Mocha and dark chocolate with dark spice on this robust Italian red wine made from the Appassimento method of drying the grapes for great concentration of flavour. Pair with grilled meats. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: pasta with a tomato sauce, roasted venison, beef and veggie stew, leg of lamb.

For six generations, Domaine Noellat has been farming their 20ha of land. With entreprenurial spirit, the family was always looking to adapt to new technologies, whilst respecting the traditions handed down from one generation to another. The cellar was built in 1980, then in 2007 an ultra modern winery was erected with state of the art stainless tanks and a dedicated tasting space in the cellar. Cousins Sebastien and Sophie work closely together making strategic decisions based on the nature of each harvest. The pinot noir grapes are all hand harvested and 100% de-stemmed, stainless steel fermentation, then ageing for 16 months in 70% new barrels. The wine shows ripe cherries, red currant and earthy notes with medium body, and silky tannins. Great ageability on this wine; put this away for a few years yet. Drink to 2060.

This family owned Domaine has a prestigious location: they are the only Domaine located inside the walls of Clos Vougeot itself. They are the largest owners of land with 5.5ha, many of these with Pinot Noir vines that were planted in 1910. Although they always farmed organically, they received their certification in 2021. This 2019 Pinot Noirs shows tightly packed black and red fruit accented with notes of violets, mineral, earth and wild herbs. This is powerful and rich, with firm tannins, lots of body, and the ability to age almost indefinitely. Try from 2026

This comes from a selection of vineyards on very stony, chalky soils. With 20% whole clusters in the fermentation and 20 months in casks, this wine is mute on the nose—it has nothing at all to say, but the palate sure does. It's extremely fruity and rich in acidity and freshness. The austerity is what defines the tannic structure here—a skeleton of tannins like a tense, steel network. A wine that goes far beyond the variety to speak of the place. A mountain wine.

98 points -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "Deep purple-black colored, the 2016 Pavie Decesse bursts boldly out of the glass with confident blackcurrant preserves, baked blackberries, baked plums and sandalwood notes with touches of Indian spices, mocha and lilacs plus touches of cedar chest and pencil lead. Big, concentrated and voluptuously fruited in the mouth, it has a truly impressive structure of very firm, finely grained tannins and racy freshness lifting all that densely packed fruit to a very long, multilayered finish. Wow! (LPB)" (3/2019)

99 points - James Suckling

94 points - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Notes Intense, fresh and elegant nose, of vine peach, acacia blossom and honeysuckle mixed with mineral and smoky notes (quartz, silica). Delicately creamy and rich palate despite a good acid tension. Exquisite concentration, energy and radiance of fruity taste. Good volume without heaviness. Great long finish.

98 Points-James Suckling This has a complex nose of dried apple, green mango, grapefruit zest, dried honeysuckle and crushed almonds. It's full-bodied with bright acidity and a dense, phenolic texture. Vivid and layered with fantastic precision. Very, very long. This needs time. Better from 2026.

Chateau Angelus in St. Emilion, Bordeaux's right bank has been in existence since 1782. Now operated by Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal, who represents the 8th generation of the Bouard de Laforest family. Her goal is to ensure the Angelus name continues to represent excellence and timelessness. Although the estate has been farming organically, they are going through the process to obtain official organic certification. The 2019 Angelus is a red blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Full and powerful the blackfruits of black cherry, cassis, plum, dried flowers and forest floor are evident with ripe tannins, medium+ body and a full, long finish. This wine is sure to age for 30 or more years.

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!

"This great St.-Estephe estate has turned out a succession of brilliant wines. The 2005, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, has put on weight over the last year. An opaque ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a sweet nose of earth, smoke, cassis, and cherries as well as a textured, full-bodied mouthfeel. While the tannin is high, there is beautifully sweet fruit underlying the wine's structure. It will require 8-10 years of cellaring after release, and should drink well for three decades."

