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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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

91/100 Wine Enthusiast
"This smooth and open young wine mixes a lush mash-up of purple fruits, notably plums and blueberries, with a gentle hint of tanned leather. The tannins are soft and smooth, making this a great candidate for drinking over the next two or three years. Paul Gregutt"

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.

The Chave family has been tending vines on the world famous hill of Hermitage for half a millennia. The estate was handed down to Gérard Chave in 1970, who quickly established a reputation for producing incredible wines. His son, Jean Louis, a graduate from the University of California Davis, is the most recent generation to manage the estate. Jean-Louis Chave Selections is the wineries line of négociant wines. The grapes are sourced from select growers located in the Rhône. The "Mon Coeur" Côtes-du-Rhône is made from a blend of grapes harvested from plots in Vinsobres, Visan, Buisson, and Estargues. It represents an affordable entry-point into of the France's finest producers.

Rich in red and blue flowers giving pleasure in the notes of lavender, passionflower, magnolias and gardenias. A lot of citrusy hints describe the secondary scene. Medium to full bodied, extremely light, gentle tannins of very fine grain and a harmonic, balanced finale with a smooth, progressive closure.

Deep purple with scents of purple plum, black cherry, vanilla, and spice. The taste is dry, full-bodied, and structured, with hints of blackberry and vanilla.

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.

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.

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!

Mazzei Chianti Classico Riserva 'Ser Lapo' is a premium, beautifully structured Tuscan red wine. Typically a blend of \(90\%\) Sangiovese and \(10\%\) Merlot, it delivers vibrant flavors of dark cherries, forest berries, and baking spices, framed by refined, velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Merlot (12%), Cabernet Franc (2%)
Drinking Window: 2034 - 2044

97-99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com
“A Cabernet-dominant blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2025 Château Léoville Barton checks in at 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.6. Crème de cassis, smoked tobacco, liquid violets, iron, and an incredible sense of graphite all define the aromatics of this brilliant, deep, pure, and layered beauty. On the palate, it's full-bodied, inward, and powerfully structured, and reminds me slightly of the 2010 with its deep, concentrated style. It has enormous potential.”

Marani Pirosmani is a popular, high-quality Georgian medium-dry red wine produced by Telavi Wine Cellar (often associated with the Marani brand) in the Kakheti region. Made from 100% Saperavi grapes, it features an intense ruby color, rich aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, and a balanced, fruity, and slightly spicy taste.

Michael David Winery's Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, popular Lodi, California red known for its circus-themed labels and rich, accessible flavor profile. It typically features intense aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and toasted hazelnut, with a medium-to-full body, plush tannins, and a smoky oak finish.

The 2016 Château Haut-Simard is a well-structured Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, known for its rich dark fruit (plums, cherries), hints of chocolate, spice, and earth, with velvety tannins and a fresh finish, offering complexity and aging potential from a stellar vintage. It's praised for being balanced, juicy, and expressive, showing classic Bordeaux character with notes of herbs, violets, and sometimes a peppery edge.

Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon by Michael David Winery is a bold, full-bodied California red known for intense dark fruit (blackberry, plum, cherry), mocha, vanilla, and spicy notes (cinnamon, clove, espresso) from rich oak aging, offering a powerful palate with velvety tannins and a long, complex finish, pairing well with grilled meats, stews, and hearty dishes.

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.

Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2032 - 2080

100 Points - Wine Advocate
“In bottle, the 2022 Lafite Rothschild has turned out even better than I anticipated. Wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries, minty blackcurrants, violets and cigar box, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and suave, with a deep, enveloping core of lively fruit, beautifully refined tannins, and a long, perfumed finish. Even at this early stage, it's remarkably integrated and harmonious, and it's certainly the most elegant of the first growths this year, reminding me of a modern-day version of Lafite's magical 1953. 2030 - 2065

Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted by Pahlmeyer, is a full-bodied Napa Valley wine known for its rich, layered flavors and firm, yet supple tannins. It typically exhibits aromas of black cherry, orange zest, and hints of dust, evolving on the palate with notes of cherry, dark cocoa, and a touch of pine. The wine's structure suggests aging potential, with tannins that soften over time.

