Wine Advocate (99)

The 2002 Brut Grand Cru Millésime is spectacular today, soaring from the glass with a complex bouquet of smoky pear, lemon, mandarin orange and peach mingled with smoke, praline, crushed mint and hints of wet chalk. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, it's deep and strikingly complete, with a textural attack that segues into a concentrated core framed by a vibrant spine of acidity and buttressed by chalky extract. Long and penetrating, this is one of the finest vintages Francis Egly has produced to date.

Wine Advocate (98)

I also tasted the 2014 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard, which might take some months to come into the market. It has some balsamic aromas, medicinal hints, traces of orange peel, saffron and a touch of sweet spices. It's built around very fine tannins and a notable core of acidity that acts as backbone, giving it length and lifting up the finish. This is quite in line with the 2010 vintage, with power and freshness in a rare combination of clout and elegance only the very best wines manage to show.

Wine Advocate (92+)

This is a new wine that was only made in this vintage to address low yields and difficult growing conditions. In truth, it was also produced in 2002 for the same reasons. The 2014 Barolo is a blend of Nebbiolo grapes from the Grasso family's best vineyard sites: Casa Maté and Gavarini Chiniera. In a very happy and nostalgic way, this wine brings us back in time to when Barolo was more streamlined and linear in style. The limestone-rich soils of Gavarini Chiniera give the wine its aromatic profile with delicate tones of wild berry and blue flower. The Casa Maté site provides the robust texture and structure you taste here. This wine was designed to be offered at a lower price point (that's great news for us!). It offers an accessible personality that makes it easy to enjoy at your favorite Italian restaurant. I put the plus sign next to my score to underline the value you get here.

Vinous (96)

The 2014 Barolo Bricco Pernice is vivid, precise and flat-out stunning. Like the best wines of the year, the Bricco Pernice is going to need a bit of time to be at its very best. I find the wine's inner perfume and sweetness to be utterly beguiling. At the same time, the Bricco Pernice remains taut, classically austere and in need of cellaring.

Vinous (91-93)

Bright ruby-red. Captivating violet and lavender lift to the aromas of black cherry, menthol and bitter chocolate. Juicy, energetic and sharply delineated, showing terrific thrust to its dark fruit, licorice and spice flavors. I would have picked this blind as a 2013. This will require at least several years of bottle aging.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2014 Figeac is shaping up to be a real jewel of a wine. Powerful and structured, with plenty of tannic spine, the 2014 won't start hitting its stride for at least a few years. Even today, though, it is impressive for its energy and overall intensity. Plum, smoke, spice, graphite and leather build into the huge, expressive finish. Figeac is one of the stars of the vintage. There is real density and gravitas here, not to mention considerable personality.

Vinous (92)

Fontodi's 2014 Chianti Classico is one of the most finessed vintages of this wine in recent memory. The combination of the cool growing conditions and a move toward larger oak casks has resulted in a deep yet translucent wine of notable pedigree and class. There is plenty of the typical Panzano richness, but less of the overt weight that has characterized some recent vintages.

Vinous (95+)

A powerful, structured wine, the 2014 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo won't be ready to drink for a number of years, much less be at its best. In recent years, the Sorbo has been much more forward, but the 2014 is decidedly austere and ungiving. Graphite, smoke, black cherry, plum and licorice notes infuse the dark, mysterious finish.

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 (91+)

Now with a few months in bottle, Alessandria's 2014 Barolo is a real powerhouse. Smoke, scorched earth, tobacco, menthol, licorice and wild cherry all convey an impression of gravitas, as this potent, muscular Barolo shows off its personality. The 2014 has quite a bit of density and richness at this level. I won't be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. There is so much going on here.

Vinous (94)

Alessandria's 2014 Barolo Gramolere is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel, and every bit as potent, too. Huge swaths of tannin give the 2014 its shape and overall structure, with the deeply spiced, mentholated, balsamic notes that are so typical of this site. Readers will have to be patient, but the 2014 is a jewel of a wine.

James Suckling (98)

The nose opens with a startling play between white truffles, bark and tea leaves and then crushed violets, lavender, blueberry peel, lemon rind and sour cherries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, acidity as sharp as a razor and a long, ethereally mineral finish. The length but sheer clarity and accuracy in the delivery is remarkable. Perhaps hard to believe that this better than the 2013, but it is. Drink in 2022.

