Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

The 2018 Canon is every bit as magnificent from bottle as it was from barrel. Maybe more so. Vertical and explosive in the glass, Canon sizzles with tension and vibrancy. Readers will find a majestic, soaring Grand Cru Classé that captures all the magic of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau. Canon exudes mind-blowing precision and deliciousness. It is another magnificent effort from Technical Director Nicolas Audebert and his team.

The Wine Independent (100)

Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Canon is deep garnet-purple in color. It offers up fragrant notes of mocha, violets, and licorice over a core of plum preserves and wild blueberries, plus a waft of Indian spices. The full-bodied palate is full-on gorgeous, delivering bright, energetic black and blue fruit layers with a lively backbone and super-fine, perfectly ripe tannins, finishing long, long, long.

The Wine Independent (100)

Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Canon is deep garnet-purple in color. It offers up fragrant notes of mocha, violets, and licorice over a core of plum preserves and wild blueberries, plus a waft of Indian spices. The full-bodied palate is full-on gorgeous, delivering bright, energetic black and blue fruit layers with a lively backbone and super-fine, perfectly ripe tannins, finishing long, long, long.

The Wine Independent (100)

Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Canon is deep garnet-purple in color. It offers up fragrant notes of mocha, violets, and licorice over a core of plum preserves and wild blueberries, plus a waft of Indian spices. The full-bodied palate is full-on gorgeous, delivering bright, energetic black and blue fruit layers with a lively backbone and super-fine, perfectly ripe tannins, finishing long, long, long.

The Wine Independent (100)

Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Canon is deep garnet-purple in color. It offers up fragrant notes of mocha, violets, and licorice over a core of plum preserves and wild blueberries, plus a waft of Indian spices. The full-bodied palate is full-on gorgeous, delivering bright, energetic black and blue fruit layers with a lively backbone and super-fine, perfectly ripe tannins, finishing long, long, long.

Wine Advocate (100)

The brilliant 2020 Canon looks set to surpass both the 2019 and 2016 as this estate's finest wine since the post-war period, though like many of the best 2020s, it will require more patience than its 2019 counterpart. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries and raspberries mingled with notions of exotic spices and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with vibrant acids and beautifully polished, chalky tannins. Pure and precise, it concludes with a long, mouthwatering finish. This beautifully constructed wine communicates the essence of this superb limestone terroir, and it will be worth a special effort to track down and cellar.

Vinous (97)

The 2021 Canon shows just how magical this site is. Vertical and explosive in feel, with tons of pure power, it impresses with its intensity, drive and super-classic profile. Bright saline notes and vibrant tannins give the 2021 a feeling of energy that only gains momentum with time in the glass. It's not an easy Canon, like the 2015 or 2018, but it is incredibly expressive. It is the sort of wine that only truly emerges with time in bottle. I would be thrilled to own it. Canon must surely be one of the great relative values in first-class wine. Wow. Tasted two times.

Vinous (97)

The 2021 Canon shows just how magical this site is. Vertical and explosive in feel, with tons of pure power, it impresses with its intensity, drive and super-classic profile. Bright saline notes and vibrant tannins give the 2021 a feeling of energy that only gains momentum with time in the glass. It's not an easy Canon, like the 2015 or 2018, but it is incredibly expressive. It is the sort of wine that only truly emerges with time in bottle. I would be thrilled to own it. Canon must surely be one of the great relative values in first-class wine. Wow. Tasted two times.

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2022 Canon has turned out brilliantly in bottle. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of sweet raspberries, wild berries and cherries mingled with hints of violets, pencil shavings, black truffle and rose petals, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a dense, enveloping core of fruit underpinned by a chassis of sweet, suave tannins, concluding with a long, saline finish. This is one of the most muscular, broad-shouldered vintages of Canon in recent years, but it retains every bit of its limestone-driven identity. As I wrote two years ago, this is an estate that is delivering its greatest run of vintages since the superb Post War series that preceded the frosts of 1956, and the 2022 is indeed reminiscent of a modern day version of one of those great years.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

The 2019 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière is another brilliantly perfumed wine in the vintage that shines for its complexity, finesse, and nuances. Giving up awesome notes of red and black currants, tobacco, exotic flowers, cedarwood, and loamy earth, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, beautifully polished, integrated tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. This is serious juice that warrants at least 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30 to 40 years.

