Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 65%, Merlot: 30%, Cabernet Franc: 4%, Petit Verdot: 1%
Drinking Window: 2019 - 2050

98 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous
"The 2014 Pontet-Canet is a captivating example of biodynamic Bordeaux at its best. It offers an intense and complex nose of blackcurrants, blackberries, crushed stones, and cedar with hints of graphite and spice. The palate is full-bodied, richly textured, and beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins that provide structure without heaviness. Layers of dark fruit, mineral notes, and a subtle earthiness develop seamlessly, culminating in a long, precise finish. This is a profound wine with great ageing potential.”

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Giscours 2020 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Embodying an iconic legacy, Chateau Latour Martillac 2020 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Balancing complexity and finesse, Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot 2020 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Super perfumed, attractive violets with a thread of fresh blueberries, cassis, blackberries and dark plums, delivering a very enticing impression. Beautiful ripeness here. The tannins are perfectly ripe and layers meld into each other, carrying deep, graceful and plush, velvety dark fruit long into the vibrant and seductive, chocolate-laced finish. Great potential. Try from 2024.

Deep, dark, almost opaque ruby-red color with hints of purple at the rim. There are lovely licorice notes overlaying the bursting dark-fruit on the nose. The palate combines juicy dark fruit, licorice and some earthy grip. The wine has good acidity, warming alcohol & a very smooth texture on the finish. The fruit on the finish is ripe in character with black-cherry and black olive flavors.

The 2021 Giscours has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries and licorice mingled with hints of violet and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and suave, it's seamless and enveloping, with good depth at the core, beautifully polished tannins and a long, perfumed finish. This is one of the real successes of the vintage. As readers may remember, it's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Drink 2027-2045.

The nose is élégant and offers power (in finesse/controlled), a beautiful racy grain and a good definition. It reveals notes of boysen berry, fleshy/juicy strawberry, small notes of small wild fruits associated with fine touches of cornflower, pulpy/juicy violet plum as well as fine hints of tobacco, very discreet hints of cuben pepper, tonka bean, caramelized almond and an imperceptible hint of coffee (in the background). The palate is elegante, very finely tight, racy and offers a good definition, complexity, a beautiful silky/delicate touch, a beautiful finesse of the suavity/fat, tension, a racy power (in finesse/controlled) as well as a good guideline and finesse of the tension. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, cassis, small notes of wild strawberry associated with small touches of small ripe/crushed red berries as well as hints of mild tobacco, tonka bean, mocha, cardamom, a subtle hint of zan, juicy violet plum, discreet hints of coffee, vanilla and an imperceptible almost saline hint (in the background). Tannins are precise, structuring, coating. Good length. Like a square of silk, we perceive thousands of small grains/threads that melt in the mouth.

The watchword for this wine is style. Tannins underline the fruit. This rich structure, while not losing the swaths of berry flavors and crisp black currants, presents the balance between the ripeness and freshness of the vintage. Drink this wine from 2024. Roger Voss

"This impressive wine is structured yet well balanced by an attractive fruitiness that parallels the tannins and the smokiness from wood aging. The density of the palate is countered by fresh acidity that shines through. Drink 2024. Roger Voss" - 95/100, Wine Enthusiast

This underrated wine is made by the Chateau Cheval Blanc team, so it's no slouch. With 74% merlot, 14% cabernet sauvignon and 12% cabernet franc, this medium bodied wine is pure and balanced with cherry, plum, tobacco, leafy herb, and chocolate notes. Enjoy this wine now!

Chateau Gazin is a high quality winery located in the Pomerol AOC on the right bank of Bordeaux, representing five generations of owners and growers. With 23ha of vineyards, the clay-gravel plateau is perfect for merlot and cabernet franc. The 2019 is a blend of 89% merlot, 7% cabernet sauvignon and 4% cabernet franc. A solid Pomerol that has spicy red and black cherry fruit, notes of cedar, violets and plum with a vull-bodied, velvety and textural palate. This will no doubt age incredibly over the long haul!

Offering up aromas of rich cassis and blackberry fruit mingled with burning embers, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, the 2019 La Tour Carnet is medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with a broad attack that segues into an ample core of fruit that's framed by ripe, powdery tannins and lively acids. This is a seamless, rather giving Médoc that has turned out very well. Best After 2023

Georgian Valleys Saperavi is a full-bodied Georgian red wine, known for its deep color and rich, fruity profile with notes of blackberry, cherry, vanilla, and spices, finishing with oak and sweet spice, offering a juicy, berry-forward experience with chewy tannins, pairing well with rich meats, cheeses, and hearty dishes.

Château Ksara Le Prieuré is a medium-bodied, unoaked Lebanese red blend (typically Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon) from the Bekaa Valley, showcasing intense red and black fruit, spice, and licorice notes. Known for its bright ruby color, soft tannins, and fresh acidity, it offers a savoury, rustic, and smooth drinking experience.

The Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif is a bold, full-bodied red wine from California's Suisun Valley (Petite Sirah/Durif grape) known for its inky color and opulent flavors of ripe blueberry, plum, dark cherry, and chocolate, complemented by spicy notes of pepper, violet, and oak, offering a rich, smooth texture with firm yet velvety tannins, making it a powerful pairing for grilled meats and hearty dishes.

Ed Knows Merlot is a dry, red wine from Moldova with aromas of red fruits, cherries, and plums, with a smooth, balanced character. It is a medium-bodied, approachable wine that is good for both drinking on its own and pairing with food.

The Blasted Church Vineyards Syrah VQA typically offers a rich and complex tasting experience. The nose reveals notes of blueberry, plum, and violet, with a hint of gamey Syrah. On the palate, you can expect a rounded attack with blueberry, blackberry, and ripe red berries, leading into mid-palate flavors of wild sage and plum. Lively acidity balances the mouthfeel, and fine-grained tannins persist throughout the finish.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with chewy tannins and a peppery acidity that harmoniously fills the mouth. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and licorice are complemented by notes of delicate springtime flowers and zesty citrus fruits.

Another great wine from the winemaking team at Casale del Giglio, this is another "petit" wine, although there's nothing little about it. Typically the grape used in Bordeaux blends to provide the tannic backbone, it's seen more and more often as a monovarietal wine. The Petit Verdot is part of a special research project that was launched in 1985 with the goal to identify maximize the territory’s potential for quality viticulture. Finding ideal growing conditions with respect to climate, elevation, and soil, the Petit Verdot matures into an elegant and full-bodied red wine with great berry flavours. Velvety and ripe tannins provide a great backbone. A complex wine with great aging potential.

The Cakebreads exemplify their dedication to quality through years of family teamwork, sustainability, and a sharp focus on fruit and terroir expression, earning them certification as a Napa Green Winery since 2008.

Though it was a very dry year, this vintage still managed to keep its impressive elegance. The wine opens with enticing aromas of wild cherry, fresh and dried roses, incense, wild herbs and savoury spice. The palate is an example of thoughtfulness and craft with a core of deep wild berries, black tea, and crushed stones that are all supported by supple tannins and lifted acidity." - 97/100, Wine Enthusiast

Red blends of this type rarely shine as brightly. This ultra concentrated and smooth-textured blend including Merlot, Petite Sirah and Malbec is inky dark in color, luxurious aromatic of blueberries, blackcurrants and mint followed by oak spices and dark chocolate on the palate. Creamy in texture, it is laden in massive but melted tannins.

This wine presents a harmonious blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), and Graciano grapes. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels, it acquires a smooth mouthfeel with nuanced hints of toasty cocoa and vanilla complementing its core of dark fruit, cherry, and licorice flavors. Pair it delightfully with lamb skewers or burgers for a satisfying culinary experience.

Barbera d’Alba Superiore La Lisi boasts an intense ruby red hue with garnet reflections. Its aromatic profile is characterized by a fruity, vigorous, and fragrant nose, offering notes of raspberries and other berries. This wine is pleasantly savory and balanced on the palate, delivering a fresh and fruit-filled experience from bouquet to finish.

With its usual deep ruby red colour, Ornellaia 2020 stands out on the nose with ripe red fruits and delicate vanilla and gentle tobacco notes. Upon tasting, the wine reveals itself to be rounded and velvety, making an enjoyable and engaging first impression that entices for a second sip. The tannins are dense yet elegant and the finish proves to be savoury and enduring.

This Pinot from Oregon stands as a testament to the state's ability to produce wines that can indeed rival those from Burgundy. This realization is further solidified upon tasting this particular wine, which is currently in its optimal drinking window and will remain so for the next few years. It opens up slowly, revealing a salty zest of dark cherry and the wild garrigue—a type of herby scrub found in Burgundy. This wine is a gastronomic delight, becoming one of my favorites when paired with a seared steak accompanied by a red wine pan jus.

Neroametà emerges from the white vinification of the Aglianico grape, showcasing an age-old family vision that highlights the exceptional adaptability of this venerable vine. This wine is a homage both to the varietal heritage of the black Aglianico grape, which reveals a distinctive elegance when vinified in white, and to the wine's geographical and cultural roots, reflecting the harmony and contrast of its landscape. It features an elegant bouquet, rich in expansive and intricate floral notes, including lily of the valley and citrus, seamlessly integrated with subtle fruity and mineral nuances. On the palate, it presents a fresh, savory, and bold profile, leading to an intense mineral-laced finish, encapsulating its refined complexity and depth.

