Vinous (89-92)

(no hail or frost here in 2015, according to Clair): Medium red. Musky, deeply pitched aromas of raspberry, strawberry and smoky, flinty minerality. Quite taut in the early going, even a bit tough, and not showing the vintage's fleshy side today. But this firmly structured wine finishes with palate-stimulating salinity and subtle length. I would not be surprised if this eventually merited a rating at the top end of my projected range.

Vinous (89-91)

The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Lavières 1er Cru shows evident whole bunch on the nose that slightly occludes the terroir expression, yet it is fresh and transparent. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp raspberry and blackberry opening. Leafy red fruit combines with a touch of graphite toward the finish. A nimble Savigny with a peppery finish. Should drink well over the next decade.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Carema is fabulous. Deep and exquisitely layered, the 2018 shows off its depth and sheer pedigree right out of the gate. There is so much going on. Sweet dark cherry, plum, leather, menthol, spice, dried herbs and leather are some of the many nuances that flesh out in the glass. More than anything, though, it is the wine's balance that is just exquisite. This is a fabulous example of Carema. Impressive.

Following on from the remarkable efforts of 2017 and 2018, the 2019 Carema from micro-estate Chiussuma admirably builds on thestrength of the previous two vintages and represents just the 4th release from this rapidly ascending superstar producer. The quintessential Carema, capturing the essence of the high-altitude conditions and rocky mica-schist soils. Perfumed, fine-boned and structured for an extensive period in the cellar this is a compelling example of why the region has been dubbed the Chambolle-Musigny of the Alto Piemonte.

Crafted by the globally lauded producer Giulio Ferrando, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 encompasses the elegance and stark depth of Carema's mountainous terroir. Derived from 80-year-old Nebbiolo grapevines grown on terraced slopes straddling the border of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, this exquisite wine showcases the fine art of winemaking.

Adhering to traditional methods, this unique red wine undergoes slow fermentation, followed by 48 months of aging in Botti. These practices imbue Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 with a seductive robust crimson hue and a harmonious balance of tannins and acidity. Its tasteful notes of wild berries, dried rose petals, and subtle undertones of tobacco, offer a captivating and prolonged finish.

As a hallmark of biodynamic viticulture, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 stands as a testament to the Ferrando family's commitment to producing wines that resonate with authenticity and distinct character, promising a remarkable experience for discerning wine connoisseurs.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2020 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Vergelesses 1er Cru has a delightful bouquet with cranberry, raspberry and briary aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy, ripe black and red fruit, fresh and well-defined, the 30% whole bunch imparting a pleasant peppery note on the finish. This is worth seeking out. Closure: Screwcap, Diam or Cork

Inspired by the legacy of Burgundy, the Jean Guiton Savigny Beaune Peuillets 2019 is a testament to the vintner's passion for traditional wine craftsmanship. This wine is produced in limited quantities in the heart of Burgundy, France; a region known for its distinctive terroir and venerable viticultural traditions. Hand-picked from prime vineyards, Jean-Guiton uses environmentally-friendly methods, championing biodiversity to create exquisite wines.

The Jean Guiton Savigny Beaune Peuillets 2019, is celebrated for complex layers of hawthorn, raspberry, and liquorice aromas. Matured in partially new oak barrels for about a year, this Pinot Noir exudes elegance with a silken texture, bright fruit, and prolonged finish. It provides an enriching sensory experience that leaves a profound, lingering impression.

Produced by Guillaume Guiton, a respected innovator in the field, this wine maintains the enviable quality that embodies the Jean Guiton estate's renowned reputation.

Indulge in the tantalising taste of Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018. This exquisite fine wine was created in the mystically serene region of Piedmont, Italy by the admired wine producers, Carema. The extraordinary effort behind this production is commendable. Made from Nebbiolo grapes, typically handpicked during the first fortnight of October, the ageing process occurs in large oak barrels creating an enthralling flavour profile.

Tints of rich, intense ruby-red dance around the glass, unfolding robust, yet elegantly intertwined notes of cherries, wild berries and lavender complemented by the heartwarming hint of cinnamon. Expressing extraordinary persistence, the taste of Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018 is deep-rooted, characterised by a velvety, balanced finish that elaborates the fruity and spicy undertones.

Experience a taste of Italian tradition with Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018, echoing an epic journey from the idyllic vineyards of Piedmont, right to your palate. A wine for the discerning connoisseur, it embodies the ethos and essence of fine wine indulgence.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Lavières opens in the glass with pretty aromas of peonies, rose petals, sweet wild berries, orange rind, raw cocoa and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, supple and perfumed, it's sumptuous and melting, with lively acids and a charming, enveloping profile. This is one of the most seductive wines in the range.

Vinous (95)

The 2016 Carema Riserva is another knock-out effort from the Produttori di Carema, the local cooperative that has really been on fire these last few vintages. Open-knit and inviting, but with all the complexity that is so typical of the appellation, the 2016 is superb. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet tobacco, cedar and licorice are all woven together in a super-expressive Carema that offers tons of complexity in a relatively accessible style for a young wine from the appellation. The Riserva is a selection of the best casks in the cellar, with the wine aged for an added year in cask, so three years’ in neutral oak in total. That extra year in oak vis-à-vis the Classico does take with it some of the fruit while emphasizing more savory and mineral qualities. Power and finesse come together so well in this textbook Carema.

Vinous (90-92)

The 2020 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Champs Chevreys 1er Cru does not quite possess the cohesion of the Les Lavières on the nose at the moment, but there is a nice touch of reduction here that I think is masking more mineralité. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. Good depth, there is more sinew compared to the Les Lavières and I suspect it will have more longevity.