Vinous (97)

The 2010 Vieilles Vignes Françaises dazzles from the very first impression with striking aromatic presence and utterly captivating balance. Mirabelle, sweet red cherry, jasmine and passion fruit are some of the many notes that give the 2010 its decidedly racy, exotic personality. The 2010 exudes rare energy for this vintage, which was hardly easy in the field, not to mention real pedigree. It is absolutely unforgettable. I only hope to have a chance to taste it again someday.

Grown with artisanal fidelity within the Piedmont region in Italy, Boniperti Vignaioli produces the exceptional Boniperti Vignaioli, Barton, Fara. The 2017 vintage stands out producing a velvety Nebbiolo blend that tantalises the palate. Hand harvested from vines aged over 50 years, the wine's grapes are meticulously selected presenting quality in every bottle.

Boniperti Vignaioli, Barton, Fara 2017 blossoms in meticulous winemaking traditions using oak barrels for 24 months to develop full-bodied, yet sophisticated flavours. The result – an elegant wine offering subtle hints of rose, anise, and ripe cherry, revealing its varietal identity with grace and intensity.

Traditionally paired with finely prepared game dishes, Boniperti Vignaioli, Barton, Fara 2017 offers robust authenticity that perfectly aligns with the culinary richness of its Italian roots. Sip your way into a world of sumptuous pleasure commanded by Boniperti Vignaioli.

Vinous (91)

(mostly grenache, with mourvedre, syrah and cinsault): Saturated ruby. Blackberry, cherry and lavender on the intensely perfumed, spicy nose and in the mouth. Deep and expansive, with impressive back-end punch and slow-building smokiness. The spice and floral notes carry through a long, sweet, gently tannic finish. Decant this one if you can't resist opening a bottle now.

Wine Advocate (97-99)

I was blown away by the prodigious fruit in the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes. Quantities are only maybe half of the 2016, so you can imagine how concentrated and rich this baby is. Waves of raspberry and cherry fruit are seductive on the nose, then crash over the palate with a tsunami of concentration and power. If time in the cellar can coax some additional elegance out of the wine, it could be a candidate for perfection.

Vinous (98)

The 2017 Montrachet Grand Cru has a slight reduction on the nose, although it is nothing to get too worried about. I think it has exceptional mineralité covered up by its youth. The medium-bodied palate is taut, fresh and quite saline, with a fine bead of acidity and some vanilla-y oak toward the very saline finish, though that will be eaten with bottle age. There is outstanding precision on the aftertaste, and that seems to be accentuated with aeration. I gave this a tepid reaction from barrel, but here in bottle, it received my highest score out of over two hundred 2017s. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Vinous (98)

The 2017 Montrachet Grand Cru has a slight reduction on the nose, although it is nothing to get too worried about. I think it has exceptional mineralité covered up by its youth. The medium-bodied palate is taut, fresh and quite saline, with a fine bead of acidity and some vanilla-y oak toward the very saline finish, though that will be eaten with bottle age. There is outstanding precision on the aftertaste, and that seems to be accentuated with aeration. I gave this a tepid reaction from barrel, but here in bottle, it received my highest score out of over two hundred 2017s. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Halliday Wine Companion (99)

One of Australia's icons. The decision not to use any new French oak, and to limit the alcohol to 13.5%, has resulted in a wine with a unique sense of place. It is also superbly balanced, dark fruits married to superfine tannins - another feature of a classic Hunter shiraz.

Vinous (89)

The 2017 Barolo is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. In 2017, Brovia's straight Barolo is quite floral and lifted in feel. Crushed flowers, mint, spice, blood orange and sweet berry fruit are laced throughout. As a reminder, the Brovia Barolo is a blend of all four sites the family bottles as vineyard designates, with an emphasis on the Brea cru. This mid-weight Barolo is all charm.

Vinous (97)

Smoke, tar, earthiness and licorice add gorgeous dimensions of complexity in the 2010 Barolo Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia. Here, too, the flavors are remarkably bright and focused. The dark, brooding notes of Serralunga are very much present, but the 2010 impresses for its pure balance, harmony and class. Dried rose petals, spices, licorice and game add complexity on a huge finish supported by big, incisive tannins. This is another utterly vivid, dazzling Barolo from Brovia. Here, too, readers will note a slight name change.

Vinous (96)

Firm tannins support a core of bright red fruit, freshly cut flowers and crushed rocks in the 2010 Barolo Garblèt Sue’. Today some of the ferrous notes typical of this site are less obvious, as the fruit is incredibly rich and intense. Over time, though, it is the wine's pure energy that stands out most, another typical Garblèt Sue’ characteristic. This is one of the more polished vintages of the Garblèt Sue’ I can remember tasting. Iron, smoke, dark red fruit and a host of ferrous notes round out the huge, explosive finish.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Elegantly structured and delicious, this fragrant red has enticing scents of ripe forest berries, iris, truffle and balsamic whiffs of camphor. Combining body and finesse, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and baking spice before an almost salty finish. Tightly knit, fine-grained tannins provide support while fresh acidity keeps it well-balanced. Drink 2024–2032.

The Wine Independent (98)

This 2017 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero is from the Monvigliero vineyard, which is the jewel in the crown of Verduno. Often described as the most Burgundy-like of Barolos, this wine lives up to its reputation. It is a medium-deep, bright and youthful ruby color with a rich, dense, intensely perfumed rose garden and hedonistic spice nose with notes of exotic sandalwood. The aromas and flavors are persistent and intense. The soft, round, velvety, silky texture and dense red berry and raspberry coulis flavors combine. There’s a little grip and bite to the tannins and maybe an element of green herb in the background. A lovely, sensual wine.

