“2014 (Gaillard) Cornas has a classic, old-school feel”- Jeb Dunnuck
Pierre Gaillard Cornas 2014 (sourced from 1 ha parcel of 70+ year-old vines) – “The 2014s were all tasted out of bottle. One of my favorite wines from Gaillard is his Cornas, and his 2014 Cornas has a classic, old-school feel (despite aging in 50% new barrels) in its spicy, herbal, cedar and leather-laced bouquet. Medium-bodied, with solid sweetness of fruit and a good mid-palate, it should be drunk over the coming 7-8 years.”- Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
“2016 Château Labégorce is a head-turner of a Margaux”- JD
Château Labégorce, Margaux 2016
94-95 points – James Suckling
“This may be the best Labégorce ever. Full-bodied and dense yet vivid and energetic. Greatness in the making.”- JamesSuckling.com, April 2017
94 points – Vinous
“The 2016 Labégorce comes from a property that has really been getting its act together in recent years. It has a gorgeous, very pure blackberry, raspberry and pressed violet bouquet, almost understated, but there is real focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin and quite Pauillac-like in style, and there is impressive density on the finish. Wonderful. Look out for this. Drink 2024-2050.”- Neil Martin, Vinous, Jan 2019
94 points – Jeb Dunnuck
“From an estate on the uptick and showing beautifully on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Labégorce is a head-turner of a Margaux that’s based on 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was brought up in 45% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. Sexy notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, crushed flowers, sandalwood, and incense all flow to a medium to full-bodied, fabulously textured Margaux that carries ripe tannins, loads of fruit and richness, and a great finish. Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate and the wines now play with the top in the appellation. Give bottles 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. Drink 2022 – 2042.” Jebdunnuck.com, March 2019
93+ points – Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Labégorce is composed of 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new and 55% one-year-old French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps out of the glass with gregarious cassis, kirsch and black raspberries, candied violets, dark chocolate and spearmint. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and with exciting intensity, it delivers a fantastically long, fragrant finish. 12,000 cases produced. Drink 2019-2036.”- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, Nov 2018
93 points – Decanter
“Deep, rich extraction, black cherry in colour with very well controlled aromatics of damson and creamy cappuccino. This is a gorgeous wine and there are going to be many many fans of the contemporary but utterly controlled and well judged flavours on display here. Luscious and big, but everything has a reason for being where it is, nothing superfluous. One of the best ever from this property. Drink 2027 – 2045.”- Jane Anson, Decanter, April 2017
90 points – Wine Spectator
“Features a core of freshly crushed plum and blackberry fruit, inlaid with singed mesquite, sandalwood and black tea notes. This is on the toasty side in the end, but the texture has a plush edge and there’s enough fruit for balance. Drink now through 2031.”— JM, Wine Spectator, Mar 2019
90 points – Vinous
“The 2016 Labégorce is a dense, potent wine. There is plenty of depth to the copious blackberry jam, plum and chocolate flavors. Rich and forward, the 2016 will drink well with minimal cellaring. I thought the 2016 was a bit more exciting from barrel, but this is nevertheless very nicely done. Drink 2020-2030.”- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jan 2019
“2018 Lirac is open and charming, with hugely attractive fruit”- WA
Domaine La Font de Notre Dame Lirac 2018 –
(89-92) points – Wine Advocate
“Much like the 2017, the 2018 Lirac is open and charming, with hugely attractive fruit. It’s medium to full-bodied, with raspberry, kirsch and stone fruit notes and just enough tannin to provide structure to the finish. It should be approachable upon release and drink well for 5-6 years thereafter. Drink 2020-2026.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“2019 (Vigneau-Chevreau) Cuvée Silex is a …precise offering with laser-like, citrus-driven acidity.” – Vinous
Vigneau-Chevreau, Vouvray, Cuvée Silex 2019
92 points – Vinous
“A taut, focused dry style that’s organically grown and hand-harvested. Hailing from silex soil, as the cuvée name makes clear, the 2019 Cuvée Silex is a compact and precise offering with laser-like, citrus-driven acidity. There’s crisp apple fruit and white flowers on the nose, but this wine is all about the terroir-driven structure. It is uncompromising and sure of itself.” – Rebecca Gibb, MW, Vinous
“A Good Value Pick Among the St-Josephs”- Decanter
Domaine Pierre Gaillard, St. Joseph (rouge) 2017
91 points – Decanter
“This is made with fruit from the northernmost area: Chavanay and Malleval, on east- and southeast-facing granite slopes. The fruit is hand-harvested, destemmed, fermented, then matured for 18 months in French oak barriques from Allier and Nevers, 10% new. It’s a light-bodied style, with subtle and refined tannins, juicy berry acidity and remarkable length given the lightness of touch. A harmonious, subtle, saline, mineral expression – not for long ageing, but for sheer drinkability this is hard to beat. Should be a good value pick among the St-Josephs.”- Matt Walls, Decanter