Established in 1869, this family-operated winery stands as one of the most venerable estates in Alto Adige. Now run by Elena Walch and her two daughters, their name is synonymous with quality. Made from 100% Lagrein, a grape indigenous to the area, is one of the most tannic grapes in all of Italy. The wines produced from this grape are characterized by their freshness and elegance, offering notes of berry, spice, and cocoa, complemented by firm tannins. Try with meat heavier meats, such as wild game, bison and beef steak.

~mjh

Aromas of black pepper, strawberry, green bell pepper and chalk with hints of mint are on the nose. This is a medium-bodied red that features red fruit and herbaceous flavors. It has a mineral character, soft tannins and medium acidity.

Provenance Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a, full-bodied, and, velvety Napa Valley red, primarily sourcing from Rutherford and other top AVAs. It features rich,, dark fruit flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and, blackberry, complemented by cocoa and, fine, integrated tannins. The wine is, aged for 18 months in French oak, offering a long, structured finish. 

On the nose, it offers aromas of black currant, blackberry, and vanilla, along with notes of tobacco and leather. On the palate, it is full-bodied with well-structured tannins and flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. The wine has a long and smooth finish, making it a great pairing for hearty meat dishes.

91/100 Wine Enthusiast
A jammy, full-bodied wine, this is now mature. With its wood aging and opulent black fruits, it is spicy, perfumed with a core of dark tannins. Drink this powerful wine now. Roger Voss

This classic Cabernet Sauvignon fills the glass with vivid aromas of blackberry, black cherry, warm earth, and baking spice. The flavors richly echo the wine's aromas, adding juicy layers of summer briar fruit, berry compote, cinnamon, lively red and black plums, and mocha with a long, radiant finish.

"Lush fruits of black cherry, blackberry and red plum. Rich notes of freshly turned earth, magnolia flower and sweet touches of white chocolate. Young round silky tannins provide a long finish. These soil series were born from the volcanic eruptions of the Blue Mountains 15 million years ago, which created basalt islands that still sit on the top of Northern Willamette Valley hills. This representation of those volcanic soil series is specifically from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Ken Wright has been working with their Estate vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills since the late 80s and they are now firmly tapped into the volcanic basalt parent material. This mother rock is what gives wine true character and identifiable regional complexities of this Volcanic AVA." - Ken Wright Cellars

A complex spicy, powerful and intense mix of fruit and savoury elements. Blackberry and cassis fruit dominate, joined by black plum, black cherry and some cherry chocolate liqueur along with complex black pepper, violet, custard and some burlap and dried herbal notes. Full bodied with lovely ripe tannins and balanced acidity the cassis and blackberry fruit is joined by paprika infused dark chocolate cake, pastry crust, graphite and sage with some leather on the long finish. Pair this with garlic and rosemary studded leg of lamb or grilled portobello mushroom with a paprika and dried herb butter.

This Sancerre Rouge from Domaine du Carrou is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, and is a beautiful representation of the terroir of the Sancerre region. The wine is aged for 10 to 12 months in oak barrels, which gives it a subtle oakiness and a soft texture. On the nose, there are notes of red fruit, such as cherries and raspberries, as well as a hint of spice. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant, with flavors of ripe red fruits, a hint of minerality, and a long, elegant finish. The tannins are well-integrated and provide a nice structure to the wine. This Sancerre Rouge is a great match for grilled or roasted meats, as well as strong cheeses.

Antinori is one of the four oldest winemaking families of Italy. With 26 generations of experience, more than nine estates in Italy, one in the US and one in Chile, they are leaders in quality and their name is sought after the world over.  From ‘Tuesday night pizza wine’ to collectible, ageworthy wines from Chianti Classico and Bolgheri, there is a wine for everyone’s budget in the Antinori portfolio.

From one of the three oldest families of Italy, spanning 26 generations, one of their luxury brands, Solaia is located on the sunniest slope of the Tignanello vineyard. Here, the best grapes of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Franc make this aromatic, complex wine with notes of raspberries and mulberries with additional, distinct notes of coffee beans, chocolate, and licorice. The palate is well-balanced and structured with spicy undertones that give way to an exceptionally long. This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages.

In the commune of La Morra, Sergio Molino vinifies wine from only 2.5 ha of Nebbiolo vines. The Molino family vineyards, bottled under the Ernesto Molino label is an homage to Sergio's father. Like many micro-wineries, it's a "hands-off" approach, allowing the terroir to speak for itself. Cranberry, violet, hints of vanilla and even an iron note, put this one away for a while to let those austere tannins settle down. Best after 2027.

Nebbiolo in Italy's most northern region of Val d'Aosta is known here as Picotener or Picotendre. Difficult to ripen in this cold climate, the grapes have the advantage of altitude sunshine. This light, fresh example has all the rose, cherry and rasperry notes of Nebbiolo, but with an intense acidity. If you've never tried Nebbiolo before, this may be a great place to start!