Wine Advocate (94)

A magnificent sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 Duhart Milon is the shrewd consumer’s wine to purchase by the case as prices do not yet reflect its qualitative resurgence. Composed of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot that came in at 13.09% alcohol, it is a surprisingly intense effort displaying a marvelous texture, plenty of black currant, licorice, unsmoked cigar tobacco and earthy characteristics, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning purity as well as density. Enjoy this top-notch 2008 over the next 20-25 years.

From the emblematic cellars of Domaine de la Grand'Cour, the Dutraive Chenas lieu dit en Papolet 2020 is a sublime embodiment of its terroir and artisan winemaking. This fine representation of Beaujolais is crafted by Jean-Louis Dutraive, a fervent advocate for organic viticulture and traditional vinification. Grown in the distinctive vineyard of 'En Papolet', the Gamay grapes receive superior sun, nurturing soil and controlled temperature affording remarkable consistency and quality.

On the nose, this wine reveals tantalising layers of ripe cherry, crushed berries and delicate violets. A full-bodied palate with an exquisite balance of fruit, tannins and minerality promises a sensual, lingering finish. Dutraive's technique of semi-carbonic maceration ensures the deepest extraction of the fruit's essence, beautifully preserved in the purity of this low-sulphur, unfiltered wine. A 'Dutraive Chenas lieu dit en Papolet 2020' promises to elevate your fine wine experience and is a compelling testament to Dutravie's reputation in producing world-renowned Beaujolais.

Wine Advocate (92+)

The 2014 Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett #1 displays a lovely, clear, deep, rich and flinty bouquet of great purity and finesse. It is full-flavored, juicy and complex on the palate, well structured and very persistent in the finish, and structured by a significant minerality that makes this is pretty dry-tasting Riesling. Still young and provided with great aging potential. Bottled with 9% alcohol.

Vinous (96)

Grasso's 2017 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is fabulous. In fact, the Gavarini is easily one of the wines of the vintage because it retains all of its classic signatures, which is also the sign of a first-class vineyard. Bright and vibrant in the glass, the Gavarini pulses with energy. Crushed red flowers, mint, chalk, white pepper, cinnamon and orange peel give the 2017 a super-classic Nebbiolo profile, as expressed in a relatively high-altitude site. The precision and finesse of the tannins - so hard to find in 2017- elevates the Gavarini into the realm of the sublime.

Vinous (96)

The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Casa Matè is a dark, mysterious wine. Black cherry, menthol, tobacco, licorice, spice, new leather and pine meld together in a super-classic expression of Ginestra. Deep, rich and enveloping, the 2017 is so impressive in the early going. Here, too, the finesse of the tannins is remarkable.

Crafted by Emidio Pepe, a wine-making legend, the Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 epitomises authenticity, finesse, and tradition. Hailing from Italy's Abruzzo region, this wine is produced by employing biodynamic farming practices — sourcing grapes from 15 to 50-year-old vines, hand-picking, and foot-treading. The wine matures in glass-lined concrete vats for two years, yielding a vintage with captivating depth and complexity.

The Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 exudes rich aromas of ripe, dark fruit, followed by intriguing earthy undertones. Its captivating palate unveils harmonious tannins elegantly intertwined with a triumphant balance of fruit, earthiness, and acidity. It culminates in a long, graceful finish, each sip a testament to Pepe's dedication to nature and tradition.

Revered by enthusiasts, Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 is not just a bottle of wine, but rather an emblem of devotion, heritage, and the art of Italian wine-making.

The Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 is an exquisite expression of fine wine crafted by a legendary producer in Italy's Abruzzo region. Each bottle of this timeless edition captures the distinctive finesse and individuality imbued by its terroir.

Emidio Pepe's artisanal winemaking commences with hand-harvested grapes, delicately destemmed, hand-crushed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts, ensuring the preservation of the characterful native nuances. Aged substantially in botti before bottling, this bio-dynamic elixir enthralls with a harmonious blend of finesse and power.

