Wine Advocate (97)

I knew that the 2014 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru would be great when I tasted it from barrel last year...but not this great. It has a wonderful, tensile bouquet that just seems to sparkle. The fruit is so crystalline and laden with energy and mineralité that you almost have to sit down! The palate is surfeit with energy, the fruit perhaps a little darker than in barrel with white pepper, spices towards the almost Richebourg-like finish. Tasting them side-by-side, I would err for this over the Richebourg - it is a magnificent wine from Charles van Canneyt.

Wine Advocate (100)

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith opens with compelling crème de cassis, wild blueberries, anise, chocolate mint and black earth scents plus suggestions of candied violets, cinnamon stick, tar, cigar box and smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, super firm and built like a brick house, the palate offers layer upon layer of very tightly wound, subtly nuanced flavors leading to a very long, very perfumed and minerally finish. If any Hundred Acre wine can live for 100 years, this is certainly a contender.

Wine Advocate (94)

Il Poggione has one of the appellation's most enviable track records for quality and cellar longevity. The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is a different beast. This wine prizes elegance, finesse and a compact mouthfeel. I would suggest a slightly shorter drinking window of approximately ten years. No matter how you cut it, the wine is absolutely beautiful and indeed ranks high on a list of favorite wines from the vintage. The bouquet is chiseled and tight with wild blueberry, plum, red rose and a touch of cherry confit. No doubt the mouthfeel is thinner in this vintage, but the wine has plenty more going on to keep your attention. I'm liking it. I went back to the bottle a few days after it had been opened and the wine was still going strong. Some 110,000 bottles were made.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

The 2014 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru les Pruliers was much more backward on the nose compared to the 2014 les Roncières when I tasted it at the domaine; this is broody and a bit sulky at the moment. The palate is more expressive with fine, saturated tannin. The new oak is a little more prominent here and will need time to be absorbed, but there is plenty of fruité and density on the finish; plus there is tangible mineralité and indeed, spiciness on the finish that has more concentration than Etienne Grivot's other Nuits-Saint-Georges. Superb.

Burghound (96)

A gorgeously spiced and perfumed nose is intensely floral in character while offering up notes of both red and dark currant, sandalwood, exotic Asian-style tea and discreet dried rose petal nuances. The muscular yet refined big-bodied flavors exude ample minerality onto the powerful, focused and once again compact, focused and explosively long finish. This too is indisputably built-to-age and I wouldn't be surprised if it required fully 20 years before it is fully ready. In sum this Richebourg is one of the finest wines of the 2014 vintage.

Relish the exquisite Jean Lionnet Cornas Rochepertuis 2005, a product of meticulously nurtured vineyards located on the fabled terraced slopes of Cornas in the Rhône Valley of France. Jean Lionnet, a legend amongst winemakers in the region, has implemented traditional methods passed across generations to curate this exceptional drink.

Characterised by a rich, inky hue, the Cornas Rochepertuis 2005 offers a distinctive palate of black plum, smoke, and savoury spice. Its full-bodied structure and robust tannin balance result from ageing in oak barrels, which also instil hints of toasted vanilla. This 100% Syrah wine, boasting a perfect combination of depth, complexity, and longevity, is testament to Lionnet’s commitment to old vines and sustainable cultivation practices.

Enjoy Jean Lionnet Cornas Rochepertuis 2005, a vintage hallmark of Rhône Valley wines that reflects the artisanal finesse amalgamated with the terroir's unique character in each sip. Truly a captivating experience for discerning oenophiles.

Tim Atkin MW (96)

South Africa's Sweet Wine of the Year 2017.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94-97)

The 2014 L'Eglise Clinet is a real head-turner. Gorgeous, super-expressive aromatics meld into a core of dark, sumptuous fruit. Lavender, mint, violets, graphite and crème de cassis notes abound in a powerful, structured wine endowed with magnificent purity and a skyscraper-like sense of lift. Finesse and power collide in a crystalline Pomerol of exceptional beauty. Powerful and dense to the core, the 2014 is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2014 L'Evangile comes racing out of the blocks on the nose with plenty of black cherry, blueberry, cold stone and black truffle scents, quintessentially Pomerol with impressive delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly grainy texture, lovely black fruit here laced with Earl Grey, spice and sage, quite intense and fanning out gloriously towards the long finish. This seems to have gained precision after bottling and I did warn that it may merit a higher score. This is a deeply impressive L'Evangile that might challenge Lafite-Rothschild in the long term. Chapeau!

