Vinous (92)

The 2015 Barolo Brunate is powerful, dense and tightly wound. That should not be much of an issue, as the 2015 will be released later than normal, a path Marcarini will take gradually over the next few years with the goal of releasing the wine two years later than they had previously. Dark and hulking in the glass, the 2015 is clearly not in the mood to show all of its cards today. Iron, smoke, menthol, game, dried rose petal and soil tones give the Brunate its brooding, inward personality.

Vinous (92)

Marcarini's 2016 Barolo Brunate captures much of the mystique of this La Morra site in its beguiling aromatics. Deep, layered and so expressive, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Time in the glass brings out an exotic quality to the red toned fruit, with spice, menthol and floral overtones that linger. I would not be in a rush to open bottles.

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2013 Chardonnay Marcassin Vineyard may be even better. Notes of caramelized citrus, hazelnut, apple blossom, lemon oil and orange marmalade are all present in this wine of dazzling aromatic and flavor dimension. It is full-bodied, again shows some wet pebbles (which I equate with minerality), vibrant acidity, and no real evidence of any oak. Much like the 2012, the finish goes on for 45+ seconds. This is another killer Chardonnay from Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer.

Renowned for its compelling complexity and ethereal elegance, Marcel Deiss Altenberg Bergheim 2016 is a quintessential representation of Alsace's unrivalled terroir. Produced by the pioneering biodynamic estate of Domaine Marcel Deiss, this grand cru wine is a harmony of 13 Alsatian grape varieties, each contributing to its multifaceted character.

From cultivation to bottling, Marcel Deiss meticulously adheres to traditional practices, treating each vineyard plot as a distinct entity. This respect for nature and regional heritage is palpable in the 2016 vintage, noted for its impressive ageing potential. Expect an opulent bouquet of honeyed citrus, ripe orchard fruits and spicy undertones; the palate offers a luxurious texture balanced with a vibrant acidity.

Hailing from the sun-drenched slopes of Altenberg de Bergheim, Marcel Deiss Altenberg Bergheim 2016 beautifully encapsulates the synergy between varietal and vineyard, delivering an unforgettably profound vinous experience.

James Suckling (96)

A ripe set of orchard fruit with quite a rich and assertive, minerally edge. The palate has a supple, juicy and attractively fresh feel with plenty of concentrated, rich, yellow-fruit flavors with very intense, fresh and focused drive to the finish. Twists dry. Impressive. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2015 Grand Cru Schoenenbourg opens clear, intense, precise and floral on the nose, with concentrated lemon confit and smoky gypsum flavors. This 2015 is really concentrated on the nose and displays a gorgeously fresh and vegetal greeniness. Sweet, finessed and lush on the creamy textured palate, this is a very precise and concentrated Schonenbourg with a very long, intense and seductive finish. There is great elegance, finesse and complexity here. Very salty. This is a great long-distance runner.

Vinous (92)

(this is the non-sulfured version of this wine, which is designated by an N on the left side of the back label): Lurid ruby. Black raspberry, violet and smoky minerals on the highly fragrant nose and in the mouth. Juicy, focused and pure, with a hint of blood orange coming up slowly as the wine opens. This lively, focused wine finishes with excellent clarity and length, the supple tannins coming in late. The differences between these two versions of this wine are fairly slight right now but in my experience the no-sulfur bottling shows more brightness for the first two or three years after release while the sulfured rendition holds up somewhat better to cellaring. If cellaring this wine were a priority--and for me it is--I'd opt for the S bottling, and in fact I did.

Vinous (92)

This bottle of 2023 Morgon comes from the first bottling run completed in March 2024 (there will be five bottlings until September). Lapierre told me that this is destined for markets in Japan, Canada and a little for the US. The nose reveals dark berry fruit, sous-bois and light Indian ink aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and crisp acidity, a little rustic in a good way with a slightly savory finish. Lovely.

Perfectly crafted in Burgundy's renowned winemaking region, the Marchand Freres Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022 is an unparalleled expression of its terroir. A product of meticulous labour, each vine is pruned to guarantee the highest quality grapes, ensuring a wine of stunning depth and complexity. Brought to fruition by the esteemed Marchand Frères, a family-run domaine with heritage dating back to the 17th century, the wine reflects their commitment to respecting the environment, with practices that lend sustainability and an authentic flavour to every bottle.

The Marchand Freres Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022 offers an indulgent bouquet of ripe fruits and fine spices. On the palate, a symphony of red berries, coupled with an elegant minerality makes for an unparalleled drinking experience. Supple tannins and an enduring finish further accentuate this Grand Cru's distinction. A true exemplar, it represents Burgundy's winemaking excellence, encapsulating the region's rich history in every sip.

Exuding elegance and depth, Marchand Tawse Gevrey Chambertin Champs 2019 is crafted by the immensely respected Pascal Marchand, a Quebec native who grew to European prominence through his dedicated work in Burgundy. Nestled in the famed terroir of Gevrey-Chambertin, Marchand Tawse expertly marries Burgundian tradition with innovative biodynamic practices, enriching the vineyard's expression through meticulous green harvest.

The 2019 Champs vintage showcases a beautiful Pinot Noir, beguiling with its racy acidity, supple tannins, and enduring complexity. Bursts of ripe red fruit intertwine effortlessly with undercurrents of earthy undertones, culminating in an impeccably balanced finish. Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, the wine's delicate oak influence and vibrant fruit component create a captivating harmony. Marchand Tawse Gevrey Chambertin Champs 2019 demonstrates, in a particularly attractive manner, the potential for terroir-driven wines that bear the unmistakable hallmarks of their origin.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-95)

Another vineyard worked by horse. 40% whole bunch, still in barrel, 75% new wood. Mid crimson purple. A beautiful bouquet, with a headiness brought by the whole bunches. Dark red fruit with floral overtones. The stems give some white pepper as well, an there is a fine elegant finish. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: December 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-96)

10% whole bunch, 70% new wood, 7 barrels. Red to crimson in colour, lightly reductive. This is a wine which is sitting back in a reflective manner, but the constituent parts are all there. More in a savoury style than lush fruit. I think it will work very well, with good keeping qualities, but it is less demonstrative up front. The finish shows the class.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-96)

10% whole bunch, 70% new wood, 7 barrels. Red to crimson in colour, lightly reductive. This is a wine which is sitting back in a reflective manner, but the constituent parts are all there. More in a savoury style than lush fruit. I think it will work very well, with good keeping qualities, but it is less demonstrative up front. The finish shows the class.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (96-99)

5 Star Wine. 45% whole bunch vinification, 7 new out of 9 barrels. A fine red to crimson colour. The nose is less flamboyant than the Mazoyères yet with serious intent. This is solid with an iron rich blood orange tang, then a dark strawberry fruit behind, a firmer backbone – showing clearly how well this wine will age. A magical Mazis-Chambertin with excellent length. Drink from 2032-2045. Tasted: December 2023.