As a masterpiece from one of Italy's celebrated wine artisans, the Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 showcases tantalisingly deep garnet hues, complimented by seductive aromas and intense flavours of autumnal fruits, florals, spices and an earthy complexity.

This vintage is further enhanced by its impressive cellaring potential, making it a quintessential choice for discerning enthusiasts and collectors of fine wines.

Wine Advocate (94)

Here is another must-try wine if you love Trebbiano from Italy's rustic and beautiful Abruzzo region. On a scale of Italian whites, there is no doubt regarding the aging potential of this fascinating workhorse grape. The Emidio Pepe 2020 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (a certified organic wine) delivers some of the distinctive flavors that come with extended skin contact. You get dried apricot, honey, pine nut and beeswax. Those robust aromas meet the wine's generous mouthfeel and creamy texture. The alcohol is measured at a manageable 12.5%. This contributes greatly to the pleasure factor of this wine. Production is 33,811 bottles.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2018 Echézeaux Grand Cru is matured entirely in new oak. It soaks up that wood nicely thanks to the ample fruit concentration of black cherries and cassis, here joined by attractive pine/cedar aromas that gain intensity with every swirl of the glass. The palate is a little woody at the moment and needs more fruit on the midpalate, to the extent that I wager Rouget's Vosne-Romanée Beaumonts might ultimately show better. We will see.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2018 Nuits Saint-Georges Village is matured in 30% new oak, although Emmanuel Rouget took this sample from a new barrel. It has a refined, pure nose, not powerful yet finely tuned, with subtle floral aromas. The well-balanced palate has a core of red fruit laced with blood orange and citrus peel notes that carry through to the lively, effervescent finish. I am deeply impressed by this Village Cru. Chapeau!

Wine Advocate (90-92)

The 2018 Vosne-Romanée Village is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, exotic spices, orange rind and smoked duck, deftly framed by the subtle imprint of some 30% new oak. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, textural, and enveloping, with a ripe but succulent core of fruit, supple tannins and a fragrant finish. It's a blend derived from lieux-dits Aux Ravioles, Aux Ormes, Les Jacquines, Aux Réas, Vigneux and Barraux.

Wine Advocate (96)

Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, Faiveley's 2014 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru has a ravishing, pure and sensual bouquet with red cherries and crushed strawberry fruit laced with minerals. It needs another two or three years to fully assimilate. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine tannin, very focused and tensile with shimmering, effervescent red fruit fanning out on the finish. Stunning—but it is unquestionably built for the long-term. Tasted September 2017.

Vinous (94-96)

The 2017 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru comes from two parcels. It has a charming bouquet of ebullient raspberry and wild strawberry aromas; hints of vanilla pod and rose petal lend complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, gentle grip and a saline, oyster-shell-tinged finish that lingers in the mouth. This is one of Faiveley’s most impressive offerings in 2017. Superb.

Decanter (96)

Les Ouvrées Rodin is a small cuvée of Clos de Bèze, selected from vines that are more than 60 years old. It's worth trading up from the regular release, assuming you have the funds, because this is altogether richer, more complex and more concentrated. The 40% new oak is very well done, adding some cinnamon spice to the dense black cherry and blueberry fruit.

Vinous (92-94)

(Faiveley vinified the old vines separately but then assembled them with the rest): Bright ruby-red. Alluring floral nose combines blackberry, black raspberry, violet and licorice. A savory and rather refined young Clos Vougeot, offering subtle notes of dark berries, flowers and earth rather than this grand cru's more typical black cherry and herb qualities. Nothing rustic about this highly promising Clos Vougeot!

Decanter (96)

You're almost always assured of a great Corton from this 2.7ha monopole, which has performed especially well in the warmer conditions of 2017, retaining acidity and freshness. Fine tannins, chalky minerality and beautifully judged oak all support savoury raspberry, red cherry and pomegranate fruit flavours.

Vinous (86-88)

The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes has an earthy, undergrowth-scented bouquet of dark berry fruit, touches of tar coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a little chewy on the midpalate, with candied red fruit toward the slightly monotone and bitter finish. It's a bit "Faiveley of old" for my liking, big-boned and missing some finesse.

