James Suckling (97)

So much blue fruit such as blueberries and blackberries; the purity of the fruit is incredible. Essence of cabernet sauvignon. Full-bodied yet with focused and fine tannins. Forceful but focused and polished. Needs two or three years to come around. And then enjoy for years afterwards.

Wine Advocate (97)

From a warm and sunny vintage that produced darkly concentrated fruit, the Tenuta Guado al Tasso 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is a teaser and a super pleaser. This is one flashy wine. This carefully calculated blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot pours from the bottle with a beautifully saturated and rich color. I double-decanted my sample before writing this review, and the wine's aromas showed immediate harmony and intensity. The wine seduces and flirts with all your senses. This vintage caps many years of study regarding blending: The Merlot is slightly decreased here, and the Cabernet Franc is slowly taking on a more important supporting role. The Petit Verdot that was used as a peppery accent two years ago has now been removed altogether. The results are pliant, seamless and fluid, and that's the big takeaway here. The wine is bountiful, round, supple and full-bodied. Unless you are decidedly not a fan of this style, there's nothing not to love. I had anticipated more tightness in terms of possible hot-vintage tannins, but I am very pleased by the general integration of the mouthfeel. The Guado al Tasso vineyards are located not too far from the sea, at a low elevation of about 60 meters above sea level. The soils are alluvial with a unique mix of limestone clay and sand, with pockets of rocks and are generally known as the Bolgheri Agglomerate. Some 120,000 bottles of this vintage hit the market in February 2020.

In the world of fine wines, the Antoniotti Odilio Bramaterra 2015 stands distinguished for its distinct complexity and remarkable balance. Crafted meticulously by the Antoniotti family, renowned vintners since the 19th century, from the eclectic terroir of Northern Piedmont, Italy. A harmonious blend of Nebbiolo, Croatina, Vespolina and Uva Rara, it undertakes a two-week fermentation in stainless steel before maturing patiently for 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels.

Resplendent in a ruby robe, the Antoniotti Odilio Bramaterra 2015 exudes an elegant nose of red fruit, intertwined with earthy truffles and hints of leather. On the palate, it unfolds a symphony of cherry and raspberry, counterbalanced by profound mineral notes and velvety tannin. Vibrant acidity and a long, lingering finish affirm its eminent stature, making it a cherished choice among connoisseurs. Antoniotti Odilio Bramaterra 2015 is indeed a testament to the fine art of wine-making.

Greg Sherwood MW (96)

A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Syrah and 7% Petit Verdot which was aged for 19 months in French oak, 50% new 400 litre barrels and 50% second fill. A seductively perfumed vintage, the aromatics show alluring notes of violets, potpourri and hits of lily over dark bramble berry fruits with hints of mocha espresso notes that combine with subtle buttered brown toast nuances. The palate shows fabulous elegance and finesse with a soft touch concentration of black currant, Christmas pudding, savoury plum compote and black cherry. The tannins are powdery and fine grained but also structured and drying, combining well with a fresh glossy acidity that keeps the finish focused, vibrant and bright. An impressive wine that not only shows off another great vintage in the Cape but also what is increasingly possible with the superb Anwilka Stellenbosch terroir.

Wine Advocate (95+)

This is a terrific wine and one of the new releases from Montalcino that I happily include on a short list of top recommendations. The Argiano 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows a very lively bouquet that is already singing despite the young age of this new release. The wine opens to a dark ruby color with garnet highlights. The bouquet shows a large span of wild berry, earth, licorice spice and medicinal herb aromas. This vintage also reveals a pretty floral character with dried rose potpourri and lavender buds. After fermentation, the wine is aged slowly for 30 months in large oak botte (including 10-, 30- and 50-hectoliter capacity), thus restricting oxygen and gently slowing its evolution. However, the 2015 vintage is naturally expressive and exuberant, and that's the main takeaway here.

James Suckling (94)

Very attractive floral and fresh aromas to the plums and cherries, following through to the palate. Flavorful and gorgeous, yet lively and focused. Lovely 2017. Drink now or hold.

James Suckling (97)

A reincarnation of Argiano’s IGT Suolo as a single-vineyard Brunello, without the heavy new-wood use, this is a sleek and exquisite wine. Lifted orange peel defines the nose, which also offers wild strawberries, nutmeg, lightly roasted coffee, glazed cherries and dried herbs. Finely tuned and only medium-to full-bodied on the palate, the tannins taking on a graceful, medium-chewy persona. Suave and delicate, yet long and powerful on the finish. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling (97)

Fantastic aromas of flowers such as violets and roses with dark purple fruits and hints of stones, too. Full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and linear finish. This is a return to the great Solengos of the mid-1990s. The best since 1997. Cabernet sauvignon 50%, petit verdot 30%, merlot 15% and sangiovese 5%. Drinkable now but better in 2020.

