds tension and salinity on the finish. I like where this Perrières is going - one to watch. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 white tasting.

The Wine Independent (100)

The 2019 Cheval Blanc is a blend of 58% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. 41 out of 53 blocks have had a part to play this year, representing 10 different soil types. The Grand Vin in 2019 represents 82% of production. Deep purple-black in color, it needs a lot of swirling to shake loose fragrant scents of Indian spice, potpourri, star anise, and cardamom, over a core of preserved plums, boysenberries, and charcoal with touches of wood smoke and cracked black pepper. Full-bodied, rich and immediately impactful in the mouth, the layered nuances slowly expand, beautifully framed by ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with cascading savory and earth flavors and lots of lingering mineral notes.