Tim Atkin MW (94)

Pick up some 2020 while you can as 11 barrels were made. In 2021, only four were made. This will need a few years to come around with its slightly drying tannins, but otherwise, this is almost ready to enjoy. The mid-palate feels satiny and tastes of black cherries and licorice. The whole package is lifted by well-placed acidity that dances across the back palate. 2024-30

Vinous (91-93)

Good deep red. Very ripe nose dominated by cherry and sweet oak. Broad, ripe and oaky, with lovely restraint to its sweetness. Fruit-driven red raspberry and cherry flavors framed and lifted by new oak. A big wine with a substantial tannic structure. But the tannins are quite fine.

The Wine Independent (100)

The 1989 Montrose, from a very warm, dry year, is made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-brick in color (holding its color amazingly!) it sky-rockets from the glass with flamboyant notes of black cherry compote, blueberry pie, and blackcurrant jelly, followed by notes of star anise, peonies, crushed rocks, and tar, plus exotic hints of cardamom and cumin seed. The medium to full-bodied palate is rich, opulent, and well structured, delivering firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness to support the generous, wonderfully pure fruit, finishing long and earthy. This is textbook Montrose.

Vinous (92-94)

(55% new oak; from Les Rouges du Bas and Les Quartiers de Nuits): Bright medium ruby. Very pure but subtle and shy on the nose, exuding scents of blackberry, dark cherry, violet and dark chocolate accented by orange zest. Offers an exhilarating balance of almost chocolatey sweetness and penetrating acidity. Finishes very long and primary, even a bit inky, with suave tannins and firm acidity. Marie-Christine Mugneret noted that new oak really marks the delicate Echézeaux character, but this wine has the stuffing to support its lumber.

Vinous (90)

(the same blend of elements as the 2015 version): Bright, dark red. Cool scents of dark cherry, licorice and stone. Silky and nicely concentrated but showing little easy sweetness to its youthfully medicinal flavors of cherry and menthol. As there's less mid-palate flesh here than in the '15 version, the tannins come across as a bit tight today but the classically dry finish is tactile and persistent. Christophe Perrot-Minot says this wine is closed in the early going owing to its sizable Combe d'Orveau component.

Wine Advocate (87)

The 1984 Petrus has turned out to be amazingly good. Deep in color, with an intense, jammy, herbaceous bouquet, medium to full body, fine length, and plenty of tannin, this wine needs 2-3 years to mature, but will keep for 10-12 years. It is very impressive for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/90.

Wine Spectator (93)

A surprise, showing plenty of ripe and exotic fruit for the vintage. Dark-ruby in color, with ripe plum and earth character. Full-bodied, with a long chocolate, berry finish. Drink now or hold.--Pichon-Lalande vertical. -JS

Enticing and sophisticated, the Pierre Girardin Pommard Les Vignots 2020 is a bona fide epitome of French finesse. Contextualised in Burgundy’s esteemed vineyards, it's curated by the renowned Pierre Girardin, perpetuating a family legacy of remarkable wine production since 1570. Produced in environmentally sustainable vineyards for maximum terroir expression, this Pinot Noir reveals a delicate balance of expressive fruitiness and inherent earthiness.

With a firm structured perfume and sumptuous red fruit aromas, it delivers a profound delight to the olfactory sense. The palate revels in its elegant complexity and perfect balance of acidity and tannin. Its legendary finish, possessed with an uncompromising touch of oak influence, adds depth and character to this distinctive vintage.

Each bottle of Pierre Girardin Pommard Les Vignots 2020 encapsulates a timeless tradition of expertise and a passionate homage to extraordinary wine craftsmanship, making it a coveted selection for fine wine aficionados.

Indulge in the luxury of the Pierre Girardin Vosne-Romanee 2020, a splendid Burgundian masterpiece from the acclaimed French winemaker, Pierre Girardin. This Pinot Noir, born from a historic vineyard in the heart of Vosne-Romanée, is truly emblematic of the region's terroir. Pierre Girardin uses meticulous biodynamic practices, harnessing the uniqueness of the ancient soils, capturing the quality of the vintage year.

Pierre Girardin, son of renowned winemaker Vincent Girardin, meticulously curates each barrel, ensuring the purity of the wine is maintained. With Pierre Girardin Vosne-Romanee 2020, he brings forth an elegant, full-bodied, red wine with a remarkable balance of fruits and subtle tannins, harmoniously combined with oak's slight notes. Concocted with care and precision, it's a sophisticated addition to any collection.