Cultivating a legacy of the Piedmont territory, the Canonica Giovanni estate introduces the Cartizze Langhe Nebbiolo 2020, an elegant embodiment of authenticity and terroir. This magnificent Nebbiolo varietal intertwines complexity and subtlety through meticulous traditional winemaking. Characterised by a ruby hue, it bears vibrant cherry notes juxtaposed by earthy undertones, seasoned by the vineyard's unique clay-limestone soil.

This wine hails from the Langhe region in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for exceptional viticulture since Etruscan times. Canonica Giovanni champions a meticulous approach with sustainable methods, hand-harvesting their Nebbiolo in October for optimal ripeness.

Hand-crafted in oak casks, Canonica Giovanni Langhe Nebbiolo 2020 bears testament to Giovanni Canonica's commitment to preserving regional winemaking traditions. Here, old-world charm is captured in its finest expression, making each sip a glimpse into the vineyard's rich heritage.

The Canonica Giovanni Langhe Nebbiolo 2020 is, indeed, a harmonious symphony of an understated power and finesse, bringing forth an exhilarating wine experience like no other.

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.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

This is another successful vintage from this estate. It is so finely structured that you notice the blackberry fruit more than the tannins, with a seam of crisp acidity throughout.

James Suckling (93-94)

Crushed berries and walnuts with red-chili and mushroom notes. It’s medium-to full-bodied and soft. Juicy at the end. Ripe tannins and good balance.

James Suckling (93-94)

Crushed berries and walnuts with red-chili and mushroom notes. It’s medium-to full-bodied and soft. Juicy at the end. Ripe tannins and good balance.

James Suckling (93-94)

Lots of richness and fruit for this winery, showing blackberry, blackcurrant and dark-chocolate character. It’s full and layered. Well done.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

James Suckling (96-97)

Fantastic depth of fruit with layers of firm, chewy tannins that are medium-grained and long in the mouth. Full and dynamic. One of the best ever.

Decanter (96)

Juicy and lively, cool and crisp with concentrated but cool tannins that give the structure and density. It's massy, full, upfront, but retains a charm in that nothing is harsh or austere or too spiced. It's full but there's something very captivating about this, has excitement and vibrancy and will be totally delicious and moreish when the time is right. Lovely acidity, beautiful red fruits, crisp and tense yet layered and ripe, mineral too. Gives you the emotion! Harvest 7-27 September. Ageing in French oak, 60% new, 40% one year old.

The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2018 is a luxurious embodiment of the small-scale winemaking heritage of Piedmont, Italy. This fine red wine, handcrafted by the Garrone family who has mastered the art of winemaking since 1947, embodies the spirit of local traditions and time-honoured expertise. Sun-ripened grapes from the reputable Ossolane Valley imbue this vintage with a robust, nuanced body making it a must-have for grape enthusiasts.

Every bottle of Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2018 encapsulates the Essences of Nebbiolo, Croatina, and Vespolina, aged subtly in stainless steel vats to preserve their authenticity, resulting in an explosion of bold, red-fruited pleasures. The artisanal approach, practised by generations, ensures every sip is a testament to the vibrant Italian terroir. This wine perfectly marries complexity and harmony, offering an exceptional finish that lingers, making it a wonderful addition to any discerning collector's cellar.

Relish in the divine experience of the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2019, a wine of outstanding quality and deep-rooted history. This exquisite artisanal wine hails from Northern Italy's Piedmont region, crafted by the time-honoured Cantine Garrone Winery, renowned for their dedication to organic and biodynamic winemaking. An entrancing blend of Nebbiolo, Croatina and Vespolina grapes, nurtured amidst mountainous terrains, the wine flawlessly captures the rich and distinctive terroir of its birthplace.

Upon uncorking the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2019, immediately discern waves of aromatic complexity, encompassing ripe cherries, wild berries, and subtle hints of spices. It graces the palate with striking depth, plum-red hues, and velvety tannins, bound together in an elegant, medium-bodied structure. The wine concludes with an impressively persistent finish, making it a harmonious pairing for hearty Italian dishes. An expertly-crafted testament to the manufacturer's passion, this bottle promises a sophisticated and memorable tasting experience.

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.

The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2019 is a captivating blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina grapes. This aromatic red wine is meticulously crafted in the breathtaking region of Piedmont, Italy. Set on the ethereal bank of the Toce River, the Cantine Garrone winery upholds generations-old tradition of premium winemaking, under the current custodianship of the Brusa family. The vineyard’s unique mountainous terroir bestows upon the Prudent Diecibrente 2019 a rich intensity and a deep ruby hue.

