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.

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 (100)

Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard offers up a profound and singular nose of loam, rocks and iron ore over a core of black cherries, baked black berries and preserved plums with hints of licorice, dark chocolate, cedar, sautéed herbs and beef broth. Full-bodied, rich and demonstrating great depth with a wonderfully compelling personality, it delivers a multitude of savory meat and toast layers, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins. It finishes with incredible persistence, allowing those provocative mineral nuances to shine through.

Wine Advocate (99)

Deep garnet-purple, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard leaps from the glass with opulent crème de cassis, raspberry tart and black forest cake notions plus underlying cigar box, mocha, licorice and forest floor suggestions. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and decadently generous in the mouth, it has a firm, velvety foundation and wonderful precision, featuring an invigorating lift on the very long, multilayered and provocatively earthy finish. 815 cases were made.

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 (89)

Medium red with a hint of brown. Evolved, balsamic aromas of currant, black tea and coffee grounds. Still some fruit left, as well as a brown sugar sweetness, with strong juicy acidity and firm tannins keeping the wine alive.

Wine Advocate (100)

My favorite in the blind-tasted lineup extending from 2010 through 2020 was the opulent yet concentrated and impeccably structured 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts classic scents of cherries and cassis on the nose, with touches of vanilla and wood spice adding nuance on the medium to full-bodied palate. Imbued with tremendous intensity, the supple tannins and ripe acids necessary for aging and a long, complex finish, this wine truly has it all.

Wine Advocate (98+)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon has a drop-dead gorgeous nose of Sichuan pepper, hoisin, peppered salami and fertile loam over a core of blackberry preserves and redcurrant jelly with touches of kirsch and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated yet still maintaining that wonderful purity and elegance that is the signature of this estate, it has layer upon layer of earthy nuances and a very long finish.

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored with a mind-blowingly gorgeous nose that defies words: warm cassis, red roses, sandalwood, Indian spices, crushed rocks, menthol and iron ore with wafts of lilacs and truffles. Medium to full-bodied with a rock-solid frame of super-ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, it finishes incredibly long and remains incredibly provocative.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has shut down slightly since I tasted it last year, yet it’s still a magical, perfect wine. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, it offers incredible notes of pure crème de cassis, blueberries, camphor, crushed rocks, and lead pencil shavings. This rich, full-bodied beauty always reminds me of a great vintage of Château Margaux with its beautiful complexity, power, and elegance. As I wrote last year, do your best to give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and it should evolve for three decades or more.

The Wine Independent (100)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, with 9% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot in the blend, is deep garnet in color. It strides confidently from the glass with classic notes of cassis and blackberry preserves followed by wafts of cedar chest, pencil lead, wild sage, crushed rocks, and lilacs, plus a hint of black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate is super-intense, with loads of earth-tinged black fruit layers and a firm structure, finishing long and refreshing.

Decanter (99)

2020 Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon - St. Helena NV /// Lovely fragrant blackberry and black cherry fruit, cassis, and rich tobacco spices with lovely fresh earth notes and a sweet kiss of new wood cedar. Incredibly concentrated dark berry fruit with fabulously angular tannins with smooth long beams with crisp edges. Purple florals, dried sagebrush, and chocolate shavings with lids of graphite and deep iron-like mineral character. And a finish of dark saturated fruit that goes and goes for days. There are purple floras too. Polished and bright, with vivacious acidity and freshness evident from the sip to the finish. Wow, this wine. 98-100. // 13.7 ... has the potential to be a 100-point wine.