Vinous (89)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a straightforward, easygoing effort. The Far Niente Cabernets typically show a bit more depth and creaminess, but the 2019 comes across a bit light and lacking in depth. Dark red plum, mocha, spice and new leather linger.

James Suckling (94-95)

A ripe, rich red that delivers loads of crushed-berry, chocolate and walnut character, as well as fine tannins through the center palate. Layered texture.

Vinous (95+)

The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is cool, inward and reserved at this stage. Much less expressive than it was from barrel, today the 2010 appears to be in a closed phase. There is so much tension in the glass, though, and I can hardly wait to see where the 2010 goes over the coming years. A burst of mineral and floral infused fruit lingers on the polished, nuanced finish. Today, the 2010 seems to bring together the finesse of 2004 with the structure and power of the 2010. A pretty magical combination, if you ask me.

Wine Spectator (91)

This offers blackberry, currant and hints of meat on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a meat, berry and light vanilla character. Has a velvety texture, with pretty fruit. Best after 2011. 4,165 cases made. -JS

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

Sweet ripe berry fruits on the nose, depth of flavour, precision and clarity that last from the first to the last moment of this wine. Clear cocoa bean, espresso, chocolate, but also concentrated bilberry, blackberry and raspberry. The tannins are slate-strewn, textured, adding persistency and mouthwatering salinity to the palate. This is a brilliant Figeac, and ones that lovers of this wine should absolutely not miss. Harvest September 21 to October 15, 100% new oak for ageing.

Vinous - Neal Martin (98+)

The 2016 Figeac has a nose of real pedigree, featuring very well-defined, ferrous black fruit with hints of truffle and tobacco and conveying exceptional mineralité and tension. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, a fine bead of acidity and wonderful structure and density toward the finish. This is a seriously fine proposition, although it is a surly Saint-Émilion that may well close down for a while before blazing brightly in 15–20 years’ time. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

The Wine Independent (100)

Composed of 36% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot, the 2019 Figeac is deep garnet-purple colored. It needs considerable swirling to coax out its alluring perfume of redcurrant jelly, juicy blackcurrants, and blackberries, with underlying suggestions of candied violets, chocolate box, fragrant earth, and lavender plus a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a mind-blowing array of layers with exceptionally ripe, fine-grained tannins and jaw-dropping tension, leading to a fantastically persistent mineral and floral-tinged finish that makes your heart stop. With its energy, structure, and incredible depth, truly, this is a towering triumph.

Vinous (89-91)

Bright lemon-yellow color. Restrained aromas of mirabelle, yellow flowers and clove. Brisk but not hard, offering a lovely sugar/acid balance to its intense lemon zest and spice flavors. Finishes with good cut but a touch of youthful rigidity. These vines were originally planted in the 1950s but a lot of them have been replaced through the years.

Vinous (90)

The 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet Maltroye 1er Cru has a fragrant, chalk dust scented bouquet that opens nicely with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a lightly spiced opening, touches of orange rind and marmalade lending a welcome tanginess. It might not be a long-term Chassagne, though it is thoroughly enjoyable. 14.10% alcohol.

Vinous (92)

The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet Maltroye 1er Cru has a finely tuned nose, the 30% new oak neatly integrated. The palate is well balanced with good depth, honeycomb and orange rind, slightly waxy in texture towards the finish. Good extract here and fine length, this should drink well for 15-20 years.

Vinous (94)

The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeots 1er Cru, over towards the Santenay side, usually takes longer to ripen. The nose is well balanced with fine delineation, touches of honeysuckle and pressed white flowers. The palate is well balanced with a lovely white peach and white chocolate opening, fine salinity, very poised and tensile towards the finish. Superb.

Vinous (99)

The 2015 Flaccianello della Pieve is even more stratospheric than it was last year. Rich and ample on the palate, Flaccianello captures all of the best qualities of this radiant vintage. The blend of sites, all in higher altitude spots near the center of town, yields a gorgeous, riveting wine of the very highest level. Dense and brooding, with magnificent energy as well as nuance, the 2015 Flaccianello is positively stunning.