Vinous (98)

The 2017 Chambertin Grand Cru is just a glorious success. Vivid red fruit, Morello cherries, wild strawberry and pressed violets on the nose, the aromatics here feel so animated and exquisitely defined. The palate is perfectly balanced with a killer line of acidity: crystalline red fruit, filigree tannins and more freshness than it knows what to do with. There is a sense of "channeled intensity" in this Chambertin and whilst there is no question that it is a 20- to 30-years wine, I felt no guilt in polishing this off in its youth. Tasted at Maison de Colombier in Beaune.

Burghound (88)

A cool, pretty and pure nose reflects notes of various red berries, floral and a hint of earth. There is terrific energy and fine detail to the utterly delicious flavors that possess outstanding depth and length for a regional wine. Recommended.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2015 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Corvées Pagets, one of Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux's emblematic wines, wafts from the glass with a complex bouquet of plums, candied peel, violets and raspberries. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and complete, with a deep core of fruit, crystalline purity, and fine-grained but chalky tannins. Structurally, this is classic Premeaux.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Corvées Pagets 1er Cru is 100% whole bunches. It has a very intense bouquet of brambly red fruit, briar, wild heather and light crushed rock aromas; more tertiary scents (damp moss?) emerge with time. The medium-bodied palate features supple tannin and just a slight lactic tincture on the entry, layers of tart red fruit infused with minerals and even a cheeky hint of Turkish Delight on the finish. This feels very long and tender.

Vinous (93+)

Healthy dark red. Sexy, soil-driven nose melds raspberry, spices, herbs and smoky minerals. Plush, fine-grained and sweet yet somehow light on its feet; like the 2016 version, this has a very high pH around 3.9 but its savory minerality and stem element give it sufficient energy and lift. A wonderfully seamless ripe-but-dry wine with a very long, rising finish featuring refined tannins and lingering black cherry and licorice notes.

Vinous (90-92)

(70% vendange entier; 15% new oak; tasted from tank): Healthy dark red. Enticing aromas of raspberry, spices, bitter chocolate and licorice. Wonderfully dense but juicy too, with its black fruit and mint flavors lifted by a floral element. Voluminous, classy, perfumed and very long, with the tannins barely noticeable today. A superb village wine.

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.

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.

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.

The Auvenay Bourgogne Aligote Sous Chatelet 2015 is an expression of exceptional winemaking from the venerable house of Domaine d'Auvenay, owned by Lalou Bize-Leroy. Nestled in the prestigious wine region of Burgundy, this Aligote is an exquisite sample of the producer's skill and dedication to precision and organic farming. The wine is made with the Aligote grape variety, providing it with unparalleled freshness and minerality.

Elevated in oak barrels for 18 months, Auvenay Bourgogne Aligote Sous Chatelet 2015 exhibits not only a vivid, pale gold colour but also a sensational aromatic profile brimming with white flowers, apple, citrus, and a touch of buttery notes. On the palate, it is characterized by its stocky structure, bright acidity and vivid minerality, culminating in a lengthy, rewarding finish. Savour the brilliance of the Auvenay Bourgogne Aligote Sous Chatelet 2015, a quintessential French white wine for the discerning wine aficionado.

Savour an exquisite embodiment of Bordeaux's grandeur with the Badette Saint Emilion 2015. Born from the revered Saint Emilion region of Bordeaux, France, this remarkable wine represents the marriage of meticulous viticulture and masterful vinification. The estate cultivates a perfect blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, promising vibrant arrays of ripe, red fruits harmoniously balanced with notes of spice and silky tannins.

Born from the conviction of hands-on proprietors, Peters and Stephan von Neipperg, the Badette Saint Emilion 2015 encapsulates a dedication to extreme precision from vineyard to glass. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels before bottling, the wine exhibits the unparalleled fusion of fruit and oak, resulting in a balanced, full-bodied panache that lingers tantalisingly on the palate. Such rare elegance marks the Badette Saint Emilion 2015 as the epitome of vinous perfection.

James Suckling (97)

Lots of dried bark, cinnamon stick, forest floor and earth add to an impression of dried cherries and sandalwood. But there are also hints of caramelized oranges and preserved lemons. The attack on the palate takes immediate effect; the powerful tannins pucker the edges of the mouth with imposing depth, but equally fascinating detail. This is a robust, take-no-hostages style of Brunello with a modern twist of finesse and tension. Drink from 2025.

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)