“A perennial overachiever, the 2016 Château Lilian Ladouys brings the goods in 2016” – JD
Château Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe 2016 –
93 points – James Suckling
“The blueberry and blackberry aromas are certainly attractive here. Full-bodied and dense with a very velvety texture and a long, generous finish of ripe fruit and spice. Drink from 2022.”- James Suckling.com
|
|
92 points – Decanter
“The nose reflects very ripe red and black fruit, and even some exotic notes, which could take some by surprise. But the palate is more balanced, showing fresh cassis on the finish, which has a long lift, and almost suggests the grapefruit freshness of a white wine! I like the mid-palate sap. An excellent wine and miles better than its New World-style and less terroir-driven 2010, also tasted.” – Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter
|
|
92 points – Jeb Dunnuck
“A perennial overachiever, the 2016 Château Lilian Ladouys brings the goods in 2016 and has a complex, medium to full-bodied, character-filled style to go with loads of blue fruits, incense, dried herbs, and a hint of violets. A blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot all raised in 30% new barrels, this charming, front end-loaded effort is well worth seeking out. It should keep for 10-15 years.”- Jebdunnuck.com
|
|
92 points – Vinous
“This is the third time I have tasted the 2016 Lilian Ladouys in bottle. It retains a very intense blackberry and boysenberry bouquet laced with minerals, but displays a little more amplitude than it did in August. The tightly knit palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and still shows the graphite seam that I remarked upon previously. There is a little more persistence now, hence the slightly higher score. Good potential.”- Neal Martin, Vinous
|
|
92 points ”Editors’ Choice”- Wine Enthusiast
“Now under the same ownership as vastly improved Château Pedesclaux in Pauillac, this estate is also on the upward quality curve. This wine has the structure and tannins of a classic Saint-Estèphe as well as juicy, rich black fruits. With aging potential, the wine should be ready to drink from 2024.” Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
|
|
91 points – Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Lilian Ladouys is a blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot aged in 30% new French oak for 15 months. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of baked plums, crème de cassis and Black Forest cake with bay leaves, pencil lead and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant and packed with vibrant flavor layers, it finishes long.”- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
|
|
91 points – Wine Spectator
“Very lively, featuring a fun mix of cassis, plum paste and cherry preserve flavors, framed with floral and mineral notes. The light-handed toast lets the fruit shine through the finish, with persistent chalky minerality. Best from 2021 through 2031.” – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
|
|
91 points – Vinous
“The 2016 Lilian Ladouys is just as beautiful from bottle as it was from barrel. Lifted, silky and exceptionally perfumed, the 2016 has so much to offer. Bright red toned fruits laced with expressive floral top notes run through this sensual, totally gracious Saint-Estèphe. There is so much to like. Lilian Ladouys is a rare Saint-Estèphe where Merlot takes precedence over Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted two times.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
|
|
“A richly satisfying Côtes du Rhône-Villages red.”- JR
Domaine de Mourchon, CdRV- Séguret Tradition 2016/17 – Jancis Robinson Wine of the Week
“I have long admired the reds of Domaine de Mourchon, situated in classic south of France setting between the medieval hilltop village of Séguret and Mont Ventoux under the Dentelles de Montmirail in the southern Rhône…My favourite, certainly in terms of value, is usually the Tradition, the Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Séguret that seems to me to be an excellent buy for a wine that is ready to drink when released but usually improves over two to four years in bottle, depending on the vintage.
REVIEW: ‘Vibrant purplish crimson. Very rich, meaty nose with sufficient freshness. Really interesting cocktail. Wonderfully supple but substantial tannins that emerge only on the finish. Great vibrancy. A wine worth ageing but it would already deliver now if served with something equally meaty. Drink 2018–23″- Jancis Robinson, Wine of the Week, 9/6/2019
“A Top-Notch Fronsac (Bordeaux)”- WA
Château Villars Fronsac (Bordeaux) 2012
90 points – Wine Advocate
“A gorgeous, deep ruby/purple color and sweet blueberry and blackberry fruit. Nice minerality and a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel make for a top-notch Fronsac in this vintage. The color is a healthy ruby/purple and the wine capable of lasting at least 10-15 years.” – Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate
“a zesty edge of ripe lemon” completes the 2018 Ninot Gresigny
Domaine Ninot, Rully 1er Cru Gresigny 2018 – White Burgundy from the Côte Chalonnaise
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Notes of hay and ripe stonefruit on the nose of this wine come with a zesty edge of ripe lemon. The palate at first continues that citric freshness edged with wood smoke, then fleshes out the body with ripe Mirabelle. The finish is dry and a little warm, but lasting and fresh.”- Wine Enthusiast