Blend: 65,8 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 31,9 % Merlot, 2,3 % Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2025-2050

95 Points - Vinous
"The 2019 Forts de Latour is a tannic, backward wine, as it has always been. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, graphite, sage and mocha open with a bit of coaxing. Even so, the 2019 is incredibly tight at this stage. Despite its imminent release, I would not dream of touching a bottle any time soon. Rain just before harvest in this warm vintage helped keep things in check and resulted in fairly generous yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare. At the same time, the mid-palate is a bit compact, while the tannins are imposing."

Blend: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2020-2052

95 Points - Robert Parker
"The 2010 Pichon Lalande is performing extremely well and at the top of the range I predicted several years ago. A final blend dominated much more by Cabernet Sauvignon than usual (66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot), the wine is a tighter, more tannic and structured version of this famed Pauillac, which often tends to have more of a St-Julien-like personality than most Pauillacs. Structured, backward and tannic, yet showing a fat mid-palate that is more savory, broader and more expansive than I remember from barrel, this wine is somewhat reminiscent of the 1986, given the Cabernet Sauvignon domination of the blend. Full-bodied, impressively endowed, and less sexy and velvety than normal, this is a somewhat different style of Pichon Lalande than most readers have been used to. Whether you like it more or less will depend on your point of view, but this wine, unlike most Pichon Lalandes, needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring and should keep for 30+ years."

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 64%, Merlot: 31%, Cabernet Franc: 4%, Petit Verdot: 1%
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2048

97 Points - James Suckling
"The 2017 Pontet-Canet is a vibrant and polished wine with aromas of black cherries, cassis, forest floor, and hints of violet. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a rich and plush texture, supported by fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. The palate showcases layers of ripe dark fruit, mineral complexity, and subtle spices. The finish is long and elegant, reflecting the vintage’s balance between concentration and freshness. Ready to enjoy now but built for several years of further ageing.”

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
Drinking Window for Magnum Size: 2026 – 2055

95 Points - James Suckling
"Irony and smoky intensity on the very youthful nose. Really rich and tannic, but as it flows over your palate it becomes more and more suave and complex. This is a concentrated, long‑term wine that demands some patience but should richly reward it.”

Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2020 - 2065

99 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"This has always been one of my favourite wines from the estate… a quintessentially elegant, classic wine of Bordeaux—firm, rigid… with loads of black currants, cedar wood and vanillin, needing 7–8 years of cellaring, and should last for 30+ years.”

Blend: 97.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.6% Merlot and 0.3% Petit Verdot
Drinking Window for Magnum Size: 2018-2055

95 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"A blend of 84.5 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 % Merlot and 0.5 % Petit Verdot, the 2011 Latour represents only 34 % of the crop. It hit 13.1 % natural alcohol. One of the vintage’s most compelling wines, it possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet, open‑knit personality with ripe tannin, superb intensity, good purity and harmony, a medium to full‑bodied mouthfeel, and lots of crushed rock, floral and black as well as blue fruit notes in addition to hints of ink and forest floor. This beautifully rich, savory Latour will be surprisingly drinkable in 4–5 years, and should age easily for two decades or more.”

Blend: 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2020-2047

96 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 2012 Château Cheval Blanc is an exceptional wine from this renowned Saint-Émilion estate. It displays a deep, vibrant ruby color and a complex bouquet that combines aromas of ripe black cherries, blackcurrants, and plums with hints of graphite, fresh tobacco, and spice. Floral notes of violets and subtle hints of cedar and sweet baking spices emerge with aeration. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with silky, well-integrated tannins providing a plush texture. The wine shows remarkable purity and freshness, combining vibrant fruit intensity with an elegant structure and an underlying minerality characteristic of the estate’s terroir. Flavors of black fruit are layered with nuances of dark chocolate, licorice, and a touch of earthiness. The finish is long, refined, and persistent, with balanced acidity giving the wine excellent aging potential. This vintage is a classic example of Cheval Blanc’s finesse and power and is expected to evolve beautifully over the next two decades."

Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2028-2050

96 Points - Decanter
"This wine offers pure, sophisticated aromatics of blueberries, blackcurrants, peony, and iris, with crayon and inky notes. Smooth and silky, it delivers great energy and intensity, balancing delicate chew, fleshiness, and fine, muscular tannins. Structured yet tight, it reveals iodine, salty graphite, cool blue fruit, mint, and cola. The texture grows on the second taste, gaining mass and flesh, with juicy sweetness on the mid-palate, evolving into a chewy finish. Tobacco, clove, liquorice, dark chocolate, and cedar add complexity. Mouthwatering acidity and precise balance showcase Nicolas Glumineau's skill, creating a svelte, energetic wine with a lot going on. 16% press. 50% production. 65% new oak. 3.7pH."

Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2028-2050

96 Points - Decanter
"This wine offers pure, sophisticated aromatics of blueberries, blackcurrants, peony, and iris, with crayon and inky notes. Smooth and silky, it delivers great energy and intensity, balancing delicate chew, fleshiness, and fine, muscular tannins. Structured yet tight, it reveals iodine, salty graphite, cool blue fruit, mint, and cola. The texture grows on the second taste, gaining mass and flesh, with juicy sweetness on the mid-palate, evolving into a chewy finish. Tobacco, clove, liquorice, dark chocolate, and cedar add complexity. Mouthwatering acidity and precise balance showcase Nicolas Glumineau's skill, creating a svelte, energetic wine with a lot going on. 16% press. 50% production. 65% new oak. 3.7pH."

Blend: 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2057

97 Points - Vinous
"The 2024 Troplong Mondot is a total stunner. As has been the case for some years now, the Grand Vin is blended before being barreled down, which means at the time of tasting en primeur, the wine has seen less wood than the vast majority of its peers. That lends this wine a certain raw energy that is impossible to miss. The purity and intensity of the flavors are simply remarkable. Troplong Mondot is one of the standouts of 2024. Even in this vintage, Troplong Mondot possesses remarkable textural presence, but that richness is matched by notable freshness and linear drive. It was deeply impressive on the two occasions I tasted it. Élevage is planned to be 55% in new oak, 26% in 20HL barrels and 19% in once-used barrels."

Blend: 71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking Window: 2027-2050

97 Points - Vinous
"The 2024 Vieux Château Certan contains a higher proportion of Cabernet this year (23% Sauvignon and Franc combined) that was picked at 30 hl/ha between September 20 to October 2. That Cabernet is articulated on the nose: graphite and light tobacco scents percolating through the mainly black fruit. This has plenty of freshness and more fruit than some other Pomerol cuvées. The palate is medium-bodied, but there is much more weight and density on the back palate than nearly all of its peers. Distinctly peppery and quite spicy in style, this is one of the few to transcend the strict limitations of the growing season. In some ways, it is an uncompromising VCC that does not have the finesse of the greatest vintages I have tasted over the years, yet there is flavour and substance packed inside this nascent wine. Deeply impressive. This is one of the very few '24s that will oblige bottle age"

Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2027-2045

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"The Grand Vin is based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc that included 11.3% of press, saw malolactic fermentation in barrel, and will spend 18 months in 80% new barrels. Its deeper ruby/purple hue is followed by a beautifully pure, layered, elegant, and medium-bodied Margaux that has both red and blue fruits, some violet, spicy wood, and cedar pencil nuances, fine, polished tannins, and outstanding length. This hit 12.6% alcohol with a pH of 3.53."

Blend: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.5% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2027-2055

97 Points - James Suckling
"A precise, classic vintage showing depth of fruit, but with beautiful austerity and minerals. Mostly red fruit, with touches of dark cherries and currants. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine-etched tannins and lots of brightness. So long and refined in the finish, showing restraint. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 46.5% merlot and 2.5% cabernet franc."