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2014 La Chenade has a reserved but well defined bouquet with earthy red and black fruit, hints of truffle oil and sage, gaining a little intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm and quite strict tannin. This is rather aloof and distant and yet it is undeniably well defined and fascinating, a Pomerol that clearly needs some bottle age. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2014 Lafleur-Pétrus is a wine of translucence and total finesse. Deep and rich, yet also light on its feet, the 2014 Lafleur-Pétrus is one of the most distinctive wines of the vintage for the way in which it brings together intensity and elegance, all with an unmistakably understated personality. Bright aromatic top notes add to the wine’s open-knit bouquet and overall feeling of sensuality. A considerable amount of Cabernet Franc character comes through, even if Franc is only 7 % of the blend. All the elements are in the right place. In 2014, Lafleur-Pétrus is 93 % Merlot and 7 % Cabernet Franc.

Vinous - Neal Martin (96)

The 2014 La Mission Haut-Brion has a sophisticated, very detailed bouquet with blackberry, wild hedgerow, cedar and graphite. This is very focused and yet at the same time quite controlled and discrete. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, cedar and touches of allspice. I love the depth of this wine and the gentle grip towards the finish. It knows not to push too hard in this growing season and that results in a very classy wine. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96+)

The 2014 La Mondotte is fabulous. Ripe, powerful and structured, with notable vertical intensity, it is wonderfully complete, not to mention hugely expressive. Inky blue and purplish-hued stone fruits, crème de cassis, licorice, lavender and violet build effortlessly as the wine shows off its beguiling personality. Even with all of its intensity, it finishes with notable precision and driven by distinctive chalk-inflected notes. A few years in bottle should help the new oak integrate. Today, the 2014 Mondotte is a real stunner. The blend is 80 % Merlot and 20 % Cabernet Franc.

Tim Atkin MW (94)

La Rioja Alta is one of the most traditional wineries in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, famous for producing wines that are good to drink on release, but also age beautifully in bottle. This new Gran Reserva, made from Tempranillo with 6% Graciano for added backbone, is very much a reflection of the cooler, more “Atlantic” 2014 vintage. La Rioja Alta didn’t make its top two Gran Reservas – 904 and 890 – in 2014, so all of its best grapes were used for Viña Arana. Fine and elegant, with vibrant acidity, notes of coconut and cinnamon from the American oak and a core of savoury, refreshing tobacco leaf and red berry flavours framed by fine, caressing tannins. Old-fashioned Rioja at its glorious best.

Wine Advocate (90-93)

Tasted as a tank sample, the 2014 Grand Cuvee Blanc is a terrific looking blend of mostly Grenache Gris that’s aged, on Viognier lees, in 20% demi-muids. From the Aspres terroir and 60- to 70-year-old vines, it has awesome notes of citrus blossom, white flowers, green herbs, salty minerality and ample pear and stone-fruit characteristics on the nose. This is followed by a textured, full-flavored, yet clean and pure white that has both freshness and richness. Count me a fan. This is a terrific white that will impress for 2-3 years, if not longer.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas of stones, oyster shell, blackcurrants and mushrooms are very intense. Full-bodied, dense and powerful with lots of blackberries. Great finish. Super energy and depth. Try in 2022. Fascinating.

James Suckling (100)

That is fantastic on the nose. OMG! Exuberant aromas of lavender, tobacco, cigar box, violets and slice plums. Medium to full body. It just builds on the palate and goes on forever. Speechless. Such finesse and beauty. Just a hint of spices. What a glorious, hyper-classic wine. Coup de foudre!

One of the finest exemplars of Champagne in existence, the Laherte Freres Les Vignes d'Autrefois Extra Brut 2014 epitomises the elaborate craftsmanship of the famed Laherte Freres estate. Located in the celebrated Chavot-Courcourt region of France, the vineyard blends conventional wisdom with avant-garde winemaking techniques to bring to life this delectable heritage cuvée.