“An exceptional (2019) vintage for Cuminaille. Such a beautiful wine.”- 94 pts. Decanter
Pierre Gaillard, St. Joseph, Clos de Cuminaille 2019
94 points – Decanter
“Beautiful combination of fresh blackberry, bacon fat and cinnamon spice. This is rounded, concentrated and elegant on the palate. No excess weight or alcohol, lovely deep-set acidity and a long finish. An exceptional vintage for Cuminaille. Such a beautiful wine, as good as many Côte-Rôties this year. Smart buy. A 3ha plot in Chavanay grown on granite planted in 1981. All destemmed. Aged for 18 months in barriques, 40% new. Drink 2021-2027.”-Matt Walls, Decanter
“Another terrific value for the true wine lovers and drinkers out there”- JD
Pierre et Jerome Coursodon St. Joseph, Silice Rouge 2016
92 pts. – Wine Spectator
“Subtle, featuring crushed cherry and plum fruit that has a restrained feel. Long, with fresh minerality coursing underneath the fruit and alluring black tea and savory notes running throughout. Drink now through 2026. 3,200 cases made.”- JM, Wine Spectator
90-92 pts. – Jeb Dunnuck
“The largest production effort is the 2016 Saint Joseph Silice, which offers lots of blackberry jam, Asian spice, and peppered meat aromas and flavors. This ripe, sexy, beautifully textured 2016 is going to be another terrific value for the true wine lovers and drinkers out there.”- Jeb Dunnuck
91 pts. – Vinous
“Brilliant violet color. Lively, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh cherry and dark berries, smoky minerals and violet. Smooth, sappy and energetic in the mouth, offering gently sweet black raspberry, floral pastille and allspice flavors and a zesty touch of cracked pepper. Shows very good clarity and spicy cut on the floral-tinged finish, which is framed by gentle, harmonious tannins.”- Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 4/18
(89-91) pts. – Wine Advocate
“The charming, supple 2016 Saint Joseph Silice was scheduled to be bottled the week after my visit. It shows attractive floral aromas, lush black cherry fruit, ample weight on the palate and a creamy mouthfeel. It should drink well on release and go for at least 5 years.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“Beguiling floral notes in this fine Montagny.” – 91 pts. Decanter
Domaine Berthenet, Montagny, Tête de Cuvée 2018 –
91 points – Decanter
“Berthenet’s Tête de Cuvée is a blend from all but one of the domaine’s vineyards. Succulent, ripe and honeyed, the calcareous slopes have added freshness, citrus and saline notes. Unoaked, there are beguiling floral notes in this fine Montagny.”- Andy Howard, MW, Decanter
“Bon vin! Très bon vin (de Bordeaux)!” – WA
Clos du Roy Fronsac 2016 –
92-93 points – James Suckling
“Lots of blackberry, blueberry and black-licorice aromas. Full body, chewy tannins and a hazelnut, dark-fruit and walnut aftertaste. A blend of merlot and cabernet franc. Needs two or three years of bottle age to soften. Try in 2022.”- James Suckling
|
|
91-93 points – Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Clos du Roy has a tightly wound bouquet with abundant black fruit waiting to unfold once in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded but firm tannin, engaging blackberry and bilberry fruit mixed with mineral and a very refined and persistent finish that is the best I have encountered from this Fronsac estate. Bon vin! Très bon vin! Drink 2021-2038.” – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
|
|
91 points – Jeb Dunnuck
“This estate has turned out a vivid purple-hued 2016 that is a blend of 90% Merlot and 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its saturated color is followed by a ripe, dense, beautifully concentrated Fronsac that has loads of ripe plum and blackberry fruits, medium to full body, a stacked, layered mid-palate, and ripe yet present tannins that emerge on the mid-palate. It’s a beautifully balanced, powerful 2016 that should benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for a decade or more..”- Jebdunnuck.com
|
|
89-91 points – Vinous
“The 2016 Clos du Roy is deep, inky and voluptuous, with plenty of blackberry jam, crème de cassis, chocolate and spice character. Silky tannins, soft contours and voluptuous fruit give this tasty Fronsac plenty of near- and medium-term appeal.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
|
|
“Broad, fleshy and sweet”- 2016 Beaujolais Cru Regnie
Domaine Lagneau, Beaujolais Cru Régnié, Vieilles Vignes 2016 – 91 pts. – Vinous
“Bright ruby. Ripe black and blue fruits, cocoa powder and a hint of lavender on the perfumed nose. Broad, fleshy and sweet, in the style of the vintage, displaying intense cherry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and stretch out slowly with air. Shows sweet, velvety character on the gently tannic finish, which hangs on with very good tenacity and lingering florality. Drink 2021-2026.”- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
“Delicious and GV” – Berthenet Tête de Cuvée 2018
Domaine Berthenet, Montagny, Tête de Cuvée 2018 –
16/20 – “Good Value” – JancisRobinson.com
“(12 months on fine lees.) Lemon and lime pure fruit on the nose, plus creamy apple. Almost chewy on the palate even though it is unoaked. An easy, happy but not simple wine. Delicious and GV. Drink 2020-2023.”- Julia Harding, MW, JancisRobinson.com
“Easy to drink, accessible and very pleasant”-WA Cara Nord Red
Cara Nord, Conca de Barbera Red 2015 – from the north face of the Sierra des Prades Moutains in Spain.