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the limited-edition LOUIS XIII Classic Decanter - Year of the Snake. Designed by renowned artist Liu Lihong, this exquisite offering reflects the craftsmanship and eaux-de-vie legacy of LOUIS XIII, making it a timeless homage to tradition and artistry.

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider: "It was a close call picking a favorite here between LMHBB and HBB, but, perhaps the La Mission has just a bit more going here. The perfume is packed with honeysuckle, lemon rind, pomelo, white peaches and herbs, with a touch of spice cover all the bases. Full-bodied, rich, fleshy and deep, the wine fills your palate with wall of ripe, yellow and orange citrus, crushed rocks, mango and a dab of honey, with ample acidity to keep everything up-beat and fresh. Drink from 2025-2040." 97 Points

A field of violets in the background. Very fine spices, among which clove and freshly ground black pepper stand out. Subtle notes of cocoa and liquorice. An aromatic harmony that defines the great Cirsion.

The 2016 La Mission Haut-Brion was stunning from barrel, and now in bottle. It has a sublime bouquet of blackberries, briar and hints of dark chocolate and rose petals that gain intensity with aeration while maintaining ethereal delineation. It never steps on the accelerator too hard. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is still a veneer of new oak that will need to be assimilated over the coming years. This is a deep La Mission that caresses the mouth. Touches of graphite lingering on a finish that fans out gloriously. Is the 2016 up there with the 1955 or 1989? Nearly. Drink 2026-2066

Once again, this wine is of first-growth quality, not only from an intellectual perspective, but in its hedonistic characteristics. More open-knit inaccessible than the 1996, Ducru's 1995 exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color folowed by knock-out nose of blueberry and black raspberry/cassis fruit intertwined with minerals, flowers, and subtle toasty new oak. Like its younger sibling, the wine possesses a sweet, rich mid-palate (from extract and ripeness, not sugar), layers of flavors good delineation and grip, but generally unobtrusive tannin and acidity. It is a classic, compelling example of Ducru Beaucaillou that should not be missed. Drink 2003-2025.

This powerful "Super Tuscan" is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Located in the heart of Chianti Classico, the passion for Bordeaux and its wines was the inspiration for creating these blends. Careful grape selection, ageing in French barrique and sure lie, gives these wines depth of character and rich and exotic textures. In the bottle you will find notes of blackberry, cassis, plum and violet wrapped up in spice, leather, and cedar. Decant for optimal experience or lay down for a few years. Stunning wine.

Cottà Barbaresco DOCG has liquorice notes and a light touch of smokiness. Dried roses dominate the floral scents. It remains delicate in the mouth and, yet, with plenty of aromatic persistence and well balanced tannins.

The S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and complex with aromas of currants, violets, and dusty cocoa powder. Generous dark fruit flavors dominate the palate and meld with hints of graphite. The tannins are structured but have a soft edge, and the Napa Cabernet finishes with a dark chocolate note.

A subtle but toasty note of oak mixes with red cherry on this wine's nose. The same aromatics appear on the toned palate but the cherry with its juicy freshness has the upper hand. Fine tannins provide a firm, smooth backdrop for the mouthwatering fruit and the nuanced aromas.

The truly exceptional 2018 vintage of Viñedo Chadwick displays an intense ruby red colour with violet shimmer. Elegant, fresh and linear entry on the nose, with aromas of cherry, cassis, raspberry and delicate notes of blueberry pie. The palate shows red fruit and blackberry, all framed by soft tones of bitter chocolate and some cedar, subtly filled by very fine-grained and silky tannins. Extremely elegant, intense and of a unique depth, this is perhaps the most balanced vintage ever crafted of Viñedo Chadwick, promising a great aging potential." - Francisco Baettig, Winemaker February 2020

Named for the giant old-growth Douglas fir sitting right at the top of the vineyard, Old Firs is a study in terroir. No matter the length of the growing season, nor the size of crop, Old Firs always has a hallmark salinity backed with a ton of power and intensity. The furthest west of all our plantings Old Firs Block is constantly in a deluge of fog and cold Pacific winds. The site speaks clearly year after year through both winemaking and vintage. This is one for the ages. 