Wine Advocate (91)

A tribute to local tradition, the 2014 Barolo Albe represents an assembly of fruit from various vineyard plots throughout the area. Winemaking is classic in approach with a 25-day maceration period and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. This vintage shows silky, fine lines and a more accessible approach for near and medium-term drinking. I would recommend a few more years of bottle aging, however, to allow the wine the time to grow in texture and mouthfeel.

Vinous (96)

The 2014 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is positively stunning. There are many things about this wine that are super-impressive, but what stands out most is how soft and silky the tannins are. Because of that, the 2014 is much more approachable than it usually is, and yet also conveys the feeling of translucence that is such a signature of this site and wine. I am not sure I have ever tasted a young Bricco delle Viole with this much purity of fruit. The 2014 is total class. Don't miss it.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Novello. Tasted blind. Surprisingly dark ruby for this vintage. Brooding richness on the nose. Plenty of sour cherry on the palate and firm, somewhat drying tannins. This is still very youthful, and unsettled.

Vinous (98)

The 2014 Ruchottes-Chambertin is a wondrous wine. Two recent tastings in Burgundy reconfirmed its strong performance when poured blind at the Burgfest tasting. It has an intense pomegranate and raspberry scented bouquet that seems to switch up through the gears with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and lithe, laden with succulent black fruit and insistent grip, perhaps just beginning to close up for a while. Outstanding. Tasted in Burgundy.

Wine Advocate (100)

The Giacomo Conterno 2014 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is made with 100% fruit from the Francia cru, which is not the case for the 2015 vintage (that sees 22% Arione in the blend) or likely future vintages. In a sense, this 100-point wine represents a milestone or a chapter finale in the long and exciting trajectory of Italy's collected and revered Monfortino. I've had the great fortune of tasting this wine from barrel over the course of four years and twice again this summer during my visits to the Conterno estates (in Gattinara and in Monforte d'Alba).

The Glenglassaugh distillery is one of the great success stories of the 21st century in Scotch Whisky though the roots of the distillery’s success go back much further than its current period of operation.

Founded in 1875 by James Moir, a local grocer in the nearby town of Portsoy, the idea was to supplement his burgeoning business with proprietary whisky that met the highest quality standards of the day. Situated on a site to the west of town to take advantage of a superb water source; the pure Glassaugh Springs, the distillery lies just out with the boundaries of Speyside, making this a Highland malt, though one very much in the Speyside style.

The operation was a tremendous success heading into the whisky boom of the Victorian era and within twenty years the distillery was snapped up by Highland Distillers, the forerunner of the Edrington Group (Macallan & Highland Park). The 1900s saw the expansion and reconstruction of the distillery as it began to supply malt for the likes of Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse.

After the complicated problems of the 1980s and a 23-year stretch mothballed, Glenglassaugh was purchased by new owners, reopened and began releasing pre-1986 stock as limited edition single malts, winning numerous awards in the process and placing the distillery firmly in the spotlight as a high-quality, craft producer. Since the distillery’s acquisition by Brown-Forman it has benefitted from the same treatment as legendary stablemates BenRiach and GlenDronach.

Cask Note
This 2014 Refill Hogshead is an excellent long term proposition with excellent upside given the increasingly prominent reputation of the distillery. Glenglassaugh has made a name for itself in recent years with distinctive cask finishes; including wine and sherry, so this relatively understated wood type will do well to see it through the initial, most lengthy period of ageing but will easily lend itself to re-racking into more active wood further down the line.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92+)

Dark cherry, plum, lavender and violet are some of the notes that open up in the 2014 Grand Corbin Despagne. Medium in body, with a classic sense of structure and plenty of tannin, the 2014 is built for cellaring. It shows quite a bit more overall intensity today than it did as a barrel sample, which is quite positive for its long-term prospects.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2014 Grand-Puy Lacoste has a bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, mint and graphite, well defined and focused. It does not have to try too hard to give so much pleasure. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very crisp acidity, beautifully proportioned with a veneer of top quality new oak that will need three or four years to be fully subsumed. But the purity and elegance of this Pauillac cannot be denied – a quite brilliant contribution to the 2014 vintage. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

A sophisticated offering from the renowned Italian winemaker Tiziano Grasso, the Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 is a remarkable example of an expertly crafted Barolo. Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, this family-run winery marries traditional techniques with modern sensibility, transforming the region's prized Nebbiolo grapes into a symphony of depth and complexity.

