90+ POINTS

Chiaretto is the term used for rosati crafted by the shores of Lake Garda. The Gorgo winery practices oraganic winemaking and this fresh and vibrant wine made from the Valpolicella grapes of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara offers aromas of strawberry, raspberry and peach. The palate has high acidity balanced nicely with the small red berries, red apples and peaches.

Le Ragose Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso is a classic expression of the Valpolicella wine region in Veneto, Italy. Made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes, this wine is crafted using the Ripasso method, where the wine is refermented on the skins of Amarone, creating a rich and complex profile. On the nose, aromas of dark cherry, plum, and chocolate are prevalent, while the palate is smooth with velvety tannins and flavors of ripe berries, vanilla, and a hint of spice.

Moët & Chandon offers a customizable version of its Brut Impérial Champagne, which allows customers to personalize the bottle with their own message or design. The wine itself is the same blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes, aged for at least 24 months in the cellars to develop its complex and elegant flavor profile. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe fruit and spices, with notes of brioche and honey. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of stone fruit and a hint of citrus, with a long and smooth finish. The wine has a balanced acidity, which makes it a versatile food pairing option, suitable for pairing with a variety of dishes, from seafood to poultry or light pasta dishes.

Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old is a champagne that is made from a blend of reserve wines, some of which are up to 20 years old, along with a base of younger wines. The exact blend of grape varieties is not specified by the producer. The wine is aged in the cellar for at least 3 years, which is longer than the minimum requirement for champagne. The wine is then disgorged and a low dosage of sugar is added, resulting in an "extra brut" style that is very dry and crisp. The wine has notes of dried fruit, toasted brioche, and nuts, and is known for its complexity and elegance.

From the Domaine of Clarence Dillon, this is the second label for the Chateau La Mission Haut Brion. (Not to be confused with Chateau Haut-Brion). Dillon purchased this famous vineyard in 1983 and has brought it to the fame it has today, situated next to its famous neighbour notwithstanding. The terroir is similar and the 26.6ha of vines features about half/half Cabernet Sauvigon/Merlot with a small amount of Petit Verdot. In 2007 a new cellar, bottling centre and tasting room were built, combining modern technology with tradition. The wine itself for this vintage is 54% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon and 1% cabernet franc. Great structure with fine-grained tannins that provides the backbone to flavours of blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and spice. It's almost ready to go - try in 2026 or hold for another 5-10 years.

92/100 James Suckling
Aromas of spiced cherries, violets, bark, cloves and potpourri. It's medium-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Tight and focused finish. From organically grown grapes. Try from 2023.

94/100 Wine Enthusiast
"This premium version of the standard Grand Marnier uses Cognacs aged up to 25 years. The result is a deep amber color and earthier scent, showing aromatic orange peel and honeysuckle notes. The flavor is richer than the regular Cordon Rouge bottling, but still honeyed, showing bright orange notes on the finish. Full-bodied and sippable."
Eye: Medium amber tinged with copper.
Nose: Candied orange scents subtly fused with hints of bergamot and spice.
Palate: Notes of dried fruit, tobacco leaf, gingerbread and nutmeg. Lovely lingering finish with nuances of macerated orange.

Pale straw in colour with a fine mousse; defined aromas of roasted nuts, rye bread toast and grapefruit; the palate is extra-dry with just-shy-of-medium body and lovely replay of flavours from the nose with a mineral note on a clean finish.

Chateau Leoville Poyferre from Saint Julien was created in 1840 and is one of the Second Growths in the 1855 Classification. The 2014 vintage was marked by an Indian summer making this vintage successful.  This is a red blend of 60% Caberent Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc with a tiny bit of Petit Verdot to round it out. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, integrated oak and a hint of licorice. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine grained tannins and a persistent finish. drink from 2024-2030

94 Points-Wine Enthusiast "Firm and still dry with the solid tannins, the wine's ripe fruitiness is developing well. The combination gives great potential. Black currant and berry fruits are both there with crisp juicy acidity. The aftertaste is a reminder that this wine has a long way to go. Drink from 2024. "

93 Poins-Vinous "The 2014 Lagrange is terrific. Bold, juicy and exuberant, the 2014 possesses striking balance and textural richness. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, iron, smoke and tobacco underpin a core of intense red-toned fruit in a super-expressive, layered wine endowed with real pedigree. The firm, muscular tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to."

Chateau Leoville-Barton (Saint Julien)- this wine is massive and powerful with the bulk of this coming from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc providing the lift. It has a solid core of cassis, blueberry compote, sweet oak and plum flavours wrapped with licorice and pencil lead. Muscular, yet lean, drink from 2025-2035. 

Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere is a Premier Grand Cru Classe, located in the St. Emilion appellation on the right bank of Bordeaux. Owned by the von Neipperg family, there are links to viticulture here since the 13th century. Canon -la-Gaffeliere is one of only two Bordeaux properties that is Certified Organic. The 2014 is a red blend of 55% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of preserved blackberry, fig and black currant. The palate is medium-bodied with good structure and a spicy finish.

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.

Winemaker Notes
Blend: 58% Sauvignon Blanc, 42% Sémillon
This wine has a pale yellow color with golden reflections. Its nose is very expressive, with notes of citrus fruits, white flowers and fresh fruits. The lemony freshness of the attack gives way to an ample, complex and aromatic mouth, very tasty. It is a refined wine with a delicate texture, in complete harmony.

Winemaker Notes
With its dark red robe, Alter Ego 2019 immediately impresses with its explosive aromatics. Subtle notes of red fruits evoking raspberries and redcurrants blend harmoniously with the floral fragrance of a field in spring. The sensation on the palate, initially refreshing, unfolds into a texture of great softness and length. This is Alter Ego at its best - a wine perfectly true to its identity.
Blend: 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot

It is arrayed in an intense, bright garnet red hue flecked with purple. The charming and pleasant nose offers a lovely bouquet of red fruit and liquorice. The equally expressive palate combines aromatic freshness and fruity intensity, interpinned with a velvety texture. A succulent, elegant wine, smooth and well-balanced.

"The 2010 Pontet-Canet offers a very deep garnet color. Whoa—the nose explodes with a vast array of black fruit preserves and savory nuances: plum preserves, blackcurrant cordial, black cherry coulis and licorice with wafts of dried lavender, melted chocolate, charcuterie, black olives, truffles and camphor plus a hint of sandalwood. The full-bodied palate is completely filled with black fruits, exotic spices and earthy nuances with a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. So much more expressive and seductive than a lot of 2010s at this stage, and yet it is still incredibly youthful! (LPB)" (5/2020) -100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

100 points - James Suckling

98 points - Jeb Dunnuck

"This wine is poised, gathering freshness and good acidity in the same structured container as the pure black-currant fruits. With 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has a classicism about it: fruity and structured at the same time. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 97/100, Wine Enthusiast

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 “entry level” wine of Ornellaia is a bright, lively wine that will introduce any wine drinker to the beauties of Ornellaia wines as it is instantly drinkable, enjoyable, and versatile. Made with (mostly) Merlot with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, there is an abundance of cherry, strawberry, tobacco and spice aromas and flavours. Priced for instant consumption but can also be aged and held until 2030.

COLOUR: Golden amber
AROMA: Dried and candied fruits like mango and apricot, plums, raisins, quince.
PALATE: Lovely balance between the fruits, sweetness and acidity. The wine develops on layers of flavours between the candied and dried fruits, the acidity combines with some bitter notes due to the slow oxidation in cask to bring nerve to the wine before leaving us on a beautiful complex finish lingering on spicy notes.

The 2016 Paveil de Luze is terrific. Wafting from the glass with notions of crème de cassis, loamy soil, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, dark chocolate and rose petals, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with fine depth at the core and a more introverted, tightly wound profile than the 2019.

The palate is soft and seductive, with integrated, ripe tannins subsumed by fleshy black fruit. Oily black cherries with a long, fruit-laden finish, this will be approachable and moreish from the outset. Gorgeous aromas of currants, crushed stones, blackberries and flowers.

Lovely dark garnet color with a beautiful shine. Good aromatic intensity. The nose is very fresh with notes of small red and black fruits on a mineral and smoky background (marl limestone). Well delineated, fresh and fruity on the palate. Good structure and balance, the tannins are present but fine. Persistent finish ending on the fruitiness and mineral freshness.

Dark ruby colour with purple highlights. The nose is very open, with notes of small black fruit and vanilla on a finely woody background. Fresh on the palate, supple and round. A lively and structured wine, with tannins that are present but coated. The finish is tart.

Bobal is a red wine grape variety that is primarily grown in the Utiel-Requena region of Spain. It is known for producing wines that are deep in color, with high acidity and tannins. The grape is often blended with other varieties, such as Tempranillo and Garnacha, to create complex and balanced wines. Bobal is also used to produce rose wines, which are light and refreshing with notes of red fruit and floral aromas. The grape is resistant to disease and can thrive in hot and dry climates, making it a popular choice for winemakers in the region. Overall, Bobal is a versatile grape that produces wines with a unique character and flavor profile.