90 points – Wine Advocate “This 2015 Cara Nord is a red blend of Garnacha, Syrah and the local Garrut, a grape believed to have originated in the Conca de Barberà. The grapes come from a mixture of old and younger vines on complex limestone, lime and slate soils and underwent a cold soak before fermenting at low temperature. The wine matured in French oak barrels of different sizes for five months. It’s balsamic with a core of wild red fruit, a hint of incense and smoke, quite spicy and something Rhône-ish through the small percentage of Syrah. This is juicy, medium-bodied with fine tannins combining minerality from different soils, slate, granite and limestone. Easy to drink, accessible and very pleasant.”- Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate
Bronze – Decanter World Wine Awards 2019
“Assertive and powerful nose of rich black fruit and spices. Soft juicy palate with crunchy tannins.”- Decanter
“Editors Choice” for J. Laurens No. 7
Domaine J. Laurens, Crémant de Limoux, La Rosé No. 7 Brut NV – “Editor’s Choice” – WE
91 points “Editor’s Choice”- Wine Enthusiast
“Lovely scents of red cherry and plum skin are coupled with an earthy hint of pressed violet on the nose of this fresh and inviting sparkling rosé. A bright and vibrant red color, it’s medium in weight and offers a fine mousse to support the rich red-fruit flavors, while a spicy flourish graces the finish.”- Wine Enthusiast
Bronze Medal 2019 Decanter World Wine Awards
“Floral and red nose, Palate is dry with a creamy texture, lively acidity and notes of biscuits and spiced peaches.”- Decanter
“Excellent (Suremain Preaux 2015 )”- Vinous
Eric de Suremain, Rully 1er Cru Preaux 2015
90 points – Vinous
“The 2015 Rully Préaux 1er Cru Rouge, matured in 15% new oak, has a gorgeous black plum and black cherry scented nose. The palate is very smooth and seductive, rounded and plump in the mouth and yet it manages to convey tension and mineralité on the finish. Excellent. “- Neal Martin, Vinous
“Fleshy feel in this rich Godello”- WE
Pago de los Abuelos, Bierzo, Spain, Vinas Centenarias Godello 2018 –
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of melon and apple lead to a plump, fleshy feel in this rich Godello. Creamy pear chimes in on the palate alongside schist and honey. “- Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast
“Food-friendly pour will surely inspire a sense of plenty (this Thanksgiving)” – Boston Globe
Abadia da Cova, Ribeira Sacra, A Fuga White 2018-
“Spark joy at Thanksgiving with these $20-and-under wines”
– Ellen Bhang, Globe Correspondent
“Whether you plan to feast with a quarantine pod, or tuck into a repast for one or two, these food-friendly pours will surely inspire a sense of plenty.
Abadía da Cova “A Fuga” Ribeira Sacra 2018
Ignacio “Nacho” Alvarez, former head winemaker of powerhouse Spanish importer Jorge Ordóñez Selections, is now exercising his formidable talents on a range of projects. That includes Adegas Moure, a family winery in Ribeira Sacra, in Spain’s verdant northwest, which produces Abadía da Cova wines. One particular white — a polished blend of albariño, godello, and treixadura — is waterfall- fresh, with citrus blossoms on the nose. Its palate expresses ripe yellow fruit, bright acid, and a hint of saline. Even the wine’s name is well-suited to our times: “A Fuga” translates to “escape,” conjuring notions of going off the grid to seek a peaceful refuge. 13 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). $18-$20.”
“From one of the top terroirs in Fronsac…This deep purple-colored effort got a big “Wow” in my notes”- JD
Château La Vieille Cure, Fronsac 2016 –
93 points- Decanter
“Last year this was one of the wines of the vintage for me. It is a little more finely grained in 2016, slightly more structured and with a touch higher acidity, but still has those succulent black cherry and damson purée fruits. It also retains the twist of glamorous charred oak notes that give it punch and purpose. An excellent wine. Drinking Window 2022 – 2035.”- Jane Anson, Decanter
93 points – Jeb Dunnuck
“From one of the top terroirs in Fronsac and made with the help of talented Jean-Luc Thunevin, the 2016 Château La Vieille Cure is 80% Merlot and 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, all aged in 50% new oak (a small part is also brought up in tank). This deep purple-colored effort got a big “Wow” in my notes and boasts a head-turning bouquet of cassis and black raspberry fruits intermixed with notes of dried flowers, vanilla bean, and leafy herbs. With remarkable purity, medium to full body, silky tannins, and a great finish, it’s a thrilling Fronsac that I suspect might be one of the best to date. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years.”- Jebdunnuck.com, 2/19
93 points – James Suckling
“A tight and linear red with such beautiful class and depth. Full body, polished tannins and a long, long finish. We will see which is better: 2015 or 2016.”- James Suckling
93 points – Vinous
“The 2016 La Vieille Cure is fabulous. Racy and voluptuous in the glass, the 2016 is seriously beautiful. Raspberry jam, white chocolate, spice, leather and rose petal notes infuse this super-expressive, plush Fronsac. La Vieille Cure is a wine of real character and pedigree. I loved it. Drink 2018-2026.”- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 1/19
92 points – Vinous
“The 2016 La Vieille Cure has a ripe, opulent bouquet of layers of black cherries and bilberry fruit, quite glossy in style but retaining commendable definition. The palate is smooth in texture with plump ripe tannins. Toasty but with sufficient freshness percolating through the spicy black fruit on the finish, which leaves a hint of cough drops on the aftertaste. Recommended. Drink 2022-2040.”- Neal Martin, Vinous 1/19
92 points – Wine Advocate
