The Chateau Lynch Bages 2019 ( one of the most famous 5th growths) is in line with the previous wines of the property with a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), along with the addition of 24% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. This great Bordeaux wine offers a characteristic fruity nose with fresh and spicy notes, as well as fine woody notes. The smooth and balanced palate is supported by a beautifully dense and powerful tannic structure, providing plenty of precision and fruit. Put this one away for awhile. Drink from 2029 and will age for the next 30 years. A perfect score given from Jeb Dunnuck.

Chateau Montrose has a family history dating back to 1815, with three owners overall, now being operated by the Charmolue family. This 1855 classification isa 2nd growth located on the left bank appellation of Saint Estephe. The Dame de Montrose is the estate's second label, made to the same rigourous standards as the First Wine. The 2019 is a red blend made from 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Atypical of blends from the left bank, there is a large percentage of merlot in these wines giving a juicy quality, yet still serious potential for ageing. Plum, blackberry, tobacco and eark earth notes dominate. It's medium bodied with a silky texture, light tannins and a beautiful finish.

Located in the heart of the Graves, the Chateau is named after the family it belonged to until 1851. Now owned by the Quinn family, although more famous for minerally driven Bordeaux white blends, their red wines are also excellent. The current winemaker is a big believer in translation of terroir: he wants all the wines to have a sense of place. The 2014 Fieuzal is a red blend made with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc for a ripe and fruity wine with herbal and earthy nuances, underpinned with firm, yet refined tannins and well-balanced acidity. Exellent potential for ageing.

The 2020 Echo de Lynch-Bages is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, aging for around 12 months in one year-old French oak barriques. It has an alcohol of 13.03%, a pH of 3.78 and an IPT (tannin index) of 80. Deep garnet-purple in colour, it rolls out of the glass with expressive, upfront notes of baked black and red cherries, plum preserves and blackcurrant cordial, followed by hints of new leather, tobacco leaf and a medicinal waft. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of savoury flavours, with a chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing a little rustic.

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.

Vineyard notes: "Our new “Red Wine of the World,” this red blend is sourced from famed regions of southern Australia, the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Consisting of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon."

This second-label wine is a fine reflection of the estate. It is rich, with beautiful tannins and a creamy texture that has soft and generous blackberry fruits

This is a full-bodied oak matured red with with ripe plum, red fruits and complex perfumed oak bouquet. A concentrated middle palate with a long after taste of blackberries and undertones of spice. Good to drink now, but will continue to improve for the next 3-5 years.  Pairs easily with beef, lamb or even wild game such as venison. 

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.

One of the younger wineries of the region, Mauro Molino was gifted land after his father's death in the Langhe region. His focus became growing Nebbiolo on single vineyard sites. By 1982 He started producing three of his most important crus in the town of La Morra: Barolo Conca, Barolo Gancia and Barolo Gallinotto. Their 18ha also includes vineyards of Barbera, Dolcetto and Arneis. The Barbera name of “Radici”(Roots) was given to represent the perfect bond to this territory and their family which keeps them firmly anchored with its roots. This Barbera comes from one of the most suitable areas of Asti DOCG:  Costigliole d’Asti. The wine has hints of cherry and red fruits alternating with spicy and sometimes floral hints. The palate has excellent structure and complexity with sweet and velvety tannins of good persistence. Barbera is always a good choice for wine at dinner. 

From a site at 2,400 feet elevation, this wine's aroma suggests pencil lead, cedar, clove and mountain sage. With its juicy midpalate of black cherry and cassis, it unleashes firm, grippy tannins on its long finish, showing structure but also grace

Sourcing 83% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley and 17% Shiraz from Paso Robles, this imaginative blend is structured and meaty, showing notes of cigar box, toasted oak and wild game. Red fruit-dominant, it unfurls layers of cassis and red cherry with ease, finishing in creamy mocha. Virginie Boone

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.

The Masi Collezione Grandi Annate Amarone Classico 1990 is a complex, aged Amarone from Valpolicella, Italy, characterized by a dark garnet color and developed flavors of dried cherry, spice, coffee, and cocoa. The appassimento method concentrates the fruit, resulting in intense, smooth-tannined, full-bodied wine with a long, silky finish. Masi's "Collezione Grandi Annate" highlights rare bottles from great vintages, showcasing the longevity of Amarone. 

Beringer Private Reserve represents the pinnacle of the portfolio. Former Chief Winemakers Myron Nightingale and Ed Sbragia created the Private Reserve program in 1977 with the goal of crafting Napa's finest Cabernet Sauvignon.

Intense and intriguing aromas on the nose with pastry crust, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, dried thyme and sage, ripe Italian plum and with some complex paprika, cinnamon and black pepper spice. The palate is ripe and rich in black fruits, black plum, cassis and black cherry with some espresso and oak and given a nice savoury side with dried sage, liquorice, a hint of black olive and leather. The tannins are firm but ripe. It is full bodied and has all the elements to age for a long and graceful life in the bottle. Try pairing with venison with a rich berry infused demi-glace.

The vintage is characterized by intense aromas of ripe red fruit, such as cherries and plums, with hints of spices, such as black pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, persistent finish.

If you typically prefer powerful, youthful Napa Cabernets but are curious about trying Burgundy wines, the 2018 Beaune 1er Cru is a great place to start your journey. This wine stays true to the qualities of the 2018 vintage, showcasing ripe, dark berry fruit flavors with notes of blackberry and dark raspberry that convey intensity and power through the finish. The cuvee benefits from a significant portion of old vines, which contribute to its concentration and structured quality on the palate. Overall, this wine offers a fruit-forward character that is typical of the 2018 vintage, making it the boldest selection in this lineup.