Born from a single vineyard growing on clay and limestone soils, this 2014 vintage is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, painstakingly harvested by hand to ensure their pristine condition. After undergoing meticulous vinification in oak with indigenous yeasts, the wine is left to age on lees for 24 months, resulting in an extra brut that truly captivates.

The Laherte Freres Les Vignes d'Autrefois Extra Brut 2014 reveals complex notes of white fruit, brioche, and an enticing minerality. The palate is robust, yet refined, reflecting the extraordinary precision of this esteemed estate. A splendid toast to tradition.

James Suckling (94)

Lovely aromas of chocolate and currants with bright cherries. Full body, tight and compacted tannins and a fresh and fruity finish. Crisp acidity. Linear and refined. Start drinking in 2021.

Vinous (95)

The 2014 Extra Brut Les Chemins d"Avize Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is fabulous. Rich, ample and potent, the 2014 possesses tremendous density from start to finish. Apricot, spice, dried flowers, graphite and lemon confit all build in a Champagne of enormous resonance. The pedigree here is evident. Chemins d"Avize is a blend from the Chemin de Plivot and Chemin de Flavigny lieux-dits. It was vinified in neutral oak and bottled with dosage of two grams per liter. Disgorged: June, 2021.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2014 Lascombes is a bold, dramatic wine. Dark stone fruit, leather, bittersweet chocolate, smoke, licorice and French oak all meld together in the glass. Lascombes is a powerful, modern Margaux with soft contours and considerable fruit intensity. All the elements come together effortlessly. Readers should expect a bold, intense wine. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2005 Latour was mind-blowingly profound in two recent tastings for this report. Deep and sensual to the core, the 2005 is utterly captivating. All the elements are so seamlessly put together. Graphite, crème de cassis, licorice, dark spice and lavender infuse the 2005 with so much energy. More than anything else, though, the 2005 is a Latour of texture and resonance. Even after several hours, the 2005 is fresh and full of energy. Wines like this are just life affirming. That's about all I can really say. Tasted two times.

James Suckling (99)

So much violets, licorice, pencil, flowers and currants define this on the nose before it moves to fresh mushrooms. It’s full-bodied yet compacted with tension and a compressed center palate. Incredible, fine-grained tannins and energy. The length is truly great. Should be even more beautiful in 2024. Give it time.

James Suckling (99)

So much violets, licorice, pencil, flowers and currants define this on the nose before it moves to fresh mushrooms. It’s full-bodied yet compacted with tension and a compressed center palate. Incredible, fine-grained tannins and energy. The length is truly great. Should be even more beautiful in 2024. Give it time.

James Suckling (99)

So much violets, licorice, pencil, flowers and currants define this on the nose before it moves to fresh mushrooms. It’s full-bodied yet compacted with tension and a compressed center palate. Incredible, fine-grained tannins and energy. The length is truly great. Should be even more beautiful in 2024. Give it time.

Wine Advocate (95)

A beautiful wine from Dany and Michel Rolland, this 2005 is surprisingly concentrated and powerful – more so than usual. Deep ruby/purple, with plenty of black cherry and cassis fruit, licorice and a touch of caramel, this wine is still full, youthful, and set for another 15-20 years of longevity. This is a beauty and one of their strongest efforts in the first decade of the 21st century. For a terroir considered well below Pomerol’s superstars, this wine is a major overachiever.

Wine Advocate (88)

The 2014 Bourgogne Blanc has developed nicely during the remainder of its élevage since I tasted it from stainless steel tank, offering apple blossom, flint and smoky scents that possess much more character. The palate is fresh on the entry with citrus peel and fresh Granny Smith, well judged acidity and a bright and lively finish. This is precisely what you want from a Bourgogne Blanc. Tasted December 2016.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94)

The 2014 Léoville Barton has a crisp, poised bouquet with graphite tinged black fruit, hints of crushed flower and clove, nicely define and gaining definition with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, beautifully judged acidity, sophisticated and poised, fanning out with confidence towards the fresh, energetic finish. This is a succinct and beautifully crafted Saint Julien with many years of drinking enjoyment to give. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.