Decanter (98)

Bruno Giacosa, who passed away last January, was known for the extraordinary elegance of his Barolos and Barbarescos. This last 'red label' riserva is probably the most consistent 2012 in Barolo, and the Falletto cru is one of the highest sites in Serralunga, preserving grace in a dry vintage such as this. The nearby Francia cru, by contrast, suffered more. Indeed, beneath fine pomegranate fruit and black olive depth, there are finely textured tannins of an extreme precision, and it shows an overall magnificent balance in an almost Burgundian style of Nebbiolo.

Decanter (98)

Bruno Giacosa, who passed away last January, was known for the extraordinary elegance of his Barolos and Barbarescos. This last 'red label' riserva is probably the most consistent 2012 in Barolo, and the Falletto cru is one of the highest sites in Serralunga, preserving grace in a dry vintage such as this. The nearby Francia cru, by contrast, suffered more. Indeed, beneath fine pomegranate fruit and black olive depth, there are finely textured tannins of an extreme precision, and it shows an overall magnificent balance in an almost Burgundian style of Nebbiolo.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas are so seductive with dried roses and berries. Tar and asphalt, too. Full bodied, very tight and powerful. Lean and long tannins. It goes on for so long. Stops and then starts over again. A curious and challenging young wine. Great. In the market in 2020. Better in 2026.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas are so seductive with dried roses and berries. Tar and asphalt, too. Full bodied, very tight and powerful. Lean and long tannins. It goes on for so long. Stops and then starts over again. A curious and challenging young wine. Great. In the market in 2020. Better in 2026.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas are so seductive with dried roses and berries. Tar and asphalt, too. Full bodied, very tight and powerful. Lean and long tannins. It goes on for so long. Stops and then starts over again. A curious and challenging young wine. Great. In the market in 2020. Better in 2026.

James Suckling (100)

This is the second 100-point Vigna Le Rocche, following the 2015. What the former had in intensity of fruit and transparency, this has in structure and power. The purity of fruit is sensational in this young Barolo, offering blackberries, black truffle and iron. Rust too. This is so tannic and powerful with incredible structure. This may be the most structured Barolo from Bruno Giacosa I have ever tasted as a young wine. Speechless. Full-bodied and so intense, yet it remains fresh and agile. Traditional in every sense of the word, but this is clear and clean. A classic in the making. It will be in the market January 2022. Leave this for at least six to eight years. Try in 2027.

James Suckling (100)

This is the second 100-point Vigna Le Rocche, following the 2015. What the former had in intensity of fruit and transparency, this has in structure and power. The purity of fruit is sensational in this young Barolo, offering blackberries, black truffle and iron. Rust too. This is so tannic and powerful with incredible structure. This may be the most structured Barolo from Bruno Giacosa I have ever tasted as a young wine. Speechless. Full-bodied and so intense, yet it remains fresh and agile. Traditional in every sense of the word, but this is clear and clean. A classic in the making. It will be in the market January 2022. Leave this for at least six to eight years. Try in 2027.

James Suckling (100)

This is the second 100-point Vigna Le Rocche, following the 2015. What the former had in intensity of fruit and transparency, this has in structure and power. The purity of fruit is sensational in this young Barolo, offering blackberries, black truffle and iron. Rust too. This is so tannic and powerful with incredible structure. This may be the most structured Barolo from Bruno Giacosa I have ever tasted as a young wine. Speechless. Full-bodied and so intense, yet it remains fresh and agile. Traditional in every sense of the word, but this is clear and clean. A classic in the making. It will be in the market January 2022. Leave this for at least six to eight years. Try in 2027.

James Suckling (100)

This is the second 100-point Vigna Le Rocche, following the 2015. What the former had in intensity of fruit and transparency, this has in structure and power. The purity of fruit is sensational in this young Barolo, offering blackberries, black truffle and iron. Rust too. This is so tannic and powerful with incredible structure. This may be the most structured Barolo from Bruno Giacosa I have ever tasted as a young wine. Speechless. Full-bodied and so intense, yet it remains fresh and agile. Traditional in every sense of the word, but this is clear and clean. A classic in the making. It will be in the market January 2022. Leave this for at least six to eight years. Try in 2027.

