Vinous (90-92)

The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Village contains 20% whole bunch from the La Violette lieu-dit and destemmed fruit from the Quartiers de Nuits and Basses-Maizière lieux-dits. Aged in 30% new oak, it is quite backward and surly on the nose at first, but opens to reveal white pepper and clove aromas tincturing the tightly wound black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, and quite sweet at its core, with that white pepper leitmotif and a touch of graphite toward the crunchy finish.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-92)

Thomas has enough fruit to vinify two vats, using 40% whole bunches for Les Violettes and none for Quartiers de Nuits, to make 20% for the whole cuvée which is assembled as soon as the wine goes to barrel. Vibrant purple, a very heady nose, slightly heated lush raspberry. But the nobility of the terroir shows through in the mouth where the raspberries are less lush and are joined by a few strawberries. Good acidity, considerable length. Tasted: November 2021

Immerse in the splendour of the 'David Duband Vosne Romanee 2019', a truly majestic red Burgundy wine from the prestigious terroirs of Burgundy, France. Brought to life by renowned winemaker David Duband, the 2019 vintage echoes a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Each grape is hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest contribute to this sophisticated potion.

David Duband, known for crafting beautiful Pinot Noirs, presents a refined balance of ripe, dark fruit and aromatic spices in the Vosne Romanee 2019. Aged in French oak barrels to develop complexity, every sip greets the palate with an elegant interplay between sweet black cherries, rich spices and fine-grained tannins. This distinctive wine embodies Vosne Romanee's characteristic opulence harmoniously blended with a controlled potency that lingers on the palate.

A bottle of 'David Duband Vosne Romanee 2019' is no less than experiencing the enchantment of Burgundy encapsulated in a glass.

Experience the essence of Burgundy with the David Duband Vosne Romanee 2020. Made by the expert hands of David Duband, a respected French vigneron who has been making wine since 1991. He embraces the concept of terroir viticulture, incorporating principles of organic and biodynamic farming.

This exquisite Pinot Noir originates from the acclaimed Vosne-Romanée appellation, renowned for producing world-class wines. The 2020 vintage enjoyed superb weather conditions, producing complex, elegant wines of remarkable balance.

David Duband Vosne Romanee 2020 showcases a radiant ruby hue, enamoured with harmonious aromas of violet, blackcurrant and truffle. On the palate, one can savour spicy notes of liquorice and clove, accentuated by a silky-smooth texture and long finish. It exhibits excellence in its purest form.

This is an extraordinary wine, encapsulating the famed elegance of Burgundy in a single bottle. A remarkable testament to the mastery of David Duband and the exceptional terroir of Vosne-Romanee.

Vinous (95-97)

The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 1er Cru has a more savory bouquet than the Les Beaux Monts, the whole bunch less integrated by direct comparison and yet it also delivers more terroir expression and mineralité. Touches of cracked black pepper and sage lend complexity to the dark berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, very harmonious with white pepper and clove, a lovely grainy texture and perhaps more refinement compared to the Echézeaux. The kind of Vosne-Romanée that you want to elope with.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)

The Malconsorts is still in barrel for a later bottling. Bright dense purple, this wine has a huge energy on the nose. Intense blossoming, fabulous in all regards even with a few peaches in the dark red fruit mix. Magical aftertaste. Doing its Malconsorts thing to a high degree. Tasted: December 2021

Vinous (95-97)

The 2021 Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 1er Cru has a little more fruit intensity on the nose; it is slightly darker by direct comparison. Fine delineation, quite bold in the context of the vintage. The palate is very intense, fine acidity, very sensual with just a hint of dark chocolate and black truffle shavings on the finish. Wonderful.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Barrel sample. Very dark crimson. Rich and voluptuous nose. Spicy with savoury edges and then very sweet. Polished and subtle. Very appetising. Really long and interesting. Builds on the finish.

Vinous (94-96)

The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Les Beaux Monts 1er Cru has a perfumed and enticing bouquet with brambly black fruit, black truffle and Earl Grey aromas gently wafting from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins. The whole bunch influence is discrete here but lends an attractive white pepper and clove note towards the finish that fans out wonderful whilst maintaining freshness and tension. Just outflanked by the Aux Malconsorts, nevertheless, this is a brilliant Les Beaux Monts.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)

From a miniscule one-hectare parcel right across from Clinet, on the upper plateau of Pomerol, the 2018 Enclos Tourmaline is a blockbuster in the making, and I suspect it’s going to give the 2016 a run for its money. Checking in as a 100% Merlot raised in new oak, which hit 14.7% natural alcohol, this inky color blockbuster boasts a massive bouquet of black fruits, smoke herbs, chocolate, and damp earth. It shows a more floral edge with time in the glass and it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and plush on the palate, with sweet tannins. It’s certainly one of the sexiest wines in this terrific vintage. Hats off to vineyard manager and winemaker Jérôme Aguirre as well as consultant Michel Rolland for another brilliant wine in the making. Tasted twice.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-98)

There's not much of the 2019 Enclos Tourmaline made, but it's a sensational wine in the making. Coming from a tiny one-hectare parcel next to Clinet, this inky purple-hued effort offers a wonderfully complex, vibrant bouquet of black raspberries, crème de cassis, licorice, toasted spices, and classy oak. Full-bodied, pure, and elegant, yet powerful on the palate, it has good acidity, remarkable purity (there's no overripeness here), sound underlying structure, and a great finish. It’s another brilliant, heavenly Pomerol from 2019.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)