This standout vintage intrigues in the glass with its vibrant crimson hues, commanding the attention of the senses with an opulent bouquet of ripe red fruits, elegant oak and subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 resounds with an impressive structure, harmoniously balanced tannins and acidity, prolonging to an enduring, beautifully nuanced finish.

Maturing gracefully since 2014, it tells a sensory story of its sun-drenched terroir, embodying Grasso's attention to detail and masterful winemaking. The Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 is a testament to the Grasso family's commitment to excellence, making it a prized addition to any wine collection.

Wine Advocate (97)

Floral aromas accent sturdy notes of grilled meat and almost delicate notes of red berries in the open, approachable 2014 Cote Rotie La Mouline. Medium to full-bodied, it shows great purity and a supple, silky, classic feel. It's built more on elegance and complexity than power, with those floral, herbal notes leaving a long, silky impression on the finish.

Wine Advocate (98)

Now that it's in bottle, the 2014 Cote Rotie La Turque has exceeded all of my earlier expectations. It's got those classic Côte Rôtie elements on the nose of smoked bacon, olives and violets, seamlessly entwined with supple tannins and raspberry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky and fine, showing tremendous length and complexity on the finish. On this occasion, La Turque came to the head of the class as the most approachable, exciting and elegant of the three La Las.

James Suckling (98)

The pure fruit is incredible with a dark-fruit and blackberry character. Some sous bois but also shows clarity and finesse. Full body and super fine tannins. Tight and so pretty. A classy and fine Harlan. Needs four to five years to open up.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2014 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a generous, juicy wine. Red cherry, plum, spice and herbal notes all flesh out in the glass. Succulent and inviting, the 2014 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Silky tannins add to the wine's finesse and sheer appeal.

James Suckling (98)

Beautiful interplay of vivacity and silkiness. Vibrant and phenolic, yet also supple with long, caressing layers of crushed almond, brown butter, apricot, praline, white chocolate and hints of sage. Really opens up. Fantastic integration. 100% new barrels from selected parcels of the Argonne forest. Drink or hold.

Savour the exquisite quality of Hospices de Beaune Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres Cuvee Baudot 2014, a fine vintage underpinned by a rich tradition in Burgundian wine-making. Produced from the revered vineyards of the Burgundy region, it hails from the Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres domain, bearing testament to the esteemed reputability of Hospices de Beaune, world-renowned for their exceptional commitment to viticulture mastery.

This critically acclaimed, full-bodied Chardonnay is expertly hand-harvested, preserving the purity and intensity of the fruit. The microclimate and rich soils have endowed it with exceptional terroir complexity, offering sophisticated layers of ripe apples, roasted nuts and hints of honeysuckle on the palate.

With age, Hospices de Beaune Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres Cuvee Baudot 2014 develops bracing mineral undertones, becoming more nuanced and vibrant. This wine is a true representation of elegant French viniculture, an exquisite choice for the discerning collector.

The Hospices de Beaune Pouilly Fuisse Cuvee Francoise Poisard 2014 is a quintessential expression of French Chardonnay of distinction. This exquisite wine originates from the famed vineyards of Pouilly Fuisse within the prestigious Maconnais region of Burgundy. Managed by the historic Hospices de Beaune, whose viticultural excellence dates back to the 15th century, this wine bears the name of its benefactor, Madame Françoise Poisard.

The 2014 vintage, made under the meticulous supervision of celebrated winemaker, Ludivine Griveau, enjoyed an extended fermentation with full malolactic conversion in oak barrels. The outcome is a wine imbued with an intricate palette of aromas, from delicate white flowers to ripe orchard fruits. On the palate, gentle hints of oak intertwine with the vibrant freshness of Chardonnay to produce an irresistible complexity and length. Indulge in the Hospices de Beaune Pouilly Fuisse Cuvee Francoise Poisard 2014 for an authentic taste of Burgundian sophistication.