James Suckling (98)

Roses and lavender with other flowers. Peaches. Glorious fruit of dark plums and ripe strawberries. This is dense and intense but there are layers of very fine tannins, like fine cashmere. Goes on for minutes. Opens in the mouth. Almost endless. Three years in cask and two years in bottle before January 2023 release. Give this at least five to six years.

James Suckling (98)

Roses and lavender with other flowers. Peaches. Glorious fruit of dark plums and ripe strawberries. This is dense and intense but there are layers of very fine tannins, like fine cashmere. Goes on for minutes. Opens in the mouth. Almost endless. Three years in cask and two years in bottle before January 2023 release. Give this at least five to six years.

Wine Advocate (93)

I am a huge fan of this vineyard site in the Roero region. The 2016 Nebbiolo d'Alba Vigna Valmaggiore serves to encourage and confirm my enthusiasm. The Valmaggiore vineyard is home to dangerously steep rows that make farming extremely laborious. The effort is worth it, especially when you consider those delicate and nuanced berry aromas that so beautifully permeate the bouquet. Wild strawberry, cassis and blueberry are followed by pressed violet and bitter almond. Nor is the mouthfeel to be underestimated, as it provides ample structure and extra crunch on the tonic finish. This wine was bottled just three weeks prior to my tasting and is developing handsomely.

Jeb Dunnuck (92)

The 2023 Roero Arneis is a bright silver/yellow color, and the nose is fresh and savory, with notes of white peaches, melon rind, lemon oils, and light savory chive notes. Perfectly suited for pairing alongside crudo and vitello tonnato, this medium-bodied white is refreshing and spritely, with a touch of white pepper and a kiss of sweet fruit. It can be enjoyed over the next few years, but it’s so good now while it's fresh, there’s no need to wait.

Wine Advocate (90)

The 2023 Bourgogne Blanc Clos Alfred derives from a parcel planted 20 years ago at 14,000 vines per hectare, and it has produced a deliciously pure, charming wine this year, bursting with aromas of pear, honeyed peach and fresh bread, with a medium-bodied, fleshy and fresh palate.

Produced in Burgundy’s famed Mercurey region, the Bruno Lorenzon Mercurey 1er Cru Champs Martin Blanc 2017 represents the epitome of exceptional French winemaking. This vintage is another testament to Bruno Lorenzon's meticulous craftsmanship, a winemaker renowned for his focus on expressing terroir and variety in the purest form. The wine is produced from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Premier Cru vineyard 'Champs Martin', a testament to the prized calcareous-clay soils.

The Bruno Lorenzon Mercurey 1er Cru Champs Martin Blanc 2017 reveals itself with a bouquet of white peaches, citrus fruits and subtle hints of vanilla. The palate is marked by precise acidity, mineral undertones and a distinguished structuring, demonstrating Lorenzon’s expert barrel ageing. An endearing and lasting finish enhances the overall character. It is a wine of great charm and complexity, best enjoyed with seafood or classic French cuisine. A must-buy for any fine wine enthusiast desiring an exquisite expression of Burgundy Chardonnay.

Hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Burgundy, Bruno Lorenzon Mercurey 1er Cru Champs Martin Blanc 2018 stands as a quintessential exemplification of Lorenzon's craftsmanship. Nurtured in the chalky soils of Mercurey's premier terrains, this Chardonnay is an embodiment of its unique terroir.

Bruno Lorenzon, a wizard in winemaking, has meticulously nurtured this vintage using Biodynamic methods, elevating it to a prestige class. He exercises minuscule yields to intensify the wine's depth and complexity.

The 2018 Champs Martin Blanc echoes harmony, featuring a remarkable amalgamation of crisp apple, citrus zest, and nuanced mineral undertones. Its weighty palate is a delightful array of lively acidity and elegant oak influences, delivering an indelible creamy textural finish.

Allow Bruno Lorenzon Mercurey 1er Cru Champs Martin Blanc 2018 to grace your cellar; it is primed for your celebratory libations or a discerning epicurean delight. Truly, an astute addition for a bona fide wine connoisseur.