Vinous (98)

No.1 Wine of 2025. The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Il Poggio is a total stunner. What a wine. Elegant and translucent, the 2020 impresses with a sublime, finessed personality that is impossible to miss. Fine tannins and lifted, sensual aromatics immediately announce a wine of utter class. On the palate, the 2020 is wonderfully deep and layered, with mind-blowing balance and exceptional pedigree. The 2020 is one of the very finest Il Poggios ever made. It has been nothing short of breathtaking on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Don't miss it

Expand your cellar with the captivating Mont Perat 2022—an exceptional Bordeaux from the reputable Château Mont Perat estate. Nestled in the picturesque region of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, the vineyards benefit from mineral-rich clay-limestone soils, ideal for growing exceptional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend is carefully aged in French oak barrels, fine-tuning the sumptuous flavours over 12 months.

The Mont Perat 2022 boasts a deep, alluring ruby hue. On the nose, it reveals an intoxicating bouquet of blackcurrant, cherry, and subtle smoky notes, delightfully underscored by spicy accents. The palate is beautifully balanced with impressive structure, delivering damson plum and dark chocolate flavours. A lingering finish completes this elegant, full-bodied experience. This is a superb expression of the producer's dedication to creating captivating wines, showcasing the distinct terroir of their premier Bordeaux estate.

Add the Mont Perat 2022 to your fine wine collection for a taste of the heart of Bordeaux's winemaking prowess.

Explore the sophisticated allure of Mont Perat Blanc 2022, a striking embodiment of viticulture excellence from Bordeaux's Right Bank, France. Marvel in its elegant stare, a shining pale yellow, with incandescent green highlights. This exceptional white, composed predominantly of Sauvignon Blanc and complemented by Semillon, promises a robust balance of fruitiness and keen acidity.

The vintage has been painstakingly crafted by the respected Despagne family, a clan whose vintner lineage dates back over two centuries. Renowned for their dedication to sustainable viticulture, their grapes are expertly hand-harvested, ensuring only the highest quality yield is utilised. The Mont Perat Blanc 2022 is then matured on its lees for several months, imbuing it with complexity and a rich creaminess that sets it apart.

Delighting with enticing notes of citron, fresh white peaches, and a delicate medley of white flowers, the Mont Perat Blanc 2022 is the epitome of a versatile, food-friendly wine, certain to impress at any gathering.

Vinous (93)

The inaugural 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Plateau de Mont-Redon develops in the glass with intense tobacco, dried red fruits, forest floor and sandalwood. Full-bodied, round and expansive, the 2016 concludes with a long and nuanced finish. Were it not for a slight trace of alcohol heat, I’d score it even higher.

Vinous (93)

The inaugural 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Plateau de Mont-Redon develops in the glass with intense tobacco, dried red fruits, forest floor and sandalwood. Full-bodied, round and expansive, the 2016 concludes with a long and nuanced finish. Were it not for a slight trace of alcohol heat, I’d score it even higher.

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Montbourgeau L'Etoile Vin Jaune 2012 embodies the quintessential Jura heritage, meticulously crafted in the heart of the Jura region in Eastern France. Produced by the esteemed Montbourgeau estate, this Vin Jaune is made exclusively from the Savagnin grape, harvested at optimal ripeness. Following traditional methods, the wine undergoes a unique aging process in oak barrels, allowing a protective veil of flor yeast to develop, imparting distinctive nutty and oxidative characteristics. The 2012 vintage showcases a deep golden hue, with complex aromas of toasted almond, dried fruit, and subtle spice. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of richness and acidity, culminating in a lingering, elegant finish. Ideal for pairing with regional specialties such as Comté cheese or cured meats, Montbourgeau L'Etoile Vin Jaune 2012 is a testament to artisanal winemaking excellence, offering connoisseurs a sublime expression of this rare and storied varietal.

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Introducing the remarkable Monte Faustino Fornaser Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017. Born from Veneto's fabled Valpolicella region in Italy, this wine is a testament to meticulous viticulture and winemaking practices. Monte Faustino, a bespoke winery where the Fornaser family exudes passion and respects deep-rooted Italian traditions, is renowned for its singularly stunning wines.

The 2017 vintage involves hand-picked Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes, partially dried on 'arele' trays, enhancing intensity and concentrating aromas. The fermentation process, followed by a 30-month maturing period in Slavonian oak barrels, yields a beautifully balanced wine that defies comparison.

Endowed with a rich ruby red hue, the Monte Faustino Fornaser Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017 offers multifaceted sensory notes, a delightful spectrum spanning spiced fruit, tobacco to chocolate. Nuanced acidity complements embracing tannins, elegantly harmonising in a persistent finish. This fine wine is an epitome of quality, mastery, and timeless Italian character.

Matthew Jukes (18.5)

While the estate Valpolicella is the only wine which is drinking perfectly right now all of the wines in this piece are certainly approachable and yet they have considerable staying power, too. This Ripasso is, most-certainly, the wine with the highest ‘value ratio’ given that the flavour is astounding and the price, stubbornly, remains affordable! Of course, this is cause for great celebration because the extra dimension of flair and richness at the heart of this gorgeous Ripasso is sensational. While many wines of this style carry extra weight and darker fruit tones, this elite version parades red fruit and uncommon succulence. I absolutely love it and it fully deserves its gold medal score.

Vinous (92)

The 2018 Chianti Classico Vigna Mezzuola is a gorgeous, mid-weight wine. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berry fruit, tobacco, orange peel and spice are nicely pushed forward in this translucent, mid-weight Chianti Classico that delivers so much Sangiovese character.