“The 2016 La Vieille Cure has a deep garnet-purple color and quite a savory nose of chargrilled meats, tapenade, beef dripping and dried herbs over a core of plum preserves and Black Forest cake. Full-bodied, rich and packed with black plums and savory layers, it has a firm, velvety frame and fantastic length. Drink 2020-2032.”- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, 11/2018
91 points – Wine Spectator
“This has a warm fruitcake note out front, backed by flavors of frankly ripe plum and boysenberry preserves and a lush, toasty finish. Has enough acidity to keep it honest, but this is on the flattering side of the ledger for sure. Drink now through 2028. 4,583 cases made.” — JM, Wine Spectator, 3/19
90-points “Editors’ Choice” – Wine Enthusiast
Rich but stylish, this wine is going to be delicious. With great fruit and ripe tannins, it has power but it shows that lightly, allowing plenty of room for the acidity. Drink this wine from 2022.”- Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
“It’s a beautiful Southern Rhone”- JD- Mourchon Tradition 2016
Domaine de Mourchon, CdRV-Seguret Tradition 2016 – another 90 pointer
91 pts.- Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition is a step up over the 2015 and offers more depth and richness. Rocking levels of black cherries, blackberries, mulberries, garrigue, pepper, and olive tapenade all give way to a medium to full-bodied 2016 that has a fleshy, flamboyant texture, sweet tannins, and obvious minerality on the finish. It’s a beautiful southern Rhône to drink over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2018-2026.”- Jeb Dunnuck
(89-91) pts. – Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition is much more flattering young than the 2015, offering hints of stone fruit and licorice to go along with black cherry flavors. It’s medium to full-bodied and supple, with a long, velvety finish. It should drink well on release and for another 5 years or more. Drink 2018-2023.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“Jane Anson tastes seven vintages of Château Fleur Cardinale.”- Decanter
Château Fleur Cardinale, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru – New Jane Anson’s Decanter Reviews
95 points
Château Fleur Cardinale, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016
“Plump, well-ripened but mellow fruit from the first nose. Touches of violet florality also as the Cabernet Franc takes the lead, and again the minerality is emphasised with a slate texture on the finish which does a brilliant job of counterbalancing the generous ripeness of the fruit. Crushed mint, liquorice, bitter chocolate on the finish also, this is gourmet and easy to love. Still has an austerity at this point – it needs another few years to really soften. These are lovely wines full of confidence and pleasure with their own distinct personality. 100% new oak. Drinking Window 2023 – 2044.”- Jane Anson, Decanter
|
|
92 points
Château Fleur Cardinale, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2012
“This is a little more mellow and balanced than the 2011, and for me much better for it. Full of soft gourmet-edged chocolate with plum, raspberry and blackberry fruits. A tiny bit short through the finish, the fruit is definitely softening, and you can drink this already, especially with a few hours in a carafe. Good quality, giving pleasure already, soft tannins. More Cabernet Franc and a little less Cabernet Sauvignon notable in the blend, in a late harvest year that ran from October 22 to November 3. Yield at 37hl/ha. Drinking Window 2019 – 2040.”- Jane Anson, Decanter
|
|
“Maury (Sec), it’s big, rich and ripe”- WA
Domaine La Toupie, Maury Sec, Sur 1 Fil Rouge 2016
90 points – Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Maury Sec Sur Un Fil is 80% Grenache, 12% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre, fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel. Coming from the warm terroir of Maury, it’s big, rich and ripe, with notes of black cherries, resinous herbs and dark chocolate on the long, supple finish. Drink 2018-2021.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“No doubting the ambition of the 2018 (Mourchon) Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve”- WA
Domaine de Mourchon, Cotes du Rhone Villages – Seguret, Grande Réserve 2018
90 points – Wine Advocate
“Impressively dark in the glass, there’s no doubting the ambition of the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve. Scents of clove, leather, vanilla and cola emerge on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is intense and tannic, with a long, but dusty, finish. Give it a couple of years to round into shape. Drink 2022-2030.” – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“One Sexy Gigondas”- JD on Domaine La Font de Notre Dame
La Font de Notre Dame, Gigondas le Mas 2017
92 points – Vinous
“Deep glistening crimson. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, incense and candied flowers, and a smoky mineral note builds in the glass. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering primary raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and an earthy licorice accent. Takes on a spicy quality on the back half that carries strongly through the impressively long, gently tannic finish.”- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
92 points – Jeb Dunnuck
“One sexy Gigondas that’s loaded with notions of kirsch, black cherries, graphite, and crushed rock-like minerality, the medium-bodied 2017 Gigondas Le Mas has a terrific core of sweet fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Based on 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, raised 80% in concrete tanks and 20% in barrels, it’s a ripe, polished wine that stays pure, balanced, and Provençal. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years or more.”- JebDunnuck.com
“Outstanding” – 2017 Testut Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre
Domaine Testut, Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2017 –
92 pts. “Outstanding” – Burghound
“(from Côte de Bréchain) An attractively fresh, airy and cool nose offers up notes of mineral reduction, lemon zest, acacia blossom and soft hints of tidal pool and exotic fruit character. The rich and relatively full-bodied flavors possess fine mid-palate concentration and a lovely mouth feel while the stony, sappy and bone dry finish also flashes sneaky good length. This too is quite tightly wound and thus is going to require at least a few years of patience. Drink 2025+.”- Allen Meadows, Burghound
“Persuasive…Well-Made Effort”- Burghound -Testut Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2017
90 pts. – Burghound
“(from 70+ year old vines in Beugnons that yielded only 25 hl/ha in 2017) An overtly floral nose displays enough Chablis typicity to be persuasive on the pear, apple and soft citrus aromas. The round and supple medium-bodied flavors possess a caressing mouth feel, indeed the mid-palate is almost creamy, all wrapped in a markedly saline and dry finish that tightens up considerably. Even so this well-made effort should drink well early if desired. Drink 2022+.”- Allen Meadows, Burghound, Issue 72
“Pure Fruit…Bursting…Soft Texture” – Couly-Dutheil Cabernet Franc
Couly-Dutheil La Coulée Automnale 2016 – Cabernet Franc from Chinon
“Pure fruit gives this wine a fresh character. It is warm, lightly tannic, bursting with rich berry fruits and acidity. With its soft texture, the wine is likely to be ready soon. Drink from late 2019.”- Wine Enthusiast, 5/19
“Really Very Good” – Burghound – Domaine Testut GC Grenouille 2016
Domaine Testut, Chablis Grand Cru Grenouille 2016 –
93 pts. – Burghound
“(from a .32 ha parcel; note that Testut uses a different spelling for the vineyard as they do not use the more typical “Grenouilles”; bottled November 2017). A distinctly cool and restrained nose somewhat grudgingly offers up notes of dried orchard fruit, oyster shell, citrus and a suggestion of iodine. The more tightly wound and mineral-driven flavors possess a bit more size and weight along with much better power on the sappy, concentrated and impressively intense and persistent finish. This too is really very good and worth considering. Drink 2023+.”- Allen Meadows, Burghound
“Rich and fruity wine (Chenin Blanc)”- WE on Les Chanteaux
Couly-Dutheil, Les Chanteaux 2017
“A chalk soil vineyard offers the opportunity to make this rich and fruity wine. Pineapple and melon mingle easily with citrus flavors to give a wine that is superripe although tempered with acidity and a fresh aftertaste. Drink from late 2019.”- Wine Enthusiast
“Rich, Powerful Palate of Velvet Fruit”- Mourchon Grande Reserve 2017
Domaine de Mourchon, Grande Réserve 2017
90 points – Decanter Silver DWWA 2020
“Elegant and restrained with hints of blackberry compote and damson jam notes, then to a rich, powerful palate of velvet fruit.”- Decanter
Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret
35% Syrah, 65% Grenache
(91-93) points – Wine Advocate
“With a bit more Syrah than the Tradition, the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve comes across as slightly peppery and herbal, with baked blackberry fruit accented by baking spices (40% of the assemblage spends two years in demi-muids). It’s full-bodied, rich and supple across the mid-palate, with tangy red berries and softly dusty tannins on the long finish. Drink 2019-2025”- Joe Czerwinksi, Wine Advocate
“Rock-solid and should age nicely. Grenache”- WS
Domaine de Mourchon, CdRV-Seguret Family G 2015
95% Grenache, 5% Syrah
Wine Spectator Score: 92
“Delightfully ripe, with a big ball of cassis, plum sauce and steeped raspberry fruit melded together, inlaid with anise and graphite notes and driving through a rich yet detailed finish. Rock-solid and should age nicely. Grenache. Best from 2018 through 2022. 400 cases made.” –JM, Wine Spectator
Wine Advocate Score: 91
“Made from the estate’s oldest vines, the full-bodied 2015 Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache features super ripe black cherries that flood the palate with supple tannins and refreshing acidity. It might lack a little complexity at the moment, but you can enjoy it now for the bright fruit or give it a couple of years in bottle to allow for some development.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
2018 Decanter World Wine Award: Bronze
“Dark fruit and spice nose with very sleek tannins, high-toned oak, a glossy mid-palate and warm finish.”-Decanter
“Simply Exceptional” 2017 Henri Boillot White Burgundies
HENRI BOILLOT
2017 White Burgundies
“Suremain’s finest white is the 2017 Rully 1er Cru Pillot L’intemporelle”- WA
Eric de Suremain Rully 1er Cru Pillot 2017 –
biodynamic white burgundy
93 points – Wine Advocate
“Produced from vines planted in 1920 in an east/southeast-facing premier cru, de Suremain’s finest white is the 2017 Rully 1er Cru Pillot L’intemporelle, a striking wine that offers up attractive aromas of confit citrus, crisp green orchard fruit and almond paste. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with racy acids and a promising sense of tension and structural reserve. It’s well worth seeking out. Drink 2020-2035.”- William Kelley, Wine Advocate
“Syrah-dominant blend (with) mouth-filling richness and supple tannins”- WA
Domaine La Toupie, Cotes du Roussillon Villages, Volte-Face 2018
90 points – Wine Advocate
“A Syrah-dominant blend aged entirely in 400-liter barrels, the 2018 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Volte Face deftly combines notes of blueberries, vanilla and peppery spice on the nose. In the mouth, it’s full-bodied and ripe, with mouth-filling richness and supple tannins. It might lack a touch of concentration, but it’s a charming effort to drink over the next five years. Drink 2020-2025.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“Testut’s 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre is showing beautifully”- WA