The Ricasoli Ceniprimo Chianti Classico is a red wine made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy. It has a deep ruby color and aromas of ripe red fruit, black cherry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a balanced acidity and tannins, and flavors of cherry, plum, and a touch of vanilla. The finish is long and persistent, with a pleasant aftertaste of fruit and spice. This wine is perfect to pair with grilled meats, pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

From the Bolgheri DOC, the Poggio Al Tesoro is owned by the Allegrini family of Valpolicella fame. The Sondraia is the flagship wine made with a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Full bodied and intense with aromas and flavours of black currant, blackberry and spice, it's an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats and wild game.

Jeff Carrell makes wine in Languedoc, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Beaujolais. This Pinot hails from Languedoc and has a round, fresh mouth with cherry, strawberry and flint notes along with a spicy, wet stone with nuances of earth on the palate. If you're looking for value driven Pinot Noir, look no further than Pinot from the Languedoc!

Strong nose with aromas reminiscent of cherry & blackberries and a little pepper. This pinot noir is a classic fall and winter wine. The optimum drinking temperature is 16 to 18 degrees. It goes well with game and roasts with dark sauces.

Ripe and fresh black fruits and plum predominate with chocolate notes and hints of tobacco leaf. It has a mineral character that highlights the smell of the earth, mixed with aromas of aromatic plants. Voluminous, full, and broad with very fine and noble tannins.

91 points -Jeb Dunnuck "The outstanding 2016 Château Marquis de Terme is an attractive, elegant wine that has classic Margaux character. Black cherry and blackberry fruits, hints of graphite and smoke earth, and plenty of tobacco leaf all emerge from this medium-bodied effort, which has some firm tannins and a great finish. Give bottles 3-4 years to let these tannins chill out, and it should drink beautifully for 15+ years. " (2/2019)

The Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo is a full-bodied and elegant red wine produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Barolo subregion of Piedmont, Italy. It offers a deep ruby color and aromas of dark cherry, rose petal, licorice, and tobacco. On the palate, it is rich and complex with notes of red fruit, leather, and spice, balanced by firm tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long and persistent. This wine has received 93 points from Wine Spectator, which praises its "intensity and harmony," calling it "a modern-style Barolo, but still maintains its integrity and typicity." It is an ideal pairing with hearty meat dishes, aged cheeses, or simply enjoyed on its own. 

A fruity nose with tart cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. After some time in your glass the fruits settle, though are still prominently featured. Slight hints of earthiness, eucalyptus, and green bell pepper tone down the fruits, but keep to the background. Try slightly chilled.

Not just Barolo, but single vineyard Barolo which makes these wines even more special. The typical flavours of roses and dried cherries is evident in this powerful Nebbiolo and of course these wines will age for decades, into 2040. On the nose, the wine exhibits rich, intense aromas of red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, alongside hints of licorice, tobacco, and leather. On the palate, it is full-bodied with firm tannins, a great structure, and a long, persistent finish. The wine has a complex flavor profile that includes dark berries, plums, and black pepper, with subtle hints of vanilla and spice. The oak aging process adds a layer of complexity and depth to the wine, while the high acidity gives it a vibrant freshness. This is a well-balanced wine that showcases the elegance and power of the Barolo region. It can be enjoyed now or aged for several years to come.

Located in the Cote Chalonnaise, Laurent Dufouleur works with the three grape varieites of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligote. As part of the Tramier Collection, three family wineries work together to achieve excellence in everything they do. This red wine is a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, effectively a Passetoutgrains. An unbelievable quality here at an incredible price - aromas of red berries, spice and hints of earth and mushroom with a smooth mouthfeel.

Château de la Vieille Tour Reserve Tradition 2020 is a dense, dark-fruited organic Bordeaux red blend (typically 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon). This 14.50% ABV wine balances velvety tannins with deep, ripe berries, making it an excellent, structured addition to your cellar.

Intense dark core and a ruby rim. Aromatic and floral nose with rose petal, violet, sweet red fruit and fresh grape aromas. Medium weight on the palate, youthful still with a slight tannic bite, fresh grape and red berry notes with white pepper, and dried herb notes, fine length, and balance, should just need another few years of ageing.

This is another property owned by the famous Rothschild family, acquiring this estate in 1970, embarking on an ambitious renovation of the vineyards. Vines were replanted, parcels were consolidated and technical improvements were made including the building of a new vat room. Chateau Clerc Milon is a Fifth Growth located in Pauillac that adjoins both Chateau Mouton and Rothschild. This 2019 is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Containing the highest amount of cabernet sauvignon since the 1980's, this is classic Pauillac with fresh cassis, red cherry and plum that has nuances of classic, lead pencil, cedar and tobacco. This can be enjoyed now with a decant but has the ability to age very well for the next 20 years.

Saint Joseph in the Northern Rhone is only authorized for 100% Syrah. Black pepper, warm spice, black cherry, and iron minerality, it would be best to put this away and let the tannins settle down, or open for several hours before serving to open. Classic Rhone Valley Syrah.

Winemaker Notes A wine of good density ruby red, with brown, mahogany, biscuit hints. The rim is fairly thick and the legs are fine, clear, abundant and regular. At once expressive, forthright and complex. There are notes of all families of fragrance: fruit, flowers, and spices. The attack is forthright, round and suave, soothing even. The intense aromas initially recall the complexity of the nose. There is leather and lightly charred wood, and roasted notes. The beauty of the wine is revealed by its elegance rather than its full-flavor. The wine has an attractive aromatic range with a finish of remarkable elegance.

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.”

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.

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 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