The Real Review (96)

Line-priced with the Home Block Pinot Noir, this is a slightly more robust style thanks, perhaps, to more clay-rich soils. It's an elegant pinot noir with cherry, spice, anise, floral, violet, cigar box and fine, stemmy tannins. A little closed at this stage but with the potential to develop well with bottle age.

James Suckling (98)

This has all the cherry and spice and perfume that defines this consistently stunning pinot noir, as well as a sense of immense freshness. The palate has deceptive lightness and tannins that are supple and caressing and that kick fresh and expansive out through the finish. Succulent and elegant.

Wine Orbit (98)

Offering graceful power and immense complexity, the wine shows dark cherry, dark mushroom, floral, fragrant spice and toasted almond characters on the nose with nuances of charcuterie and floral. It’s elegant and sophisticated on the palate with exceptional depth and concentration, seamlessly structured by silky tannins, finishing impressively long and engaging.

Experience Burgundy as never before with the Au Pied du Mont Chauve Assortment Case 2016. This exceptional collection celebrates the artistry of this renowned Chardonnay Estate located in Chassagne-Montrachet. The assortment offers a feast of flavours from some of Burgundy's finest terroirs. Each wine is a study in traditional Viticulture, aged gracefully in French oak barrels, emerging with unparalleled depth and complexity.

The domaine, headed by Françoise and Nicolas Melin, respects time-honoured methods, creating a Salomone between modernity and tradition. This exquisite case delivers the exceptional craft of Au Pied du Mont Chauve, capturing the diverse nuances of the 2016 vintage. A testament to Burgundian precision and elegance, each bottle reveals distinct regional characteristics.

The Au Pied du Mont Chauve Assortment Case 2016 resonates with wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate the nuance and diversity of fine Burgundian wine. Immerse yourself in the rich, sublime flavours of this extraordinary collection.

The Aurelien Verdet Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Feusselottes 2017 presents a luscious fusion of refined freshness and delicious maturity. As an esteemed product from the Beaux Villages, this exquisite bottle encapsulates the grandeur of Burgundy's Le Chambolle-Musigny. The steward behind this masterpiece, Aurelien Verdet, is an audacious vigneron from an acclaimed family of winemakers. Honouring the traditional biodynamic winemaking practices, Verdet diligently hand-harvests the ripest grapes whilst respecting the unique terroir.

Unveiling sophisticated layers of sultry berries, vibrant red cherries, and subtle hints of spice, this 2017 vintage reveals the spectacular plot of Les Feusselottes. The wine's mesmerising depth and intensity of flavour bear testimony to the 18-month ageing process in French oak barrels, giving it a chic yet enduring finish. Experience the jubilant symphony of Aurelien Verdet Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Feusselottes 2017, a true Burgundy classic in every sip.

The Aurelien Verdet Morey-Saint-Denis Rouge 2016 is an exquisite Burgundy wine, exhibiting a delightful composure of elegance and depth. Bracing the standards of eco-conscious viticulture, Aurelien Verdet, the young noted producer, employs organic and biodynamic methods in the legendary terroirs Near Nuits-Saint-Georges. The grapes are handpicked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring that the wine's aromatic profile achieves a balance of ripe red berry expressions and earthy undertones.

The grapes are fermented in wooden vats then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. This intensive process bestows the Aurelien Verdet Morey-Saint-Denis Rouge 2016 with its sophisticated character. Decanting is advised to unlock its full palate potential, which includes tones of raspberry, dark cherry and hint of spices, complemented by silky tannins. This wine's vivacious complexity serves as testament to Verdet’s commitment to traditional Burgundian winemaking standards. A gem for any serious aficionado of French Wine.

The Wine Independent (100)

The 2016 Ausone is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot and it has a deep garnet-purple color. It is incredibly closed to begin, offering glimpses of juicy blackberries, plum preserves, and cedar chest, before unfurling to offer a whole array of exotic spices, sandalwood, violets, and notes of crushed rocks, plus a touch of smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is so closed and tightly knit to start off, delivering peeks at mineral, floral, and opulent spice accents, with a rock-solid structure of grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length. It needs a good 8 years+, but should cellar for at least 40 more!

Wine Advocate (98)

The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Ausone is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. It sashays out of the glass with gregarious scents of baked red and black plums, wild blueberries and boysenberries plus touches of violets, espresso, licorice and melted chocolate with wafts of iron ore and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, featuring beautifully ripe, silken tannins and bold freshness to support the fragrant multi-layers, finishing very long and very minerally.