Domaine Testut, 1er Cru Chablis, Montée de Tonnerre 2017
92 points – Wine Advocate
“Testut’s 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with a classy bouquet of ripe lemons, orange oil, green pear, crisp green apple, oyster shell and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, deep and satiny, it’s a layered, textural wine with fine concentration, a racy spine of acidity and a long, saline finish. It was bottled under Diam. Drink 2022-2037.” – William Kelley, Wine Advocate
“The 2014 Monthélie 1er Cru Clou des Chênes has a fragrant floral bouquet” – WA
Eric de Suremain, Monthelie 1er Cru Clou de Chenes 2014
“The 2014 Monthélie 1er Cru Clou des Chênes has a fragrant floral bouquet, hints of iris and violet filtering through the blackberry and raspberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with quite supple tannin and a little more weight towards the finish for a Monthélie. There is good extraction here, though it just needs to muster a little more finesse on the finish. I feel that may develop with a few months in bottle. Drink 2018-2028.” – Neil Martin, Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Cara Nord Red…is a great value, a characterful red.”- WA
Cara Nord, Conca de Barbera Red 2016
91 points – Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Cara Nord Red is a blend of 42% Garnacha and 38% Syrah complemented by some 20% obscure Garrut grapes, an ancestral variety that is being recovered now. The vines were planted in 2000 at 700 to 800 meters altitude in the village of Vimbodí-Poblet within the Conca de Barberà appellation. The Garrut and Syrah are on slate soils, and the Garnacha is on clay and limestone ones. It fermented in stainless steel with natural yeasts and matured in oak barrels for six months followed by a further five months in underground concrete vats. 2016 was a cool, slow-ripening vintage. This seems to have changed the wine’s aromatic profile (maybe a different blend and also a cooler year), with strong aromas of black peppercorns and dried flowers, very flowery and ash, in a volcanic-ish style. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and very tasty flavors. This is a great value, a characterful red.”- Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Chablis Premier Cru Montee de Tonnerre is outstanding.”- JD
Domaine Testut, Chablis, 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2016-
91 pts. – Jeb Dunnuck: “The 2016 Chablis Premier Cru Montee de Tonnerre is outstanding. From a relatively new estate yet from old vines and hand-harvested, aged all in tank, it has classic notes of orchard fruits, citrus, and rose petals, with a touch of attractive reduction in the background. Medium-bodied, beautifully pure, and nicely balanced, it’s another outstanding white in this portfolio that I’d be happy to drink.”- Jeb Dunnuck 5/22/19
91 pts. “Outstanding” – Burghound: “(from Côte de Bréchain). Here too there is a touch of the exotic present on the more floral-imbued nose of sea breeze, white-fleshed fruit and iodine. The equally delicious and punchy flavors possess a sleeker and finer mouth feel as well as a bit more minerality on the refined, intense and balanced finale. Lovely stuff. Drink 2021+.”- Allen Meadows, Burghound, Issue 72
“The 2016 Léoville-Barton is fabulous. A wine of breadth and power”- AG, Vinous
Château Léoville Barton, St Julien 2016
97 points – James Suckling
“Terrific intensity of dark berries, almost peppery blackcurrants and violets with attractive and integrated, spicy oak and an earthy edge. The palate has a super powerful and long, linear core with plenty of fruit flesh strapped in tight for a long and thrilling ride into the finish. A blend of 86 per cent cabernet and 14 per cent merlot. Try from 2024.”- JamesSuckling.com, February 2019
97 points – Wine Spectator
“This is so vivid as it brims with pastis-soaked plum, blackberry, black currant and blueberry paste flavors, all carried by a perfectly integrated brambly spine. Tar and ganache notes give the finish an extra kick while everything stays within the mouthwatering roasted apple wood frame. Both regal and rambunctious, this is St.-Julien to a T. Best from 2025 through 2040.”- JM, Wine Spectator, March 2019
96+ points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Deep purple-colored and a classic Saint-Julien with its pure crème de cassis, graphite, liquid rock, and essence of lead pencil shavings, the 2016 Château Léoville Barton is full-bodied, concentrated, and backward, with bright acidity and ripe yet certainly present and building tannins. This old-school, classic Léoville Barton has a fine thread of acidity keeping the wine focused and fresh. It’s a beauty, but mostly potential at this point, although it does have beautiful fruit. Savvy readers will hide bottles at the back of their cellar, and I wouldn’t start to think about opening bottles for a least a decade. It’s going to be incredibly long-lived. The blend of the 2016 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, brought up in 60% new French oak. Maturity 2029-2069.” Jebdunnuck.com, February 2019
96 points – Vinous
“The 2016 Léoville-Barton is fabulous. A wine of breadth and power, the 2016 has so much to offer. The black cherry, chocolate, gravel, smoke and licorice flavors are all boldly sketched. A host of expressive savory and mineral notes develop into the substantial finish. Drink 2026-2046.”- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2019
96 points – Decanter
“I love this – there’s concentrated cassis on the nose with a strong, smoky edging. On the palate the coffee and dark chocolate is clear, a little bitter in an extremely attractive way, leaning against the rich, sweet black fruits. There’s no question those tannins are in full play. An excellent wine with a great life ahead. Matured in 60% new oak. Drink 2024 – 2040.”- Jane Anson, Decanter, October 2018