The 2015 Feytit-Clinet is one of the most exciting, viscerally thrilling wines of the vintage. Graphite, smoke, charcoal, violets, and a host of intense, dark fruits make a strong first impression. Vertical and towering in the glass, the 2015 possesses magnificent intensity to match its virile, brooding personality. There is a sense of explosive energy in the 2015 that is simply compelling. Readers who can find the 2015 should not hesitate, as it is stunning. What a wine! The blend is approximately 96% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)

The 2015 Feytit-Clinet is one of the most exciting, viscerally thrilling wines of the vintage. Graphite, smoke, charcoal, violets, and a host of intense, dark fruits make a strong first impression. Vertical and towering in the glass, the 2015 possesses magnificent intensity to match its virile, brooding personality. There is a sense of explosive energy in the 2015 that is simply compelling. Readers who can find the 2015 should not hesitate, as it is stunning. What a wine! The blend is approximately 96% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)

From one of my favorite estates in Pomerol, situated between Trotanoy and Latour à Pomerol, the 2018 Château Feytit-Clinet is currently sitting at 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc being raised in 70% new French oak. Sporting a deep purple/blue color as well as a massive bouquet of blackberries, smoked herbs, liquid violets, and graphite, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a weightless, seamless texture, thrilling purity, and a great, great finish. It’s a powerful wine hitting 14.9% alcohol yet there’s not a trace of heat. Offering beautiful purity and flawless balance, it reminds me of the 2010, only better.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)

Another blockbuster in the making from this tiny estate in Pomerol, the 2020 Château Feytit-Clinet is based on a normal blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, hitting 14.8% natural alcohol with a pH of 3.7. The aging will span 18 months in 70% new French oak. It boasts a dense purple hue as well as a stunning nose of crème de cassis, currants, tobacco, and damp earth. About as ripe, sexy, and opulent as they come, it still shows the purity and freshness of this great vintage. It reveals more and more tannins with time in the glass, but given its mid-palate as well as its overall density, it’s going to benefit from just 3-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-30 years.

Vinous (96)

The 2016 Pinot Nero Case Via is fabulous. In fact, the 2016 may very well be the finest edition of Fontodi's Pinot I have ever tasted. A wine of tremendous aromatic intensity, inner sweetness and delineation, the 2016 Pinot simply has it all. Of course, the highly favorable growing season adds quite a bit of pedigree as well. The Fontodi Pinot is not especially varietal, but it is off the charts beautiful and absolutely compelling. It was fermented in terra cotta and aged in French oak, 50% new. What a wine!

Wine Spectator (97)

Beautiful deep ruby with incredible richness in aroma--blackberry, blueberry and plum--tempered by sweet spice from the oak. This offers mouth filling lushness, intense fruit, terrific balance and harmony, with a long, complex finish.--Non-blind Flaccianello vertical (July 2014). Best from 2017 through 2032. 4,000 cases made.

Vinous (98)

Fontodi's 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is a fabulous, riveting wine that grabs hold of all the senses. There is plenty of the richness and textural depth that have always been a Fontodi signature, but in the more contemporary style that seeks to marry power and elegance. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2013 is still very much in its inky, primary stage.

Vinous (96)

The 2014 Flaccianello della Pieve will probably drink well a bit earlier than the Vigna del Sorbo, as it has more midpalate creaminess, softer contours and a slightly more immediate personality. Even so, the translucent finesse of the vintage is very much in evidence. A rush of black cherry, plum, tobacco, licorice, chocolate and spice infuses the sweet, creamy finish. The 2014 spent 18 months in oak (less than was once the norm), 80% of it new.

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 (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 (100)

The 2016 Flaccianello della Pieve is off the charts. Fresh, vibrant and explosive, with tremendous overall intensity, the 2016 possesses magnificent richness, with sumptuous fruit purity and simply unreal balance. Creamy, silky tannins add to the wine's sophistication and overall polish. The 2016 is dark, inky and powerful, but not at all heavy. Giovanni Manetti gave the 2016 18 months in French oak (75-80% new), followed by 6 months in cask. This is the first vintage in which a small amount (2%) of the wine was aged in amphora. In a word: stunning! Don't miss it.

Vinous (97)

The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.

Vinous (100)

The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.

Vinous (100)

The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.

Wine Advocate (96)

The 2020 Flaccianello della Pieve is the full package. This point is clear when you taste all the other wines in the Fontodi portfolio and conclude with this bottle. This organic Sangiovese shows beautiful intensity and remains balanced throughout with dark fruit, crushed stone, spice and wild rose. It borrows themes of elegance, depth and ripeness played across this vintage. The wine wraps smoothly over the palate with substantial fruit weight and sweet tannins. This warm-vintage expression can be aged or enjoyed straight out of the gate. Production is 60,000 bottles.

Wine Advocate (85)

The 2015 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru les Suchots offers up aromas of plums, cassis and spice, followed by a medium-bodied, rather inscrutable palate without any real discernible concentration or depth. Perhaps the wine is simply closed down after bottling and will emerge from its shell with age?

Wine Advocate (95)

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Gazin features a beautifully perfumed nose of violets, Ceylon tea, cigar box, sandalwood and fallen leaves over a core of plum preserves, kirsch and blackberry preserves plus a waft of aniseed. Medium-bodied and elegant, with compelling restraint, it has a seductively plush texture, finishing with bags of poise, perfume and persistence.