James Suckling (95)

Lots of plum and dark-berry character with citrus, cedar and sandalwood. Very pure sangiovese. Full-bodied with firm, racy tannins and cool, vivid fruit at the finish. Some mineral, tar and steel undertones. Needs time to open and soften. Better than the 2015. Try after 2023.

Jancis Robinson (17+)

Chiavennasca and 5–6% Rossola. (The DOC regulations stipulate at least 90% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo).) Vineyard planted in the 1930s. Concentrated mid ruby. Perfumed, deep and concentrated nose, with a hint of savoury spice. Well-stitched, more rounded and a little less edgy than the Sol, but with impressive juicy, fluid red fruit and long, finely chiselled tannins. Very long, elegant and supple. (WS)

Jancis Robinson (17+)

Chiavennasca and 5–6% Rossola. (The DOC regulations stipulate at least 90% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo).) Vineyard planted in the 1930s. Concentrated mid ruby. Perfumed, deep and concentrated nose, with a hint of savoury spice. Well-stitched, more rounded and a little less edgy than the Sol, but with impressive juicy, fluid red fruit and long, finely chiselled tannins. Very long, elegant and supple. (WS)

Jancis Robinson (17+)

Same winemaking as the regular Valtellina. Cask sample. Lustrous mid ruby. Really pretty perfumed nose with great focus. Concentrated but fine. Succulent, minerally fruit with a saline note on the finish. Fine, long-lasting, clinging tannins. (WS)

Jancis Robinson (17+)

Same winemaking as the regular Valtellina. Cask sample. Lustrous mid ruby. Really pretty perfumed nose with great focus. Concentrated but fine. Succulent, minerally fruit with a saline note on the finish. Fine, long-lasting, clinging tannins. (WS)

Wine Spectator (97)

Fresh and vivid, this red features cherry, raspberry, plum, floral, black tea and mineral aromas and flavors. The well-defined fruit character is nicely balanced by earthy, savory elements, lively acidity and refined tannins. This is complete, with terrific finesse and complexity.

Exemplifying the finesse of a classic Bordeaux, the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Pauillac The Rothschild Collection 2017 hails from a legendary winemaker with renowned expertise rooted in the world's most prestigious winemaking region. This Pauillac is a union of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, carefully selected from high-quality vineyards on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.

Masterfully crafted by estate wine-grower, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, this vintage exhibits a captivating complexity. The meticulous maturation process in oak barrels endows a beautifully balanced harmony between profound Cabernet structure and the velvety grace of Merlot.

Distinctive aromas of blackcurrant, toasted spices and leather, segue into indulgent layers of dark fruit and earthy truffle, defining the wine's profound character. The Baron Philippe de Rothschild Pauillac The Rothschild Collection 2017 serves as a testament to the winery’s commitment to excellence, cementing its place in the upper echelons of viniculture.

James Suckling (97)

There’s lots of clove character here, but the fruit really shines through, offering up intense hibiscus, orange rind, cranberries, Thai basil and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and really structured and refined with an agile core of red berries and savory undertones. Long but minerally on the finish. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling (98)

I love the purity of fruit to this Gran Selezione that shows hibiscus, orange peel, violets, lavender, early grey tea, cloves, tobacco and wet earth. Elegant and flowing with lithe yet structured tannins, intensely refreshing acidity and a long, complex finish. Superb sangiovese. Drink from 2023.

Vinous (93)

The 2016 Barbera d'Alba is fabulous. Rich in its first impression, but sustained by terrific energy, the 2016 is all finesse. Rose petal, lavender, mint and dark red and purplish fruit develop in the glass, but more than anything else, the 2016 is a super-classic, mid-weight Barbera that will thrill readers who enjoy traditionally made wines.

James Suckling (96)

Shows beautiful, ripe cabernet aromas with currants, plums, meat and smoke. Flowers, too. Full body, deep and ripe fruit and exquisite, ripe tannins. Flavorful finish. Tight right now, but shows excellent potential. Best ever. Try after 2024.

James Suckling (99)

This is a stunning Beaucastel. A classic! Has a superb array of fruit, ranging from red, through to blue, darker purple and black. Nuances of dark, stony minerals, spices, wild flowers and herbs. So fleshy. This has impeccable balance, super-silky tannins and an extraordinarily long finish. This has decades ahead of it. Drink or hold.

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.