Bob Campbell MW (97)

I never swallow samples during tasting but got pretty close with this wine. It’s just so damn delicious with layer upon layer of fruit and savoury characters that defy description. A tease of fruit sweetness is balanced by gentle tannins and subtle acidity that drive a very lengthy finish. A seriously good Pinot Noir.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

This perfumed wine is rich in dark tannins and black currant flavors. It has lifted acidity and a wonderful juicy, balanced character. Very pure and well structured, this will be a great wine for aging. Drink after 2025.

The Camille Giroud Maranges 1er Cru Le Croix Moines 2017 stands as a testament to the exquisiteness of Burgundy wines. Hailing from the revered house of Camille Giroud, known for their authentic, traditional winemaking methods, this wine is a symbol of French viniculture at its finest. Crafted in the illustrious Burgundy region in eastern France, the wine embodies the profound character of the terroir, which finds expression in the elegant subtlety of its flavours.

The 2017 vintage enjoys a beautiful ruby hue, revealing an exceptional balance and depth of flavour. Ripple with the essence of ripe red fruits, earthy nuances, and a hint of spice, thanks to the meticulous ageing in oak barrels. The finish is undeniably rich, long-lasting, and harmonious. To savour the Camille Giroud Maranges 1er Cru Le Croix Moines 2017 is to embark on a sensory journey through the iconic vineyards of Burgundy.

Vinous (95)

The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is wildly perfumed, dusty and exotic, with balsam herbs, savory spices, red currants and plums coming across as so pretty yet rich and potent. A silky display of sour wild berries contrasted by candied citrus wows the senses as the 2017 plays a zesty sweet-and-sour act upon the palate. It’s long, youthfully chewy, yet still remarkably fresh, with rosy florals and tart, tart cherries giving way to chiseled tannins through the finale. This is a beautiful rendition of the 2017 vintage, one that takes the dry warmth of the year and expresses it with tremendous energy and verve. What's more, I revisited this bottle over the course of 36 hours and it only got better with time.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

Nicolas Audebert and his team have done it again. The 2017 Canon is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Rich and vertical in construction, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts richness and intensity in all of its dimensions. In the glass, the 2017 is sumptuous and layered, with superb detail and tons of sheer pedigree. In 20 years, readers will have a fabulous time tasting the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 together and debating their respective merits. Dark plum fruit, striking Franc aromatics and the clean, focused energy of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau make for a ravishing, exquisite wine of the highest level. In a word: breathtaking.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

Nicolas Audebert and his team have done it again. The 2017 Canon is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Rich and vertical in construction, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts richness and intensity in all of its dimensions. In the glass, the 2017 is sumptuous and layered, with superb detail and tons of sheer pedigree. In 20 years, readers will have a fabulous time tasting the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 together and debating their respective merits. Dark plum fruit, striking Franc aromatics and the clean, focused energy of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau make for a ravishing, exquisite wine of the highest level. In a word: breathtaking.

James Suckling (94)

A wine with blueberry and mineral aromas follows through to a full body, with fine tannins and a juicy finish. Best for years from here. Needs at least three years of bottle age to soften. Could be better than 2009 in the long run.

Experience unrivalled vitality and elegance with Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2017. As one of Italy's spectacular Piemonte region's hidden gems, this refined wine exhibits remarkable complexity and subtlety. The family-owned Cantine Garrone meticulously crafts this exquisite creation in the picturesque Ossola Valley, rooted in organic viticulture and adherence to the region's unique varietal heritage. Prudent Diecibrente 2017 is a reflection of the hard work and dedication the Garrone family has invested in their vineyards since 1946.

It's a distinct fragrance narrative, grounded in the character of hand-picked Nebbiolo grapes, immersed in local nuances. Embracing traditional winemaking processes, this red's vibrant berry profile is balanced by soft tannins and a lively finish that lingers on the palate. The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2017 is indeed a harmonious fusion of tradition and terroir, intended for the discerning drinker's table.

James Suckling (97)

This is one of the most direct and clear Caros in a long time with blue-fruit, violet and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Crushed-stone, too. Full-bodied, yet tight and contracted with a level of shyness to its strength. The length derives from the excellence of the cabernet. One for the cellar. Blend of 74% malbec and 26% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2023, but exciting to drink all the same.

James Suckling (100)

What a stunning nose of crushed berries, fresh flowers, sandalwood and light vineyard dust. Black olives, too. Very complex. Full-bodied with a beautiful, dense palate of blackberries, chocolate, walnuts and cigar box. Fantastic length and composure. The tannin just rolls over the palate. Very structured. The most classically structured wine ever from here. Goes on for minutes. Outrageous and so polished. A blend of 48% carmenere, 26% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Try after 2025.

Wine Advocate (96)

The outstanding 2010 Brunello di Montalcino gives you everything you want to see in a great wine, a great Tuscan wine. This monumental expression of Sangiovese delivers top-notch intensity with seamless integration of aromas. They span from dark fruit and Morello cherry to chocolate, spice, licorice, balsam herb and rosemary sprig. The energy and vitality of the vintage is locked perfectly within. This Brunello exhibits especially soft, silky tannins with long persistence and momentum. There is nothing out of place and the price tag is certainly not exaggerated for this level of excellence.