Konrad Salwey is a third generation winemaker from the heart of Kaiserstuhl and whose focus is Pinot Noir. With harvests done in both Burgundy and Alsace, Konrad is making some excellent, world class Pinot Noir. Organic farming principles and low-yielding old vines produce a complex red wine with silky tannins. Dominated by ripe dark cherry, the palate is balanced by a pleasant acidity and supported by well-integrated, elegant tannins. This wine is worth so much more than the price it displays!

Since 1902, Ferrari Trento DOChas been the first house of classic method bubble. This historic label is made with 100% chardonnay and has a fresh and intense bouquet, with fruity notes of ripe golden apple, white flowers and a delicate fragrance of yeast, with 20 months ageing in the bottle to showcase the brioche and bread flavours.

With 170ha of vineyards in the Collio region of Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Jermann has four generations of winemaking under its belt with Silvio Jermann the current visionary and winemaker. This wine made from 100% Pinot Nero, is elegant with notes of sweet red fruit and slight herbaceousness, and perhaps more full bodied that its French counterpart. Pinot Nero from Italy is a thing of beauty!

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.

Blackberry and light dried fruit with oyster-shell undertones. It’s full-bodied with round, lightly chewy tannins that nicely accentuate the fruit character. Walnuts and wet earth. Delicious now, but better in two or three years.

A local red wine fully drenched with Veneto’s heritage; intense ruby with garnet refl ections, dry and austere taste when sampled, ripe red fruit notes supported by fresh acidity - the precious outcome of barrel ageing.

Yellow with hints of green, the nose is fine and delicate, elegant and racy, presenting the aromas of fresh fruit. The attack is supple, suggesting notes of lemon that are almost menthol (camphor). The final reveals hints of ripe fruit and candied fruit. It's fat and long.

92/100 Wine Enthusiast

"This delicious, deeply colored sparkler has alluring aromas of violet and blackberry. On the dry, foaming palate, crisp acidity and refined tannins accompany ripe Marasca cherry, spiced blueberry and orange zest before a fennel finish. Kerin O'Keefe"

The Vigneto Cialdini is Cleto Chiarli's top-of-the-line Lambrusco Grasparossa. The vineyard is located in the heart of the Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro denomination, where this member of the Lambrusco family has been cultivated since time immemorial. The wine is made through a single fermentation under pressure, rather than the normal two-fermentation process of almost all other sparkling wines. This is in the brut range, with a slight sweetness detectable. Vigneto Cialdini is the name of the vineyard, dedicated to Enrico Cialdini, who was a famous general during the unification of Italy.

92 Points-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The blend of this entry-level red from Rioja changes with the year, and the 2016 Sela is 87% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano and 6% Garnacha, reflecting a cooler year. The aim here is to produce a delicate and pleasant wine to have by the glass or with starters. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in oak barrels for 12 months. It's young and fruit-driven, has good freshness and is easy to drink, with almost unnoticeable tannins.

The La Tour Carnet from Haut-Medoc is a blend of 68% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot to add that backbone structure. Dark red cherries, plums, smoke, leather, and cedar abound with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Although this is ready to drink now, give it ample time in a decanter for optimal drinking experience!

Varietal Composition: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc

Winemaker Notes:

The 2017 vintage of The Discussion is a majestic and elegant wine that immediately demands attention with alluring aromas of black cherry compote, chocolate-covered blueberry, fig and cinnamon. As it opens up, hints of clove, toasted hazelnut and espresso bean emerge. On the palate, juicy blueberry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors meld with creamy oak to create a generous palate structure, with focused tannins and hints of sage and savory spice adding complexity to a long, stately finish.

Chateau Giscours is a famous third growth located in the Margaux appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. Documents indicate that the estate has been around since 1330. After World War II, it was purchased by Nicolas Tari who set about mondernizing the estate. Here there are 83ha of vineyards that make four labels, including a rose. The 2019 is made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this a serious wine with high intensity aromas of spicy cumin and cloves, black cherry and blackcurrant with a full bodied palate that is layered and concentrated, bright acidity and a great. long finish. Hold for the next couple of years, and age for the enxt 10+ years.

Located in Graves, to the southwest of the Gironde Estuary, the Domaine itself is located in a clearing in the middle of forest which protects the vines from extreme temperatures, sometimes called a secret garden in the Graves. This is the concept of terroir that is so dear to many in France, especially Bordeaux. The terroir of Chevalier is like a greenhouse, a unique ecosystem that the grapes (mostly) benefit from right bank of Bordeaux, to the east of the Gironde Estuary, the Domaine itself is located in a clearing in the middle of forest which protects the vines from extreme temperatures, sometimes called a secret garden in the Graves. The 2019 Chevalier is a red blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc that has fine, structured tannins, juicy blackcurrant, sage and dark earth with a vein of minerality. Although it could be ready to drink in 2024, hold for another 5-15 years.