Opening a bottle of Pierre Girardin Vosne-Romanee 2020 is like uncovering the soul of Burgundy, revealing an orchestration of opulence, vibrancy, and finesse exclusive to the Girardin name.

Wine Advocate (92)

Significantly better from bottle than it was from barrel, the 2005 Rauzan-Gassies appears to be the finest wine this estate has ever produced. Dense purple-hued with a beautiful perfume of camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, bay leaf, and incense, it is a full-bodied, stunningly concentrated, broad, rich Margaux with lovely integrated tannins. This backward 2005 will handsomely repay cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030+.

Burghound (94)

An interesting and beautifully layered nose reflects notes of soft wood, white orchard fruit, citrus confit, iodine, tidal pool and shellfish. The rich, concentrated and quite serious larger-scaled flavors flash plenty of minerality on the muscular and saline-suffused finish that goes on and on. This too is terrific with outstanding development potential; indeed, I would go so far as to say that this is one of the best vintages for the Raveneau Butteaux in some years and I include the 2010 and 2014 in that assertion.

Burghound (95)

A discreet, even timid nose speaks of markedly cool, airy and admirably pure aromas of high-toned floral wisps, iodine and plenty of oyster shell and tidal pool nuances that are trimmed in just enough wood to mention. The racy, mineral-driven and ultra-refined middle weight flavors possess the finest and most delicate texture in the entire range, all wrapped in a strikingly long and strikingly layered finale. This is textbook MdT and a genuine knockout.

Vinous (94)

Medium red. Stunning floral and red berry aromas emphasize raspberry, strawberry and fresh lavender. Bright, focused and pure, with vibrant red fruit and mineral flavors given an exotic twist by a hint of dried apricot. The sweet finish leaves a strong floral pastille impression. The freshness and precision of this wine are really captivating.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

The 2019 Rieussec is absolutely gorgeous. Gracious and supremely elegant in feel, the 2019 is immediately impressive. An exotic melange of lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, passionfruit and tangerine oil opens effortlessly. The 2019 is compelling from start to finish. Harvest took place from October 8 to 15, in three passes. The 2019 is the first vintage that will be offered in a stylish new bottle. It is no secret Sauternes has struggled of late. I must say I really liked the new and very modern presentation, which shows a more playful side of Sauternes that might just work in creating a bit more excitement around these wines.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94-96)

The 2021 Rieussec is bright, floral and super-refined. White flowers, lemon confit, pear, passionfruit and mint are all nicely lifted, with beams of bright acids that lend support. As has been the case in recent years, Rieussec is done in a style that is all about maintaining freshness and verve. There's plenty of both here. The 2021 was harvested over 3-4 picks. Yields are down 30%, which is a very favorable result for the year in Sauternes. The 125 grams of residual sugar are not at all evident.

James Suckling (98-99)

This has a phenomenal nose, with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Perfect. The concentration is phenomenal, and paired with great depth and charm, it goes on for minutes. I am shocked. I underestimated this the first time I tasted it from barrel. Barrel sample.

Wine Spectator (99)

Extremely formidable from the start, with a wall of tannin-driven power that pushes the core of plum, fig and blackberry fruit to the background for now. Offers loads of flesh, with the tannic surge returning on the finish. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 96-99

Experience the refinement of the French wine-making tradition with the sumptuous Vincent Dureuil Janthial Rully Blanc 2020. Nestled in the famed Burgundy region, this Chardonnay shines with its intricate variants of fruit and mineral charms.

Produced by renowned french winemaker, Vincent Dureuil, it boasts his meticulous attention to detail and environmental ethos. Dureuil's practices are organically-centred, lending to the purity and complexity of his wines. Working in the vineyard and winery, he champions traditional wine-making techniques.

The Vincent Dureuil Janthial Rully Blanc 2020 is a testament to craftsmanship. Harvested by hand from 30-year-old vines, the grapes are fermented in French oak, resulting in a well-structured wine with a layered palate. Showcasing exquisite layers of green apple, lemon zest, and subtle toasty oak, this Chardonnay culminates in a gratifyingly long finish, perfectly balanced with bracing acidity.

A true embodiment of Burgundy's sophistication, the Vincent Dureuil Janthial Rully Blanc 2020 will enchant any fine wine enthusiast.