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: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.5% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2029-2049

97 Points - James Suckling
"As to the Grand Vin, the 2024 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is based on 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, resting in 100% new oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a terrific 2024 that defies the challenges of the vintage. Pure cassis, darker currants, graphite, crushed stone, and sappy violet notes all emerge on the nose. It's medium-bodied, with a beautifully layered, concentrated mid-palate, ripe yet velvety tannins, and a great finish. This classic Saint-Julien will benefit from bottle age and is another brilliant effort from the team. It's one of the richer, more structured wines in the vintage, yet it remains balanced, precise, and never overdone."

Blend: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2028-2059

98 Points - James Suckling
"This year, the style of Haut Brion shows through with transparency, beautiful balance and precision. Fine austerity, with excellent minerality, dark olives and red and dark berries. Structured on the mid-palate. Beautiful depth for the vintage, with really fine-grained tannins and a lengthy finish that lingers. So much vibrancy and finesse. A classic vintage."

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.

Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2032–2046

One of the most elegant Pontet-Canet vintages to date, the 2024 balances freshness, fluidity, and fine structure. Blue fruits and floral notes shine alongside chalky tannins and a pristine, energetic finish.

96 Points - James Suckling
"A light but juicy wine that's fresh and fluid, with good depth of blue fruit and violets, a medium body and nicely reactive tannins. Crunchy, with a delicate mid-palate and firm, chalky tannins. Long, balanced and pristine finish. This will show early appeal. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc."

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.

Assuli Lorlando Riserva Nero d'Avola is a well-balanced Sicilian red wine, characterized by intense aromas of ripe red fruit, a smooth texture, and soft tannins, with notes of blackberry, plum, and a hint of licorice.

Quinta de Zom Douro Tinto Reserva presents an intense ruby color with aromas of wild red fruits, subtle balsamic notes, and spicy nuances. It offers a well-balanced body and tannins, with intense fruit notes and a complex, prolonged finish.

One of the two most commercially important red grapes grown in Greece, Agiorgitiko is a light, lively variety that does especially well in the Pelopponese, where Papagiannakos is located. This wine exhibits a nose of playful spice and appetizing flavors of red berry and black currant. Mellow and balanced, it will pair well with heartier meat dishes as well as tomato-based pastas and poultry.

From the iconic Vega Sicilia brand, the Pintia is from Toro where tempranillo is called Tinto de Toro. These wines boast intense color and depth, presenting a cherry red hue with cardinal edges. The nose is broad, clean, expressive, and elegant, featuring great fruity intensity wrapped in subtle, high-quality wood. On the palate, it offers a robust structure, good tannic presence, and a friendly, fresh, and persistent finish with floral hints in the retro nasal.

The Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde is a renowned red wine from the northern Rhône Valley. This blend primarily features Syrah, with a small amount of Viognier, which adds a layer of aromatic complexity. Expect rich, intense flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and smoky bacon, alongside subtle floral notes. The wine is known for its robust structure, fine tannins, and a long, elegant finish. It’s a superb example of Cote Rotie’s signature style—powerful yet refined.

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.

Traditii Feteasca Neagra, or Black Maiden, is a semi-dry wine offering a delicate sweetness balanced by fresh acidity. It showcases flavors of black fruits like plums and blueberries, complemented by nuanced notes of chocolate and vanilla. This ruby wine with purple reflections greets you with aromas full of personality, ranging from grassy notes and chocolate to spices and strong fruity scents of blackberries, blackcurrants, and black cherries. With an alcohol content of 12.5%, it's best served between 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. It pairs beautifully with veal, beef, lamb, dry sausages, fattier fish, spicy cuisine, and mature cheeses, making it a versatile and delightful choice for any meal.

Another little gem from the oldest family winery in Italy. Since 1141, Ricasoli has been producing wines of great character and quality. Made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino, the wine is aged for 9 months in used tonneaux.

The nose begins with floral and fruity notes, gradually transitioning to umami with hints of balsamic vinegar and tar, blending with violets, roses, figs, and plums. The palate combines juiciness and earthiness, with gritty, almost sandy tannins enhancing the earthy profile.

Critic tasting note: "This powerful, full-bodied yet velvety wine boasts complex aromatics, muscular tannins and deep, uber-ripe fruit flavors. The wine is rich in aromas of cinnamon, cedar and vanilla followed by black currants, blueberries and dark chocolate on the palate." - 94/100, Wine Enthusiast