Expertly hand-harvested and vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, this wine offers an intriguing aromatic complexity of red fruits, spices, and a hint of vanilla. Ably structured with tannic extracts, it concludes on a long, satisfying note of ripe fruit. Recommended with hearty dishes, the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2019 is a testimony to exquisite Italian wine artistry – an unforgettable journey of sensory indulgence.

Renowned for their exceptional winemaking, Cantine Garrone brings forth another masterpiece - the Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020. Made in their prestigious vineyards, laid amidst the ethereal landscapes of the Italian Piemonte region, this top-quality wine is the embodiment of the Garrone family's dedication to pristine viticulture and restrained winemaking. The wine, made in limited quantities, showcases the unique terroir, embracing native grape varieties along with sustainable and organic farming practices.

The captivating Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020, encapsulates the charm of the mountainous Ossola valleys, reflected in its full-bodied palate, well-rounded tannins, and balanced acidity. The winemakers have scrupulously hand-harvested the grapes at optimal maturity, using spontaneous fermentation to preserve the archetypal characteristics. Cantine Garrone's expression of this wine is indeed a tribute to their adherence to tradition, intertwined with modern innovation. Experience the quintessential Italian excellence with Cantine Garrone, Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020.

The very high quality of ageing vessel gives an elegant interpretation of Caol Ila's classic peat. Medicinal and iodine are the predominant scents that fit well into the whole aromatic structure that supports and accompanies it. Tones of medicinal herbs, vanilla, leather in the background and licorice complete it and make it complex enough to let us fly with imagination. Just 161 bottles filled from a single cask at 45% ABV.

A single cask Islay malt matured in undersized ex-Bourbon barrels previously used to mature Bourbon whiskey at the Koval Distillery, showcasing Caol Ila’s classic oily maritime qualities with aromas of sweet, earthy peat, sea breeze and iodine alongside pungent, warming spices evoking cinnamon, cumin, smoked pepper and cardamom. A finish laced with eucalyptus and dried mint makes for a restrained, finessed Islay with a long, dynamic finish. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 58.1% without colouring or filtration.

The second bottling from the Stewart Whisky Company in their Stiùbhart Single Cask selection, released in March 2021 at 13 years of age in a limited run of just 132 bottles.

Wine Advocate (93)

Caparzo is one of two properties in Montalcino owned by the beautiful and charming Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini. The other property is Altesino. This wine, the Caparzo 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is a very classic interpretation that delivers the goods without any distracting bells or whistles. The wine opens to red and purple fruit aromas with background tones of dried herb, potting soil, cedar wood and light spice. Fruit comes from a site with heavier clay soils, and you get hints of that extra density and richness here. This vintage offers all you need in a model Brunello from a very beautiful and generous vintage. I always admire the wines of Caparzo for their accessible and immediate drinking style. Some 160,000 bottles were corked in August 2019, and the wine hit the market in January 2020.

Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)

From the team at Calon Ségur, the 2018 Château Capbern is another smoking good Saint-Estèphe. In 2018 it’s a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that will spend 18 months in 60% new French oak. This ripe, sexy wine (it hit 14.6% natural alcohol) sports a deep purple color as well as blockbuster notes of crème de cassis, jammy blackberries, crushed flowers, and scorched earth. Despite all the fruit and texture, it stays beautifully balanced, has classic Saint-Estèphe earthy minerality, ripe tannins, and a great finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (94)

I love the nose on the 2019 Château Capbern, a medium to full-bodied, spicy, rich, tobacco and cedar pencil-filled beauty with ripe yet building tannins, a great mix of richness and freshness, and a blockbuster of a finish. It's incredibly impressive, and while it offers pleasure even today, it deserves 5-6 years of bottle age, and I can't imagine it not evolving for two decades.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)

Readers looking for an off-the-charts value should snatch up the 2020 Château Capbern, which emerges from the same team as Calon Ségur. Offering a vivid bouquet of cassis, leafy tobacco, violets, damp earth, and chocolate, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, perfectly ripe fruit (not overripe, not underripe), ultra-fine, integrated tannins, and the mix of freshness and richness that’s part of all great wines. It’s a hidden gem in Saint-Estèphe.