96 points – Wine Enthusiast
“The Barton family’s flagship wine benefits hugely from the age of the vines. This wine is ripe and concentrated, rich in tannins but with the wonderful black fruits that can be conjured from this vineyard. It will age well and is likely to be ready to drink from 2026.”- Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, May 2019
95+ points – Wine Advocate
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Leoville Barton delivers a superstar nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves and blueberry compote with suggestions of fragrant earth, unsmoked cigars, licorice and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive with firm yet velvety tannins, it has a decadently rich finish. Drink 2021-2046.”- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, November 2018
95 points – Vinous
“The 2016 Léoville Barton has a beautiful bouquet of blackberry, gravel and hints of black truffle and pencil shavings, blossoming with aeration yet remaining classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with gorgeous ripe tannins that exert gentle grip. Lightly spiced and wonderfully focused, leaving the tongue tingling with glee long after the wine has departed. This is one of the finest wines from the estate in recent years. Drink 2022-2040.”- Neal Martin, Vinous, January 201
“The 2016 Pontet-Canet is absolutely breathtaking”- Vinous
Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac 2016 –
100 points – Wine Enthusiast
“A voluptuous wine, this is rich and fruity yet properly balanced by a magnificent structure. Pure, crisp and packed with a black currant flavor, this will be a remarkable wine as it develops. Still young, it needs many years to develop. Don’t think about drinking before 2025.”- Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, January 2019
99 points – Vinous
“The 2016 Pontet-Canet is absolutely breathtaking. Powerful, ample and racy in the glass, the 2016 is one of the most exquisitely well-balanced young Pontet-Canets I can remember tasting. Savory, high-toned aromatics and brisk mineral notes lend energy and delineation as this vivid wonderfully alive wine opens up in the glass. The flavors are dark and incisive, but it is the wine’s total sense of harmony that is most compelling. All of the elements are simply in the right place. The 2016 is tremendous. It’s as simple as that. As is often the case, Pontet-Canet is one of the most singular wines in Bordeaux. Alfred Tesseron could have chosen to play things safe when he took over the management of the estate in the mid-1990s. Instead, he chose a very different path. No proprietor in Bordeaux has taken more risks over the last two decades than Alfred Tesseron. A commitment to biodynamic farming, sustainability across the entire estate more broadly, and the adoption of new concepts for Bordeaux, such as aging a portion of the wine in terra cotta, set Pontet-Canet apart from other properties in Pauillac and the Left Bank. Not surprisingly, the wine is also starkly different from the wines of neighboring estates.”- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2019
98+ points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Reminding me of the 2010 and, I suspect, a wine that will merit a triple-digit rating in a decade or so (I tasted this on multiple occasions and thought it was perfect on one of them), the 2016 Château Pontet-Canet comes from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot that spent 16 months in 50% new French oak, 35% in concrete amphora, and the rest in second fill oak. Thrilling notes of pure crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, crushed mint, graphite, and crushed rock notes all emerge from this deep, powerful, yet elegant Pauillac. The style of this wine has become more and more finesse-driven and pure, yet it hasn’t lost a beat on concentration or length. This singular, beautiful Pontet-Canet needs 7-8 years of cellaring (it has some accessibility today given its purity and balance) and will keep for 4-5 decades. Maturity 2026-2076.” Jebdunnuck.com, February 2019
98 points – Wine Advocate
“The blend of the 2016 Pontet-Canet is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Around 55% of the wine was aged in new French oak barrels, 15% in two-year-old barrels and 35% in cement amphorae for 16 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with opulent scents of plum preserves, spice cake, hoisin and crème de cassis with fragrant wafts of potpourri, wood smoke and rose hip tea. Medium to full-bodied, rich and decadent, with loads of spicy layers, it has a firm, velvety texture with great freshness and incredible depth, finishing very long and on a compelling mineral note. Drink 2023-2059..”- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate November 2018
98 points – Decanter
“The 2016 is a vintage that shows off the best of Pontet, and is similar in feel to their 2010. Gorgeously rich right from the first nose, it opens stunningly in the glass, showing waves of tight black fruits, touches of redcurrant, liquorice and aniseed, fine tannins and mouthwatering salinity. It manages to remain balanced without losing the punch and concentration of Pauillac, rising up through the palate. It’s hard not to fall in love with this wine, and it will clearly age with grace and ease. Bottled in July 2018. Drink 2026–2042.”- Jane Anson, Decanter, April 2017
97 points – James Suckling
“The aromas of ripe blackcurrants, iodine, sweet tobacco and fresh flowers are spellbinding. Full-bodied with mouth-expanding, massive and natural tannins. Impressive fruit with hints of prunes. The finish is long and powerful. Needs six to seven years to soften and come together. Try from 2025-.”- JamesSuckling.com, February 2019