For six generations, Domaine Noellat has been farming their 20ha of land. With entreprenurial spirit, the family was always looking to adapt to new technologies, while respecting the traditions handed down from one generation to another. The cellar was built in 1980 while in 2007 an ultra modern winery was erected with state of the art stainless tanks and a dedicated tasting space in the cellar. Cousins Sebastien and Sophie work closely together making strategic decisions based on the nature of each harvest. Echezeaux is considered to be one of the premium wine-growing regions of Burgundy. The 0.80ha site perhaps used to be home to Gallo-Roman ruins, and the vines now grown there have an average age of 70 years. The bouquet of this 100% Pinot noir is rich and exotic with a rich texture, fleshy tannins and a touch of black pepper and spice on the finish.

" The 2016 Haut-Bages Libéral has turned out beautifully. Rose petals, lavender and sweet red cherry are some of the notes that grace this fine, translucent Pauillac. Medium in body and precise, with exquisite finesse and nuance, the 2016 is incredibly expressive today. This is a fabulous showing from proprietor Claire Villars Lurton. (AG)" (1/2019) -Vinous 95 points

Without a doubt, Chateau Troplong Mondot has one of the most enviable and unique terroirs on the St. Emilion appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank. Specifically located on the highest point of Saint-Emilion's famous limestone plateau, the 43ha estate has ideal soils and exposure. The resulting wines combine strength and elegance, complexity and precision. This 2014 Bordeaux red blend consisting of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc The wine has a rich fruit basket of blackcurrants, blackberries and raspberries accompanied by graphite, espresso and earth. The palate is fresh and precise that is rich, classy and elegant. Drinking well now, but certainly has 20 years of life left in it!

Chateau Montrose is a 2nd growth in the Saint Estephe appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. The location itself is exceptional, facing the Gironde Estuary which means the 95ha vineyard benefits from the moderating influence of this body of water during hot summers and harsh winters. This red blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and scored over 95 by many of the critics. All typical Medoc aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, licorice, pencil lead, crushed stones, warm spices and violets. Balanced and impressive, give this a decade before opening and age for the next 30+ years.

Tasting Note
Delicate golden color with soft green glints. Intense nose with tremendous aromatic richness. Initial notes of citrus zest are followed by lemon tart, and then toasted notes reminiscent of freshly baked brioche. The palate offers mandarin zest and candied orange, enlivened by a touch of star anise which underscores the wine's aromatic freshness. Dense and rich, the palate has good length with a pleasant hint of bitterness on the finish.
It is only in Sauternes that botrytis can develop, giving Rieussec its unique richness. This noble rot meets our grapes to create a delicate osmosis that we reveal by harvesting each grape at the ideal moment. Once bottled, our wine starts its life cycle, drinkable from the earliest stage to the longest aging potential: when kept chilled once opened, it can be enjoyed for several weeks without deteriorating and can match a thousand flavors and occasions from noon to midnight.
Blend: 89% Sémillon, 9% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle

Winemaker Notes
A creamy attack, buttery and spicy, characteristic of Pagodes de Cos precedes elegantly balanced aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry,blackberry, violet, bergamot and black tea. The 2019 vintage also presents velvety tannins and a very long finish with a magnificent,refreshing touch of salinity. Incredibly dense and elegant, Pagodes de Cos 2019 is a wine with instantaneous powers of seduction.
Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot

A dense, opaque wine with classic Fonseca aromas and flavours, dense blackberry and blackcurrant, spice, coffee, cocoa, and prune. Thick, velvety tannins give the wine a voluptuous density on the palate.

This wine will develop for decades in the bottle. 98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Sappy and sensational in flavour and fruit, moderate tannins around the edges on first taste, velvety texture and a long finish.

The combination of great fruit and fine structure makes this a great Fonseca.